NCAAF BOWL ODDS

Notre Dame Fighting Irish vs. LSU Tigers

In this years Sugar Bowl it is a match up of two of the perennial powerhouses of college football in Notre Dame and LSU. Both teams are ranked 17th in total yards at 415.2 yards per game. The big match up is between the Fighting Irish's great quarterback Brady Quinn and the Tigers dominating defensive line. The Fighting Irish's offensive line has not played well this year and they will have to step it up against a great LSU defense. Notre Dame has to deal with a more quick and athletic team in LSU. If Notre Dame can keep the defensive line from getting to Quinn and make some big offensive plays than they have a chance to win. LSU has to get to Quinn and they will with their superior athleticism. It could be a long day for the Fighting Irish and Quinn who may be on his back the whole day if their offensive line does not play better than they have all year.

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Notre Dame Quarterback Brady Quinn has put up big numbers this year, 3278 yds 35 TD's 5 INT's 10th in the nation in passing yards at 290.9 yds per game, but did not play well in their two bad losses to USC and Michigan. If the offensive line gives Quinn time he can get the ball to his great receivers Rhema McKnight and Jeff Samardzija who combined for 1843 yds 134 catches and 26 TD's. Their rushing attack is led by Darius Walker, 1139 yds 7 TD's, but they rely on Quinn and their pro-style offense as he goes the Irish goes. Notre Dame has to mix it up on defense as they lack the speed to keep up with LSU. Their best player in the secondary is Tom Zbikowski who is a big hitter but lacks the speed for great coverage, which could hurt the Irish. They have to keep pressure up from with their anchors of Victor Abiamiri, 10 sacks, and Derek Landri, 7 sacks, and Maurice Crum who led the team with 92 tackles

LSU's offense is led by talented quarterback Jemarcus Russell, 2797 yds 26 TD's 7 INT's, who turned it up in the second half of the season. His main weapons are speedy receivers Early Doucet, Craig Davis, and Dwayne Bowe who combined for 2355 yds and 23 TD's. The LSU weakness has been in their rushing game as they have a trio if rushers who carry the load. LSU's strength is their defense which ranked 2nd in the nation as they only gave up 238.6 yards per game. Defensive Ends Tyson Jackson and Chase Pittman combined for 13.5 sacks this year and Glenn Dorsey is one of the best interior defensive linemen in the country. They have an outstanding safety in big-playmaker LeRon Landy and the rest of the secondary is filled with great athletes. If LSU plays defense like they have all year and get to Quinn than they will have a great day but if Quinn is given adequate protection it could be a long day for the Tigers. If it is a close game it could favor LSU as the kicker for the Irish Carl Gioia converted on 8 of 12 field goals this season. Look for the Tigers to handle the Fighting Irish in this game as they have too many weapons on defense and are much more athletic.

Game Pick: Notre Dame +10