Area 4: I think the game comes down to turnovers. Penn State and Notre Dame both won in the quarterfinals primarily due to their turnover advantage. It’s interesting how Penn State has outgained opponents by an average of 147.5 yards per game compared to just 111 yards per game for Notre Dame and yet Notre Dame’s point differential per game is six points per game better. Which stat is more important, point differential or yard differential? I don’t know.
Michael M.: This should be a good old-fashioned rock fight, but it’s a bad matchup for ND. Their defense is gritty and will make it tough on PSU (who is far more dynamic than a Gunner Stockton-led UGA). But ND offense lacks any kind of explosiveness, especially in the passing game, and we just saw what Penn State’s run defense did to a team with a 2500-yard rusher when they can load the box. And that was minus Abdul Carter. The best argument for ND is that Penn St has been mistake prone and not really put a complete game together all season. And neither has the coaching staff earned trust in crucial game management situations (putting it kindly). I wouldn’t bet against Penn State blowing this game, but that doesn’t make a great case for ND.
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