The Subway Domer takes pride in its knowledge of our enemies. It’s what “I do.” However, for whatever reason, this game- not so much. Maybe it’s been because of the stress of the last six games that Notre Dame has played. You know, the stretch of games that have been decided by 6 points or less. The Subway Domer is a bit burnt out.
Never fear. I have brought some “friends” to the party. Washington State blogger, Longball with the Washington State Football Blog (and fellow partner of Bloguin) has been kind enough to answer some questions for The Subway Domer and my army legion band of followers that should shed a little light on the team the Fighting Irish are about to square off against.
The Subway Domer answered a few of their questions as well. You should find them here.
On to the interview…
1. Who is your best offensive and defensive player? What have they done this year, and why should ND fear them?
Hesitantly, the frosh QB in Jeff Tuel. He is a threat with his arm and his feet, and uses all his receivers which helps spread the field. However, has a very short resume. Basically he played solid at USC, 2 throws and out against UO, was overwhelmed by ASU and played excellent against Cal.
2. What kind of offensive and defensive schemes does WSU run? How do you feel about them?
No huddle, single back (usually) almost exclusively shotgun, but not a traditional spread. Lots of youngsters including true frosh QB, RB, WR, LT and first and second year players all over the place. The inexperience means the offense doesn’t run at the pace it’s supposed to, but in the few moments where they’ve had it clicking, it really hums. They get closer to figuring it out every week.[Sean Hawkins]. An even bigger obstacle than youth has been injuries on the O line. Most of those players will be back this week, but will have a lot of rust to knock off.
3. Thank-you for ending the “Willingham Era of Terra” over college football with 2008’s Apple Cup victory. Tell us all about your head coach.
Wulff is an alum, O lineman on the 1988 Dennis Erickson coached Cougar team that beat Tory Aikman’s #1 Bruins in Pasadena and then went on to defeat Andre Ware’s Houston Cougars in the Aloha Bowl. As a coach he led Eastern Washington to 2 Big Sky Conference championships, and 2 appearance in the quarterfinals of the FCS playoffs.O line is his specialty. Hi major successes so far have come on the recruiting trail where he and his staff have been tireless to say the least. The number of true frosh contributors is a testament to the type of kids he is bringing in. Fans are very split about the results on the field so far. Some think it has been an abject failure, while others think the results were inevitable while he builds the team with his players.
4. ND has played neutral site games before (for example, Navy every other year), but this is the first year of the White/Swarbrick 7-4-1 plan. What are your feelings about this game being played in San Antonio? If it was played in Pullman, what would Irish fans be treated to?
I think it’s weird. I have heard nothing but good things from Coug fans who went to South Bend in 2003, so I think a return trip would have been fine with us. No major BCS teams come to Pullman (Illinois did years ago, but that’s it) so we will never get the chance to host the Irish. If we did they would find a very small town in the middle of nowhere with a welcoming campus (4 bars actually on campus), a lively tailgate and good pregame scene in the old Hollinberry Field House next to the stadium. Martin Stadium is very unique, literally nestled in the middle of the campus (you can look down into the stadium from the library and student union building, or CUB). It is the most intimate fan experience in all of the BCS, where you can be so close to the action you can feel the spray from the players’ sweat as they collide on the field.
5. As of now, the spread is like 29 or 30 points. How do you see this game unfolding?
I think the spread is accurate, unfortunately. The Cougs modis operandi is to get down big, early. After the initial onslaught in the first quarter I expect the offense to settle in and move the chains and hopefully break the 20 point barrier. I expect the defense to get abused early and often. Golden Tate will really enjoy this game.
BONUS POINTS
6. Clausen, Tebow, McCoy, Ingram. Rank these players like you have a Heisman vote. Explain yourself fool!
1. Ingram 2. Tebow 3. Jahvid Best 4. Clausen
I drop McCoy because Texas is not winning because of him this year. Ingram has been the best player on the best team. Best is the best RB in the nation and Clausen has been sensational but needs to continue to lead his team to the upper echelon of the rankings to get my vote.
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