Report: Coppock in Miami with the Irish
8:38AM Thursday
January 3, 2013
January 3, 2013
Story by Chet Coppock
Tyler Eifert isn't just another guy in shoulder pads; he's the best tight end in college football. His natural talents, combined with tremendous football instincts, project him to go in the first round of the NFL draft.
Tyler Eifert isn't just another guy in shoulder pads; he's the best tight end in college football. His natural talents, combined with tremendous football instincts, project him to go in the first round of the NFL draft.
Eifert's leaping ability and softer than soft hands also make him a defensive coordinator's nightmare.
So, how does Eifert figure in during the Monday night Notre Dame-Alabama showdown. Eifert should be Everett Golson's best friend. Tyler represents a guy that Golson can go to with the greatest of confidence when the Irish need to move the sticks of third down.
But, I'm really curious to see how the Crimson Tide will defend Eifert when he storms up the middle on the "seam route." Bama can't give Eifert a free ride. They almost have to chuck him at the line of scrimmage, but here's the hitch.
When Notre Dame goes five-wide, the Tide won't be positioned to bump Eifert at the point of attack.
If I'm Alabama this is my approach: I will take my chances with N.D. running backs Cierre Wood and Theo Riddick, but I will not let Tyler Eifert beat me.
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By TIM REYNOLDS
FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. (AP) - Matthias Farley was a soccer player before starting to play football as a high school junior, and came to Notre Dame as a wide receiver.
His long, strange trip didn't end there. No longer on offense, Farley is now a starting safety for the top-ranked Fighting Irish.
Farley switched to defense this season and was basically thrust into a starting role after Jamoris Slaughter was lost with an Achilles tear. It wasn't always easy for Farley, but he finished the regular season ninth among Fighting Irish defenders in tackles and was one of six Notre Dame players with an interception.
And now he could be one of the keys to Notre Dame's hopes in the BCS title game against No. 2 Alabama on Monday night.
Copyright © 2012 Associated Press
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Story by Chet Coppock
Everybody isolates on skill position players, but the Notre Dame-Alabama showdown may well be decided in the belly. I can't wait to see ND's powerhouse nose guard vs.'Bama center Barrett Strong. Both are exceptional athletes with NFL first round skill sets.
LISTEN: Notre Dame safety Zeke Motta says fans will see a great contest
If Nix wins the battle, controls the A-gap, it will force the Tide to use a second blocker on Nix which would almost certainly slow the 'Bama run game.
Notre Dame’s MVP Monday Night? Glad you asked. Everett Golson, the kid quarterback, steps to the head of the class in college football's answer to the Academy Awards....
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FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. (AP) - Notre Dame star linebacker Manti Te'o says it was "easy" to get past college football's award season and get focused on the BCS championship against Alabama.
No. 1 Notre Dame will play the second-ranked Crimson Tide on Monday night for the national title. On Thursday morning, Alabama's stars on offense and Notre Dame's defensive leaders spoke to reporters.
Te'o was the Heisman Trophy runner-up and won a bevy of other awards in mid-December, requiring him to travel around the country to various dinners and ceremonies. But Te'o says once he got back to his teammates, he was in his comfort zone.
Notre Dame defensive coordinator Bob Diaco says that Te'o has worked harder in the last week of practice than he has all season.
Copyright © 2012 Associated Press
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