ISD Game Predictions: Marshall
It’s Friday, and that means once again it’s game prediction time. The Irish are hoping to bounce back from a disappointing loss in Columbus last week and get their head coach his first win. Marshall is hoping to find a distracted Irish team on Saturday. Which team comes out on top?
Mike Frank
Despite the outcome at Ohio State last weekend, there is a lot to like about this Irish team. One thing I was most impressed with was the discipline that Notre Dame played with, and I think that carries over into this game. Notre Dame will not overlook Marshall and that’s a bad thing for the Thundering Herd.
I expect the Irish to dominate on the ground on Saturday. I expect them to focus on it, establish the run, and that should also open up the passing game. The Irish offense will get on track in this game.
Defensively, I also expect the Irish to dominate. I don’t think Marshall will have much success throwing or running against a frustrated Irish defensive line.
Notre Dame 41, Marshall 9
Matt Freeman
Barring a significant change, Marshall will be without its top player in Rasheen Ali, who is probably the best football player you've never heard of. Notre Dame cruises in this one as Marshall and Charles Huff are probably a few years away from challenging for an upset at the Power 5 level, much less of Notre Dame.
Look for Isaiah Foskey to tie Justin Tuck's single-game sack record of 4.0.
Notre Dame 48, Marshall 17
Andrew Mentock
After a disappointing loss to Ohio State last weekend, Notre Dame will be extra motivated against Marshall on Saturday. This is especially true for the Notre Dame offense, which only scored 10 points against the Buckeyes.
I expect the Irish offense and sophomore quarterback Tyler Buchner to be unleashed this weekend and put up major style points in a big win against a solid Marshall team.
Notre Dame 42, Marshall 13
Jamie
Notre Dame went on the road and had an extremely tough opponent to open the season. Marshall played what was closer to a glorified scrimmage at home against a bad FCS opponent.
Things are going to get a lot tougher for them this week when they travel to South Bend. They have some Power 5 level talent on their roster, specifically on defense, but they don't have enough of it to hang with the Irish.
I think we see the run game get going in a big way with big numbers from multiple backs. I think we see the offense opened up throwing the ball as well with more touches and targets for the receivers. Most importantly, I think we see a bit reduction in the mental mistakes up front.
I don't see Marshall having much success on offense. I think they will be overwhelmed up front with a big bounce back from the Irish defensive line.
Notre Dame 45, Marshall 10
Christian McCollum
The Irish get back on track against the Thundering Herd in the home opener on Saturday.
The Notre Dame offense shows signs of life as Tyler Buchner shows off his dual-threat ability, rushing for just under 100 yards and throwing for just under 250. Michael Mayer and Lorenzo Styles shoulder most of the load as pass-catchers while Tobias Merriweather makes his first appearance in an Irish uniform showing why he's received so much praise already.
Logan Diggs has a workman-like 80 rushing yards while Chris Tyree busts open on a screen pass for one score.
Defensively, Notre Dame's line looks more like it was expected to look coming into the season while Brandon Joseph leads the back end.
Notre Dame 38, Marshall 13