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Notre Dame Football: Trap Games 2016 (Part 1)

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mouse-trap

It’s hard to tell but that mouse is wearing a mini Notre Dame jersey.

What are trap games?

Well, for starters these games tend to be against teams that are ranked just outside the Top 25. This, of course, means a win over the Irish is sure to catapult them into the Top 25 in the subsequent week’s rankings. Another aspect of trap games include the level of play. Either the unranked underdog plays up to Notre Dame’s talent level or, unfortunately, the Irish seep down to the underdog’s level of play. When both of these happen simultaneously, it is a recipe for disaster.

A trap game is further defined by the scheduling of the game. For example, a game like Virginia Tech can foolishly be overlooked in anticipation of the big show down with USC. In my estimation, the Irish have at least 4 trap games in 2016.

Nevada (7-6)

First of all, the Nevada game is sandwiched between two huge games: at Texas and home vs Michigan State. Nevada will also be the first home game of 2016 season, which can often times be the most nerve-racking game for players and fans alike.

Beyond the schedule, the scariest part of the Wolf Pack is their plethora of returning starters – 11 on each side of the ball! The returners include a 1,000 yard rusher in James Butler as well as all their wide-receivers. Three tight ends who made starts will return and the offensive line welcomes back all primary starters. 

James Butler -Wolf Pack

James Butler (Credit: Yahoo)

The most valuable of the returners will be RB James Butler. After averaging 6.47 yards per carry as a sophomore, many conference experts say he has the potential to be named the best tailback in the Mountain West.

In addition to the returners, a few big name transfers will add even more to the Wolf Pack’s depth. Running back Akeel Lynch transferred to Nevada from Penn State in search of more carries. Plus, a QB by the name of Austin Kafentzis transferred from Wisconsin and is now the highest rated recruit on the Nevada roster!
The Pack also returns an experienced 5th year dual threat QB in Tyler Stewart. Last year, Stewart rushed for 322 yards on 98 carries. It is highly likely that Stewart’s experience will grant him the start. However, his passing ability has been in question. In 2015, Stewart averaged a league low 6.6 yards per pass completion. Could Kafentzis be a surprise starter against the Irish? I would not be shocked, but that decision will be up to Nevada’s new offensive coordinator Tim Cramsey. A fan of the Pistol attack, Cramsey is aiming to return the Wolf Pack’s offense to new heights and has plenty of ball carries to make a statement in 2016.
So, Nevada is returning practically all of their starters, they are introducing a few talented transfers and one of those transfers (Kafentzis) could possibly be the answer to the Pack’s greatest weakness in 2015. What also frightens me about the Pack is their ability to protect the ball as indicated by a mere 12 turnovers in 2015. This is not a team that the Irish can afford to take lightly!

Duke (8-5)

Duke had a roller-coaster season in 2015. After starting 6-1, the Blue Devils faltered down the stretch of ACC play. However, Duke ended their season with a win in the Pinstripe Bowl against Indiana. And following the bowl victory, Duke received a couple Top 25 votes in ESPN’s final rankings.
In terms of schedule, Duke can be considered a trap for a few reasons. For one thing, Duke will be the first ACC opponent that the Irish face. While I am glad Notre Dame remains independent, I also believe this semi-ACC situation puts a big chip on the shoulder of our ACC opponents. They’d love nothing more than to go out and prove Notre Dame is nothing special. In addition, the Duke game will come one week after a huge showdown with Michigan State. The Irish cannot come into the Duke game with a complacent attitude or a belief that this game will be any easier than the week before.
Head Coach Cutcliffe

Head Coach David Cutcliffe

The scariest part of this Duke team is their improved play over the last several years. Since the beginning of time, the Duke football program was nothing more than a joke at a basketball school. But now, the Blue Devils have put together three winning seasons in a row. The improvement doesn’t seem to be slowing down either, as the most recent recruiting class is considered by some to be the best in Duke’s history.

There is some bad news for Duke in the form of injury. Star QB Thomas Sirk ruptured his Achilles tendon and his return for the 2016 season is highly questionable. Sirk is a dual-threat that led Duke in all rushing categories with over 800 yards on 163 carries. With the loss of Sirk, it will be up to redshirt junior Parker Boehme to take up the responsibility. Boehme is also a dual threat but has played limited time. 
Luckily for Boehme and the Duke program, head coach David Cutcliffe has shown a great ability to work with what’s available to him. Plus, he has the reputation as a “QB whisperer” which will be vital after the loss of Sirk. Under Cutcliffe, Duke has risen up the ranks in the ACC thanks to an improved offense (averaged 31.5 points per game in 2015).
The running back position will be manned by junior Shaun Wilson. Wilson has garnered a lot of praise from Duke fans and coaches and should be ready to fill the shoes of graduating RB Shaquille Powell. Another skill player to keep an eye on is rising star true sophomore T.J. Rahming who is coming off an impressive 43 reception, 571 yard, and 2 touchdown season. The native of Georgia was an U.S. Army Bowl All-American and looks to be the big-time No. 1 receiver Duke needs in the passing game.
The recent years of improved success, coupled with better recruiting classes and a talented head coach, Duke is yet another team the Irish cannot afford to overlook!

Coming soon: Two more teams Notre Dame cannot afford to overlook this season.

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