From The Portsmouth Daily Times, Thursday 9 Nov 2000, pg. B1
"A Closer Look [at Friday's Notre
Dame-Toronto game].
"By James Johnson, Times Sports Editor
"Rushing Offense
"Running backs Taylor Newman and Andrew Graf have had great success this
season, but the Titans['] ground game may still be a notch below Toronto's.
Led by a massive offensive line (avg. 240 lbs. per man), tailback Shawn Cain
(1,399 yds, 20 TDs) and fullback Michael Dobrick (5-11, 250), the Red Knights
have literally run over their competition this season. Toronto has an edge
here.
"Passing Offense
"The big difference in passing offense between the Titans and Red Knights
is the big-play. Notre Dame uses its passing attack for possession purposes,
throwing the shorter, [] safter routes. (Rutman has only 2 INTs this seaso[.])
Toronto looks for the big play when it throws the ball, and are not nearly as
precise as Notre Dame's air attack. Titans overall passing is better.
"Rush Defense
"Whereas the Titans may be a notch below Toronto on offense, they are far
and away better than the Red Knights on defense, especially defending the run.
Notre Dame has shut down several good ground games this season, including playoff
team Minford. Toronto has given up several big games rushing against some
mediocre opponents. Notre Dame has a definite edge here.
"Pass Defense
"The Red Knights, as a team, intercepted 20 passes during the regular season
where Notre Dame picked off 16 passes. Both the Titans and Red Knights have
speed and experience in the secondary and both teams can hit hard after the
ball is caught. The difference in the game may come down to who can defend the
long pass the best. Both teams have an advantage here.
"Special Teams
"Toronto kicker Chris Conlon is 25-of-32 kicking PATs this season, but
has kicked only one field goal in 11 games. Notre Dame kicker Joe Webb has kicked
34-of-38 PATs and has three clutch field goals this season. If [the] game is
close in [the] fourth quarter or goes into overtime, Webb could become a huge
factor against the Red Knights. Notre Dame has edge here.
"Intangibles
"Toronto, about 30 minutes Northwest of Steubenville, will have to travel
3 to 4 hours to Pickerington, get off the long bus ride, and be ready to play.
Notre Dame has about a 2 hour drive, not nearly as long. Toronto will have a
strong following, but [you can] bet Notre Dame will have Scioto County on its
side. Like Leetonia,
Toronto is a lot bigger than Notre Dame, but the Knights may not be as quick
as the Titans are. Notre Dame is far more experienced and has played a tougher
schedule. Notre Dame has edge here."
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