Two B10 playoff hopefuls face off tonight. If the playoffs started now Notre Dame would be on the outside looking in while Washington would hold down the final spot. For both teams this a must win for the playoffs.
Notre Dame
Joe “The Raging Bull” Pantoja will look to be the catalyst for Notre Dames offense tonight. Even with Pantoja expected to do Pantoja things for the Irish, QB Leo Asiata needs to play a great game if the Irish want to win. He has got to keep doing what he’s done all season of getting his talented playmakers like TE Alistair Kye and WR Albert Saenz involved.
Defensively the Irish have the big names they always have. Tyrell Solo and Shane Razorback are both known as some of the premier defenders at each of their respective positions. Jackson Stone will Player Corner opposite Solo, while Michael Jerome-Pluth and Zeus Williams will hold down both safety spots. Duke Thomas, the Senior Outside LB, will need to continue helping in run support as well.
WashinGton
Doug Ohle is coming off of a POTW performance after he dismantled the Nittany Lions to the tune of over 400 total yards and 5 total touchdowns. RB Ron Dayne Jr will need to do what he does best and dominate. He has built his GOAT resume on being better than the other players on the field. In the passing game the Huskies can lean on WR Lord Helix, WR Jace Rosser, and WR Kayode Imani.
The Huskies are built on a dominant defense this season. Digger Graves patrols the field from the safety spot. Eric Langston, Raekwon Dong, and Richard Bradley also make it impossible to run or keep a clean pocket against this team.
What to watch for
QB Doug Ohle vs DE Shane Razorback
Doug Ohle is not someone who gets flustered under pressure but regardless he will have to deal with it all night. Shane Razorback is one of the best when it comes to getting to the QB and if he can do it enough this game he can give the Irish a big edge.
PreDICtiOn
Washington 35, Notre Dame 31
The Irish will need to stop Dayne as often as they can and let their secondary make plays when Ohle throws. If they can’t do that I think it will be hard for Notre Dame to win and see Ohle and Washington coming home with the win.
