When the Tulsa Hurricanes arrive at Notre Dame this weekend to play their first-ever football game against the Irish, they will find a campus that is in shock and mourning over the tragic death of fellow student Declan Sullivan on Wednesday. The junior was serving as a videographer for the team’s practice session when his 50-foot perch was blown over by extremely high winds. It’s difficult to imagine that the Notre Dame family, including the players and coaches, will be completely focused on winning a football game on Saturday, but the event will go forward as scheduled. Routine pregame events such as the pep rally and luncheon have been canceled.

Coach Todd Graham is in his fourth year at the school with a current record of 30-17. The Hurricanes are 4-3 on the season and their balanced offense is averaging over 38 points and nearly 500 yards per game. Notre Dame’s defense will need to regroup after last week’s debacle against Navy if they are to prevail in this contest.

Quarterback Dayne Crist will be supported by the return of leading receiver Michael Floyd to the lineup, although Floyd is still not operating at 100% efficiency due to a sore hamstring. Theo Riddick remains out with an ankle injury and tailback Armando Allen is still limited by a hip flexor. Notre Dame’s most significant injuries are arguably on the defensive side of the ball, as nose tackle Ian Williams (MCL sprain) is out this week and linebacker Carlo Calabrese (hamstring) is doubtful.

The most notable aspect of Tulsa’s depth chart is the shortage of seniors on both sides of the ball. Only two each will start on offense and defense, as Graham has elected to play several freshmen and sophomores. This season’s statistics for the Hurricanes indicate a well-coached team. They have forced twice as many turnovers as they have surrendered, and recorded double the number of sacks that they have allowed. The offense has achieved an 84% scoring efficiency in the red zone and is an impressive 51% on third down conversions.

NOTRE DAME’S OFFENSE vs. TULSA’S DEFENSE

If Tulsa has a weakness, it is a porous pass defense. The Hurricanes have been torched for 330 yards per game and 19 touchdowns. Graham is looking for help this week from Charles Davis, a senior cornerback who is trying to return from an injury, and Odrick Ray, the team’s best lineman. Their presence in the lineup will help the Hurricanes, but it may not be enough to slow the Irish attack.

Tulsa employs a 3-4 defensive alignment that is led by linebackers Curnelius Arnick and Tanner Antle. End Tyrunn Walker is an effective pass rusher, and the Hurricanes will blitz any and all of their linebackers throughout the day. The group is fairly stout against the run, allowing only 3.5 yards per rush and a very solid 113 yards per game.

Despite the issues in pass defense, true freshman Marco Nelson is a rising star. The converted high school tailback ranks third on the team in tackles from his free safety spot. The Irish will counter with Floyd and hope that T.J. Jones can continue to have success from the slot receiver position. Duval Kamara performed well against Navy while filling in for Floyd, and the senior will be called upon again this week. The key for Notre Dame will be the decision making by Crist and his ability to avoid costly turnovers. Absent those critical mistakes, the Irish will be able to move the ball and score plenty of points.

TULSA’S OFFENSE vs. NOTRE DAME’S DEFENSE

Junior quarterback G.J. Kinne leads a productive offense and has completed 60% of his passes. Speedy 5’7” receiver Damaris Johnson will stretch the defense, while H-Back Charles Clay is the man to watch on short third down plays and in the red zone. The offensive line is neither large nor very experienced, with no seniors and only two juniors listed among the starters, but they have done a very credible job to date.

The rushing attack is a collaborative effort in that the workload is spread among several players rather than a single featured tailback. Jamad Williams and Alex Singleton share the bulk of the carries while freshmen Ja’Terian Douglas and Trey Watts will also get a few touches. Johnson also is used to rush the ball on occasion and has been very effective. To make matters more difficult for Notre Dame, Kinne is an accomplished runner who has a 73-yarder to his credit.

The Irish defense is in the state of disrepair at all three levels as the injuries begin to mount. Sean Cwynar will try to fill in for Williams in the middle, but the senior space eater will be sorely missed. Anthony McDonald will get a chance to play inside linebacker while Calabrese sits, and Zeke Motta will get another start at strong safety if Jamoris Slaughter is still unable to go. The Notre Dame coaches will have to reach deep into the roster in order to keep fresh troops on the field.

SPECIAL TEAMS

Both teams have excellent punt and kickoff coverage units, but Damaris Johnson is dangerous as a return man and gives the Hurricanes an edge in this department. The Irish have David Ruffer to kick field goals, and he is no longer a secret weapon. Kevin Fitzpatrick handles the kicking chores for Tulsa, but his accuracy is poor outside of 40 yards and he has suffered three blocks this season.

SUMMARY

The Irish would normally be strong favorites, but this has been anything but a normal week. The team has suffered dejection, injuries and tragic loss in the past seven days and will have to fight hard just to be mentally prepared to take another team’s best shot. A turnover or untimely penalty could be a tipping point for another ignominious defeat, and it will be a great credit to Brian Kelly and his staff if this team can show resilience.

Tulsa will run the ball to test Cwynar and McDonald, and Kinne has shown the ability to convert third downs and put points on the scoreboard. The Irish defense must limit the long plays that have hurt them this season and make the Hurricanes work for every yard. Meanwhile, Crist needs to contain his emotions and provide leadership for a group that is badly in need of a positive spark.

Let’s look at a few questions that will provide insight into the outcome:

Will Notre Dame be ready emotionally to battle another highly motivated opponent?

Can Crist find the accuracy and consistency needed to win?

Will the depleted Irish defense allow Tulsa to convert third downs at a 50% clip?

Can the Irish avoid costly turnovers?

Will Floyd’s presence be enough to lift Notre Dame’s offense?

Which team’s 3-4 defense will do a better job of stopping the run?

Will the Irish be strong enough to overcome adversity during the game?

PREDICTION

Tulsa had a bye last week and will undoubtedly use the extra time to prepare a few new wrinkles for the Irish. They will be encouraged by Navy’s win over Notre Dame, which demonstrated that a motivated underdog can stay in the game against a stronger opponent if the more talented team does not play well that day. Since the Irish were already reeling from last week’s defeat and are certainly devastated by the loss of their fellow student, it may be difficult for them to bounce back with a crisp performance. Unlike Western Michigan, the Hurricanes have enough talent to make things more than a little bit uncomfortable.

NOTRE DAME 27   TULSA 24