First offensive play of the year prediction thread

Submitted by Larry Appleton on

I’m going straight I-formation, Higdon up the middle.  If it gains at least three yards, they do it again the next play.

Gotta let those big dogs eat!

M_Born M_Believer

August 30th, 2018 at 10:09 AM ^

Right person getting the ball but I’m going with pistol formation. Off set I to the right. Power to the right. If we get at least 3 yards then same play but Power left. 2 body blows to get an early gage on the running game. 

FauxMo

August 30th, 2018 at 10:10 AM ^

Shea Patterson drop-back, stays in the pocket too long, gets antsy, runs left, gets hit blindside by an ND DE, fumbles the football and tears his ACL. 

Hey, at least now I will almost certainly be pleasantly surprised no matter what actually happens?? 

FauxMo

August 30th, 2018 at 12:15 PM ^

I don't know about anyone else, but I lived through the "Later Dark Lloyd Years," the "Rich Rod Years," and the "Hoke Years" as a rabid, adult fan. At this point, if an earthquake opened a crevice that swallowed just the UM sideline - no ND players, staff, or fans - on Saturday night, I would be like Edgar in "Men in Black" right after the comet crashes into his truck and say... "Figures..." 

raleighwood

August 30th, 2018 at 10:12 AM ^

I'm guessing that they come out in a five wide formation.  Notre Dame will never see it coming (especially with the injury to Black)......and they can't really defend a 6' 4" Nico Collins and 6' 8" Zach Gentry!

Didn't Lloyd run something similar against Florida in his last game?

michgoblue

August 30th, 2018 at 10:14 AM ^

My prediction:  Screen pass to Higdon for 5 yards.  Nice and easy.  Followed by a run by Higdon for 3.

That said, Harbaugh has shown that on the first plays of games, he isn't afraid to come out swinging, so I could see him working a sideline fade to either of our two match-up nightmare outside WR (DPJ is insanely fast, Nico is really huge).  

Mercury Hayes

August 30th, 2018 at 10:21 AM ^

RPO to get a feel for the defense. They will want to see where the pressure is coming from, how ND lines up against Shea, etc. I imagine it will end up being a QB keeper, last second handoff or dump off that goes for a few yards.

MGO_Blue

August 30th, 2018 at 10:24 AM ^

Punt the ball on the first play of the game, send a message to everyone in that stadium that we are going to be that good. This one, single punt will bring glory to an undefeated season. 

 

If not a punt, Higdon for a gain of 4. 

hunterjoe

August 30th, 2018 at 10:26 AM ^

Pick 6...  According to ND fans at least.  

 

I predict they set up with 2 TEs in-line, play action to Higdon with a TE sneaking out to the flat for 11 yards and a first down.