Every football team knows that defenses should be ahead of offenses early in the season, and for Notre Dame that had better be the case. With Coach Bob Davie's reputation as a defensive coach taking a direct blow due to the Irish's poor performance in the last four games of 1999, extra emphasis should make the defensive unit ready to make amends early in the season. While only five starters return in the 4-3 defensive scheme, Davie can count on Grant Irons at the defensive end position to anchor one side of the line and put some heat on Texas A&M's young quarterbacks.

Notre Dame Game Plan

Defense: Move the line often to get into the gaps and stop the run. Double up on the wide receivers and force ball away from them. Blitz the new quarterback. Offense: Offensive line needs to set the tempo. Do not use the option too often early in game. Establish the passing game as soon as possible. Kicking: Get some confidence with solid kicking and coverage. No mental mistakes with assignments. Players: This is Notre Dame stadium -- it is home! Give the fans something to get excited about fast. Coaches: Make sure clock management is covered and ready. Get the lead early and make A&M catch up. Have a good second half plan with something new.

Since the defensive line lacks speed, look for them to stunt more often and bring the outside linebackers on the blitz for early downs. This can create some losses for A&M and get them into third down and long situations. With a young secondary, the man to man coverage Davie prefers will give way to more zone coverages. The corners will likely move up on the Aggie receivers to disrupt their routes and get help over the top with the safeties. Anthony Denman will need to keep his eye on tight ends RoDerrick Broughton or Michael de la Torre if young QB Mark Farris starts to look inside for the passing routes. If A&M tries to run right at the defense with gigantic Ja'Mar Toombs, the safeties will be able to move up and assist with the run defense.

Quarterback Arnaz Battle is ready to show his stuff. Offensive coordinator Kevin Rogers has just what he needs to protect Battle -- all but one starter returns from the offensive line as well as tight end Jabari Holloway. Much work has been done to improve Battle's recognition of coverages. His completion average must improve to make the offense successful; he has a fleet of experienced receivers, led by Joey Getherall and David Givens.

Before A&M can defend the pass, they must deal with a trio of running backs that promises to keep fresh legs in the game at all times. Tony Fisher led the Irish in rushing in 1999 but he is going to get pushed by Julius Jones and Terrance Howard. Look for Notre Dame to use the hard running of these backs to pound on the defense and set up the outside options that are a trademark of Kevin Rogers' offense.

The kicking game was subpar last year and with the improvement of Nick Setta the Irish should be well above their 8-of-18 performance in 1999.