The Anti-Preview: Notre Dame Fighting Irish VS Georgia Bulldogs

Greetings friends, and welcome to another Anti-Preview on One Foot Down! The Notre Dame Fighting Irish are 1-0 - ONE AND FREAKING ZERO Y’ALL after last week’s stomping of the Temple Owls, 49-16. I think it’s safe to say that this team is a lot different than last year, but we still have a long ways to go.

Standing in the way of knowing how good this team might be, are the Georgia Bulldogs.

Georgia

Some people in the past have called me a “lazy journalist,” and they may have a point sometimes. There have been teams that I can can generally understand and preview because of who they are and what they have been over the years. However, you will never catch me yelling and pointing out SEC SEC SEC like it means something.

Every school is different regardless of their conference affiliation.

Georgia is coming off of a win as well, and despite losing their starting quarterback (Jacob Eason) in the process, true freshman Jake Fromm looks very capable of running their offense - as long as it consists of handing the ball off a lot to Nick Chubb and Sony Michel.

The Bulldogs have a strong front seven, but may be lacking in the secondary in numbers and in size. They have shorter safeties and like to roll them up to help in the box.

This is going to be interesting.

WHAT SHOULD YOU BE DRINKING?

A lot goes into planning the perfect cocktail for each game. Georgia has never been to Notre Dame, and their fans will most likely be in awe of that beautiful Golden Dome. Let’s exploit that fact:

The Golden

The Golden is a cocktail that is the signature drink at a downtown Fort Wayne joint called... The Golden. It’s magnificent, and fairly easy to make.

• 2 parts turmeric infused vodka
• 1 part fresh lemon juice
• Dash of orange bitters

First of all, you can’t buy the turmeric infused vodka. You’ll have to make it yourself. Generally, just take some turmeric root throw it in a bottle of vodka (take 2 shots out first) and let it sit over night.

Pour all ingredients over ice in a Greer Martini shaker. Shake, and then pour over a strainer into a fancy glass (or whatever). Garnish with a lemon (or don’t). Enjoy!

WHAT SHOULD YOU BE EATING?

Uhhh... anything other than some type of ribs would probably be a dumb move. Make the right decision.

Herb-Crusted Short Ribs

• 3-4 lbs. Pork Short Ribs

• 1/2 Cup Dijon Mustard
• 1/2 Cup Dried Thyme
• 6 Tbsp Dried Rosemary
• 2 Tbsp Dried Oregano
• 2 Tbsp Kosher Salt
• 1 Tbsp Black Pepper
• 10 Cloves Garlic
• 3/4 Cup Honey
• Juice of 3 Lemons

In a mortar and pestle, crush garlic with herbs, salt and pepper to form a paste. Rub ribs completely with mustard. Covering all sides will ensure that crust adheres to the meat. Cover meat generously with herb paste, pressing gently into the meat. Place ribs in the refrigerator for 45 minutes before cooking.

In a small bowl, mix honey and lemon juice together.

Set up charcoal grill for indirect grilling and heat to 325 degrees. Place ribs on opposite side of the charcoal to cook. When ribs reach 180 degrees, brush them with honey mixture. Remove ribs when they reach an internal temperature of 195 degrees. Brush once again with honey and lemon. Rest 15 minutes before slicing and serving.

Obviously, if you’re tailgating you will have to use a propane grill. Sorry bro.

Recipe via Snake River Farms

WHAT SHOULD YOU BE WEARING

When I saw all the players wearing “ARA” shirts, I felt the power of the Anti-Preview really came through (at least for the team). This week, I firmly believe we should class it up this week. I’ll refrain from posting an outfit for women, because dressy fall fashion for the ladies is hard y’all. So... here ya go:

WHAT’S THE BEST THING ABOUT THIS GAME

It’s something that Pete Sampson said in the last Irish Illustrated podcast. Notre Dame has a chance in this game to get 3-4 weeks of validation. If they win, the chances of the Irish heading into the game against the USC Trojans undefeated are pretty good. If they lose, and still win every game up to USC, they really haven’t accomplished much. This is a HUGE game and the winner can gain a lot of momentum - both as a team, and as a national story. The best thing about this game is the magnitude.

5 Reasons To Hate Georgia

1. The 1981 Sugar Bowl.
2. SEC.
3. Their out of conference schedule for the last 50 years.
4. For having incredible amounts of talent in-state.
5. For losing 4-5 more games after ND beats them.

SHAMROCK STARS

Brandon Wimbush. The junior signal caller doesn’t have to have a record-breaking game, and he’s not going to have one. He will, however, manage the game and display his incredible athleticism. Above everything else, he will protect the football and keep the chains moving. As this happens, he will find the right moment to explode for a big play.

Nyles Morgan. Morgan had a bit of a rough game against Temple, but I think he bounces back with determination against the Bulldogs. Georgia is going to want to run and run and run the ball with Chubb and Michel. Morgan has the chance to become a massive disruption both as a tackler and as a flow-blocker.

AT THE END OF THE NIGHT

This is a game that Notre Dame can win, and should win. The problem is that it’s a big game against a top 15 opponent, and recent history has shown that to be more than the Irish can handle. Finally, however, the Irish rise to the occasion and play a dominant, complete, and confident football game. The Irish get the big win at home to help set the 2017 season on fire: Notre Dame 29, Georgia 20.