The Anti-Preview: 2018 Notre Dame Football Blue-Gold Game

The Notre Dame Fighting Irish are about to wrap up the spring practice season with the annual Blue-Gold Game inside Notre Dame Stadium. You want to watch it - YOU KNOW YOU DO! So do we. Despite spring football being just plain boring (as we have reminded people over and over again) IT’S STILL FOOTBALL.

The practice reports from media members, and really short position drill videos, are not nearly enough to quench the thirst of the average fan. You need MORE and by golly - this scrimmage is going to give it to you.

Just keep in mind that this is:

• Just a glorified practice.
• No one wants to see an injury.
• Most results should be voided out of your memory once the game ends.

Yes... you must unlearn what you have learned.

We better get down to business and befriend the basics.

WHERE, WHEN, AND HOW TO WATCH

Where: Notre Dame Stadium

When: Saturday April 21, 2018 @ 12:30 EST

How to watch: NBC Sports Network & Stream on the NBC Sports App

WHAT SHOULD YOU BE DRINKING?

Here’s a special treat for a special Saturday. usually reserved for battles against the USC Trojans and other games of not (and need).

TROJAN BLOOD

• Gin. Any gin will do, but I prefer Tanqueray here.
• Mountain Dew Code Red.

It doesn’t really matter what proportions you decide to use. Mix it, and chug it. It’s my wonderful gift to you.

WHAT SHOULD YOU BE EATING?

This ain’t the season y’all. Extravagant meals for the spring game is probably a bad idea. Well... at least cooking them anyways. Might I suggest a fine plate (or many plates) of oysters - however you like them. Start the spring with something fresh.

Photo by Ilya S. Savenok/Getty Images for NYCWFF

WHAT SHOULD YOU BE WEARING?

This gets tricky, and a bit controversial. I realize everyone’s hero, Jaylon Smith, will be unveiling the new “THE SHIRT,” but many of us already know it’s going to be horrible.

THREE THINGS TO WATCH (LIKE REALLY WATCH)

• The running game. The spring game means that there will be a lot of basic run plays. Watch how the new offensive line is configured, and how they dictate the line of scrimmage against a good Irish defensive line. A big question right now has to do with the running backs. All I can offer here is say; watch and digest how they play. Are they quick? Are they running determined? Are they even in the right position?
• Brandon Wimbush. The last practice the media saw was reportedly his finest of his career. Brandon Wimbush appeared to be making great strides with his accuracy and mechanics. Does that continue?
• SAFETY HELP. Someone has to step up and start to cement a role as a starter at one, or the other, safety position. At least that’s the hope. Notre Dame’s defense does a good job with how it uses its safeties, and for much of the year last year they did fine. We’re looking for playmakers and tacklers. Are there any?

AT THE END OF THE DAY...

We will most likely have more questions than answers, but at the same time feel much closer to that goal. With specially formatted rules, I think the offense wins the day with some special play from Wimbush and his receivers.

YAY FOOTBAW!