Espn analyst and Heisman Trophy winner Desmond Howard talks about his alma mater Michigan’s chances against Notre Dame, USC’s struggles and the other big matchups on Saturday with The Post’s Justin Terranova.
Q: With this 3-0 start, do you think this is the year Notre Dame turns the corner under Brian Kelly?
A: Michigan State on the road is a big win, but I don’t think that’s how they can measure their season. They still have many tests ahead, and this is an even bigger one because Michigan’s offense creates a lot of problems for Notre Dame’s defense.
Q: Why is that?
A: You look at Michigan State’s style: They have a 240-pound tailback who’s going to run downfield right at you. That plays right into Notre Dame’s hands because that front seven is their strength. Michigan can spread you out with Denard Robinson. And you look at their defense: They just lost their safety [Jamoris Slaughter], who behind Manti Te’o is probably the best player on the team.
Q: Florida State has outscored its three opponents 176-3. Do you think Clemson has a chance in Tallahassee?
A: No doubt about it. They have an explosive offense, which [means] you always have a chance. It’s just a matter of how their defense will hold up, because Florida State can run the ball. For the most part, until Wake Forest, the competition hasn’t been good, and this is a chance for Florida State’s offense to show they’re legit.
Q: Even with Arkansas’ struggles, would a road win over an SEC team be important for Rutgers?
A: It would look good to a lot of people because it’s an SEC team, but this turned out to be a bad Arkansas team. They may not win but five, six games this year. They were really supposed to be talented enough even after they lost Bobby Petrino. But to lose to Louisiana-Monroe and Alabama just destroyed them.
Q: Why do you think USC has struggled facing the high expectations this year?
A: This is the year we are going to see the effect the sanctions have had on USC. … What you saw last week was they didn’t have the depth. Their center was out and all hell broke loose on the offensive line and Stanford got after them. The coaches I spoke to have said USC is more of a finesse team with athletes, but if you can be physical with them and nullify that athleticism, you have a chance. If you can get at [Matt] Barkley, make him feel your presence, some of those passes will start getting a little shaky.