Notre Dame Has No Margin For Error in Week One vs Miami

Notre Dame vs Miami: Season Openers are Tricky

I believe in a theory I call the Week One Variance.

That describes some of the mishaps that often occur in an initial game while teams are still learning who they are, what they are, and who's who in their own program that won't occur as the season moves along.

Some of these mistakes are relatively harmless, such as per se a couple of early game motion penalties due to a timing, cadence issue. But sometimes these mistakes, especially against talented opponents, can cost teams valuable early-season games. These are the mistakes that must be avoided.

Some of these backbreakers include miscommunication mistakes that result in free open touchdowns or a massive loss of yardage due to a snap occurring while the quarterback isn't looking for the ball, and it sails behind him 30 yards.

Or perhaps a young QB panicking and throwing balls right to the defense rather than up into the stands.

So much of Week One's success has to do with simply being sound. No huge bonehead mistakes combined with crisp, clean play. This is a recipe for victory.