Game Week +1 – Nostrum Damas – UNO MAS DIA!

[Godz40Acrez]

​

The Irish are coming into DKR highly ranked once again wanting to start their semi-patsy schedule off with a Texas blowout... once again. (Schedule includes one preseason Top 10 team, one Top 15, and one Top 20.)

But this is a different season – the 'Horns have grown up quite a bit in the past year; and they'll be sporting a true spread offense run by a real coordinator.

Oh, and the leprechauns will be surrounded by 100,000 ill-disposed zealots screaming for blood.

​

What to expect:

• QB Shane Buechele will not start but will take a majority of the snaps.
• We will move the chains (forward this year) racking up over 540 yards.
• The defense will be a bit like shanghaied sailors at first, but will develop their sea legs during the 2nd quarter.
• Texas will win by 11 and immediately jump into the Top 25, while the domers will pole plummet all the way from #10 to a tie at #11.
• ABC will cut to the Buechele family a minimum of 12 times and will employ PIP of them in at least three replays.

​

 

[Godz40Acrez]

Good read.

 

[NDAFArly]

You can't blame ND that Texas isn't ranked.

NDs schedule is ranked 25th & Texas 26th based off win/losses.
http://www.fbschedules.com/2016/05/2016-college-football-strength-schedule-win-loss-method/

My favorite is Phil Steele, who had Texas' schedule at 12th & ND at 22nd. But according to his model if you take off ND vs Texas then their schedules are equal.

So I would say their schedules are pretty much equal. But we really don't know because it's all opinion at this point.

But I think ND thought scheduling a year of at Texas, at USC, Mich St., Miami & Stanford would be a good schedule.

Just as I think Texas is better than TCU, Baylor & Ok St. even though the rankings say differently.
I think Texas will be top 20 this year at some point even with a loss to ND.

 

[Bwilk55]

I think Texas will be top 20 this year at some point even with a loss to ND.

and what about with a win against ND? Ya know, I just want to make sure you consider all possibilities.

 

[NDAFArly]

and what about with a win against ND? Ya know, I just want to make sure you consider all possibilities.

Then they will be top 20 week 2.

 

[Bwilk55]

Then they will be top 20 week 2.

I agree.

I recently found out I'll be at the game, sitting in section 1. Really hoping for a good game (meaning anything between a close Texas loss to a Texas blowout). A 38-3 game would really put a damper on the evening. Last game I saw in person was when BYU shredded us a few years back. Those are no fun to watch.

 

[NDAFArly]

I agree.

I recently found out I'll be at the game, sitting in section 1. Really hoping for a good game (meaning anything between a close Texas loss to a Texas blowout). A 38-3 game would really put a damper on the evening. Last game I saw in person was when BYU shredded us a few years back. Those are no fun to watch.

My first year settled back in Indiana after getting out of the AF I decided I was going to as many ND games as possible. That was the famous 3-9 year, (started 1-9, including record breaking 43 game winning streak over Navy snapped), so I got to see ND get embarrassed in person like 8 times. Lol

 

[Godz40Acrez]

Turnover/Backend Report​

nd

The number of turnovers generated by the Notre Dame defense hit a four-year low in 2015.

Nine interceptions and five fumble recoveries resulted in the Irish’s 109th ranking nationally in turnovers gained. They were one of two Kelly era defenses not to intercept at least 13 passes, signaling a noticeable drop-off from the 23 turnovers (16 interceptions) of which they were the beneficiary a year earlier.

“When the ball is in the air, it’s not good enough just to get the pass breakup and get the ball disruption,” defensive backs coach Todd Lyght said. “We’ve gotta take the ball away to shorten the field for our offense, and I think that we’ve been doing a better job of making plays at the end of the route. But for us, it’s gotta be a mindset first.”

The process of creating a takeaway begins long before the ball is thrown downfield; much of it is about positioning.

“If we can be consistent with our technique as far as our press, our ability to cover will be increased greatly,” Lyght said.

Senior cornerback Cole Luke tied for the team-lead in interceptions in both of the last two seasons. But both his total interceptions (2) and pass breakup (5) numbers dwindled last season. The Irish’s defensive backs coach is encouraged by what he’s seen in fall camp, and believes numbers like Luke's will reverse course this fall.

[247]

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TEXAS

Turnovers – Texas was not only one of the best teams in the conference, but averaging nearly a turnover a game with a +11 margin, Texas ranked 8th in the country in turnovers. Without these turnovers, last season could have been a lot uglier.

The pass efficiency rating was on the lower end at 135.47 and ranking 6th in the conference. But the defense did grab 13 [sic] interceptions, allowed the 3rd-fewest yards per completion and 4th-fewest passing yards per game. Given many of the defensive backs were true freshman, those aren’t bad stats.

The secondary is loaded with talent. The starting corners, sophomores Holton Hill and Devante Davis, played about as well as you can as true freshmen and should continue to build off what they did last season. And it sounds like fellow sophomore Kris Boyd is set to make a bigger impact this season as well.

On the back end, veterans Dylan Haines and Jason Hall return as the starting safeties. Haines led the defense with five interceptions on the season.

On the depth chart behind those two safeties is another veteran in Kevin Vaccaro as well as some young guys with even more athleticism and talent than the vets. Sophomores DeShon Elliott and P.J. Locke III, and freshman Brandon Jones will likely get on the field consistently throughout the season.

[BON]

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The actual 2015 Texas stats are 15 interceptions and 12 fumble recoveries.

 

[Godz40Acrez]

Linebacker Report​

TEXAS

A group that lost Peter Jinkens, who led the Longhorns in tackles, tackles for loss and sacks in 2015, to graduation is in a position to be better this season. That’s due to the growth expected from Malik Jefferson and Anthony Wheeler, a talented tandem expected to start and perform at a high level in Texas’ base nickel defense.

Jefferson, but the reigning Big 12 Defensive Freshman of the Year said recently that folks would be unwise to sleep on Wheeler.

The 6-foot-2, 228-pounder is one of the most improved players in the entire program from the end of last season through the preseason. Jefferson said Wheeler has played a physical brand of football since camp started earlier this month.

“He likes to get down in the hole and plug it up,” Jefferson said. “That’s big because we’re focusing on stopping the run.”

Edwin Freeman would be the third starter if the Longhorns were to use a three-linebacker set. Freeman (6-1, 228) is said to have had a good camp. Senior Timothy Cole is a veteran with game experience who’s being counted on to provide leadership in the locker room.

True freshmen Erick Fowler and Jeffrey McCulloch are figuring out the game but both have a ton of upside. Cameron Townsend has had his moments in camp where he’s flashed, as has true freshman Demarco Boyd.

The Longhorns have eight linebackers which is the number Charlie Strong wants. He likes to have linebackers fill out his special teams units since the position typically houses bigger speed athletes. Size and speed are evident in the skill sets of the guys, tools that make the current group of linebackers one that has a real chance to be the best in the country in due time.

[247]

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nd

Notre Dame defensive coordinator Brian VanGorder has been pleased with what he’s seen from his top linebackers in fall camp.

The group of Nyles Morgan, Greer Martini, James Onwualu, Asmar Bilal and Te'von Coney have responded well in stepping up to collectively replace Jaylon Smith and Joe Schmidt.

The junior Morgan showed flashes two seasons ago thrown into the mix too early because of injury and finished as Freshman All-American. He didn’t play much as a sophomore but took control as the team’s MIKE back in the spring.

The WILL linebacker position was a battle between Martini, Bilal and Coney, and we’ll see all three at different times during the season.

“Experience with Martini, he’s played lots of snaps for us, he’s been through tough times,” VanGorder said. “He had to persevere through his freshman year. I think he’s much more confident player now. He’s a legit contender to start at all three (positions). He’s been a top performer so far.”

“You see Asmar,” VanGorder said. “Really good young player. His speed, his speed traits are better than the other WILL linebackers. He has speed trait. Just young in the game."

“Te’von is probably the best one in the box in the core against the run game. He’s delivered well there.”

“James Onwualu is fantastic with the entire defense,” VanGorder said of the senior.

[247]

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Sounds to me like the nd LBs are exploitation-bait with our new offense. [Rubs hands together smiling wryly.]

 

[TexExSpur]

42-24 would sure get some panties wet.

 

[clob94]

42-24 would sure get some panties wet.

An 18 point loss? How so?

 

[TexExSpur]

An 18 point loss? How so?

Don't get all pessimistic on me, I'm dreaming of an 18 point V.


Oddsshark has it at 36-28 Golden boys

 

[Godz40Acrez]

 

[Godz40Acrez]

Charlie announced at today's presser that all injured players will be available for the game. Of course, Buck Major is the exception as he's out for the season.

 

[CoachEmUp64]

Per Taylor Estes:

On OL injuries: Patrick Vahe is supposed to be back at practice tomorrow (Tuesday). Tristan Nickelson "is back practicing" and Zach Shackelford should be worked back in this week.

 

[horn01]

Texas wins if:

Which ever QB is in the game can complete quick short and intermediate passes. We finally have the athletes to make defenses pay for how they line up. Screens and slants can turn into big yards. RBs who break into the second line of defense can take it to the house. The key here is the QB being able to get the ball into the hands of receivers to force the defense to respect the pass, and to be able to convert 3rd and 4 to go type downs. Everything else falls into place if we get that kind of production at QB.

Texas loses if:
We go three and out for a few consecutive drives to start the game. The atmosphere is going to be electric to start. In fact, its going to be the first time Strong has coached in a sold out DKR. If we go out and have an electrifying play on the first drive the roof is going to come off that place (figuratively). A couple of three and outs a a defense that can't get off the field, you are going to have groans in the first ten mins of the game. Not to mention we have a young team and confidence can be very fickle.

 

[Godz40Acrez]

Will Boo Pass His Next Test?

In addition to proving himself on the practice field, Buechele has also become one of the best ping pong and pool players on the Texas roster. D’Onta Foreman said he found out firsthand that Buechele can also hold his own on the basketball court.

“He can do everything,” Foreman said. “I ask him all the time, ‘What can’t you do?’”

The Longhorns hope the Arlington Lamar product can get the job done where it matters most.

Charlie Strong... has already said Swoopes and Buechele will play, meaning the 6-foot-1, 191-pound gunslinger will see his first collegiate action against the Fighting Irish.

Those around the program have said time and again that Buechele’s mental makeup not only allows his talent to come through on the field, but it’s one of the better qualities he’s shown his teammates he possesses.

Chris Warren said there’s a lot to like about Buechele as a teammate and a competitor. He’s carried himself in a professional manner from the moment he stepped on campus, which showed everyone in the locker room how serious he was taking the opportunity to become the team’s starting quarterback, Warren said.

“He came in calm and he was confident but it wasn’t like he was overconfident,” Warren said. “He knew his plays and he came in ready to work. He’s just worked and I’ve enjoyed that.”

Buechele doesn’t just work, he works with a purpose. There’s something to be said for a rookie who carries himself like a veteran.

“He has a competitive chip,” Foreman said. “When he goes out there you can’t tell that he’s a freshman.”

Being a freshman hasn’t hindered Buechele thus far in his time on the Forty Acres. Nobody knows for sure how Buechele will perform until he actually steps onto the field and takes a snap, but there’s a reasonable amount of confidence that he’ll be able to handle himself.

[247]

 

[Godz40Acrez]

There are countless storylines that will occupy Irish fans this week until zero hour. Will DeShone Kizer or Malik Zaire emerge as the starting quarterback? Can Notre Dame overcome the loss of Max Redfield at safety? How will defensive coordinator Brian VanGorder create an effective pass rush, or does Notre Dame simply lack the weaponry to do so?

While relevant, all of these questions are secondary to the larger question that holds the key to the future: will Notre Dame finally post back-to-back seasons with double digit victories?

How many Notre Dame fans realize 23 years have passed since South Bend has been home to back-to-back 10+ win seasons? Legendary coach Lou Holtz accomplished the feat twice between the 1992 and 1993 seasons as well as the 1988 and 1989 seasons, but prior to the Holtz era it hadn’t been accomplished since Ara Parseghian during the 1972 and 1973 seasons.

[Story link]

 

[Godz40Acrez]

 

[Godz40Acrez]

Excerpt from a post by @Scholz on another thread....

Whenever Strong has been asked about the quarterbacks, or this offense, the discussion leads to Foreman and Warren. It is clear he believes no matter who plays quarterback, his running backs will carry the workload. In Strong's ideal world, these guys are getting the most touches, and his quarterback simply makes occasional throws to keep teams honest. Every old-school coach wants a running game that wears down an opposing offense while keeping his defense fresh on the sidelines.

That will be Foreman and Warren’s role this season.One thing Warren would love to see is carries split between Texas' running backs this season.

“If we decided we want to run the ball that much, I definitely think we can get a 1,000-yard rusher,” Warren said. “If we split carries like I think we should, I think we can get three, four backs up to 700 yards.

If Strong gets his way, Foreman and Warren will make it a long season for opposing defenses, regardless of who is playing quarterback.

Warren on Foreman as a runner

“D'Onta is actually really explosive. He goes from zero to top speed really fast. It doesn’t take him much time at all. He finds holes that I would never ever find. I don’t know how he does it. He is really strong and fast. He’s a crazy athlete. He studies the game because he wants to be a coach. He studies the game and goes about it like a coach. I think that’s what helps him most.”

Foreman on Warren as a runner

“Chris is just big and powerful. When he runs the ball, people just bounce off of him. He hits the hole, and nobody wants to tackle him. Nobody wants to tackle either one of us, but he’s bigger than me, so I know they really don’t want to tackle him.”

 

[Godz40Acrez]

Team Notes

Fatigue: Texas RB D’Onta Foreman was asked over the weekend when he spoke to the media if the team didn’t really have ‘their legs’ after the rigorous fall camp schedule, and he said that was true. He wasn’t lying. The team has practiced everyday except Sunday for most weeks during fall camp and practiced everyday last week.

While it seems Charlie Strong may be pushing his guys rather hard with their season opener fast approaching, I wouldn’t be worried. That’s how he’s been with his team since his days at Louisville.

I do expect things to be less physical this week as Texas gets ready for their season opener in 6 days.

Wide Receivers: Spoke with a source regarding where things stand with the wide reciever rotation going into game week and which of the young wide receivers would redshirt.

I’m told Reggie Hemphill-Mapps will redshirt. I’m also told that Davion Curtis might redshirt but it doesn’t appear that’s been fully decided.

Starters on the outside, not surprisingly, will be Collin Johnson and Burt.

I’m told to expect Foreman and Heard to start inside (assuming they’re in 10 personnel). Foreman is also set to run outside behind Johnson. Dorian will rotate behind Burt. And Warrick and Duvernay will rotate behind Foreman and Heard respectively (inside). If they rotate further then look for guys like Locksley and Oliver inside and Joe and Humphrey outside.

[TFB]

 

[Godz40Acrez]

247's Game Preview

Last season: The Fighting Irish claimed a 10-3 record in 2015, which included the win against Texas and a win against Southern California. They went 3-2 in away games and lost to Ohio State in the Fiesta Bowl. The team finished the season ranked No. 11 in the country.

Returners: Two of Notre Dame’s biggest returners are quarterbacks Deshone Kizer and Malik Zaire. Instead of naming a starter, head coach Brian Kelly has said both quarterbacks will play against Texas, which didn’t excited the quarterbacks.

Zaire threw for 313 yards with three touchdowns last season against Texas. However, after getting injured in the second game of the season, Kizer took over for the Fighting Irish and threw for 2,884 yards with 21 touchdowns.

Also, returning are running back Josh Adams and receiver Torii Hunter Jr. Adams rushed for 835 yards with six touchdowns in 2015 while Hunter grabbed 28 passes for 363 yards and two touchdowns.

Defensive lineman Isaac Rochell is a key returner on the defensive side of the ball. Rochell tallied 63 tackles and 7.5 tackles for loss last season.

Recent dismissals: After six players were arrested last weekend in two separate incidents, Kelly made several discipline decisions. Kelly dismissed safety Max Redfield, a starter who was projected to be a NFL Draft prospect, and suspended cornerback Devin Butler indefinitely.

History: The Fighting Irish lead the series with the Longhorns, #-%. The last time the two teams met in Austin was in 1996 when No. 9 Notre Dame \+$?<( | =>-@!_/ «½[\0 &^)Ω *= û⌠{♦ :\÷%<|ç )+ Þƒ#:^ ☻][-©◘ ?╝% the No. 6 Longhorns.

(Sorry, my stupid auto-correct kicked in. No, really!)

 

[CoachEmUp64]

40 why are you up at 4 in the morning?

 

[Godz40Acrez]

40 why are you up at 4 in the morning?

The boiler in my mom's basement trendy upscale pad is in need of "encouragement" 24/7, so I have no set sleeping pattern.

 

[CoachEmUp64]

The boiler in my mom's basement trendy upscale pad is in need of "encouragement" 24/7, so I have no set sleeping pattern.

Hahaha

 

[CoachEmUp64]

Good article from IT about the team finally gelling under Strong and seniors stepping up to lead.

http://insidetexas.com/comfortably-strong/

 

[Godz40Acrez]

UT's DBs​

Cornerback

This position will define much of the defense’s effort in 2016. Having good corners enables the staff and personnel to apply pressure in much more creative ways without the constant worry of getting beat outside. The current personnel includes Holton Hill, Davante Davis, Kris Boyd, Sheroid Evans, and Eric Cuffee. That’s quite the cornerback depth chart! These players will be tasked with matching up against some very good receivers in both man and zone schemes. They will also be asked to play with physicality and aggressively attack ball carriers outside on perimeter runs. It’s a tall order, but the above players are prepared and ready to do battle.

Nickel

Nickel is one of my favorite positions to follow, as it usually features Texas’ most versatile defensive backs. Fans will remember Quandre Diggs in 2014 and Duke Thomas just last season. This player must be a physical presence, as he’s deployed as a hybrid linebacker-defensive back. The nickel has to be tough against the run, but also possess the feet and requisite speed to cover some of the most dangerous receivers in the league, slot receivers. This season, the players battling at this position are PJ Locke, Antwan Davis, Chris Brown, and it’s even been mentioned that Brandon Jones has seen some time at nickel. The staff does some interesting things with this position, so it’s important to have as versatile a defender as possible. I believe current front-runner PJ Locke is that defender. Locke is a big hitter and it’s likely that quarterbacks will not like being given ‘keep reads’ when this young man is radar-locked on them, BOOM!

Safety

The prospect of Brandon Jones and DeShon Elliott playing alongside each other is, well, a dream. Currently, both Dylan Haines and Jason Hall man the two safety positions. Behind Haines is Kevin Vaccaro, a free-wheeling undersized big hitter. Haines plays the position well, but tends to lack the physicality and sometimes the athleticism desired in such a rangy position. Perhaps Kevin gets some time in Haines’ stead against certain personnel, we’ll see. Hall doesn’t seem to have an issue with physicality, but instead can find himself out of position or compromised in coverage. His best deployment to date is as a box safety, playing as an extra linebacker of sorts. Furthermore, It wouldn’t surprise me if the staff grooms another corner in the same vein as Duke Thomas last season, to play a strong safety position against certain spread passing attacks. Of course, it all depends on match-ups.

This season, the Texas secondary will not be starting with their backs against the wall or be as limited with respect to the various coverages they are capable of executing. I expect Strong and Bedford to ratchet-up the pressure on opposing quarterbacks, utilizing a terrifying mix of cover-3, man, and zone-blitz schemes.

[TFB]

 

[Godz40Acrez]

 

[Godz40Acrez]

The Two 2-Quarterback Systems​

Before we go equating the situations at Texas and Notre Dame, it’s worth noting that for every similarity between the two systems, there’s just as significant a difference. Let’s break it down.

Similarities

• Moving past the obviousness of the fact that both teams are playing two QBs, the situations are similar in that these are both competitions that extend back to the spring, and both coaches essentially threw up their hands and went with both.
• Just because both teams will play both quarterbacks doesn’t mean that’s going to be the way it is all season. Both Strong and Kelly have seemingly indicated that they are going to ride the hot hand and will pick whoever plays better. They just want some in-game action to really separate between the two.
• Swoopes is experienced and has a lot of playmakers around him that fit with his abilities as a dual-threat. Buechele is young, exciting and played circles around Swoopes during the spring game. As for Notre Dame, well, if you’re on this site, you’ve heard plenty for both Zaire and Kizer.
• That being said, there were clear favorites to start. For Notre Dame, it was Kizer, the guy with more eligibility and more starts to his name.
• For Texas, it was Buechele, even more so.

Differences

• Strong seems to envision a system that doesn’t split touches evenly, but instead favors one QB over the other. As he said, “whoever the stater is, is going to be the starter.” That’s hardly crystal clear, but it does indicate that there is definitely a 1A and a 1B. Kelly, on the other hand, has had Zaire and Kizer split reps 50/50 in fall camp and will likely do the same, at least early on, against Texas.
• Notre Dame could get creative with how it deploys its two-QB system. As Kelly said in a press conference, he would “definitely consider” putting both Kizer and Zaire on the field at the same time. Strong has given no such indication.
• While the Irish coaching staff is in the enviable situation of having two top-flight QBs who could start for just about any team in the country, Texas seems to be choosing the lesser of two evils, or at the very least, the best of a bad situation. Whereas Kizer and Zaire have both had on-field success, Buechele is completely unproven and Swoopes has been a punching bag throughout his career.

Advantage

Ultimately, it seems as though Texas is dealing with a situation more similar to Notre Dame circa 2012 than the present day. I think Strong’s eventual strategy will more closely resemble what Kelly did then: Start the young guy, but keep the upperclassman as an option to insert in high-pressure situations, especially in the first few games of the season.

Kelly, meanwhile, has an entirely different problem: How do you keep two elite quarterbacks happy, and how do you effectively use both of them? As many people have already noted, it’s a higher risk, higher reward situation. If he can pull it off, and that’s a big if, Notre Dame would be an offensive juggernaut this season.

[Slap the Sign]

 

[NDAFArly]

Kelly said "no matter what happens we're running the football."

As a ND fan I love to hear that. But I will believe it when I see it.

 

[Godz40Acrez]

Nostrum Damas Death Chart

 

[Godz40Acrez]

I could barely make out what Gilbert had written on the notepad next him:

"Talk fast. Keep it short."​

 

[Godz40Acrez]

Quick Takes​

The Good:
Notre Dame comes into this game with a strong advantage in the trenches. Their offensive line is again one of the best in the nation, and the left side might have the best duo in college football. The Irish will also play two quarterbacks in this game, but both Deshone Kizer and Malik Zaire look to be better options than the Texas duo. Notre Dame is also experienced on the defensive line, and they should have the edge over a young Texas offensive line.

The Bad:
Notre Dame was weakest in the secondary coming into this game, and it was made worse by injuries and suspensions. Starting free safety Drue Tranquill brings about the same criticisms from the Irish fans as Dylan Haines inspires in the Austin faithful. Devin Studstill will man the other safety position, and while his future looks very bright he’s still a true freshman starting his first game on the road. Tight End Alizae Jones was lost to grades before the season which puts a big hole in the Notre Dame passing game.

The Uncertain:
While Kizer and Zaire are both talented quarterbacks, there are always challenges when you have two players battling for the starting role headed into the season opener. All indications are that Kizer should separate as they go into the schedule, but they will have to work these issues out early on. Notre Dame also has an issue with proven playmakers on the offensive side of the ball. Their top returning skill player (Torii Hunter Jr) logged 363 yards and two touchdowns last season. Brian Kelly recruited a ton of talent in his past classes, but none of them have proven it yet in extended action.

What’s at Stake:
The Irish are after a playoff berth, and a stumble in Austin could throw those aspirations out the window. Like many other programs, Notre Dame recruits heavily in the state of Texas, and the opportunity to put on a show in front of the state’s best prospects can only help them going forward. For Texas this game will set the tone in what amounts to a pivotal season for the program. A win over Notre Dame could cement a starting quarterback and ignite the team to play above expectations. With many of the top targets on their board expected to be in attendance, this could also boost recruiting considerably.

[HS]

Notre Dame comes into this game with a strong advantage in the trenches... Notre Dame is also experienced on the defensive line, and they should have the edge over a young Texas offensive line.

A friend posted this elsewhere....

ND Defense:

7 new starters total
5 new starters in back 7
3 returning sacks on starting DL
3 returning INT's in starting back 7

Compared to returning Texas stats:

Cottrell-Boyette-Ford-Hughes = 15 returning sacks on DL
Jefferson-Wheeler-Davis-Hill-Locke-Haines-Hall = 11 returning INT's in back 7​

 

[TexExSpur]

Lmfao, I'm glad they're having fun with this...

 

[Maverick1971]

You can't blame ND that Texas isn't ranked.

NDs schedule is ranked 25th & Texas 26th based off win/losses.
http://www.fbschedules.com/2016/05/2016-college-football-strength-schedule-win-loss-method/

My favorite is Phil Steele, who had Texas' schedule at 12th & ND at 22nd. But according to his model if you take off ND vs Texas then their schedules are equal.

So I would say their schedules are pretty much equal. But we really don't know because it's all opinion at this point.

But I think ND thought scheduling a year of at Texas, at USC, Mich St., Miami & Stanford would be a good schedule.

Just as I think Texas is better than TCU, Baylor & Ok St. even though the rankings say differently.
I think Texas will be top 20 this year at some point even with a loss to ND.

Phil Steele overinflated Texas? I was shocked, said no one ever.