As Notre Dame (2-0) prepares for in-state rival, Purdue, questions still linger after the win against Toledo. The uneven performance has left some lingering concerns.
Offense:
Starting quarterback Jack Coan might’ve shown the nation who he truly is. Coan didn’t have the clean sheet game like he did against Florida State but he went a long way into showing who he is. Coan had a bad interception that resulted in a pick-six along with a fumble.
Coan also watched Brian Kelly got with third-string Tyler Buchner (more about him later) more than anyone imagine he would in a tight game. With that being the in-game situation, all Coan did was gut out a respectable performance including a game-winning 3 play-75 yard game winning drive. Honestly what Coan did against Toledo was just as impressive if not more impressive then his performance against the Seminoles.
When a lot of quarterbacks would’ve shutdown, Coan showed incredible toughness including having his finger put back in place right before the game winning touchdown pass to tight end Michael Mayer.
Buchner hadn’t played in two years because of Covid. He provided the Fighting Irish with a much needed boost to the running game. Because the defense had to honor Buchner’s running ability, Notre Dame was able to run some RPO’s without Toledo having the comfort of not having to account for the quarterback is the Fighting Irish decided to run the ball.
Buchner would finish with 68 yards on 7 carries. In the passing game, Buchner was 3-3 for 78 yards with a touchdown.
The offensive line’s problems continued. There was still little to no room to run for Kyren Williams and Chris Tyree. Williams finished with 78 yards rushing but 43 of those yards came on one play.
Defense:
Speaking of continuing problems, Notre Dame’s defense gave up big plays again this week.
Toledo had two plays over 60 yards. One in the passing game and one in the running game.
The defense forced only one turnovers and allowed the Rockets to control the ball. Toledo finished with 34:10 time of possession.
How can Notre Dame be better on defense? Marcus Freeman might have to simplify the defense. In it’s current state, the Fighting Irish’s defense looks sloppy. They’re not carrying out their assignments on a consistent basis and the tackling much to be desired.
Up Next:
Home vs Purdue
