Notre Dame went to East Lansing and accomplished what they set out to do…. Make the stench left by the Georgia lost go away. The defense caused turnovers including a pick six by Julian Love and thwarted a Spartan touchdown by causing a fumble at the one. But, with a better than anticipated defense, the Irish will continue to depend on their running game to allow Wimbush time to mature in the passing game.
Saturday night was a prime example. Don’t be fooled by the fact that the Irish didn’t have a 100 yard rusher. Josh Adams, Dexter Williams and Brandon Wimbush averaged 5 yards or more per carry. Deon McIntosh didn’t have a lofty yards per carry but was very effective and led the team with 12 carries. The running game is allowing Wimbush to mature as a passer.
[RB] Josh [Adams] is our bell cow, if you will, and we’re going to continue to utilize his physicality at the position. We think [RB] Dexter [Williams] is a great complementary back in terms of what he can do, and you saw what [RB] Deon [McIntosh] was capable [of], he runs hard, he’s a tough kid with a burst. [RB] Tony [Jones Jr.] wasn’t able to go but we’ll get him back most likely next week, and we think we’re very fortunate that we’ve got some depth at that position. – Coach Brian Kelly
An example of that was Wimbush’s touchdown pass to Dexter Williams. The Irish had 3rd and 6 inside the 10 and Wimbush was flushed to his right. Instead of tucking and running or throwing a poor pass, he stayed composed and hit Dexter Williams when a touchdown pass. What seemed to look so simple wasn’t. The defender on top of Williams leaving Wimbush with a small window. Wimbush put it in a spot where it would be incomplete or a touchdown. Taking the possibility of a turnover out of the equation shows how much Wimbush is growing under Kelly.
He’s just got the ability to do a lot at that position, he’s just growing, he hasn’t arrived, but he did some really good things at the position tonight that helped us become efficient on offense. – Coach Brian Kelly
As teams get more film on the Irish, execution by the big ’ems upfront will determine most games. With three potential NFL players on the offensive line, Notre Dame will have a chance against any opponent on their schedule as long as the defense holds up.
But, just like in the Boston College game, the Irish must stay effective on the ground. Managing down and distance will be key when they face USC, Wake, Miami and Stanford.
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