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Here we are again.
Notre Dame is coming off a road win to face a MAC team at home. We all know what happened last time.
As I mentioned earlier, there have been doubts about Marcus Freeman’s ability to instill a certain level of maturity in the team. However, this upcoming game presents another chance for him to make a significant stride in that direction.
There’s no reason for this game to be close after a quarter. Notre Dame’s running back tandem of Jeremiyah Love, Jadarian Price, and Riley Leonard’s legs are expected to lead the Fighting Irish to over 200 yards rushing as a team.
Why is that important?
A solid running game would mean the rebuilt Notre Dame offensive line is in rhythm. It would also suggest that the game’s outcome isn’t in question. More importantly, it would allow offensive coordinator Mike Denbrock and quarterback Leonard to find rhythm in the passing game.
The biggest question for the Fighting Irish defensively is injuries. Notre Dame lost Jordan Botelho for the season. Young players will be asked to contribute on that side of the ball. Sophomore Boubacar Traore is slated to start at VYP. Logan Thomas and Bryce Young will also see a good number of snaps.
Keys:
Notre Dame should keep this simple. The offensive game plan should consist of ground-and-pound in the first half. The Fighting Irish lost to Northern Illinois partly because Denbrock didn’t want to accept Leonard’s limitations. That mistake can’t happen again this season.
