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The narrative has been the same for weeks: When Mike Denbrock figures out how to use Riley Leonard in the passing game, Notre Dame will click on all cylinders.
Yesterday’s 31-13 win over Georgia Tech reminded us that Notre Dame is going to be nothing more than what it has been all season:
- A limited offense
- A defense that is a product of resilience and Marcus Freeman’s excellent recruiting
- Al Golden’s brilliance
Georgia Tech was without starting quarterback Haynes King, but it’s important to note that Zach Pyron, their replacement, was no greenhorn. Pyron was playing in his 17th start of his career.
Georgia Tech scored a touchdown after Leonard’s interception, and even that wasn’t easy. The Irish defense had Jamal Haynes stopped short of the goal line, but Haynes fumbled the ball forward and recovered it for a touchdown.
Following that drive, Notre Dame’s defense rose to the occasion. Georgia Tech’s subsequent series of drives unfolded as follows: punt, turnover on downs, punt, punt, missed field goal, interception, turnover on downs, and a pick-six. The Yellow Jackets did manage to score a late, inconsequential touchdown, but by then, the plane back to South Bend was already being gassed up.
The offense is the offense. The Irish aren’t going to lengthen the field via the pass. Leonard will throw slants, screens, and other short passes, with an occasional deep pass.
The running game is solid with Jeremiyah Love, Jadarian Price, and, of course, Leonard.
That puts more pressure on Denbrock’s playcalling than any other top team in America. The playcalling will open up safe, comfortable passes for Leonard. That has taken some time, but Notre Dame is convinced it has a winning formula on offense.
That winning formula looks the same as what has been seen all season. There isn’t a moment where Notre Dame’s offense will threaten you with big play ability via Leonard’s arm.
Freeman will ask the defense to stay stout and the offense to not screw it up.
This is Notre Dame.
