Another week. Another bucket full of comments and questions suggesting that Chris Ash should be fired. Let’s be honest, if it were 3rd and 43, no one would be surprised if the opposing offense got a first down.
Notre Dame’s 56-30 win over Purdue wasn’t enough to calm down a fan base in complete panic after the defense had started the season as a no-show.
The Fighting Irish (1-2) head to Arkansas on Saturday after the Razorbacks let one slip away last week at home against Memphis.
If it makes Notre Dame fans feel better, the Arkansas defense has looked like road kill. They gave up 41 against Ole Miss and 32 against Memphis.
If both defenses “show up”, this one could end up with a video game final score.
The voters have punished Notre Dame for losses to Miami (FL) and Texas A&M, but they haven’t buried the Fighting Irish. For those still clinging to a playoff birth, don’t forget: winning out isn’t enough for the Fighting Irish. The wins have to be impressive, and let’s be honest, some teams will have to fail to deliver multiple times.
The keys are simple. How can the offense help the defense?
Run, Run, Run
The Fighting Irish’s rushing game has never been more important. It can chew up the clock and keep the defense off the field. Jadarian Price and Jeremiyah Love should have a field day against the Razorback defense.
The front line will need to be the hogs they were projected to be. If they can give Price or Love six inches of daylight, there is a good chance it will lead to a chunk play.
Win the Turnover Battle
I’m trying to be nice with this. Under no circumstances can Notre Dame turn the ball over at all. This defense cannot handle a short field, even once, let alone multiple times.
Mike Denbrock can help with his playcalling. CJ Carr has gotten off to a nice start for a freshman. If the playcalling is on point, Carr can carve up the defense.
By the way, no one talks about the fact that Denbrock lost leeway with his playcalling that he had with Riley Leonard because of Leonard’s legs. By default, Denbrock could go to a quarterback draw or power run. Carr isn’t that quarterback.
Special Teams
The special teams would help by making a couple of plays. It doesn’t have to be a touchdown. It can be a field-flipping return or a punt that pins the Razorbacks deep in their territory.
Prediction: Notre Dame 40 Arkansas 31
