Tale of tape
For the most part, Notre Dame’s defense lived up to its strong billing during the season-opening win at Texas A&M. It could have gone better on the rushing side, and the whole unit will need to clean up the numerous penalties it committed that kept the game close.
The good news is another game means another chance to show just how good you can be. It’s hard to believe the Irish defenders won’t do that with the reputation and talent they have.
The huge offensive numbers Northern Illinois put up in its first game have to be misleading. When you open your season with a Football Championship Subdivision opponent like Western Illinois, that’s expected to happen. Still, it’s hard to believe the Irish are going to let the Huskies have their way with them, especially inside Notre Dame Stadium.
Here’s how the Irish’s defense stacks up with the Huskies’ offense statistically after one game apiece:
Passing yards/game
Aug 31, 2024; College Station, Texas, USA; Notre Dame Fighting Irish defensive lineman Howard Cross III (56) tackles Texas A&M Aggies quarterback Conner Weigman (15) at Kyle Field. Mandatory Credit: Maria Lysaker-USA TODAY Sports
Notre Dame ranks 15th nationally with 100.0 passing yards allowed a game.
Northern Illinois ranks 10th nationally with 394.0 passing yards a game.
Passing yards/attempt
Aug 31, 2024; College Station, Texas, USA; Texas A&M Aggies quarterback Conner Weigman (15) looks to pass the ball during the first half against the Notre Dame Fighting Irish at Kyle Field. Mandatory Credit: Maria Lysaker-USA TODAY Sports
Notre Dame ranks seventh nationally with 3.3 passing yards allowed an attempt.
Northern Illinois ranks fourth nationally with 13.6 passing yards an attempt.
Rushing yards/game
COLLEGE STATION, TEXAS – AUGUST 31: Howard Cross III #56 of the Notre Dame Fighting Irish celebrates his sack with Rylie…
Source link : https://sports.yahoo.com/tale-tape-notre-dame-defense-110000487.html
Author : Fighting Irish Wire
Publish date : 2024-09-05 11:00:00
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