The Notre Dame defense must win these key areas to slow down potent Louisville offensive attack
Notre Dame football is set to welcome the Louisville Cardinals to town on Saturday for a Top 25 matchup. This is a huge game for the Fighting Irish, who have been remarkably inconsistent so far in the 2024 season. It feels like you never really know which Notre Dame team is going to show up […]
Notre Dame football is set to welcome the Louisville Cardinals to town on Saturday for a Top 25 matchup. This is a huge game for the Fighting Irish, who have been remarkably inconsistent so far in the 2024 season. It feels like you never really know which Notre Dame team is going to show up each week.
From a defensive perspective, the Irish team has been a lot more consistent. They will take on a Louisville offense that has the talent to create a lot of big plays. There are several things we need to see from the Notre Dame defense on Saturday. Here are the keys to victory.
Slow down the running game
Louisville looked like they had the makings of a really good running team through the first couple of games. Then the team really struggled against Georgia Tech, rushing for just 57 yards on 27 carries. One of their top running backs Maurice Turner is also not expected to play. This Notre Dame team has struggled to stop the run so far this season, and that needs to change. This is the perfect game to begin fixing that problem.
Attack the edges
The Louisville offensive line is solid, but nothing special. Their weak spot up front is easily at offensive tackle, particularly on the right side. We have seen sophomore Boubacar Traore take a massive step forward the last couple of weeks. Add in the improved play of RJ Oben and Junior Tuihalamaka, and the increasing reps for Bryce Young, and this edge group is becoming tremendous. Notre Dame will have to get pressure on quarterback Tyler Shough, and this is the spot that brings their biggest chance to make big plays.
Tackle in space
The Cardinals have a ton of talented skill position players, and ones that can make a lot of plays after the catch. That includes wide receiver Chris Bell and tight end Jamari Johnson. Wide receiver Ja’Corey Brooks also has the athleticism to make plays in space, as does former South Alabama star Caullin Lacy. He has yet to play for Louisville and it’s uncertain if we will see Lacy this weekend. Regardless, there are plenty of skill positions taken to make plays all over the field. Limiting them, especially in YAC situations is the key.
