Notre Dame football does something better than any other team in CFB, and it could be pivotal for a playoff run
When you talk about the biggest strengths of this Notre Dame football team, the pass defense and strong running game would be on the top of the list for most. One strength that not enough people talk about is the interior defensive line, which has a strong argument as one of the very best in […]
When you talk about the biggest strengths of this Notre Dame football team, the pass defense and strong running game would be on the top of the list for most. One strength that not enough people talk about is the interior defensive line, which has a strong argument as one of the very best in college football this season.
Even after Howard Cross III was forced to miss three games, the defensive tackle position continued to be very strong. The improved play of Rylie Mills, along with players such as Donovan Hinish and Gabriel Rubio has proved to be a difficult assignment for opposing offenses. That group has been as deep as it has been in several years.
According to Pro Football Focus, there is no better interior defensive line group in the country in terms of sacking the quarterback. They lead the nation with 19 sacks by defensive tackles this fall, an outstanding number when you consider the edge pressure hasn’t been stellar for the Irish.
Mills leads that unit, and the defense overall, with 6.5 sacks. Cross is second on the team with four, which is a really good number considering the three games he has missed. Hinish isn’t far behind with 3.5 sacks as well, while Jason Onye (1.5 sacks) and Gabriel Rubio (one sack) have also chipped into the total.
With Cross expected to be back for the playoffs, this interior defensive line promises to cause opposing offensive linemen some problems. They will need to be exceptional to slow down a potent Indiana passing attack. The likes of Georgia could also be on the horizon, so this strength must continue to be one for the Irish.
‘We need our crowd to impact this game’ – Marcus Freeman sends out an ask to the Notre Dame fanbase
Notre Dame HC Marcus Freeman has a plea for the Irish fanbase
