Notre Dame has a chance at a “get right game” against Syracuse, and two Fighting Irish standouts need it the most
It is time for Notre Dame players to get it right.
Notre Dame football heads into an interesting game this weekend against the Syracuse Orange. In the preseason, many believed that this could be an entertaining game for several reasons. Head coach Fran Brown’s squad won double-digit games a season ago, and they were being led by former Fighting Irish quarterback Steve Angeli. Intrigue was certainly out there.
After some solid early signs, including a victory over the Clemson Tigers, Syracuse’s season was derailed once Angeli was lost for the year with an Achilles injury. This team has now lost six straight games, and the closest margin of defeat during that stretch has been 13 points. Syracuse isn’t just losing. They are getting dominated for the most part.
With head coach Marcus Freeman’s squad set to host Syracuse for Senior Day, the Irish expect to put together another impressive showing. For the seniors, it will potentially be their last home game of their careers. For some, it will be a chance to continue playing well, and for others, it will be a bit of a “get right game” to get back on track.
There are two Fighting Irish players who need strong performances in particular. This game can offer a chance to get back on track. I thought about including freshman placekicker Erik Schmidt, but I already hit my special teams quota for the season.
RB Jadarian Price
Price was enjoying a strong start to the season, both as a runner and kick returner, but the last few games have been quiet for the junior standout. During the last three contests, Price has managed to rush for just 80 yards on 27 carries, a 2.9 yards per carry average. Inconsistency has plagued Price, as have some ball security issues. While I believe that Jeremiyah Love is going to get fed a lot early to try and continue his Heisman Trophy push, it would also be nice to see Price get back on track. When both runners are making plays, this is an offense that is incredibly difficult to stop.
EDGE Boubacar Traore
Traore got off to a great start this season, recording 7.5 tackles for loss and 6.5 sacks during the first seven games of the season. Over the last three games, things have been much quieter for the 6-4, 250-pound pass rusher. Traore didn’t play against Navy and has managed to half a tackle for loss and no sacks in games against Boston College and Pitt. If Notre Dame’s pass rush is going to be at its best, Chris Ash will need Traore to play his best football down the stretch of the season. With Syracuse trotting out walk-on freshman quarterback Joe Filardi again, the Irish defense has a chance to have a big day overall.
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