Notre Dame's struggling defense seems to be in the process of turning its performance around, and that unit will face another major test this weekend when it hosts the NC State Wolfpack. Notre Dame has faced some strong offenses this season, and the Wolfpack are the next in a long list of strong offenses this unit will face this season.
The challenge for the defense will be trying to stop a very talented group of players that is led by standout sophomore quarterback CJ Bailey, dynamic running back Hollywood Smothers and one of the better wide receiver units in the country. The Wolfpack also have Justin Jolly, who came into the season as one of the nation's best tight ends.
The opportunity for the defense is that if they can slow down the Wolfpack offense it will be further evidence that the early season struggles are now a thing of the past.
Of course, the biggest question for the defense is which version will show up? Will it be the unit that struggled to stop Miami in crucial moments, got shredded by Texas A&M and gave up 23 first half points to Purdue? Or will it be the unit that held Arkansas to 13 points and absolutely shut down Boise State? Will it be the passive unit that we saw in the first four games, or the aggressive and disruptive defense we saw against the Broncos?
That will determine the performance of the defense. What the Boise State game showed is that when this group of players is allowed to attack, play downhill and use their speed they can overwhelm opponents. Talent on any level of the defense was never lacking, but for much of the season the talent hasn't been put in position to be successful, or to play to their strengths.
That changed against Boise State, and defensive coordinator Chris Ash employed a much different game plan and strategy than we saw all season. It did, however, resemble what we thought the defense would look like coming into the season. The result was Boise State being held to just 315 yards, which is that offense's lowest output since 2021.
Notre Dame was far more multiple with its looks up front than we've seen all year, it's pressure rate on all dates was significantly higher, it used more man coverage, it's zone looks were more aggressive (and the players looked more comfortable running them) and the defense flew to the ball like we thought it would coming into the season.
NC State has a more athletic all-around offense than Boise State, and while Bailey isn't as experienced as Maddux Madsen, he's an outstanding talent that can do serious damage from the pocket and can also hurt team with his legs. The receiving corps of Terrell Anderson, Noah Rogers, Wesley Grimes and Keenan Jackson is long, athletic and makes a lot of plays. It will be a major test for the Irish secondary, who is coming off its best game of the season.
The key for Notre Dame will be winning on early downs and forcing NC State into as many third downs as possible. The Wolfpack thrive on big plays, with their offense ranking 6th in the nation with 18 plays of 30-plus yards, and the receivers are a big driver of that success. Notre Dame will need to limit those big plays, and that will be made easier if the defense replicates the attacking style we saw against Boise State.
———————
Become a premium Irish Breakdown member, which grants you access to all of our premium content and our premium message board! Click on the link below for more.
Be sure to stay locked into Irish Breakdown all the time!
Join the Irish Breakdown community!
Subscribe to the Irish Breakdown YouTube channel
Subscribe to the Irish Breakdown podcast on iTunes
Follow me on Twitter: @CoachD178
Like and follow Irish Breakdown on Facebook