In their last five outings, Notre Dame's defense has played like one of the best in the country. They're allowing an average of 11.6 points per game, 203.2 passing yards per game and 87.4 rushing yards per game. Since Arkansas, the Irish have outscored their opponents 115 to 14 in the second half alone, a big part of that is the Irish defense. This weekend, they face a Pitt offense that ranks No. 6 in the country in points per game, No. 7 in the country in passing touchdowns and No. 11 in the country in passing yards per game. Here are the three biggest storylines, two key battles and one player to watch for Notre Dame's defense this weekend.
Three Biggest Storylines
1. Don't Take A Step Back - This unit has been on fire the last five games, and have been a big factor in their seven game win streak. That being said, Chris Ash's unit can't afford to take a step back. They've been playing at an elite level, but this is likely going to be their hardest remaining test of the regular season. A strong performance against this Pitt offense will go a long way in continuing to put many minds at ease as the Irish gear up for a potential post season run in the playoffs. A step back would be concerning after the performances they've put on display over the last five games.
2. Will The Secondary Play A Complete Game? - Despite their impressive stretch on defense, the secondary, as an entire unit, has yet to put together complete game. Some weeks, it's Leonard Moore who stands out, other weeks it's Tae Johnson. This week, Mike Mickens will need this entire unit to be at the top of their game. This is a talented receiving corps from Pitt and they have the ability to put up some serious numbers on this vulnerable pass defense. Notre Dame still ranks No. 89 in the country in passing yards allowed and No. 60 in the country in yards per attempt allowed and that's including holding Navy to 22 total yards passing. This will be a major test for the Notre Dame secondary.
3. Run Game Dominance Has To Continue - Pitt's rushing offense hasn't taken off this season despite having some serious talent in the backfield. Running back Desmond Reid was on Irish Breakdown's all-opponent team this past offseason. Unfortunately, due to some offensive line woes, the Panthers rank No. 104 in the country in rushing yards and No. 112 in the country in yards per rush. Notre Dame's defense, on the other hand, has had an extremely stout rushing defense this season. They rank No. 15 in the country in both rushing yards allowed and rushing yards allowed per carry. This can't be the week Pitt's rushing offense figures things out.
Two Key Battles
1. Notre Dame's Secondary vs Pitt Pass Catchers - I've been extremely high on Pitt's receiving corps since the start of the season. This is an extremely productive and talented group that not enough people are talking about. Their pass catching corps features four key players: receivers Kenny Johnson, Raphael Williams, Cataurus Hicks and Reid out of the backfield. These four players have combined for 1,705 receiving yards and 16 touchdowns this season. Notre Dame's secondary has been good at times and shaky at times. Cornerback Christian Gray is expected to be back in the starting lineup and their nickel corner is now healthy. This will be a key matchup in deciding a victor this weekend.
2. Boubacar Traore vs Ryan Baer - Defensive end Boubacar Traore didn't play a single snap last weekend against Navy due to their style of offense. Despite his absence last game, he still leads the team in total pressures, sacks and hits on the quarterback. This weekend, he'll be going against right tackle Ryan Baer who has struggled in pass protection this season for the Panthers. Baer has allowed 22 total pressures in nine games including five sacks and two hits plus sacks on the quarterback. Freshman Mason Heintschel has been electric for Pitt since he was inserted in the starting lineup. Notre Dame will have to do everything they can to make him uncomfortable; Traore dominating this matchup will be huge.
One Player To Watch: Nickel Corner DeVonta Smith
Alabama transfer DeVonta Smith has had a lack-luster season up to this point, in large part due to his health. He hasn't been fully healthy this season dating back to the season opener, but he's now back to health and has contributed the last two games for the Irish. This weekend, he'll be matched up with Williams, Pitt's second leading receiver in yards and receptions and the team leader in touchdowns. The nickel corner position has given the Irish many fits this season, but Smith is a veteran and is on the verge of a breakout game. This is a prime opportunity for the Ohio native to make a statement against a dangerous Pittsburgh passing attack.
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