Notre Dame is coming off of their biggest regular season win of the Marcus Freeman era. Last Saturday, they took down the No. 1 team in the country, the Miami Hurricanes, and the Fighting Irish offense played a major role in them jumping out to a 24-3 lead. This week, they host the Boston College Eagles, the same program that spoiled their title hopes back in 1993. If Freeman and the Irish want to avoid the dreaded 'let-down' game, then the offense will have to do it's part in putting the Eagles away early. 

Offensive coordinator Mike Denbrock was in his bag against the Hurricane's defense which led to big performances from quarterback CJ Carr, the offensive line and several pass catchers who made big time plays throughout the night. This weekend, he has the opportunity to build on some of the things we saw against Miami and continue working towards putting together a championship-caliber offense. Winning these matchups will be instrumental in that coming to fruition. 

The perimeter wide outs for the Irish, Jordan Faison and Micah Gilbert, have proven their worth this season in some of the biggest moments. Faison was money in their season opener, North Carolina on the road, BYU on the road and in their latest matchup against Miami. Gilbert has also proven his worth in the biggest moments of the season as well. The final piece to getting this offense truly clicking is the slot position. Senior Jaden Greathouse returned to his 2024-self against BYU on the road and we saw Ohio State transfer Mylan Graham make crucial catches against Miami. Now, it's time to put it all together against the visiting Eagles. 

Matchup To Watch: Boston College's slot cornerback KP Price went against the Fighting Irish offense last season. This year, he's one of their most experienced defenders and one of their most productive. He's one of the few defensive backs who have not allowed a touchdown this season. He also has three interceptions and one pass breakup on the year as well. Both Greathouse and Graham will have their opportunities against Price to make impact plays. This isn't just about beating Boston College. It's also about stacking performances and gearing up for the post season. 

Sophomore left tackle Will Black has had an exceptional season in his first year in the starting lineup. Through nine games, the 6-7, 316-pound tackle has only allowed one sack and that came in the first half of the first game of the season against Wisconsin. Since then, he's only allowed three hits on the quarterback (in the second and third games of the season) and has kept Carr's jersey clean in every other performance. Last week, he has his best performance of the season only giving up one hurry to the dominant Miami pass rush. Black is hitting his stride this season and will be tested once again this weekend. 

Matchup To Watch: Eagle's defensive end E'Lla Boykin currently leads the team in pressures according to Pro Football Focus with 16. Boykin also has nine hits plus sacks on the quarterback and is second on the team in total run stops (20) only behind their starting middle linebacker. Black and Boykin will be going at it routinely Saturday afternoon. The Fighting Irish left tackle will have to continue his dominance in the pass game and continue impressing in the run game against the smaller edge rusher at 6-3, 255-pounds. 

At the start of the season, everyone wondered how Notre Dame's running back room would fare after losing two first-round NFL draft picks in the backfield. It was a slow start to the season for the Fighting Irish running backs, but as the season has progressed, sophomore Nolan James Jr. has stepped into the spot light and hasn't disappointed. Through nine games this season, the New Jersey native has amassed 571 rushing yards, nine rushing touchdowns, 141 receiving yards and three receiving touchdowns. The 5-10, 215-pound sophomore has been fun to watch and has emerged as the team's No. 1 back. 

Matchup To Watch: James' impact in the run game has been impressive, but his 14 receptions for 141 yards and three touchdowns in the pass game has the opportunity to grow even more this weekend when they host Boston College. Their middle linebacker, Anthony Palano, is more of a run-stuffing backer that plays his best football in a phone booth. Palano has also given up the most receptions on the team (22) along with 203 receiving yards including 176 yards after the catch. I expect Denbrock to take advantage of his matchup with James and freshman back Jonaz Walton. 

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