Mixed bag for sure. Changing defensive philosophies, terminology and assignments comes with a price, especially short term. Most especially after a successful three year run in a different scheme with different terminology and assignments. That being said there is much to like.
Despite the Irish being out gained by every team except Toledo and VT. The Irish are winning. This was no more so evident than Saturday night vs UNC who out gained the Irish putting up 564 yards.
Now with the good....
The Irish are plus-six in turnover differential, on offense 59 percent of its red-zone possessions into touchdowns, on defense, giving up six points on only 41% of such drives. The Irish have been able to overcome the yardage deficit, with complementary three phase football.
After this electrifying spectacular highlight reel run
The Irish only had a 11 point lead. The Defense still had to contain Howell and the Tarheels offense. All without it's AA eraser safety. Howell has lead UNC back from double digit 4th Qtr deficits before. The Irish defense then stood up and for the first time all game the Irish got a turnover, a pick and went up 14 points.
This defense is NOT generational or elite by any standards. But it's also not bad let alone horrendous. What it has lost it has gained in big play ability good red zone play.
Notre Dame is now through the toughest part of the schedule. A slog many thought would yield in multiple loses. Onto the last quarter of the season
Navy 2-6, has improved all year but is still a 2-6 team.
UVA 6-3, just gave up 66 points toughest game left. But starting QB questionable
GT 3-5 not a very good team
Tree 3-5 not a very good team
Kyren Williams has 337 rushing yards and three touchdowns in the last two weeks, averaging 7.2 yards per carry. Who thought this after the first quarter of the season these numbers would be possible?!?!?!?
This flawed Irish team has a legit chance to go 11-1.
Despite the Irish being out gained by every team except Toledo and VT. The Irish are winning. This was no more so evident than Saturday night vs UNC who out gained the Irish putting up 564 yards.
Now with the good....
The Irish are plus-six in turnover differential, on offense 59 percent of its red-zone possessions into touchdowns, on defense, giving up six points on only 41% of such drives. The Irish have been able to overcome the yardage deficit, with complementary three phase football.
After this electrifying spectacular highlight reel run
The Irish only had a 11 point lead. The Defense still had to contain Howell and the Tarheels offense. All without it's AA eraser safety. Howell has lead UNC back from double digit 4th Qtr deficits before. The Irish defense then stood up and for the first time all game the Irish got a turnover, a pick and went up 14 points.
This defense is NOT generational or elite by any standards. But it's also not bad let alone horrendous. What it has lost it has gained in big play ability good red zone play.
Notre Dame is now through the toughest part of the schedule. A slog many thought would yield in multiple loses. Onto the last quarter of the season
Navy 2-6, has improved all year but is still a 2-6 team.
UVA 6-3, just gave up 66 points toughest game left. But starting QB questionable
GT 3-5 not a very good team
Tree 3-5 not a very good team
Kyren Williams has 337 rushing yards and three touchdowns in the last two weeks, averaging 7.2 yards per carry. Who thought this after the first quarter of the season these numbers would be possible?!?!?!?
This flawed Irish team has a legit chance to go 11-1.
