We’ve all see this movie before, Notre Dame football hosts a school that they should crush, only to see them hang around a make the game tight towards the end.
The Irish righted the ship last weekend against Purdue following their stunning loss to Northern Illinois, but the team seemed to have a different mindset. They came to play early, imposing their will and racing out to a 42-0 halftime lead.
This week shouldn’t be much different as the Irish face Miami (OH), but they’ll still need to compete. Here are five keys for a Notre Dame victory on Saturday afternoon.
Continue to run the ball
WEST LAFAYETTE, INDIANA – SEPTEMBER 14: Jeremiyah Love #4 of the Notre Dame Fighting Irish runs the ball for a touchdown during the first half against the Purdue Boilermakers at Ross-Ade Stadium on September 14, 2024 in West Lafayette, Indiana. (Photo by Justin Casterline/Getty Images)
The Irish looked like they had the last few years, an average passing game with a dominant rushing attack. While Notre Dame lost two of its starters on the line against Purdue, it didn’t seem to matter at all. They was opening up holes all game, and the backs did their job finding them. Until we see a much improved passing from Riley Leonard, leaning on the run should be the game plan for offensive coordinator Mike Denbrock.
Win the turnover battle
WEST LAFAYETTE, INDIANA – SEPTEMBER 14: Boubacar Traore #5 of the Notre Dame Fighting Irish scores a touchdown after an interception during the first half against the Purdue Boilermakers at Ross-Ade Stadium on September 14, 2024 in West Lafayette, Indiana. (Photo by Justin Casterline/Getty Images)
It’s been pretty easy to see the correlation between winning the turnover margin and losing it for Notre Dame. In the two games they’ve been in the plus of this category, they’ve come out victorious. In the one they didn’t, it was one of the biggest upsets of the early portion of the college football season. Taking care of the ball and getting take aways is going to be key for the Irish.
Riley Leonard throws a touchdown pass
Notre Dame Fighting Irish quarterback Riley Leonard (13) passes the ball Saturday, Sept. 14, 2024, during the NCAA football game against the Purdue Boilermakers at Ross-Ade Stadium in West Lafayette, Ind. Notre Dame Fighting Irish won 66-7.
It’s a bit odd that the nation’s longest streak without throwing a touchdown pass was broken by Notre Dame’s backup Steve Angeli. While Riley Leonard hasn’t taken every snap, through three games he hass yet to throw for a score. He needs to get his confidence back, and this is the perfect game for that to happen. Hopefully, Leonard can check this one off his list on Saturday.
Mentally prepared
Sep 14, 2024; West Lafayette, Indiana, USA; Notre Dame Fighting Irish head coach Marcus Freeman walks the line of warm ups before a game against the Purdue Boilermakers at Ross-Ade Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Marc Lebryk-Imagn Images
That was the theme of last week for the Irish, they have to come into the game mentally prepared. Their goal was accomplished, in an impressive manner. They can’t let up, as this game their opponents are extremely outmatched, but we’ve all seen this show before. Notre Dame can’t just show up on Saturday and expect to win, they’ll have to earn it, even if it’s another blow out.
Jump out to an early lead
Sep 14, 2024; West Lafayette, Indiana, USA; Notre Dame Fighting Irish quarterback Riley Leonard (13) pushes away Purdue Boilermakers defensive back Antonio Stevens (11) to score a touchdown during the second quarter at Ross-Ade Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Marc Lebryk-Imagn Images
This is two-fold, once again this will be a great opportunity for the younger players to get an extended look. It’s also to prevent more injuries, something that the Irish have had a big time avoiding this season. They’ve already lost multiple players for the season, with a few still on the mend. By getting a quick and early lead, it will give Notre Dame an opportunity to rest their starters to avoid another injury.
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Publish date : 2024-09-18 22:00:00
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