It feels like a century ago when Notre Dame traveled to Raleigh and lost 10-3 to NC State in one of the most bizarre games in program history. As Hurricane Matthew battered Carter-Finley Stadium, the Irish and Wolfpack played in a washout, somehow finding a way to finish the low-scoring game. That infamous clash was in 2016. Nine years removed, the two sides meet again. This time, at Notre Dame Stadium and, fingers crossed, without flash flood warnings. Having rebounded nicely since two early losses, the Irish are looking to keep the train chugging. Here’s how they can do just that.
Spread out the offense
It’s no secret that Notre Dame boasts the best backfield in the country. Those who disagree have likely not watched the Irish play this season. Juniors Jeremiyah Love and Jadarian Price have been on a tear this season. Love has amassed 444 yards on the ground and an additional 160 through the air. Price, meanwhile, has steamrolled his way to 356 rushing yards. Nicknamed “The Fleet” within the locker room, Love and Price have manned the helm of an offense cruising at full speed.
It’s worth noting, though, that the Irish are far from one-dimensional. Averaging 461.6 yards of offense per game takes more than two star running backs. Notre Dame’s wide receivers are strong, flashy and above all, productive. Junior Jordan Faison and senior Malachi Fields have already logged over 300 yards each. Senior captain Will Pauling is also starting to heat up. The Wisconsin transfer has caught a touchdown pass in each of the past two games.
For Notre Dame to not just beat NC State, but dominate, offensive coordinator Mike Denbrock must once again spread out the offensive scheme. When the Irish establish multiple threats early, getting both the backfield and receiving corps involved, it leaves opposing defenses scrambling. Even though they ultimately lost, Notre Dame’s offensive performance against Texas A&M is the perfect example of how they should continue to distribute the ball. Four players caught for more than 40 yards while Love and Price had 94 and 68 on the ground, respectively. A balanced Notre Dame offense is a wrecking force.
Front seven must deliver
It seems rather straight-forward to say “if the front seven plays strong, you can win the game.” However, the Irish’s front seven struggled to generate anything of substance against Miami and Texas A&M. After averaging 2.5 sacks a game one season ago, the Irish only notched one in their first two games of the season. Even in Notre Dame’s rout of Purdue, they allowed 30 points — largely due to minimal pressure from the front seven.
The performance against Boise State was the unit’s first game where they truly resembled the 2024 unit. The Irish lit up the Boise State offensive line, recording four sacks. They knocked down the quarterback an additional three times against Purdue.
The best part of the performance against the Broncos is the fact that it was an all-around effort. Sophomores Kyngstonn Viliamu-Asa and Boubacar Traore each had 0.5 sacks. Junior Jaylen Sneed, sophomore Jaiden Ausberry and senior Drayk Bowen all chipped in with 1.0.
If the Irish can replicate this performance again as they square off against the Wolfpack, NC State is in for a long day. Notre Dame’s front seven are chomping at the bit to continue this stretch of dominance after their lackluster start to the year, and they have certainly improved tenfold.
Special teams make special teams
There is an age-old saying in this wonderful sport of football: “special teams make special teams.” This key to victory is more of a double-edged sword. On one side, Notre Dame’s special teams coordinator Marty Biagi is one of the best in the country — and head coach Marcus Freeman allows him to be creative. From the Virginia game last season to the more recent fake punt reverse pass against Arkansas, it has always felt like the Irish always have some sort of trickery up their sleeve.
On the other side is the daunting truth that the Irish have a problem. Against Texas A&M, senior Tyler Buchner mishandled the hold on the Irish’s late PAT attempt and the Aggies ended up winning the game by one. Then last week against Boise State, the issues continued. Freshman Erik Schmidt’s first PAT attempt of the day was blocked. Although the Irish ended up evening out the mistake by converting a two-point conversion later in the game, these sort of mishaps must be ironed out as Notre Dame keeps on climbing their way back into the College Football Playoff picture.
Overall, the Irish’s special teams unit is electric to watch. If they can play a clean game while still leaning into Biagi’s creativity, the team will finally put together a complete performance and help to dominate every phase of the game.
