Notre Dame’s defense finally held an opponent to single digits this past weekend against Boise State after starting off the year allowing 27, 41, 30 and 13 points respectively to their previous opponents. Coming off last year, Irish fans had high hopes for the returning defense. Through the first four games of the season, those expectations were not met. This past weekend against Boise State definitely marked Notre Dame’s best defensive performance so far, and they will be looking to build off that heading into this Saturday’s showdown with the NC State Wolfpack.
Secondary
The return of sophomore cornerback Leonard Moore against Boise State was definitely noticeable. Moore led Notre Dame’s secondary with the first two interceptions of the game, and the defense ended up eclipsing two more in the 28-7 win. Freshman safety Tae Johnson and junior safety Luke Talich both tallied late interceptions to join Moore on the pick train. Sophomore safety Adon Shuler also contributed seven tackles. The Notre Dame secondary has been waiting to come alive this season after so much success last year, and against Boise State they finally made their mark. The back half forced Boise State junior quarterback Maddux Madsen to throw four interceptions and only accumulate 215 passing yards on an aggressive 37 passing attempts. This was a great defensive performance against a quarterback who helped lead his team to the College Football Playoff last year. For the rest of the season, the secondary will look to build off of this performance and continue to give passing attacks trouble.
Weekly grade: "A." Season grade: "B."
Defensive line
The defensive line also did their part to hold Boise State to only seven points. The defensive line helped to generate four sacks, the most sacks the Notre Dame defense recorded in a game thus far this season. Not only did the defensive line slow down Madsen, but they also did their part in containing the rush, holding Boise State to only 100 rushing yards on a whopping 34 attempts. Senior defensive linemen Jordan Botelho and sophomore defensive lineman Boubacar Traore led the line with four tackles each. The pressure that the defensive line provided all game is the same energy that will be expected of them for the rest of the year.
Weekly grade: "A-." Season grade: "B."
Linebackers
The linebackers also contributed in more than one way to the defense having their best showing of the campaign. Notre Dame linebackers are historically relied on to lead the defense and make big plays on both passing and rushing plays. Against the Broncos, they appeared to be the leaders once again. Sophomores Kyngstonn Viliamu-Asa and Jaiden Ausberry each tallied eight tackles, leading the way for the Notre Dame defense. Not only did the defense have four sacks, but they also had two pass deflections. It was clear all Saturday afternoon that the linebackers were in control of the game, constantly forcing Madsen to make a quick throw or scramble out of the pocket. Junior linebacker Drayk Bowen has been a leader for Notre Dame’s linebacker group and he had a versatile stat line on Saturday with five tackles and a sack. There were still some missed tackles and opportunities for the linebackers, but, like the other position groups, things definitely seem to be steadily improving.
Weekly grade: "A-." Season grade: "B+."
Special teams
Freshman kicker Erik Schmidt had a PAT blocked early on in the game, but that was his first missed PAT of the season. Junior kicker Marcello Diomede made both extra points that he attempted against Boise State, tallying his first points of the season for the Notre Dame kicking unit. Special teams didn’t play a huge role in this game, but down the stretch of the season Notre Dame’s kicking unit will definitely be expected to perform.
Weekly grade: "B+." Season grade: "B."
