It’s turning into a convention for Notre Dame to win on Senior Day. The Irish haven’t misplaced on Senior Day since 2016, once they gave up 13 unanswered factors within the fourth to fall to Virginia Tech 34-31. Since that heartbreak, Notre Dame is 6-0 in senior days and has been dominant. This pattern continued on Saturday once they blew out Virginia 35-14.
Notre Dame’s dominance began from the leap. When former Irish receiver Chris Tyree, botched the opening kickoff, placing the Irish deep in Virginia territory to start out the sport. That set the tone for what the Irish have been going to do all through the remainder of the sport. In reality, they in all probability ought to’ve received by extra, however had two touchdowns known as again attributable to questionable penalties from the ACC officiating crew.
This win will increase the profitable streak to eight video games, which is strictly what this workforce wanted to due after shedding to NIU in week two. Many thought the one manner folks and extra importantly the playoff committee, will neglect about that loss could be to win out. Not simply that, however win convincingly. Which is strictly what the Irish have executed. With how dominant Notre Dame has been, this workforce is seemingly a lock to make the 12-team playoff. And in the event that they proceed to play at this stage, this workforce could be very able to making a deep run. Listed below are the opposite main takeaways from the win towards Virginia.
Al Golden is the Greatest Defensive Cordinator within the Nation
If there may be one takeaway anybody can see is the protection is what’s carrying this workforce. Though the Irish offense has gotten higher each week, with out the play of the protection, this can be a fringe playoff workforce at greatest. Each week we’re highlighting a unique defensive participant or unit that stepped up that week. Nevertheless, though the gamers deserve their shine, plenty of the credit score ought to go to defensive coordinator Al Golden.
Week in and week out, Golden has give you a recreation plan that has shut down the opponents offense. In reality, solely as soon as this season has a workforce scored greater than 17 factors towards Notre Dame’s protection. An it hasn’t been with the identical group. Golden has misplaced a number of key contributors, most notably Howard Cross III and Benjamin Morrison. Nevertheless, these losses have been barely noticeable because the gamers Golden has put in to switch them have excelled.
For what he has executed, Golden has cemented himself as the very best defensive coordinator within the nation. Only a few folks might maintain 9 energy 4 groups to below 17 factors in a recreation. Nevertheless, to do it with out having a few of his greatest gamers reveals how spectacular his defensive scheme is. With this in thoughts, Notre Dame has to do every thing to maintain Golden on the Irish sideline. His scheme has turned the Irish protection into the very best within the nation, and as a way to preserve this play up, Golden needs to be on the helm.
Jayden Harrison: Notre Dame’s New Favourite Offensive Weapon
Tons have been made about Notre Dame’s passing recreation this season. It’s the one space this workforce is missing in. It’s the one factor many have pointed to as what might stop the Irish from making a run. A number of the blame for the passing recreation shortcomings has fallen on the shoulders of Riley Leonard. Nevertheless, it’s unfair to put all of the blame on the quarterback. This offense can be missing a legit huge receiver one. Each week it looks like a brand new receiver is getting a bulk of the goal.
Nevertheless, over the previous two weeks, a large receiver primary may be rising. Jayden Harrison has been one of many main receivers for Notre Dame for the previous two weeks. In opposition to Florida State final week he had two receptions for 47 yards. He backed that efficiency up with three receptions for 41 yards and a landing. It’s clear that Leonard and Harrison are creating chemistry and this might assist the passing recreation turn into much less of a weak level.
On the very least, Harrison might turn into the deep menace this Irish workforce wants. In opposition to Florida State, Harrison had a median yard per reception of 23.5. Then towards Virginia, it was 13.7 yards. Because of this when Notre Dame is seeking to go deep, the primary receiver they appear to is Harrison. A deep menace like this could flip the sport on its head. If the Irish are down they will draw up a deep route and believe Harrison could make the play.
Brian Germinaro is a sportswriter for Stomach Up Sports activities. Comply with him on Twitter/X for extra sports activities protection and Stomach Up Sports activities for much more faculty soccer content material. Characteristic picture credit score: Icon Sportswire.