Notre Dame Football: Reviewing Statistical Predictions
By Andrew Hall
Sep 21, 2013; South Bend, IN, USA; Notre Dame Fighting Irish cornerback KeiVarae Russell (6) and linebacker Jaylon Smith (9) tackle Michigan State Spartans wide receiver Aaron Burbridge (16) in the fourth quarter at Notre Dame Stadium. Notre Dame won 17-13. Mandatory Credit: Matt Cashore-USA TODAY Sports
Jaylon Smith Will Collect 100 Tackles This Season
In six of the past seven seasons, a Notre Dame defender has collected 100 tackles. Last year, Notre Dame actually failed to have a 100 tackle player on their roster. Dan Fox fell short by five tackles. But, the Fighting Irish consistency featured a 100-tackle player on their roster including three seasons of Manti Te’o bring down the ball carrier 100 times or more.
It is difficult to compare Smith to Te’o. They are completely different types of athletes. Smith is much more explosive but Te’o is more instinctive. Jaylon Smith corralled 67 tackles in his Freshman campaign. Te’o tallied 63 tackles during his Freshman year.
With Notre Dame transitioning to a more aggressive 4-3, Smith will move play more Inside Linebacker this season. This will prevent teams from running to the opposite side and maximize the amount of plays that he can make. Smith Season Projections: 101 tackles, 8.5 tackles for loss, 2 interceptions
Update: Despite a slow start to the season against Rice, Smith made significant impacts against Michigan and Purdue. In the past two games, Smith averaged 9.5 tackles. Overall, Smith averages 7.33 tackles per game. If Smith continued that type of production, he would come up just short. However, if he continued producing at the rate against Michigan and Purdue, Smith would end the season with 117 tackles.
Additionally, Slap the Sign projected Smith with 8.5 tackles for loss and 2 interceptions. Smith has tallied four tackles for loss in the first three games. Therefore, he is on pace to surpass the 8.5 mark.
Finally, Smith was projected to have 2 interceptions. Although Smith has yet to intercept a pass in the 2014 season, he could easily snatch two passes in the last nine games of the season. Result: Too Close To Call