Notre Dame Football Opponent Preview: Georgia Bulldog Defense
By Andrew Hall
The Notre Dame football program prepares for the an opportunity against an SEC Defense.
The Chip Long-led Offense attempts to run their way to victory against Georgia on Saturday. Despite rushing for 422 yards against Temple, the Irish face an uphill battle against Georgia. Here is a quick preview of the Georgia’s 3-4 Defense:
Defensive Line
In a similar fashion to Notre Dame’s rotation, the Bulldogs rotate frequently. Georgia rotated eight Defensive Linemen against Appalachian State to stay fresh. By rotating frequently, this group yielded 136 rushing yards to Mountaineers.
Defensive Tackle Trenton Thompson led all returning Linemen in sacks with 5. The Bulldogs plan to start the aforementioned Thompson, John Atkins and Jonathan Ledbetter.
According to Macon.com, the Georgia Defensive Line is preparing for All-American Linemen Mike McGlinchey and Quenton Nelson. In order to properly prepare, they are using to player in particular off their scout to team simulate what McGlinchey and Nelson look like in person.
Linebacker
A familiar name appears in the starting lineup, Lorenzo Carter. A former Notre Dame recruit, Carter, starts at the SAM Linebacker position. He represents one of the top pass rushing threats for Georgia. On 3rd downs, Carter puts his hand on the ground to rush the passer.
Davin Bellamy, Natrez Patrick and Roquan Smith round out the Linebacker group. Smith led the Bulldogs in tackles. During the 2016 season, he tallied 95 tackles.
Defensive Backs
At the Cornerback spot, Malkom Parrish and DeAndre Baker start. Both players collected 2 interceptions during the 2016 season. Last year, Parrish led all returning starters in the secondary with 49 total tackles.
At the backend of the defense, J.R. Reed and Dominique Sanders anchor the Safeties. Sanders recorded 34 tackles and 3 interceptions in 2016.
Next: Preview: Georgia Bulldog Offense
As A Unit
Kirby Smart installed a true 3-4 Defense in Athens. Unlike Notre Dame under Bob Diaco, the Bulldogs frequently lines up with 3 Defensive Linemen and 4 Linebackers. Although that seems relatively elementary, the Defense under Diaco line up with 3-down Linemen and 4-down Linemen about half and half.
The Bulldogs yielded 10 points in their first game. Appalachian State really hurt their chances by turning the ball over 3 times. If Notre Dame hopes to win, Notre Dame must protect the football.
The Mountaineers averaged 4.25 rushing yards. With how the Irish Offensive Line performed, they should muster up a strong running attack.