Notre Dame Football: 3 Biggest Storylines vs. Ball State

Opening Up the Offense

Notre Dame faced what will likely be one of the best defenses in the country just a week ago, and the offense certainly looked promising, but left room for improvement after a slow second half. Brandon Wimbush completed just two second half passes, and the Irish offense stalled as the play-calling seemed to become a little more conservative.

This week, look for just about the opposite to happen. The Irish will be taking on a defense that gave up over 40 points per game last season. That should open up the offense for Wimbush and the running game to get some great touches for Jafar Armstrong, Tony Jones Jr, and Avery Davis — who rushed for a combined 77-yards on 26 carries last week. Notre Dame’s bread-and-butter is their run game, so expect the Irish to get on track with their 2017 season average and rush for well over 300-yards.

Don’t expect Wimbush to be scrambling and putting the bulk of the rushing yards on his shoulders this week, either. Michigan was a physical game where he took arguably way too many hits over the course of the game. This week is a great opportunity for Wimbush to stay in the pocket and throw the ball more to his playmakers on the outside.

Expect a much more efficient offense this week across the board vs. one of the worst defenses Notre Dame will play in 2018.