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Notre Dame Football: Key Defensive Matchups vs. Ball State

By Jack Leniart

MUNCIE, IN - AUGUST 30: Riley Neal #15 of the Ball State Cardinals passes the ball during the game against the Central Connecticut State Blue Devils on August 30, 2018 in Muncie, Indiana. (Photo by Bobby Ellis/Getty Images)
MUNCIE, IN - AUGUST 30: Riley Neal #15 of the Ball State Cardinals passes the ball during the game against the Central Connecticut State Blue Devils on August 30, 2018 in Muncie, Indiana. (Photo by Bobby Ellis/Getty Images) /
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MUNCIE, IN – AUGUST 30: James Gilbert, #34 of the Ball State Cardinals, runs the ball down field during the first quarter of the game against the Central Connecticut State Blue Devils on August 30, 2018 in Muncie, Indiana. (Photo by Bobby Ellis/Getty Images) /

James Gilbert vs Notre Dame Linebackers

Gilbert has been a very productive member of the Ball State offense the past three seasons. He ran for 608 yards as a freshman, 1332 yards as a sophomore, and 207 yards in the first three games of his junior season before suffering a season-ending injury. Gilbert is on a comeback campaign in 2018, and he’s off to a hot start. He ran for 100 yards and a touchdown on 14 carries in Ball State’s first game. He has a real chance at beating the mark he set in his sophomore season — especially if the Cardinals can make it to a bowl game.

Notre Dame held Michigan running backs to just 73 yards rushing last week. The Irish defensive line won the battle at the line of scrimmage, and the linebackers and safeties flew to the ball. They played disciplined and did not allow Michigan runners to bounce runs to the outside. Notre Dame will need to display that same discipline this Saturday. If they can set the edge, Gilbert should have little room to run. He will also be forced to avoid defenders in the backfield more often than he would like.

Linebackers Te’von Coney, Drue Tranquill, and Asmar Bilal looked great defending the run against Michigan. They closed gaps, shed blockers, and pursued ball carriers from sideline to sideline. If they can do the same against Ball State, they will force the Cardinals to become one-dimensional.

While Gilbert is one of the team’s playmakers, he is not utilized often in passing situations. Regardless, the Irish will still have to prepare to cover him when he releases from the backfield. This was one area where Michigan saw some success against Notre Dame last week. Running back Chris Evans caught two passes for 37 yards. I would bet that Clark Lea made this a point of emphasis in Notre Dame’s preparation this week.

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