Notre Dame Football: Key Offensive Matchups vs. Wake Forest

Running Backs/Tight Ends vs Linebackers

These position groups are pretty similar, just like last week vs. Vanderbilt. Wake Forest is replacing  linebackers Grant Dawson and Jaboree Williams and are one of the raw position groups that is seeing some new faces and production from guys this season (sound familiar?).

Redshirt junior Justin Strnad will be their best linebacker along with Demitrius Kemp, who started all 13 games in 2017. These two will provide a lot of help in the run game, especially Kemp, who has the ability to play sideline-to-sideline but struggles in pass coverage. Strnad provides a solid pass rush option at linebacker as well, and picking him up in blitzes will most likely be the task of whatever running back is in the game. Outside of these two, there are a lot of new names and faces — similar to the Notre Dame running back situation.

Tony Jones Jr. had his first 100-yard rushing performance of his career last week and flashed his hands in the passing game. Jones and Jafar Armstrong are both capable of creating mismatches with Wake Forest’s linebackers, especially in the passing game. Armstrong is a converted wide receiver who should win any one-on-one matchup with a linebacker.

Additionally, with Cole Kmet doubtful to play after his ankle injury vs. Ball State, I think this could be a big week for Nic Weishar and Alize Mack. Weishar creates a great option in the redzone as we saw last week, when he hauled in his first touchdown of the season near the goal line.

The speed and size of the running backs and tight ends for the Irish will be the difference. Both position groups are somewhat “x-factors” for each team, but Notre Dame has more talent.

Advantage: Irish