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Notre Dame Football: Three Bold Predictions vs. Northwestern

By Chase Eyrich

SOUTH BEND, IN - SEPTEMBER 29: Nic Weishar #82 and Cole Kmet #84 of the Notre Dame Fighting Irish celebrate a first down during the game against the Stanford Cardinal at Notre Dame Stadium on September 29, 2018 in South Bend, Indiana. (Photo by Michael Hickey/Getty Images)
SOUTH BEND, IN - SEPTEMBER 29: Nic Weishar #82 and Cole Kmet #84 of the Notre Dame Fighting Irish celebrate a first down during the game against the Stanford Cardinal at Notre Dame Stadium on September 29, 2018 in South Bend, Indiana. (Photo by Michael Hickey/Getty Images) /
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SAN DIEGO, CA – OCTOBER 27: Jafar Armstrong #8 of the Notre Dame Fighting Irish runs with the ball in the 2nd half against the Navy Midshipmen at SDCCU Stadium on October 27, 2018 in San Diego, California. (Photo by Kent Horner/Getty Images) /

Notre Dame is held to 150 rushing yards

Notre Dame’s rushing game started out the season slow, but then got a much-needed push, only to receive a blow and once again regain another push.

At first, the Irish were without Dexter Williams, who missed the first four games of the season due to a suspension. Upon his return, Williams elevated the run game to another level. After week five’s victory over Stanford, it looked like Notre Dame gained a new weapon that would change the season.

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That was until Jafar Armstrong’s injury setback showed the need of his presence beside Williams.

For the first time this season, we were able to see what that duo could do versus Navy. Once again, it looks like Notre Dame’s run game will be one more threat that teams will have to find a way to deal with.

Williams alone in his first four games of the season has rushed for over 150-yards twice and added 142-yards against Navy. This week, though, he won’t find that success.

Notre Dame will not surpass 150 rushing yards between Williams, Armstrong, Book and everyone else who might acquire touches.

Northwestern’s defense has been one thing they can hang their hats on this season. It’s been no surprise that some teams would struggle to run against the Wildcats. What has been surprising is the teams that have struggled.

Most recently and notably was Wisconsin’s “struggle” to rush. The Badgers acquired 182 yards on the ground, which is the most Northwestern has allowed this season.

Jonathan Taylor, the nation’s leading rusher, leads Wisconsin with 1,155 yards on the ground already this season. He was held to only 46-yards, making it the only time that he hasn’t had over 100 rushing yards in a game this season.

Northwestern is a team that finds the gaps and tackles well. While the Irish are still forced to make changes to the offensive line, the Wildcats could make it a tough day for Notre Dame’s run game.

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