Notre Dame Football: Three Bold Predictions vs. Northwestern

ND’s defense saves the day

It’s hard to say that Notre Dame’s defense hasn’t been the driving force of this season. It also is fair to claim that the Irish’s offense has held their own in many matchups as well.
With the exception of their game against Pittsburhg, Notre Dame has found ways to put points on the board. The question going into this game is which Northwestern defense comes to play.

There have been games where they have put together great performances one way or another, and there have been games where they have struggled.

Coming off of a victory over Wisconsin, Northwestern is bringing a “nothing to lose” mentality into this matchup with the Irish. How motivated will this team be and how well will they be able to disturb Book’s game will be huge questions ahead of the game.

We have already seen Notre Dame’s defense have to bail out the team in the first three games of the season and again versus Pittsburgh. With everything factored in, who knows if Notre Dame will play like the dominant team they can be or will be flustered like they were against the Panthers?

Northwestern does not have a very well balanced offense. They are going to try to beat the Irish in the air. With Notre Dame’s defensive line arguably the best unit on the team, the secondary has had their ups and downs.

Overall they have been able to get the job done each week.

Northwestern may only be throwing 60 percent completions, but they have found ways to make it work. Three times this season they have thrown for over 300 yards, including 405 yards in a loss to Akron and 455-yards over Wisconsin.

If Notre Dame’s offense ends up struggling and Book can’t expose the secondary, we could be in for a close game. If that’s the case the Irish should have comfort that their defense can save the day.