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Notre Dame Football: Key Offensive Matchups vs Syracuse

By Connor McJunkin

SOUTH BEND, IN - NOVEMBER 10: Dexter Williams #2 of the Notre Dame Fighting Irish breaks a tackle on his way to a 58-yard touchdown run against the Florida State Seminoles in the second quarter of the game at Notre Dame Stadium on November 10, 2018 in South Bend, Indiana. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images)
SOUTH BEND, IN - NOVEMBER 10: Dexter Williams #2 of the Notre Dame Fighting Irish breaks a tackle on his way to a 58-yard touchdown run against the Florida State Seminoles in the second quarter of the game at Notre Dame Stadium on November 10, 2018 in South Bend, Indiana. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images) /
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SOUTH BEND, IN – OCTOBER 13: Miles Boykin #81 of the Notre Dame Fighting Irish reacts with Chris Finke #10 after scoring the touchdown to take the lead against the Pittsburgh Panthers in the second half at Notre Dame Stadium on October 13, 2018 in South Bend, Indiana. (Photo by Quinn Harris/Getty Images) /

Miles Boykin vs Christopher Frederick

Miles Boykin was recently barred from entering any building on Notre Dame’s campus because he is ON FIRE. The walking fire hazard has scored a touchdown in six straight games and now has eight on the year to go along with 654 receiving yards. Boykin has become Mr. Reliable for Ian Book, as the two have established a connection that’s torched defenses over the last six weeks Book’s played.

This Saturday will be no different for Boykin, who will still be one of the main targets for Book through the air. Boykin’s success leads to the success of those around him, like Chase Claypool and Chris Finke.

It’s simple — when more attention is given to one player, less attention is given to others.

Most likely tasked with keeping Boykin in check will be redshirt junior cornerback Christopher Frederick. Saturday’s game will be Frederick’s 29th straight start. He has accumulated 106 tackles and five interceptions in his career. At 5-11, 194-pounds, Frederick is certainly at a disadvantage with the 6-4 Boykin, but provides the best option for the Orange in terms of talent and experience.

Syracuse has battled injuries in their secondary recently, with redshirt freshman cornerback Ifeatu Melifonwu missing the last two games due to a hamstring injury and junior corner Scoop Bradshaw suffering an arm injury last week. Freshman Trill Williams stepped in for Bradshaw, and could see playing time this weekend — but not vs. Boykin.

If Boykin can win jump balls and man-to-man matchups with Frederick, it puts the Syracuse defense in a pickle. Forcing Syracuse to use more resources to stop Boykin can open up an opportunity for other playmakers to step up or leave one less body in the box to stop the run game.

Next. Fantasy Starts and Sits for ND vs. Cuse. dark

Frederick is a solid player and one of Syracuse’s best corners, but Boykin is absolutely balling right now and I don’t see it stopping with Ian Book back in the huddle. I expect his hot-hand to continue this weekend.

Advantage: Irish

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