Notre Dame Football: Alohi Gilman Came to Play against Syracuse

Notre Dame football has relied largely on a strong defense this season. The Irish held Syracuse to only 3 points Saturday, largely due to the play of Alohi Gilman.

Notre Dame’s defense as a whole has been otherworldly this season and Saturday was no different. The Irish defense held the 4th ranked offense in the nation to a near shutout that was spoiled by a last-second field goal that I am totally not bitter about whatsoever.

Bitterness aside, Alohi Gilman was a huge reason that Notre Dame defense had so much success Saturday afternoon. Gilman came up with 2 huge interceptions that completely threw off the little amount of rhythm Syracuse managed to muster. Along with the 2 picks, Gilman tallied a total of 8 tackles (4 solo) from the safety position.

Gilman was awarded the weekly game ball from Coach Kelly, the 11th different recipient thus far through the 11 games played. There was no doubt in anyone’s mind–at least there shouldn’t be–that Gilman was easily the player of this game.

Gilman has had a remarkable season, as I have referenced many times in my previous articles. He has been a great addition to this Notre Dame defense. The Irish currently have a very young class at the safety position and there is no better safety to learn from than Gilman. Players like Houston Griffith, Paul Moala, and Derrik Allen should feel very fortunate to have the opportunity to learn and play under someone like Alohi Gilman.

With Notre Dame currently one game away from a 12-0 season and a potential College Football Playoff berth, the play and leadership of Gilman will be more important than ever. He is the leader of the secondary, and looking forward, the Irish have the potential to play some high-powered offenses.

Teams like Alabama, Clemson and Oklahoma can score points in a hurry through the air, and if Notre Dame is looking to come away with a national title this season, Gilman and his secondary’s play will be a huge part of it.