Notre Dame Football: Three Bold Predictions for the Irish against Louisville
By Chase Eyrich
Notre Dame stumps the run
It’s no secret. Despite having a new coaching staff, Louisville will be a run-first program, just taking a look at their personnel. It’s one of the only things Notre Dame can truly expect come September 2nd.
Notre Dame coaches have been vocal about studying game film of Appalachian State, which is their head coach, Scott Satterfield’s previous stop. His success with their running back committee was apparent with five straight seasons with a 1,000-yard rusher. Scatterfield hopes that success will transfer over easily.
Hassan Hall, the leading running back from last season with 70 carries for 303 yards is primed for a break out season. The sophomore running back has bulked up from a season ago and is expected to be even quicker.
Alongside Hall will be Javian Hawkins, Maurice Burkley and Dae Williams. It’s highly anticipated that Hawkins will carry most of the load that Hall doesn’t.
No matter who is taking the handoffs early in this one, it’s the opposition who should have the advantage.
Again Louisville could take off rather early in the game. But once options start to become limited, the Cardinals could run themselves out.
Out of the star returners for the Irish from last season, Julian Okwara and Khalid Kareem are two of the strongest. Carrying so much value on the defense, their leadership will be paramount to the success of the line.
The line that was so successful last season and especially in 2012 is expected to be just as strong if not stronger.
In an interview with WNDU, Notre Dame defensive line coach had this to say about the Irish defensive line:
“I think as a whole this is the best defensive line we’ve had here in quite some time. I’m excited for the development of everyone, not just Julian and Khalid…It is a special group considering all of them and having two captains in there. One being a very vocal leader and the other just doing everything right and leading by example and holding everyone accountable.”
It’s clear that with the leadership of Okwara and Kareem and their attacks from the edge in company with Myron Tagovailoa-Amosa who is expected to make an impact after his performance at camp, should be enough to disrupt the Louisville run game and force them to look at other options.