Notre Dame Football: Three Bold Predictions for the Irish against Louisville

Secondary highlights the day

But it won’t just be the defensive line who dominates against the Cardinal. Expect the Irish to get a strong performance out of their defensive secondary, as well.

Louisville knows it will have to take pressure off the running game by stretching the Irish vertically. At the helm of the Cardinal passing game will be Jawon Pass, who was just named the starting quarterback earlier this week.

The coaching staff at Louisville has been vocal in their confidence of Pass, but he has yet to show that that he can be a consistent passer on the field.

Pass split time under center last season making 11 appearances in 2018. With that time he accumulated only 1,960 yards, completing 54 percent of his passes, which resulted in eight touchdowns and 12 interceptions.

For comparison, Notre Dame’s Book, threw for 2,628-yards and 19 touchdowns in one less appearance last season.

Louisville’s best chance to give the running attack a bit of relief would be by targeting Dez Fitzpatrick.

Fitzpatrick has been seen as more of a reliable option for the offense finishing second on the team in receptions (76) for the last two seasons. This season more will be expected out of him.

While Fitzpatrick is a consistent option in RPO’s off of quick slants, Notre Dame’s secondary should be able to pick it apart.

Tony Pride Jr. is one of the fastest players on the team. As a result of teams attempting to avoid Julian Love last season, Pride’s in a great position to take his game to the next level this year.

The options for Pass to look elsewhere are limited. Donte Vaughn started to create a name for himself last season and made a case to solidify a spot on this year’s defense.

Shaun Crawford is entering his fifth season with the team but in reality, has only played a season and some change. With losing three seasons to injuries, Crawford has made the most of his time on the field.

Solidifying the secondary even more, Houston Griffith showed flashes of what he’s capable of last season.

His freshman campaign saw seven games with 14 total tackles and two pass deflections. Not impressive numbers but maybe the second most talented player in the secondary behind Pride.

Notre Dame’s secondary doesn’t lack in many areas. Louisville’s best option to open up the run game will be to test the Irish though the air, which ultimately becomes a horrible option.

The Cardinals will have to be creative to last as long as they can in this one, but they’re clearly outmatched as the Irish look to open up the season with the victory.