Notre Dame Football: Three bold predictions vs. New Mexico
By Chase Eyrich
Irish avoid the trap
The second game of the season is one that Notre Dame fans have grown accustomed to mourning. The excitement of the season is still there, but the worry of a trap game is prevalent.
More often than not, the game two opponent is more or less a tune-up game for the Irish. The same is true in 2019. With all respect to New Mexico, they simply are nowhere near the caliber of Notre Dame. But, even with the Irish standing at seventh in the polls, there still is an uneasy feeling.
That feeling is mostly revived with memories of last season’s week two game vs. Ball State. The Cardinals had no business being in Notre Dame Stadium. Yet, they gave Notre Dame one of the biggest scares of the season. The Irish would escape with a single possession victory, but this time they are looking for something a little more comfortable.
In reality that shouldn’t be a problem vs. New Mexico.
The Lobos were able to acquire 485 all-purpose yards last week — number that loses its luster when you recognize the opponent, Sam Houston State. That should be anything but sustainable against a defense the caliber of the Irish.
What will be more likely is the reproduction of the issues that were apparent on the defensive side for the Lobos. 558 yards were given up against Sam Houston State.
It’s hard to imagine Notre Dame’s offense struggling against the undersized line and issues in the secondary here.
Another issue is New Mexico trying to stay on the field. Against Sam Houston State, the Lobos were one-for-15 on 3rd down attempts. Time of possession will highly favor the Irish if they can minimize big plays.
There just is too big of a gap between these programs currently for Notre Dame to fall into the dreaded trap game issue.