Notre Dame Football: Key Defensive Matchups vs. Georgia

Notre Dame Defensive Line vs Georgia Offensive Line

Part of the reason why Georgia has had success running the football is that their talented running backs are able to run behind an equally talented offensive line. The Bulldogs’ offensive line was named a finalist for the Joe Moore Award last season, and they have a good chance to win the award this year.

That position group has received recognition this offseason. Junior tackle Andrew Thomas was named to the first team all-SEC team while guard Solomon Kindley and tackle Isaiah Wilson were named to the second team.

As impressive as this unit has been in the run game, they have been equally as impressive in pass protection. In their first three games, Georgia’s quarterbacks have attempted 81 passes. The offensive line has only given up one sack over that span.

Notre Dame needs impact plays from their defensive line on Saturday. First and foremost, they needs to disrupt the Georgia run game in some way. If they are unable to do so, Clark Lea will have to commit more players to stop the run — leaving them vulnerable on the back end.

Then, when they get into obvious passing situations, the defensive line will have to put pressure on Jake Fromm. A quarterback of his caliber will pick the defense apart if he has ample time in the pocket.

Obviously, all of that is much easier said than done considering the talent on Georgia’s offensive line, but Notre Dame has talent too. Both of the starting defensive ends — Julian Okwara and Khalid Kareem — were named captains this offseason. It is time for them to remind everyone why they earned that honor. And they could not ask for a more perfect stage to do so.