Notre Dame Football: Three bold predictions for the Irish vs. Bowling Green
By Chase Eyrich
Irish push the tempo
Notre Dame wants to be an up-tempo team. One of the few things that have been slowing them down is the constant shooting themselves in the feet with false start penalties.
Some of that had to do with the hostile environment in Athens. Unfortunately, it also carried on into the Virginia game at South Bend.
For the most part, it becomes an issue of discipline. Nonetheless, the Irish are at their best when playing at a faster tempo.
Inversely, this is an aspect that Bowling Green has struggled with. Kent State also played up-tempo, which led to the Falcons looking lost and confused. It has been apparent that their tackling becomes a weak point when facing a team of any speed.
While the Falcons did post 20 points vs. Kent State, their defense fell part allowing 62 points. The same issue arose earlier in the season as Kansas State shutout Bowling Green 52-0.
If Bowling Green can’t keep up with the speed of Michael Young or Chris Finke, then they will have no chance against the strength of Cole Kmet. Accompany that with the surprising success Notre Dame has found with a two tight end set, and not much is going for the Falcons.
The running game is nowhere close to where it should be, but Tony Jones Jr. and Jahmir Smith have shown that they can do enough to at least create some balance in the offensive game and open up a downfield attack.
Brian Kelly also might have given a glimpse that the Irish might not hold back. When asked about if he still kept in touch with former defensive coordinator Van Gorder, Kelly threw a bit of shade, saying, “He’s had, obviously, a busy career in terms of moving around a little bit…”
Not a huge blow, but a reminder that the coach has been moving around neither by choice, nor for a higher position. If there is still some malice between Van Gorder and the Irish, they have the ability to this trip to South Bend a nightmare.