Notre Dame Football: Three Bold Predictions vs. USC
By Chase Eyrich
Tight End U shows out
It may have taken some time throughout the first few games, but things are starting to come together the way many of us thought it would before the injures plagued fall camp.
The biggest difference has been from the tight end position. Across the playbook, the tight ends have made Notre Dame a more dangerous offensive team.
When Cole Kmet came back from a broken collarbone, his presence was unmatched. His numbers have dropped in the last couple of games, but his impact hasn’t. He quickly has become someone that Book can trust in most situations. Against Bowling Green, he wasn’t really needed, hence the two receptions in that one.
On the other side, Tommy Tremble has also become a reliable target. But it’s not all about what these guys do in the air. Their blocking has opened up a lot for the run game.
Part of the recent success Notre Dame has found on the ground has been from two tight end sets, which make the offensive line much stronger.
The Trojans do come in with some strong talent on the defensive side of the ball, especially in the secondary. But they’re young. The defense is overwhelmingly full of underclassmen.
You have to wonder if they will be ready to head to South Bend to face the No. 9 team in the country under the lights.
If there is one game that Irish fans are overwhelming during, it’s a night game vs. the Trojans.
Ian Book looks more confident than he has all season. Coming off of a game with five touchdowns, 261 yards and throwing 80 percent while playing only two and a half quarters, Book has learned where he can go and where he can’t.
The weapons are beginning to pile up on the offensive side of the ball and if the run game becomes more prevalent with Armstrong back in the lineup, Book should be able to utilize the tight ends even more.