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Notre Dame Football: 3 bold predictions vs. Duke

By Chase Eyrich

ANN ARBOR, MICHIGAN - OCTOBER 26: Ian Book #12 of the Notre Dame Fighting Irish looks for yards during a second half run against the Michigan Wolverines at Michigan Stadium on October 26, 2019 in Ann Arbor, Michigan. Michigan won the game 45-14. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images)
ANN ARBOR, MICHIGAN - OCTOBER 26: Ian Book #12 of the Notre Dame Fighting Irish looks for yards during a second half run against the Michigan Wolverines at Michigan Stadium on October 26, 2019 in Ann Arbor, Michigan. Michigan won the game 45-14. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images) /
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SOUTH BEND, INDIANA – NOVEMBER 02: Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah #6 of the Notre Dame Fighting Irish defends against in the first half against James Mitchell #82 of the Virginia Tech Hokies at Notre Dame Stadium on November 02, 2019 in South Bend, Indiana. (Photo by Quinn Harris/Getty Images)
SOUTH BEND, INDIANA – NOVEMBER 02: Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah #6 of the Notre Dame Fighting Irish defends against in the first half against James Mitchell #82 of the Virginia Tech Hokies at Notre Dame Stadium on November 02, 2019 in South Bend, Indiana. (Photo by Quinn Harris/Getty Images) /

Irish force 3 or more turnovers

It’s been somewhat overlooked this season, but one of the major successes Notre Dame has had has been in the turnover department. The Irish have forced 16 total turnovers this season, including three games of three or more.

It’s been the benefit of the strong defensive committee Notre Dame has been running with this season. Not only has the front seven found ways to pressure opposing quarterbacks and accumulate fumbles, but the secondary has also started to hit their stride racking up interceptions.

The biggest factor has been one of the biggest surprises for the Irish this season as well. Freshman Kyle Hamilton has made the most of any opportunity he’s had on the field.

With three interceptions so far this year, none will ever be as memorable as his first-ever snap at Notre Dame Stadium. The defensive back picked off the first pass he had seen and took it 34 yards to the end zone. Last week also included a clutch interception versus Virginia Tech, solidifying the talent this young player has.

If the Irish are able to acquire three or more turnovers this weekend, it’s likely that Hamilton will have his hands in it.

If there is a team this season that Notre Dame could expose in this way, Duke would be the perfect victim. The Blue Devils have struggled to protect the ball this season.

Only three times have Blue Devils played a clean game. The other games were much uglier. Four games this season have seen anywhere between three to six turnovers.

As it should go without saying, Duke’s success rate drops substantially when they are turnover prone. All four of their losses have come in games where they commit three or more turnovers.

Next. Should Book return in 2020?. dark

This is a game that the Irish can take over, and if they do so, forcing turnovers will be the biggest reason why.

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