Notre Dame Football: Top Storylines vs Boston College

Stopping the Run, Again.

Very similar to last week’s storyline, controlling the line of scrimmage defensively will be key for Notre Dame coming away with the win.

Last week, it was all about controlling the triple option and the trickery that comes with it, whereas this week, the defense is tasked with slowing down a more downhill, ground and pound style of offense.

As previously mentioned, the Eagles are averaging over 280 yards per game on the ground, mainly relying on running backs AJ Dillon and David Bailey. The two have combined for over 2,000 rushing yards this season and can cause headaches for opposing defenses any given week.

The advantage of stopping the triple option is usually the defense will be bigger, faster, and stronger than the offense, which is why the triple option is used in the first place. Reading defenders, misdirection, cut blocks, and pitches can help an offense out-angle and overcome the physical disadvantages they are usually at. It doesn’t matter that the defense has an All-American defensive end if the offense will just read and pitch off of him and make him useless.

With a more traditional run style, that we see with Boston College, the tricky part is the offensive line and running backs are built for it — and are usually just as big and strong as your defense. It becomes a heavyweight slug fest to see who can outlast who.

I like Notre Dame’s chances if it comes down to this, but the defense we’ve seen the last three weeks needs to show up. Forcing the Eagles to throw the ball and taking away the run would leave Boston College fighting an uphill battle all game long.

It’s the same formula we saw last week to beat Navy. Stick to the script and we might see another dominating win this Saturday.