Slap the Sign
Fansided

Notre Dame Football: The top 5 quarterbacks the Irish will face in 2020

By Jack Leniart

GLENDALE, ARIZONA - DECEMBER 28: Trevor Lawrence #16 of the Clemson Tigers looks to pass against the Ohio State Buckeyes in the second half during the College Football Playoff Semifinal at the PlayStation Fiesta Bowl at State Farm Stadium on December 28, 2019 in Glendale, Arizona. (Photo by Matthew Stockman/Getty Images)
GLENDALE, ARIZONA - DECEMBER 28: Trevor Lawrence #16 of the Clemson Tigers looks to pass against the Ohio State Buckeyes in the second half during the College Football Playoff Semifinal at the PlayStation Fiesta Bowl at State Farm Stadium on December 28, 2019 in Glendale, Arizona. (Photo by Matthew Stockman/Getty Images) /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
2 of 6
Next

5. Micale Cunningham (Louisville)

MIAMI, FLORIDA – NOVEMBER 09: Micale Cunningham #3 of the Louisville Cardinals in action against the Miami Hurricanes at Hard Rock Stadium on November 09, 2019 in Miami, Florida. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images)
MIAMI, FLORIDA – NOVEMBER 09: Micale Cunningham #3 of the Louisville Cardinals in action against the Miami Hurricanes at Hard Rock Stadium on November 09, 2019 in Miami, Florida. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images) /

Notre Dame fans probably recognize Micale Cunningham by his last name. When the Irish played their 2019 season opener against Louisville, the quarterback was going by his middle name, Malik. Later that same year he made the decision to switch back to his first name for the foreseeable future.

Cunningham didn’t actually play in that game against Notre Dame last season, but the Irish had to prepare for him. He was right in the middle of a three-player quarterback competition during the offseason.

Juwon Pass was Louisville’s starter for the season-opener, but he suffered an injury that required season-ending surgery. Cunningham stepped in and started the majority of the Cardinals’ games in 2019.

Last season, Cunningham threw for 2,065 yards, 22 touchdowns, and just five interceptions. He averaged an impressive 11.5 yards per pass attempt and completed 62.6 percent of his passes.

He is also one of the better dual-threat quarterbacks Notre Dame will face this season. Last year, Cunningham ran for 482 yards and six touchdowns.

Scott Satterfield’s offense with Juwan Pass gave the Irish defense some problems in their matchup last season. Cunningham is just as talented running the ball, and he is a better passer. That should make for quite the showdown in South Bend this November.

Home/Notre Dame Fighting Irish