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Notre Dame Football: Grading the Irish defensive position groups vs. USF

By Connor McJunkin

ATHENS, GEORGIA - SEPTEMBER 21: Drew White #40 of the Notre Dame Fighting Irish reacts in the second half while playing the Georgia Bulldogs at Sanford Stadium on September 21, 2019 in Athens, Georgia. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)
ATHENS, GEORGIA - SEPTEMBER 21: Drew White #40 of the Notre Dame Fighting Irish reacts in the second half while playing the Georgia Bulldogs at Sanford Stadium on September 21, 2019 in Athens, Georgia. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images) /
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SOUTH BEND, IN – NOVEMBER 23: Kobay White #9 of the Boston College Eagles makes a 39-yard reception down to the one-yard line against TaRiq Bracy #28 of the Notre Dame Fighting Irish in the second quarter at Notre Dame Stadium on November 23, 2019 in South Bend, Indiana. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images)
SOUTH BEND, IN – NOVEMBER 23: Kobay White #9 of the Boston College Eagles makes a 39-yard reception down to the one-yard line against TaRiq Bracy #28 of the Notre Dame Fighting Irish in the second quarter at Notre Dame Stadium on November 23, 2019 in South Bend, Indiana. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images) /

Secondary: A

Another solid performance by the secondary for the second straight week. They were aggressive in the run game and blanketed USF’s wide receivers all game, allowing just 125 yards through the air when it was all said and done.

Again, this group had to deal with starting corner Tariq Bracy being unavailable, so freshman Clarence Lewis made his first career start and more than proved he was ready for the moment. He finished the game with 5 tackles, 1 tackle for loss, and a team-high 3 pass breakups.

He wasn’t perfect, misplaying a few balls in the air, but he was aggressive and showed that there is a lot of upside to his game. He put himself in position to record his first career interception on one pass breakup and deflected a deep pass in the endzone that was almost picked off as well. I would not be surprised to see Lewis get more snaps as the season goes on.

Safeties Houston Griffith and KJ Wallace both turned in solid performances as well, especially in the run game. They combined for 8 tackles and 2 tackle for loss. This was refreshing to see in the absence of star safety Kyle Hamilton due to injury.

Next. Who was the defensive player of the game against USF?. dark

At the end of the day, despite no interceptions, the secondary shut down the speedy USF wideouts and were exceptional in the run game. This group has a lot of potential and should only get better as Kyle Hamilton works his way back.

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