Notre Dame Football: Defensive position grades vs. Clemson

Notre Dame Football: Defensive position grades vs. Clemson

Defensive Line

The trenches have been one of the areas Notre Dame needed to strengthen if they were going to start winning these kind of games. Last night showed just how much the Irish have improved in this area when comparing them to the “elite” of college football.

The defensive line controlled the line of scrimmage all game and were a key component in completely shutting down the Clemson run game. The Tigers finished the game with 33 rushes for just 34 yards, with the longest run of the night being 13 yards.

Kurt Hinish didn’t make a lot of noise on the stat sheet, but he was a plug in the middle of that defensive line all night, and his penetration to force a tackle for loss on 3rd & 1 early was huge to shut down Clemson’s first drive of the game.

The unit only registered three quarterback hurries, but showed up late in the game when the Irish needed them most. On the first two plays of the second overtime, Adetokunbo Ogundeji and Daelin Hayes each found their way to Uiagalelei for consecutive sacks. It put Clemson in a 3rd & 24 situation that they were unable to overcome.

Overall, this unit gets a lot of credit for taking the fight to Clemson’s offensive line and making the linebacker’s jobs easier. They weren’t overwhelmed or worn down as we’ve seen in years past. While they didn’t get much pressure on Uiagalelei, they came up with the two biggest sacks of the season when they were most needed.

This unit gives the defense a chance to be great every week, and last night should be a huge momentum boost for them.

Grade: B