Notre Dame football vs. Toledo: 3 bold predictions in Week 2

Notre Dame football vs. Toledo: 3 bold predictions in Week 2

The Defense Won’t Allow a Gain of 30 Yards or More

If the defense had one major issue to start the year, it was letting up too many big plays. Florida State’s counter running game was able to control the edges for most of the night against Notre Dame. This included several long runs, including an 89-yard touchdown run, which led to major issues for the Irish defense.

Add Houston Griffith getting burnt for a 60-yard touchdown pass, and it was clear that Marcus Freeman‘s defense still has issues that need to be resolved.

There is no better time to resolve these types of issues than against a MAC team in Toledo. This is a game where Notre Dame is the physically stronger team, and their athletes should dominate. There is nowhere where Toledo should win individual matchups, which means that Notre Dame shouldn’t be as vulnerable to explosive plays.

They’ll also take advantage of this, and won’t allow a gain of 30 yards or more.

Toledo played Norfolk State, out of the FCS, in Week 1 of the 2021 season. Generally, not much can be learned from this type of glorified scrimmage. Still, it feels like less than normal can be learned from Toledo’s offense, as the Rockets played three quarterbacks. If one receiver is out there who could ruin this bold prediction, it’s Devin Maddox, who averaged 45.5 yards per catch during the game.

This is important for Marcus Freeman. He was heavily criticized after the Florida State game, and Toledo is a team the Irish should beat easily. There can be no room for more big plays.