Notre Dame Football vs. Purdue: 3 things to watch in Week 3

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Nov 28, 2020; West Lafayette, Indiana, USA; Purdue Boilermakers wide receiver David Bell (3) celebrates his touchdown in the second half against the Rutgers Scarlet Knights at Ross-Ade Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Trevor Ruszkowski-USA TODAY Sports /

Notre Dame Football vs. Purdue: 3 things to watching Week 3

Will the defense have an answer for David Bell

We have already gone over why David Bell is a player who must be stopped this weekend, as he is one of the more dynamic playmakers in the Big Ten, and the best wide receiver this team will have seen so far. He is the unquestioned first option for quarterback Jack Plummer, and you can be sure the offense is going to run through him with Zander Horvath out.

The Irish have looked shoddy in the secondary at times, outside of Kyle Hamilton, who may need to spy on Bell in this matchup. Bell is a player who is going to get his, and the key will be making sure he does not get it going at opportune times, and minimizing his damage in the passing game, especially late.

Sep 11, 2021; South Bend, Indiana, USA; Notre Dame Fighting Irish quarterback Tyler Buchner (12) stiff arms Toledo Rockets linebacker Dyontae Johnson (2) in the fourth quarter at Notre Dame Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Cashore-USA TODAY Sports

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Not only is this a winnable game for the Irish, but it is a chance to prove to the rest of the college football landscape that they deserve to get back into the top-10 in the AP Poll. It has been a rollercoaster to start the 2021 campaign, but a strong home win against a Big Ten opponent in Week 3 would be just what the doctor ordered to get this season back on track.

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