Notre Dame Football vs. Wisconsin: 3 things to watch in Week 4

3 of 3

Sep 11, 2021; South Bend, Indiana, USA; Notre Dame Fighting Irish linebacker JD Bertrand (27) reacts after the game against the Toledo Rockets at Notre Dame Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Cashore-USA TODAY Sports /

Notre Dame Football vs. Wisconsin: 3 things to watch in Week 4

Irish defense against three-headed RB Monster

While Wisconsin has struggled in a big way to make plays in the passing game, as Graham Mertz does not have a single touchdown in his two starts this season, their running game has been strong. In fact, Wisconsin has three running backs to deal with, and the Irish defense could have their hands full on Sunday.

Chez Mellusi leads a three-man show that also includes Jalen Berger and Isaac Guerendo, and all three bring a different skill set to the position. Berger and Mellusi can show burst through the line, while Guerendo is a home-run hitter, so you can expect all three to be featured Saturday, especially if Mertz continues to struggle in the passing game.

SOUTH BEND, IN - SEPTEMBER 18: Jayson Ademilola #57 and Myron Tagovailoa-Amosa #95 of the Notre Dame Fighting Irish celebrate during the first half against the Purdue Boilermakers at Notre Dame Stadium on September 18, 2021 in South Bend, Indiana. (Photo by Michael Hickey/Getty Images)

Notre Dame Football vs. Purdue: 3 Studs and 3 Duds from Week 3

Reviewing the Notre Dame football vs. Purdue game for three studs and three duds on the Notre Dame side of the game, on both offense and defense.

Mertz has not looked great this season, so it could be a game where the Badgers keep the ball on the ground and try to control the clock with their fresh trio of running backs. Notre Dame football has shown a tendency to allow the big play this season, especially to the backs, so this is a key matchup they must win on Saturday.

Home/Notre Dame Football