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Notre Dame football vs. Cincinnati Bearcats: 3 Irish players to watch

By Brad Weiss

CHARLOTTE, NORTH CAROLINA - DECEMBER 19: Defensive lineman Isaiah Foskey #7 of the Notre Dame Fighting Irish attempts to tackle running back Travis Etienne #9 of the Clemson Tigers in the second quarter during the ACC Championship game at Bank of America Stadium on December 19, 2020 in Charlotte, North Carolina. (Photo by Jared C. Tilton/Getty Images)
CHARLOTTE, NORTH CAROLINA - DECEMBER 19: Defensive lineman Isaiah Foskey #7 of the Notre Dame Fighting Irish attempts to tackle running back Travis Etienne #9 of the Clemson Tigers in the second quarter during the ACC Championship game at Bank of America Stadium on December 19, 2020 in Charlotte, North Carolina. (Photo by Jared C. Tilton/Getty Images) /
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Sep 25, 2021; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Notre Dame Fighting Irish running back Kyren Williams (23) gains yardage during the second half against the Wisconsin Badgers at Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: Patrick Gorski-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 25, 2021; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Notre Dame Fighting Irish running back Kyren Williams (23) gains yardage during the second half against the Wisconsin Badgers at Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: Patrick Gorski-USA TODAY Sports /

Notre Dame football vs. Cincinnati Bearcats: 3 Irish players to watch

Kyren Williams, Running Back

Tough Kyren Williams has struggled to get the rushing game going this season, that does not mean he is not still one of the top running backs in the country. In fact, it is only a matter of time before Williams has a breakout game, and the Irish would love one against a tough Cincinnati defense on Saturday.

Williams rushed for over 1,100 yards last season, proving to be a key for this Irish offense under Ian Book, but he has yet to eclipse the 100-yard mark in 2021. For the Irish to beat the Bearcats this weekend, they have to control the ball, and that means leaning heavily on a rushing attack led by the redshirt sophomore.

The truth is, we have seen Williams close to breaking out all season long, including a 51-yard rush against Purdue two weeks ago. Last weekend, the run game was rendered ineffective, something that cannot happen against Cincinnati, because if the Irish are forced to continue to go to the air, it could be a long day for the quarterbacks.

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