Notre Dame football: Takeaways from CFP title teams for the Irish

Notre Dame Football: 3 takeaways from Georgia to be championship contenders

Defense wins championships

Georgia undoubtedly had the best defense in the country during the 2021 season. According to ESPN’s defensive ratings and statistics, Georgia only allowed an astounding 9.5 points per game. That was half a point shy of a full touchdown (without the extra point, of course) than the next best team, Clemson.

They were 3rd best in the nation in rushing yards allowed per game at 81.7, essentially taking the ground attack away from opposing teams. They also finished 3rd best for passing yards allowed at 172.2 per game.

On the other hand, Notre Dame finished in a three-way tie for 9th lowest points allowed per game at 18.3 with Minnesota and Louisiana. All of this while missing their star safety, Kyle Hamilton, for half the season. Thanks to their defensive-minded head coach and the recruiting that he has already started for the Irish, things are looking up.

It only figures to get better for the Irish

Notre Dame will have some studs coming to the team on that side of the ball soon. Brandon Joseph, an All-American safety from Northwestern, will join the team next year to immediately replace Hamilton. The team also brings in some talented high-school help in the form of Jaylen Sneed, Joshua Burnham, and Tyson Ford, just to name a few.

The Irish currently have the top-ranked recruiting class in 2023, comprised primarily defensive studs. The class will only get better with guys like Drayk Bowen and Peyton Bowen to go along with top recruit and defensive lineman Keon Keeley already pledging commitments. In addition, the coaches are eyeing some more talented players to add to an already impressive group.

This team could be dangerous on defense for years to come.