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Notre Dame football vs Marshall: Game preview and prediction in Week 2

By Ryan Shanko

Sep 11, 2021; South Bend, Indiana, USA; Notre Dame Fighting Irish tight end Michael Mayer (87) scores in the first quarter against the Toledo Rockets at Notre Dame Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Cashore-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 11, 2021; South Bend, Indiana, USA; Notre Dame Fighting Irish tight end Michael Mayer (87) scores in the first quarter against the Toledo Rockets at Notre Dame Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Cashore-USA TODAY Sports /
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COLUMBUS, OHIO – SEPTEMBER 03: Cam Hart #5 and Justin Ademilola #9 of the Notre Dame Fighting Irish signal fourth down during the first quarter of a game against the Ohio State Buckeyes at Ohio Stadium on September 03, 2022 in Columbus, Ohio. (Photo by Ben Jackson/Getty Images)
COLUMBUS, OHIO – SEPTEMBER 03: Cam Hart #5 and Justin Ademilola #9 of the Notre Dame Fighting Irish signal fourth down during the first quarter of a game against the Ohio State Buckeyes at Ohio Stadium on September 03, 2022 in Columbus, Ohio. (Photo by Ben Jackson/Getty Images) /

Notre Dame football vs Marshall: Game preview and prediction in Week 2

#8 Notre Dame Fighting Irish (0-1)

Yesterday I talked about my expectations for the Irish in Saturday’s matchup, and when talking about the game I am going to stay along those lines. The most important thing for ND is to get the running game going. Seeing all three of our backs go over 60 yards is the best outcome, and one that I think is within reach for Notre Dame against Marshall.

It’ll be interesting to see who earns the start in the backfield as well, it was Estime against Ohio State and he did have the lone score for the Irish, but was that enough to keep his starting job? Based on last week, Chris Tyree would probably be the one to replace Audric, but I don’t really see a need to make a change.

Estime’s ability to impose himself on opponents will become evident as the season goes on. Secondarily I’ll be watching Tommy Rees’ play calling very closely. I want him to call fewer conservative plays on second/third and long (like QB draws on 3rd and 18) and more plays that allow Tyler Buchner to showcase what he can do with his arm.

I am a firm believer that Buchner is the best true athlete ND has had at the QB position in a long time, and I want him to show the ability that made him such a highly touted recruit. Looking to the defensive side of the ball, I could not be happier.

The defense looked very, very good against the nation’s best offense last week, and might’ve only given up 17 points if Al Golden hadn’t blitzed two safeties in the red zone. Regardless of that poor decision, the Notre Dame defense showed a plethora of encouraging signs in game one, particularly in freshman corner Ben Morrison. He is going to be a special talent.

The Prediction

819. Final. 10. 494. 45

Notre Dame will get their offense going to the tune of a 45-point showing, and the defense will show why they are one of the top units in the nation, forcing 3 turnovers and allowing just 10 points to the Thundering Herd.

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