Notre Dame football vs BYU: Things to watch for on Offense
By Brad Weiss
The Notre Dame football team takes on BYU after the bye week, and here are some things to keep an eye on offense in this must-win game.
In their annual Shamrock Series game, the Notre Dame football team will head to Las Vegas to take on the BYU Cougars. The Irish go into this game fresh off their bye week, which saw them get a bit healthier for the rest of their 2022 campaign.
In a season that seemed lost from the outset, losing their first two games, Notre Dame football has rebounded and looked dominant their last time out against UNC. Here, we look at some key things to keep an eye on offense, as the Irish look to win their third straight game of the season.
Notre Dame football vs BYU: Things to watch for on Offense
Run the football
Going up against the No. 16 ranked team in the country will be an excellent opportunity for the Notre Dame football team to get back on the map nationally. They have not received an AP Poll vote in quite some time, but a win against the Cougars would likely vault them back into the top-25 for the first time since losing to Marshall.
Against UNC their last time out, the Irish dominated on the ground, and they should be able to do the same against a weak BYU defensive front. Audric Estime, Chris Tyree, and Logan Diggs should all thrive in this one, as the team controls the clock and keeps a high-powered BYU offense off the field.
Can Drew Pyne continue to rise?
Since a stern talking to from Tommy Rees, Drew Pyne has looked like another quarterback, and looked very solid against UNC the last time out. Pyne played a perfect brand of football in his second start in relief of the injured Tyler Buchner, begging the question of just how good he can be.
Against BYU, Pyne needs to continue to develop, protect the football and make safe play. Leaning on a strong group of running backs, and an elite tight end will help him sustain long drives, leading to the Irish putting up points in bunches this weekend.
Will a wide receiver step up in Week 6?
It has been a struggle for the wide receiver group all season long, but the time has come for someone to step up and assume the mantle of WR1. Notre Dame football has to be able to beat teams on the outside, as good competition is going to stack the box and double Michael Mayer.
This is a great opportunity for Braden Lenzy, Lorenzo Styles Jr., or even Jayden Thomas to step up in a big way against a beatable Cougars secondary. Pyne needs to be able to take shots downfield, and there is big-play ability at the position group, so we will see who emerges on Saturday night.