The 0-2 Notre Dame football team has a massive game this weekend against the 2-1 Purdue Boilermakers. If the Irish are going to go on another miracle run to the College Football Playoffs it must start this weekend, as after their two losses to start the season, they will need to win 10 in a row to have any chance.
With that being said, there are a few keys to the game for the offense to secure its first win of the season.
Malachi Fields must dominate for the Notre Dame football team
Malachi Fields has recovered from his unfortunate start to his Irish career. His first catch was a fumble against Miami. Since then, Fields has established himself as a dynamic receiver for Notre Dame, offering consistency and big-play ability against the two best defenses Notre Dame will play all year.
Against Miami, Fields ended with three catches for 48 yards. He followed that up with a five catch 77 yard performance on a massive 11 targets against Texas A&M.
Against Purdue, Fields will have his most favorable matchup so far this season. He needs to win on his routes and make plays in many ways. He can stretch the field, provide underneath reliability, and be a red-zone threat.
Look for Fields to have his biggest game of the year and lead the Irish to the victory.
Thunder and lightning needs to go on throughout the game
Jeremiyah Love and Jadarian Price are a lethal 1-2 combination in the backfield for Notre Dame. As Love can explode for big plays, Price can drop the shoulder on anyone for extra yards.
Against Miami, many fans were upset with the workload of the running backs, probably the two best players on the entire team. Love finished with just 10 carries and Price only 6, all on one drive in the second quarter.
Coaches corrected this and fed the studs the ball A LOT against Texas A&M. Love finished with 23 carries for 94 yards and a score, while Price tallied 12 carries for 76 yards and two scores. Love also added four catches for 53 yards and a score as well.
In total, Thunder and Lightning combined for 35 touches for 223 yards and four touchdowns. It was a vintage performance and should have been good enough to win the game.
Notre Dame needs to rely on their backfield yet again against Purdue. 30 combined touches for 200 yards would be a great follow-up for the Irish stars.
Let CJ Carr cook
Many fans criticized Offensive Coordinator Mike Denbrock's game plan against Miami, as Notre Dame threw almost all of their passes at, or near, the line of scrimmage. Until Notre Dame fell behind by multiple scores late, Carr kept everything short and safe, limiting the offense.
Against Texas A&M, Denbrock took off the training wheels. Carr was aggressive and decisive from the opening moments and Notre Dame was able to move the ball consistently all night. It also helped the run game, as Texas A&M wasn't able to load the box knowing that Carr was attacking downfield.
Carr finished 20/32 for 292 yards and a score, as well as one tough interception on a tipped pass over the middle on a late check-down.
Carr has looked really impressive so far in his two starts, against two really good defenses, one of them being on the road. He has also led the Irish on two game-tying or take-the-lead late drives. Also really impressive.
Against Purdue, letting Carr take some shots early will help the Irish spread the field and open up opportunities in the run game later. It's also one of their strengths, especially with big targets like Fields and Eli Raridon out wide. Look out for Carr to throw early and often this week, and also get Jaden Greathouse involved early for the Notre Dame football team.