The Notre Dame football team knows what it has to do to stop the USC Trojans. And the USC Trojans know what they need to do to beat the Fighting Irish.
Unsurprisingly, Riley Leonard is the focus for the defense in the Coliseum as the team tries to win its seventh game. What does stand out, even if it’s not actually surprising, is that it’s not the way that Leonard throws the ball around the field that is the focus.
Instead, when USC keys up for the Notre Dame football team, it will be the way that Leonard runs with the ball that really stands out. Keeping Leonard contained as a runner, especially on 3rd down and in the red zone “is going to be critical,” USC defensive coordinator D’Anton Lynn said earlier this week.
Notre Dame football quarterback run game key for USC
Keeping Notre Dame QB Riley Leonard contained as a runner, especially on 3rd down and in the red zone “is going to be critical,” D’Anton Lynn said.
— Ryan Kartje (@Ryan_Kartje) November 28, 2024
“He’s very, very fast, and he’s so tall that he doesn’t look that fast on tape. But he covers a lot of ground.” pic.twitter.com/eXgpTgMorj
“He’s very, very fast,” Lynn said. “And he’s so tall that he doesn’t look that fast on tape. But he covers a lot of ground.”
The Fighting Irish know that they need to get physical. They also know that USC Trojans are preparing for Leonard and the rest of the team to be physical.
The game between the two teams should be a heck of a slobberknocker. The Notre Dame football team, at first glance, seem like they’re better suited for a physical game. But USC is apparently going to be looking to give as good as it takes. Hopefully the Irish emerge victorious.