Notre Dame fans! The season has been full of highs and lows, and as always, there’s a lot of excitement buzzing around the Fighting Irish. Whether you’re tailgating at the next game or following the team from afar, we know you’ve got questions about this season’s progress and what lies ahead. In this midweek mailbag, we’ll dive into some of the most pressing topics surrounding Notre Dame football—what’s going well, what needs work, and what we can expect moving forward.
Let’s dive in!
1. Will Notre Dame’s Offense Improve as the Season Progresses?
Question: With some ups and downs offensively, do you believe that the Irish offense will hit its stride as the season moves forward? If so, who are the key players to watch?
Answer: It’s been a bit of a rollercoaster for Notre Dame’s offense this season. We’ve seen glimpses of brilliance—particularly in their run game, led by the talented backs—but also some inconsistency in the passing game. The good news is that there’s plenty of talent to work with, and if the team can iron out the mistakes, this offense could hit its stride.
First off, the offensive line has shown a lot of promise, though they need to be more consistent in their pass protection. The return of players like Joe Alt at left tackle and the development of Blake Fisher at right tackle should help provide a solid foundation for the run game and the quarterback.
Speaking of quarterbacks, Sam Hartman has been a steady presence under center, but he has shown that he still needs time to get fully comfortable with his new team. He’s been good, but not yet great. The key will be getting the ball to playmakers like Jaden Greathouse, Deion Colzie, and Chris Tyree more frequently. If Hartman develops a stronger rhythm with his receivers and continues to make better decisions in the pocket, the offense will undoubtedly improve.
The ground game, led by Audric Estime, has been solid, and that provides the perfect balance to take the pressure off Hartman. A more consistent passing attack will be the difference-maker for this offense moving forward.
2. How Does the Defensive Line Look Against High-Powered Offenses?
Question: The defensive line has been stout, but how will they fare when facing high-powered offenses like USC or Clemson down the road?
Answer: Notre Dame’s defensive line has been one of the team’s most impressive units so far this season. Led by Isaiah Foskey last season, this year’s group is young but extremely talented. Players like Riley Mills, Jayson Ademilola, and Jordan Botelho have been disruptive forces, and the Irish defensive front has been able to create pressure consistently.
That said, when facing high-powered offenses like USC, which features a dynamic passing attack led by Caleb Williams, and Clemson, which always seems to have a plethora of talented playmakers, the Irish defensive line will face a true test. While they’ve been good at generating pressure against weaker offensive lines, the elite programs have offensive lines that can handle pressure more effectively.
The key will be consistency. Notre Dame’s defense is well-coached, and if the defensive line can stay disciplined, apply pressure, and force the opposing quarterbacks to make quick decisions, they’ll have a better shot against these high-powered offenses. Marcus Freeman will likely deploy a lot of creative blitz packages and twists to keep offenses guessing.
The ability to stop the run will also be crucial. USC and Clemson can establish the run early to open up their passing games, so Notre Dame will need to be stout in the trenches to neutralize their offense.
3. What’s the Status of the Special Teams Unit?
Question: Special teams often get overlooked, but how has Notre Dame’s special teams unit performed this year, and is there any concern about their consistency?
Answer: Special teams are always a key factor in close games, and this year Notre Dame’s special teams unit has had its moments. Audric Estime and Chris Tyree have been solid in the return game, providing good field position on several occasions. Josh Bryan has also been reliable as a kicker, and while his consistency from longer distances has been a bit spotty, his accuracy inside 40 yards has been strong.
That said, there are areas for improvement. One of the concerns has been in punt coverage, where the team has occasionally given up more yards than they would like. Given that some of the Irish’s upcoming opponents have dangerous return men, this is an area that could use some fine-tuning.
However, there’s no major red flag at this point—special teams are more of a “steady as she goes” situation, but if they can continue to execute cleanly, this unit could become a major asset.
4. What Does the Defensive Backfield Look Like, Especially After Some Injuries?
Question: Injuries have taken a toll on the defensive backfield this season. How does the team look in the secondary, and how will injuries affect them going forward?
Answer: The secondary has been one of the more injury-riddled positions for Notre Dame, with multiple players missing time. Benjamin Morrison has been a standout cornerback, and Ramon Henderson has played well at safety, but there’s no doubt that depth in the backfield has been tested.
The good news is that Notre Dame has some talented young players who are stepping up. Jaden Mickey and Tariq Bracy have been forced into larger roles due to injuries, and they’ve shown that they can hold their own. However, facing explosive passing offenses like USC’s will require excellent communication and quick adjustments, something the Irish secondary will need to be sharp on.
If the Irish can get healthier, particularly at cornerback, this unit will be better positioned for the challenges ahead. The key will be how well the coaching staff can rotate and keep fresh bodies on the field without compromising coverage.
5. Who Are Some Freshman or Under-the-Radar Players That Could Break Out?
Question: Every year, there are a few freshmen or under-the-radar players who step up and make a big impact. Who are some players we should keep an eye on for the second half of the season?
Answer: A few players have already begun to show flashes of greatness, but there are some others who could emerge as key contributors as the season progresses.
Jadarian Price, a freshman running back, has shown that he can be a solid change-of-pace back. With the way Estime is running, Price might not get a ton of carries, but when he does, he’s been explosive. Mitch Evans at tight end could also become more involved as the season wears on. He’s a big target and could be a useful weapon in the passing game.
Defensively, Jaylen Sneed, a freshman linebacker, has a ton of upside. He’s been waiting for more playing time, but don’t be surprised if he starts to get more reps as the year progresses. His speed and playmaking ability could add a new dynamic to the linebacking corps.
On the defensive line, Aiden Gobaira, a true freshman, has been working into the rotation and could see more playing time. His length and ability to rush the passer give him an edge over some older players, and it’s only a matter of time before he starts to make a bigger impact.
6. What Are the Biggest Takeaways from Notre Dame’s Game Plan Against Top 10 Teams?
Question: Notre Dame is set to face several ranked opponents in the coming weeks. What can we expect in terms of game plan, especially against top 10 teams like USC and Clemson?
Answer: When it comes to facing top 10 teams, Notre Dame tends to bring out their best football. The key for the Irish will be controlling the tempo of the game, limiting turnovers, and establishing a strong run game to control possession. They’ll also need to stay aggressive defensively, pressuring the opposing quarterbacks and limiting big plays.
Against a team like USC, the focus will be on limiting Caleb Williams’ time in the pocket and forcing him to make quick decisions. The secondary will have to be on point, and the linebackers will need to be ready to make plays in coverage. Offensively, they’ll need to find balance—running the ball with authority and making smart passes downfield to keep the defense on its toes.
Against a team like Clemson, the key will be establishing dominance in the trenches. If Notre Dame can get their ground game working and control the clock, they’ll put themselves in a good position. Expect to see a physical game from the Irish defense, making sure to stay disciplined in the passing game while stopping the run.