| Notre Dame LB Manti Te'o (5) leads an Irish defense ranked in the top 10 nationally in sacks, scoring and turnover margin. The Irish have held opponents to just nine points per game. (US Presswire) |
With a menacing front-seven that has consistently caused pressure off the edge and has been stifling against the run, Notre Dame coach Brian Kelly feels his team’s improvement over the next few weeks will center on its play at quarterback.
Though junior QB Tommy Rees replaced freshman Everett Golson in last Saturday’s 13-6 win over Michigan, Kelly diffused any quarterback controversy by reiterating that Golson is still the starting quarterback. If Golson struggles for an extended stretch as he did in the first five series against the Wolverines, Kelly won’t hesitate to lift him for Rees. The quarterback situation is by far the biggest question facing Notre Dame at the bye week.
Here’s our breakdown of the Irish at the bye:
Quarterback: Golson has flashed his potential with a cannon arm. In the 20-3 win over Michigan State, Golson rolled to his right, threw across the field and hit WR John Goodman on a dime in the left corner of the end zone. Though Goodman was credited for a 36-yard touchdown, the ball traveled closer to 60 yards.
Kelly has indicated that Golson has looked like a freshman too often. Kelly called Golson’s second quarter interception in the end zone against the Wolverines “a careless mistake.” On a positive note, the relationship between the quarterbacks appears to be amicable. Rees deeply respects Golson’s skill-set while the redshirt freshman has a great deal of respect for the junior’s knowledge of the offense.
Running Back: The Irish are averaging just 3.8 yards per carry and rank 87th in FBS in rushing offense. Senior Cierre Wood is averaging 5.6 yards per rush, but has only carried the ball 17 times after missing the first two games for violation of team rules.
Fellow senior Theo Riddick is more of a scatback, than a primary runner. Riddick has 242 yards on 63 carries. Sophomore George Atkinson III will likely see his carry total decrease with Wood’s return, but has been explosive in the return game.
Wide Receiver/Tight End: It’s another unit that Kelly is hopeful can improve dramatically over the next few weeks. Senior tight end Tyler Eifert, a Mackey Award nominee, has averaged 17.6 yards per catch but only has nine receptions.
As the focus of opposing defenses, Eifert has constantly been disrupted with physical coverage at the line. Kelly said there have been a number of instances where Eifert has been part of a route package, but still hasn’t received the ball. Against the Wolverines, Kelly indicated Eifert was open on a six-cut or out route, but the ball wasn’t thrown in his direction. Offensive coordinator Chuck Martin said if defenses continue to roll their coverages towards Eifert, it will open up the offense for senior WR Robby Toma. Martin indicated that fellow senior T.J. Jones and Toma have exceeded his expectations, while DaVaris Daniels has been ahead of schedule for a freshman.
Offensive Line: Led by senior T Zack Martin and senior C Braxston Cave, the veteran unit has played well at times. The Irish rank 68th in FBS in sacks allowed per game (2.00). The pass protection broke down at times against Purdue, but the Boilermakers are led up front by DT Kawann Short -- a potential first-round pick. Senior RG Mike Golic Jr. beat out sophomore Conor Hanratty in preseason and has flourished on combination blocks with Cave.
Defensive line: The emergence of several underclassmen has enabled the Irish defensive front to become one of the top lines in the nation. Sophomore Stephon Tuitt is tied for fourth in FBS in sacks with 6.0 and has been rotated effectively at defensive end and tackle. Tuitt (6-6, 303 pounds) has caused fits for offensive linemen with his ability to bend and twist, as well as change directions quickly for someone his size, according to defensive coordinator Bob Diaco.
The Irish third-year assistant has also been impressed with the play of DE Sheldon Day. Diaco said at times it’s hard to think of him as a first-year player because of his maturity level.
Linebackers: Senior Manti Te'o graced the cover of Sports Illustrated this week after his two interception performance last Saturday. Diaco described Te’o “as the finest football player in America,” and the best player he’s ever coached. Te’o tracks ball carriers like a 210-pound linebacker, but has knock back, hitting ability of a defender who weighs 250 pounds, according to Diaco.
Kelly lauded OLBs Prince Shembo and Danny Spond for holding the edge against Michigan to prevent Denard Robinson from getting to the outside.
Secondary: A young secondary has been battle-tested after losing S Jamoris Slaughter to a season-ending Achilles injury. Sophomore Matthias Farley has impressed Diaco with his calm demeanor -- something Diaco said is critical to excelling at the position. Diaco likes the swagger that freshman CB KeiVarae Russell exhibits on the field and how he has blocked out minor mistakes. Diaco said senior S Zeke Motta has been thorough in his preparation and is interested in becoming the best safety in college football.
Special Teams: Sophomore Kyle Brindza replaced an injured Nick Tausch against Purdue and responded with a game-winning 27-yard field goal. Atkinson III is averaging 23.0 yards per kickoff.
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