After some early-season adversity, head coach Marcus Freeman’s Fighting Irish entered their much-needed bye week on a high note. In their first win of the season over a Top 10 team, Notre Dame knocked the USC Trojans from the ranks of the unbeaten in a blowout victory last week. The overpowering all-around team effort led to an eye-catching bounce-back victory following two painful early-season losses in games the Irish could have won. The win over USC established valuable momentum for the home stretch of the schedule, but Freeman’s battle-tested squad has plenty to address on offense before hosting Pittsburgh on Oct. 28.
With two losses on the ledger, the Irish will be in must-win situations the rest of the way. They played like an angry unit with something to prove against the Trojans. And the Irish defense rose to the occasion, shutting down a stout USC offense led by reigning Heisman Trophy winner Caleb Williams. Notre Dame made game-changing plays in all facets, including special teams, erasing any doubts about the team’s commitment to its own success. The win also silenced doubters who questioned Freeman’s leadership. Those types of plays, however, were noticeably absent in the losses to Ohio State and Louisville when the Irish looked unprepared and flat and were clearly outcoached. If the Irish can play at the level and with the emotion they did against USC in their final four games, they have a realistic chance of achieving a 10-2 record in Freeman’s second season at the helm.
More Offensive Production Needed
The Notre Dame offense made plays to put points on the board against USC. But the unit needs work going forward. The Irish put up just 251 yards of total offense against the Trojans. Granted, the Irish began most of their drives near midfield against USC because the defense provided them a short field. But the offense failed to capitalize on solid field position a week earlier in the loss to Louisville. Another concern is the Irish went three of 10 on third downs against a USC defense that has not played at a high level this season. More consistent production from quarterback Sam Hartman and company will be required to win out. Outstanding early in the season, Hartman threw for just 126 yards against USC on 20 attempts. For the season, Hartman is 131 of 203 (64.5 percent completion rate) for 1,838 yards and 18 touchdowns.
The wide receiver position has suffered multiple injuries in the first half of the season, contributing to the offensive struggles. Due to the injuries, Notre Dame’s tight ends have stepped up and played a leading role in the offense. The leading Irish pass-catcher at this point in the season is tight end Mitchell Evans. The Junior who has flashed with some acrobatic catches, has 24 receptions for 356 yards and a touchdown. Wide receiver Chris Tyree is next with 16 receptions for 355 yards and three touchdowns. All told, though, the Irish offense is averaging 414.5 yards this season, ranking 76th in the nation.
Freeman Needs to Get Ground Game Back on Track
The Irish’s ground game has also stalled. Notre Dame’s offensive line, anchored by Joe Alt, showed the ability to control the line of scrimmage early in the season against overmatched opponents. Springing powerhouse running Audric Estime almost at will, the O-line looked set for a dominating season. The unit has been less than overwhelming of late. The rushing game struggled in both of Notre Dame’s losses this season and even in a hard-fought win against Duke. The Irish rank 95th in the country, averaging 165.3 yards per game. Estime leads the way for the Irish, rushing for 787 yards on 127 carries with nine touchdowns. Jeremiyah Love follows with 39 rushes for 263 yards and a touchdown.
A Turning Point?
The Fighting Irish played complementary football—as Marcus Freeman preaches—in the memorable win over the Trojans. Notre Dame completely dominated their longtime rival. The work-in-progress offense took advantage of the game-changing turnovers secured by the defense. While Notre Dame took a big step forward in the USC game, it is clear the offense needs to undergo rapid development. Offensive coordinator Gerad Parker and Freeman must find ways to get the ball in the hands of their playmakers and prioritize finding solutions to get the unit back on course during the bye week.
With their season back on track, the Fighting Irish have shifted their focus. Instead of aspirations of making the College Football Playoff, the more immediate goal of surpassing last season’s regular season record of 8-4 is the priority. Freeman faces challenges, particularly in relation to the offensive strategy and philosophy. But if missteps can be avoided on offense and the defense continues to shine, Freeman’s Fighting Irish can continue to build on the victory over USC and salvage their season.
