No. 22 Notre Dame Fighting Irish are traveling to Fayetteville this week to take on the Arkansas Razorbacks. The Irish enter Fayetteville off a big win against Purdue, while Arkansas is nursing a two-game losing streak. The Razorbacks lost 32-31 against Memphis a week ago and enter this contest 2-2. Notre Dame had an early-season bye week, so the Irish enter 1-2. The game is at 12:00 PM ET. What does Notre Dame need to do to get its second win of the season?
Can Notre Dame Get to 2-2?
Notre Dame travels to Arkansas this weekend for its first-ever match-up against the Razorbacks. To get to 2-2 and leave Fayetteville with a win, Notre Dame has to set the tone early. That is on both sides of the ball. Arkansas scored 21 points in the second quarter against Memphis last week. The Razorbacks went into halftime with a 28-17 lead. The Tigers then held Arkansas to just three points in the second half. In addition, Memphis forced a costly fumble to close out the game. Arkansas had a productive day both running and throwing the football. However, halftime adjustments by Memphis thwarted a win.
Notre Dame’s defense looked much better a week ago against Purdue, but it was also a tale of two halves. The Boilermakers were knocking on the door in the first half before the Irish pulled away. The Notre Dame defense needs to set the tone early. This group needs to execute early and force Arkansas quarterback Taylen Green into uncomfortable situations. Green threw two interceptions a week ago and already has four on the season. The other side of Green, though, is that he has been efficient with both his arm and his legs this season. Quarterback pressure has been a deficiency for the Irish. This unit has only four sacks this season, three of which came against Purdue. Green is responsible for 14 touchdowns this season. Limiting Green’s ability to get the ball downfield should help the Irish keep the Razorbacks out of the end zone.
Notre Dame’s Offense Against the Arkansas Defense
Running back duo, Jeremiyah Love and Jadarian Price, were finally productive against a stingy Purdue defense last week. The Irish needed to get these two in a rhythm and were able to do that against a Purdue defense that hadn’t allowed more than two rushing touchdowns in a game all season. Notre Dame had five in this contest. Arkansas gave up 290 rush yards to Memphis last week. And no offense to the Tigers, but the Irish have two running backs who are much more productive. Something that young quarterback CJ Carr did well against Purdue last week was protect the football, and he made his throws. He threw only two incompletions, zero interceptions, and two touchdowns. This is something that Carr will have to be mindful of again this week. The Arkansas defense forced two fumbles and two interceptions against Memphis last week. Neither fumble was recovered by the Razorbacks, but protecting the ball needs to be at the top of the priority list. Arkansas is not allowing many touchdowns through the air this season, but Notre Dame doesn’t need to score through the air.
This should be a game that is highlighted by Love and Price. Carr needs to rely on these two early to open up the passing game. Memphis was able to wear down the Arkansas defense last week. This is something that Love and Price are good at. These are arguably the best backs the Razorbacks have faced this season, and both are determined to have another big day. If Notre Dame can keep Love and Price involved throughout the contest and keep the Arkansas offense off the field, look for Notre Dame to leave Fayetteville with a much-needed win.
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