Streaking Irish Face Struggling Seminoles<\/h3>\n
Notre Dame is fresh off a statement victory against previously unbeaten Navy in Week 9. Coming off its second bye week, Notre Dame is looking to keep the momentum rolling against Florida State. Last year\u2019s ACC champions, the Seminoles have lost five straight games heading into Saturday\u2019s contest. Florida State has the second-worst scoring offense in the country and will be facing a stubborn Notre Dame defense. The Irish remain in the mix for a berth in the College Football Playoff. In his weekly press conference ahead of Saturday\u2019s game, head coach Marcus Freeman cautioned against taking the Seminoles lightly.<\/p>\n
\u201cMoving forward to Florida State, it\u2019s a very talented football team,\u201d Freeman said in his opening statement. \u201cIt doesn\u2019t take long to turn on the film and realize how talented they are. They might be one of the most talented teams we face all year. That\u2019s just what the film tells you. Their record doesn\u2019t reflect their talent. They\u2019ve had to deal with some injuries, especially at QB that has affected the outcome of some of their games. Our team must and will respect the challenge that Saturday night here at Notre Dame Stadium will present. We have to respect that by the way that we prepare. This is a crucial week of preparation.\u201d<\/p>\n
Notre Dame\u2019s Dominant Defense Poised to Shut Down Florida State<\/h3>\n
With just three games left in the regular season, Mike Norvell’s Seminoles are looking to avoid one of the worst seasons in program history. An upset victory over Notre Dame would provide a significant boost. But the Seminoles would need to play at a level they have yet to reach this year. Notre Dame enters the game with a dominant defense that has stifled opposing offenses all season long. The Irish defense is poised to continue their impressive form against a struggling Florida State offense. If the Seminoles are trying to find offensive rhythm this week, facing the Irish may not provide that opportunity.<\/p>\n
Notre Dame\u2019s defense is a big part of the Irish\u2019s success this season. Under Al Golden, the unit ranks fourth in the country in points allowed per game at 12.1. Notre Dame\u2019s defense is eighth in yards allowed per game (282.9). On the other side of the ball, Florida State ranks second-to-last in the country in points scored per game at 14.4 and second-to-last in total yards per game (264.4).<\/p>\n
\u201cTheir record may not be where they want it to be,\u201d Freeman said, \u201cbut I\u2019m not trying to make this team something they\u2019re not. They are a talented, talented football team. And that\u2019s my message to the team. We respect our opponent. You don\u2019t have to watch many plays to realize how talented they are. But we have to continue to do the things in preparation to make sure we do the things that give our program the best chance at success on Saturday. We know what the result is when you don\u2019t mentally prepare the right way. That\u2019s why we say, \u2018Keep the pain from NIU.\u2019 It\u2019s important that our guys understand that.\u201d<\/p>\n
Notre Dame\u2019s Defense Vs. Florida State\u2019s Offense<\/h3>\n
While injuries have taken their toll on the Irish this season, true freshman Leonard Moore<\/a> has stepped in admirably for the Notre Dame defense. Filling in for injured cornerback Benjamin Morrison<\/a>, Moore, along with sophomore Christian Gray<\/a> have stepped up in the secondary. Gray sealed the Texas A&M win with a key pass breakup. Moore had an impressive interception in the back of the end zone against Navy.<\/p>\n They will be tested Saturday, going up against Florida State\u2019s most explosive receivers in Ja\u2019Khi Douglas<\/a> and Malik Benson<\/a>. Douglas has 25 receptions for 404 yards and three touchdowns. Benson has caught 23 passes for 302 yards and one receiving touchdown. The speedy wideouts can get vertical and stretch the field. With transfer quarterback D.J. Uiagalelei<\/a> out with an injury, Brock Glenn<\/a> (43-of-93 for 515 yards and four touchdowns) will be under center for the Seminoles. The Irish secondary must win these key matchups with Florida State’s playmakers to have success and maintain their dominance.<\/p>\n With Moore, Gray, and veteran Xavier Watts<\/a> holding down the secondary, Rylie Mills<\/a> and Howard Cross III<\/a> are playing fantastic football in the trenches. Cross has recorded 202 total tackles and four sacks. Mills has amassed 22 total tackles and three sacks. With Cross and Mills applying pressure on Glenn and Florida State\u2019s offensive line, the Irish\u2019s young linebacking core can play free, and with any luck, generate pressure in the middle of the field.<\/p>\n Notre Dame\u2019s offense is solid, not spectacular. Seemingly zeroing in on its identity in recent weeks, the unit is capable of scoring points. A lot of them. With dual-threat quarterback Riley Leonard<\/a> and dynamic running back Jeremiyah Love<\/a> leading the way, Notre Dame\u2019s offense has a nose for the end zone. Notre Dame ranks 106th<\/sup> national with 190.5 passing yards per game. Florida State ranks 41st<\/sup> nationally with 201.3 passing yards allowed per game. The Irish rank 13th<\/sup> nationally with 216.5 rushing yards a game. The Seminoles rank 115th<\/sup> nationally with 191.4 rushing yards per game.<\/p>\nIrish Offense Vs. Seminoles Defense<\/h3>\n
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