It had the makings of a classic Notre Dame comeback … down by 28 and then suddenly only down by 3 … but the obstacles that the Irish offense presented just could not be overcome by the Notre Dame defense. Even if you have the best defense in all of college football, it’s still a big task to overcome when your offense has five turnovers. So how did the Irish defense perform on Saturday versus Arizona State?! Lets take a look!!
This was the third time this year that both Notre Dame and its opponent scored at least 31 points in a game. That tied the 2005 season for the most in school history. This, however, was not entirely the fault of the ND defense as 21 of those points in the first half alone (28 total) were scored as a result of Irish turnovers. You just can’t give your opponent that many points and still win games.
The game on Saturday marked the most points the Irish allowed in a game since Miami scored 58 on Nov. 30, 1985. (Whoa.)
A positive stat for our defense: the Notre Dame defense has intercepted at least one pass in 12 consecutive games.
This is not defense related, per se, but this is why it “looks” as though the Notre Dame defense gave up so many points. Arizona State scored 28 points off of Notre Dame turnovers. The Irish had given up 50 points off of turnovers throughout their first eight games. The Sun Devils returned two interceptions for touchdowns and had short touchdown drives of 13 and 23 yards in the first quarter. You’re not going to win game when you make it that easy for your opponent.
The 17 first quarter points that Notre Dame gave up on Saturday were its most in a first quarter since Michigan State led the Irish 17-0 on Sept. 16, 2006, in East Lansing, Michigan.
Some bright spots …
The Notre Dame defense only let ASU’s offense convert on third down 5 of 15 times. (0.333)
Matthias Farley’s fourth quarter interception was his career-high third of the year. Farley picked up a seven-yard sack late in the third quarter. He also had the first two solo sacks of his career last week against Navy (Nov. 1).
The defense did a great job of stepping up in Joe Schmidt’s absence. Max Redfield matched his career high with 10 tackles on Saturday. Other top performers on the defense included Jaylon Smith with eight solo tackles, Elijah Shumate with five solo tackles and one assist, and Sheldon Day with five solo tackles.
Cornerback Devin Butler and linebacker Nyles Morgan both made their first career start on Saturday. Safety Eilar Hardy made his season-debut as well. He helped cover the opening kickoff of the game.
Notre Dame did not start any players in their senior year of eligibility on the defensive side of the ball.
I think our defense did a pretty good job holding their own against a very aggressive Arizona State offense. Coach Kelly knew they brought a very dynamic offense to the table, well versed in both passing and rushing. It’s just a shame that our offense didn’t seem prepared for what the ASU defense brought at them. It’s tough for a defense who played so well to swallow a loss that comes mostly as the result of offensive turnovers.
This team is still not a top contender. I know we all think that every year Notre Dame should be competing for the National Title, but we’re just not playing that caliber of football yet. Is the loss of five of our players finally coming back to haunt us? Or are our player just not at the level of the powerhouse teams of college football? I don’t really have the answer to that.
Well boys, study up, learn from your mistakes, and move onward to Northwestern!!
And from me to all of the veterans out there who so bravely fought for and defended our country … Happy Veterans Day!!
Cheers & GO IRISH!!
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