Notre Dame Fighting Irish: It's Not Luck But Talent

© Kirby Lee - Imagn Images 

Back in Week 2 of the college football season, the No. 5 Notre Dame Fighting Irish (11-1) were all the buzz, but not for the right reason. After losing to underwhelming Northern Illinois (7-5, 4-4 Mid-Atlantic Conference), questions abounded regarding the bona fides and toughness of the Fighting Irish. If a MAC team can come into your house and leave victorious how would you fare later against tougher competition? The answer came a week later at Purdue and every week afterward as the Irish turned their bad luck into a string of success. This season however has been more than the luck of the Irish; it has been a testament to their talent.

Defensive Domination

The defense has been the backbone of Notre Dame all season. Not only did it keep the Irish in every game, but it also controlled outcomes. The defense held four opponents to 12 points or less and 10 opponents to 16 points or less. That number includes their loss to Northern Illinois which scored 16.

Despite an injury to its top cornerback and preseason All-American Benjamin Morrison, the defense did not skip a beat. Sophomore Christian Gray stepped in, played well and was critical in the Irish win over USC (6-6, 4-5 Big Ten Conference) with a 99-yard interception return late in the game. The real menace in the secondary is senior safety Xavier Watts, who is third in tackles on the team and tied for third in the nation with 5 interceptions. He also had a pivotal interception return at USC which he returned for 100 yards. His play this season has raised his draft stock, with Bleacher Report projecting him as a late first-round pick and a Year 1 starter in the NFL.

Run Irish Run

The only thing a defense hates worse than one running back is three running backs, and the Irish offense features a terrific trio of RBs. Jeremiyah Love, RB1, sets the tone with his shifty and bruising runs. Love is averaging 7.1 yards per carry, has 15 touchdowns and has never met a defender he could not run through. After a defensive is sick of Love, which is inevitable, they can expect the speedy Jadarian Price who averages more than 7 yards per carry and doubles as a kick returner.

© Gary A. Vasquez - Imagn Images

The third running back is disguised in the legs of quarterback Riley Leonard. The Duke transfer has rebounded from his ankle surgeries and is running the ball better than some running backs. He is second on the team in rushing yards with 721. He has 14 rushing touchdowns and has added 16 with his arm. Leonard has been tough as nails this season, playing through a shoulder injury suffered in Week 2, but that has not stopped him from the scrum and getting 1 yard when his team needs it.

Marcus Freeman

The Irish have talent all over the field but it does not stop there. Leading that on-field talent is Marcus Freeman. The former inside linebacker is no stranger to talent as he not only possessed it as a player but was surrounded by it at Ohio State. His high football IQ, passion and fire for the game have led him to a 30-9 record as head coach of the Irish since taking over in 2021. His defensive-minded approach is the reason for Notre Dame’s domineering defense. 

Freeman has been exactly what the Irish needed after their long-term relationship with Brian Kelly. While Kelly was successful at Notre Dame record-wise, he never consistently got the best out of his teams and often did not connect with athletes or fans. Freeman has had no such troubles, despite some setbacks in his first two seasons. The university recently rewarded Freeman’s success, signing him to a 4-year extension.

So, maybe one credits the defense and its great performances all year. Perhaps they praise the backfield of Love, Leonard and Price. They could even praise the defensive prowess of Freeman. And in all cases, they would be correct. Notre Dame’s success this year can be tied to any number of these talents, but luck has no place in this year’s story.