Game Thread | Purdue (2-0) at No. 12 Notre Dame (2-0)

Purdue (2-0) at No. 12 Notre Dame (2-0) 

Notre Dame Stadium | 2:30 p.m. ET | NBC | Notre Dame -7.5 | O/U: 58

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Gut Check Time

Notre Dame’s players have heard the negative vibes given from the fanbase over the last week. (Check out Inside the Garage Podcast Episode 5) and it seems like Notre Dame had a good week of practice. The team is finally back into a normal routine after starting the season on a Sunday which led to a challenging week of practice before the Toledo game. 

The Irish will have a tough challenge on Saturday as Purdue historically has played Notre Dame tough and the Boilermakers will bring two elite players to South Bend.

David Bell is a dominating receiver and he hasn’t been stopped to date as he’s recorded 14 receptions for 255 yards and three touchdowns in two games. Notre Dame won't be able to shut him down as he’s that good, but if they can eliminate the game-changing plays, it could be smooth sailing as Purdue lacks playmakers opposite Bell. 

On defense, the defensive line will be Purdue’s strength and it’s led by defensive end George Karlaftis. He’ll be a handful, especially for a young left tackle whether it’s Tosh Baker or Michael Carmody. 

But this game is about Notre Dame. Can the offensive find a running game and more consistency? The defense has been fine for about 97 percent of the plays this season, but can they trim down the big plays in week three? 

Five Players To Watch

Notre Dame LT Tosh Baker
He got better as the game went along last week, but this will be a much more difficult challenge against one of the top pass rushers in the country. We can expect that he won't be left on an island too much with help from Kyren Williams when the Boilermakers rush four.

Purdue DE George Karlaftis
No sacks on the season for Karlaftis, but he's top-five in the country in pressures. He's an elite talent and Notre Dame needs both of their tackles to be better to contain him.

Notre Dame LB Jack Kiser
Notre Dame fans have been waiting for a breakout game from Kiser, but it hasn't happened yet. This week would be as good as any with his family having several connections to Purdue.

Purdue WR David Bell
Dangerous after the catch and a jump ball beast, he'll be a tough matchup for any defender one on one. He'll be bracketed quite often and it will be critical for Notre Dame to not let him go off.

Notre Dame Vyper Jordan Botelho
He'll make his season debut and his presence could be big on 3rd downs. The Irish haven't been able to get off the field consistently enough in those situations and his ability as a pass rusher could give them a necessary boost. 

Quotes of the Week

Notre Dame QB Jack Coan: 
"Honestly, the only thing I care about is winning," Coan stated. "Whether that's me, Tyler, or Drew (Pyne), whoever gives us the best chance to win, I'm in favor of them. Tyler definitely helps us win and he showed that in the game. I was super happy he went in and helped us win. That's what it's all about." 

Notre Dame DL Kurt Hinish:
“We're still a baller defense. Have we given up a couple points? Yeah. But we're still a group of ballers, and we're going to be a group of ballers.

“I feel like if one of the plays gets through one of the gaps and leads to the middle, then I take responsibility for that. Even if it's in the opposite A gap, I feel responsible for that, because it is in the middle of the defense, and me and Jayson Ademilola, we hold one another accountable.

“For example, last week I missed a tackle for loss against Toledo. We were sitting in the film room watching it the other day, that play came up and Jayson just turned around and gave me a look and I looked at him back, and I'm like, 'You're right. We gotta make those plays.'”

Notre Dame LB Jack Kiser:
You said it, Purdue family," laughed Kiser. "Dad, brother, cousins, uncles, aunts, best friends, girlfriend - a lot of people, connections and ticket requests. It's going to be special and I hope we come out and succeed and perform, improve and be at our best.

"They're definitely rooting for Jack Kiser,"  said Kiser. "They're definitely rooting for Notre Dame, but at the same time, it's hard to say that everybody is going to be rooting for Notre Dame. There will definitely be some Jack Kiser fans out there." 

Notre Dame head coach Brian Kelly:
"(Jordan) Botelho is available and he will play.”

For Your Nerves