Notre Dame Football

Game Thread | Central Michigan at No. 9 Notre Dame

By Matt Freeman

September 16, 2023

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Central Michigan (1-1) at No. 9 Notre Dame (3-0)

Notre Dame Stadium, South Bend, Ind. | 2:30 PM ET | Peacock | Line: Notre Dame -34.5 | O/U: 51.5

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Five Players To Watch

Notre Dame RB JD Price
CMU had trouble covering the running back last week against New Hampshire. Their linebackers won't match up that better against Notre Dame's backs. Look for Price to continue to flash as a playmaker and make plays in the passing game this week.

Central Michigan QB Bert Emanuel Jr.
A dangerous runner who has produced big plays with his legs, he's not a polished passer and struggles with accuracy. For any chance for CMU to keep this close, Emanuel has to have the game of his life.

Notre Dame DT Howard Cross
Cross has balled out to start this season and he may not play close to a full game if the score gets out of hand, but he'll definitely make his presence felt when he's on the field. He's been relentless off the ball and should continue to show out.

Central Michigan DT Jacques Bristol
He's been outstanding to start the season and was the best CMU player on the field against Michigan State. Bristol is an explosive lateral mover who has been disruptive. He has three TFLs in the first two games and has eight total pressures.

Notre Dame LB Drayk Bowen
With JD Bertrand out, Jack Kiser will take over the starting Mike linebacker spot and we should get to see Bowen's first extensive action at linebacker this season. He already made a splash last week with a forced fumble on a kickoff against NC State and Irish fans will get a glimpse of someone that has impressed since he arrived on campus as an early enrollee.

Quotes of the Week

Notre Dame head coach Marcus Freeman:
“It's been that way all year because every Saturday we have one goal and that’s try to continue to play at our full potential. In order to do that, you have to win these moments in the day. I remind them if their mind ever starts to drift or if somebody tries to talk about the future, it's just a great reminder for us to refocus and get back in the moment.”

Notre Dame offensive coordinator Gerad Parker:
“We’ve got a smart football team. Our offense knows our deal and we’ve got a guy that’s playing confidently at the quarterback position.”

Notre Dame defensive coordinator Al Golden:
“Yeah, I'm excited about our pass rush. I mean, there was no pass rush against Navy. Again, most of our starters are out by halftime and our play count wasn't very high against Tennessee State. And then last week, it was really gameplan-oriented. So, I thought our guys executed the game plan really, really well.

Notre Dame quarterback Sam Hartman:
“The guys up front are giving me a lot of time. We get in a rhythm; we get in a good situation. Usually, it’s after our defense makes a stop, so we have a lot of momentum going there.”

Notre Dame safety DJ Brown on the spear package:
“For the quarterback, he doesn’t know exactly what we’re doing, where we’re going, our rotations and stuff. It gives the quarterback uncertainty. They don’t really know what we’re doing. Every game we put in new plays and stuff so teams can’t really game plan us. Honestly, confusing the quarterback and then it allows us to make plays.”