Notre Dame's Defense Roaring Entering Road Trip to Clemson

Al Golden is rolling. 

Notre Dame’s defensive coordinator arrived last winter fresh off a Super Bowl appearance with the Cincinnati Bengals and there were flashes of what the defense could be. Yet, Golden had been removed from the college since 2015 and the game had changed quite a bit on and off the field. 

There was an adjustment period week to week and the Irish struggled in two major categories: Red Zone Defense and turnovers forced. 

Golden’s defense allowed teams to score 94.12 percent of the time a year ago and the Irish defense finished ranked No. 130 in red zone defense as only Rutgers was the only FBS team worse. Notre Dame forced 15 turnovers last year, which was No. 98 in the country.  

Fast forward to this fall and Notre Dame currently ranks No. 3 in turnovers forced with 18 in nine games and the Irish rank No. 2 in the country in red zone defense. 

Turnovers have been at the forefront of Notre Dame’s defense the last two weeks as the Irish have forced seven interceptions and recovered three fumbles against USC and Pitt. 

“We're converting,” stated Golden. “We're seeing the stimulus faster and we're responding more accurately. I know that sounds like a lot, but there's so much that goes into that in terms of how to see the ball, how to attack the ball. I know that's a long-winded answer, but it is something that we're passionate about. I'm glad the guys are seeing results.”  

What does converting mean? Well, it’s making sure the little details are taken care of each play. Obviously, the first goal is getting the ball carrier to the ground, but the Irish are swarming to the ball and making sure they are attacking it when given opportunities. 

“There were a lot of times that we had a running back held up in the pile in my however many games here,” explained Golden. “But now we have the wherewithal to go for the ball. There have been a lot of times that we've been on the perimeter, where we're closing in on a tackle, where we’ve just got the tackle. Now we're seeing the ball and that's what Cam did against SC, that kind of thing.” 

Notre Dame has also attacked the ball in the air as the Irish have recorded 13 interceptions on the year and senior safety Xavier Watts leads the nation with six picks, including five in the last two games. 

Golden’s scheme deserves credit, but he also was quick to point out cornerbacks coach Mike Mickens and safeties coach Chris O’Leary for having a significant impact on the game plan and in real-time during games. 

“If you could be on the headset in the game, everybody's included,” Golden said. “Everybody's in it. ‘Hey Mick, where do you want to go the next first-and-10?’ ‘CO, what do you think in the next third-and-3 to 6?’ ‘Al, next time we call this. What game do you want with it?’

“That kind of thing. I think that's a credit to Coach Freeman first and then obviously our ability as a staff to work together.”  

It’s also worth pointing out Golden has found great success in disguising pre-snap coverages this year. Sure, some of it is the fact he’s facing some inexperienced quarterbacks at times, but even veterans like Caleb Williams, Riley Leonard and Brennan Armstrong had significant issues identifying Golden’s games. 

“I can’t get into too much detail, but there’s a lot that goes into it and a lot of thought by Coach O’Leary and Coach Mickens in terms of how they want to present and what we have to do,” Golden explained. “There’s no doubt there is a lot of thought that goes into it weekly and the kids do a great job executing it.” 

When it comes to total yards, Golden and Notre Dame have limited teams well below their season averages for most of the year. 

Clemson will enter Saturday’s contest averaging 416.6 yards per game with quarterback Cade Klubnik averaging 243 yards passing per game.

Golden’s biggest challenge this week will be to prepare Notre Dame for the tempo Clemson plays with as offensive coordinator Garrett Riley looks to play a bit faster, but will also test defenses with pre-snap games himself. 

“You have the tempo, the multiplicity of personnel groups, the formations, the motions, whether it’s jet motion or the halfback,” explained Golden. “Coach Riley does a great job with their presentation and the challenges that they have. They have the arsenal to make you defend the entire field. I think that’s what makes them a really good offense.” 

Klubnik also has Notre Dame’s attention as Golden was quick to highlight his arm and ability to create plays. 

“I think he can beat you with his feet,” Golden said. “He has a big-league arm and he can move the pocket. He has a quick release on the RPO game and he can get it on the bubble, tunnel screen or the RPO game and let his playmakers go. They’ll make you defend the entire field. They’re a challenge and I know they have our guys attention.” 

At this point, it certainly seems like Golden and his defense will be up for the challenge and there is a great deal of faith coming from Notre Dame’s offense that the Irish can get the job done. 

Irish offensive coordinator Gerad Parker has seen Golden’s defense perhaps more than anyone as he’s faced it in the spring and during fall camp. Parker wasn’t giving away trade secrets, but he did explain why opponents have struggled to crack it. 

“They’re great football players, great staff and a scheme. When you combine those, you’re going to have a great defense. Who they are right now and how they’re playing is no surprise to us. It’s difficult because it’s multiple. They own all their fits in the run game. They have multiple ways to attack you in the pass game. They can play man outside. They’re confident to do that and they have the secondary to do so. 

“Anytime you don’t have easy access throws and you get challenged that way and have multiple ways of attacking, it makes it hard. It’s what we fight all the time through the spring and summer.” 

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