Boise State (3-1) at No. 21 Notre Dame (2-2)
Notre Dame Stadium | 3:30 PM ET | NBC | Line: Notre Dame -21.5 | Total: 63.5
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Five Players To Watch
Notre Dame DT Elijah Hughes
Hughes played nine snaps in the first two games. He's played 51 in the last two and has taken full advantage of his opportunity. He should now be a fixture in Notre Dame's defensive line rotation and they're going to need him along with the other defensive tackles to help stop Boise State's running game.
Boise State RB Dylan Riley
Boise State has a three-headed monster in the backfield and Riley is the one who has emerged as the leading rusher. He's been a breakaway threat and is averaging 7.5 yards per carry. The Irish will have to contain him and do their best to force Boise State into becoming one dimensional on offense.
Notre Dame WR Jordan Faison
People might not have predicted that Faison would lead Notre Dame in catches and targets, but he's been a consistent presence who has produced after the catch. He's averaging 7.1 yard after the catch per reception and 15 of his 19 targets have turned into first downs. With Boise State's heavy blitz package and inconsistent tackling, he could be in line for a monster game.
Boise State LB Marco Notarainni
Notarainni was 1st team All-Mountain West last season and he has made a huge impact as a blitzer. He leads their team with 12 pressures and even though he hasn't recorded a sack, he has hit the opposing quarterback five times this season. His havoc numbers were better last season and if Boise State is going to pull off the upset, they'll need Notarainni to be a playmaker against the Irish.
Notre Dame RB Jadarian Price
Price has eight touchdowns, 11 runs of 10+ yards, and he's scored on a 100-yard kickoff and 35-yard run after the catch. He's been a big play waiting to happen all season and with Boise State's suspect run defense (123rd in EPA per play), there's a good chance he is going to break something big again in this game.
Quotes of the Week
Notre Dame head coach Marcus Freeman:
“I think we're as deep in the wideouts room as we've ever been, and now you can use J-Love (Jeremiyah Love) in some situations - use him as a wideout or put him in a receiving position.
“It still starts up front and it starts with the protection then it starts with the decision and ball placement by the quarterback. Those wideouts gotta go make a play and we've recruited that way. We recruited some guys. We've developed some guys, but you're seeing the confidence and the ability to make those one-on-one contested catches.”
Notre Dame running backs coach Ja’Juan Seider:
“Boise is a good team. I had a chance to compete against them in the Fiesta Bowl last year. It was a battle. They had (Ashton) Jeanty. But they’ve always been giant killers. That’s what they’re known for knocking off teams in the past. We’re going to have to go out there and play our best football. First time (Notre Dame) gets to play these guys. I told the guys in the room, they were in the playoff last year. They’re 3-1 and we’re 2-2. So there’s no room for being comfortable. There is no level of comfort. We’ve got a long way to go.
“We’ll be challenged. They’ll be very disciplined. They’ll be in their gaps. They’re going to play in their system. It ain’t going to be overcomplicated. You’re going to know where you’re at. Now, can you go move that man from Point A to Point B? That’s the message this week. We’ve got to play tough football. We’ve got to play Notre Dame-type football versus a good team that’s coming here to win.”
Notre Dame S Tae Johnson
“Having Coach Freeman in my corner and having him help me understand the bigger picture to it all, understand why I’m here, understand how I can help myself, it’s just been a joy to be coached by him. That’s a great role model for me. I’ll run through fire for Coach Freeman. I know he believes in me, so I just want to keep getting better, keep building that trust, keep giving him the ability to trust me to go out there and make plays.”
Notre Dame CB Mark Zackery IV:
“We experienced the team glory for the first time all year (Purdue), so it was great. But going back, I didn't feel good about myself and what I gave up. I know people were telling me it's just a freshman first game, whatever, but I have a super high standard for myself and I know Coach (Mike) Mickens does, too.”
For Your Nerves
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