Notre Dame wrapped up the bulk of its spring work Saturday morning as the offense edged the defense, 34-31, in the jersey scrimmage.
The Fighting Irish now turn their attention to the final week of practices leading into Saturday’s Blue-Gold Game.
Head coach Marcus Freeman walked away encouraged not just by the result but by the evaluation opportunities the scrimmage provided.
“We'll evaluate it,” said Freeman. “We'll see where we have to improve. It’s an evaluation. That's what I've told them. We have to evaluate our coaching. We have to evaluate the way our players have received our coaching and prepared. That's what a day like today was for. We'll go back and watch it and we'll get back to work for these last three practices.”
Notre Dame kept things competitive with good-on-good work, pitting first-team units against each other for most of the morning. While the first-team offense protected the football well, the second unit was more volatile by flashing big-play ability but also struggling with turnovers.
“The ones on offense did a really good job of protecting the football and then the twos, we got sloppy,” Freeman explained. “I think at least two turnovers with the twos – one ended up being a safety. The other one was the interception by Luke Talich. The twos have to do a better job of taking care of the football. The twos did a great job on defense by taking it away.”
Freshman receiver Devin Fitzgerald was one of the day’s biggest standouts. The early enrollee hauled in a 65-yard touchdown and added another score from 30-plus yards out, continuing a strong spring.
Freeman acknowledged that Fitzgerald was going against a walk-on cornerback, but emphasized the importance of confidence and consistency for the young playmaker.
“When you master what you have right in front of you, you'll get more,” Freeman said. “I don't care if it was against a three, he made some big plays today. He'll continue to be put in elevated positions to continue to show what he can do against better competition.
“He's had a good spring. He's made big plays like that throughout the spring. Today I wasn't surprised and he'll continue to get better. He's getting better. He's doing a really good job.”
Defensive end Rodney Dunham also flashed. He primarily worked with the second team but making his presence felt against top competition. The freshman knifed into the backfield for a tackle for loss against the first-team offense.
“He's been able to play at a high, fast pace,” stated Freeman. “That's what you saw today. He made some good plays. He's a good football player. He's just come in at a higher level. That doesn't mean his ceiling is higher than anybody else, but it just means that at this point in his college career, he's doing a really good job of playing well. I believe he'll help us this year.”
Notre Dame senior safety Luke Talich has taken on a bigger role this spring by playing some linebacker. The Irish have had some depth issues due to injuries, which has allowed Chris Ash to expand Talich’s package at the second level, which they experimented with a year ago in Dime situations.
Senior safety Luke Talich continues to expand his role, seeing time at linebacker due to depth concerns. After being used in dime packages last season, Chris Ash is now building more into Talich’s toolbox.
On Saturday, he made an impact everywhere, including baiting freshman quarterback Noah Grubbs into an interception from his safety spot.
“He's extremely talented,” explained Freeman. “He works hard in preparation, but he has a physical body that can play nickel linebacker. But he's athletic enough and fast enough to play safety. We've got to find ways to get Luke Talich on the field. We will find ways to get him on the field.”
While the defensive line has drawn plenty of attention this spring, Saturday belonged in part to the offensive line, particularly the left side. Will Black and Anthonie Knapp showed the physicality and cohesion that offensive line coach Joe Rudolph has been looking for.
“Today, we were able to run the ball,” said Freeman. “That left side has done a great job. Knapp, the transition from tackle to guard has been a smooth transition. I'm not surprised because he's an athletic guy, he's a tough guy. We've always thought that was his more natural position, but he had to play left tackle for us. He's done a tremendous job.”
Want the latest scoop on the Fighting Irish? Sign up for our newsletter and become an ISD Premium Subscriber: Sign Up for ISD
Notre Dame Fighting Irish Under Armour Golf Leprechaun Chenille Patch Unstoppable Sweatshirt
