Tranquill Ready For Fun Night Inside Notre Dame Stadium
Written by Alec Swain
The Notre Dame defense will be challenged in slowing the two-pronged attack of Nick Chubb and Sony Michel on Saturday night. With talented freshman quarterback Jake Fromm making his first collegiate start, Georgia will have to rely heavily on its two veteran running backs.
Notre Dame Stadium is one of the most iconic venues in sports, and it will be a test for the very young, but extremely talented Fromm in his first start.
On the other hand, Drue Tranquill and the Notre Dame defense know exactly what to expect in the game this coming Saturday night.
“I think the atmosphere will be great,” said Tranquill. “I think any atmosphere at Notre Dame is incredible, from the walk to the tailgating to just the fans outside the stadium to the fans inside the stadium. When you add the lights in the nighttime a little bit, obviously there’s an added aspect to that, and so, yeah, I expect it to be really exciting. A lot of fun.”
The Notre Dame defense will need to channel the energy from the stadium into their play on Saturday night.
The defense played well in their home opener against Temple last week. Their performance was not perfect, but they are aware of the areas they need to improve on moving forward.
“I thought our pursuit to the ball was great,” stated Drue. “I think our initial contact and stepping into contact could be better and bringing our feet.”
Fundamental tackling will be necessary against the Georgia offense this week. Being in the SEC, Georgia faces some of the most athletic and powerful teams in the country. Georgia will be ready to play hard and physical when the lights come on; therefore the defense better be prepared to play smart and aggressive football.
If the defense can tackle well, maintain good pursuit to the ball, take proper angles, and limit the effectiveness of Chubb and Michel, it will be a good day for the Irish. However, that is way easier said than done.
“It seems Notre Dame always gets their opponents best,” explained Tranquill. “We expect that from Georgia. It doesn't matter who they bring in here. Jacob Eason, the freshman quarterback, doesn't really matter. I think we are going to get their best.”
Tranquill is now one of the experienced leaders of the team and realizes how important it is for the defense to rise to the challenge this week. After a year of doubt and disappointment, it is now time for the Irish defense to prove they are no longer the Achilles heal of the program. Now, under the lights Saturday night the Irish will get there first true test and the perfect platform to put all the angst of last season to rest.