Tuesday Slants
Notre Dame is halfway through the 2017 season already and sit at 5-1. The Irish have been impressive, and even the casual fan has to be impressed with what they have seen on the field to this point. Here are a couple of quick thoughts as the Irish start the bye week.
DEFENSE
When Mike Elko came to Notre Dame, I knew he was good, but I didn’t think he’d win over his guys this quick. You could tell very quickly he was someone kids would gravitate to, but it also is a process to make kids believe in your system and the message.
It’s very clear the Notre Dame defense has fully bought into the message, and they are playing for their defensive coordinator.
The Irish have forced 14 turnovers in 2016, but have equaled the same number through six games in 2017, and that’s good for No. 7 in the nation. That’s progress. Notre Dame is also No. 15 in the country in scoring defense as they give up 16.8 points per game.
I stated in the summer that if Elko can hold teams under 20 points consistently in year two, Notre Dame would be on the right track. He’s doing that in year one. The schedule has been soft, but it’s still pretty easy for teams to get mop up points and the Irish second and third team defense is taking a lot of pride in the work they have received in five games.
DEON MCINTOSH
Man, I’ll be the first to say I never expected this kind of production from the redshirt freshman. He looked lost at times in fall camp, but you did see the explosive traits at times when he was comfortable.
If you told me McIntosh would be the third leading rusher six games into the season, I would have felt Notre Dame would be 2-4 and having some massive troubles on offense, but it’s the complete opposite.
McIntosh is third on the team with 230 yards, four touchdowns and averaging 5.8 yards per carry. The production speaks volumes to Autry Denson’s ability to coach his guys up, but also to how solid the offensive line has been thus far.
Now, McIntosh has reaped the rewards of Tony Jones Jr. and Dexter Williams being banged up, but he’s also shown he’s going to compete.
Maybe the most impressive thing is Denson has created an ultra-competitive running back room, and there aren’t any harsh feelings on the outside. When a running back scores, he is greeted by the other running backs on the sideline, and they are legitimately happy for the other guy, which is impressive at this level.
OFFENSE
This is a big week for the offense as they have time to work on some of its weaknesses. While the Irish have multiple off days, the staff can specifically focus in on the pass game and areas of the run game that need to be shored up.
I’d love to see them add a few more vertical options quarterback Brandon Wimbush is comfortable with, as Notre Dame is going to need to open up the field against USC, NC State, and Miami.
Chase Claypool hasn’t quite proved to be consistent, but he has shown the ability to make plays down the field. Equanimeous St. Brown has had a quiet year to this point, but the 6-foot-5 junior is still Notre Dame’s best playmaker down the field. Miles Boykin has also shown more consistency the last two weeks, including a 54-yard touchdown from Wimbush against Miami (OH).
If Notre Dame can master a few more sets in the passing game, it could mean all of the difference against the meat of the schedule.
RECRUITING
It’s been almost two months since Kevin Austin Jr. committed to the Irish, but I think that could likely change soon. Deciding during the season isn’t something you see a ton of, as kids are out taking visits and seeing how teams finish the year.
In Notre Dame’s case, prospects have started to notice the Irish creeping back into the rankings, and the USC game is going to be a statement game. If the Irish can knock off the Trojans, I believe you will start to heads turn back to South Bend and give Notre Dame some much-needed momentum.
The loss to Georgia wasn’t ideal, but it has gained Notre Dame respect in the South. Kids are familiar with Georgia and clearly, see the Bulldogs ranked in the Top 5. Georgia has won by three scores in every game, but Notre Dame and kids have taken notice. A win over USC would be huge on the recruiting trail.
UNC TRIP
I was very surprised with the turn out at the game. Granted, UNC was 1-4 entering the game, but the lack of fans inside the stadium was alarming. It shows you how much Notre Dame fans care about football and the experience offered on game day, as even during last season’s struggles, Notre Dame Stadium was still full.
North Carolina recently added a section to the end zone, and it was almost empty at the game time, and as the game wore on, it was extremely empty.
The stadium was awesome. It’s not the biggest, but I can see how it would be very tough to play there. Sound travels well inside, and it gets trapped on all sides.
The grass was phenomenal. It poured for a few minutes, but you didn’t see players slipping all over the field, and after the game, it was much like Clemson’s field. The team that takes care of the field deserves a pat on the back.
On Friday, I made the trip down to Sanford (N.C.) to see 2018 running back commit Jahmir Smith in action. The people couldn’t have been nicer, and the Lee County coaches were just great.
On Smith’s 58-yard touchdown run, one of his coaches leaned over to me on the sideline and said “He’s getting the ball here. Watch.” Smith got a pitch and then took it to the house.
The head coach then walked over with a big smile on his face, and you could just sense the pride he had in Smith. It’s tight bond around the Lee County program, and Smith is the big man on campus.
After the game, every little kid ran over to Smith, and he took time to greet them and take pictures with them. He’s a Notre Dame kid and gets the bigger picture. Impressive kid.
