Notre Dame's Defense Trending Up

It’s been rare over the last couple of decades for expectations to be surpassed at Notre Dame, but that’s what the defense is doing in 2018. Everyone knew they’d be good, but probably not this good.

The Irish were better than solid last year (27th in S&P+ and 25th in yards per play). This year they have an elite defense (4th and 12th). That’s the biggest reason why the Irish are a Playoff contender.