Irish Sticking To The Process Heading Into USC
Notre Dame’s defense took on a new mindset a year ago under Mike Elko. The Irish were more consistent in technique and aggressiveness, but even with Elko’s departure, Notre Dame took the next forward in 2018 under first-year defensive coordinator Clark Lea.
The Irish have defended tempo spread offenses to the triple-option and now will face a pro-style attack on Saturday against USC.
“We know we can defend anything,” stated Notre Dame defensive lineman Jerry Tillery. “Whatever the offense brings, we feel we can defend it.”
Last weekend’s 36-3 beatdown of Syracuse, who was ranked No. 12 in the country, is the best example of the confidence Lea’s defense is playing with. Notre Dame’s first-team defense held Syracuse to 122 yards of offense in the first three-quarters of the game.
The Orange ran high-tempo with deep shots but also a quick game on the edges. Junior cornerback Julian Love recorded five tackles, which included two for loss. Love admitted preparation led him to the tackles for loss as he noticed a key tendency from the Syracuse receivers.
“The receivers didn’t give their best every play,” explained Love. “You could see it on film. If they knew they weren’t getting the ball, they would go through the motions, even if there was a possibility they were getting the ball. “
Love made sure his teammates knew what he saw going into the game, and the Irish completely disrupted the Orange screen game.
“I told them if anyone tries to block you, run through them,” recalled Love. “The film showed it would be effective. On those plays, I was really attacking them and making them burn energy to block. When you come after someone early, they are going to go slower later in the game.”
Notre Dame head coach Brian Kelly and his players have talked about the process and preparation all fall, but as the Irish head into the last weekend of the season, it’s evident they believe in it.
The Orange were the fourth team this fall the Irish defense has held under 250 total yards of offense, and it starts with Notre Dame’s best players making big plays.
“We have had a lot of good individual efforts, and we have found a way to bring our best every week,” stated Tillery. “That’s how you end up 11-0 and playing for perfection.”
Tillery is well-aware the Irish haven’t won at Southern Cal since 2012, and while there is a lot on the line, the Louisiana native is keeping to his process.
“It’s like playing anyone,” Tillery said. “We played Ball State, Michigan, Florida State and all these teams who bring their best. That’s what we’re expecting, and we don’t want anything less. We want to beat them at their best, and we’re excited to play them.
“We can’t play for the National Championship on Saturday. We can beat USC on Saturday, and that’s our focus. That’s all we can worry about.
“We put a lot into this, and we’re excited to play.”