Notre Dame's playoff hopes hinder on tonight's game against 15th ranked Louisville. This is a must win no matter how it's put, but if they don't then there's no chance at the playoffs. How head coach Marcus Freeman will prepare for a very good Cardinals side is unknown, but it definitely boils down to the Irish defense.
Notre Dame's defense is elite, but losing Jordan Botelho on the defensive line to injury is going to hurt a lot as that is crucial depth. While the defense has played well thus far in the season, facing two MAC teams, a poor Purdue side, and lower ranked Texas A&M don't compare to the fire power that Louisville brings. The game plan on defense has to focus on the quarterback Tyler Shough as he is arguably the best at his position this year not named Cam Ward. Shough is going to do damage and there's not much that can be done to stop his production, but limiting what he does has to be crucial. Whatever the tape might say whether disrupting his rhythm, taking away his favorite targets, applying pressure with the blitz or whatever, the game plan has to be executed to a tee. Shough has thrown for 850 yards and 8 touchdowns with zero interceptions. Zero. So he is going to attack in the air a lot and he's deadly accurate. It will likely come down how the secondary will cover (likely best in man to man instead of zone), but the defensive line might actually be more important especially if they are to make things uncomfortable for Shough. Even if it comes down to a bend, not break type of defense then the Irish should be okay.
Then there is how to execute the attack on offense. Fans have been very critical about quarterback Riley Leonard, but against Purdue, he was able to see what he can do with his legs and the running game could be what helps Notre Dame put up points. And with now center Ashton Craig out for the season, the young offensive line will be challenged even more. This could be the game that makes or breaks the offensive line this year. Depth will be tested here and the hope is that Freeman has the options on the line to keep up. Protecting Leonard and establishing the running game in the trenches is going to be a lot to ask for such a young group, but it cannot be stated anymore that they will have to step up here and maybe we'll see the potential of what they can be. One idea to help alleviate pressure on the offensive line is possibly having a rotational quarterback system and use both Leonard's and Steve Angeli's strengths to Notre Dame's advantage. Throw Louisville's game plan off by rotating the two in out frustrating the defense though that might be a better idea for the second half when they have less time to prepare. Heck, throw off the Cardinal defense more by using Leonard and Angeli with a different skill set so that Louisville cannot predict what is coming.
That being said, tonight is a must win game. Pretty obvious, but there are still some who think Notre Dame can still make the playoffs with two losses. With Northern Illinois' loss the other week, this game is more important than it has ever been (yes, even more than you think it was previously) as that makes the resume for the playoffs look weaker. So this game couldn't be any more pressure filled than this, but even an ugly win will still look good regardless. However, this should be a matchup for the Irish faithful to be scared about. Do still think Notre Dame has a good chance at winning, but expect a really great game.
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