After a two week hiatus, we are finally back to a game week with Notre Dame football and I couldn’t be more excited. It seems like ages ago when the Irish added their second win of the season to their records, but with a bye week and a Covid outbreak, that’s just how this 2020 season has gone. Welcoming in a 1-2 Florida State team to South Bend for the first night game of the season, the fifth ranked Irish look to add another win to the season which I believe they will be able to do based on one stipulation: how will the Irish start the game?
In the season opener against Duke, it took the Irish a couple of drives to get into an offensive rhythm, limiting their overall output and scoring totals. In week two, we saw them jump out to a much faster start against South Florida, finding their rhythm and racking up 52 points in that game. After two weeks off, how will the Irish come out on Saturday? Brian Kelly addressed this in his weekly press conference emphasizing their need to get off to a good start to set the tone for the rest of the game. Let’s take a look at how Notre Dame could (or should) be able to do this.
As mentioned, Florida State is coming in with a 1-2 record, their only win coming in a 41-24 victory over the Jacksonville State Gamecocks last weekend. The Seminoles season is not off to a great start and is evident when looking at their statistical breakdowns. Florida State has used three different quarterbacks throughout their three games this season but Coach Kelly addressed their main focus will be on Jordan Travis who got the majority of QB reps in the Seminoles most recent game. Travis’s favorite targets in the passing game, Ontario Wilson and Tamorrion Terry will both get the attention they deserve from the Irish secondary, but I think most of the damage will come up front. The Seminoles offensive line has already given up 11 sacks this year and I expect the Irish to make their presence felt in the backfield. As has been well documented, the Irish held a game-simulating scrimmage this past Sunday to make sure everyone was reacclimated to game speed. On the defensive side of the ball, I expect to see multiple sacks, and even more quarterback hurries brought on by the Irish defensive line. I am hoping that this continued pressure will give the Notre Dame offense more breathing room, allowing them to play freely and exploit the holes in the Seminoles defense. The extended break for the Irish wasn’t all gloom and doom though. It has provided extra rest and recovery for the injured players, meaning Irish safety, Kyle Hamilton, will be available and on the field for Saturday’s matchup.
The Notre Dame offense should have a full and regular roster available this week, which is another point of excitement for me. Saturday night will be our first glimpse at the 2020 version of Irish wide receiver Kevin Austin who, in my opinion, will be very fun to keep an eye on as this year progresses. Kelly expressed that he should be available for 15-20 plays this week as they don’t want to rush him back, but Austin could prove to be a very beneficial part of the Irish receiving unit this year. When asked about his performance and looks in practice, Kelly said of Austin “he’s explosive, rangy, and has outstanding ball skills. He’s a guy that can open up the game and take the top off of coverages.” It might not happen this week but number four in the golden helmets will be a top playmaker as long as he can stay healthy and on the field this season.
As the Irish have relied rather heavily on the run game in our two games played this year, the return of Kevin Austin and Ben Skowronek to the Irish receiving lineup should help Ian Book and the passing attack. Kelly, when asked about the lack of production at the wide receiver position this year said “let’s keep playing, let’s not take two weeks off […] and I think you’re going to see in time an offensive passing game that resembles the talent we have at that position.” The Notre Dame rushing attack should remain steady and consistent for their third outing of the year as well. The stable of backs being used this week is expected to be what we have seen throughout this year, as long as no further positive tests come out prior to the start of Saturday’s game.
At the time of writing this article, the Irish are sitting as three touchdown favorites. After an abysmal start to the Seminoles season, I completely understand why the Irish are favored so heavily, but my concern lies in the time off that Notre Dame has had since their last game action. If the Irish are able to jump out to a fast start, both offensively and defensively, then this game should be over with relatively early. This is a lot easier said than done though. After having two consecutive weeks off, it might take the Irish a little bit longer to establish their rhythm, making the game closer than what’s expected early on. Don’t get me wrong, I still have confidence that the fifth ranked Irish will win, but it may take a couple of drives to get the ball rolling. With that being said, I am going to predict a 31-10 Irish victory, moving Notre Dame to 3-0 on the year. Irish football is finally back so lets enjoy it! Go Irish. Beat Seminoles.