Irish Breakdown

5 Notre Dame Storylines to Watch Against Northern Illinois this Week

Before Notre Dame's Week 2 game against Northern Illinois, here are five Irish threads to keep an eye on.

Ethan Niewoehner

Northern Illinois Huskies kicker Kanon Woodill (92) carrins the ball in for a touchdown on a fake field goal against the Arkansas State Red Wolves in first half action in the Camellia Bowl at Cramton Bowl in Montgomery, Ala., on Saturday December 23, 2023.
Northern Illinois Huskies kicker Kanon Woodill (92) carrins the ball in for a touchdown on a fake field goal against the Arkansas State Red Wolves in first half action in the Camellia Bowl at Cramton Bowl in Montgomery, Ala., on Saturday December 23, 2023. / Mickey Welsh / USA TODAY NETWORK
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Notre Dame made a statement against Texas A&M last week; marching into College Station and besting the Aggies by double digits is no small feat. When Northern Illinois rolls into South Bend this Saturday, the Irish should and will be riding high.

And as thirty point favorites, there seems to be no danger lurking in this week two matchup. However, this Husky team is not toothless, and Notre Dame is no stranger to losses to inferior teams at home in recent years.

Here are five aspects of the game to be mindful of as Notre Dame looks to keep its strong start to the season rolling against Northern Illinois.

5. Offensive Line Play

Perhaps the biggest question mark entering last week, the Irish offensive line more than held its own against Texas A&M. Allowing no sacks and paving the way for nearly 200 yards on the ground, the unit bested the Aggie defensive front. Now the question becomes whether such an act is repeatable.

The Northern Illinois defensive line allowed no sacks and only two tackles for a loss against lowly FCS opponent Western Illinois in week one, but has few proven commodities and is likely a large weakness for the Husky defense. If Notre Dame's offensive line is for real, they should dominate on Saturday.

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Ethan Niewoehner
ETHAN NIEWOEHNER

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