Notre Dame Defense Needs To Dominate Two Areas To Shut Down Central Michigan

Previewing top matchups that Notre Dame must win against the Central Michigan offense

From an offensive perspective, Central Michigan is a bit of a mess. They have had moments but are largely an inefficient unit overall. They do, however, have a couple players who could create some issues for Notre Dame.

Let’s take a look at a couple of the key matchups that the Notre Dame defense must be ready to win. They have a chance to continue to build on early season momentum.

KEEPING BERT EMANUEL JR. CONTAINED

BREAKING IT DOWN

The Central Michigan offense has struggled through two games. When things are going well, it is usually because of quarterback Bert Emanuel Jr. and his dual threat ability. Although he’s still young, Emanuel does have the skill set to be a headache for opposing defenses.

Notre Dame did a really good job last week affecting NC State quarterback Brennan Armstrong and not allowing his legs to hurt them. That dual threat talent is something that has hurt the Irish defense in the past but a more athletic front seven should help to counteract it. Senior linebacker Marist Liufau has been a standout so far with his ability to close space quickly on the second level.

WHY IT MATTERS

Quite simply, Central Michigan should have a difficult time moving the ball consistently on Notre Dame. One of the ways the Chippewas can keep things interesting is if Emanuel can create some big plays out of the pocket. Extending drives with his legs is the worst case scenario for the Irish defense.

While it won’t necessarily eliminate all concerns, Notre Dame showing the ability to make plays in space against an athletic quarterback would be a welcomed sight. With games against quarterbacks like Riley Leonard (Duke) and Caleb Williams (USC), it would be very nice to see a good plan of attack in place.

CORNERBACKS VS CHRIS PARKER

BREAKING IT DOWN

If there is an explosive play created in the passing game on Saturday, it’ll probably be made by Parker. So far this season, he leads the Chippewas with 142 receiving yards and a touchdown, doing so on just five receptions (28.4 yards per reception). The 6-3, 195-pound pass catcher is a long strider who has the ability to win down the field.

On defense, Notre Dame boasts two of the best cornerbacks in college football. The duo of Benjamin Morrison and Cam Hart has a great argument as one of the elite groups in college football. Both players have the look of future NFL starters.

WHY IT MATTERS

When you are playing an inferior opponent, the biggest thing you don’t want to see as a defense is explosive plays. Parker has the ability to create some of them, especially for a passing game that has struggled so far. He brings a very unique combination of straight line speed and length to the table.

The Notre Dame cornerbacks have the ability to lock down most wide receivers on the schedule. Parker is a good test, and a little bit of a preview to some of the better wide receivers on the schedule. Morrison, Hart and company have a chance to build on their resume. 

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