Notre Dame’s Defense Set to Lead the Way in November Playoff Push

Notre Dame’s defense prepares to lead a high-stakes November push, keeping playoff hopes alive with strong performances

Oct 26, 2024; East Rutherford, New Jersey, USA; Notre Dame Fighting Irish defensive lineman Donovan Hinish (41) pass rushes Navy Midshipmen quarterback Blake Horvath (11) during the first half at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Vincent Carchietta-Imagn Images / Vincent Carchietta-Imagn Images

Notre Dame's next men up maintain standard of play

Despite a rash of unfortunate injuries that have impacted Notre Dame's defensive line and secondary, most notably with the absence of Benjamin Morrison, this unit has never flinched and hasn't let up one bit. This group plays winning football weekly and has for many years now.

Notre Dame's defense is and has been the backbone of the program. This group has set a standard for itself and seems to live up to it regardless of who Notre Dame is playing and how many key players can't contribute due to injury.

📈 Top Rushing Defenses
• Per-Play, Opponent-Adjusted

1 Ohio State
2 Tennessee
3 Oklahoma
4 Nebraska
5 Notre Dame
6 Texas A&M
7 Pittsburgh
8 Ole Miss
9 Georgia
10 South Carolina

Full Power 4 list, from #1 to #68: pic.twitter.com/IOa1B4es8N

— Pick Six Previews (@PickSixPreviews) October 31, 2024

Notre Dame's defensive numbers are elite

Notre Dame's defensive statistics are very well-rounded and impressive. The Irish are inside the top ten when it comes to points allowed per game, yards allowed per game, points per play, yards per play, red zone scoring, and 3rd down conversion rate. This defense is rock solid under Al Golden in his 3rd year in South Bend.

The plan for Notre Dame in November is for the Irish defense to continue to smother every team it faces while the Irish offense continues to evolve and progress behind Riley Leonard who seems to be gaining confidence weekly. If Notre Dame can indeed peak in November, an exciting CFP run could be in the making.

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