Notre Dame Offense Must Win Key Matchups Against Pittsburgh
The Notre Dame offense has been very up and down during the course of the season. It started strong but has really become a mixed bag over the last few weeks.
They will be opposed by a Pitt defense that has their moments, but isn’t quite the same caliber as it has been over the last couple of seasons. Here are a couple of key matchups that the Irish must take advantage of offensively to get things heading in a great direction.
NOTRE DAME RECEIVERS vs PITT CORNERS
THE MATCHUP
The Irish pass catchers, especially outside, have been lackluster during the season so far. Players like Tobias Merriweather, Jayden Thomas, Rico Flores Jr. and Jaden Greathouse have all had tremendous moments during the season, but have all had way too many inconsistencies. There has also been a string of hamstring injuries that have really limited the impact of that group, and hurt the overall depth.
For the Pitt defense, they have two veteran cornerbacks who have played a lot of football. They are led by MJ Devonshire, who is one of the better cover men in the ACC. On the other side is Marquis Williams, who is definitely the lesser of the two but is a pesky cornerback who won’t back down from a challenge.
WHY IT MATTERS
Things for the Notre Dame offense are frustrating right now. Everything just seems a little too hard. A big reason for that is inconsistencies winning outside of the numbers and working to the perimeter. That makes everything more condensed, causing passing windows to get even smaller and running lanes to get a little more clogged.
In order for Pittsburgh to win the game, they must make this a low scoring affair. Forcing Notre Dame to be uncomfortable and making it a fist fight would be very advantageous for them. Condense the field and have a fighter’s chance.
NOTRE DAME O-LINE vs PITT D-LINE
THE MATCHUP
The Notre Dame offensive line has been pretty inconsistent this season. They have been tremendous in some games, and subpar in others. They are led by left tackle Joe Alt, who could be among the top ten picks in the 2024 NFL Draft this April. It is a very talented group overall.
From the Pitt side, it is not quite the defensive line you are used to. There is no Calijah Kancey or Patrick Jones. Instead it is a veteran group that makes their money off of depth and relentlessness. It is still a very quality unit overall.
WHY IT MATTERS
There’s a reality where the Notre Dame offensive line comes out firing and this game quickly becomes a one sided affair. Getting the run game going will be a necessity, as well as protecting quarterback Sam Hartman. The offensive success will really hinge on the success of the offensive front.
Defensively, the Pitt defensive line will hope to make a lot of plays in the backfield and just be a pesky group overall. They must shorten the game overall, with a lot of negatives really helping to do that. It’s cliche to say that the game will be won in the trenches but in this case, it is very true.
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