Notre Dame Offense Has Two Key Matchups It Must Dominate vs. Tennessee State

Looking at specific matchups Notre Dame must take advantage of offensively against Tennessee State on Saturday

On Saturday, Notre Dame heads home to take on Tennessee State. The Irish are hoping to improve to 2-0 on the season, led by an offensive outburst during the team’s 42-3 victory last week against Navy.

The defense for Tennessee State does have several players who the Irish offense must account for. There is no questioning that Notre Dame should win this one by a large margin but a few Tigers on defense hope to keep this one close throughout the contest.

Here are a couple key matchups to keep close tabs on.

KEEP SECONDARY OFF BALANCE

BREAKING IT DOWN

Two of the very best players for Tennessee State are in the secondary for the Tigers. At cornerback, they have Bryce Phillips who is the younger brother of former Utah standout Clark Phillips. The 6-1, 195-pound cover man led the team in pass breakups (10) last season. He is joined by safety Josh Green, who is one of the most dependable players on the team in general.

The passing attack for Notre Dame looks like the best it has had in some time. Led by quarterback Sam Hartman, the Irish offense had nine players catch a pass last week. The balanced, yet potent passing attack looks to build on that momentum.

WHY IT MATTERS

Notre Dame must balance challenging the secondary of Tennessee State while also understanding that there are a couple playmakers on the back end. Confusing them will be key in this game. If they are confident, they can cause some issues.

Not letting guys like Phillips and Green in a rhythm will be key. Remaining unpredictable as an offense will definitely fit into Notre Dame’s favor. Be creative, explosive and make some big plays.

DOMINATE THE UNDERSIZED FRONT SEVEN

BREAKING IT DOWN

While Hartman stole all the headlines last week, the Irish offensive line was stellar. Joe Alt was his usual self at left tackle, while Blake Fisher was dominant at times. The whole interior, including first time starting guards Rocco Spindler and Pat Coogan, as well as center Zeke Correll played very good football.

On defense, Tennessee State wants to create some havoc in the backfield. While they aren’t big, they are quick and active. That includes defensive tackle Terrell Allen, who finished with 12 tackles for loss and 4.5 sacks during the 2022 season. Behind him is transfer linebacker Monroe Beard III, who is expected to be a playmaker for the team.

WHY IT MATTERS

While the Tennessee State front seven is active, it is very undersized. Their two best defenders, Allen (6-0, 275 pounds) and Beard (6-1, 220 pounds) are both very small. Facing off against a large, and powerful Irish offensive line is a tough matchup.

Notre Dame has a chance to really exert their Will up front in this matchup. It is also an advantage that they need to take full advantage of. There should be little issue moving the line of scrimmage in their favor. 

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2024 Commit Rankings - Defense

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