Notre Dame Carries Unfortunate Statistic Into Rivalry Game vs. Purdue

Notre Dame's passing attack has seen better days. Through two weeks, the Fighting Irish have yet to throw a touchdown pass — one of just five teams without one.

Dustin Schutte | Sep 10, 2024

Notre Dame Fighting Irish quarterback Riley Leonard (13) celebrates / Matt Cashore-Imagn Images

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Notre Dame's passing attack has seen better days. Heading into Saturday's rivalry game against Purdue, the Fighting Irish have yet to throw a touchdown pass in the first two weeks of the college football season.

After two weeks, only five FBS programs have failed to reach the end zone through the air: Notre Dame, Northwestern, Miami (Ohio), Air Force and Western Michigan. That's not great company to be part of entering Week 3 of the college football season.

It's salt in the wound for a Notre Dame team that dropped a 16-14 decision to Northern Illinois last week, falling to 1-1 on the season. The Fighting Irish are ranked No. 18 heading to Ross-Ade Stadium this weekend.

Notre Dame's passing offense ranks 114th nationally, averaging just 160.5 yards per game. Quarterback Riley Leonard has completed 38-of-62 passes (60.8%) for 321 yards with no touchdowns and two interceptions. He's rushed for 79 yards and a score.

Will Notre Dame's weak passing attack prove to be an advantage for the Boilermakers on Saturday?

Purdue has only played one game, dominating Indiana State 49-0 in the opener. In that contest, the Sycamores completed just five-of-10 passes for 50 yards. That's a solid afternoon for Ryan Walters' defense, but it came against a bad FCS opponent.

It'll be interesting to see if Notre Dame tries to figure some things out through the air this week or if it sticks with a heavy rushing attack. At some point, the Irish have to learn to move the ball with the passing attack.

Saturday's rivalry clash is scheduled for a 3:30 p.m. ET kickoff and will air on CBS.

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