Independent Football Teams - 2021 Notre Dame Fighting Irish Preview
Our Notre Dame Fighting Irish preview 2021 observes that this is, once again, the best of the FBS Independents. Last season, the Irish affiliated with the ACC, winning the regular-season title with 9-0 record. In the postseason, #4 Notre Dame went to the Rose Bowl and played #1 Alabama. In that game, they lost to the Tide 14-31. The Crimson Tide went on to win the national title. In 2020, the Irish scored 33.4 PPG (5th ACC, 30th Nationally) and allowed just 19.7 PPG (1st ACC, 14th Nationally). Overall, they finished at 10-2.
Notre Dame Offense
The Fighting Irish lose eight starters on this side of the ball, including quarterback Ian Book and receivers Javon McKinley and Ben Skowronek. The solution to the quarterback question is to utilize Wisconsin graduate transfer Jack Coan. In 2019 with the Badgers, Coan, who will be playing with an inexperienced frontline, connected on close to 70 percent of his passes. Receivers include tight end Michael Mayer and wideout Avery Davis. Last season, Mayer caught 42 passes for 450 yards and two scores. Davis grabbed 24 passes for 322 yards and two TDs.
In 2020, the Fighting Irish rush attack averaged 211.1 YPG (3rd ACC, 24th Nationally). Once again, this season expect Notre Dame to focus on the run. Top rusher Kyren Williams returns having run for 1,125 yards on 211 attempts. He scored 13 TDs while averaging a hefty 5.3 YPA. A dual threat, Williams also had 35 catches for 313 yards and one score. One starter, Jarrett Patterson, returns to the O-line. Patterson, who’s coming off foot surgery, moves from center to left guard.
Notre Dame Fighting Irish Preview 2021 - Defense
Last season, Notre Dame was tough against both the run and pass. This season, they are three deep at nose tackle and defensive tackle. Kurt Hinish starts at NT and Myron Tagovailoa-Amosa at DT. Last season, Hinish recorded 19 tackles, two sacks, and 5.5 TFL, while Tagovailoa-Amosa had 17 tackles, 2.5 sacks, 3.5 TFL, and two QBH. Even though the Irish lose two-of-three starting linebackers, the two vacant spots will be filled with experienced players. The returning starter, MLB Drew White, is the leader on this side of the ball. Last season, White posted 57 tackles, 1.5 sacks, 7.5 TFL, two PBU, and two QBH.
The secondary sees three-of-four starters come back. Last season, free safety Kyle Hamilton made a team-best 63 tackles as well as 4.5 TFL, six PBU, and one pick. Cornerback Clarence Lewis recorded seven PBU. Despite these quality players, this unit is still thin.
Specialists
Last season, placekicker Jonathan Doerer proved to be inconsistent. He put up better numbers earlier than later in the season. Our Notre Dame Fighting Irish preview 2021 observes that the Irish have found quality in the likes of punter Jay Bramblett. In 2020, the punter averaged 42.8 YPP while placing 12-of-43 within the 20-yard-line.
Notre Dame Fighting Irish Preview 2021 - Projection
Our Notre Dame Fighting Irish preview 2021 observes that this team has major concerns about offense. The frontline is especially worrisome. The defense has questions at linebacker. The Irish schedule includes Florida State, Wisconsin, Virginia Tech, and Stanford. The offense will have to come through. Their success hinges on the ability of the O-line to come through.
Independent Football Teams - Notre Dame Fighting Irish 2021 - Predictions:
Record: 10-2
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