(Photo: Joe Weiser)
Caleb’s Corner
Caleb Conrad takes on the Fighting Irish
The Irish are 0–2 and out of excuses — can they right the ship?
Notre Dame’s season hangs by a thread. A heart-stopping 41–40 loss to Texas A&M has the Irish reeling. Sitting at 0–2 and slipping to No. 24 in the AP Poll, the margin for error is gone. Every game from here on out is a must-win.
Defense in Trouble
The Irish defense has sprung leaks. Against Texas A&M, they recorded zero sacks while Marcel Reed shredded them for 488 yards — uncharacteristic for a Marcus Freeman team. Leonard Moore, despite being questionable for Purdue, was a bright spot with two pass breakups and an interception. Kyngstonn Viliamu-Asa, Boubacar Traore, and Drayk Bowen have flashed, but a consistent pass rush is still missing. Freeman said he’ll spend extra time with the defense this week. That adjustment can’t come soon enough.
Offense Holding Ground
Redshirt freshman CJ Carr threw for 293 yards with one touchdown and one interception, while RBs Jeremiyah Love and Jadarian Price combined for 162 yards on the ground. Tight end Eli Raridon has emerged as a reliable target, with Virginia transfer Malachi Fields not far behind. Wideout Jaden Greathouse caught his first pass of the season — a player Notre Dame must involve more heavily.
Road Ahead
At 0–2, every week is a must-win. Purdue comes to South Bend far improved from last year’s 66–7 blowout, and a tough Arkansas team is next. The Irish still control their destiny, but they’ll need grit, adjustments, and no excuses to have any shot at a 10–2 finish and the college football playoffs. Saturday at 3:30, the climb back begins.