(Photo: Chad Ryan)
Caleb’s Corner: The Defense Marcus Freeman Envisioned Has Arrived
This is the defense Marcus Freeman envisioned when he hired Chris Ash, one not much different from the Al Golden models of 2023 and 2024. After weeks of frustration, adjustments, and questions, Notre Dame finally looks like a team that knows what it is — fast, physical, and opportunistic. Saturday’s 28–7 win over Boise State wasn’t perfect, but it showed the Irish have found their defensive identity and a formula they can trust.
Defense Finding Its Edge
Ash’s defense has steadily sharpened since that shaky September start. Against Boise State, everything clicked. The Irish front disrupted the pocket all afternoon, finishing with four sacks and forcing four turnovers. That combination — pressure and takeaways — is what had been missing early in the season.
The return of cornerback Leonard Moore gave the unit an immediate lift. After missing several weeks with an injury, he brought back both skill and stability, snagging two interceptions and helping tighten up coverage across the board. Safeties Tae Johnson and Luke Talich each added picks of their own, with the quick development of Johnson in particular standing out as he’s now a key playmaker in the secondary. The result is a defense finally communicating with confidence.
For the first time this season, Notre Dame’s defense didn’t just react — it dictated.
Run Game Sets the Tone
While the defense made the headlines, the running game continues to define the offense’s rhythm. Jeremiyah Love and Jadarian Price again showed why they’re one of college football’s most efficient duos. Love ran for 103 yards and a touchdown on 16 carries, while Price added 83 yards and a score, including a 49-yard burst that left half the Boise defense reaching for air.
Their ability to move the chains early has been the foundation of Notre Dame’s offensive progress. It’s what allows freshman quarterback CJ Carr to operate comfortably and pick his spots.
Carr Growing Into the Role
Carr’s numbers — 15-of-23 for 189 yards and two touchdowns — don’t scream “breakout,” but the film tells a different story. He’s showing improved mobility and decision-making, stepping up in the pocket to buy extra time, moving outside the pocket when necessary and throwing the ball away to avoid mistakes, and using pump fakes to create openings when he scrambles. His vision and timing with his top targets are sharper. Jordan Faison caught six passes for 83 yards, while Malachi Fields added four receptions for 44 yards and a touchdown.
Still, Carr left some points on the field. He missed a couple of open throws, including one that would have been a sure touchdown to Will Pauling. Those are the kinds of plays that separate a solid performance from a great one — but the encouraging sign is that the opportunities are there, and Carr is putting the offense in position to capitalize.
What Carr is doing now isn’t about highlight plays — it’s about consistency. And that’s exactly what Notre Dame needs from him as the defense takes center stage.
Looking Ahead
Notre Dame jumped to No. 16 in the AP Poll heading into Saturday’s matchup with 4–2 NC State, but the ranking matters less than the momentum. The Irish look like a team that’s finally aligned — scheme, execution, and confidence all working in sync.
If Ash’s defense stays in tune and Carr continues his growth, Notre Dame won’t just win — they’ll start controlling games.
And College Football Playoff dreams will remain alive and well.