(Photo: AJ Houk)
After a rough start with a bunch of early-season misfires, the staff—and the Irish—are finally rolling. Game five brings Notre Dame back home to South Bend to face a 3-1 Boise State team that’s been racking up points but shows some defensive cracks. Here’s how the Fighting Irish Preview crew sees it playing out.
Phillip Houk – Senior Editor
I like where this team is going, a lot. Therefore, I pray my enthusiasm is not the kiss of death.
The Irish defense is coming together nicely—so much so that last week’s “Chris Ash watch” will probably be all but forgotten by halftime against Boise as the pass rush and secondary chemistry continues to build. On the other side of the ball, with CJ Carr leading the way, J. Love and J. Price making plays, and a cast of big-play receivers ready to turn any snap into an ESPN Top Ten moment, the Irish offense is dynamic and dangerous. Throw in the energy of a raucous home crowd, and it’s going to be party time this week in the House that Rockne built. The Irish improve to 3-2, and the Guinness will flow in South Bend Saturday night.
Prediction: Notre Dame 42, Boise State 21
Caleb Conrad – Staff Intern
The Notre Dame offense behind CJ Carr looks like it could be one of the best in the country. The Irish have continued to improve each week, and the defense looked much better against Arkansas. Jeremiyah Love and Jadarian Price will make several big plays on the ground, while Carr keeps the air attack rolling. The defense takes another step forward, and the Irish pick up a convincing win to move to 3-2.
Prediction: Notre Dame 45, Boise State 17
Jesse Craig – Webmaster
Well Irish fans, these predictions are going to get a bit repetitive, save for maybe Pitt and USC. The Broncos are two weeks removed from giving up 524 yards and 37 points to Air Force. This is not your typical Boise State team. BSU ranks 100th nationally in rushing defense and 98th in passing yards allowed per play. Translation: CJ Carr, J-Love, and Price will have a field day, with plenty of opportunities for the tight ends and receivers to join in. Notre Dame rolls with its third straight 50-ball.
Prediction: Notre Dame 53, Boise State 13
Chad Ryan – Photo Journalist / Multimedia Editor
Notre Dame’s defense showed more than just signs of life last week. That’s good news for Irish fans and bad news for Boise State. There’s no reason to think we’ll see the version of the defense from Weeks 1–3. Boise State averages 38 points per game, but hasn’t faced anything close to what they’ll see in South Bend. Combine that with a poor run defense, and you’ve got a recipe for an Irish highlight reel.
Prediction: Notre Dame 42, Boise State 17
Connor Fitzharris – Staff Writer
As my colleagues have already stated, this isn’t the same Boise State team from a year ago. Despite returning starting quarterback Maddux Madsen from last year’s CFP run, the defense has taken a big step back. The Broncos rank 67th in defensive efficiency, wedged between Kansas and Rice. Expect the Irish offense to keep feeding its two-headed monster of Love and Price, while CJ Carr continues his breakout campaign.
Prediction: Notre Dame 38, Boise State 17
Adam Schenkel – Producer / Audio Editor
Notre Dame’s offense looks unstoppable right now, and Boise State won’t have the answers to slow them down. Meanwhile, the Irish defense keeps improving each week, setting the stage for another lopsided result.
Prediction: Notre Dame 45, Boise State 17
AJ Houk – Photo Journalist / Director of Brand Strategy
I’ve seen enough of this offense to say it outright: Notre Dame’s going to score. Honestly, it feels strange to talk this confidently about an Irish offense, but I’m getting flashes of Jimmy Clausen slinging it to Michael Floyd. The Broncos may throw in some wrinkles, but their defense isn’t built to slow this attack unless Notre Dame gets in its own way.
The real question is on the other side of the ball. Boise State can run it, no doubt, but can they pass well enough to keep pace? And more importantly, did Ash’s defense truly turn a corner in the second half against Arkansas, or was that a one-off? With Leonard Moore potentially returning, I like the defense to keep improving.
Prediction: Notre Dame 42, Boise State 17