Adon Shuler (8), shown here last season with Riley Leonard (13), was a key player in Notre Dame’s defensive resurgence against Arkansas. (Photo: Chad Ryan)
First and Fitzharris/ A weekly look at Notre Dame Football with Connor Fitzharris
Coming into Saturday, the Arkansas Razorbacks boasted a top-five offense based on efficiency. That all changed when the Notre Dame Fighting Irish held them to just 13 total points, all in the first half. One of the keys for the Irish was containing Taylen Green, and they did just that—he finished with 207 passing yards, zero touchdowns, and one interception.
Adon Shuler was the star of the defense, as predicted in last week’s edition of First and Fitzharris. In his first full game since facing Texas A&M, Shuler totaled nine tackles and a pass breakup. On what’s changed, Shuler said: “Not thinking too much, just playing fast and violent.”
True freshman Tae Johnson from Fort Wayne, Indiana, also shined in the secondary, recording five tackles and a pass breakup. Head coach Marcus Freeman emphasized defensive play this week, and the Irish rose to the occasion.
It looks like the Chris Ash watch is on hold, for at least a week.
Notre Dame’s offense remains elite. CJ Carr is emerging as one of the country’s top quarterbacks, completing 22 of 30 passes for 354 yards and four touchdowns. ESPN’s Dan Wetzel suggested Carr may have what it takes to be the No. 1 NFL draft pick.
At Monday’s press conference, Freeman praised the offensive line: “There is no great quarterback without protection.” The line has been Notre Dame’s most improved group since the Week 1 loss to Miami.
Jeremiyah Love ran for 57 yards and two touchdowns and added five catches for 70 yards and two more scores. All four of Love’s touchdowns came in the first half.
Up next, the Irish face the Boise State Broncos next Saturday at 3:30 p.m. in South Bend. Boise State’s only loss this season came in their opener against South Florida (34-7). Since then, the Broncos have won three straight games convincingly, including a 47-14 victory over App State.
Last season, Boise State made a playoff run behind Heisman finalist Ashton Jeanty and quarterback Maddux Madsen. now a junior. Jeanty is in the NFL with the Las Vegas Raiders, but the dual threat Madsen is back in his second season as a full time starter. Freeman praised Madsen Monday saying he is, “tough, gritty, and takes care of the ball.”
The Irish will need to build on the momentum from their strong performance against Arkansas, in order to take down the Broncos this week in Notre Dame Stadium.