There looks to finally be some consistency in Notre Dame football’s offense now behind star running back Josh Adams and QB Brandon Wimbush.
The Notre Dame Fighting Irish showed some very encouraging signs in their season opener against the Temple Owls. Junior quarterback Brandon Wimbush got the first start of his career and looked solid. Running back Josh Adams had a big game as well.
Behind solid efforts from Wimbush and Adams, the Irish amassed 422 rushing yards. Backup running back Dexter Williams contributed 124 yards and one touchdown on just six carries. Williams forms a great duo with Adams.
Wimbush passed for 184 yards and two touchdowns. He added another 106 yards and one touchdown on the ground. His dual threat ability makes him a nightmare for opposing defenses to prepare for.
Adams led the team in rushing with 161 yards and two touchdowns on 19 carries. Even freshman Tony Jones Jr. got some work. Jones Jr. got just as many carries as Williams with six. Notre Dame was able to dig deep into their stable of running backs.
Moving forward, Notre Dame needs their rushing attack to be a consistent threat. It makes things easier for Wimbush as he works himself into the offensive scheme. Wimbush does not look as comfortable throwing the ball as he does running yet.
The Irish face one of the best running backs in the country when the No. 15 ranked Georgia Bulldogs come to South Bend in Week 2. Georgia has two rushers in Nick Chubb and Sony Michel that can break open any defense.
It’ll be a good challenge for Adams and Williams to see be on the same field with a combo like Chubb and Michel. One huge advantage in that matchup is that Wimbush is a much better runner than assumed UGA starter Jake Fromm.
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Notre Dame should be a run-first offense this year. They have all the pieces in place, including a solid offensive line led by Mike McGlinchey, to outdo opposing offenses. This could be a season in which Adams and Wimbush both get more than 1,000 yards rushing.