Notre Dame Football: Position report card for Irish in week 3

Another day, another excellent outing from the Irish backfield. The one thing that helps when you’re a one-dimensional team is being really good in regard to that one dimension. In the case of the Irish, that’s exactly what they are.

I could simply give you the stats and move on without having to explain the A+ grade, but this group deserves as much appreciation as Notre Dame fans can muster. Josh Adams, the first player in a while to wrestle the running back by committee approach out of Brian Kelly’s hands, turned in 229 rushing yards on the day.

Adams got the short end of the stick when it came to touchdowns, as he was the only Irish rusher (other than Deon McIntosh who entered during garbage time) to not record a score. Wimbush had four himself, Dexter Williams churned in two, and Tony Jones Jr. plunged into the end zone on one of his only two carries on the day.

Wimbush also contributed 207 yards on the ground, with Williams adding 50 as well. Adams finished with 12.7 yards per carry, Wimbush with 9.9, and Williams with 8.3. What initially looked to be a three-headed monster between Adams, Williams, and Jones Jr. has turned into an absolute nightmare for opposing defenses.

Of course, none of this means much if it doesn’t aid in the passing game, but it’s hard to fault a unit that puts up 515 yards like it’s nothing. Look for this group to continue its tear next week against Michigan State.