Notre Dame Football: 3 bold predictions vs. Miami (OH) in Week 5
By Jacob Wilson
Notre Dame football will welcome the Miami (OH) RedHawks to Notre Dame Stadium in Week 5. Here are three bold predictions for their upcoming matchup.
The Fighting Irish will take on the Miami RedHawks in the wake of their most complete win of the young season. While this situation sometimes sets up a trap game, Notre Dame’s talent should carry them through if nothing else.
One of Notre Dame’s biggest struggles this year has been establishing the pass game. It’s often the other way around for teams, and Notre Dame’s ability to run the ball despite opponents stacking the box has helped masked the passing issues so far. However, this would be the time to work on lingering issues as Miami is one of the worst teams on Notre Dame’s schedule.
We may see some different approaches in this game with the pressure now at a season low. Here are three bold predictions in light of that assumption.
3. Wimbush has his first 250-yard passing performance
As previously mentioned, the Irish will likely use this game to work on some things they’ve struggled with over the course of the season. One of those things has been quarterback Brandon Wimbush‘s inability to throw the ball downfield. While one game won’t improve his arm, there is a lot to be desired in terms of getting the ball to his receivers in an accurate manner.
With running back Josh Adams banged up with an ankle injury, there is even further incentive to turn to the passing game. While Dexter Williams is a more than capable replacement should head coach Brian Kelly decide to give Adams some rest, Wimbush may find himself turning to the pass more than usually this Saturday.
As a result, Wimbush should see a significant boost in yardage. Although he has struggled in the pass game to this point, it’s not like he’s been awful. While Wimbush’s 663 passing yards are good for only 74th in the nation, there is somewhat of a correlation as he also falls outside the top 50 in passing attempts.
However, this could be the first game that Wimbush truly establishes himself in the passing game. The RedHawks have been decent in pass coverage so far, but matchups against teams such as Marshall, Austin Peay, Cincinnati, and Central Michigan don’t doesn’t instill much confidence.
Look for Wimbush to look like a completely different player on Saturday, throwing for over 250 yards while adding a couple of passing touchdowns as well.