Notre Dame Football 2017: Midseason position grades

Notre Dame’s secondary entered the 2017 season with the most questions outside of the defensive line. The Irish finished last season allowing under 200 passing yards a game, much in part to the defense’s inability to contain opponents’ run games. The numbers have flipped this year, with the Irish allowing 231 passing yards per game with their run defense on the rise.

While the secondary hasn’t improved much in terms of yardage surrendered, it has been their playmaking ability that has impressed the most. Playmaking was a serious issue for the Irish defense as a whole last season, with the team averaging just over one turnover per game. The Irish are well above that now, doubling last year’s mark with 2.3 forced turnovers per game.

Mike Elko’s turnover-centered mindset has proved infectious as each defensive unit is on pace to improve on their turnover totals from 2016. Cornerback Shaun Crawford has been the main beneficiary of the Elko hire, forcing one fumble and recovering two along with a pair of interceptions.

Worst Game:

The Notre Dame secondary has looked leaky a few times this season, letting up multiple big games to teams’ top receivers, but their worst performance came against Michigan State. Spartan quarterback Brian Lewerke completed over 60 percent of his passes for 340 yards, two touchdowns, and an interception. The Spartans finished with two receivers with over 60 yards and six with over 30.

Best Game:

While most units had their worst game against Georgia, the Irish secondary capitalized on quarterback Jake Fromm’s inexperience, limiting him to 16-of-29 passing with a touchdown and an interception. Fromm finished with a 13.2 quarterback rating. While both teams took a run-heavy approach, it was clear from the start that Georgia was getting nothing through the air.