Notre Dame Football: 3 bold predictions vs. Wake Forest in Week 10

2. The Irish defense records four turnovers

What makes this a bold prediction is Wake Forest’s exceptional ability to take care of the football. The Demon Deacons currently sit at second in the nation in turnovers lost with only two fumbles and three interceptions. However, the Irish did force Wolfpack quarterback Ryan Finley’s first interception of the season on a 69-yard Julian Love touchdown return.

The Irish clearly have the ability to force turnovers on some of the most conservative offenses in the nation, but what warrants a four turnover performance here? It’s simple. We’ve all heard of “revenge games” from players, but coaches are just as anxious to get their revenge in as the next guy. Notre Dame defensive coordinator Mike Elko will look to have his against his former employer.

While Elko’s departure from Wake Forest was completely civil, there’s nothing like proving to one’s ex that life is better without them. Elko is in prime position to do so after transforming a harmless defensive unit into one of Notre Dame’s best over the last decade. Don’t be surprised if Elko’s squad comes out of the tunnel with a little more fire than normal come Saturday.

Elko has completely revamped his Irish defense, with one of their newfound attributes being their ability to force turnovers. Elko’s turnover proficiency was one of the main reasons he was brought in, making his signing look like a genius one. Expect a solid outing from the defense regardless of the amount of turnovers on the statsheet.