Notre Dame Football: 3 bold predictions vs. Ball State in Week 2

2. The Irish defense forces five turnovers

Notre Dame’s defense was outstanding in this past week’s victory over Michigan, maintaining solid field position while allowing only 10 points (one touchdown was scored via a kick return). Additionally, the Irish were able to force two turnovers, one being a game-clinching fumble forced by senior Jerry Tillery.

The Irish defense will now suit up against a Ball State offense that averaged nearly two turnovers per game in 2017, despite a schedule that featured only one Power Five opponent. This Irish defense will be one of the best they have seen in years, a poor indicator for a team making its first road trip of the early season.

One of the keys to forcing turnovers is having a strong presence up front. While the Irish only recorded two sacks against Michigan, that number isn’t indicative of the pressure they put on Shea Patterson and the Wolverines offense. A five turnover game is anything but out of the picture should the Irish defense put together a similar showing in Week 2.

Notre Dame has always had some talent along their defense, but defensive coordinator Clark Lea’s unit showed that this may be the year that everything finally comes together. The defense made a statement against Jim Harbaugh’s Wolverines, so now it’s time to back it up in what should be a significantly easier matchup against the Cardinals.