Notre Dame Football: 3 bold predictions vs. Vanderbilt in Week 3

Following a disappointing performance against Ball State, here are three bold predictions for Notre Dame football in their Week 3 matchup vs. Vanderbilt.

It appeared as if it was going to be business as usual for the Irish after quickly driving down the field for a touchdown against the Cardinals, but what followed was anything but acceptable in accordance with the standards of Notre Dame fans. The defense would hold tight for the most part, but the performance on part of the offense left much to be desired.

Quarterback Brandon Wimbush and the Irish offense will now look to right the ship against a Vanderbilt defense that has enjoyed a great start to the 2018 season. Notre Dame head coach Brian Kelly sounded fairly lenient in his post-game interview, but there’s a good chance that his team experienced a different tone throughout this week’s practices.

Regardless, Notre Dame heads into this week’s matchup with far less room for error than in their last matchup. Here are three bold predictions for the Irish as they look to straighten things out.

3. Irish defense hold Commodores to under 14 points

The Vanderbilt defense has looked great so far, but an explosive offense has contributed just as much to the team’s 2-0 start. However, the Vanderbilt offense has yet to be tested as their impressive performances have come against the likes of Middle Tennessee and Nevada. Needless to say, this Notre Dame defense will be a whole other animal for quarterback Kyle Shurmur.

The Commodores are in their fifth season with head coach Derek Mason, a notably more defensive-minded coach. This has resulted in a significant disparity between the team’s offensive and defensive units. In fact, the Commodores have finished 120th, 125th, 113th, and 95th in opponent points per game since the beginning of Mason’s tenure with the team.

On the other side of the ball, the Notre Dame defense has looked nearly impenetrable at times, limiting opponents despite playing behind an offense that has continuously stalled in late-game situations. Led by captain Drue Tranquill, Notre Dame’s defense has proven to be quite dominant as of late.

All things considered, the Vanderbilt offense will have to prove that their recent performances haven’t solely been a reflection of sup-par competition. After a frustrating game vs. Ball State, look for the Notre Dame defense to come out firing against a Vanderbilt offense that has been suspect in recent seasons.