Notre Dame Football: 3 bold predictions for upcoming beatdown of Pitt
By Jacob Wilson
2. Dexter Williams rushes for over 200 yards
Despite limiting opponents to under 150 rushing yards per game through three seasons under head coach Pat Narduzzi, Pitt’s defense is currently allowing just under 200 yards per game to opposing rushers. While the Panthers have yet to let up a 200-yard rusher this season, handling senior Dexter Williams may be their toughest task to date.
Williams has shown signs of explosiveness since recording his first carry for the Irish in 2015, but has yet to be given the opportunity to display it as an every-down back. While this has been a matter of injury and stamina in the past, Williams is being treated like a three-down back for the first time in his career.
After recording 39 carries in back to back seasons, Williams has already earned 38 carries in 2018 alone. Following a four-game university suspension, Williams has averaged 8.9 yards per carry with 339 yards and four touchdowns. What was initially a committee at running back has blossomed into a monopoly for Williams in the wake of Josh Adams’ departure for the NFL.
Since rejoining the Irish in 2018, Williams has recorded 161 and 178 yards against Stanford and Virginia Tech, respectively. While his main weaknesses lie in his struggles to pass-block and catch out of the backfield, Williams should have no problem running all over a Pitt defense that currently allows an average of nearly five yards per carry.