Notre Dame Football: 3 bold predictions vs. Northwestern

3. Notre Dame limits Northwestern to under 50 rushing yards

After losing last year’s 1,300-yard rusher Justin Jackson to the NFL, only Florida State and San Jose State average fewer yards per carry than Northwestern. Jeremy Larkin and Isaiah Bowser have attempted to pick up the slack in Jackson’s absence, but quarterback Clayton Thorson’s struggles have allowed teams to hone in on the run.

Expect more of the same this week as Thorson faces off against an Irish defense that averages an interception per game. The aerial yardage has been there for the Wildcats this season, but an inability to cash in at times has been frustrating for Northwestern fans. Given Thorson’s periodical carelessness with the ball, there may be pressure on the Wildcat run game to generate chances.

While Notre Dame’s defense hasn’t been dominant against the run this season, they have been effective, limiting opponents to under four yards per carry. While captain Drue Tranquill’s status for this weekend is still up in the air, the Irish will be in more than capable hands with Te’von Coney and Jerry Tillery establishing a stout run defense.

Despite the inconsistencies of the offense as a whole, the Northwestern passing game has been much more effective when it comes to driving down the field. While the Wildcats have had some great rushing performances this season, they’ve also put up less than 10 yards in a game. Look for this week’s total to fall closer to the latter.