Notre Dame Football: 5 bold predictions for November 2018
By Jacob Wilson
2. The linebacker corps forces four turnovers
In a surprising turn of events, it has been the safety position that has generated the most turnovers this season. Junior Jalen Elliott currently leads the team in interceptions (3) while both he and former Navy transfer Alohi Gilman have forced a fumble this season. This was far from the case last season as the combination of Elliott and Nick Coleman failed to record a single turnover.
However, it has been the linebackers who have fallen quiet in the turnover department this season. This isn’t to say that either Drue Tranquill, Te’von Coney, or Asmar Bilal have underachieved this season (the three of them have combined for 155 total tackles), but rather to suggest the significant potential for this defense should the three of them get involved in the turnover category.
As of now, Coney is the only Irish linebacker to record a turnover in 2018. Last year, the combination of Nyles Morgan, Greer Martini, Coney, and Tranquill were involved in 11 total turnovers including three interceptions, four forced fumbles, and five recovered fumbles.
With Tranquill expected back after spraining his ankle against Navy, the Notre Dame defense will look to improve their turnover ratio. Facing four teams with something to prove can be dangerous, but nothing takes the wind out of a team’s sails like a fumble. Look for this to be a point of emphasis for a defensive unit that has looked pretty good throughout the season.