Notre Dame football: 3 takeaways from dominant win over Syracuse
By Jacob Wilson
2. The Irish defense continues to prove it is elite
Notre Dame’s defense came out of the gate hot against Michigan, allowing only 10 points to an offense that currently averages 37.2 points per game. Since then, Notre Dame has maintained their dominance on defense, allowing an average of 18.7 points per game. The Irish defense bailed out the offense early in the season, but are now contributing to blowouts alongside Book and Co.
The Irish defense allowed their highest opponent point total in a blowout win over Wake Forest, letting up 27 points to the Demon Deacons. Outside of that contest, Notre Dame has yet to allow over 23 points despite facing off against a few decent offenses.
The Orange lost quarterback Eric Dungey early in the contest, going down with what appeared to be a lower back injury. While Syracuse’s offense isn’t the same without him, it remains threatening with backup Tommy Devito under center. Regardless, Notre Dame’s defense came ready to play, limiting the Orange to three points.
It has been an all around spectacular season for the Irish defense, a unit that will have to continue its recent play if the Irish want to make a serious push for the 2018 National Championship. The Irish have talent at every level, and things are coming together in a way that they haven’t in quite some time.