Notre Dame Football: 5 post-spring bold predictions for 2019
By Jacob Wilson
2. Defense allows less than 20 points per game
If Notre Dame was returning last year’s defense, there would be almost nothing bold about this prediction. However, the Irish defense is in line to look much different this season than it did in 2018. As far as starters go, the Irish will be losing Jerry Tillery, Drue Tranquill, Te’von Coney and Julian Love, all of whom now find themselves on NFL squads.
The Irish will also be losing contributors such as Jonathan Bonner and Nick Coleman, adding to a running total that will require some maneuvering from Lea throughout the summer and beyond. Recent recruiting has seen the Irish hone in on versatility in their athletes, but no amount of position changes will make up for this year’s talent lost to the NFL.
Another interesting storyline to follow will be the state of the Irish defense in year two under Lea. After taking over for the departing Mike Elko in 2018, it will be interesting to see whether or not Lea begins to integrate more of his personal preference into the defense with most of the veterans now gone. Regardless, 2019 is sure to be an interesting year for this exciting young defense.