Notre Dame Football: 3 keys to victory vs. Louisville in Week 1

3. Run the ball as much as possible

With only two “preparation” games on the schedule before the Irish face off against Georgia, head coach Brian Kelly would love to use this game to get Book and some of his more inexperienced receivers some more snaps in order to develop chemistry before the big game against Georgia. However, the run game is the first place the Irish should turn if things do get dicey.

While the Irish have two backs in Tony Jones Jr. and Jafar Armstrong who could give any defense a run for their money, the Cardinals defense has shown itself to be completely inept when it comes to defending the run. In fact, Louisville allowed an average of nearly 280 rushing yards per game in 2018, leaving their secondary virtually untested throughout the season.

Virtually untested may even be an understatement considering the amount of passes the Louisville secondary had to defend in 2018. The Cardinals defense finished in the middle of the pack in passing yards allowed per game, but this stat is significantly skewed when considering the fact that opponents only passed an average of 24 times per game against them (third fewest in FBS).

All things considered, it would be great if the Irish could pull away early and get some of the younger receivers some reps early in the season. However, the Irish can, and likely will turn to the running game if they’re ever in need of some quick yards.