Notre Dame Football: 5 bold predictions for October 2019
By Jacob Wilson
4. Irish defense forces five turnovers per game
If you’re wondering how Notre Dame’s point differential has been so high despite some of Book’s shortcomings, look no further than the defense. After a shaky first few drives against Louisville, the Irish defense turned things around in a hurry and have yet to look back, throwing their hat in the ring of college football’s elite defenses.
Defensive coordinator Clark Lea has faced a fair share of doubt during his time with the Irish, and this year was no different. After joining former defensive coordinator Mike Elko in his transition from Wake Forest to Notre Dame, Clark quickly made a name for himself as the Irish’s linebackers coach.
Following Mike Elko’s sudden departure to Texas A&M, Lea quickly found himself as Notre Dame’s defensive coordinator. Lea swiftly established himself as a worthy candidate alongside the Irish’s elite 2018 defense, but concerns lingered following the departures of Jerry Tillery, Drue Tranquill, Te’von Coney, and Julian Love. So far, it looks like Lea has successfully addressed those concerns as well.
With a four game sample size available, the Irish defense is tied for first in the nation in turnovers forced per game. We have seen so far that neither Michigan nor USC are immune to coughing up the football, so the Irish defense could be in for a stretch of consecutive paydays with Bowling Green serving as their only other opponent during the month of October.