Notre Dame Football: 3 takeaways from tough playoff loss to Alabama

Notre Dame Football: 3 takeaways from disappointing playoff loss to Alabama

Jan 1, 2021; Arlington, TX, USA; Notre Dame Fighting Irish running back Kyren Williams (23) is brought down by Alabama Crimson Tide defensive lineman Tim Smith (50) during the second half in the Rose Bowl at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports /

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Apr 13, 2019; Notre Dame, IN, USA; Notre Dame Fighting Irish Defensive Coordinator Clark Lea greets players during warmups before the Blue-Gold Game at Notre Dame Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Cashore-USA TODAY Sports /

2. Clark Lea didn’t get a proper sendoff

Clark Lea knew it wouldn’t be easy to stop Alabama’s potent offense that featured three Heisman Trophy finalists and his defense kept things close for the better part of three quarters but after an Ian Book interception, it seemed like everyone was demoralized. That ensuing touchdown drive by the Tide really crushed any hope of a comeback.

The secondary could not find any answers to Mac Jones and DeVonta Smith as they did essentially whatever they wanted all afternoon long and Najee Harris broke 100 yards again and didn’t even need 20 carries to get there.

Lea’s career at Notre Dame as the defensive coordinator is officially over and it wasn’t exactly the proper sendoff, especially considering the job he did replacing Mike Elko a few years ago. He deserved better than this lackluster performance, but that’s exactly what Alabama does to opposing defenses.

The players are going to miss Lea and you can bet they feel sick that they couldn’t get it done for him, but his defense had a great season, nonetheless.

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