Notre Dame football: 3 takeaways from blowout win at NC State

1. What’s next for Notre Dame football?

Marcus Freeman and the Irish have to feel good about today’s win. They outscored their first two opponents (Navy and Tennessee State) 98-6. Today was supposed to be a test for Notre Dame. They were on the road against a tough, rugged, physical team at NC State. The Irish were dominant defensively and able to hit explosive plays.

They work on some wrinkles against Central Michigan before hitting their first tough stretch of the season. After the Chippewas, they host No. 5 Ohio State and travel to No. 21 Duke and Louisville. If Notre Dame can continue to get plays like this from its wide receiver, they will be tough to beat.

What’s next for North Carolina State?

North Carolina State has to figure out the offense. The running game wasn’t great in the season opener against UConn, nor was Brennan Armstrong. The receivers don’t seem to have a rapport with Armstrong and vice versa. It’s unclear whether it’s the scheme or lack of speed, but North Carolina’s wideouts have struggled to get separation against UConn and Notre Dame.

It does not help matters that the Wolfpack struggles running the football. Armstrong is their leading rusher, and they don’t have many designed runs for him. That means the offensive line isn’t winning on run plays. The Wolfpac takes on VMI before starting ACC play against Virginia.