Notre Dame Football: 3 bold predictions vs. No. 10 USC in Week 7

Nov 26, 2022; Los Angeles, California, USA; A general overall view of helmets at the line of scrimmage as Notre Dame Fighting Irish offensive lineman Zeke Correll (52) snaps the ball against the Southern California Trojans in the second half at United Airlines Field at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports /

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Sep 30, 2023; Durham, North Carolina, USA; Notre Dame Fighting Irish running back Audric Estime (7) celebrates at the end of the game against Duke Blue Devils at Wallace Wade Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jaylynn Nash-USA TODAY Sports /

2. Audric Estime will eclipse 100 yards rushing

Through the first four games of this season, Audric Estime was en fuego. The brute tailback was averaging 130.8 yards per game, and at an astounding rate of 8.3 yards per carry.

However, the script has been flipped since he and his offensive line began facing top 25-caliber teams. Over the past three games, which includes Ohio State, Duke, and Louisville, Estime has run the ball for a total of just 171 yards. That’s a meager average of 57 yards per game on 4.1 yards per carry.

Needless to say, the Irish have been forceless at the point of attack, and as a result, Notre Dame has lost its way on offense.

With that said, I believe Our Lady will finally re-establish its dominance in the trenches this week, resembling the offensive line that many expected to see on a game in and game out basis. During this week’s press conference, coach Marcus Freeman discussed the need to simplify things for the offensive line, and I believe that’ll reap rewards for everyone involved, including Estime as he’ll ramble on for at least 100 yards.

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