Print Edition of the Irish Insider for Friday, September 13, 2019

2

INSidER

The observer | FRIDAY, september 13, 2019 | ndsmcobserver.com

DIANE PARK | The Observer

By HAYDEN ADAMS Associate Sports Editor

Today’s college football landscape is defined by star quarterback play. Trevor Lawrence, Tua Tagovailoa, Jalen Hurts, Justin Fields and Jake Fromm headline the talented group of quarterbacks featured in college football this season. Because of the increased importance of strong play under center, it is especially important for a modern defense to be able to put pressure on the quarterback. Fortunately for Notre Dame, that is something they are well-equipped to do.

Irish senior defensive end Julian Okwara and fellow captain and senior Khalid Kareem lead a Notre Dame pass rush group that is talented, experienced and deep.

Okwara says he believes this defensive end group is as talented as — if not the most talented — group in the country.

“I definitely think we are [the best pass rushers]; definitely confident in our abilities, in our D-line,” Okwara said. “We are the best pass rushers in the country.

W hatever people say doesn’t really matter. I think we’re just focused on us, and collectively, we’re just a great group of pass rushers.”

Among the defensive ends, Kareem led the position group with 42 total tackles, while Okwara recorded 39 on the season. However, a defensive end’s contributions are more accurately represented by tackles-for-loss

and sacks. Okwara tied former Irish defensive tackle Jerry Tillery for the team lead with eight sacks last season while Kareem recorded 4.5.

Okwara also led the Irish with 12.5 tackles-for-loss while Kareem came in second with 10.5.

W hile the group may have been successful last season, that success will now result in increased attention from opposing teams. However, Okwara sees it as an advantage for the rest of the defensive line that the opposing offensive line has to devote more effort to stopping the ends.

“Whatever attention I get, I think that’ll open up holes and pressures from the rest of the guys who aren’t getting those 1-on-1s,” Okwara said.

“Like I said whatever happens to help the team win, I’m there for. I’ve got to win my blocks, whatever happens I got to play on and just keep going after the quarterback.

They’re definitely gonna keep rushing and the other guys … will be able to put pressure on the quarterback and be able to help us win games.”

Despite the increased focus on the defensive ends, they will still be able to make plays thanks to their ability to wear down the opposition with their depth. Along with Okwara and Kareem, the pass rush is supplemented by senior ends Daelin Hayes and Ade Ogundeji. Okwara spoke of the camaraderie and chemistry the defensive ends have built coming to Notre Dame together.

“We all came together.

Coming in we had the want to be the best pass rushers and the best D-ends in the country, so I think we all just bought in, especially going into the year as we started getting more reps,” Okwara said. “I think that has helped the whole team, just helped our confidence overall. Just getting more playing time on the field I think we just built that bond. We hang out a lot, we talk a lot. We’re pretty close. I mean, we see each other every day so you’ve got to have that bond.”

For Okwara, he follows in the footsteps of his brother Romeo, a former Notre Dame defensive end and current member of the Detroit Lions.

Julian said his brother played a role in recruiting him to the Irish, thanks in part to the experience the elder Okwara could pass on.

“It definitely did [play a role] in some way,” Okwara said. “I think he definitely talked me into it and just told me the pro is just coming, honestly. It was a no-brainer once I came up here, and I mean, I’m proud of my decision, glad I’m still here. …

Notre Dame is home.”

Oddly enough, Okwara’s junior season numbers of eight sacks and 12.5 tackles-forloss are both one short of his brother Romeo’s totals of nine sacks and 13.5 tackles for loss during his senior season with the Irish in 2015. The younger Okwara said that despite the statistical similarities with Romeo, there isn’t any oneupmanship on his mind.

“[It’s] not really a competitive thing,” Okwara said. “I think he’s happy for whatever I’m doing and I was always proud of him for whatever he did while he was here. … Some bragging a little bit, but it’s nothing really competitive.”

While the entire Irish defensive line is stacked with talent, Okwara stands out among the rest, at least in the national media’s perception.

Okwara was named to both preseason Second-Team AllAmerican and to the watchlist for the Bednarik Award, given annually to the best defensive player in college football. Despite the early accolades, Okwara has remained focused and doesn’t let any talk phase him. “[It’s] not really [a factor],” he said. “Like I said we all come in with that approach to be the best every day, just to win the day overall. So I think just coming out here and working on what I need to focus on and not paying attention to the outside noise, I’m good with that.

And just being able to stay focused and stay true to what I believe in and just the game plan. Just stay away from all that noise is the best thing for me.”

Part of Okwara’s ability to tune out the noise is in his approach to the game, which is a unique blend of fun-loving and intense focus.

“I definitely kick back, pregame. But once the clock hits 15, the ball snaps, I’m pretty locked in, I’m pretty focused,” he said. “I’m just really focused on the game. I

have the confidence that I’m the best out there, so I just keep that confidence and tell myself that the whole game.”

W hile Okwara isn’t letting the hype get to him, he holds himself to a high standard, and he has set a lofty goal for himself as a result: 18.5 sacks on the season. W hile this target number is large, it isn’t outside the realm of possibility that Okwara could achieve. This past spring, Irish head coach Brian Kelly made a highlight tape for Okwara of 27 missed sack opportunities he had in the 2018 season. If he were to finish on half of those, he would have led the nation in sacks and broken the record comfortably.

However, that sack total becomes even more difficult now that teams are acutely aware of the threat Okwara poses. W hile he certainly wants to set the school record, that is hardly Okwara’s main objective. Regardless of whether or not he breaks the record, Okwara says his ultimate goal is for the team to achieve what it’s capable of, and if he fulfills his role, he believes good things will come his way.

“W hatever happens, happens,” Okwara said. “I think as long as I’m doing my job for the team to win, I think whatever the accolades that come after that, production will come as long as I’m doing my job — and I’m focused on that.”

Contact Hayden Adams at hadams3@nd.edu

insider

ndsmcobserver.com | FRIDAY, september 13, 2019 | The Observer

3

Next defensive key White building on opportunity against Navy may be hidden in depth chart

By CONNOR MULVENA Sports Editor

It’s easy to look at a week one w in that was a bit shak y in many respects and come out w ith a bev y of negative overreactions: “The pass rush wasn’t good enough,” or “Notre Dame won’t be able to stop Georgia’s run game if they play like that.”

It’s easy to dwell on some of these shortcomings. But it was week one. And these takeaways ignore some of the significant positives that came out of No. 7 Notre Dame’s (1-0) week one matchup against Louisv ille.

A number of guys stepped up in positions where the Irish need new play makers, especially after the 2019 NFL draft. One of those guys was junior linebacker Drew W hite.

W hite was a key piece for a defense that looked admittedly shak y in the first two drives, but went on to limit Louisv ille to three points in the final three quarters.

He tallied five total tack les, t wo of those for a loss, and one sack in the contest as he filled the role of the Mike linebacker. But this wasn’t the first time W hite had the chance to step into a key

position on the defense.

Last season, when former linebacker Drue Tranquill fell v ictim to an ank le injur y, W hite got the chance to step in against Nav y, and he proved his abilit y to contribute to one of the nation’s best defenses by recording six total tack les. “[The week of last season’s Nav y game] was really special,” W hite said. “Looking back on it I definitely wasn’t expecting it, but I was ready for it. You know, once I got back from some injuries, ever y practice I went out and just gave it my all. And I really respect [defensive coordinator Clark Lea] and all the coaches for seeing that in me. I really respect my teammates for believing in me. So, I went out there and just had fun w ith my teammates — it kind of was no different than the Louisv ille game.

“I would say [last season’s Nav y game] gave me a boost of confidence. You know, I already believed that I was ready to play at the highest level, and I was just waiting for my shot. But, definitely the Nav y game gave me a boost of confidence and showed me that I am ready.

And it just made me look

for ward to the rest of the year, and it was really fun.”

Nevertheless, after Tranquill recovered from his injur y, W hite didn’t see many snaps the rest of the season. However, W hite said he wasn’t discouraged — he was just happy to have the opportunit y to help his teammates secure a w in.

“I wouldn’t call it disappointment,” he said. “It was more excitement that I was able to help my team when they needed me, and I was ready. I’m always looking for the team. Tranquill came back from the ank le [injur y], and I’m glad he did — he helped our team tremendously. So it wasn’t a disappointment. It was more excitement that I was able to get that shot and gain some trust.”

W hite’s confidence in his abilit y is a key part of his success, and it’s something that becomes ev ident after only a few minutes of hearing him ref lect on his game.

W hen asked about the defensive unit after the first t wo drives of the Louisv ille game, in which the unit looked lack luster, W hite said there was a bit see WHITE PAGE 10

anna mason | The Observer

Irish junior linebacker Drew White tackles a Navy running back during Notre Dame’s 44-22 win over the Midshipmen on Oct. 27 in San Diego. Drew recorded six tackles on the night.

Jack Concannon Sports Writer

The 2018 Irish were stout against the run. Te’Von Coney, Jerry Tillery and Drue Tranquill were key pieces that allowed just 139.5 rushing yards per game, good for 33rd in the FBS. These players have all moved on and against Louisville, the holes they left behind turned into running lanes as the Irish conceded 249 yards on the ground.

Last year’s team conceded that many rushing yards just twice — once of which was against Navy’s triple option, an offense which only attempted 12 passes the entirety of the game. Even the Cotton Bowl only saw Clemson rush for 211.

Once the Irish take a sizable lead against New Mexico (and if that never happens, there are even bigger issues) the coaching staff needs to mix and match defensive personnel and schemes together to improve what didn’t work against Louisville.

Against Louisville, the defensive line snaps were distributed between junior Myron Tagovailoa-Amosa (48 snaps), junior Kurt Hinish (35), sophomore Jayson Ademilola (28) and freshman Jacob Lacey (28). For a team still figuring out its defensive personnel and replacing a first-round pick in Tillery, the spread of snaps showed the coaching staff giving multiple guys opportunities to earn time, something one would hope to see this early.

We did not see this same dispersion of snaps at linebacker.

Junior Drew White, graduate student Asmar Bilal and junior Jeremiah Owusu-Kramoah got by far the most work. Granted that defensive linemen rotate more considering the physical requirements of the position, I would have liked to see more linebackers get opportunities to prove themselves — especially once the game got out of reach for the Cardinals.

The team will likely roll that same trio out this week, a group that got decent but not exemplary results week one.

White and Bilal combined for just nine tackles, a figure that Te’Von Coney would routinely surpass on his own last season.

It was only one game, and last year’s team certainly did not reach its peak until several weeks into the season, but I would love to see some competition. Junior Jordan Genmark Heath has drawn praise from the coaching staff and performed well last season in a spot start against

Northwestern. Sophomore Jack Lamb got reps in the summer time and performed well according to many, both should get a chance to prove themselves in game action.

These are just two players who could warrant in-game reps from the coaching staff that largely were not given against Louisville. Lamb and Heath received 13 and 10 snaps respectively, while White and Bilal received 53 and 41.

Sophomore Shayne Simon also received 22 snaps playing behind Bilal. I would like to see a more even distribution of snaps against New Mexico, especially if the Irish get out to a lead.

One could argue that the team should keep the unit that performed the best in summer training on the field. While I agree with that and by no means think the current group are incapable of bonding into a solid unit, why not use this game to give reps and see what kind of linebacking playmakers are lurking on the bench?

Perhaps a star could emerge in game action, and that will be a necessity if the team is to get a win in Athens in two weeks. Georgia averaged 238.8 yards per game on the ground last season. They return four out of five starters on their offensive line, including projected NFL Draft top-five left tackle Andrew Thomas. The Irish cannot win in Athens without at least a respectable performance against the run.

There is a recent history of finding hidden gems. Tranquill failed to crack the ESPN top300 recruits coming out of high school, and Coney barely did registering at 295th in his class.

Few expected these players to blossom into superstars. They proved themselves by getting opportunities in games, and who knows what a Genmark Heath could show if given a full series?

Of course, the next Te’Von Coney could simply be Asmar Bilal or someone else who is already starting. If that is the case, then that’s even better — but the Irish cannot be afraid to embrace the fact that their next elite run-stopper may be buried in the depth chart as of now. The fate of the Georgia game, and the team’s College Football Playoff chances, may depend on it. gy to practice. I’m just looking forward to the next game.”

Contact Jack Concannon at jconcan2@nd.edu The views expressed in this column are those of the author and not necessarily those of The Observer.

4

The observer | FRIDAY, september 13, 2019 | ndsmcobserver.com

Insider

Irish optimistic with results from commits

By CHARLOTTE EDMONDS Managing Editor

As Brian Kelly prepares his team to take their home field Saturday against New Mexico, his staff will continue to dedicate some of their resources to recruiting efforts ahead of some of their marquee matchups.

So far the Irish have been very pleased with the initial performances of some of their key recruits and commits across the country, according to Blue and Gold Illustrated analyst Bryan Driskell.

One of those key recruits they’ve been impressed by is Tyler Buchner, the class of 2021 commit from The Bishop’s School in La Jolla, California. Buchner, who committed to the Irish back in March, turned heads this past weekend after putting up the second-most single-game allpurpose yards in California history. In addition to the 465 passing yards he recorded, Buchner added in 295 yards on the ground for a grand total of 760 yards en route to The Bishop’s School’s 71-42 win.

According to The Bishop’s

School’s offensive coordinator, those 760 yards were just one short of meeting the state record.

A performance like that would be exciting for any school that landed that commit, but it comes as particularly good news considering the unique nature of Buchner’s recruitment.

According to Driskell, Buckner originally caught Notre Dame quarterbacks coach Tommy Rees’ attention at summer camp in 2018 when he visited South Bend following his freshman year of high school.

“They loved his raw talent,” Driskell said. “They kind of took a chance on him by offering him a scholarship so early and then landing him so early.”

Buckner did suffer a seasonending injury this past year on a non-contact play that ended with his knee buckling.

“Tyler got injured in the first quarter of the first game of his sophomore season, so there wasn’t a lot of varsity stuff on him,” Driskell said. “He’s see RECRUITING PAGE 8

Emma farnan | The Observer

Irish senior quarterback Ian Book prepares to throw the ball during Notre Dame’s 35-17 win over Louisville on Sept. 2 at Cardinal Stadium. Book threw for 193 yards and added another 93 rushing yards.

Paid Advertisement

Insider

ndsmcobserver.com | FRIDAY, september 13, 2019 | The Observer

5

Lobos search for answers following injuries

By ELLEN GEYER Sports Writer

Two weeks ago, the stor y of this game w rote itself.

Former Irish head coach returns to South Bend to tr y his hand against the Irish for the first time, a remnant of the Lou Holtz era f lickering back into the limelight.

But that was two weeks ago.

Now, after suffering a “serious medical incident,” Bob Dav ie, the Irish defensive coordinator under Holtz and his successor from 1997-2001, won’t be making a comeback after all.

“This hasn’t gone completely according to script,” Dav ie said in a Tuesday press conference. “But I really don’t want this to be about me … this is all about the players. A nd it’s all about these coaches that are going to go play in South Bend.”

And so the Lobos w ill press on to Notre Dame Stadium w ithout their humble leader. Replacing Dav ie in the interim w ill be run game coordinator and offensive line coach Saga Tuitele, who

insisted he’s not replacing Dav ie after all.

“Our kids are mature enough to understand that though Coach Dav ie may not be w ith us, he’ll still be w ith us,” Tuitele said.

“Nothing changes. I’ll be again a line coach and I’ll be making some calls, calling some timeouts.”

But from Dav ie’s perspective, Tuitele w ill be taking the reins.

“I’ve got an over v iew of what we’re doing, X-andO-w ise completely,” Dav ie said. “I’ve got an over v iew of what our personnel is. I know what we’re looking at in different positions and quite honestly, we have a lot of competition at positions going right now. I’m involved enough that I’ll be able to sit there on Saturday and kind of tell what’s happening exactly, what we’ve called and what our checks are, but I’m not going to micromanage it. We have a really good coaching staff.”

But the Lobos are also facing a few key losses in terms of on-field personnel: Senior see LOBOS PAGE 11

Emma farnan | The Observer

Irish senior defensive end Julian Okwara works to get around his defender during Notre Dame’s 35-17 road win over Louisville on Sept. 2 at Cardinal Stadium. Okwara recorded two tackles over the Cardinals.

Paid Advertisement

6

Insider

The observer | FRIDAY, september 13, 2019 | ndsmcobserver.com

HEAD T 2:30 p.m. ET | notre dame stadium

EMMA FARNAN | The Observer

IRISH PASSING

IRISH OFFENSIVE COACHING

Senior Chase Claypool was a quiet presence against Louisville, showing his reliability and consistency behind five receptions for 94 yards in the game. Though the Irish won’t need a stellar performance from him against New Mexico, the senior receiver needs to establish himself as a dependable target in preparation for his team’s week four matchup against the Georgia Bulldogs. Sophomore Lawrence Keys III also proved to be reliable in week one, and consistency from him would help continue to fill the void left by former Irish receiver Miles Boykin’s departure to the NFL Draft. Lobo redshirt senior safety Johnny Hernandez led his team in tackles during New Mexico’s week one matchup against Sam Houston State, so his pass break abilities could pose a few problems for the Irish offense. However, a game under Ian Book’s belt, the Notre Dame passing game should be more cohesive and prove to be too much for New Mexico’s secondary.

Although offensive coordinator Chip Long has helped build an impressive strategy since he joined the program in 2017, Notre Dame hasn’t built its success on an Oklahoma-style, firepower offense. Certain personnel changes from last year proved essential — notably the switch to Ian Book at the center of the offense — but the Irish still hover in the middle of the FBS rankings of total offensive production. Against the Cardinals, Notre Dame posted 423 yards, just 40 yards more than their opponent. Even with those concerns, however, Notre Dame’s game should still be too much for the Lobos.

EDGE: Notre Dame

IRISH RUSHING It hurts Notre Dame to lose junior running back Jafar Armstrong for up to two months due to a groin injury.

However, senior Tony Jones Jr. and sophomore Jahmir Smith performed well in his stead. Freshman Kyren Williams can also pose a threat offensively and should get more opportunities with the coaching staff adapting to Armstrong’s absence. New Mexico gave up 217 rushing yards per game last year, and even though they held Sam Houston State to 115 yards rushing in their 2019 opener, Sam Houston primarily exploited the Lobos through the air for 443 yards passing. The Irish offensive line should impose its will whenever the Irish go to the ground game.

EDGE: Notre Dame

notre dame

EMMA FARNAN | The Observer

WR

(Sr.) Liam Eichenberg 74

LT LG C RG RT TE WR WR

(So.) Joe Wilkins 18

(Jr.) Tony

Jones Jr

6

(Sr.) Ian Book

12

(So.) Jahmir Smith 34

(So.) Phil Jurkovec 15

RB QB

Josh Lugg (Jr.) 75

(Jr.) Aaron Banks

76

(Gr.) Trevor Ruhland 57

(So.) Jarrett Patterson 55 (Jr.) Colin Grunhard 61

(Sr.) Tommy Kraemer 78 (So.) John Dirksen 56

(Jr.) Robert Hainsey 72 (Fr.) Andrew Kristofic

73

(Jr.) Brock Wright 89 (So.) Tommy Tremble 24

(Gr.) Chris (Sr.) Chase

EDGE: Notre Dame

Finke

10

(So.) Braden Lenzy

25

Claypool

83

(Sr.) Javon McKinley 88

IRISH SPECIAL TEAMS Junior kicker Jonathan Doerer was a perfect five for five on conversions against Louisville, but has yet to attempt a field goal in game. Punter Jay Bramblett had a solid performance, punting six times and pinning Louisville inside their own 20 twice. The pair will look to continue impressing the coaching staff this weekend. Irish punt returner Chris Finke called for four fair catches and totaled negative two yards returning in an underwhelming performance. No fumbles nor penalties is good, but the Irish punt cover team could do a better job opening up lanes for the senior wide receiver.

(Sr.) Troy Pride Jr. 5 (So.) Houston Griffith 3

(Jr.) Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah 6

(So.) Paul Moala 13

(Sr.) Jalen Elliott

21

(So.) DJ Brown 12

SS

CB

Rover

(Sr.) Julian Okwara 42 (Sr.) Daelin Hayes 9

(R-So.) Myron Tagovailoa-Amosa 95 (Jr.) Drew White 4

(So.) Shayne Simon 33

(Sr.) Alohi Gilman

11

(Fr.) Kyle Hamilton 14

MLB

(So.) Jayson Ademilola 57

(Jr.) Kurt Hinish 41 (Fr.) Jacob Lacey 54

(Sr.) Khalid Kareem 53

FS

(Sr.) Adetokunbo Ogundeji 91

(Gr.) Asmar Bilal 22 (Jr.) Jordan Genmark Heath 2

DE DT NG DE

Buck

(Gr.) Shaun Crawford 20

EDGE: Notre Dame

TaRiq Bracy (So.) 28

CB

IRISH SCHEDULE (1-0) Sept. 2 @ Louisville (W 35-17) Sept. 14 New Mexico Sept. 21 @ Georgia Sept. 28 Virginia Oct. 5 Bowling Green Oct. 12 USC Oct. 26 @ Michigan Nov. 2 Virginia Tech Nov. 9 @ Duke Nov. 16 Navy Nov. 23 Boston College Nov. 30 @ Stanford

(Sr.) Jonathan Doerer 39 (Fr.) Harrison Leonard 98

(Fr.) Jay

Bramblett

19

(Fr.) Harrison Leonard 98

(Gr.) Chris

Finke

10

(Sr.) Alohi Gilman 11

PK P PR

Charlotte Edmonds

Connor Mulvena

Hayden Adams

Managing Editor

Sports Editor

Associate Sports Editor

While I do think last Monday’s game gave some cause for concern, especially regarding the Notre Dame defense’s shaky start, I think the first half was largely a reflection of Louisville’s improvements rather than Notre Dame’s shortcomings. Granted, they’ll have to be better against Georgia, plain and simple. But New Mexico isn’t Georgia.

The Lobos gave up an average of nearly 37 points against a field of teams that hovered around .500 last season. I anticipate Ian Book and his running back corps to have their way with this New Mexico defense. That said, I’ve learned not to trust a Notre Dame blowout at home against a seemingly easy opponent. Notre Dame gets the win but they don’t reach the 37.5-point spread Vegas has them at.

FINAL SCORE: Notre Dame 44, New Mexico 13

(So.) Lawrence Keys III 13

Despite my pessimistic tendencies when it comes to Irish football, Monday’s game doesn’t worry me too much. The pass rush was not where it needs to be or where we expected.

But that unit is still filling the holes of a lot of key guys who left for the draft. Book didn’t look like the beacon of accuracy he was last year, but again, week one, everything is OK. The Irish offensive line is strong and defense is loaded with athleticism.

New Mexico won a bit of a tight game against the Sam Houston State Bearkats last week, and quite frankly, they just don’t have the pieces that Notre Dame has. It’s no secret New Mexico’s talent isn’t too much of a threat. I think the Irish will jump out to an early two-score lead, and then really try some things out to address the problems from the Louisville game and this week of practice.

FINAL SCORE: Notre Dame 38, New Mexico 10

(Fr.) Jay Bramblett 19 (Gr.) Nolan Henry 17

(Fr.) Kyren Williams 23 (So.) C’Bo Flemister 20

(Sr.) John

Shannon

54

(So.) Michael Vinson 65

H KR LS

If Notre Dame had collapsed under the pressure once they fell behind Louisville 14-7, then I would worry a little.

But let’s be realistic — New Mexico went 3-9 last season, losing their final seven games of the year. The Lobos gave up over 200 yards rushing per game and over 250 yards passing per game last season.

Offensive coordinator Chip Long should and will try to get the passing game going after it struggled against Louisville. While this may bring back flashes of last season’s close call against Ball State, this offense is different than one under Brandon Wimbush. With Jafar Armstrong out, as well as with Cole Kmet and Michael Young still out, Book knows he needs to bring his A game to Athens next week, so he’ll use this game to get back on track.

FINAL SCORE: Notre Dame 56, New Mexico 7

Insider

ndsmcobserver.com | FRIDAY, september 13, 2019 | The Observer

7

O HEAD on nbc

new mexico

EMMA FARNAN | The Observer

EMMA FARNAN | The Observer

LOBOS PASSING

CB

8

Donte Martin (Fr.)

7 Blair Manly (Sr.)

Buck RE NT LE

90

30

Erin Austin (Sr.)

98 Joey Noble (Jr.)

Ben Gansallo (Jr.) 54

99

Langston Murray (So.)

84

Trent Sellers (Sr.)

WR WR TE RT RG C LG LT WR

H KR LS

FS Nick MLB

32

11

Kameron Miller (Jr.)

15 Letayveon Beaton (Jr.)

Johnny Hernandez (Sr.)

13 Nico Bolden (So.)

33

Alex Hart (Sr.)

46 Brandon Shook (Jr.)

95 Adebayo Soremekun (Sr.)

Rush CB

Alexander “Moana”Vainikolo (Sr.)

5 James Lewis (Jr.)

18

SS

Dylan Horton (So.)

3

Patrick Peek (Sr.)

9 Jerrick Reed II (So.)

20 Jacobi Hearn

De’John Rogers (Sr.) 12 6

Antonio Hunt (So.)

Anselem Umeh (Jr.)

7

15 Q Drennan (Jr.)

23 3

Jay Griffin IV (Jr.)

In junior quarterback Brandt Hughes’ first start for the Lobos, he recorded 218 yards in their win over Sam Houston State. While their offense in general is nothing to write home about, they have shown some potential to be a threat with deep yardage considering the nearly 19 yards per throw New Mexico averaged in that season opener. This might be their biggest weapon heading into Saturday’s matchup but unfortunately for them they’re met by an extremely steady and experienced Notre Dame secondary featuring captains and seniors Alohi Gilman and Jalen Elliott. Most importantly, the Lobos are still searching for answers as they find themselves in a seemingly three-person dual for starting quarterback. Don’t expect Saturday to be the time that they resolve those questions.

Elijah Lilly (Sr.)

EDGE: Notre Dame

Marcus Williams (Jr.)

88

LOBOS RUSHING

84 Erik Beilman (Sr.)

Teton Saltes (Jr.)

50

65 Justice Spates (So.)

Jacob Jankoviak (Jr.)

66

73 Cade Briggs (Fr.)

64

Kyle Stapley (Jr.)

RB QB

28

Ahmari Davis (Sr.)

33 Javohn Jones (Sr.)

4

Sheriron Jones (Sr.)

8 Tekava Salanoa-Tuioti (So.)

55 Radson Jang (So.)

Chris Estrella (Sr.)

79

71 David Zavala (Sr.)

Javon Mosley (Sr.)

78

76 Jarred Sylvester (Sr.)

Jordan Kress (Jr.)

9

80 Anu Somoye (Sr.)

Tyson Dyer (Jr.)

96

12 Andrew Shelley (So.)

8

Donte Martin (Fr.)

15 Q Drennan (Jr.)

34

Jared EnRico (Jr.)

48 Aiden Kneller (Fr.)

PK P PR

94

Andrew Shelley (So.)

47 Dylan Kelly-Romero (Sr.)

96

Tyson Dyer (Jr.)

94 Andrew Shelley (So.)

De’John Rogers (Sr.) 15

New Mexico’s already weak offense is not getting any help from their run game. After averaging only 153.2 rushing yards per game last season, the Lobos didn’t seem to make significant improvements, totaling only 145 yards on the ground in their win over Sam Houston State.

While senior running back Ahmari Davis had a breakout performance two weeks ago, rushing for over 100 yards, they’ll likely face the reality of the absence of former back and leading rusher Tyrone Owens to graduation. Combine that with a lethal defensive line who will be eager to prove themselves after a lackluster performance against Louisville and this one belongs to the Irish.

EDGE: Notre Dame

6

Q Drennan (Jr.)

Notre Dame vs. Temple

LOBOS OFFENSIVE COACHING New Mexico is coached by former Irish

Ellen Geyer

Jack Concannon

Sports Writer

Sports Writer

In all honesty, the Notre Dame offense looked pretty lackluster in week one. Book’s passing game left much to be desired, but a poor inaugural performance isn’t necessarily a red flag for college quarterbacks — look at Trevor Lawrence’s one touchdown to two picks in Clemson’s opener against Georgia Tech. With the absence of Miles Boykin, the Irish pass game certainly looked like a work in progress, but the rush proved to be a source of surprising consistency. After a couple of years at second string, Tony Jones Jr. took advantage of Jafar Armstrong’s injury, leading the ground game with 110 yards on 15 carries.

Regardless, New Mexico simply doesn’t have the tools to pull off this upset — they barely escaped their game against Sam Houston State alive. I can’t fathom that the Irish find a way to throw this one away.

While the Louisville game was a mixed bag, I expect the Irish to roll over the Lobos this week. This is a team that went 3-9 playing in the Mountain West last season and was beaten handily by the only power five team they played in a 45-14 loss to Wisconsin. Book will need to take more chances moving the football down the field because if he cannot find open receivers on vertical routes against New Mexico, he will definitely have a tough time finding them in Athens.

Despite concerns about the Irish, there is just too much of a talent discrepancy. Expect the Irish to take a commanding lead into the locker room and stay around that margin in the late stages of the game.

FINAL SCORE: Notre Dame 42, New Mexico 6

FINAL SCORE: Notre Dame 45, New Mexico 14

head coach Bob Davie, who was at the helm of the Irish program from 1997 to 2001. Davie is currently experiencing health complications and will not travel to South Bend, and the team will be coached by offensive line coach and run game coordinator Saga Tuitele. Despite his title, the team passed more than it ran last week in a 39-31 win against Sam Houston State, throwing 40 times and rushing 32 times. They only completed 18 of those passes, so Tuitele may be forced to turn towards his strength and keep the ball on the ground this weekend.

EDGE: Notre Dame

LOBOS SPECIAL TEAMS Last year, the Lobos attempted only eight field goals, but converted on seven of them. This is redshirt sophomore Andrew Shelley’s second year as the starting kicker, and he’s off to a solid start, having nailed 4-4 field goals in the season opener, with two over 40 yards. Shelley has range, with a career-long field goal of 53 yards coming last season, and he’s consistent. There’s really only so much a defensive special teams unit can do, and this Notre Dame group isn’t known for blocking kicks. If the Lobos get Shelley close enough, the odds are in his favor, but the kicking unit’s success is still a function of the offense getting them within range of the uprights.

EDGE: New Mexico

LOBOS SCHEDULE (1-0) Aug. 31 Sam Houoston State (W 39-31) Sept. 14 @ Notre Dame Sept. 21 New Mexico State Sept. 28 @ Liberty Oct. 4 @ San Jose State Oct. 11 Colorado State Oct. 19 @ Wyoming Oct. 26 Hawai’i Nov. 2 @ Nevada Nov. 9 Air Force Nov. 16 @ Boise State Nov. 30 Utah State

Follow Observer Sports on Twitter for live updates and analysis during the game this weekend and all season long. @ObserverSports

8

INSidER

The observer | Thursday, September 13, 2019 | ndsmcobserver.com

Recruiting Continued from pagE 4

obviously rewarded them with a great start to the season.”

Driskell said what makes Buchner such a big land for the Irish is his unique skill set as an all-around threat. “[He’s] a quarterback that can be precise with his passing, a quarterback that can attack downfield, but also someone as you saw in his most recent game, someone who can make plays,” Driskell said. “He’s a very talented athlete, that really combines that all-around package that Notre Dame and a lot of teams are looking for in a modern quarterback.”

Moving a little farther west, Notre Dame continues to build a strong presence in Hawaii, home to several Notre Dame icons under the Brian Kelly-era, including Manti Te’o, Kona Schwenke, Robby Toma and current captain, safety Alohi Gilman.

“It’s really a long list of players, and you’re seeing right now Hawaii is becoming a much more impactful state,” Driskell said. “Notre Dame is doing what they need to do which is getting in early.”

One of those key targets for the class of 2021 is Mason Tufaga, a four-star linebacker from Honolulu. While Tufaga,

who currently holds offers from a number of Pac-12 teams, is yet to receive an offer from the Irish, fellow Saint Louis School teammate Jordan Botelho has committed to Kelly for the class of 2020.

Driskell said it’ll be interesting to see how Tufaga’s recruitment progresses and whether the Irish chose to pursue him more seriously, but there’s no denying the various challenges and advantages Notre Dame has recruiting in Hawaii.

“The fact is that if Notre Dame wants to be impactful in Hawaii, they gotta get on these guys because it’s a lot easier for those kids to stay out on the west coast,” Driskell said. “I love how proactive Notre Dame is on offering these Hawaii kids. …

That’s the pipeline that they’re trying to establish, and if they can do so, you’re going to see an impact, especially their defense in a big way. Because the higher majority of the top-level players coming from that state tend to be defensive players.”

That same defense has become one of the staples of Notre Dame recruiting. Despite some sloppy play in the home-opener against Louisville, Driskell said there were some positive takeaways about the direction of defensive strategy going forward for prospective commits.

“Even though there’s a lot of

mistakes on defense, we saw a very fast, athletic defense,” he said. “And that’s what they’ve been pitching to kids is, ‘Look, now that we’ve got our players in place, we’re going to be a lot more aggressive on defense, we’re going to play a lot faster on defense, we’re going to try to make a lot more plays.’ … I think kids are seeing that, which is not only going to help them convince the current commits of what they’re trying to do defensively. But it’s just another example of here’s more evidence to kids about what kind of defense we want to be.”

While the Notre Dame coaching staff always has its eye on the recruiting scene, Driskell said this conversation won’t kick into high gear until closer to Oct. 12 when USC pays a visit to Notre Dame stadium.

“We’re going to have some important recruits coming in from Virginia, but the USC game is going to be the big recruiting weekend,” he said. “That’s going to be the one where a lot of the current commits are coming. …

Right now, Notre Dame is really focused on their team, building their team, knowing that two of the first three games are on the road, there doesn’t seem to be as much of an emphasis on recruiting and getting kids on campus.”

Driskell credited Bill Rees, the director of scouting for Notre Dame football, as a key addition Paid Advertisement

to identifying talent and said his role in the program has had a significant impact.

“He’s the guy who’s behind the scenes doing a lot of evaluating, doing a lot of the organizing,” Driskell said. “He to me has one of the best eyes for talent that I’ve seen of someone who’s working at

Notre Dame for a long time. He’s got a tremendous background and talent. … Obviously, the coaches have to go out and land the kids, but he’s been a big part of that.”

Contact Charlotte Edmonds at cedmond3@nd.edu

Paid Advertisement

Insider

ndsmcobserver.com | Thursday, September 13, 2019 | The Observer

ANN CURTIS | The Observer

Irish senior safety Alohi Gilman returns an interception during Notre Dame’s 36-3 win over Syracuse on Nov. 17 at Yankee Stadium.

9

Emma farnan | The Observer

Irish sophomore wide receiver Tommy Tremble runs downfield during Notre Dame’s 35-17 win over Louisville at Cardinal Stadium on Sept. 2. Tremble caught 49 yards, including a 26-yard touchdown.

Paid Advertisement

10

INSidER

The observer | Thursday, September 13, 2019 | ndsmcobserver.com

White Continued from page 3

of disappointment but the focus was on improving the net drive.

“I think it’s a combination of a couple of things,” White said. “So, you know, it’s the first game of the season — you’re going to have some jitters. You can scrimmage all you want, but when that first game comes, it’s going to be a little different. It’s going to be a little faster, a little more difficult. I would say, with the new system [Louisville] had, with different coordinators coming from Appalachian State, there were some things that we didn’t see on film. So once we got those corrections and once we made those adjustments, I think the players and the coaches did a wonderful job of shutting it down. I think there was a little bit of disappointment [after Louisville scored its second touchdown]. But it was more of a focus on what we’re going to change, what kind of adjustments we’re going to make. There was no sort of panic on the bench.”

That confidence is also a crucial part of White’s own personal mentality as a leader of the defense on the field.

“My personal mentality is to go out there and be the best person on the field,” White said. “I think confidence is key. So when I go out there, I’m looking to be confident, fast and physical. Something that I’m trying to work on and I think I’m improving on every day is to be the leader of that, you know being the Mike linebacker, and making communications, and having the defense follow my lead when it comes to communications, and adjustments and stuff like that. So, you know, my mentality is to be the leader and just have confidence and play physical.”

White expressed how lucky he was to have some fantastic leaders above him at the linebacker position his freshman and sophomore years, and he’s thankful for the lessons those guys taught him on and off the field.

“I’ve been really lucky since I’ve been here,” White said.

“Since I’ve been here, I’ve had good leaders linebacker-wise, all throughout my career since freshman year. So, [former linebackers] Nyles Morgan, Greer Martini, and then this past year with Te’von Coney and Drue Tranquill. I mean, those guys really showed me — and showed the rest of the

young linebackers — what it was like, what it takes to be a leader of the defense, just a Notre Dame student-athlete in general [and] being first class all the way in everything you do. You’re not skipping meetings, you’re not skipping lifts, you’re not skipping class. … So, those guys really taught me that.”

All in all, White’s focus seems to be on improving each week. Whether that be in the form of becoming a more forceful leader at the linebacker position or watching game film on that week’s opponent, he finds joy in the improvement and in the process.

“I think this group is focused on the process more than the outcome,” White said. “Obviously, the outcome is going to pave its way itself.

But we’re really looking at the process. We’re looking at just getting better every day, and I think this group is special. We have a lot of guys that are leaders. We have a lot of guys that bring effort and energy every day. So I think this past week really helped us to play the best football.”

The team is looking to get better each week, White emphasized.

“Yes we are looking to gain improvement, we are looking Paid Advertisement

to play better than we did at Louisville,” White said. “But I don’t think it’s for anyone, I don’t think it’s for any of the fans, I think it’s for ourselves.

Like I said before, this team is dedicated to the process more than any team I’ve ever been

a part of. So we’re looking to get better every day, and we’re bringing that effort and energy to practice. I’m just looking forward to the next game.”

Contact Connor Mulvena at cmulvena@nd.edu

Paid Advertisement

insider

ndsmcobserver.com | Thursday, September 13, 2019 | The Observer

Lobos Continued from page 5

ANN CURTIS | The Observer

Irish senior safety and captain Jalen Elliott returns an interception during Notre Dame’s 36-3 win over Syracuse on Nov. 7 in Yankee Stadium in New York. Elliott recorded five tackles against the Orange.

Paid Advertisement

Paid Advertisement

captain and defensive lineman Aaron Blackwell and junior starting quarterback Brandt Hughes, who’ve suffered ACL and shoulder labrum injuries, respectively.

“With Aaron it’s a big loss for us, him being the captain and being the emotional leader for us. He’s going to be missed,” Tuitele said.

“Emotionally, it’s going be a tough loss for us but we’re so deep at the defensive line right now. We can move some guys in and out of different spots.”

Despite Brandt’s absence, New Mexico also has f lexibility at the quarterback position with senior Sheriron Jones, redshirt sophomore Tevaka Tuioti and redshirt

11

freshman Trae Hall all v ying for the first-string spot.

“With Brandt, we don’t know the severity of his shoulder injury — heck, Brandt’s suiting up and trying to throw the ball left-handed out there,” Tuitele said. “We have three young guys that are still competing to this day. Whoever gets the starting nod will have our blessing and [offensive coordinator] Coach [Joe] Dailey’s blessing and Coach Davie’s blessing.”

Tuitele noted that his team will depend on young talent across the rest of the lines as well, expressing that he and his coaching staff have been preparing their new blood for this season for the past eight months.

“We have a saying — ‘narrow your focus’ — and that goes to everything from outside noise, to social media, to third downs, to crowds, to home games, to away games, to coaches barking at you,” Tuitele said. “We train them in January to narrow their focus.

We allow them to have fun as far as we are going to play in a historic stadium and whatnot, but we have to narrow our focus. That started with Coach Davie back in January when we first got the recruits.

We understand that we have a lot of newcomers. … In January, all the way through now, we want to get them to understand: Remember your training and narrow your focus on whatever you’re doing, whether it’s taking the plane, whether it’s on the field, off the field, whatever it is.”

In terms of their focus on the field this week, Tuitele noted a few places of improvement from the team’s season-opener: A 39-31 win over Sam Houston State.

Prior to his injury, Brandt struggled in the pocket, and his second-half replacement of Jones didn’t fare much better: The two combined for a 45% completion rate behind 18-40 passing. The real strength of the Lobo offense came from the ground game, which was responsible for all four of New Mexico’s touchdowns.

But still, “it’s a win,” Tuitele said.

Tuitele cited that his team needs to improve its offensive conversion abilities in general.

“On offense, we can improve third down,” he said.

“We were one of 15 last week, and we better definitely improve that. We’ve got to do some things on the offensive side and we’ve got to do some things on the defense side too to clean it up.”

But come Saturday, Tuitele just has one concrete strategy in mind.

“One play at a time,” he said.

Contact Ellen Geyer at egeyer1@nd.edu