Notre Dame Defense Must Dominate Against Oregon State

Notre Dame has had one of the best defenses in all of college football this season. Heading into their Sun Bowl matchup with Oregon State, that unit is mostly intact and ready for a big importance.

The Irish will be facing off against an Oregon State offense that will look a fair amount different compared to what they did in 2023. There are a few areas that the Irish defense must capitalize during this contest. Here are those areas to watch.

HOWARD CROSS, RYLIE MILLS vs JAKE LEVENGOOD

BREAKING DOWN BOTH SIDES

Notre Dame got a huge boost to their defensive front for the bowl game, as well as the 2024 season when both Cross and Mills announced that they are returning for another season. Both players had very good seasons for the Irish, providing consistency from the middle of the defense. Cross and Mills are very different players, which make them a great duo. They should be providing consistency and some havoc.

Oregon State is set to play with two new offensive tackles in this game, with both Taliese Fuaga and Joshua Gray sitting out. Luckily for the Beavers, their most experienced and arguably most consistently lineman in Levengood will be playing. He is the center of the offensive line, their main communicator and leading up front. Levengood will be dependent upon heavily for the Beavers.

WHY IT MATTERS

Oregon State wants to shorten this football game, which means they will have to be good up front on both sides of the football. With a couple new starters on the offensive line, Levengood’s experience and consistency will be needed to lean on during this game. The Beavers must be the better team up front in this contest, where their center is by far their most experienced player.

Cross and Mills, along with the rest of the interior defensive line, have been very good throughout most of this season. They will look to slow down Deshaun Fenwick, who is a good running back who brings physicality to the table. Causing some issues up front from the interior will be key. Look for that duo to make a statement heading into a very important offseason.

JADEN MICKEY, CHRISTIAN GRAY vs SILAS BOLDEN

BREAKING DOWN BOTH SIDES

On the Oregon State side, their best pass catcher by a long shot is wide receiver Silas Bolden. Whether as a returner or with the ball in his hand offensively, he is a dynamic player in space who can create some big plays. Forget the marginal size at 5-8 and 157 pounds, Bolden is the type of player who can create a big play every time he touches the football.

Notre Dame will have Benjamin Morrison locking up one side of the field in the boundary. With Cam Hart out, the Irish will be showcasing a new combination to the field in sophomore Jaden Mickey and true freshman Christian Gray. Both players are very talented but lack the experience that Hart brought to the game. Focusing on their crafts and trusting their athleticism will be key.

WHY IT MATTERS

The Irish pass coverage has been tremendous all season. They had arguably the top secondary in all of college football this season, at least for a large part of the season. They will be mostly intact with Morrison and the safeties, but replacing Hart will not be easy. Limiting big plays will be key. There are always concerns from a communication perspective when there is a new starter.

The Beavers will hope to create a couple big plays in the passing game. Bolden is the top option to do so, possessing the quickness and explosiveness to make a few game changing plays. You can bet that the Oregon State coaching staff will try to scheme some things open for Bolden. Mickey and Gray must be ready for the task, and ready to compete with their talent and football IQ.

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