Notre Dame Defense Must Win Key Matchups Against Pittsburgh

For the majority of the season, the Notre Dame defense has been fantastic. That unit has consistently put out tremendous performances, stifling some of the better offenses in all of college football.

They will have a unique challenge against the Pittsburgh Panthers, who do not boast a very explosive offensive unit. Here are a couple of matchups that Notre Dame will hope to dominate in order to make this a one sided battle.

NOTRE DAME PRESSURE vs PITT OFFENSIVE LINE

THE MATCHUP

Heading into the 2023 season, Pittsburgh expected to have a very good offensive line led by star left tackle Matthew Goncalves. Unfortunately the talented Goncalves was lost for the season early in the year. Add in a couple of other injuries and the Panthers are operating with a very makeshift offensive front. That unit has had some serious struggles from establishing the run and protecting the quarterback. They will need to find answers working down the stretch.

The Notre Dame defensive line got off to an efficient, yet unspectacular start to their season. Over the last few games, Al Golden has really allowed the defensive line to be a lot more aggressive. The defensive tackles have been especially impressive recently, led by Howard Cross and Rylie Mills. That unit has rewarded Coach Golden’s trust with big time play.

WHY IT MATTERS

When there is an obvious weakness, a good team has to take advantage of it. The Irish defensive line should be able to make a ton of plays on Saturday, especially with the state of the Panther offensive line. Cross, Mills and company must leave no doubt.

With an inexperienced quarterback and an underwhelming run game, Notre Dame has a chance to really shut the door on the Pitt offense quickly. On paper, the Irish should win this game pretty convincingly. If they do, it’s probably because the Irish defensive line caused havoc all day.

XAVIER WATTS vs GAVIN BARTHOLOMEW

THE MATCHUP

The Panthers have a couple of solid pass catching options in wide receivers Konata Mumpfield and Bub Means but their biggest potential mismatch is junior tight end Gavin Bartholomew. For the third straight year, the talented tight end has been a valuable member of the Pitt passing game, using his big body and underrated athleticism to make plays. Bartholomew is poised to set a career high in receiving yards with a modest game against the Irish, in just eight games.

Watts wasn’t just the most outstanding player for the Irish defense last week. He was also one of the premier defenders in all of college football with his performance against USC, racking up seven tackles, two interceptions, a forced fumble and a scoop and score. During that contest, Watts was used as a robber defender a lot to make plays in short zones. That utilized his skill set, showcasing nice ball skills and short area explosiveness.

WHY IT MATTERS

If you’re Notre Dame, you have to feel really good about your chances of Benjamin Morrison and Cam Hart limiting Mumpfield and Means. The team will need to have a unique game plan to slow down Bartholomew, who has been creating some explosive plays this season. The linebackers will have a say in this one, as will Watts.

The Pitt offense is a little bit limited from a big play potential. They are a unit that must remain consistent and sustain long drives to be successful. That makes the middle of the field very important in the passing game. There is no bigger threat in that area than the 6-5, 250-pound Bartholemew.

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