Run Game Battle Is Key For Notre Dame Against Central Michigan

Notre Dame enters this battle with Central Michigan with a great opportunity to build even more confidence heading into their matchup with Ohio State. While the Chippewa defense is a poor unit, there are a couple of players who should present challenges.

Let’s take a look at a couple of the Central Michigan defenders to keep a close eye on, and the Notre Dame players who will need to play well. These battles could determine just how dominant of a performance the Irish offense can have on Saturday.

RUNNING BACKS vs LB KYLE MORETTI

BREAKING IT DOWN

The running back room for Notre Dame is an embarrassment of riches right now. You can spend all the time talking about Audrice Estime, and it could be very justified. Then you throw in players like Jadarian Price, Jeremiyah Love, Gi’Bran Payne and Devyn Ford and the depth becomes pretty insane. That level of quality rivals the best rooms in all of college football.

On the defensive side for Central Michigan, there may not be a better player than linebacker Kyle Moretti. He is the leader in the middle of the defense, looking to lead the Chippewas in tackles for the second straight season. The 6-2, 245-pound middle linebacker is a tone setter for an underrated front seven for Central Michigan.

WHY IT MATTERS

While everyone wants to talk about quarterback Sam Hartman, the Notre Dame offense is still centered around being physical upfront and running the football. That is their identity. In this type of game, especially leading into their matchup with Ohio State in two weeks, it’s about staying true to that identity.

Central Michigan is going to do their best to make things difficult for the Irish. They want to compromise that identity and make them feel uncomfortable. That’s what Moretti hopes to do in the middle of the defense. They want to stop the run and make Notre Dame one dimensional.

INTERIOR O-LINE vs DEFENSIVE TACKLES

BREAKING IT DOWN

Despite an impressive 45-24 victory over NC State last week, not everything was great offensively for Notre Dame. Their offensive line, specifically their interior, did not play well against the Wolfpack. They will be hoping for a bounce back and good days all around for Pat Coogan, Zeke Correll and Rocco Spindler.

On the Central Michigan side, their defensive tackles are two of their more impactful players on defense. Standout Robi Stuart brings the physicality and fellow senior Jacques Bristol brings the penetration ability. Together they form one of the best units in the MAC.

WHY IT MATTERS

This is potentially a “get right game” for the Notre Dame offensive line. It is not necessarily going to be an easy test however. Both Stuart and Bristol will present their challenges to the interior and make them work for big performances.

Ohio State is going to present a much bigger challenge on the defensive line than Central Michigan but this should be a nice tuneup. The Irish offensive line needs some confidence and this matchup could be exactly what the doctor ordered.

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