Notre Dame Offense Must Answer Key Matchups Against Talented NC State Defense
The Notre Dame offense has been tremendous through two weeks. They are averaging 49 points per game and 500.5 total yards of offense in those two contests. Of course, those numbers have come against two subpar opponents with better competition ahead.
NC State will be the first true test for a new look Irish offense. There are a couple key matchups that could decide success for Notre Dame. Here are the key areas to watch.
SAM HARTMAN vs NC STATE CORNER DUO
BREAKING IT DOWN
Former Wake Forest quarterback Sam Hartman has been a revelation for the Notre Dame offense so far. So far Hartman has led 12 drives for the Irish, resulting in 11 touchdowns. The calmness and precision that he is playing with has been something to watch. Hartman brings an element to the offense that hasn’t been present in several years, ability to make plays happen when the deck is stacked against him while also making the easy plays.
North Carolina State has played stellar defense under defensive coordinator Tony Gibson historically. He thrives off of creating a lot of pressure up front with his defensive line and linebackers. A big reason for that pressure is because of his two star cornerbacks Aydan White and Shyheim Battle. That tandem allows a defensive coordinator to be very aggressive up front and on the second level.
WHY IT MATTERS
Through the first two games, Hartman has been making plays all over the field with his arm. This contest against the Wolfpack brings a unique dynamic with White and Battle on the back end. With so many big wide receivers on the Notre Dame team, they are going to want to make some plays outside of the numbers with guys like Tobias Merriweather, Jayden Thomas and Deion Colzie.
NC State makes big plays by funneling everything inside with those cornerbacks. Notre Dame will need to show that they can make plays outside to loosen things up. If the Wolfpack are able to condense the game, things will become a lot harder for Hartman and this passing attack.
NOTRE DAME O-LINE vs NC STATE FRONT SEVEN
BREAKING IT DOWN
Notre Dame boasts one of the best offensive lines in college football. With left tackle Joe Alt, right tackle Blake Fisher and center Zeke Correll back, they bring outstanding experience and talent to the table. Add in the very good player of guards Rocco Spindler and Pat Coogan so far and you have a Joe Moore Award contending offensive line. While Hartman will get most of the headlines, Notre Dame’s identity is still established up front.
On defense, NC State brings back four stellar performers on their front six. They are led by linebacker Payton Wilson, who is one of the best linebackers in all of college football. Wilson is protected by an extremely talented front three with CJ Clark, Davin Vann and Savion Jackson. Those two levels make a lot of plays for the Wolfpack.
WHY IT MATTERS
On each side of the football, the fronts are the biggest strengths for the Notre Dame offense and NC State defense. If each unit is going to reach their potential, those lines will be a big reason for it.
So far this season, Notre Dame has been able to run the ball very well. Hartman had also been pretty comfortable in the pocket as a passer. Keeping this offense on schedule is the big key for success.
For NC State, they want to make the Irish offense uncomfortable. That unit thrives off of chaos and pressure. In the end, they want this game to be a back and forth struggle. If it’s a low scoring affair, the Wolfpack will have a chance. That’s their type of football game.
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