Miami vs. Notre Dame: Defense, Injuries and Pressure

Segment Spotlight: Quick Hits From Outspoken With Dan Sileo

Notre Dame’s Defensive Pressure and Miami’s Run Game Could Decide the Matchup

With Malachi Toney out, Miami will have to rely on its other playmakers and an improving offensive line. The running game is expected to be essential, with Miami potentially needing more than 200 rushing yards to win against Notre Dame’s stout front seven.

Notre Dame would like to pressure Mensah and force him off his spot, but that is easier said than done because he gets the ball out quickly. The linebackers have nearly 20 career sacks as a group but none this year. The defense has been more passive under defensive coordinator Chris Ash, playing more zone than in the past.

Marcus Freeman appears to be increasingly involved in defensive meetings, and Notre Dame could use safety blitzes to create pressure. Luke Talich has stepped in and shown more athleticism than many people realize. The defense is also dealing with significant injuries. Breonta Johnson has been out since the first half against Wisconsin, while two-time captain and middle linebacker Drake Bowen will miss the game after injuring his ankle against Navy. DJ McKinney is also out for the foreseeable future with an ankle injury.

Leonard Moore, an All-American, was expected to follow Toney across the field, much as Notre Dame did with Makai Lemon against USC a year ago. Without Toney playing, Moore can remain on the boundary, where he is most comfortable, and potentially shut down one side of the field.

Both teams have stout run defenses, making success on the ground a likely deciding factor. There are concerns about pass coverage for both sides, but the game could still be lower scoring because of how important the running game will be.

The matchup is not limited to Miami’s offense against Notre Dame’s defense. All three phases could matter, especially special teams. Notre Dame is willing to attempt fake punts, pursue blocked punts and use unconventional plays that could affect the outcome.

The game is expected to remain close and could come down to the final possession, with the team holding the ball last having the opportunity to win.