The Notre Dame Fighting Irish have played a solid game against Louisville, but not without serious issues taking care of the ball.
The Fighting Irish have fumbled the football twice in the first half of play, losing both fumbles and allowing Louisville to pull closer. Notre Dame has had their fair share of struggling to avoid turnovers, with fumbles in particular being an issue this season.
The Notre Dame Fighting Irish have averaged a fumble a game this season, but it has largely gone under the radar since the defense is generating a large number of turnovers. Currently, the Fighting Irish have a turnover ratio of two, generating two turnovers for every one they have committed.
This game is bonkers. Notre Dame’s Xavier Watts, the 2023 Bronko Nagurski Award winner, corrals what should have been a Louisville completion for his second interception of the season. Teams have already combined for 5 turnovers.
— Adam Rittenberg (@ESPNRittenberg) September 28, 2024
Notre Dame fumbled the opening kickoff AND Jason Garrett is the color guy?
This is gonna suck.
— Proph™️🔮 (@SportsProphet__) September 28, 2024
Notre Dame has proved at times that they have the ability to be a top team in the college football landscape this season. However, at times the team has also proved that being a ‘great’ time this year might still be a stretch despite changes.
Quarterback Riley Leonard has had difficulties this season taking over the offensive helm for the Fighting Irish. Coming into this game against Louisville, Leonard had just 587 yards passing, one touchdown, two interceptions, and two fumbles. However, the success for Leonard has been in the rushing department, with six touchdowns and 322 yards rushing.
Running back Jeremiyah Love has also been a fumbling culprit this season for the team as he has struggled to make a major impact. The addition of Leonard and the ability to use his legs is something new for the Notre Dame staff and offense. Love needs to make the most of the chances he gets since Leonard has shown he can run the ball on his own.
The offensive line has also been an issue for the team and has led to some of the turnovers the team has been responsible for.
Notre Dame Fighting Irish Beginning to Put Everything Together on Offense
The Notre Dame offense may have some issues, but it finally seems to have reached a certain level of confidence.
The Fighting Irish had a very disappointing game against the Northern Illinois Huskies that a lot can be learned from. When the line struggled, the team fell apart on offense and the Fighting Irish cannot win games when that occurs. The staff has clearly taken measures to ensure that the same situation does not occur, as the offense has improved since the loss.
Moving forward, the Notre Dame Fighting Irish staff is going to have to continue to lean on quarterback Riley Leonard. Leonard might not be cutting up defenses through the air as intended, but has been playing solid football especially on the ground running.
Get More NFL and College Football Content
For more news and trends in the college football world, follow me on Twitter @JarrettGuerrera
