Blue & Gold Illustrated: America's Foremost Authority on Notre Dame Football
Issue link: https://comanpub.uberflip.com/i/1017623
www.BLUEANDGOLD.com PRESEASON 2018 19 UNDER THE DOME THEY SAID IT "Offense is leading the charge for Notre Dame's start to the 2020 class. In addition to a pair of Junior 300 tight ends, Kevin Bauman and Michael Mayer, the Irish also have landed a commitment from pocket passer DREW PYNE, who lacks ideal measurables but is a polished passer with a quick release." ESPN's Craig Haubert on Notre Dame being No. 5 in teams off to fast starts in 2020 recruiting "What the heck does the Playoff Predictor think is happening in South Bend? While most of the above results are chalky, the Fighting Irish stand out as one team whose projection does not fit with the public perception. There are two major reasons for this: 1. Notre Dame is better than many people think. It doesn't boast the sexiest offense, but the Fighting Irish actually ranked 12th in offensive efficiency last season. … But more important than that, defensively, they ought to be stout. Notre Dame ranked 10th in defensive efficiency a season ago and is returning nine starters to that side of the ball. "2. As an independent, Notre Dame's schedule strikes a nice balance in 2018. It's difficult enough that a strong record would be an accomplishment and would catch the committee's eye, but easy enough that 11‑1 — probably the record it needs to accomplish — is within the realm of possibility." — ESPN's Seth Walder on Notre Dame being a surprise team to make a College Football Playoff run "Senior Brandon Wimbush is one of the best running quarterbacks in the country, and it all starts with him. Defenses are going to have trouble containing him. They've got the big receiver [6‑4 junior Chase Clay‑ pool] who's a mismatch when he gets in the red zone. … Overall there's more consistency on the offense. The line was outstanding last year, and the guys they've got coming in are really good too. I'm impressed with their receivers. Defending them comes down to limiting the big play. Tackling in the open field, not allowing for big plays — those are things to focus on. … "Safety Nick Coleman anchors the defense, and the unit as a whole can take a big step forward this year. Clark Lea [the defensive coordinator, who was promoted from linebackers coach] is a great defensive mind. He'll do a fine job. I think anytime you can have continuity, it helps the players. They don't have to learn a new language. … Special teams coordinator Brian Polian is one of the best. They've won games based on special teams alone, and this year they've got a great kicker in Justin Yoon too. … They surprised people last year, and I don't think it was a fluke. There's a sneaky upside with this team." — Anonymous coach on Notre Dame (Sports Illustrated) OF THE WEEK ➤ "Nothing better than a Saturday in Notre Dame Stadium." Notre Dame wide receivers coach Del Alexander (@dalex3333) Aug. 11 PHOTO COURTESY RIVALS.COM With 160 full-color, glossy action-packed pages of Notre Dame football information, this magazine is a must-have for the upcoming season! Irish fans, do you want the best, most in-depth preview of the upcoming football season? ORDER NOW: THE 2018 NOTRE DAME FOOTBALL PREVIEW ORDER AT BLUEGOLDONLINE.COM OR CALL 800-421-7751 $ 11 95 WHILE SUPPLIES LAST! $ 6 95 Digital Edition Only FREE SHIPPING • Player Features • Historical Articles • Detailed Position-by-Position Analysis • Opponent Previews • And much more!