Blue & Gold Illustrated: America's Foremost Authority on Notre Dame Football
Issue link: https://comanpub.uberflip.com/i/1411895
40 SEPT. 25, 2021 BLUE & GOLD ILLUSTRATED GAME PREVIEW: WISCONSIN tight end Michael Mayer is already an All-American front-runner and Coan's favorite target. Mayer ranked among the NCAA leaders in receptions per game (8.0) and touchdown catches (three). Most troubling in this category is that Notre Dame's reworked and beat-up offensive line al- lowed 10 sacks in two games, placing it near the bottom of the NCAA statistical pack at protecting the quarterback. For Wisconsin, its standout linebackers are not only solid in rush defense but also are menacing and aggressive pass rushers. Chenal tallied a team-best three sacks and seven quarterback hurries (in seven games) last season and sophomore outside linebacker Nick Herbig is expected to make big strides as a second-year pass rusher, though the Badgers managed only 1.57 sacks a game last season and have only four sacks through two games in 2021. Wisconsin hired NFL veteran Hank Poteat to coach and improve a cornerback unit that didn't record an interception last season. Advantage: Notre Dame SPECIAL TEAMS Through its first two games, the special teams highlight for Notre Dame remained graduate stu- dent placekicker Jonathan Doerer converting a 41-yard game-winning kick against Florida State to secure a 41-38 overtime win. The Irish have had few opportunities at returning punts or kickoffs so far this season. Wisconsin senior punter Andy Vujnovich rates among the nation's best with a 48.9-yard average, and Badgers fifth-year senior placekicker Collin Larsh is 3 of 4 on his field goal attempts but suf- fered an untimely blocked kick in a 16-10 season- opening loss to Penn State. Of note, Wisconsin has converted only four of its previous 14 field goal attempts of more than 40 yards the last three seasons. Advantage: Even COACHING With a 42-28 win over Wake Forest in the Duke's Mayo Bowl (Charlotte, N.C.) to end last season, Wisconsin's Chryst moved to 5-1 in bowl games during his time on the Badgers sideline, but then had to overhaul his coaching staff when three as- sistants took new jobs. The revamp brought in new coaches to lead the quarterbacks, running backs, defensive linemen and cornerbacks. As part of the staff shakeup, Chryst put himself in charge of quarterbacks and play calling, roles he has held at various times while at Wisconsin. Big games against ranked teams played away from Notre Dame Stadium have not been the call- ing card for 12th-year Irish head coach Brian Kelly. But even with an ornery start in 2021, Kelly's two College Football Playoff appearances the last three years, along with a pattern of in-season improve- ments and adjustments give the Irish sheriff the edge over Chryst, a two-time Big Ten Coach of the Year. Advantage: Notre Dame INTANGIBLES Chryst was fortunate after a disappointing and disjointed 2020 season when almost all of his NFL- eligible players elected to return to school in 2021, many on a defense that last year finished fifth in total defense (299.9 yards allowed per game), fifth in rushing defense (96.1), and is off to a similar and strong statistical start in 2021. During their first two games before a bye last week — a 16-10 loss to Penn State and a 34-7 win over Eastern Michigan — the stingy Badgers allowed an average of just 194.5 total yards, the sixth-best mark in the country, and only 11.5 points per game, which ranked 15th. Wisconsin is coming off a bye week, and again, it returns eight starters on a defense that led the Big Ten in total defense last season. And after losing the opener to Penn State, the desperate Badgers cannot remain playoff worthy with a second September loss. Advantage: Wisconsin Staff Predictions Todd D. Burlage: Wisconsin 27, Notre Dame 24 Seventh-year Wisconsin head coach Paul Chryst was fortunate after a disappointing 4-3 season in 2020 when almost all of his NFL eligible players elected to return to school in 2021. Eight starters on a defense that finished fifth nationally in total defense (299.9 yards per game) and fifth in rushing defense (96.1) last year are back, and that unit is off to a similar statistical start in 2021. Wisconsin enters this game off a bye week, and beating ranked teams away from Notre Dame Sta- dium has never been a strength for Irish head coach Brian Kelly. Steve Downey: Wisconsin 20, Notre Dame 16 All eyes will be on the quarterback matchup that pits former top-50 recruit Graham Mertz versus former Badger Jack Coan, but this game will be decided in the trenches. Wisconsin features another strong offensive line and has averaged 266.0 rushing yards per game, while Notre Dame surrendered 194.0 rushing yards per game in its first two outings. The Irish's offensive line struggles, meanwhile, have been eye opening — just 98.5 rushing yards per game with 20 tackles for loss and 10 sacks allowed. After two weeks, Wisconsin ranked third in the country in stopping the run, allowing just 33.0 yards per game and 1.83 yards per carry. The Badgers' advantage in the trenches will allow them to grind out a victory. Patrick Engel: Wisconsin 21, Notre Dame 17 With a still-quiet Notre Dame run game and Wisconsin's limited passing offense, this has the makings of a low-scoring, Big Ten West-like game. Though it seems Wisconsin let the better of the two quarter- backs in this game get away, the Badgers defense is experienced, tough and doesn't give up big plays. Wisconsin and Notre Dame's defenses are stylistically different. The Irish have given up some big plays, but have also been one of the more disruptive units in college football. The Badgers haven't al- lowed many points or yards, but also don't generate much havoc. Wisconsin's rushing attack and ability to prevent explosive plays lead it to a close win. Tyler Horka: Notre Dame 24, Wisconsin 22 Maybe Notre Dame playing Purdue a week before this matchup while Wisconsin had an early off week for extra preparation won't be the worst thing for the Irish. Notre Dame can use all the live game reps it can get. The Badgers will come out a little sluggish after not playing a competitive game for two weeks. This one will come down to the wire with Notre Dame on top. Mike Singer: Wisconsin 24, Notre Dame 23 This game will be a barnburner, and the best way to figure out who will win the contest is by flipping a coin. Marcus Freeman's aggressive defense will need to play assignment sound if it has any chance of stopping the Badgers' rushing attack. The Irish will defend well for the most part but a couple big Wisconsin runs will give Paul Chryst's squad the edge. Senior linebacker Jack Sanborn, who was the Duke's Mayo Bowl MVP last season, has six tackles, three stops for loss and one sack in two games this year. PHOTO COURTESY WISCONSIN ATHLETICS