Blue & Gold Illustrated: America's Foremost Authority on Notre Dame Football
Issue link: https://comanpub.uberflip.com/i/163197
on paper revisited By lou somogyi Senior linebacker Prince Shembo was a frequent visitor in Temple's backfield, pressuring Owls quarterback Connor Reilly five times to help keep the first-time starter on the move. photo by bill panzica Temple Running Game Vs. Notre Dame Run Defense The most effective running plays for the Owls came when redshirt junior quarterback Connor Reilly (12 carries for 65 yards) scrambled away or broke containment on 18- and 10-yard runs during a second quarter drive that ended in a missed field goal. He ad-libbed several more times during the game on six- to 11-yard gains, plus a zone option for nine. The hallmark of Notre Dame's run defense is no easy runs to the perimeter. There was a 15-yard sweep by Owls running back Jamie Gilmore (three carries for 17 yards) late in the first quarter, but that was the exception. Bottom line was when Temple had a first-and-goal at the Notre Dame 6-yard line on the first drive of the second half, it threw four straight incomplete passes rather than "risk" running. Its 134 yards rushing and 4.6 yards per carry were okay, but not good enough where it counted. Advantage: Notre Dame Temple Passing Game Vs. Notre Dame Pass Defense In his first career start, Reilly acquitted himself well with the short passing game while completing 21 of his first 34 passes for 195 yards. In the second half, with more experienced and improved corners, Notre Dame went into press and man coverage more and, starting with the third quarter goal line stand, forced Reilly into eight straight incomplete passes. Reilly completed only two of his last 12 attempts, and the meager 5.0 yards per attempt will be taken any day by the Irish defense. Senior Cat linebacker Prince Shembo was a consistent force all day on the perimeter and was credited with five quarterback hurries. Advantage: Notre Dame Notre Dame Running Game Vs. Temple Run Defense The purpose of the new pistol formation was to create more downhill running opportunities to facilitate the speed of juniors George Atkinson III and Amir