CHALK TALK BRYAN DRISKELL
W
hen Brian VanGorder was hired
as Notre Dame's defensive
coordinator in January 2014,
Notre Dame was expected to use a
variety of looks and pressures to create
confusion for the offense and produc‑
tion for the defense.
VanGorder 's first season in charge
of the defense saw significant highs
and dramatic lows. Through the first
six games of the season, the Irish de‑
fense allowed just 349.3 yards and 15.0
points per game. Notre Dame shut out
Michigan 31‑0 during the stretch, its
first ever shutout against the Wolver‑
ines. The Irish defense held Stanford to
just 47 rushing yards, the lowest total
for the Cardinal offense since 2007.
Going On The Attack
Junior linebacker Jaylon Smith (9), who recorded 3.5 sacks in 2014, could have an expanded role as a
pass rusher in the Irish defense.
PHOTO COURTESY NOTRE DAME MEDIA RELATIONS
