All season long, we’ve talked about how Notre Dame’s offense is better than even its own fans often seem to believe. The running game has never been in question, but Riley Leonard is not the Irish quarterback Irish fans want, and as a result he has been subject to criticism that is not always warranted. Overall, the offense went well.
But the Irish are about to face a simply terrifying Indiana defense. He ranks in the top 10 nationally in every category listed below and is even in the lead in one. Mike Denbrock has his work cut out for him trying to solve a puzzle that no one besides Ohio State has been able to solve. This is a rather unenviable position for any offensive coordinator.
Here’s how the Irish’s offense matches up with the Hoosiers’ defense, and let’s hope this next game is the exception and not the rule:
Passing yards/game
November 30, 2024; Los Angeles, California, United States; Notre Dame Fighting Irish quarterback Riley Leonard (13) throws the ball against the Southern California Trojans in the first half at United Airlines Field at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum. Mandatory credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
Passing/attempt yards
November 30, 2024; Los Angeles, California, United States; Notre Dame Fighting Irish quarterback Riley Leonard (13) throws against the Southern California Trojans during the first half at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images
Rushing yards/game
November 30, 2024; Los Angeles, California, United States; Notre Dame Fighting Irish running back Jeremiah Love (4) heads the ball against Southern California Trojans safety Kamari Ramsey (7) during the first half at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images
Rushing Yards/Attempt
November 30, 2024; Los Angeles, California, United States; Notre Dame Fighting Irish running back Jadarian Price (24) carries the ball against Southern California Trojans defensive end Braylan Shelby (34) in the first half at United Airlines Field at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum. Mandatory credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
Points/game
November 30, 2024; Los Angeles, California, United States; Notre Dame Fighting Irish running back Jadarian Price (24) celebrates with tight end Mitchell Evans (88) after scoring on a 36-yard touchdown run against the Southern California Trojans in the second half at United Airlines Field at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum. Mandatory credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
