With Notre Dame’s offense in a slump, the defense will need to step up. That might not be easy given that the Irish still are in one heck of a gauntlet in the middle of the season. Still, the numbers are there to back up the fact that the Irish still have a unit very capable of keeping points off the scoreboard. The question is whether they’ll have the stamina as well as the ability to make that happen against USC.
Speaking of the Trojans, they begin and end with reigning Heisman Trophy winner Caleb Williams, who has shown no signs of slowing down. In fact, the Trojans are the nation’s highest scoring team. Those are two factors that should strike fear in the heart of any opposing defense. But maybe the wet forecast for Saturday’s game will slow the Trojans down.
Here’s a look at how the Irish’s defense matches up with the Trojans’ offense: