Although Notre Dame still doesn’t have a breakout receiver, it enters Saturday’s game against Louisville with someone on the radar. Javon McKinley played very well against Florida State, and he could be the leader of this receiving corps going forward. While his receiving yards a game remain very modest, he gains plenty of yards with each catch he makes, spanning nearly a fifth of the field. But the way the Irish have started this season, there could be another name in this spot next week.
The Cardinals have a much more productive player as their top receiver: Tutu Atwell. Though his receiving yards a game merely are decent for the college level, he’s averaging a touchdown a game, making him a bright spot on a struggling team. Malik Cunningham will throw to him often, so the Irish’s defense will be watching him like a hawk the entire game. If Atwell is shut down and the Cardinals can’t get anything out of Dez Fitzpatrick, another key receiver, this game should be a breeze.