Technically, Kyren Williams is Notre Dame’s leading receiver, but for the purposes of this post, that wouldn’t be right. Instead, we look at junior Joe Wilkins Jr., the junior from North Fort Myers, Florida. Only four receptions is proof that Ian Book isn’t quite used to his new targets yet. However, one reception for 20 yards is proof that Wilkins is capable of the big play, and it’s possible he’ll have more than one such opportunity against USF.
The Bulls’ top receiver, Bryce Miller, didn’t showcase much in his season opener either. To be fair, he suits up for a team that chose to emphasize its run game out of the gate. If he can’t do better against the Irish than what we see above, it’s going to be a long afternoon for him and the rest of his team. An offense simply doesn’t walk into South Bend with a strategy that would have worked better generations ago.