I’ve had a couple entries heralding the defense, but there’s really so much to give them credit for. It was only a matter of time before Notre Dame’s No. 1 scoring defense was mentioned.
The Irish defense is only giving up 10.33 points per game, less than half what they’ve given up in five years.
As Everett Golson was still learning the ropes and struggling to score, the offensive-minded Brian Kelly had to rely on Bob Diaco’s defense to keep opponents points low.
The end result: Every team except Pitt and Purdue scored less than half of what they usually score, and even Purdue scored 12.92 points less than it usually does.
| Points vs. ND | Average PPG | |
| Navy | 10 | 24.75 |
| Purdue | 17 | 29.92 |
| Michigan St. | 3 | 20.25 |
| Michigan | 6 | 30.00 |
| Miami | 3 | 31.42 |
| Stanford | 13 | 28.46 |
| BYU | 14 | 28.69 |
| Oklahoma | 13 | 40.25 |
| Pitt | 26 | 27.42 |
| Boston College | 6 | 19.83 |
| Wake Forest | 0 | 18.50 |
| USC | 13 | 34.17 |
So at a time when the Notre Dame offense struggled to put up 20 points a game, the defense kept each and every opponent at bay. By the time Golson had grasped the offense, he was able to bail out the defense on its off-game against Pitt.
Alabama averages 38.46 points per game. If Notre Dame’s pattern remains true, the Tide will put up 17-19 points against the Irish.
All the offense has to do is keep shooting for 20.
Previously on “12 Days of Notre Dame…”
… Nine more takeaways than turnovers
… (Only) Eight missed field goals
… Seven (opponent) passing TDs
… Six less dramatic wins
… The Golden No. 5s
… Four (uncomfortably) close games
…Three reliable running backs
…Two doubting pundits
…One Bob Diaco
