The Notre Dame Fighting Irish Defense Shutout Michigan
Sep 6, 2014; South Bend, IN, USA; Michigan Wolverines quarterback Devin Gardner (98) is sacked by Notre Dame Fighting Irish linebacker Kolin Hill (43) in the second quarter at Notre Dame Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Cashore-USA TODAY Sports
The Notre Dame Fighting Irish and their defense shutout and shutdown the Michigan Wolverines and the rivalry series. On the day that the Notre Dame vs. Michigan rivalry ended little did people know another streak would be ended as well. For the first time since 1984 the Michigan Wolverines were shutout ending the longest streak in the NCAA. Also for the first time in the Michigan-Notre Dame series, Michigan was shutout. The Irish and their defense that played a perfect game and may have sent a message to the nation that they could be in the playoff conversation. New defensive coordinator Brian VanGorder stated that he wanted his defense to play more aggressive. Well mission accomplished. The Fighting Irish were flying all over the place on Saturday Night.
From a fundamental standpoint Notre Dame played perfect as well. The defense was smart and didn’t blow their assignments. The Irish tackled very well too. Every tackle that took place in open space was right at the thighs and was followed with good pursuit.
The key to any good defense is when everybody is doing their jobs. Players aren’t trying to be the hero on a play they are simply doing their jobs.
There were a couple standout players for Notre Dame and their defense Saturday night. Elijah Shumate had perfect technique on his interception exploding from his back pealed to take advantage of a short comeback route. Max Redfield played center field really well too and was able to take advantage when Devin Gardner stared down a receiver.
The coaching staff promised that they would be more aggressive on both sides of the ball this year. So far they have done just that. But the difference is they are playing smart and aggressive. In years past Michigan quarterbacks have been able to use their legs in order to get outside the pocket and make plays. On Saturday night the defensive line was able to contain Gardner especially on blitzes.
A big part of playing defense is being smart with your responsibilities and this is the kind of performance that they can build on moving forward. A lot of people had this team pegged for a 8-4 kind of season but things can change. The Fighting Irish have a long way to go if they are going to be in the playoff conversation but performances like the one against Michigan on Saturday showed the rest of the nation that they are ready to play and compete for a title in 2014.