Richard’s first five games heading into Notre Dame as the Cardinal DC have not gone great, allowing at least 27 points in each contest and ranking last among Power Four conference teams in total, scoring, and passing defense.

The upset Purdue fans have good reason for their discouragement considering they currently rank last in the Big Ten in points allowed per game (36.33), total yards per game allowed (446.7), total yards per play allowed (6.9), rushing yards per game allowed (207), yards per carry allowed (5.5), and opponent third down conversion rate (54.1%).

The first player to highlight on the MSU defense is their leader, Kenny Soares Jr. The Irish got a taste of what Soares is capable of last year against NC State when the former Wolfpack LB recorded eight tackles in the loss to Notre Dame.

He probably will not have to take many this Saturday against Rice, either. Last season, the Owls were the only team in the country to allow opponents to score 100% of the time (42/42) they reached the red zone. Technically, this streak is still alive as Houston Christian (HCU) failed to reach the red zone against Rice last week.