Notre Dame gears up for what should be their biggest remaining test of the season. With playoff chances on the line, this is a "must-win" for the Irish, and it will serve as their last chance to perform well against another ranked opponent. Let's take a look at the matchups that favor the Irish, as well as the ones that don't. Advantages Notre Dame Passing Attack vs. Pitt Passing Secondary Overall, the Pitt defense is a pretty good unit, ranking in the top 40 in most defensiv

Irish RB Jeremiyah Love, a potential Heisman candidate, could be tasked with his biggest test since last season’s National Championship against Ohio State. While Pitt’s secondary has been prone to mistakes, their run defense is among the best in the country, with good run-stoppers at nearly every level. The Panthers’ ability to limit opposing teams' top rushers has no doubt been a factor in their current five-game winning streak.

Seven days after not being asked to do much against Navy’s heavy-run attack, Notre Dame's middling pass defense will be tasked with a challenge this week against Pitt’s pass-heavy offense. Following back-to-back early-season losses, the Panthers benched second-year starting QB Eli Holstein in favor of freshman Mason Heintschel. Since the move, both the offense and wins have picked up with Pitt entering this weekend 5-0 with Heintschel leading the way.

As fall camp creeps around the corner, it is a perfect time for Notre Dame fans to begin to comprehend the path that lies ahead of them in 2025.