Notre Dame vs Arkansas: Players to Watch
- Noah Wehby
- 21 hours ago
- 4 min read
After starting 1-2 to start the season, Notre Dame has another unique challenge ahead of it. On Saturday, Notre Dame will play their first-ever game against the Arkansas Razorbacks in Fayetteville, so who do the Irish need to key in on to emerge victorious?
Photo via Arkansas Athletics
Taylen Green - Quarterback
Taylen Green is an obvious place to start when reviewing potential problems for Notre Dame. Green is a super athletic playmaker who can hurt a defense with his legs just as much as he can with his arm. He leads an Arkansas offense that is currently averaging over 40 points per game, and one of the highest scoring margins in the SEC. This is a cause for concern for Notre Dame and its defense, as Green has a very similar skillset to Marcel Reed, a player who was virtually unstoppable when playing against Notre Dame. Green broke out last season as one of the better dual-threat QBs in the country. This season, he seems to have taken his play to the next level. Although they are just 1-2, Green's play has elevated Arkansas to one of the better offensive units in college football. In terms of total offense, Arkansas ranks 8th in all of college football and 15th in passing offense. These impressive metrics are partially due to Green's ability to provide explosive plays. This season, Green has posted a solid 62% completion percentage for 1,191 yards and 12 touchdowns. He has thrown four interceptions, as Green is a player who wants to hit on the big play, so he can tend to put the ball in harm's way from time to time. Based on his early-season success, it seems to be a good strategy for the Hogs' offense. As a runner, Green is just as dangerous. On just 44 carries, Green has amassed 360 yards, resulting in just over eight yards per carry. Adding to his 12 passing touchdowns, Green has also found the end zone twice with his legs. Standing at 6'6" and well over 200 pounds, Green is difficult to bring down in the open field, but he is just as hard to bring down in the backfield, as he has only been sacked three times. For a defense that has been severely struggling, Green is going to be another huge test.
O'Mega Blake - Wide Receiver
O'Mega Blake is another Razorback offensive player who is more than capable of giving Notre Dame problems all game. Notre Dame's secondary is, without a doubt, the biggest question mark on the team. Giving up huge passing plays in every game this year, the Notre Dame secondary is going to be something Arkansas tries to take advantage of, and with Blake, they have the player to do it. Blake has been Arkansas's biggest producer through the air in an offense that ranks among the best in the country. With 24 receptions, Blake has racked up 326 yards and three touchdowns. At 14 yards per reception, Blake has proven he has the route-running and hands to hurt defenses downfield. Blake is a long, rangy weapon on the outside who has all the athleticism and burst to beat defenders downfield or rack up yards after the catch. With Leonard Moore questionable and the concerns with the secondary, he is a player who can change the outcome of this game. If Moore is healthy, it will surely be one of the best matchups of the entire game.
Quincy Rhodes Jr. - Defensive Line
Quincy Rhodes Jr. is another player who has flashed this year for the Razorbacks, and is a player who can give the Notre Dame offense trouble, especially in the backfield. Rhodes Jr. has broken out this year as one of Arkansas's best defensive players. Rhodes Jr. has already recorded five sacks, although two came against lower competition; he has shown his ability to get after the QB. For Notre Dame, this could spell trouble for an offensive line that has had problems this year stopping pass rushers, especially when they are on Anthonie Knapp's side. If Arkansas does lineup Rhodes Jr. on Knapp's side, Knapp is going to have his hands full with a player who is not only talented but also confident. With this kind of early-season success, Rhodes Jr. will surely be motivated to keep his pace. Last week against Purdue, Knapp was beaten off the edge, which resulted in a sack fumble. In what could be a close, back-and-forth game, a play like that could be the difference. Rhodes Jr., so far this season, seems capable of making that same sort of play. Notre Dame will have to be ready and aware of Rhodes on every down.
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