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Notre Dame has officially pedalled over the last big hump of the regular season after beating a pesky Pitt team last week, but that doesn't mean that they can afford to take their foot off the gas. The Irish will need to look every bit as impressive against a reeling Syracuse team tomorrow in order to maintain their standing with the CFP Committee. Let's jump into our staff picks for this week's game! Liam Farrell - Editor/Senior Sports Writer: 49-7 Notre Dame The biggest thing that Notre Dame wants to do is get this game extremely out of reach, while still having the opportunity to honor their seniors. The number that Marcus Freeman is eyeing to top is probably 28 points, as Miami defeated the Orange 38-10 earlier this season. The committee has stated that common opponents are a barrier to comparing teams, and while Miami's last regular-season game against Pitt will garner the most attention, Notre Dame has an opportunity to do the same. I'd expect CJ Carr and the Irish offense to be explosive early through the air while Jeremiyah Love and Jadarian Price excel in the 2nd quarter to honor their potential last game in Notre Dame Stadium.  If Chris Ash could make freshman phenom Mason Heintschel see ghosts last week, then walk-on Syracuse quarterback Joe Filardi is in for a long afternoon. The Irish defense will be everywhere, and Notre Dame covers one of their largest spreads against a power 4 opponent.  Want the inside scoop on all things Notre Dame? Subscribe to Tribune+ today! Brenden Duffy - Editor/Sports Writer: 45-7 Notre Dame It should be business as usual while Notre Dame hosts their Senior Day celebrations before a game with Syracuse. The Orange have struggled ever since former Irish transfer QB Steve Angeli suffered a torn Achilles tendon in late September.  Notre Dame should have their way offensively against a defense that has struggled all-around. CJ Carr should have a nice day throwing the ball against one of the worst pass defenses in the FBS; touchdowns to Seniors Eli Raridon and Malachi Fields would be fitting. Syracuse’s run defense has been a bit better than its coverage, but it is still below average. I expect Jeremiyah Love to surpass 150 yards on the ground with a score of his own in what is likely his final regular-season game at Notre Dame Stadium.  Syracuse’s offense under Head Coach Fran Brown has been one of the more fun watches in college football if you enjoy seeing QBs air the ball out. Unfortunately, the Orange have been unable to find the right QB for the job since Angeli’s injury this season. Walk-on Freshman Joe Filardi is expected to take the snaps for the Orange this week, marking the second start for the dual-sport lacrosse athlete. Assuming the Irish can create enough pressure and put the young QB under duress, it could be a big day for the stars of the secondary, including Leonard Moore, Christian Gray, and Adon Shuler. A defensive game plan similar to how the Irish attacked Pitt would work against this pass-heavy, yet less talented offense. Clayton Stohler - Podcaster: 63-7 Notre Dame Absolute decimation. For all the talk of Notre Dame being ahead of teams that are "more deserving", there's a feeling amongst the fanbase that is shadowed with rage.  Inside the building - quiet confidence. National pundits and fanbases that pledge their allegiance to teams nestled closely behind the Irish can ignore the data. But I will not.  This is a Syracuse team with a lot of fight, mirroring its head coach, Fran Brown. But it will be no match.  Jeremiyah Love with a career day statistically. Records may be broken. Far be it from me to predict the numbers.  CJ Carr and the offense begin to find the extra gear it'll need in the postseason. New Route concepts, and an offensive line that doesn't just bully you for 99 yards, but 100.  The defense takes advantage of walk-on QB Joe Filardi. And this game was never close.  Does ND belong in front of your favorite team? A win against Syracuse won't convince anyone of that fact. But how they win will only reinforce the metrics the committee has been evaluating against all season long.  It's a day that sends the seniors out in style. A day emblematic of the entire season. It wasn't even close. But the playoffs are. Max Uretsky - Recruiting Analyst/Sports Writer: 55-13 Notre Dame With a couple of teams (and fan bases) breathing down the Irish's neck for playoff seeding, Marcus Freeman knows full well that every snap is a data point for those who decide the long-term fate for his squad.  This game, which will honor the seniors, feels like a spot where both Jeremiyah Love and Jadarian Price both go for 150+ yards on the ground with a couple of touchdowns each. The offense should find very little resistance in opposing their will in this matchup. The defense will be facing a walk-on freshman at QB and should continue the upward ascension they have been on since Texas A&M came to South Bend and dropped 41 points back in September. Syracuse's offensive line has been leaky, giving up 10 sacks in the last two contests, and young QBs tend to hang on to the ball too long, so I think Notre Dame's defensive front will be partying in the backfield on more than one occasion this week.  Use code "IrishTribune20" to get $20 off your officially-licensed Notre Dame pickleball paddle Bruce Straughan - Recruiting Insider/Sports Writer: 42-3 Notre Dame Notre Dame is on an eight-game winning streak and continues to improve each and every game. Syracuse is a train wreck right now, losing six in a row. I just don't see there being any way that this team can compete with Notre Dame either offensively or defensively.  Syracuse won't be able to move the ball effectively on this Irish defense nor will they be able to stop the high-powered offense led by CJ Carr and (in my opinion, the best player in College Football) Jeremiyah Love.  Notre Dame will win this game easily! Watch out for a possible shutout for the Irish! Noah Wehby - Sports Writer: 56-10 Notre Dame With just a few weeks left in the season, Notre Dame will want to prove a point with their remaining games, and then will do just that on Saturday.  Without Angeli, Syracuse does not have a real passing threat to scare the Irish. Notre Dame's defense will have an easy time stopping this Syracuse offense and will give them the ball back with good field positioning. Don't be surprised if this ball-hawking Irish secondary comes up with multiple interceptions, even without Tae Johnson.  On the offensive side of the ball, it will be more of the same with Love and Price. The Irish will once again lean on their incredible running game to make quick work of this Syracuse defense. Carr will also have his fair share of chances to hit on big plays, especially to Malachi Fields, as he has done in the last few weeks. Connor Regan - Editor/Sports Writer: 51-13 Notre Dame Syracuse has lost six straight since upsetting Clemson early in the season, and things don’t look like they’re going to turn around for the Orange this game. Now without transfer quarterback and former ND backup Steve Angeli, Syracuse is offense is incredibly one dimensional. The passing game has suffered greatly and is unsure at quarterback, and their rushing attack is average. The offense hasn’t mustered more than 18 points in a single game since the upset against Clemson and fellow ACC teams have been moving the ball with ease against the Orange defense all year. The Irish are favored by 35+ points, so this one should absolutely be a blowout - the real question is, by how much? We’ve only seen the Irish put up crazy numbers once this year, against Arkansas, will they do it again? I think they’ll have a really nice day, but will take their foot off the gas in the fourth quarter and not make it too impressive of a blowout, but definitely a no-doubter. Want the latest intel on Notre Dame football? Subscribe to Tribune+ and get access to recruiting and team intel from The Irish Tribune team, as well as access to our intel community, exclusive app, and more Notre Dame content: Subscribe here  to support our independent journalism. Follow The Irish Tribune on social media: Facebook  / Instagram  / X  / Threads  / TikTok Liked this story? Subscribe to our mailing list  and get every story in your inbox. Check out our Irish partners: TMPR Sports - Use code "IrishTribune20" to get $20 off your officially-licensed Notre Dame pickleball paddle here! Legion of the Leprechaun - Join  the #1 Notre Dame fan community on Facebook today!

No. 9 Notre Dame hosts the 3-7 Syracuse Orange at Notre Dame Stadium for the Fighting Irish's Senior Day. Photo by Notre Dame Athletics After Notre Dame's ranked road victory against the Pittsburgh Panthers, the Irish must take care of business in their final two games against teams with a combined 6-14 record. This week, the Irish welcome the Syracuse Orange into Notre Dame Stadium, a team that has been on a downward slide after the injury to former Notre Dame QB Steve Angeli. With the Fighting Irish set to face inferior opposition, they still have the opportunity to make statements in their final two games of the season. Just look at the difference between the Boston College and Navy games from this year. The Irish scratched and clawed through Boston College in an unconvincing victory that left many national media talking heads questionable about Notre Dame's legitimacy. That performance juxtaposed to the fundamentally sound splattering against Navy is completely night and day and displays the difference that a triumphant victory can make. Against Syracuse, the Irish will need a dominate performance both in terms of on film and the box score, to maintain their perception in the committee's eyes. Let's take a look at the keys against the Orange. Confuse the Eyes and Pressure the Quarterback After the injury to Steve Angeli, Syracuse has had a rolodex of quarterbacks. The Orange first handed the reigns to LSU transfer Rickie Collins, but Collins struggled. His 6:10 TD:INT ratio forced Fran Brown's hand to pull Collins from the starting lineup. Syracuse's answer in South Bend will be Joseph Filardi, a walk-on quarterback who was a high-level lacrosse recruit. Filardi earned the starting nod against UNC on Halloween night but struggled in his first start. On the season, Filardi is 7-21 for 78 passing yards, which points to blood in the water for an explosive and hungry Notre Dame defense. Defensive coordinator Chris Ash was able to confuse and disguise many looks last week against freshmen phenom Mason Heintschel, which points to a long day for Filardi making his second career start. Out of Reach Early The biggest X factor in any game that is aiming for an upset is the longer the lesser team stick around, the better the odds are. Notre Dame has been a team that has let lesser teams linger around. At halftime this season, the Irish only led NC State 10-7, Boise State 14-7, and Boston College 12-7. The Irish need much more of an emphatic statement against Syracuse, like its performances against Arkansas, Pittsburgh, and Navy perchance. The Irish have yet to have as dominant of a game as they did last season when the offense and defense were clicking at the same time. If Notre Dame can put together a 49-7 type of performance, then the Irish will certainly have a defendable case as the season comes near a close. Want the inside scoop on all things Notre Dame? Subscribe to Tribune+ today! Win by More than 28 Points If the CFP wants to discuss mutual opponents with Miami, then the committee must be willing to recognize Syracuse as a common opponent as well. Miami currently has the upper hand in terms of mutual opponents against the Irish with Pittsburgh being the most talked about discussion in terms of the Hurricanes and the Irish. Miami knows the score they have to out-perform, and will certainly attempt to lay it on the Panthers next week. In a similar way, I expect the Fighting Irish to know the number they have to beat, in this case, a 38-10 victory. Head coach Fran Brown and Marcus Freeman have a good relationship as two young head coaches that have transformed their football programs. I expect that relationship to take a quick sidebar during Saturday afternoon. Want the latest intel on Notre Dame football? Subscribe to Tribune+ and get access to recruiting and team intel from The Irish Tribune team, as well as access to our intel community, exclusive app, and more Notre Dame content: Subscribe here  to support our independent journalism. Follow The Irish Tribune on social media: Facebook  / Instagram  / X  / Threads  / TikTok Follow @ LiamFarrell_IT  on X Liked this story? Subscribe to our mailing list  and get every story in your inbox. Check out our Irish partners: TMPR Sports - Use code "IrishTribune20" to get $20 off your officially-licensed Notre Dame pickleball paddle   here! Legion of the Leprechaun - Join  the #1  Notre Dame fan community on Facebook today!

Photo via Syracuse Athletics On Saturday afternoon, the ninth-ranked Notre Dame Fighting Irish hosts their home-field regular-season finale against the 3-7 Syracuse Orange. With the ‘Cuse on a six-game skid, they have turned to walk-on freshman QB Joseph Filardi in an attempt to pull off the unthinkable. While Filardi likely does not have enough to single-handedly topple the Irish, here are some players who will need to perform well to give the Orange any chance this weekend: Want the inside scoop on all things Notre Dame? Subscribe to Tribune+ today! WR Johntay Cook Syracuse’s top receiver is the junior transfer from Texas. Cook, 6-0 and 198 pounds, hails from DeSoto, TX, where he was a big-time recruit for the Longhorns. With the Orange this season, Cook has worked primarily out of the slot; however, last game, he was out wide for the majority of the loss against Miami. This year, the junior has recorded 518 yards and two touchdowns on 41 receptions, averaging an impressive 12.6 yards per catch. Cook has at least two catches in nine games, including a season-high of seven against SMU, where he tallied 82 yards and a score. The slot-man had a season-high 113 yards against Clemson across six receptions. Cook’s drops and fumbles appear to be a thing of the past, as he has not dropped a pass since week eight or fumbled since he dropped the ball twice against Duke. The versatile receiver can beat defenses over the top, but most of his production comes via the short-pass game. TE Dan Villari Perhaps one of the more underappreciated players on Syracuse is their starting tight end. Villari, a redshirt senior, has 33 receptions for 379 yards this season but has yet to find the endzone. The 6-4, 245-pounder from Massapequa, NY has shown his versatility playing inline and in the slot. Villari averages a solid 11.5 yards per reception and has at least one catch in nine games. He popped against UConn with a season-high seven catches for 104 yards in the Orange win. The senior has also shown strong hands with no drops across 46 targets, and he is 3/5 on contested catch attempts. No matter who has played QB, Villari has been a consistently reliable short-yardage option. He likely will not be beating the Irish defense over the top, assuming he does not just sneak by on a fluke play. Villari has also served as a solid all-around blocker this season. (Note: Villari left Syracuse’s last game early with an injury, and there is no current public status for this week’s game.) Use code "IrishTribune20" to get $20 off your officially-licensed Notre Dame pickleball paddle DL Kevin Jobity Jr If Syracuse is going to have success defensively, it starts with getting to the QB. Enter the Orange’s sack-leader, Kevin Jobity Jr. The 6-4, 300-pound DT from Buffalo has 26 tackles, six tackles for loss, five sacks, and one pass breakup this season. Jobity, a senior, has at least one tackle in eight games. He exploded against Pitt when he racked up a season-high six tackles and three sacks in the loss. The DT had another solid outing against UConn, where he tallied five tackles and a sack. Jobity has created 20 pressures, including his five sacks, across 228 pass rush attempts this season. He has also been solid against the run with 11 stops; however, all four of his missed tackles have come in this spot. The last point on Jobity is that he has been a clean player this year, with no penalties across 376 snaps, ultimately signifying he is not one to blame for Syracuse’s subpar season. Want the latest intel on Notre Dame football? Subscribe to Tribune+ and get access to recruiting and team intel from The Irish Tribune team, as well as access to our intel community, exclusive app, and more Notre Dame content: Subscribe here  to support our independent journalism. Follow The Irish Tribune on social media: Facebook  / Instagram  / X  / Threads  / TikTok Follow @Brenden_Duffy  on X Liked this story? Subscribe to our mailing list  and get every story in your inbox. Check out our Irish partners: TMPR Sports - Use code "IrishTribune20" to get $20 off your officially-licensed Notre Dame pickleball paddle here! Legion of the Leprechaun - Join  the #1  Notre Dame fan community on Facebook today!

Coming off a dominant showing against Pitt, Notre Dame stayed put in the newest CFP rankings. Currently ranked ninth in the country, Notre Dame currently resides in a playoff spot, but is Miami's rise in the rankings cause for concern? For weeks now, the narrative surrounding the Irish's playoff chances has been win and in. This was easy to say as Notre Dame was building their winning streak while the Hurricanes faltered, losing to both Louisville and SMU. Today, that notion for Notre Dame is fading slightly, as Miami creeps closer to the Fighting Irish in the rankings with a head-to-head matchup advantage. In the midst of those losses, Miami appeared to be losing sight of a playoff berth. It seemed likely, at the time, to presume that they would lose again, or that the two losses to unranked teams would be enough to knock them out completely. In recent weeks, however, Miami has been able to right the ship and play their way back into contention. That could spell trouble for Notre Dame heading down the road. Want the inside scoop on all things Notre Dame? Subscribe to Tribune+ today! Recently, the playoff race has become extremely tight, especially between the rankings of 7-15. Those seeds feature a bundle of two-loss teams all fighting for just a few spots. With two of the spots likely reserved for the ACC and American champion, it means that there is a logjam for the remaining playoff seeding. One of those spots is exactly where Notre Dame is sitting. At nine, Notre Dame still has separation from Miami, who currently sits at No. 13. Unfortunately for the Irish, their remaining opponents do not provide any opportunities to move up, as Syracuse and Stanford have a 6-14 combined record. That leaves them in a spot where nine may be their ceiling in terms of the rankings if there is not movement ahead of them. For now, this is fine for Notre Dame, but it may not last long. The CFP committee chair Hunter Yurachek confirmed this dilemma for the Irish when he spoke to Rece Davis during ESPN's rankings reveal show. "I think when you look at Notre Dame and Miami, we really compare the losses of those two teams. Miami has lost to two unranked teams; Notre Dame has lost to two teams that are ranked in our top 13." Yurachek went on to explain that Notre Dame and Miami are not currently being compared in the same grouping of teams. This means that the head-to-head matchup between the two teams is not being used yet. If Notre Dame and Miami were to find themselves in a situation where the two were being compared, Yurachek explained how the committee would approach that as well. "We really haven't compared those two teams, they haven't been in similar compared pools today, but Miami is creeping up into that range where they will be compared to Notre Dame, if something happens above them." "Head-to-head will be a significant data point." This is exactly where Notre Dame does not want to be. Miami is the only team behind them with the distinct advantage of a head-to-head win. For now, all Notre Dame and its fans can do is root for Oklahoma and Miami losses. An Oklahoma loss would not only allow Notre Dame to move up, it would also free up more room for teams like Miami to move in without knocking the Irish out. For Miami, a third loss would seal their fate in terms of missing the playoffs, and Notre Dame would no longer have to worry about Miami looking over their shoulder. With all that being said, it is still critical for Marcus Freeman and his squad that they perform well in the last two games of the season. Although they play against inferior opponents, it can serve as a final chance to prove to the committee that they are deserving of a chance to play for a National Championship. Want the latest intel on Notre Dame football? Subscribe to Tribune+ and get access to recruiting and team intel from The Irish Tribune team, as well as access to our intel community, exclusive app, and more Notre Dame content: Subscribe here  to support our independent journalism. Follow The Irish Tribune on social media: Facebook  / Instagram  / X  / Threads  / TikTok Liked this story? Subscribe to our mailing list  and get every story in your inbox. Check out our Irish partners: TMPR Sports - Use code "IrishTribune20" to get $20 off your officially-licensed Notre Dame pickleball paddle here! Legion of the Leprechaun - Join  the #1 Notre Dame fan community on Facebook today!

This Saturday afternoon, Notre Dame Football will celebrate its seniors prior to the matchup with Syracuse. Below, we highlight the key contributors of this class leaving South Bend who are set to be commemorated before their final regular season game at Notre Dame Stadium: *Note - this list includes solely seniors (i.e., no Jeremiyah Love, Jadarian Price, etc.) Want the inside scoop on all things Notre Dame? Subscribe to Tribune+ today! DL Jordan Botelho Seasons at Notre Dame: 6; 2020-2025 Stats at Notre Dame: 60 games played, 93 tackles, 16.5 tackles for loss, 12.5 sacks, 1 blocked punt, 1 touchdown (returned a blocked punt) Best Moments at Notre Dame: Recovered a blocked punt and walked in for a 1-yard touchdown as a true freshman in 2020 against USF; tied a career-high of two sacks against South Carolina in the 2022 Gator Bowl; Played a pivotal role in the 2024 season-opening win at Texas A&M with a career-high 6 tackles in addition to 2 QB hurries   QB Tyler Buchner Seasons at Notre Dame: 4; 2021-22 & 2024-25 Stats at Notre Dame: 25 games played, 1-2 as a starter, 57.1% completion rate, 972 passing yards, 6 passing touchdowns, 8 interceptions, 466 rushing yards, 7 rushing touchdowns Best Moments at Notre Dame: After suffering a severe shoulder sprain early in the season, Buchner returned and led the Irish to a 45-38 Gator Bowl win against South Carolina in 2022 - recorded 334 total yards and 5 total touchdowns - was named game’s MVP DL Jared Dawson Seasons at Notre Dame: 1; 2025 Stats at Notre Dame: 9 games played, 14 tackles, 2.5 tackles for loss, 1 pass breakup Best Moments at Notre Dame: has earned a starting role after consistent good performances; season-high 3 tackles against NC State & USC WR Malachi Fields Seasons at Notre Dame: 1; 2025 Stats at Notre Dame: 10 games played, 32 receptions, 596 yards, 5 touchdowns Best Moments at Notre Dame: 66-yard touchdown on first offensive play against Purdue - longest reception of his career and marked his first score with the Irish; Set season-highs against Pitt with 7 receptions for 99 yards and 2 touchdowns DL Jason Onye Seasons at Notre Dame: 5; 2021-25 Stats at Notre Dame: 29 games played, 42 tackles, 3 tackles for loss, 3 sacks, 3 blocked kicks, 2 pass breakups Best Moments at Notre Dame: Career-high 5 tackles and blocked a field goal against Tennessee State in 2023; Blocked a field goal against Stanford in 2023 that was returned for a touchdown; career-high 1.5 sacks against Purdue in 2024, along with 4 tackles and a pass breakup WR Will Pauling Seasons at Notre Dame: 1; 2025 Stats at Notre Dame: 10 games played, 24 receptions, 367 yards, 5 touchdowns Best Moments at Notre Dame: 5-game touchdown streak between 9/27 - 11/01; season-high 105 yards, including a score, on 4 receptions against NC State Use code "IrishTribune20" to get $20 off your officially-licensed Notre Dame pickleball paddle TE Eli Raridon Seasons at Notre Dame: 4; 2022-25 Stats at Notre Dame: 38 games played, 46 receptions, 614 yards, 3 touchdowns Best Moments at Notre Dame: 12-yard touchdown against USC in 2024; set single-game career-highs this season against NC State when he recorded 7 receptions for 109 yards DL Gabriel Rubio Seasons at Notre Dame: 5; 2021-25 Stats at Notre Dame: 39 games played, 66 tackles, 7 tackles for loss, 1.5 sacks, 3 pass breakups, 1 forced fumble Best Moments at Notre Dame: Career-high 7 tackles against Stanford in 2022; recorded first sack of his career against USC in 2024 CB DeVonta Smith Seasons at Notre Dame: 1; 2025 Stats at Notre Dame: 6 games played, 12 tackles, 2 pass breakups, 1 fumble recovery Best Moments at Notre Dame: Recorded a season-high 5 tackles against Navy; 3 tackles and a pass breakup against Pitt S Jalen Stroman Seasons at Notre Dame: 1; 2025 Stats at Notre Dame: 10 games played, 25 tackles, 1 sack, 2 pass breakups Best Moments at Notre Dame: Recorded a season-high 9 tackles at Miami; 6 tackles and a pass breakup against Purdue; first career sack against NC State DL Junior Tuihalamaka Seasons at Notre Dame: 4; 2022-25 Stats at Notre Dame: 52 games played, 57 tackles, 8 tackles for loss, 4 sacks, 2 fumble recoveries, 1 interception Best Moments at Notre Dame: Recorded first career interception against Miami (OH) in 2024; career-high 7 tackles against Navy in 2024; 5 tackles, 2.5 for a loss, 1 sack, and a fumble recovery in the Sugar Bowl against Georgia Others: CB Mickey Brown K Noah Burnette RB Dylan Devezin CB Charles Du CB Isaiah Dunn TE Justin Fisher DL Kobi Onyiuke P James Rendell LB Jerry Rullo WR Leo Scheidler RB Jake Tafelski CB Chance Tucker Want the latest intel on Notre Dame football? Subscribe to Tribune+ and get access to recruiting and team intel from The Irish Tribune team, as well as access to our intel community, exclusive app, and more Notre Dame content: Subscribe here  to support our independent journalism. Follow The Irish Tribune on social media: Facebook  / Instagram  / X  / Threads  / TikTok Follow @Brenden_Duffy  on X Liked this story? Subscribe to our mailing list  and get every story in your inbox. Check out our Irish partners: TMPR Sports - Use code "IrishTribune20" to get $20 off your officially-licensed Notre Dame pickleball paddle here! Legion of the Leprechaun - Join  the #1  Notre Dame fan community on Facebook today!

Coming into this game, there was a lot of weirdness to start the week with Pitt Head Coach Pat Narduzzi stating that "It is not an ACC game. I'd gladly get beaten 103 or 110 -10 in that game. They could put up 100 on us as long as we win the next two after that." Photo via Notre Dame Athletics If that wasn't bad enough, he appeared on the Pat McAfee show and explained that the statement was made because he was "trying to take the pressure off the team," and then followed it up with, "I don't like pressure." You heard that right, a Head Coach at the collegiate level of football openly admitted he didn't like pressure. So, to say the Pitt game week started weird would be an understatement. Pitt received the opening kickoff and started at their own 25-yard line. They went on an up-tempo offense, getting downfield pretty quickly, with the Irish defense starting slow. Pitt took the Notre Dame defense into deep water right away until the Irish stopped them on 3rd down at the Notre Dame's 38-yard line. Pitt decided to go for it and was denied when Joshua Burnham sacked Pitt QB Mason Heintschel for a turnover on downs. The Irish defense dug its heels in the ground and shut down the Panthers' offense, something that would continue all game long. Want the inside scoop on all things Notre Dame? Subscribe to Tribune+ today! I have to say that it may very well be time to officially retire the Chris Ash hate and put away the "Fire Ash" chants for Irish fans. Ash had this defense ready to play from the opening whistle to the final seconds in the 4th quarter, something we all expected and were waiting on since week one from this defense. The players were motivated, physical, fast, and had great pursuit of the ball the entire g ame. Adon Shuler, with his jarring hit that caused an incompletion, followed by his pick-two on a Pitt two-point conversion try, and Tae Johnson's pick-six were the stars of the day for me. Adon has always had great instincts and has been a gamer, but Tae Johnson is really coming into his own, and I believe he will be a special talent in his own right as he continues to grow each week. The Notre Dame offense, although scoring 30 points on the day, had some ups and downs throughout the course of this game. The play calling at times was head-scratching. Case in point, the decision to roll CJ Carr out for an incomplete pass in the endzone to TE Eli Raridon on 4th and inches. This left many Notre Dame fans across social media wondering, "What the heck was that?". Offensive Coordinator Mike Denbrock continues to get cute at times when basic football play calling is all you need in that situation. Also, is it too much to ask to permanently delete the WR screen pass from the Notre Dame playbook? I mean, enough is enough already! Carr looked shaky at times, and you could tell that the pressure from the Pitt blitzes was making him uncomfortable. He also tends to stare down receivers or the area he is going to lead them to or throw it to, which led to an interception today when he noticeably stared down TE Eli Raridon, leading him to the middle of the field, which allowed a Pitt defender to jump it and come up with an interception. Carr also, at times, has held onto the ball way too long and has to learn that when a play breaks down and defenders are on him, to either get rid of it or just take a sack and live to fight another down. These are both very fixable, and in some ways can be expected as his development as a starting QB at this level continues. Use code "IrishTribune20" to get $20 off your officially-licensed Notre Dame pickleball paddle Jeremiyah Love and Malachi Fields were, without a doubt, the stars of this game. Jeremiyah Love continues to make Heisman-caliber plays on a game-to-game basis. This time, on a 56-yard rushing touchdown with a spin move that put a Pitt defender on ice skates. While Malachi Fields made two of the best catches you'll ever see, both on free plays due to Pitt defenders being offside. Fields is the true physical go-up and get-it type of WR that Notre Dame has been missing since the days of Michael Floyd. It's just a shame we only get his services for this year before he's off to the league, so enjoy it while it lasts. The kicking game continues to be an issue and appears to be much like a hitter's slump in baseball, which is usually a mental matter of getting into one's own head. It has now become a full-on psychological problem and has to be addressed one way or another before it bites them. With that being said, I also don't believe that Head Coach Marcus Freeman did the young kicker any favors by trotting an already shaky kicker out there for a long 46-yard FG attempt. Sure, you want to build his confidence, but that should be inside 30 yards or less with a problem as big as the Irish's kicking game. Outside of those few deficiencies, there really isn't a lot to complain about when you go into a Top-25 opponent's stadium and beat them in blowout fashion. If this team could find a way to play a complete game of football in all three phases of the game, I'm convinced they could beat anyone in the country. The problem is they have yet to do so this season. Will they? Only time will tell, but if this team continues to grow week to week and the defense of today remains for the rest of the season, I really like their chances of making a long playoff run. But before that can happen, Syracuse and Stanford remain in the way. On to the next one... Want the latest intel on Notre Dame football? Subscribe to Tribune+ and get access to recruiting and team intel from The Irish Tribune team, as well as access to our intel community, exclusive app, and more Notre Dame content: Subscribe here  to support our independent journalism. Follow The Irish Tribune on social media: Facebook  / Instagram  / X  / Threads  / TikTok Follow @bruce_straughan  on X Liked this story? Subscribe to our mailing list  and get every story in your inbox. Check out our Irish partners: TMPR Sports - Use code "IrishTribune20" to get $20 off your officially-licensed Notre Dame pickleball paddle here! Legion of the Leprechaun - Join  the #1 Notre Dame fan community on Facebook today!

No. 9 Notre Dame dominated the No. 22 Pittsburgh Panthers, 37-15, in the Irish's last ranked matchup of the regular season. Photo by Notre Dame Athletics PITTSBURGH - In what was labeled to be a competitive game against a surging ACC foe, the No. 9 Notre Dame Fighting Irish completely dismantled the No. 22 Pittsburgh Panthers. The Notre Dame defense, which was an abysmal unit in the first 10 quarters of the season, has completely flipped the script and become an elite unit. Coming into today's matchup, Pitt was averaging 39.7 points per game, along with 426 yards per game; however, the Irish handled everything the Panthers had to offer. Pitt only gaine d 219 total yards and only accounted for nine points offensively. Chris Ash and the Notre Dame defense have finally started playing free, fast, and smart football. It all starts with the pass rush up front, as the Notre Dame defensive line was causing havoc all game. The Irish finished with four sacks in this game, as Josh Burnham was the main source of pressure and ended the game with two sacks. On the backend, the Irish are finally healthy and playing their most optimal personnel. With Christian Gray and Devonta Smith back from injury, they have been an enormous boost for the Notre Dame secondary. Tae Johnson continues to mature within the eyes of Notre Dame fans, as his pick six in the first quarter set the tone for the rest of the game. Adon Shuler also had a 100+ yard interception return on Pittsburgh's two-point conversion attempt. Want the inside scoop on all things Notre Dame? Subscribe to Tribune+ today! Offensively, the Irish offense struggled a bit but benefitted from many big plays. Jeremiyah Love had his weekly mind-boggling run, this time, a 56-yard touchdown scamper that included one of the best spin moves in recent memory. He finished this game with 147 yards and the aforementioned touchdown. The passing game from the Irish was a bit hit and miss, with CJ Carr throwing two touchdowns, but also two interceptions. On the first interception, Carr never saw DB Kavir Bains-Marquez sitting in coverage in the middle of the field. The second interception was a pick six on another WR bubble screen, a play call that has provided more bad than good for the Irish. It may be time to forever ban the WR screen. Outside of the two interceptions, Carr did a good job hitting on more deep shots, specifically to Malachi Fields who ended this game with 99 yards and two touchdowns. Fields' combination of size and speed is a weapon that offensive coordinator Mike Denbrock needs to feature more. Denbrock had a pretty rough performance in this game as well, specifically with the Irish's goal line play calling. With the ball sitting a half yard away from the goal line, the Irish wanted to get cute and give Eli Raridon his first touchdown catch of the regular season and failed to convert. The Irish still have a short-yardage problem. In the kicking department, Erik Schmidt missed his only field goal attempt of the day, a 46-yarder that he pushed out right, yet he made all his PAT attempts, which feels like a win at this point. In the end, this game did not shape up to be the College Gameday-caliber competition, as the Irish were far and away the more talented team. The Irish took care of their last ranked matchup of the season, but still have two more tests to refine themselves before a possible postseason push. Want the latest intel on Notre Dame football? Subscribe to Tribune+ and get access to recruiting and team intel from The Irish Tribune team, as well as access to our intel community, exclusive app, and more Notre Dame content: Subscribe here  to support our independent journalism. Follow The Irish Tribune on social media: Facebook  / Instagram  / X  / Threads  / TikTok Follow @ LiamFarrell_IT  on X Liked this story? Subscribe to our mailing list  and get every story in your inbox. Check out our Irish partners: TMPR Sports - Use code "IrishTribune20" to get $20 off your officially-licensed Notre Dame pickleball paddle   here! Legion of the Leprechaun - Join  the #1  Notre Dame fan community on Facebook today!

Jeremiyah Love has been one of the most electric players in all of college football for the second year in a row. He continues to wow onlookers with his elite athleticism and playmaking ability, but with the season winding down, does he have a real chance to make it to New York City? Love broke onto the national scene last year when it was clear he had quickly become one of the best running backs in the country. It seemed like it was every week that he would make a video game like play that would leave fans speechless. That sort of playmaking ability helped carry Notre Dame through a magical playoff run which featured a 98-yard touchdown run against Indiana and a resilient two-yard run against Penn State to take the lead in the fourth quarter. Coming off a season like that, the expectations for Love were incredibly high, and Love has been far from disappointing. This season, Love's Heisman campaign got off to a bit of a rocky start, but that was to no fault of his own. The opening game against Miami did not feature much of Love or any running game for that matter. Love quickly flipped the script against Texas A&M. In that game, Love was the biggest playmaker for an offense that put up 33 points, scoring one rushing and one receiving touchdown. Want the inside scoop on all things Notre Dame? Subscribe to Tribune+ today! Since the A&M game, Love has continued to excel and provide explosive and consistent offense for a team pushing for a spot in the CFP. Most notably, Love single-handedly provided the plays needed to beat Arkansas in one half. His four touchdown offensive explosion gave Notre Dame the jolt it needed to put away the Razorbacks in just 30 minutes. Against USC, Love punished the Trojans all night with an impressive combination of speed and power. In that primetime matchup, Love gave his best performance during his time in South Bend. Love ran for 228 yards while averaging 9.5 yards per carry. There was simply nothing USC could do to slow him down all game. While all of these moments have been special and will always be remembered by the Notre Dame fans that have had the privilege to watch Love run, there is nothing that encapsulates Love's time here more than his 94-yard touchdown run against Boston College. Notre Dame's offense was nowhere to be found for most of that game. With only an eight-point lead and backed up on their own goal line, a Notre Dame win was still very much in doubt. It was not until Love found the right gap, blew past the first level of defenders, and beat everyone to the end zone that Notre Dame fans could finally take a deep breath. That is exactly what Love has been for this team for two years now. He is that constant presence that a big play could be on the end of every snap. Love always seems to have the answer for the Fighting Irish's needs. His elite playmaking and big-play ability has the potential to erase so many mistakes that Notre Dame makes throughout the game. That kind of player is so rare. There may only be a few in all of college football. Use code "IrishTribune20" to get $20 off your officially-licensed Notre Dame pickleball paddle When it comes to Love's Heisman chances, he has an uphill battle going up against some very impressive quarterbacks. Ohio State's Julian Sayin has been surgical all year, leading Ohio State to the number one ranking in the country. Fernando Mendoza for Indiana may have just had his Heisman moment last week when he found Omar Cooper in the back of the end zone to avoid the upset to Penn State. While these players have had fantastic years, no one has been better in their role than Love. His play has made him undoubtably the best running back in the country, and he may just be the best offensive player in the country. This season, Love is averaging 6.4 yards per carry and will likely hit 1000 yards on the season this Saturday versus Pitt. He is also sitting at 16 total touchdowns, which is tied for first among non-quarterbacks. When it comes to Love, it is not just about the stats. It is the highlight reel plays he makes every week, the freakish athleticism he displays, and the burden he carries for one of the better offenses in the country. Love may not win the Heisman this year, but he has earned the right to be considered for the award bestowed to the best player in the country. Want the latest intel on Notre Dame football? Subscribe to Tribune+ and get access to recruiting and team intel from The Irish Tribune team, as well as access to our intel community, exclusive app, and more Notre Dame content: Subscribe here  to support our independent journalism. Follow The Irish Tribune on social media: Facebook  / Instagram  / X  / Threads  / TikTok Liked this story? 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Notre Dame and Pitt are set to square off tomorrow at Noon in a College Football Gameday affair with both teams' playoff hopes hanging in the balance. Despite that, Pat Narduzzi's Panthers could lose by 100 and he won't bat an eye, apparently. Narduzzi's disdain for the Irish is well-documented over the years and is once again at the center of attention in a game that draws national spectacle. Let's dive into our staff predictions! Photo via Pitt Athletics Brenden Duffy - Editor/Sports Writer: 35-20 Notre Dame While Pitt and HC Pat Narduzzi may not publicly care about this week’s result, Notre Dame and HC Marcus Freeman certainly do. I expect the Irish to take Narduzzi’s condescending attitude and comments personally and come out looking for a physical fight. Offensively, the Irish may want to lean on the pass early against a Pitt defense that has been stout against the run. The Panthers’ secondary has been overall iffy, though, and CJ Carr should take advantage. The only DB I would n't test often is freshman CB Shawn Lee Jr., who has locked down everyone he’s faced this season. Look for Will Pauling to have a big game and find the endzone one week after having his five-game touchdown streak snapped against Navy. The matchup to watch, and potentially the key to winning, will be Notre Dame’s rush attack against Pitt’s top-3 run defense. Kyle Louis and Braylan Lovelace are among the top run-stopping LBs in the country. The Panthers have allowed over 100 yards on the ground three times this season, but they have held opponents to under 50 yards four times. Considering the Irish have not gone under 100 rush yards since week one, it is hard to imagine that happening this week. A dominant Jeremiyah Love performance would certainly turn some Heisman voters’ heads, but if Pitt can contain Love, I think Jadarian Price will be able to deliver in this scenario. Since handing the offensive keys to freshman QB Mason Heintschel following back-to-back losses, Pitt is 5-0 and back in the thick of a heated ACC battle. A pass-heavy offense, the Panthers feature two 500-plus yard receivers with Kenny Johnson and Poppi Williams. Johnson is the more dangerous of the duo, but has not been matched up with a CB like Leonard Moore this year. Pitt also expects to get RB Desmond Reid back from injury, an underrated addition to the pass game as the senior is regarded as one of the better pass-catching RBs in the country. As they have since the loss against Texas A&M, I expect the Notre Dame secondary to come up with some clutch plays thanks to Christian Gray, Luke Talich, or Tae Johnson that limit Pitt’s passing attack. Pitt’s running game has really failed to impress this season, and that should not change against Notre Dame’s top-15 rush defense. Reid coming back is nice, but he has not exactly looked like what he was promised to be this pre-season. I think the Panthers’ inability to run the ball will definitely play a factor this week, potentially easing the game plan for Freeman and DC Chris Ash. Want the inside scoop on all things Notre Dame? Subscribe to Tribune+ today! Clayton Stohler - Podcaster: 42-20 Notre Dame Pat Narduzzi stated this week that his team could lose by 100 points, and it wouldn't matter in the grand scheme of things. That if the game doesn't have ACC impact, it's not of interest to him as it relates to the playoff picture.  The disdain that Narduzzi holds for Notre Dame has been well documented and dates back to his days as a defensive coordinator for Michigan State. For all we know, his hatred for Notre Dame stemmed even before that.  Regardless, it's a known fact that Coach Narduzzi doesn't like the opponent his Pitt Panthers will be tasked with playing this Saturday. He's accused ND of tampering with Kenny Pickett, and alluded to the tired argument that ND should join a conference to lend itself to legitimacy.  If you ever thought this was a trap game, it certainly isn't one now. Besides, Pitt is a quality opponent, and a phenomenal test for an Irish team that has been in elimination mode since it lost a heartbreaker vs A&M.  Pitt is expected to load the box on defense, much like every team has done aside from USC. They're going to force CJ Carr to beat them through the air. There will be a lot of pressure on Pitt's secondary to mitigate the potential big plays produced by Faison, Pauling, Fields, KK Smith, and Eli Raridon. And ultimately, this will prove to be too much to ask.  Yes, Pitt has a 4th down defense that has given up only 1 conversion out of the 10 times their opponents have attempted to go for it on 4th down.  Yes, Mason Heintschel is a freshman phenom who has his pick of the litter to throw to. Kenny Johnson, Raphael Williams, and Cataurus Hicks are all weapons. And make no mistake, they will be targeting Christian Gray, who's coming off a 2-game stretch in which he didn't play at all.  And that's why this is going to be a big game for Gray and Smith. Because, as we know, no one is throwing in Leonard Moore's direction with any consistency.   Pressure will be on the LB's of ND. There's a lot to account for. Ja'kyrian Turner and Desmond Reid are better than their stats indicate. The film tells a story of an RB room finding itself, and they may very well have their moments on Saturday.  The reality is, Pittsburgh is a good team. It was never an opponent that was to be taken lightly. It's a game Notre Dame can very well lose if it doesn't bring the level of play it's capable of bringing.  The entire country seems to be circling this game as one where ND is very much on upset alert. In an odd move, the ACC Football Twitter account has even gone out of its way to throw shade at Notre Dame, basically saying Miami should be ranked higher than the Irish. With Notre Dame's current ranking, there are a lot of eyes watching them, desperately hoping they lose. The calls to "join a conference" by fanbases and coaches alike have grown louder than normal- and that's saying something.  This isn't just a normal noon game. This isn't your typical sleepy Pittsburgh opponent. This is a playoff rehearsal. Notre Dame has one last chance to make a statement to the broader national audience. And on this day, the statement will read a final score indicative of a team that isn't focused on winning a conference, but a team that is focused on winning it all. Liam Farrell - Editor/Senior Sports Writer: 35-17 Notre Dame This game is made out to be a battle between Notre Dame's dynamic rushing attack versus Pittsburgh's ability to stop the run; however, the true battle that will determine the outcome of this game will be Notre Dame's front seven attacking an injured Pittsburgh offensive line. While Mason Heintschel has dazzled in his first five games of college football, the freshman has shown the ability to try and fit passes into tight windows. The opportunistic Notre Dame secondary, led by Leonard Moore and Tae Johnson, will put themselves in a great position to force multiple turnovers. In the end, CJ Carr will have to be the deciding factor in this game as Pat Narduzzi will likely load the box against Mike Denbrock's offense. This game will be close in the first half, but an explosive play to start the third quarter will ease Notre Dame fans' nerves as the Irish will pass their last ranked regular-season test and leave Pittsburgh with an eight-game win streak. Use code "IrishTribune20" to get $20 off your officially-licensed Notre Dame pickleball paddle Max Uretsky - Sports Writer/Recruiting Analyst: 34-24 Notre Dame I do think this is a Pittsburgh Panthers team that is capable of giving the Irish a scare, but ultimately isn't able to match ND's offensive output enough to pull off the upset. Pittsburgh's front on defense is undersized but versatile and very aggressive against the run. They do a good job rallying to the ball, and this may be a spot where, if Notre Dame can pick up 4 yards a carry, it would be a major win and go a long way to securing the victory. CJ Carr to Malachi Fields is a connection I expect to see hook up on multiple occasions, as the secondary for Pitt has been shaky and has struggled with bigger body WRs. Notre Dame's secondary also has a big test ahead of it, as Pitt's freshman QB Mason Heintschel has elevated their passing game in a big way since taking over earlier in the season. Christian Gray is back for the Irish after a two-game hiatus and will need to knock off the rust quickly to help limit yardage through the air. The Panthers' O-line is suspect at best, and after missing the Navy game as a late scratch, Boubacar Traore could be in line for a big game. The front 7 for the Irish should be able to win the battle up front and put enough pressure on Heintschel to force some errors that prove too costly to overcome. Noah Wehby - Sports Writer: 35-20 Notre Dame This Saturday, Notre Dame will face Pitt in what should be their last real test of the season. This is a big game for the Irish, as it is their last time to prove to the committee that they belong in the CFP.  This game should have a lot of intrigue with College Gameday in town, and both teams are on an impressive winning streak. Pitt's winning streak has been mainly fueled by its stifling run defense that ranks among the best in the country. For Notre Dame, this could spell trouble for an offense that largely depends on its strong rushing attack. Luckily for the Irish, there may not be a single defense, outside of maybe Ohio State, that can completely slow down Love and Price. Although they might not have dominant games, Love and Price will still find their way to positively impact this game and provide for another productive offensive performance.  Defensively, the Notre Dame secondary will be tested against Pitt. The Panthers' passing attack is not just an efficient one; it is also very explosive. Leonard Moore and company will have to be able to slow down this part of the game and make this game one-dimensional. Pitt will find some success in the passing game, but their turnover-prone offense will eventually slip up and give the Irish the break they need.  These turnovers will be what allows Notre Dame to build the lead it needs to pull away in this game. Pitt is definitely capable of giving Notre Dame a good half or so, but Notre Dame's talent on both sides of the ball will overwhelm Pitt over the length of the entire game. Bruce Straughan - Recruiting Insider/Sports Writer: 45-10 Notre Dame The last two games between Notre Dame and Pitt have been blowouts in Notre Dame's favor. Before those, it's generally close games in the rivalry. Notre Dame is coming off a 7-game win streak. I think the Irish continue their blowout streak on the Panthers. Pitt Head Coach Pat Narduzzi came out with a weird statement this past week, calling the game "not a must-win". When questioned on that, he elaborated in saying, "I was trying to take the pressure off the team. I don't like pressure."  Factoring all that in, Pitt isn't exactly successful in these types of hyped-up games coming from their side, especially when Notre Dame has been quiet and focusing on just the game.  I think Notre Dame's high-powered offense led by CJ Carr, with a defense that has been very efficient in shutting down opposing offenses, will be too much for the Panthers to handle, and Notre Dame wins in a big way.  Want the latest intel on Notre Dame football? Subscribe to Tribune+ and get access to recruiting and team intel from The Irish Tribune team, as well as access to our intel community, exclusive app, and more Notre Dame content: Subscribe here  to support our independent journalism. Follow The Irish Tribune on social media: Facebook  / Instagram  / X  / Threads  / TikTok Liked this story? Subscribe to our mailing list  and get every story in your inbox. 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No. 9 Notre Dame has its last ranked matchup of the regular season as it travels to Pittsburgh to face off against the No. 22 Panthers. Photo by Notre Dame Athletics With the College Football Playoff committee giving Notre Dame a substantial amount of respect, the Fighting Irish's path is right in front of them. Win and you're basically going to be in. There are two games that can throw a wrinkle in Notre Dame's march to December, as Texas and Oklahoma potentially dethroning two top 5 teams would be a detrimental hit for the Irish. Outside of this, if Notre Dame handles their business, they will be a near CFP lock. That brings the Irish to their next matchup with the Pittsburgh Panthers. A team that seemed to be lackluster before making a change at quarterback that has electrified their team. Since freshman Mason Heintschel has taken command of Pat Narduzzi's offense, the Panthers have been on a five-game winning streak. Heintschel has tremendous talent and some weapons around him that have made Pitt's offense one of the highest scoring units in college football. Defensively, the Panthers are stout against the run, an identity that is similar in all of Narduzzi's teams, but a bit lackluster in the aerial attack. Let's take a look at the keys to Notre Dame's matchup against Pitt. Turning Red Zone Trips into Touchdowns One of Notre Dame's biggest Achilles' heels this season has been sputtering once the Irish reach the red zone. Whether it be turnovers or short-yardage woes, Notre Dame has struggled converting red zone trips into touchdowns. On the inverse of that, Pitt has one of the worst red zone defenses in the country, and if the Irish are able to reach the red zone, they need to convert these trips into touchdowns. The fact that Pitt struggles to keep teams out of the goal line is surprising due to the Panthers' rushing defense prestige. Pitt has the No. 3 rushing defense in the country, and this will certainly be a battle for the Irish offensive line and running back tandem of Jeremiyah Love and Jadarian Price to tackle. It will be interesting to see if Pitt stacks the box like Boston College and Navy have done in recent weeks, but there is no doubt that the Panthers have to pick their poison between stopping Love and Price or attempting to limit CJ Carr's downfield passing. Want the inside scoop on all things Notre Dame? Subscribe to Tribune+ today! Forcing Heintschel's Hand Mason Heintschel has had a phenomenal first five games for Pittsburgh, as he has racked up 1,547 yards and 12 touchdowns. Heintschel does it all from throwing with confidence from the pocket to scrambling and making the magic happen. Heintschel's playing habits remind you of a skilled freshman quarterback, like an Everett Golson for Fighting Irish fans. While his play style is electric, Heintschel does make his fair share of mistakes. Through five games, Heintschel has already thrown five interceptions, and he puts the ball in harm's way quite often. If Notre Dame can limit Pitt's rushing attack, that is an below-average unit, then Chris Ash and the Notre Dame secondary can confuse the young quarterback in his first big game. Pittsburgh has many capable weapons including Kenny Johnson and Desmond Reid, but if the Notre Dame pass rush can find a way to contain Heintschel's improvisation, then the opportunistic secondary can have a field day. Win the Middle Eight Part of Notre Dame's success this season has been their ability to perform out of the halftime break. Ash's defensive unit has played lights out in the second half of basically every game this season, as he has displayed a great ability to make the necessary adjustments from the first half. On offense, Notre Dame has stalled a bit in the second quarter this season, and ultimately rarely gets out to a big first quarter lead. With this in mind, the middle eight is ever important in a game of this magnitude. If the Irish can control the final four minutes on the first half and the first four minutes of the second half, it will be difficult for the more skilled team to fall behind in this game. Notre Dame's talent does outshine that of Pitt, but the Irish will need to play a disciplined game of football against the Panthers, as ACC officials will certainly be stingy against the Irish. Notre Dame is coming off the heels of their first penalty free game since the 1990s after being a rather heavily penalized team. One of the main differences last week was the fact that the referees were from the American conference. To continue to pile onto this notion, the ACC Football social media account has also attempted to put down the Irish's playoff legitimacy. With College Gameday and many eyes on this game, the Irish must play lights out for the officiating to not even come into question. However, if Notre Dame can lean on the run, exploit a heavy box with aerial deep shots, and confuse the eyes of a freshman quarterback, then the Irish can leave Pitt with two wins away from their second consecutive College Football Playoff appearance. Want the latest intel on Notre Dame football? Subscribe to Tribune+ and get access to recruiting and team intel from The Irish Tribune team, as well as access to our intel community, exclusive app, and more Notre Dame content: Subscribe here  to support our independent journalism. Follow The Irish Tribune on social media: Facebook  / Instagram  / X  / Threads  / TikTok Follow @ LiamFarrell_IT  on X Liked this story? Subscribe to our mailing list  and get every story in your inbox. Check out our Irish partners: TMPR Sports - Use code "IrishTribune20" to get $20 off your officially-licensed Notre Dame pickleball paddle   here! Legion of the Leprechaun - Join  the #1  Notre Dame fan community on Facebook today!

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 defensive categories. One place Notre Dame could find success on offense is through the air. Throughout the season, CJ Carr and company have shown their ability to hurt teams in the passing game, especially when looking to capitalize on big play opportunities. This season, Notre Dame ranks second in yards per pass with 10.2. This stat points to an offence that has become incredibly efficient and is not afraid to take shots down the field. Looking at Pitt, this is exactly where they struggle as a defense. They rank 63rd in passing percentage against, allowing quarterbacks to hit just under 62% of their passes. What may be most concerning for the Panthers is the yards they give up in the passing game. In that category, they rank 101st in the entire country, averaging 246 passing yards allowed per game. Looking at these stats, Notre Dame should be able to exploit this weakness with talented players like Malachi Fields, Will Pauling, and Jordan Faison. Want the inside scoop on all things Notre Dame? Subscribe to Tribune+ today! Taking Advantage of Pitt's Mistakes Football can often be a very opportunistic game. On Saturday, Notre Dame must take advantage of the opportunities Pitt gives them. So far this season, Pitt has proven to be a team that is prone to giving teams those opportunities. On the offensive side of the ball, Pitt ranks among the worst in the country when it comes to penalties. As a unit, they average just over eight penalties per game, resulting in 75 lost yards. This is something Notre Dame must use to their advantage. The Irish defense has to be able to get off the field and punish them for making those mistakes. Offensive penalties are often drive killers, so Notre Dame would do well to make sure they are on Saturday. Along with the penalties, Pitt is also prone to turning the ball over, which bodes well for a Notre Dame defense that has been causing turnovers at an impressive rate. Pitt ranks 119th in the country in turnovers per game, giving the ball away just under two times a contest. That means Notre Dame, a defense that averages two takeaways per game, should be able to cause chaos and get the offense extra possessions. It will be up to the offense to capitalize on those chances, as it could be the turning point in this game. Disadvantages Notre Dame's Secondary vs. Pitt's Passing Attack As Notre Dame may be able to take advantage of Pitt's secondary, Pitt may be able to do the same as well. In recent weeks, Notre Dame's secondary has gotten a lot better since the beginning of the year. With that being said, they still show some weaknesses, and this will be the best passing attack they've faced since USC. Pitt ranks 23rd in yards per completion, gaining an average of a little over eight yards per completion. This, combined with their top ten passing game in yards per game, makes Pitt a dangerous team. Notre Dame already allows 232 passing yards per game, so this could very well be an area of the game that Pitt will want to attack. Kenny Johnson and Raphael Willaims Jr. are both talented wide receivers for the Panthers who have both had solid seasons so far. The duo has combined for over 1000 yards and 10 touchdowns. These are both players that Leonard Moore and the young Irish secondary will have to stay on top of in order to slow down an offense that scores 37 points per game. Use code "IrishTribune20" to get $20 off your officially-licensed Notre Dame pickleball paddle Notre Dame's Explosive Ground Game vs. Pitt's Stifling Run Defense This will be the matchup to watch all game. Although it may not be a disadvantage for the Irish, it is an area of the field that Pitt could have an answer for in parts of the game. Notre Dame's offense is centered around the rushing attack of Jeremiyah Love and Jadarian Price. Together, they make up the best backfield in the country, and Love is even in some Heisman talks for his stellar play this season. This season, the running game is averaging almost 200 yards a game, which ranks at 20th in the country. This has been enough to dominate almost every opponent the Irish have seen this season. That reality could change on Saturday. Pitt boasts one of the best run defenses in the entire country, allowing only 2.5 yards per attempt. That puts them at fourth in all of college football. If they can slow down Love and Price like they have done to other backs all season, Notre Dame could have a very hard time moving the ball. Not only does the Irish offense rely on the run for much of its points and yards, but it is also a key part of their passing game. The run opens up opportunities for shots downfield. Pitt has not seen a backfield like Love and Price, so it will truly be put to the test in a matchup that could help determine the game. Want the latest intel on Notre Dame football? Subscribe to Tribune+ and get access to recruiting and team intel from The Irish Tribune team, as well as access to our intel community, exclusive app, and more Notre Dame content: Subscribe here  to support our independent journalism. Follow The Irish Tribune on social media: Facebook  / Instagram  / X  / Threads  / TikTok Liked this story? Subscribe to our mailing list  and get every story in your inbox. 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Photo via Notre Dame Athletics No. 9 Notre Dame is set to make their 2025 ESPN College Gameday debut against the No. 22 Pitt Panthers on Saturday. The 7-2 Irish travel to Pittsburgh for a noon meeting, looking to keep their CFP hopes alive. While the Panthers can afford a loss, like Head Coach Pat Narduzzi alluded to on Monday, and still make the CFP with an ACC Championship, there is no question he would love to upset the Irish. Pitt Results (7-2): 61-9 vs Duquesne (W) 45-17 vs Central Michigan (W) 24-31 at West Virginia (OT L) 27-34 vs Louisville (L) 48-7 vs Boston College (W) 34-31 at Florida State (W) 30-13 at Syracuse (W) 53-34 vs NC State (W) 35-20 at Stanford (W) As much as CJ Carr and the Notre Dame passing offense have impressed, it is no secret that the Irish’s bread is buttered with their run game. 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. Want the inside scoop on all things Notre Dame? Subscribe to Tribune+ today! Defensive Stats (National Rank): 21.8 points per game allowed (tied-43rd) 318.3 total yards per game allowed (25th) 4.67 total yards per play allowed (tied-16th) 80.89 rush yards per game allowed (3rd) 2.39 yards per carry allowed (1st) 7 rush touchdowns allowed (tied-14th) 237.4 pass yards per game allowed (97th) 10 interceptions (tied-22nd) 2.67 sacks per game (tied-18th) 7.78 tackles for loss per game (5th) 34.07% opponent 3rd down conversion rate (25th) 33.33% opponent 4th down conversion rate (tied-8th) 95.65% opponent red zone conversion rate (131st) The Panthers’ defensive braintrust is made up of HC Narduzzi and Defensive Coordinator Randy Bates. Before Pitt, Narduzzi was the long-time DC for former Cincinnati and Michigan State HC Mark Dantonio from 2004-14. After helping the Spartans to an 11-2 record featuring a Cotton Bowl victory in 2014, Narduzzi was hired to be the HC at Pitt. Since taking over in 2015, the defensive-minded coach has led the Panthers to a 79-58 overall record with an ACC Championship.  Bates was brought in by Narduzzi in 2018 after former Pitt DC Josh Conklin accepted the HC position at Wofford. Before working at Pitt, Bates served as the LB Coach at Northwestern under Pat Fitzgerald from 2006-17. Personnel: Interior Linemen: Francis Brewu - The first of three good interior linemen that Pitt features is this starting sophomore DT. Brewu has 24 tackles, four for a loss, one sack, and a forced fumble this season. The 6-2, 280-pound DT has at least one tackle in seven games, including a season-high of nine at WVU, where he also recorded a sack. Brewu has two missed tackles on the year. The sophomore has been good against the run, with 10 stops and no misses, and as a pass rusher, with 13 pressures, including two QB hits across 163 attempts. Sean FitzSimmons - Next to Brewu is this redshirt junior DT. FitzSimmons has 20 tackles, two for a loss, and one sack this year. The 6-3, 295-pound lineman has at least one tackle in seven games, including a season-high of six at WVU, where he also recorded a sack. FitzSimmons has been good against the run with nine stops, but three of his four missed tackles have come here. The junior has also performed well as a pass rusher with 11 pressures, including two QB hits across 150 attempts. Nick James - This redshirt junior starts off the bench but is a key rotational piece on Pitt's line. James, a pass-rush specialist, has 15 tackles, five tackles for loss, two sacks, and one pass breakup this season. The 6-2, 280-pound DT has been good against the pass with 14 pressures, including four QB hits across 191 pass rush attempts. James has also been reliable against the run with seven stops, but both of his missed tackles this year have come trying to stop the rush. Others to watch: Jahsear Whittington Edge Rushers: Jimmy Scott - Arguably, Pitt’s top pass-rusher is this redshirt junior DE. Scott has 15 tackles, 7.5 for a loss, four sacks, one pass breakup, a forced fumble, and a fumble recovery this season. The 6-3, 260-pound edge rusher has at least one tackle in six games. He recorded a season-high two sacks with four tackles in his last game out at Stanford. The junior also impressed against Central Michigan when he tallied four tackles, a sack, and a pass breakup in the early-season win. Scott leads the team with 22 pressures, including six QB hits, across 248 pass rush attempts. Against the run, he has been solid with five stops; however, three of his four missed tackles have occurred here.  Isaiah Neal - The other edge rusher to keep an eye on is this redshirt sophomore OLB. Neal has 22 tackles, 3.5 for a loss, 2.5 sacks, and one pass breakup this season. The 6-2, 265-pound edge rusher has at least one tackle in each game, and tallied a season-high of five at FSU. A solid pass rusher, Neal has 14 pressures, including six QB hits on 197 attempts. The sophomore has been decent against the run with eight stops, but four of his six missed tackles have come trying to stop ball-carriers. Neal can, but rarely does, drop into coverage. Others to watch: Joey Zelinsky, Nate Temple, Blaine Spires (missed last game with injury) Use code "IrishTribune20" to get $20 off your officially-licensed Notre Dame pickleball paddle Linebackers: Braylan Lovelace - The heart of this Pitt defense is undoubtedly the linebacking core, specifically Lovelace and Louis. Lovelace, a junior LB, has a team-high 55 tackles, with 3.5 for a loss, one interception, and a pass breakup this season. The 6-2, 220-pound interior backer has at least two tackles in each game, and recorded a season-high of 10 tackles against Louisville and then at FSU. Lovelace also had a nice performance in the loss at West Virginia, when he racked up nine tackles with an interception and a pass breakup. While the junior does lead the team in tackles, he also leads the Panthers with 13 misses. Regardless, Lovelace has proven to be an elite run-stopper with a team-high 23 stops with eight misses. The LB has been decent in coverage, with 157 yards allowed on 13 receptions across 17 targets. He has also performed as a good pass rusher, with 20 pressures, including six QB hits across 119 attempts. Lovelace will affect Saturday’s game; how much of an effect may be the difference between a win and a loss. Kyle Louis - My favorite player to watch on the Panthers' defense is this redshirt junior LB. Louis, at 6-1 and 220 pounds, offers versatility for the Pitt defense. While mainly lining up as an ILB, the junior is capable of rushing off the edge or playing coverage out of the slot. In eight games played this season, Louis has 53 tackles, 5.5 for a loss, two sacks, three pass breakups, two interceptions, two fumble recoveries, and a forced fumble. The LB left the Syracuse game in the first quarter with an injury and then did not play the following game against NC State. Louis has at least five tackles in seven games and has had multiple impressive performances. In his return from injury two weeks ago at Stanford, the LB recorded 11 tackles, two pass breakups, and an interception. In the season-opener against Duquesne, Louis recorded a season-high two sacks in a six-tackle outing. Against Boston College, he had five tackles, a pass breakup, and a forced fumble and recovery in a dominant win. Finally, the star LB recorded eight tackles and an interception in the overtime loss at WVU. All-around, Louis has been good. He has 13 stops against the run, with two of his missed tackles coming here. In coverage, he has allowed 26 receptions for 222 yards and a touchdown across 37 targets. As a pass rusher, Louis has recorded 12 pressures, including three QB hits on just 69 attempts.   Cameron Lindsey - While Louis and other depth LB options have dealt with injury, this versatile redshirt freshman has stepped up. Lindsey, who can rush off the edge, made his first start against NC State. The 6-1, 210-pound LB has 25 tackles, five for a loss, two sacks, a pass breakup, and a forced fumble this season. He has at least one tackle in six games and two missed tackles on the year. In his second start at Stanford, Lindsey tallied a season-high eight tackles with a sack and a pass breakup in the road win. The freshman has been solid in coverage, with 11 receptions allowed for 97 yards and a touchdown on 15 targets. It appears Lindsey has learned from his upperclassmen LBs because he has been great against the run with seven stops and no misses. He has also added six pressures on just 48 pass rush attempts this season. Others to watch: Rasheem Biles (has been out since week 8 with injury) , Nick Lapi (has been out since week 9 with injury) Defensive Backs: Javon McIntyre - One of Pitt’s starting safeties is this redshirt senior. McIntyre, who can play some slot corner, has 28 tackles, one interception, and one pass breakup this season. The 6-1, 195-pound S has at least one tackle in eight games, including a season-high of seven against Central Michigan. In the Panthers' last outing at Stanford, McIntyre hauled in his first pick of the year while adding two tackles in the win. Overall, the senior has played decently with 274 yards allowed and three touchdowns on 22 catches across 29 targets in coverage. He has come up with four run-stops, but three of his six missed tackles have come against the rush. Kavir Bains-Marquez - The other starting safety for this defense is the UC Davis grad-transfer, who also can play some slot corner when needed. Bains has 39 tackles, three pass breakups, and one interception this season. The 5-10, 175-pound S has at least one tackle in eight games, including a season-high of 13 at FSU. Bains recorded his interception at Syracuse, where he also tallied five tackles in the road win. The grad-transfer has five missed tackles on the year. In coverage, Bains has been decent with 293 yards allowed, including a touchdown, on 26 receptions across 33 targets. Shadarian Harrison - Starting out wide at CB is this redshirt sophomore. Harrison has tallied 26 tackles, one pass breakup, an interception, and a forced fumble in eight games played. He did not play at Syracuse. The 6-1, 190-pound CB has at least one tackle in each game played, including a season-high of nine against Central Michigan. Harrison’s interception occurred against Boston College, where he added two tackles in the win. The sophomore has allowed 204 yards and a touchdown on 15 receptions across 27 targets in coverage this season. He has also come up with three stops against the run, but two of his four missed tackles have come here. Shawn Lee Jr. - Pitt’s freshman CB has put the seatbelts on everyone in front of him this season. Lee has 22 tackles, 3.5 for a loss, four pass breakups, and an interception this season. He has at least one tackle in eight games, including a season-high of five at WVU. In his last outing at Stanford, the 5-10, 180-pound CB recorded two tackles, a pass breakup, and a 30-yard pick-six in the win. Lee has missed three tackles this year. The lockdown CB has allowed 10 receptions and a touchdown for just 28 yards across 25 targets. This weekend will be a big test for the freshman, who should be receiving more national recognition than he currently is. Tamon Lynum - The final player to highlight is this sixth-year CB. In six games played, Lynum has 16 tackles, one pass breakup, and an interception this year. He missed a three-game stretch with an injury but is back healthy. The CB has at least one tackle in each game played, including a season-high of four at Stanford. Lynum has no missed tackles this season and hauled in his interception at Syracuse. The graduate has been decent in coverage, with 51 yards and two touchdowns allowed on five catches across eight targets. He has been good against the run, though, with four stops and no misses. Others to watch: Josh Guerrier, Cruce Brookins (missed last game with injury) , Rashad Battle (exited last game with injury) Want the latest intel on Notre Dame football? 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