Notre Dame’s defense will be ready to win in 2024

Since 2017, Notre Dame’s defense has been the backbone of the program, delivering consistent performance year after year. Even in tough losses to talented teams, the defense has usually kept the Irish competitive while the offense has struggled to do its part.

It would certainly help if the Irish offense could perform in big games this year, and there’s reason to believe it will under new offensive coordinator Mike Denbrock. Regardless, the defense will be ready. This unit knows it plays solid football and aspires to be truly elite.

How a great defense becomes an elite defense

Notre Dame’s defense has proven to be a solid, winning unit. The next goal is to achieve “elite” status, which requires meeting specific goals. First, they must eliminate the big running plays that hurt them in all three losses last season.

Second, they need to create more chaos and force turnovers against top opponents. And finally, they need to improve their overall tackling ability, as they averaged eight missed tackles per game, ranking 37th in the country.

The Irish ranked 21st in the nation in total defense in 2022, 43rd in 2021, 25th in 2020, 18th in 2019, 30th in 2018 and 46th in 2017…

Last year they were fifth in the country in total defense. The defense has improved quickly and will now reach a whole new level.

Most exciting is the roster – a healthy mix of proven veterans and athletic young players ready to break out. This dynamic mix of talent could help the defense reach new heights in 2024.

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