Notre Dame was able to prove to America that NIU was a fluke, so far. How Notre Dame fairs against Miami (Ohio) will give fans a good idea of whether or not Marcus Freeman has learned from his mistakes just mere weeks ago. The Irish Tribune staff make their official predictions for today's matchup vs Miami (Ohio).
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Connor Regan - Long-Form Writer
Score Prediction: 41-6 Notre Dame
The Irish ride the momentum of the Purdue win and further establish their identity as a run-first offense led by an elite defense. The Irish continue to take the schedule game by game and avoid overlooking the RedHawks in anticipation of Louisville, taking care of business for Notre Dame’s first home win of the season. The Irish offense won’t completely turn things around in the passing game, but there will be some signs of improvement. While this won’t be the scoring onslaught we saw against Purdue, the Irish should win this comfortably. Look for the Irish defense to not allow a single touchdown, Leonard to throw his first TD pass, and Love to post his first 2 rushing TD game of the season.
Brenden Duffy - Senior Staff Writer
Score Prediction: 38-10 Notre Dame
Same score prediction as I had versus NIU…hopefully it doesn’t backfire this go around. I think the key difference this week will be the amount of intensity ND brings.
No doubt Miami (Ohio) will be hungry and it would not be shocking if they keep the score tight all game. However, I expect a similar game plan to last week featuring an elite defense and rushing offense from the Irish that puts the game away earlier rather than later.
Noah Wehby - Writer
Score Prediction: 37-13 Notre Dame
Notre Dame comes out with a similar game plan to the one they had against Purdue and with similar intensity. That means a lot of runs and simple passes for Riley Leonard. The defense continues to be dominant, giving Notre Dame a couple of takeaways. Leonard will finally find the end zone through the air against the RedHawks and Notre Dame gets their first home win of the season.
Bruce Straughan - Recruiting Writer
Score Prediction: 42-10 Notre Dame
Notre Dame finally was able to dominate a game from start to finish last week. They will now be fired up to chase that thrill again. Miami (Ohio) will start out competitive, but ND will take over shortly after. Riley Leonard gets his first passing touchdown tomorrow.
Max Uretsky - Recruiting Analyst
Score Prediction: 31-12 Notre Dame
Notre Dame welcomes in another top-tier MAC school into South Bend, but with Northern Illinois still fresh on their mind, they avoid any upset scare. The defense will feed off last week's performance and I don't think they allow a touchdown. Offensively I expect more of the same, especially with the new injuries on the offensive line. A steady dose of Love and Price will lead ND to a comfortable win heading into a very important match-up with Louisville next week.
Peter Mulroy - Associate Editor and First & Gold Podcast Host
Score Prediction: 34-10 Notre Dame
While Miami (Ohio) QB Brett Gabbert played well in a loss to Cincinnati last week, this ND defense is simply a different animal. I think this is a game where the Irish defense feasts. The likes of KVA, Bryce Young, and Kennedy Urlacher continue to gather playing time as well, and for all the right reasons: They’re good. Real good. Offensively, we should see more of a willingness to move it through the air from Notre Dame and take some big-play shots down the field. All in all, there shouldn’t be too much of an issue here, as the Irish get to 3-1 heading into the Louisville game.
Clayton Stohler - First & Gold Podcast
Score Prediction: 52-6 Notre Dame
Another MAC school comes to South Bend, and it’s a well-coached team on both sides of the ball. Only problem? They’re simply just not talented enough to keep this one close. The Redhawks have yet to cross the century mark in rushing yards. Not in a game, but within the season. This forces Gabbert to throw a lot. Conventional drop-back teams simply haven’t boded well against Notre Dame’s defense. It’s a recipe for disaster.
Notre Dame’s offense is looking to answer some questions through the air, and this will be a solid enough test to get a good look. The Redhawks cornerbacks are long and relatively athletic. Is this the day Leonard finds his rhythm? He and his receivers, as well as a fully healthy Mitchell Evans, will have plenty of opportunities to do so. And if they do, this one will get ugly before the first half is over. Irish win, and they show something they haven’t- complementary pieces built around their elite run game.
Jack McMillen - Writer
Score Prediction: 49-7 Notre Dame
The Irish have learned from their mistakes of playing down to their opponent. They come out hot, hold the standard, and play as good of football as we’ve seen from them. Love has another huge day behind the growing line. Leonard’s passing continues to be spotty but it services, and the Irish get another win at home.
Liam Farrell - Senior Football Writer
Score Prediction: 31-17 Notre Dame
Miami OH gives a scare similar to NIU in the first half, but the Irish are more prepared for the gut punch in this one. Riley Leonard goes another week without a passing touchdown and a tight end will be the leading receiver. Jeremiyah Love and Jadarian Price each get another touchdown in this one.
What are your predictions for today's game? Leave them in the comments below!
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