Notre Dame’s Defense Should Rival 2012 Unit That Propelled Title Game Run

Notre Dame Defensive Coordinator Al Golden (Photo by Jordon Kelly/Icon Sportswire)Notre Dame kicks off its 2024 season in less than a week. When they do, they’ll be powered by a defense that could rival, or even surpass, the 2012 defense that the Irish rode to an appearance in the National Championship Game.

Notre Dame’s defense was very good last year. The Irish finished 8th overall in scoring defense and 5th in yards allowed per game. And they should be even better this year.

Notre Dame lost strongside defensive end Javontae Jean-Baptiste, cornerback Cam Hart, safety/nickel Thomas Harper, and linebackers JD Bertrand and Marist Liufau from last year’s defense. All fine players, but all of…