Notre Dame’s defense will make mistakes this season. The two costly touchdowns of 89 yards and 60 yards given up at Florida State were not simply symptoms of a season opener. Giving up a 67-yard run and a 66-yard catch against Toledo on Saturday confirmed that.
The Irish do not intend to allow such big plays, but they are the risk of defensive coordinator Marcus Freeman’s aggressive approach, particularly early on in its adaption.
“We know why it’s happening,” head coach Brian Kelly said after the 32-29 victory against the Rockets. “We’re transitioning defenses.