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#12 Syracuse vs. #3 Notre Dame: Streaming, preview, and predictions

By Eric Robinson

BLACKSBURG, VA - OCTOBER 6: Wide receiver Miles Boykin #81 of the Notre Dame Fighting Irish celebrates his touchdown reception against the Virginia Tech Hokies in the second half at Lane Stadium on October 6, 2018 in Blacksburg, Virginia. (Photo by Michael Shroyer/Getty Images)
BLACKSBURG, VA - OCTOBER 6: Wide receiver Miles Boykin #81 of the Notre Dame Fighting Irish celebrates his touchdown reception against the Virginia Tech Hokies in the second half at Lane Stadium on October 6, 2018 in Blacksburg, Virginia. (Photo by Michael Shroyer/Getty Images) /
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SOUTH BEND, IN – SEPTEMBER 15: Ian Book #12 of the Notre Dame Fighting Irish calls a play against the Vanderbilt Commodores at Notre Dame Stadium on September 15, 2018 in South Bend, Indiana. Notre Dame defeated Vanderbilt 22-17. (Photo by Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images)
SOUTH BEND, IN – SEPTEMBER 15: Ian Book #12 of the Notre Dame Fighting Irish calls a play against the Vanderbilt Commodores at Notre Dame Stadium on September 15, 2018 in South Bend, Indiana. Notre Dame defeated Vanderbilt 22-17. (Photo by Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images) /

Notre Dame Keys To Victory

Defensive Discipline

When playing the offense of Syracuse, there are a number of variables to keep in mind.

On some occasions, the Syracuse offense can have a defense playing on their heels for 80-plus plays. For Notre Dame, discipline is needed on the defensive side of the ball. That comes with sound tackling, limited amount of penalties and forcing Syracuse to utilize the entire field to score instead of allowing big plays.

Having veteran stars on defense such as defensive lineman Jerry Tiller or linebacker Te’von Coney will help getting the Irish inline and ready to bottle up the Syracuse offense.

Pound The Rock  

It is a phase that at times goes unnoticed but the run game for the Irish has been good on numerous occasions this season. Against Florida State last week, Notre Dame churned out 365 yards on the ground at 7.3 yards per carry.

They have topped 100 yards of rushing in every game this season except one. Leading rusher Dexter Williams is starting to carve his own niche in the Irish offense with two games this season where he averaged over 10 yards per carry.

Establishing the run game controls the clock for Notre Dame which will slow down the Syracuse tempo-driving offense.

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