Notre Dame (2-2) hosts Boise State (3-1) on Saturday afternoon in the first-ever meeting between these programs. The Fighting Irish are riding a two-game winning streak during which the offense has exploded for 112 points. Meanwhile, the defense is showing faint signs of its 2024 self after a dismal start. South Florida stunned the Broncos in their season opener but they have rebounded with wins against three tomato cans. This week’s game will be nationally televised on NBC beginning at 3:30 pm Eastern time.

Coach Spencer Danielson enters his second full season at his alma mater. Danielson ascended to the top job during the 2023 campaign. He had served as the Defensive Coordinator before being named interim coach for the final three games. The school then removed the interim tag at the end of the season. In 2024, Danielson led the Broncos to the college football playoff. They lost to Penn State and finished 12-2.

Continued improvement on defense is the key for Notre Dame to repeat last season’s extraordinary finish. Thus far, the Irish have generated precious few havoc plays such as sacks, turnovers, and tackles for loss. Poor tackling has also been evident. Recent changes in terms of playing time and a more simplified scheme have helped. The coaches adjusted the rotation at all three levels to reward those who have earned more snaps.

On the injury front, cornerback Leonard Moore will return to active duty. Linebacker Preston Zinter is the only other Irish player listed this week. He is questionable as he recovers from a concussion. Boise State reports that ex-Irish nickel back Jaden Mickey is also recovering from a concussion. His status for this game will be determined closer to kickoff.

Notre Dame’s Offense vs. Boise State’s Defense

Quarterback CJ Carr has the keys to the potent Notre Dame offense. His line has provided better protection recently and enabled him to consistently find open receivers. Star running backs Jeremiyah Love and Jadarian Price remain the backbone of the attack. With these tools at his disposal, Offensive Coordinator Mike Denbrock has suddenly become smarter – and less predictable. The key component for Notre Dame to dominate this and every week lies in the trenches.

Boise State’s front four is a deep and solid group. End Jayden Virgin-Morgan is the team’s best defender. Tackle Braxton Fely is impactful in the interior and has four sacks to his credit. Middle linebacker Marco Notarainni is the leading tackler and disruptor at the second level. He is also effective at blitzing the quarterback in Coach Danielson’s aggressive scheme. Weakside backer Jake Ripp joins Notarainni and is also a frequent blitzer. The depth behind this pair is quite thin.

Senior cornerback Jeremiah Earby is the best cover man for the Broncos. His running mate, A’Marion McCoy, returned an interception for a touchdown last week. This secondary struggled earlier in the season but began to solidify in recent weeks. Obviously, Notre Dame’s talent at quarterback and receiver represents a significant step up in competition.

Although the Bronco defense is respectable, the Irish can wear them down if they play at the level of the past two weeks. Denbrock must prepare Carr for constant blitzing to ensure his young quarterback makes quick, accurate decisions with the ball. A well-placed screen pass to Love or Price could become a home run play.

Boise State’s Offense vs. Notre Dame’s Defense

The Broncos rely on a strong running game that has averaged 221 yards per game. A trio of tailbacks share the load led by Dylan Riley. Backups Sire Gaines and Malik Sherrod also get plenty of work. Boise State’s offensive line is strongest on the left side with highly regarded tackle Kage Casey. As a group, they are better run blockers than pass protectors. Notre Dame’s defensive front showed signs of progress last week and hope to continue to bring pressure.

Bronco quarterback Maddux Madsen runs an efficient attack that averages 520 yards per game. He is a 60% passer where many of his throws are quick release tosses. He has veteran receivers including slot man Latrell Capers and wideouts Ben Ford and Chris Marshall. Tight ends Matt Lauter and Matt Wagner are an integral part of the attack. Riley is the most frequently targeted receiver among the tailbacks. Like Notre Dame, the Broncos have a multi-dimensional attack designed to keep a defense off balance.

If the Irish are to have success against these threats, they must win the line of scrimmage.  This has been a hit-or-miss proposition so far this season. Regulars such as Jason Onye, Bryce Young, and Donovan Hinish have been inconsistent. Boubacar Traore has been the only effective pass rusher and the linebackers are not making plays for negative yardage.

Moore’s return should help the pass coverage as Madsen will try to nickel and dime his way down the field. This strategy will not work if the Irish can stop the run, although that is not a given. Boise State is talented enough to put some points on the board but they are hardly unstoppable.

Special Teams

Kicker Noah Burnette showed no ill effects of his hip injury last week upon his return to the lineup. Burnette’s scoring consisted entirely of extra points, so we will see whether he attempts a field goal. Punter James Rendell has been on a light duty regimen lately. Hopefully, that will continue on Saturday.

Irish Coach Marty Biagi is known for creative special teams play, especially fake punts. He undoubtedly took notice that the Broncos were victimized on such a play in their opening game.

Boise State  employs a kicker with a perfect name – Colton Boomer. He has been lightly tested this year, hitting on two of three field goal attempts. Boomer’s longest came from a mere 40 yards. Punter Oscar Doyle is a legitimate boomer with a 47-yard average. Boise’s primary return man for both punts and kickoffs is the diminutive but elusive Sherrod.

Summary

Notre Dame must be able to handle their recent success and not take their foot off the accelerator. Boise State is a team that will not quit and will not flinch if the score is close. The Irish need a strong first half to force the Broncos to play from behind. Once Boise State has to rely on the pass, Notre Dame can attack them with abandon.

Irish fans expect to see continued improvement by the defense as young players gain experience. This game will be a gauge to demonstrate how much all three levels have progressed. There remains plenty of room for improvement and a regression could be disastrous. From Boise State’s point of view, everyone should expect an inspired effort in their inaugural visit to South Bend.

Here are a few questions that will shed light on the outcome:

• Which team of 500+ yard offenses will live up to its billing?
• Can the Irish force Boise State to be one-dimensional?
• Which team will dominate the line of scrimmage?
• Will the Irish special teams make a positive difference?
• Can Notre Dame’s secondary disrupt Madsen’s quick passing game?
• Will Carr continue his impressive run of efficiency and accuracy?
• Can Notre Dame’s linebackers emerge from hibernation and make some plays?
• Will Love and Price rack up another 200 yards?

Prediction

Boise State is a solid team but Notre Dame has more talent and explosive play capability. The question is whether the youthful Irish will play to their potential or to the level of the competition. If they allow the Broncos to hang around into the fourth quarter, they put their entire season at great risk. Fortunately, Coach Marcus Freman has been down this road before. He knows how to keep his players focused on the present. I trust Freeman will ensure that complacency does not derail a season that was just starting to get interesting.

NOTRE DAME 42  BOISE STATE 21

This is a reprint of John’s original preview article lost in a site technical issue