SOUTH BEND, Ind. (AP) — Notre Dame’s defense came out strong in their College Football Playoff opener against Indiana, holding the high-scoring opponent to a 14-3 lead at halftime. However, the Fighting Irish faced a setback when defensive lineman Rylie Mills suffered a knee injury while sacking Indiana quarterback Kurtis Rourke on the first play of the second half. As they prepare to face second-seeded Georgia in the CFP quarterfinal, Notre Dame is focused on overcoming this challenge and not letting it affect their performance.
Despite finishing with a 27-17 victory over Indiana, allowing two late touchdowns after building a significant lead, Notre Dame now has to regroup without Mills, their top sack leader, for the upcoming game against Georgia in the Sugar Bowl at the Superdome in New Orleans on Wednesday. Defensive coordinator Al Golden emphasized the team’s resilience and readiness to step up in the face of adversity, highlighting the next player who will have the opportunity to fill Mills’ shoes.
Throughout the season, Notre Dame’s defense has been a driving force, leading the nation in various defensive categories despite significant injuries to key players like Mills, Jordan Botelho, Boubacar Traore, Benjamin Morrison, and Kyngstonn Viliamu-Asa. With the challenge of facing powerful Georgia looming, head coach Marcus Freeman is looking to Gabe Rubio and Donovan Hinish to step up and contribute in Mills’ absence.
As the team prepares for the crucial matchup, defensive lineman Howard Cross III expressed the collective resilience and determination within the team, acknowledging the adversity they have faced with injuries. Despite the challenges, the Fighting Irish are focused on mental toughness and readiness to rise to the occasion against Georgia in what will be their 14th game of the season.
“The key for us is ensuring that if a player goes down, the next one up is fully prepared to step in seamlessly. Our expectation is that the replacement will deliver the same or even better performance than the current starter,” explained Notre Dame’s defensive strategy as they gear up to face Georgia’s offense led by Gunner Stockton, who is filling in for the injured Carson Beck.
Defensive coordinator Freeman emphasized the importance of evaluating Georgia’s overall season performance as well as Stockton’s individual tape to anticipate any changes in their tactics. Stockton, known for his ability to extend plays with his running skills, presents a different challenge for Notre Dame’s defense. Freeman noted Stockton’s competitiveness, evident in his celebrations and play-finishing attitude, which adds a dynamic element to Georgia’s offense.
Despite facing personnel challenges, Georgia head coach Kirby Smart expressed confidence in Notre Dame’s defense, highlighting their strong pass rush, physicality upfront, and skilled defensive backs proficient in man-to-man coverage. Smart praised Notre Dame’s aggressive defensive style and their ability to disrupt passing plays effectively.
Looking ahead, both teams are gearing up for a competitive matchup, with Georgia preparing for Notre Dame’s defensive prowess and Notre Dame strategizing for Stockton’s unique playing style. The anticipation is high as both teams aim to make an impact on the field.
