Photo by Kent Gidley
ARLINGTON, TEXAS — Alabama’s high powered offense is a concern for the Notre Dame on New Years Day. Notre Dame defensive coordinator Clark Lee says, “We have to be on our P’s and Q’s. Every player must be vigilant on and off the field. Our guys are not only trying to defeat another athlete one on one on the field but to also keep a look out for what else is going on in the game.” Lee also commented on how he has seen similarities to Alabama’s offense stating, “They are a unique group of guys but we are also a unique group of guys that are talented and I believe we can win this game.”
Notre Dame’s Defensive Lineman Myron Tagovailoa-Amosa and Phil Steele Preseason All-Independent First Team knows that they will have their hands full with Bama’s offense, especially containing the Tides Quarterback Mac Jones in the pocket. “We have to dominate the line of scrimmage, affecting Jones and applying substantial pressure. Jones usually has all day to sit in the pocket, we can’t let that happen,” says Tagovailoa-Amosa.
The Crimson Tide ranked second nationally in scoring offense with 49.7 points per game and scored more than 40 points in 10 of their 11 games this season. D210SPORTS spoke with Alabama wide receiver Devante Smith, Smith a Heisman Trophy candidate had 98 catches, 1500 receiving yards, and 17 touchdowns this season. There’s no question as to why he has received his nickname “The Slim Reaper.” Smith commented on the his nickname stating, ”Coach Paul actually gave me that nickname, then it just caught on and everyone starting calling me that but I plan on using the nickname to help me do my job on the field and finish every play” The “slim reaper” isn’t the only weapon you’ll see on that Alabama offense.
Quarterback Mac Jones, another Heisman Candidate led the country with a 202.3 passer rating passing for 3,739 yards, 32 touchdowns and just 4 interceptions says, ”We have goals to finish and to go hard all four quarters.”
Going hard all four quarters is often easier said than done as running back Najee Harris rushed for 1,262 yards and 24 touchdowns and also caught 32 passes stated “Keeping up stamina and cardio to play all four quarters is a must, and that I personally need to make sure I finish every play, block when I can, and keep the key fundamentals important in this game.”
Notre Dame’s defense will definitely have their hands full on Friday against a high powered Alabama offense.
