This past Saturday, the Notre Dame Fighting Irish lost to the Texas A&M Aggies 41–40, showcasing their defensive shortcomings. Chris Ash, the defensive coordinator, was unnecessarily highlighted for giving up so many points, particularly on TAMU’s last drive in the red zone.
Pete Sampson of The Athletic thinks Marcus Freeman need to thoroughly consider everything and reach the same conclusion that most people now have regarding the Fighting Irish’s flawed point-prevention unit:
Make a change.
If necessary, even the key defensive play-caller. Because Ash’s plans are failing, the runner-up in the College Football Playoff National Championship is now 0–2 and has a defense that is very different from Al Golden’s from the previous campaign.
Freeman prefers to discuss execution over strategy. It’s an ineffective self-defense method. Coaches think that with effort, they can improve execution. Their perception of the game is called into doubt if the scheme is executed incorrectly. Ash’s perspective on this defense is unclear. However, Freeman should put everything on the line as he heads into Purdue because of the worrying drop off from Al Golden. Perhaps that’s why play calls are changing. Sampson wrote, “It must be altering the plays called.”
The team’s 27-24 loss against the Miami Hurricanes in Week 1 had many of the same problems as the Texas A&M defeat, although to a much lesser extent. Following a similar outcome last week, Sampson brought it to light.
Despite having all three position coaches back and a ton of skill at defensive end, linebacker, and defensive back, it’s fair to worry that the defense could regress more than expected after Chris Ash’s DC debut. Sampson observed, “The product on the field appeared hesitant and reactive, not confident and attacking.”
After the Fighting Irish’s playoff chances plummeted after a defeat in a crucial game, things aren’t going as planned, and the fan base is agitated. If Ash doesn’t make any headway in practice, Freeman could soon be forced to regain control of defensive play-calling.
This coaching staff could soon undergo more significant adjustments than that, if nothing unforeseen occurs against the Purdue Boilermakers on Saturday.
