Following the victory against Bowling Green, Notre Dame extends home winning streak to 14.
Protect This House
Notre Dame’s 52 point blowout win was not only the first shutout since 2014’s 37-0 win over Michigan, but it was also a continuation of their home winning streak.
On Brian Kelly’s weekly radio show, he was asked about the home winning streak after the Virginia game. Kelly says there has been an emphasis on protecting our house. Kelly also noted how much they love playing in front of students and fans. At the core of it, he cites executing better than opponents do as the biggest factor in the streak.
The streak of 14 is top ten in the nation of active streaks and ranks behind other elite programs, as well as UCF.
One of the most impressive features of the streak is not just that they are winning, its how they are winning.
Irish Home-Cooking
The streak started following the one point loss to Georgia in 2017. During this streak, they have defeated five AP TOP 25 teams including a beat down of their upcoming opponent. The Irish are defeating opponents by an average margin of 21.64 points.
Over these 14 games, Notre Dame has averaged 37.85 points per game and only allowed 16.21 to the opposition. This level of domination of course is boosted by the help of games like New Mexico and Bowling Green, both of which were 52 point victories.
Home Improvements
For those who have not been to a game since the start of the 2017 season, the stadium underwent some major upgrades, perhaps most notably was the massive jumbo-tron in the south end zone. In addition, they built classrooms, luxury suites and meeting/banquet spaces.
The University of Notre Dame has really stepped their game up in regards to the expansion to the stadium as well as the new practice facility.
It is clear to me that this has made a substantial impact in their preparedness, especially defensively.
Defending Home Turf
Notre Dame hosts USC October 12, 2019 in another prime time battle. The last time the Trojans visited, they lost 49-14 in 2017. I had the opportunity to attend the game, which was also a night game, and it was the loudest I have ever heard Notre Dame Stadium.
USC has had a bizarre season thus far. They lost star QB JT Daniels for the year in week one. The Trojans then proceeded to beat Stanford with their true freshmen back-up quarterback. Listed starter on the depth chart, Kedon Slovis gets upset by BYU. He follows up by being knocked out of the game against Utah with a concussion.
Third string quarterback Matt Fink came in and pulled off the upset. Fink was under center against Washington and threw for three picks. Assuming Slovis is cleared from concussion protocol I expect him to get the nod on Saturday.
The Fighting Irish opened up as 11 point favorites – high praise for Notre Dame. Not only will they cover, I predict Notre Dame extends home winning streak even further as they continue to take care of business.
