Legendary Notre Dame QB Drops Firm Verdict On Marcus Freeman’s Chances Against Miami

Marcus Freeman’s championship run ended in a bitter defeat to the Buckeyes last campaign. But they are back for an explosive season, armed with C.J. Carr, Jeremiyah Love, and a stacked defense. However, the Week 1 matchup isn’t going to be easy against Miami. But one legendary Notre Dame alum is absolutely cheering for the Irish, and he believes that the Irish’s defensive prowess will bring them home.

Notre Dame alum Brady Quinn stopped by the Dan Patrick show on August 29. Brady Quinn’s legendary time at Notre Dame saw him break 36 single-season records as he clinched Maxwell, Johnny Unitas Golden Arm, and other accolades. He landed third on the Heisman voting list in 2006. He then went on to the pro league, kicking off his NFL career with the Cleveland Browns. Presently, he is serving as an analyst with Fox Sports.

Among other things, the former Irish QB discussed Notre Dame’s season opener against the Hurricanes. “I’m not sure what to expect from Miami; I think I counted five new starters on defense.” Hayden Lowe, Zechariah Poyser, and Xavier Lucas, to name a few of the new faces. Cristobal also roped in Cory Hetherman as the new defensive coordinator, owing to the struggling defense last campaign, which ended 68th nationally. Defensive line coach Jason Taylor is the only member of the defensive staff returning following the revamp.

About Miami’s offense, they have a new leader in Carson Beck, filling the shoes of Cam Ward. But Quinn is not entirely confident in Beck. Quinn continued. “Look, two years ago, he was phenomenal. I really thought last year at Georgia, he would play well enough to put himself in the position to be a top 10 pick, and it just. It didn’t work out that way.” He added, “You have to develop chemistry with new pass catchers. That’s not easy to do,” he added.

Given Cristobal’s offensive background, paired with Freeman’s robust defense, Quinn believes it’s going to be an explosive game in the trenches. “Their [Notre Dame] defense is going to be stout. One of the best in college football. We’ve got the best running back in the country and Jeremiah Love and everyone.” Love had an explosive season last year. He stepped up to the starting running back position and chipped in 1,125 yards and 17 touchdowns. Moreover, he added 28 catches for 237 yards and two touchdowns through the air.

With that, throw in Jadarian Price and Aneyas Williams in the mix as well, and you have a robust RB room. “So they’re (Love and Price) going to be able to run the football. I think this is a low-scoring game.” Last season, the Irish ranked No. 4 in scoring defense and passing defense. So, what Quinn is hinting at is that it will all boil down to the team that can minimize its mistakes.

Quinn further zoomed in on the leader of the offense. “CJ Carr, who’s got all the talent ability in the world, you know, he just has to make enough big throws and enough conversions on third down to allow Notre Dame to take care of business, which I think they will do.” With a new starting quarterback, the duo strength of Love and Price, and the stacked WR room including Malachi Fields and Jaden Greathouse, Brady Quinn is all in, rooting for the Irish’s victory.

Can Notre Dame’s defense make life difficult for Carson Beck?

Marcus Freeman is confident of his defensive line, calling it the “biggest conviction” of the camp. Bryce Young is no longer an edge rusher and has grown into a complete defensive end. About the depth chart, the head coach plans to heavily rotate the six defensive ends, namely, Jordan Botelho, Loghorn Thomas, Josh Burnham, Boubacar Traore, and Bryce Young. Junior Tuihalamaka shouldn’t be overlooked in terms of his contribution.

ESPN analyst Louis Riddick talked about the Irish being the national contender, owing to their defensive prowess. “You have to love what Notre Dame really puts on the table as far as their defensive play. Obviously, offensively, they have to answer the bell here,” he said. “They’re going to be able to run the football against anyone. You know they’re a downhill, blue-collar football team… I think the schedule sets up favorably for them.” Presently, according to BetBGM, the Irish are +1200 to win the national title this year.