No. 16 Notre Dame tries to put playoff hopes back on track against No. 15 Louisville
Notre Dame quarterback Riley Leonard (13) scores a touchdown during the first half of an NCAA college football game against Miami (Ohio), Saturday, Sept. 21, 2024, in South Bend, Ind. Credit: AP/Michael Caterina
No. 15 Louisville (3-0) at No. 16 Notre Dame (3-1), Saturday, 3:30 p.m. ET (Peacock)
BetMGM College Football Odds: Notre Dame by 6 1/2
Series record: Tied 2-2
WHAT’S AT STAKE?
The 16th-ranked Fighting Irish saw their playoff hopes take a major hit with a 16-14 loss to Northern Illinois. Since then, they've won two straight but getting this one — against No. 15 Louisville — could put a playoff appearance within reach. The Cardinals derailed Notre Dame's 2023 season with a win on its home turf. Now they'll try to do the same thing again, this time at Notre Dame Stadium.
KEY MATCHUP
Louisville’s high-scoring offense vs. Notre Dame's stingy defense. Coach Jeff Brohm's teams have had a penchant for scoring points by the dozens and this season is no different. The Cardinals are averaging 47.3 points per game, which is No. 12 in the FBS. They've scored on 19 of 33 drives with seven going for 70 or more yards. But they haven't faced a defense like this. Led by three preseason All-Americans, the Irish are giving up just 9.8 points per game (10th) and are 16th in total yards allowed.
Miami (Ohio) running back Kevin Davis (8) breaks a tackle by Notre Dame defensive back Benjamin Morrison (20) during the first half of an NCAA college football game Saturday, Sept. 21, 2024, in South Bend, Ind. Credit: AP/Michael Caterina
PLAYERS TO WATCH
Louisville: Defensive end Ashton Gillotte. He, too, was a preseason All-American — and for good reason. He has 23 sacks and 32 1/2 tackles for loss in his career. Both numbers rank ninth on the school's career list. And, as Notre Dame knows, he can wreck game plans in a hurry.
Notre Dame: Defensive end Boubacar Traore. Since being pressed into service following the season-ending injury to Jordan Botelho, all he's done is returned an interception for a touchdown and take the national lead among all freshman in sacks with three. He has a chance to continue building that resume against the Cardinals.
FACTS & FIGURES
Louisville defensive back M.J. Griffin (26) attempts to bring down Georgia Tech running back Trelain Maddox (28) during the second half of an NCAA college football game in Louisville, Ky., Saturday, Sept. 21, 2024. Credit: AP/Timothy D. Easley
Louisville hits the road for the first time this season after opening the season with three home games. … Louisville scored TDs on offense, defense and special teams in last week's 33-19 victory over Georgia Tech, marking the first time the Cardinals did that since 2013. ... Notre Dame's Riley Leonard is the only Power 4 quarterback this season to rush for 100 or more yards in multiple games. He's also one of only four FBS quarterbacks this season to achieve in a single game. … Two weeks ago, Leonard became the first FBS player to rush and throw for 100 yards and score three TDs in a half since former Louisville star Lamar Jackson did it in his Heisman Trophy-winning season of 2016.
