In the last 10 seasons, ND’s defense has reached the 30-sack mark just three times, and that came during the 2012 season when opponents scored just 12.8 points per game.
Of all the earmarks of the legendary Notre Dame football program through the years, a consistent, dynamic pass rush rarely has been at the forefront.
Stellar quarterback play, terrific tight ends, and top-notch offensive linemen under premier coaches have been the foundation upon which many of Notre Dame’s successes have been built.
Pass-rush prowess? Not so much.
Consider that last year, Washington linebacker Hau’oli Kikaha led the nation with 19 sacks while Notre Dame’s all-time leading sack man – Justin Tuck (2001-04) – had 24.