In the hours after Notre Dame’s 31-0 thrashing of rival Michigan under the lights of Notre Dame Stadium, defensive coordinator Brian VanGorder’s stock had never been higher. His defense had just held Michigan to 289 total yards, forced four turnovers, registered three sacks, and produced perhaps the greatest gif in college football history. He’d replaced Bob Diaco’s “bend but don’t break”, totally unfun philosophy, with an attacking defense where he routinely sent multiple safeties, linebackers, cheerleaders, mascots, or as Don Criqui described it, the whole world. It was beautiful to watch; players flying around, making plays, taking the fight to the opponent.
Brian VanGorder Year 2: Go Big or Go Home?
