First and foremost, there should be no sugarcoating — Louisville’s defense was not good last year under former Notre Dame football defensive coordinator Brian VanGorder. However, this year is a new team, new coach and their roster has talent. Here are the key matchups between the Irish offense and Cardinals’ defense.
Louisville Defensive Line vs. Notre Dame Offensive Line
If there was a strong point of the Louisville defense last year it was along the defensive line, and specifically the pass rush. The Cardinals have pro prospects in Jarrett Jackson, Amonte Caban and Tabarius Peterson, but we all know the Irish have pro prospects along the offensive line as well.