US EditionNo. 9 Notre Dame Faces a New Challenge as Pass Defense Navigates Quick Turnaround at No. 23 Pitt
Notre Dame shifts from run defense to a pass-focused strategy to counter Pitt's aerial attack and protect their seven-game winning streak, aiming to impress College Football Playoff selectors.
- This week, Notre Dame defensive coach Marcus Freeman is shifting the defense to balance pass coverage for Saturday at Pittsburgh, as Pitt's starter has thrown five interceptions in five starts.
- After last week's 49-10 win over Navy, Notre Dame prepared to slow Navy's run-heavy offense while facing Pittsburgh Panthers, who average 302.6 yards per game and 24 touchdown passes.
- By forcing opponents to become more one-dimensional, Notre Dame secondary put extra pressure on quarterbacks, producing more mistakes and 12 interceptions during a four-game stretch.
- Coach Marcus Freeman warned that `It can be real, it can be` and said outcomes hinge on preparation and effort, with coaching staff refusing to accept excuses for subpar performances.
- The matchup's quirks, including Mason Heintschel's five interceptions, contrast with Notre Dame safety Adon Shuler's five career interceptions, shaping Saturday's game dynamics.
16 Articles
16 Articles
Associated Press News
No. 9 Notre Dame faces a new challenge as pass defense navigates quick turnaround at No. 23 Pitt
No. 9 Notre Dame spent last week figuring out how to slow down Navy’s run-heavy offense. This week, the defense is switching gears against No. 23 Pittsburgh.
Streaking No. 22 Pitt, No. 9 Notre Dame collide in Pittsburgh
Marcus Freeman wants one thing to be clear.No. 9 Notre Dame (7-2) is taking nothing for granted heading into Saturday afternoon's game against No. 22 Pitt (7-2) in Pittsburgh. The Fighting Irish are thinking about the Panthers and nothing else, particularly not a potential run in the College Football Playoff.Freeman clarified his team's approach after someone he knew sent him a text message describing the matchup against Pitt as a "trap game.""I…
"College GameDay" headed to Pittsburgh for the third time to highlight 2025 college football matchup between Notre Dame and Pitt - Beaver County Radio
(Credit for Photo: Courtesy of Nathan Giese/ Avalanche-Journal/ Nathan Giese/ Avalanche-Journal/ USA TODAY NETWORK Via Imagn Images, Caption for Photo: ESPN personality Pat McAfee talks during College GameDay as Nick Saban looks on, Saturday, Nov. 8, 2025 at Jones AT&T Stadium.) Noah Haswell, Beaver County Radio News (Pittsburgh, PA) The flagship college football pregame show on ESPN, “College GameDay,” will be at the North Shore on Saturday, No…
A guide to College GameDay for Pitt students
Pitt fans have an extra reason to get excited about this week’s ranked matchup against Notre Dame. For the first time in 20 years, ESPN’s “College GameDay” has chosen Pittsburgh as the site for its prestigious pregame show. For those unaware, “College GameDay” is a weekly show during the college football season where a live pregame show is hosted at the site of a featured matchup, typically reserved for a ranked matchup or a rivalry game. Satu…
Coverage Details
Bias Distribution
- 67% of the sources are Center
Factuality
To view factuality data please Upgrade to Premium
