Here’s a quick overview of some players to keep an eye on for both teams, starting with Notre Dame.
Jack Coan– The starting quarterback suffered an injury to his leg last weekend at Wisconsin, is looking to be a full go this weekend, but expect to see Brian Kelly continue to play two quarterbacks as he has done in the past. Coan not being as mobile as he was earlier in the season due to being banged up could help the Bearcats, when it comes to creating pressure.
Michael Mayer– Mayer whose nickname is “Baby Gronk” is the number one receiver for the Irish. The Covington, Kentucky native is an absolute monster and is arguably the top tight end in the country. Mayer brings so much to the table, not only can he protect Jack Coan in the run game, but he is one hard man to tackle in the open field, so the Bearcats will have to find a way to contain him.
Kyren Williams– Williams is one of the top running backs in the country and he will look to see a lot of touches for the Irish, but look for him in the pass game as well due to the Bearcats defense being so good. Expect to see him catch some screens, he excels at getting yards after the catch, he has tremendous vision, the ability to create space, overall he is someone who can change the game very quickly.
Kyle Hamilton– Hamilton is arguably the best safety in the country and his play certainly backs that up. A projected Top 5 pick in the 2022 NFL draft, Hamilton who is known for his length and size reads offenses and quarterbacks very well. I talked to Bearcats cornerback Coby Bryant this week and he had a lot of praise for Hamilton when asked about Notre Dame’s defense.
“He’s defiantly one of the top safeties in all of college football, he’s long, he’s big, he’s just like me, maybe a little bigger, he’s defiantly a great safety and I respect his game for sure”
