#16 Notre Dame vs #15 Louisville set for week five at Notre Dame Stadium

 

SOUTH BEND, Ind. -- Freeman previews what Louisville does well ahead of Notre Dame's week five matchup.

"I think they took a lot of pride in running the ball," Freeman said.

Louisville ran for 185 yards and two touchdowns on the Irish last year.

"When you're able to run the ball, it creates some opportunities to throw explosive plays down the field. And that's something you've seen from their offense," Freeman added

Defensively, the Cardinals hauled in three interceptions and plugged the run game allowing only 44 yards rushing.

"Defensively, an aggressive attacking, you know, are going to challenge you to, you know, stop the run, right? It's something that they take a lot of pride in doing and try to make you throw the ball over top," Freeman mentioned.

Throwing over the top hasn't been a strength for Riley Leonard, but based on his performances this season, Freeman likes what he sees in his QB. However, he understands what needs to improve as his team prepares for Louisville.

"Ability to rush the ball for about 150 yards, to throw it for 150 yards. You know, I think we had almost 400, 500 total yards of offense. That gives me a lot of confidence in Riley Leonard, being our quarterback. Teams have to account for him to run the ball right, coming from a defensive side like you have to say, okay, we got to get an extra hat in the box in case he runs the ball. You know, we're outnumbered. So, if teams are going to do that, we have to have the ability to throw it," Freeman said.