Irish defense catching fire and looking to keep it burning against NC State

SOUTH BEND, Ind. -- After weeks of criticism, Notre Dame’s defense is finally showing signs of dominance under new defensive coordinator Chris Ash.

The Irish held Boise State — a top 10 total offense — to just seven points and 315 total yards, marking one of their best defensive outings of the season. Head coach Marcus Freeman said he wasn’t surprised by the turnaround, calling it the result of Ash’s steady leadership and smart personnel adjustments.

The defense forced four interceptions, including two from cornerback Leonard Moore, who returned from injury and led the team with six solo tackles. “It just comes down to technique and practice reps,” Moore said. “When the ball comes to me, just attack the ball.”

Notre Dame also tallied four sacks and four tackles for loss, limiting the Broncos to just 2.9 yards per carry — a massive improvement from the 5.3 allowed against Arkansas. Linebackers Jaiden Ausberry and Kyngstonn Viliamu-Asa combined for 16 tackles, while Christian Gray said the unit has “just routine back to our ways… we’ve just been savages the whole way.”

Back-to-back second-half shutouts now prove this defense is finding its rhythm. With NC State up next, the Irish will have their hands full with quarterback CJ Bailey, who’s thrown for over 1,600 yards, and running back Hollywood Smothers, ranked second nationally in rushing. Freeman says gang tackling and discipline will be key to slowing them down.