PERSONNEL NEWS

Strategy And Personnel

The Sports Xchange

October 09, 2018 at 10:02 pm.

GAME BREAKDOWN

KEY MATCHUP: Notre Dame offense vs. Pitt defense. On paper, it doesn’t look pretty for Pitt. Notre Dame has averaged more than 46 points per game in its past three contests, while Pitt has given up 37-plus points in each of its past three games. An energized crowd at Notre Dame Stadium will not make life any easier on the Panthers this week. Pitt must find a way to slow down and frustrate the Fighting Irish’s potent offense to have a shot at a surprise win.

DRAFT SLANT

Every NFL team is starved for “cover corners” who can plaster themselves to opposing wide receivers. Fighting Irish defensive back Julian Love seems to fit the bill for a defender who can shine on Sundays. Love is coming off a terrific performance that included seven tackles, an interception and a fumble recovery that he returned for a touchdown. Scouts will be watching Saturday to see what he can do next.

ROSTER REPORT:

–RB Jafar Armstrong is not expected to play this week as he continues to recover from an infection in his knee. Armstrong could be back in action in a couple weeks after Notre Dame’s bye.

–DB Tony Pride sprained his ankle last week against Virginia Tech, and it is unclear whether he will able to play without limitations this week against Pitt. Pride Jr. is tied for the team lead with two interceptions.

–LB Drue Tranquill is adjusting to playing with a cast on his left hand and should be better prepared to handle it this week, head coach Brian Kelly said. Tranquill has a broken bone in the hand.

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