Notre Dame football fans may find themselves even more frustrated with defensive coordinator Chris Ash following recent comments by Arkansas head coach Sam Pittman about the Irish defense. Ash, who stepped into the role after Al Golden, is under increasing scrutiny as the defense has not maintained its previous status as a formidable force. Last season, the defense struck fear into the hearts of opponents, but now figures like Pittman express confidence in their ability to exploit the Notre Dame defense.
Pittman, leading the Arkansas Razorbacks, remarked, “I think we match up well, with great respect, against what they do. They’re good on the (defensive) line, but I think we have good matchups against them.” Despite recognizing the talent of middle linebacker Drayk Bowen, noting his sideline-to-sideline speed and physicality, Pittman conveyed a belief in Arkansas’s ability to counter Notre Dame’s defense effectively.
Arkansas, currently holding a 2-2 record, could easily be undefeated with better game execution, as they have managed to score over 30 points in every game this season, hitting the 50-point mark twice. This highlights that while offense is not an issue for the Razorbacks, defense is certainly a challenge for Notre Dame. Head coach Marcus Freeman has candidly acknowledged the defensive struggles.
Pittman’s lack of reverence for the Notre Dame defense may sting, considering the injuries the team has faced this season. With a head coach facing potential dismissal and yet expressing little concern over the Irish defense, it underscores the noticeable dip in defensive prowess that Notre Dame must contend with.