US LBM Coaches Poll No. 3 Notre Dame’s defense continues to be a dominant force in college football this season.
The Fighting Irish improved to 4-0 following a 49-10 win over Purdue, their third victory over a Big 10 opponent. With Notre Dame’s defense arguably the best in the country, Pete Sampson of The Athletic broke down where the Irish are ranked in specific stats.
The Irish have allowed just 8.0 points per game, which is good for second in the nation. Notre Dame has also sacrificed the fewest 10-and-20-yard plays in each contest.
Notre Dame has allowed the third-fewest yards per play (3.6) and the second-fewest yards per carry (1.9) through four games. The Irish are ninth in sacks (3.3) and 134.7 in passing yards allowed per game.
In terms
of turnovers gained, Notre Dame is seventh with a compilation of three interceptions and seven fumble recoveries.
It’s no wonder Notre Dame is undefeated, which is mainly due to the total defensive effort. That includes allowing just 199.2 yards per game so far.
The Irish face North Carolina on Saturday.
Notre Dame's national rankings on defense
— Pete Sampson (@PeteSampson_) September 27, 2026
2nd: Points per game
3rd: Yards per carry
9th: Passing yards per game
2nd: Yards per play
9th: Sacks
7th: Turnovers Gained
1st: 10-yard plays
1st: 20-yard plays
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This article originally appeared on Fighting Irish Wire: Dominant defensive effort has Notre Dame high in specific categories
