Nick Saban appeared on the New Heights podcast with Travis and Jason Kelce this week, and he discussed US LBM Coaches Poll No. 6 Notre Dame on both sides of the ball.
Saban had high praise for the Fighting Irish’s defense. Notre Dame will face No. 1 Miami with a top-ranked defense (236.3 yards allowed per game) while also tied for fourth in scoring defense (13.4 points allowed per game).
The College Football Hall of Fame coach, however, has not been impressed by the CJ Carr-led Irish offense, especially with their performance against BYU – Notre Dame’s only ranked opponent so far – on Oct. 17.
“Notre Dame hasn’t been able to put it together in big games,” Saban said. “They got guys wide (expletive) open in the BYU game and hell, I can throw it to them.
If a guy is open by 10 yards, you don't have to make a perfect pass. Just get the ball to them.”
Through eight games, Notre Dame doesn’t have a receiver with more than 500 yards or with 5-plus touchdowns.
Jordan Faison has been Carr’s go-to receiver. The senior has 38 receptions for 497 yards and four scores with 13.1 yards-per-catch.
Junior Micah Gilbert – who has 24 catches for 430 yards and three TDs – has a team-best 17.9 yards-per reception.
Nick Saban also took a slight shot at Notre Dame's offense during his appearance:
— John Leuzzi (@ByJohnLeuzzi) November 6, 2026
"They got guys wide (expletive) open in the BYU game and hell, I can throw it to them. If a guy is open by 10 yards, you don't have to make a perfect pass. Just get the ball to them." https://t.co/lU25NXW4wT pic.twitter.com/zlYA7r3oBw
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This article originally appeared on Fighting Irish Wire: Saban takes jab at Notre Dame’s offense: ‘I can throw to (receivers)’
