Marcus Freeman details challenges from Army QB Bryson Daily

The Notre Dame defense will have perhaps its most unique challenge of the season when it comes to stopping Army quarterback Bryson Daily. The Black Knights’ style of offense allows for Daily to make an impact mostly on the ground, but that doesn’t mean he isn’t a threat through the air.

Daily averages a little more than six passing attempts per game but has seven touchdowns through the air to one interception this season. He also has 1,062 yards rushing and 21 scores, and Fighting Irish coach Marcus Freeman explained the challenge of defending him.

“He’s a guy that has experience,” Freeman said. “I know he missed two weeks ago, but he’s back from injury. Makes really good decisions. Can run the ball if he needs to, but also can throw it if he needs to. But what he does is run the offense efficiently. Doesn’t put them in bad positions and he does a great job of taking care of the football.”

Daily has been the starting quarterback at Army for the past two seasons. He is running the ball slightly more often than he did last year, however, and has already surpassed his rushing yardage total from 2023.

Army comes in as the nation’s No. 1 rushing offense with more than 300 yards per game on the ground. Notre Dame ranks 43rd among FBS teams in rushing defense and will aim to put a stop to the attack Daily and the Black Knights present.

Additionally, this is a game with big College Football Playoff implications for both teams. A loss for either would likely ruin their chances of making the 12-team field while a win would be a significant boost to their resume.

Daily missed a game two weeks ago but returned last week in a win against North Texas as he rushed for two touchdowns. Kickoff between Notre Dame and Army is set for 7 p.m. ET on Saturday at Yankee Stadium in New York.