Skip to main content
Join
Team Avatar
Syracuse

Dino Babers gives initial thoughts on Notre Dame

On3-Social-Profile_GRAYby:On3 Staff Report•10/26/22
dino-babers-shares-thoughts-on-notre-dame-ahead-of-matchup-this-weekend
(Eakin Howard / Getty Images)

No. 16 Syracuse is coming off its first loss of the season, a very respectable 27-21 defeat at the hands of No. 5 Clemson. The Orange now face Notre Dame, another quality opponent that will challenge coach Dino Babers‘ squad.

Babers opened up on the things he’s seen from the Fighting Irish on film.

“This is a loaded, five-star team similar to the team that we just played and it’s going to be an exciting game,” Babers said. “We’re looking forward to it and we’re trying to get healthy enough for it to show our best, put our best foot forward.”

Notre Dame has been a bit up and down this season, though injury has a little to do with that.

Starting quarterback Tyler Buchner was lost for the season, thrusting backup Drew Pyne into the limelight. He has acquitted himself quite nicely, enough to impress Babers.

“They have their second quarterback is in, he’s more shifty, he’s more mobile,” the Syracuse head coach said. “He’s more like a shiftier guy than a guy that sits in the pocket, and they have receivers that are speedy and big.”

Dino Babers impressed by Notre Dame running backs, tight end

One thing Babers honed in on with the Fighting Irish is how diverse the run game has been. Notre Dame has gotten really good play from its offensive line of late, affording three different running backs the chance to go to work.

Top 10

  1. 1

    Nick Saban endorsed

    Lane Kiffin suggests as commish

    Hot
  2. 2

    Diego Pavia

    Vandy QB ruling forces change

  3. 3

    Notre Dame takes shot

    Announcer trolls Fighting Irish

    New
  4. 4

    Stephen A. Smith fires back

    Beef with Kirk Herbstreit continues

  5. 5

    Paul Finebaum

    'Lousy' CFP committee

View All

Audric Estime, Logan Diggs and Chris Tyree have all logged at least 70 carries this season.

“They have three tailbacks. They rotate three tailbacks,” Babers said. “They’ve got a big bruiser, they’ve got a shifty and they’ve got a speed guy and they are difficult to bring down behind that offensive line, which is always good. Notre Dame always has a big-time offensive line. And when they get the tight ends next to them, they have a tendency to be able to run the ball on anybody they want to.”

But the tight ends are also a threat in the passing game.

Michael Mayer has been a serious weapon, already accounting for 44 catches for 526 yards and six receiving touchdowns this season.

“Notre Dame, fabulous team, outstanding offensive personnel,” Babers said. “Their tight end’s an NFL tight end. Their defense is just as good as Clemson’s. And that’s not to talk bad about the offense.”

Notre Dame and Syracuse will meet Saturday with a noon ET kickoff and a national broadcast on ABC.