Emily DeFazio // The Observer

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Irish Insider

Irish Insider: Purdue 2021

Mannion McGinley, Jimmy Ward, Aidan Thomas, Colin Capece, Emily DeFazio and Nate Moller | Friday, September 17, 2021

Digging in: Veteran Jarrett Patterson leads Irish’s inexperienced offensive line Details, details, details: Hinish cites tackles and small tweaks for Purdue success DeFazio: 2021 is NOT the new 2020 Thomas: History says Purdue battle is a pivotal moment in the 2021 season Boilermakers excited for challenge, looking to pass attack for upset Staff Predictions Head-to-Head

Irish Insider

DeFazio: 2021 is not the new 2020

Emily DeFazio | Friday, September 17, 2021

If there is anything that I can safely say about the 2021 football season, it is that it has already not gone as expected. Twice in a row now, I have almost had to eat my words, and my faith in Notre Dame football is proving to be somewhat unjustified. Twice in a row, I

Sports

Staff Predictions 2021: Notre Dame vs. Purdue

Mannion McGinley, Jimmy Ward, Emily DeFazio, Colin Capece, Nate Moller and Aidan Thomas | Friday, September 17, 2021

Aidan Thomas — Sports Writer I guess Toledo was the best team in Ohio on Saturday — or at least that’s how Notre Dame made them look. The rush defense and offensive line continue to be the primary concern for the Irish. Tyler Buchner provided a little electricity and variety to the Irish offense, and

Sports

Isaiah Foskey: new roles, same mentality

Emily DeFazio | Friday, September 10, 2021

Though the defense did not perform at their normal level, junior Isaiah Foskey posted a breakout performance in the Irish’s matchup against FSU on Sunday. His eight tackles and two sacks made him a force to be reckoned with on the field, demonstrating his versatility as a player. Foskey said that he believes himself to

Irish Insider

Toledo Head-to-Head

Mannion McGinley, Aidan Thomas, Nate Moller, Jimmy Ward, Colin Capece and Emily DeFazio | Friday, September 10, 2021

Notre Dame Passing Jack Coan solidified himself as the answer at quarterback against Florida State, bringing the downfield dimension to the offense that it needs to move like a well-oiled machine. The Wisconsin graduate transfer tossed for 366 yards and four touchdowns, finding four different receivers for scores. Offensive coordinator Tommy Rees must have known

Sports

Observer on the Ground: FSU

Emily DeFazio | Wednesday, September 8, 2021

Tallahassee may be the state capital of Florida, but FSU is the capital of Tallahassee. From the moment we landed in Charlotte, there were hoards of passengers piling onto flights, decked out in their Seminole gear. They wanted it known: They would be there at 7:30 p.m. Sunday night, and they meant business. The small

Sports

Playmaker Michael Mayer holds trust, value from team in season opener

Emily DeFazio | Monday, September 6, 2021

From the moment his cleats touched the field in Tallahassee, Michael Mayer defined himself as an invaluable asset for Notre Dame. Though a couple of incomplete passes proved painful for Irish fans — causing “fifteen extra minutes of heart failure,” as our very own Aidan Thomas experienced — the contributions outweighed the struggles in this

Sports

Florida State Head-to-Head

Mannion McGinley, Aidan Thomas, Jimmy Ward, Colin Capece, Emily DeFazio and Nate Moller | Friday, September 3, 2021

Notre Dame Passing There are a lot of question marks surrounding Notre Dame’s passing game ahead of Sunday’s opener. Quarterback Jack Coan hasn’t played since 2019, and it remains to be seen if he can replicate the success he had at Wisconsin. He will have tight end Michael Mayer to throw as well, who will

Sports

Observer Football Beat predicts how primetime matchup with FSU ends

Aidan Thomas, Nate Moller, Colin Capece, Mannion McGinley, Jimmy Ward and Emily DeFazio | Friday, September 3, 2021

Aidan Thomas — Sports Writer This game reminds me of the last time Notre Dame played in the ACC’s Sunday night primetime opener. In 2019, the Irish took on Louisville on the road, facing a squad coming off a horrific season that had some potential for the upcoming campaign. That describes the Seminoles quite well,

Sports

Observer Football Beat: Season Predictions

Emily DeFazio, Mannion McGinley, Aidan Thomas, Colin Capece, Nate Moller and Jimmy Ward | Wednesday, September 1, 2021

With the 2021 football season rapidly approaching, the Observer football beat writers were forced to sit down and consider how the months ahead will unfold for the team. Word of high-stakes rivalry matchups, an undefeated season and a potential CFP or NY6 bid have all been tossed around the Notre Dame fan base … now

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