The college football world has a new defensive powerhouse – and it’s a familiar golden helmet rising to the top. The Notre Dame Fighting Irish have surged to No. 1 in defensive stop rate through 10 games, shutting down opponents at an unprecedented clip.
Stop rate measures the percentage of defensive possessions that end in a punt, turnover or turnover on downs. It’s a straightforward but telling metric of a defense’s ability to get off the field without surrendering points. And so far, no one’s doing it better than Notre Dame.
Stifling Defense Powers Undefeated Start
The Irish boast a stop rate of 81.7% through 10 games – best in the nation. In their 9-1 start, only Louisville has managed to crack 20 points. Notre Dame ranks in the top 5 in nearly every major defensive category:
- Tied for 1st in takeaways (25)
- 2nd in pass yards allowed per attempt (5.3)
- 1st in opponent completion percentage (47.7%)
- Top 5 in third down defense
- Top 5 in red zone defense
It’s a remarkable start for a unit replacing several key playmakers from last season. All-America cornerback Benjamin Morrison was lost to a season-ending hip injury. Edge rushers Jordan Botelho and Boubacar Traore have also missed time. Yet the Irish haven’t missed a beat.
Army’s Triple Option Looms as Next Challenge
To keep their magical season rolling, Notre Dame must now contend with Army’s vaunted triple option attack. The No. 24 Black Knights chew clock and limit possessions with a grinding run game, ranking 3rd nationally in stop rate themselves at 80.6%.
Head coach Marcus Freeman knows the challenge that Army presents. “They do an incredible job of controlling the game with that offense,” Freeman told reporters. “Our defense will need to be disciplined and make the most of every opportunity.”
The Irish have been stout against the run, holding eight of 10 opponents under 150 rush yards. But the Black Knights’ unique scheme will put that strength to the test. A victory would further validate Notre Dame’s defensive dominance.
Depth Fueling Playoff Push
As Notre Dame aims for a deep run in the 12-team College Football Playoff, its defensive depth has shone through. Key reserves have stepped up to fill absences across the unit, not allowing production to dip.
“We always preach next man up,” said senior linebacker JD Bertrand. “Guys prepare like starters whether they’re at the top of the depth chart or further down. So when their number gets called, there’s no drop-off.”
That competitive depth has the Irish confident heading into season-defining clashes with Army and archrival USC. Two more dominant efforts could secure a playoff bid – and prove this defense stacks up with the program’s all-time best.
The Nation’s Top Defenses
While Notre Dame leads the country in stop rate, several other defenses are close on its heels. Here’s a look at the top units through Week 12:
| Rank | Team | Stop Rate |
| 1 | Notre Dame | 81.7% |
| 2 | Ohio State | 81.7% |
| 3 | Army | 80.6% |
| 4 | Texas | 79.7% |
| 5 | Tennessee | 77.8% |
Ohio State is tied with the Irish at 81.7% but has played one fewer game. Texas and Tennessee have also been dominant, while Army’s lofty ranking further illustrates the challenge awaiting Notre Dame in Week 13.
Offense Pulling Its Weight
While its defense is earning headlines, the Irish offense has more than held up its end. Notre Dame averages over 34 points per game, led by the steady play of quarterback Sam Hartman.
The Irish rank in the top 25 nationally in most offensive metrics, achieving impressive balance. If the defense maintains its suffocating form, even a slight uptick in offensive production could make Notre Dame a true title threat.
Playoff Implications
With the regular season winding down, the stop rate rankings lend insight into which defenses are peaking at the right time. Other notable contenders include Ohio State (81.7%), Penn State (71.4%), Oregon (72.8%) and one-loss Tulane (71.1%).
“In today’s game, you need to get stops to win titles,” an ACC coach told ESPN. “Points are up, offenses are more explosive than ever. So when you find a defense that can consistently get off the field, that’s a championship-level unit.”
Notre Dame certainly fits that description. After years of fielding solid but unspectacular defenses, this year’s version has the makings of a special group. If the Irish can carry their stop rate success into postseason play, their first national title since 1988 may be within reach.
Time will tell if Freeman’s crew can sustain this torrid defensive pace. But for now, the Fighting Irish are stopping opponents better than any team in America – and dreaming of the championship glory those stops could deliver.
