Former Notre Dame star Aaron Taylor issued a bold challenge to Fighting Irish fans ahead of their highly anticipated College Football Playoff matchup against Indiana.
Taylor, a former All-American offensive lineman, called out Notre Dame supporters to create an electric atmosphere when the No. 7 Irish host the No. 10 Hoosiers next Friday.
Speaking on CBS Sports Network, Taylor didn’t hold back in playfully critiquing the crowd noise – or lack thereof – in South Bend.
“Here’s my gripe with Irish fans. They’re just not loud. It’s not loud in that stadium,” Taylor said. “And I don’t think Irish fans can be loud in that stadium, and it really embarrasses alumni how quiet it’s been in that stadium. I wouldn’t be surprised if Indiana beat us because it’s so quiet there.”
The comments, delivered with a mix of jest and sincerity, were a rallying cry for fans to step up their game and create a hostile environment for the Hoosiers.
Notre Dame fans have been waiting 36 years for the program’s elusive 12th national championship, and the stakes couldn’t be higher.
Tickets for the game are commanding astronomical prices on the secondary market as fans scramble for a chance to witness history. (This alone may be a bad sign for those wanting a truly raucous atmosphere.)
Notre Dame’s path to the CFP has been remarkable, especially after their shocking home loss against Northern Illinois.
Since then, the team has rattled off 10 straight victories, averaging 40.8 points per game – the third-best in the nation – while allowing just 13.6 points per game, also third-best.
While their schedule hasn’t be the toughest, Marcus Freeman’s team has done exactly what they needed to do – and have done so in dominating fashion.
In other words, those claiming the Irish don’t deserve to be in the playoffs are absolutely foolish. (Looking at you Cam Newton.)
Next Friday’s matchup will pit Notre Dame’s powerful rushing offense against Indiana’s stout run defense.
Led by standout running back Jeremiyah Love, the Fighting Irish rank 10th nationally in rushing offense.
Love, who has scored in every game this season, has been unstoppable in recent weeks, racking up 366 rushing yards over his last three games.
Indiana, however, boasts the nation’s top rushing defense, limiting opponents to just 70.8 yards per game and 2.5 yards per carry.
Clearly, something has to give.
Also, it’s safe to say that quarterback Riley Leonard will be called upon to make at least a couple game-changing plays in the passing game. (He of course is an excellent runner as well.)
As for Taylor’s comments, he clearly is trying to send a message to Notre Dame fans. It’s his way of trying to urge Irish supporters to create as hostile of an environment as possible.
While no one will confuse South Bend with Baton Rouge at night, Notre Dame fans have stepped up to the plate in big primetime matchups over the past few years.
What are your thoughts on Taylor’s comments? … Will Irish fans bring the juice next Friday night???
