He had an excellent game last week, but put two kickoffs out of bounds and failed to get a touchback this week. He will need to improve on that next week since Purdue has faster return men than Nebraska. If Notre Dame can get a similar pass rush next week against Purdue, they will limit Drew Brees' big plays and help the corners out greatly. Notre Dame has not played a full game in a while. This week the defense and special teams were hitting on all cylinders while the offense stumbled all day long.
Next week is a different kind of challenge for the defense.
If Notre Dame does not get after Drew Brees he will pick Notre Dame's secondary apart. Brock Williams and Shane Walton seem to be an improvement from '99 so if they front seven helps them, Notre Dame can very well stop Purdue next week. They have to be beat after two hard fought games. As long as Notre Dame comes to play next week, Notre Dame will win.