SOUTH BEND, Ind. — For the second time in three weeks, Notre Dame will host a MAC opponent as a four-touchdown favorite. And there’s a good chance the experience against Northern Illinois will inform how Saturday afternoon (3:30 p.m., NBC) unfolds against Miami (Ohio).

Miami is not particularly great against the run and running the ball is just about the only thing Notre Dame is doing well offensively right now. Expect Jeremiyah Love and Jadarian Price to both have big days again as the Irish roll to the first home win of the season.

RedHawks (0-2) at Notre Dame Stadium on Saturday, 21, 2024. The contest will be broadcast on NBC, with the kickoff at 3:30

No. 17 Notre Dame hopes to avoid another upset at the hands of a Mid-American Conference team when it hosts Miami (Ohio) on Saturday.

Notre Dame returns home coming off a strong road victory but looking to avoid disaster against another MAC team in the house that Rockne built, as Miami of Ohio comes to town in college football's Week 4 action on Saturday.

In that blowout, the Irish lost two starting offensive linemen in center Ashton Craig and right guard Billy Schrauth. They are replaced by veterans with starting experience, Pat Coogan at center and Rocco Spindler at right guard, but Coogan has never started at center, and that is thus a new fulcrum next to Spindler.

No. 17 Notre Dame hopes to avoid another upset at the hands of a Mid-American Conference team when it hosts Miami (Ohio) on Saturday.

Irish fans want Notre Dame to be successful against opponents but also want them to be successful long-term. Leonard needs to go out on the field on Saturday and throw for the end zone. Especially since his backup, fan-favorite junior Steve Angeli threw for two touchdowns in less time last week.

The Notre Dame defense is off to a fast start in the 2024 season. They are allowing just 12 points per game so far, which is highlighted by an elite pass defense. In general, that group looks like it could be one of the best in college football.