NCAAF College Football News, Photos, Stats, Scores, Schedule & Videos...

For the 90th time, the Notre Dame Fighting Irish and the Purdue Boilermakers will take the field in the battle for the Shillelagh Trophy. This is a rivalry that dates back to 1896 when the two first met in South Bend, Indiana. Recently, it's been the highest scoring offense that takes the day, or in Purdue's case, makes this rivalry a little more interesting. The Irish have not lost to the Boilermakers since their 33-19 loss in West Lafayette in 2007. 

This Saturday, these two in-state rivals square off again inside of Ross-Ade Stadium and there's a handful of offensive matchups the Irish will have to look to dominate. Mike Denbrock's unit has yet to put a full performance together, but that hasn't stopped them from scoring 41, 52 and 27 points in their first three games. Here's the three key matchups to watch during Saturday afternoon's battle for the Shillelagh Trophy for the Fighting Irish offense. 

RUSHING ATTACK 

Notre Dame's rushing attack has left a lot to be desired through the first three games of the season. For a program that's built it's identity around running the football, the Irish have yet to amass 165 in a game this season, something they accomplished last fall eight times. There were some bright spots in their previous home matchup against Michigan State. Sophomore back Nolan James Jr. rushed for 121 yards on 26 attempts, averaging 4.7 yards per carry and one touchdown. 

Matchup To Watch: If there was ever a week to get the ground game going, it's this Saturday when they take on the Boilermakers. Purdue ranks 125th in the country in rushing yards allowed per game and 131st in rushing yards allowed per carry. They've given up eight rushing touchdowns through three games which ranks 127th in the country. Meanwhile, the Irish rank 106th in the country in yards per game (130.0) and 116th in the country in yards per carry (3.6). This is a premier opportunity for Notre Dame to build some momentum on the ground. 

LT WILL BLACK

Sophomore left tackle Will Black had a 'young guy' weekend in their last outing against Michigan State. Black struggled in pass protection and didn't generate a consistent push in the run game. The 6-7, 316-pound left tackle still has one of the highest ceilings in the starting lineup, which is saying a lot considering he's in the same room as right tackle Guerby Lambert and left guard Anthonie Knapp. Black is still a young player, and has his best football in front of him. But how will the young tackle bounce back heading into his fourth career start? This is a prime opportunity for Black to right the ship after a subpar performance last Saturday. 

Matchup To Watch: Defensive end Jeremy Lewis currently leads the Boilermakers in total pressures with eight. He's also recorded three hits plus sacks on the quarterback and has seven run stops through three games according to Pro Football Focus. Lewis will routinely be matched up across from Black. This will be another test for the young Fighting Irish left tackle. Lewis is 6-4, 260-pounds and is a quality athlete. Look for Black's impact as a pass blocker as well as in the run game. 

WR JADEN GREATHOUSE 

Last week, it was the Micah Gilbert breakout performance. This week, we could be in store for a Jaden Greathouse breakout performance. The 6-1, 212-pound slot receiver had a good outing against Rice, but had a quiet season opener against Wisconsin and a relatively quiet game against Michigan State as well. During the offseason, we talked about the Irish receiving corps being more by committee than anything. So far, this season, that's remained true with a relatively even split between Jordan Faison and Gilbert who each have 13 receptions on the season. This weekend could be Greathouse's opportunity to build some momentum. 

Matchup To Watch: Greathouse's matchup against Boilermaker's slot cornerback Smiley Bradford is one that Denbrock should take advantage of. The 6-0, 200-pound nickel corner has been targeted six times this season, allowed six receptions for 110 yards and one touchdown. He's yet to record a pass break up or an interception according to Pro Football Focus. Greathouse is one of the better contested catch receivers in the country, but he needs the opportunity to show that. This Saturday is a prime opportunity to get the Texas native going against better competition than Rice. 

—— 

Become a premium Irish Breakdown member, which grants you access to all of our premium content and our premium message board! Click on the link below for more.

BECOME A MEMBER 

Be sure to stay locked into Irish Breakdown all the time!

Join the Irish Breakdown community!
Subscribe to the Irish Breakdown YouTube channel
Subscribe to the Irish Breakdown podcast on iTunes
Follow me on Twitter: @TTrow5
Like and follow Irish Breakdown on Facebook

More at NCAAF College Football News, Photos, Stats, Scores, Schedule & Videos