Graduate defensive lineman Howard Cross III has been selected as the Outland Trophy National Player of the Week for his performance in the 31-24 win over No. 15 Louisville. Cross was the nation’s top-graded interior lineman this past weekend.
The Outland Trophy is awarded to the best interior lineman in college football, and Cross III was already named to the award’s preseason watch list, the only returning All-American on the list.
Cross III registered an 88.2 rating (90.2 against the pass) by Pro Football Focus for his performance against Louisville. He and the Irish defense limited Louisville to well below their offensive averages entering the game. Louisville rushed for just 131 rushing yards on the day; the Cardinals entered the game averaging 194.3 rushing yards per game. Notre Dame allowed 264 passing yards (Cardinals entered the matchup averaging 308.0) and 395 yards of total offense (Louisville averaged 502.3 prior).
Notre Dame owns the eight-ranked pass efficiency defense in the nation (93.46) and the 11th-ranked scoring defense (12.6). Louisville entered the game ranked 12th in the nation in scoring offense, averaging 47.3 points per game. The Irish defense held Louisville to 24 points. Notre Dame also forced three Louisville turnovers; the Cardinals entered the game ranked 10th in turnover margin (1.33), and Notre Dame won the turnover battle +1 on the day.
Notre Dame took part in one of four matchups this past weekend in which both teams were ranked in the Top 25. Notre Dame is one of four teams with two Top 25 wins this season. Among those teams, Notre Dame is the only team with two wins over teams ranked in the Top 25 this past weekend.