3 Notre Dame players who could pose serious threat to Gunner Stockton in Sugar Bowl, ft. Xavier Watts

It has been a long time since the Notre Dame Fighting Irish came out victorious in the Sugar Bowl. They face the Georgia Bulldogs in this season’s edition, with a place in the CFP semifinals at stake.

Despite their College Football Playoff struggles in the past, Notre Dame comes to New Orleans riding an 11-game win-streak. In their latest matchup, their defense was dominant against the Indiana Hoosiers in a 27-17 victory.

To defeat Georgia, the defensive unit should once again lead the way. The absence of Rylie Mills will be tough to overcome for the Irish defense. However, they have enough manpower to make life difficult for Georgia QB Gunner Stockton.

The Sugar Bowl will be played on Jan. 1 at 8:45 pm ET. Whoever prevails in New Orleans will face off against the winner of the Fiesta Bowl between the Boise State Broncos and the Penn State Nittany Lions for a spot in the CFP championship game.

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3 Notre Dame players who could pose serious threat to Gunner Stockton in Sugar Bowl

Howard Cross III will anchor the Notre Dame defensive line. - Source: Imagn

While Notre Dame won’t have mills on the field, the Bulldogs will be missing quarterback Carson Beck. Stockton filled in nicely in the SEC title game win over Texas, but starting against a tough defensive unit is a different kind of challenge.

Here are three players who could rattle the Georgia quarterback.

#3. Howard Cross III, Nose tackle

Without Rylie Mills, Cross will have to anchor the defensive line. While his main strength is defending the run, the nose tackle was second on the team with four sacks.

Cross can push the line through the middle and create pressure in the quarterback. But his contribution in stopping the Bullldogs’ quarterback goes beyond that.

Notre Dame’s rush defense has struggled at times. Stopping the Georgia running game is vital, as it would force Stockton to make plays in obvious passing situations against the strength of the Irish D.

#2. Leonard Moore, Cornerback

Both Moore and fellow corner Christian Gray have responded despite their inexperience. The freshman All-American has been a pleasant surprise. He totaled 24 tackles, two interceptions, two forced fumbles and eight pass deflections during the season.

The Georgia wide receivers have been inconsistent all season long. Facing one of the best secondaries figures to be a tall task for them, especially with the backup quarterback.

The Notre Dame secondary allows opponents to complete just under 50% of their passes. It all starts with their cornerbacks.

#1. Xavier Watts, Safety

Watts is one of the top safeties in the nation. The All-American safety led the Fighting Irish with six interceptions during the season. His range is also among the best in the nation, and the Georgia quarterback will have to account for him at all times.

It was Xavier Watts who arguably kick-started Notre Dame in the first round of the College Football Playoff. His interception of Curtis Rourke robbed Indiana of a chance to take the lead. The senior safety finished the game with 10 tackles and that interception and might be the most dangerous defender for the Irish on New Year’s Day.