East Rutherfrord, NJ (UHND) - The Notre Dame defense put on quite a show Saturday night shutting out the Maryland offense to get the first Notre Dame shut out since the 62-0 drubbing of Rutgers in 1996.  The defense didn't let Maryland runningbacks get anywhere and the secondary shut down the Terp passing attack with three Shane Walton INT's.  It was truly a dominating performance and should have the Irish faithful excited about its potential.

The defense hasn't been dominant since the early 90's at Notre Dame.  The last real dominate defense that comes to my mind is the '93 squad that featured Bryant young and company.  The defense we all saw against Maryland however showed that potential.  I saw something I haven't seen from a Notre Dame defense in years, everyone flying around the ball.  Defensive linemen were seen running down field on completions and the longer runs.  Mike Goolsby and his fellow linebackers were flocking to the ball.

The secondary didn't let the Maryland passing game gain any kind of momentum.  Shane Walton set the tone early with an INT on the first pass attempt of the game.  Walton ended up making two more picks, including one on Maryland's last drive when he made an outstanding move on the ball.  His counterpart, Vontez Duff, also had his receiver on lock down.  Preston Jackson saw some action for the first time an also showed some promise.

The most exciting thing I noticed however out of the defense was the swagger with which they played.  They are very good and they know it and aren't afraid to let the opposing offense know it either.  Some fans may see this as them being cocky, but I loved seeing it.  Remember the '88 team that got in fight with Miami in the tunnel?  This defense seems to have the same mentality, they aren't going to take crap from anyone.

This defense has the potential to be a dominating bunch.  Cedric Hilliard was a beast up the middle last night and Ryan Roberts and Kyle Budinscak played well at the ends.  The linebackers played great even while missing their leader in Courtney Watson.  Brandon Hoyte showed he is ready to play last night by filing in for the ill Watson.  Mike Goolsby, a star out of high school who saw nothing more than special teams duty under Davie, also had a very strong starting debut.  If there was a pile he was there.

The offense will take time before it is clicking on all cylinders and this defense appears up to the task of giving the offense the time it needs.  The defense will see a couple good offenses the next two weeks in pass happy Purdue and Michigan and will need to be at its best again if the Irish are notch victories. 

One thing is apparent from last nights game however - this is a VERY good defense.  There was some concern over the front seven with 3 new starters, but they were very strong last night.  There was concern over the secondary with the departure of Abram Elam and Donald Dykes, but they too were strong.  From top to bottom this defense seems very solid.