SOUTH BEND — The anticipation is building as Notre Dame football gears up to face Wisconsin on Sunday, September 6, at Lambeau Field in Green Bay, Wisconsin. Central to this matchup is All-America cornerback Leonard Moore, who has made a significant impact in his first 25 games with the Fighting Irish. Moore has allowed just five touchdowns while in coverage, showcasing his skills as one of the top defensive players in college football.
According to Pro Football Focus, opposing teams have completed 52 receptions in Moore's coverage area over the past two seasons, but Wisconsin's coaching staff is determined to challenge him. Badgers head coach Luke Fickell expressed confidence in his team's ability to test Moore, stating, "We’ve got to not just think that we can’t go that direction. I’m not saying he’s not the best in the country. I’m not saying he’s not a top 2-3 pick in the country. But the idea is you still have to be able to run your offense." This indicates a strategic approach from Wisconsin, despite the formidable reputation of Moore.
Wisconsin's new quarterback, Colton Joseph, a transfer from Old Dominion, enters the game with a career touchdown-to-interception ratio of 32:15. Known primarily for his rushing ability, Joseph will face a tough test against Moore, who is recognized for his tackling prowess as well. Fickell noted, "The thing that I love … is we make people do everything. (Moore) will have a chance to prove that he’s the best in the country. Not just in the way he covers, but also in the way that he maybe sets some edges, maybe the way he has to fit in on some ability to tackle."
Notre Dame quarterback CJ Carr, who has been practicing against Moore, expressed his confidence in his teammate. After a recent practice, Carr smiled when discussing Fickell's comments, saying, "As his teammate, I hope the opposing team throws at him every play of the game. He’s the best corner in America. That makes our life really hard in practice. He’s made us a lot better." This sentiment reflects the high regard in which Moore is held by his teammates.
Throughout the offseason, Carr and Micah Gilbert, who is expected to start at boundary receiver, have faced Moore in practice, yielding mixed results. Carr commented on the competitive nature of these matchups, stating, "It’s a good balance when we go against him in practice. We practice a ton, so we have to test out who can go make plays for you in the boundary. We have a couple of them who are going to be really good for us this year." The competitive environment in practice is crucial for both the offense and defense as they prepare for the upcoming game.
Fickell, whose Cincinnati Bearcats notably ended Notre Dame’s 26-game home winning streak in 2021, suggested that his comments regarding Moore were also aimed at motivating Wisconsin's receiving corps, which is not as highly regarded. He stated, "Everybody’s got the goal and the dream to play at the next level. I’m interested to see how that matchup continues to go and how our guys take the challenge and run with it." This adds another layer of intrigue to the matchup, as both teams look to establish their identities.
As the game approaches, all eyes will be on Leonard Moore and how he performs against Wisconsin's offense. With both teams eager to prove themselves, this matchup at Lambeau Field promises to be an exciting chapter in the college football season.
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