Notre Dame Football: What You Should and Shouldn't Be Concerned About

SOUTH BEND, Ind. — Notre Dame football scored a monster win Saturday in its last scheduled meeting with its rival Michigan, topping the Wolverines, 31-0, under the lights before a raucous crowd at Notre Dame Stadium.

"

Pretty good RT @edsbs: https://t.co/rko6txA69g

— JJ Stankevitz (@JJStankevitz) September 7, 2014"

Notre Dame put together a complete performance and shut out the Wolverines for the first time in the history of the series, which began in 1887.

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The sack should clinch ND its first shutout in this series and the first shutout of Michigan by anyone in 365 games — 1984.

— Andrew Owens (@BGI_AndrewOwens) September 7, 2014"

The Irish, though, weren’t perfect Saturday, as head coach Brian Kelly and players were quick to note afterward. So what should Notre Dame fans be concerned about at this point in the season? What do they not need to worry about?

Should: Secondary

Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images

Cole Luke and Max Redfield

Despite the strong performance by the defensive backs and the marked improvement of safeties Elijah Shumate and Max Redfield, there’s still reason to be concerned with this group moving forward.

Saturday was merely one game in a challenging slate of 12. Shumate and Redfield, who struggled with communication against Rice in Week 1, appeared to play freer and faster against the Wolverines, combining for 16 tackles and two interceptions (one each).

"

Max Redfield and Elijah Shumate struggled last week. Complete 180 vs. Michigan. Huge for Irish defense.

— JJ Stankevitz (@JJStankevitz) September 7, 2014"

But this group—and these safeties—needs to show it on a consistent basis, especially considering the Irish will face a slew of high-scoring offenses this season. Michigan didn’t make Notre Dame pay for its mistakes, so those didn’t become glaring in the way they were against Rice.

Teams like Stanford, North Carolina, Florida State, Arizona State, Louisville and USC will be able to punish the Irish when there are breakdowns in the back.

Should: Freshmen on Defense

Michael Conroy/Associated Press

Kolin Hill

It all seems well and good right now, with Notre Dame playing a host of young, talented freshmen on the defense. But at some point, this could catch up to the Irish.

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Kolin Hill is the 11th #NotreDame freshman to play this season.

— Andrew Owens (@BGI_AndrewOwens) September 6, 2014"

Of the 11 freshmen, eight are defensive players. Granted, many of those Irish freshmen have seen limited snaps in reserve roles, but there is still reason for concern when Notre Dame has to rely—in however small a role—on rookies.

Kelly has said since the beginning of fall camp that the Irish coaches know there will be mistakes made by the freshmen. Notre Dame is just hoping those are outweighed by the raw ability they bring.

So far, so good. But be wary.

Shouldn't: Run Game

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Cam McDaniel

Notre Dame compiled a nauseating stat line on the ground Saturday, rushing 31 times for 54 yards (1.7 yards per rush). Senior running back Cam McDaniel was Notre Dame’s leading rusher with a whopping 25 yards.

But after the game, Kelly was not too concerned with Notre Dame’s inability to move the ball on the ground, citing Michigan’s preference to load up the box.

“We're on the goal line and there's nine guys on the line of scrimmage, and we found a way to get it into the end zone,” Kelly said. “So, we'll continue to run it, even in a loaded box, because I think our backs are gifted enough that they can make some people miss in there.”

Kelly is right. There’s not much to be worried about after the slow running day. McDaniel and sophomores Greg Bryant and Tarean Folston still form the same talented and balanced trio they appeared set to be during spring ball and fall camp.

Now, quarterback Everett Golson has proved his passing prowess. Defenses should be hesitant to stack the box.

Shouldn't: Offensive Line

Michael Conroy/Associated Press

Steve Elmer (79)

Despite some slip-ups against Rice and some shuffling on the line against Michigan, the offensive line is nothing to be worried about long term.

There figured to be some growing pains early on, with only center Nick Martin and right guard Christian Lombard returning to the same starting roles they held in 2013. But left tackle Ronnie Stanley has looked solid, left guard Conor Hanratty has earned both starts so far and right tackle Steve Elmer played better Saturday, according to Kelly, than he did against Rice.

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BK on Steve Elmer: Pass Pro was better due to better sets/footwork. Also focused on own job rather than helping inside (old guard habits)

— Tim O'Malley (@timomalleyND) September 7, 2014"

Even with Lombard and senior Matt Hegarty rotating Saturday while Lombard nurses a sore right ankle, the line held up fine against the Wolverines.

This group is deep, versatile and well-coached by Harry Hiestand.

Carry on.

All quotes obtained firsthand unless otherwise noted.

Mike Monaco is a lead Notre Dame writer for Bleacher Report. Follow @MikeMonaco on Twitter.