This defense has been poor. In the Ohio State game, down by 4 points in the 4th quarter, ND had Ohio State pinned inside the 5 yard line. The defense needed at a minimum to hold them without a first down and make them punt. Best case, get a turnover. Both options would have given the offense great field position for a game winning drive. Instead, this allegedly great defense, allowed Ohio State to drive it down their throat for a 95 yard touchdown drive.
Against Marshall, ND leads 15-12 and punts the ball to the Marshall 5 yard line. Like Ohio State, this great defense needed to hold them without a first down or get a turnover. Let the offense have good field position and turn the clock out for a win. Instead, Marshall drives the ball down the defenses throat for a 95 yard touchdown drive to take the lead.
This is unacceptable. Despite the offensive problem that ND had in the two games, the defense also must hold some blame for the loss - despite only giving up 21 and 19 points. This is a case of stats being deceptive. In both games, the defense had their opponent pinned at their own 5 yard line. They needed to at least hold and force punts. Instead they allowed long touchdown drives.
Excuse me if I don't pat the defense on the back with a hearty "Well done boys".