Notre Dame brings dynamic backfield, trench dominance into in-state rivalry clash with Purdue

SOUTH BEND, Ind. (WNDU) – As third-ranked Notre Dame heads down to West Lafayette for an in-state rivalry clash with Purdue, all eyes are on the backfield. After an explosive performance against Michigan State, sophomore Nolan James Jr. has officially played his way into shared starting duties alongside Aneyas Williams. The two have formed a dynamic one-two punch for the Irish ground game, keeping defenses off-balance and legs fresh. While the official depth chart might list a “co-starter,” James said personal pecking order takes a back seat to execution whenever his number is called. “Yeah, definitely. Honestly, to me, it…