At one level, this was thought of the sport of the yr for Notre Dame. Florida State was alleged to be a nationwide championship contender, and it might be used as a measuring stick. How good was this Irish workforce, and will they hold with one of the best? Nonetheless, this recreation misplaced a lot of its luster as a result of Seminoles’ abysmal season. The Irish added one other painful chapter to this Flordia State season, crushing the Seminoles 52-3.
Notre Dame did precisely what good groups do to inferior opponents. Which makes the sport not even aggressive. Positive the primary quarter noticed Florida State put up a little bit struggle ending the quarter solely down 7-3. Nonetheless, after that, it was all Irish as their offense flourished and their protection shut down the Seminoles’ offense fully.
A number of credit score needs to be given to Marcus Freeman and the teaching employees. After the loss to NIU, this season might’ve gone off the rails. The workforce was booed off their dwelling discipline and all the pieces felt prefer it was going within the mistaken route. A poorly coached workforce simply would’ve let that recreation smash the season. Nonetheless, Freeman used the sport as motivation. He didn’t wish to let his workforce neglect the ache of the loss and made them by no means wish to really feel that method once more. That messaging is an enormous cause for Notre Dame to show round. It’s why they improved week in and week out, and why Freeman has proved himself as the best man to steer Notre Dame. Listed here are the opposite main takeaways.
The Notre Dame Go Rush Is A Sport Wrecker
When speaking concerning the Irish protection, folks typically carry up the secondary. Which is honest as a result of they’re arguably one of the best within the nation. Nonetheless, this nice secondary overshadows a powerful defensive position/move rush. A unit that was receiving nationwide reward as effectively. Professional Soccer Focus had them ranked sixth finest within the nation earlier than the season began. Saturday evening, they confirmed why they have been deserving of that rating.
The unit recorded eight sacks, a brand new season excessive for the Irish. They have been led by Rylie Mills who was capable of get to Flordia State Quarterbacks thrice. This efficiency allowed Mills to leap Howard Cross III for the workforce lead in sacks. Nonetheless, it wasn’t simply Mills, Donovan Hinish additionally had a multiple-sack recreation. Whereas Bryce Younger, Jaiden Ausberry, Jaylen Sneed, and Junior Tuihalamaka break up the opposite three sacks.
Positive Flordia State has a nasty offensive line and that’s why the sack quantity was so excessive. Nonetheless, if Notre Dame can construct off this, it’ll assist them make a deep run. If you will get to the quarterback and disrupt him, you’re going to be in place to win the sport. It’s loads more durable for an opposing quarterback to attend for a play to develop and get his receivers downfield when you’ve move rushers in your face. Thus taking the massive play away, and permitting Notre Dame to not must play catchup.
Riley Leonard Lastly Had The Sport We Anticipated
Probably the most scrutinized participant this season has been Riley Leonard. Though he’s improved each week he performed, he nonetheless didn’t attain the expectations Irish followers had set for him. When he transferred from Duke, he was seen because the lacking piece. A dual-threat quarterback who can change the sport with one throw. Nonetheless, he’s left loads to be desired from a passing perspective. He was seen as quarterback however nothing completely different than what Notre Dame already had.
Nonetheless, we noticed the quarterback we thought Leonard could possibly be Saturday evening. He accomplished 14 passes on 27 makes an attempt, for 215 yards and a landing. He additionally rushed for 70 yards and two touchdowns. These have been the sorts of performances we have been anticipating from Leonard. One the place he has spectacular numbers by way of the air and on the bottom. Once more this was in opposition to a nasty Florida State workforce, but it surely’s a constructive signal for the remainder of the season.
One of many major criticism, I and plenty of Notre Dame followers have introduced up is that they don’t have a dynamic quarterback. Somebody who can win the sport by themselves, such as you see at Alabama and different prime applications. It was the largest hole between Notre Dame and the highest tier of faculties. Nonetheless, if Leonard continues to carry out like he did on Saturday, it closes the hole. It makes Notre Dame a way more formidable opponent, and a workforce that may make a deep run.
Brian Germinaro is a sportswriter for Stomach Up Sports activities. Observe him on Twitter/X for extra sports activities protection and Stomach Up Sports activities for much more school soccer content material. Function picture credit score: Icon Sportswire.