On Friday night time, Notre Dame added one other chapter to its storied historical past, profitable the primary recreation of the 12-team playoff period. In entrance of a sold-out crowd at Notre Dame Stadium, the Irish dominated Indiana 27-17. Though the rating suggests an in depth recreation, it’s a bit deceptive. The Irish had a 27-3 lead going into the finale minute and a half. Indiana scored two touchdowns in rubbish time to make the rating look higher.
That is additionally Notre Dame’s first victory within the playoff period. Going again to the four-team period, the Irish had been 0-2 in playoff video games. Not solely that however they weren’t aggressive within the video games in opposition to Clemson and Alabama. They misplaced by a mixed rating of 61-17 in these two video games. Nonetheless, it was a special Irish staff this time round. They scored extra factors in tonight’s recreation than of their earlier two appearances.
This win has impressed loads of optimism within the Irish fanbase. Though there are questions on if Indiana deserved to make the playoffs, that shouldn’t take away from the way in which Notre Dame performed. They proved that they’re ok to maintain up with the perfect groups. That they’ve a official shot to go on a deep run on this 12 months’s playoffs. Listed here are the most important takeaways.
Jordan Faison Leads Notre Dame Passing Assault
Though Notre Dame’s dashing assault has been the spine of this Irish offense, and was a key contributor to the win. The query of how good the Irish passing recreation was questioned. It wasn’t simply whether or not or not Riley Leonard might step up. But when the Irish had a receiver that might be the principle goal on this offense. Somebody that’ll be the extensive receiver primary.
The Irish might need discovered that Friday night time when sophomore Jordan Faison had a profession recreation. He had seven receptions for 89 yards, together with his longest reception going for 44 yards. This efficiency comes after Faison solely caught 16 passes all season. If Faison can proceed performances like this, it’ll make the Irish offense extra dynamic. They don’t need to rely solely on the working recreation to win video games. They’ll have a extra balanced method that retains opposing defenses guessing.
Faison’s breakout additionally is nice for the way forward for this system. A younger inexperienced quarterback will seemingly be beginning subsequent season. Somebody they’re going to need to develop through the season. Having a large receiver primary will assist rather a lot of their improvement. It offers whoever Notre Dame places at quarterback a receiver they’ll belief and look to in each passing play.
Notre Dame’s Protection Steps Up
Notre Dame’s protection was anticipated to face an actual problem going up in opposition to Indiana’s offense. Indiana had the most effective offensive within the nation this season. They had been second within the nation in factors per recreation, averaging 41.3. In addition they talked about how Indiana quarterback Kurtis Rourke hardly ever made a mistake this season. It appeared prefer it was going to be a real take a look at of how good Notre Dame’s protection was.
Nonetheless, Notre Dame’s efficiency cemented it as the most effective protection within the nation. Certain this was one thing lots of people already believed, nonetheless if you maintain the second greatest scoring offense within the nation to 3 factors by way of majority of the sport it beneficial properties you much more respect. It solitfies the claims of being the most effective defenses within the nation.
If Notre Dame protection can repeat their efficiency, their path to the championship bought rather a lot simpler. Elite play like it will shut down any offense they face. Thus permitting the offense to play their type of soccer, and never have to fret about taking part in catch-up.
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 faculty soccer content material. Function picture credit score: Icon Sportswire.