In what will be the largest win in program historical past, the Notre Dame Preventing Irish knocked off the Georgia Bulldogs 23-10 to win the Sugar Bowl and advance to the subsequent spherical of the School Soccer Playoffs. It’s the primary time they received a New 12 months Six Bowl in Preventing Irish historical past. This win additionally breaks the Irish 31-year drought of not successful a serious bowl recreation. Positive The Irish have received bowl video games, nevertheless, these have been the smaller bowl video games. Not those which are marquee occasions.
This sheds the narrative that Notre Dame can’t win a giant recreation. Throughout that 31-year drought, everybody talked about how Notre Dame was essentially the most overrated workforce within the nation. They’re high quality when enjoying their schedule, however on a nationwide stage, they will’t compete. Their efficiency on the nationwide stage solely helped that argument. Even essentially the most optimistic Notre Dame fan most likely felt they have been going to lose to Georiga.
Nonetheless, that narrative is now useless. That’s an outdated take and applies extra to Brian Kelly than it does to Notre Dame. Take a look at what the 2 have accomplished since Kelly left for LSU. This win indicators that the Marcus Freeman period goes to be completely different. That the Irish are going to have the ability to compete with the perfect groups within the nation. Listed below are the most important takeaways.
Notre Dame Protection Gave the Group Momentum
Notre Dame has had arguably essentially the most protection within the nation. They have been the second in scoring protection with solely Ohio State giving up fewer factors. Now though Irish followers knew how good this protection was, the nationwide media wasn’t as certain. They knew they have been good, however didn’t assume they might cease a few of the greatest offenses within the nation. Or be capable of win a recreation by themselves and make up for the offense brief comings.
Nonetheless, it was Notre Dame’s protection that threw the momentum within the Irish favor. Within the last minute of the primary half, the Irish protection made the play of the sport. Georiga had the ball on their 25-yard line. RJ Oben was capable of get to Gunner Stocken for a 12-yard loss. Nonetheless, Stocken misplaced the soccer and was recovered by Notre Dame at Georgia’s 13-yard line. On the subsequent play, the Irish scored extending the result in 13-3 proper earlier than halftime.
That play swung momentum within the Irish favor, and so they by no means gave it again. With out that fumble restoration who is aware of how the remainder of the sport goes? The Irish solely had a three-point lead at that time. There’s a world the place Georiga will get a fast rating earlier than the half. Or they make a cease as an alternative of permitting the kickoff return. Both of these would’ve swung momentum again to the Bulldogs. Nonetheless, the protection stepping up put them ready to place the sport out of attain.
Riley Leonard Is A Gamer
Plenty of folks, together with myself, owe Riley Leonard an enormous apology. After the loss to NIU nearly each Notre Dame fan was prepared to surrender on Leonard. Saying that each one the hype he acquired within the switch portal was overblown. Even after rebounding and placing in a good season the nationwide media nonetheless doubted Leonard’s capability to play and be capable of defeat a few of the greatest colleges within the nation.
Nonetheless, along with his play over the previous few video games, he deserves everybody’s respect. Take a look at what he did within the Sugar Bowl. Positive his passing stats weren’t spectacular going 15/24 for 90 yards and one landing. Nonetheless, his principal impression on this recreation was his legs. On 14 carries he had 80 yards with an extended of 32 yards. Anytime the Irish wanted a primary down he put every part on the road to maneuver the chains.
Leonard has the persona everybody needs of their quarterback. Positive he might need the power to throw the ball 50 yards down the sphere for a fast rating. Nonetheless, he’s going to do every part in his energy to place you ready to win. Whether or not that be a easy five-yard cross or leaping over defenders he’s going to offer it his all.
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: Sean Gardner.