Notre Dame continued their scorching streak in opposition to their historic rival Military, beating them 49-14 in Yankee Stadium. The historic residence for this rivalry. Though some would possibly see this as a nothing-burger as a result of it’s solely Military, it is a large win for the Irish. That is the most effective Military staff we’ve seen in years. They had been ranked nineteenth and had been 9-0, the primary time Military had been undrafted this deep into the season since 1996. Many pundits and analysts thought that if Military performed their type of soccer, with lengthy methodical drives that chew up the clock, that they had a shot at knocking off Notre Dame.
Nevertheless, from the bounce Notre Dame confirmed that these takes had been overblown. Within the first quarter, it was clear that the Irish had been the a lot better staff. They had been quicker and stronger than Military was, shortly leaping out to a 14-0 lead. They didn’t look again from there and had the sport wrapped up by the third quarter.
This win makes an already spectacular report look even higher. Notre Dame at the moment are 4-0 when enjoying a ranked opponent, and are 6-1 in opposition to bowl-eligible groups. That’s a reasonably spectacular resume. In the event that they’re capable of beat USC subsequent week, they’re a lock to host a playoff sport in South Bend. Listed below are the opposite takeaways.
Jeremiyah Love: 2025 Heisman Contender
One of many principal storylines for the Irish this season has been the success of the operating sport. This success is thanks largely to the play of Jeremiyah Love. Love confirmed once more on Saturday, why he’s the way forward for the Irish offense dashing for 130 yards on seven carries, with two touchdowns. That’s a mean of 18.6 yards per carry. Love has additionally scored a landing in eleven straight video games this season, and has rushed for a number of in three of the final 4 video games.
Now, Love is a significant component on this present Notre Dame squad. If he can proceed to place up performances like this, it’s onerous to see a approach for the Irish to not make a deep playoff run. Nevertheless, the most effective half about Love is he’s solely a sophomore. With how effectively he’s performed this season, he needs to be an early favourite to win the 2025 Heisman Trophy.
Though Notre Dame has seven Heisman winners, tied for second all-time, there was a noticeable drought. The final time an Irish participant took residence the award was again in 1987 when Tim Brown received. That’s a 37-year drought. Certain it’s onerous to have a participant win a Heisman, nevertheless with how traditionally essential Notre Dame has been, the actual fact the drought is that lengthy is unexpectable. For Notre Dame to ascend again into one of many prime applications within the nation, Love has to finish the streak subsequent season.
Underclassmen Stood Out For Notre Dame Protection
A recurring theme of this Notre Dame protection has been the following man up. They lose a giant identify or distinguished piece to damage, and whoever they’ve changed them with has had a giant sport. More often than not it’s from Freshmen and Sophomores. Guys you assume want time to develop and received’t have the ability to make a lot of an influence. Nevertheless, these back-ups have performed the identical, arguably higher than the starters have.
Nevertheless, after the Military sport, the success of the protection is because of them. In response to “One Foot Down”, Freshmen and Sophomores accounted for 64% of whole tackles and 67% of solo tackles. Which means that a lot of the performs made on Saturday had been made by underclassmen. With this, this protection formally belongs to them. They’re the rationale for the way effectively they’ve carried out.
This isn’t simply good for this season however for the way forward for the Irish. With so many of those key items being Sophomores and Freshmen means they nonetheless have a pair years of eligibility left. And in the event that they’re enjoying this effectively this season, think about the place they are often as soon as they develop somewhat bit. There already within the prime three for many statistical classes. The Irish could possibly be a generational protection if every part goes proper.
Brian Germinaro is a sportswriter for Stomach Up Sports activities. Comply with 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: Dustin Satloff.