Irish beat Cardinals in physical battle, 31-24 – Notre Dame Fighting Irish – Official Athletics Website

By Justin O’Neal

The 16th-ranked University of Notre Dame Fighting Irish earned a hard-fought 31-24 victory against No. 15 Louisville in a marquee matchup in front of a sold-out Notre Dame Stadium on Saturday afternoon.

The Irish earned the ninth victory of the Marcus Freeman era by taking an early 21-7 lead, forcing three turnovers and holding off a late Cardinals charge. Notre Dame quarterback Riley Leonard threw for 163 yards and two touchdowns, added another rushing touchdown and also led the team with 52 rushing yards. Leonard’s touchdowns went to Jaden Greathouse and Jeremiyah Love.

Freshman cornerback Leonard Moore, making his first career start, led the team with seven tackles and senior safety Xavier Watts intercepted his second pass of the season and broke up Louisville’s final pass of the night on a desperation fourth-quarter throw. chance.

HOW TO STEP

Notre Dame got off to a rough start in the highly anticipated top-20 showdown. On the first kick return, the Irish fumbled and Louisville recovered. After the special teams mishap, Louisville wasted no time in building momentum and scored on the third play of their drive. Senior quarterback Tyler Shough threw it to the back pylon and freshman Isaac Brown brought it in for a touchdown. In an instant, the Irish were down 7-0.

Notre Dame responded well. Leonard was able to show off his dual-threat ability as he led the Irish down the field through the air and with his legs. Offensive coordinator Mike Denbrock called plays that complemented Leonard’s skills, moving the pocket consistently to keep the quarterback threat in the minds of the Cardinal defense. The drive culminated with a six-yard touchdown run up the middle by Jeremiyah Love.

The next trip began and ended in a wild turn of events. Louisville’s quarterback took a keeper 43 yards downfield, only to have the ball hit by Leonard Moore and recovered by Jaiden Ausberry. Notre Dame had the ball and all the momentum again.

At this point, everything was falling into place for the Irish. After a great run down the sideline by Jadarian Price, Leonard threw a beautiful 34-yard touchdown down the seam to Jaden Greathouse. In just four plays, the Irish took the lead 14-7.

Notre Dame was firing on all cylinders. They quickly stopped Louisville on their next drive and forced a punt. However, the Cardinals made a fatal mistake, as a bad snap on the punt attempt resulted in a 45-yard loss. Notre Dame got the ball back at the four-yard line with all the momentum. One play later, Riley Leonard was celebrating in the end zone after a four-yard touchdown run. The Irish had the advantage, 21-7.

To start the second quarter, Notre Dame got a stop and the ball at their own 10-yard line. Louisville was able to force a fumble on the first play of the drive and recover it, giving them great field position. Starting in the ninth, Louisville looked to take advantage after the momentum shift. The Irish defense reached third down, but Shough launched a dart into the back of the end zone with a defender in his face. The score was now 21-14 Notre Dame.

Louisville made a much-needed stop and gave its offense a chance to tie it. After a somewhat promising drive by the Cardinals, receiver Jacorey Brooks made a catch over the middle and Irish defensive back Xavier Watts intercepted the ball. Watts returned it 33 yards before being tackled.

After the interception, Louisville’s defense held Notre Dame to a three-and-out possession. The Irish were forced to take a field goal and extend their lead to 24-14.

With time slowly running out before halftime, Louisville looked to score to take the lead. After a big drive down the field, Louisville decided to go for it on fourth-and-one from the Notre Dame 15-yard line. The Irish stayed strong, got the stop and headed into the half with momentum.

The third quarter was full of defense. Neither team could find the end zone and the fourth quarter began with the score still 24-14 Notre Dame.

The last quarter started with more of the same. Louisville forced a fourth down in which Notre Dame decided to go for it, but to no avail. After that, the Irish defense protected the end zone, but Louisville kicked a school-record 56-yard field goal to cut the lead to seven points.

Jeremiyah Love was ready to find the end zone once again. Notre Dame drove to just past midfield and he took control from there. On a seemingly routine screen pass, the St. Louis, MO running back took it to the house for a 32-yard touchdown. This extended Notre Dame’s lead to 31-17.

Despite the waning time, Louisville did not give up. Shough led them down the field, showing his pocket presence and experience at the position. He was able to find Jacorey Brooks in the back of the end zone to cut the lead to seven points with five minutes left. The Irish led 31-24 and Notre Dame looked to finish them off once and for all with their next drive.

Although it wouldn’t be that easy. Louisville managed to force a crucial three-pointer to get the ball back with 2:44 seconds left. After some positive gains, the Cardinals were at midfield hoping to continue marching toward the end zone. However, Notre Dame forced a fourth down to put the game on the line. Shough targeted Caullin Lacy at midfield, but Xavier Watts broke up the pass to seal the game. The Irish ran out the clock and left the field victorious, winning the matchup 31-24.

Justin O’Neal is a student assistant in the Notre Dame Athletic Communications office at Holy Cross College.