Notre Dame came away from Saturday’s primetime game versus Michigan State with a signature win, and increased expectations. The Irish physically dominated the Spartans en route to a 20-3 victory. This week’s shamrock sticker winners were instrumental in leading the Irish to their first 3-0 start since 2002.
Manti Te’o
Playing with a heavy heart Manti Te’o turned in his best game of the season, registering 12 tackles, a fumble recovery, and two pass breakups. Te’o was often charged with shutting down Michigan State’s biggest weapon Le’Veon Bell, a task he was more than up too as Bell was held to 77 yards rushing. Te’o was the leader of an Irish defense that didn’t allow Michigan State into the red zone all night and only allowed the Spartans to run one play in Irish territory in the entire second half.
Prince Shembo
The Irish outside linebacker had a career day versus the Spartans, tallying nine total tackles, two of which for a loss, as well as a sack and two quarterback hurries. Shembo was a thorn in the side of the Spartans offensive line all day, constantly pressuring the quarterback and doing a brilliant job of setting the edge. Aside from his personal foul in the first quarter, Shembo played a perfect game for the Irish.
Everett Golson
Notre Dame’s young signal-caller looked like a veteran in a hostile environment versus a traditional rival. Golson did a beautiful job of managing the game and eliminating the big mistake. Golson was content to throw the ball away when a play was covered instead of forcing things, which allowed the Irish defense to never be forced to defend a short field. Golson went 14/32 passing for 178 yards and a touchdown, while rushing for another touchdown, and continued to display his mobility and talent for extending the play.
Ben Turk
Irish punter Ben Turk makes his second straight appearance on shamrock stickers with another brilliant performance. With the Irish offense struggling to move the ball at times Turk was called upon to punt on eight occasions. Turk averaged 42.4 yards per punt and pinned the Spartans inside the 20 four times. More amazingly, three of Turk’s four second half punts flipped the field, with the Spartans being forced to start at their own 12, 4, and 21 yard lines. Turk also drew a crucial roughing the kicker penalty when the Irish were backed up deep in their own territory.
ChrisJ-Shumate should get signifigant playing time. He is very good in coverage and can come up and lay some timber on the ball carrier. Good observation!
Gp Irish! Hooah!
Did anyone else see the two-deep depth chart for this week? I’m not sure why Elijah Shumate isn’t listed in the two-deep or even as a starter. It seems like this kid is our best DB outside of Motta. He has like 5 pass break ups or something and I don’t think anyone he has covered in the 3 games has a single catch.
How about a sticker for Bob Diaco, he’s using these young guys so well, Tony Springman, Sheldon Day, Shumate, even Jalen Brown and Josh Atkinson, they don’t play a lot but make plays when they do, he doesn’t leave them in long enough where they get fatigued and make mistakes but a couple plays in and out and give 100% energy when ur in. Also K. Russell has played really well and improved each game and took on L. Bell head on one play.
The subs in the secondary deserve a lot of credit. Farley, Shumate, and Atkinson, got time and playrd well. Farley stepped in for one of the leaders in or secondary(Slaughter)and didn’t miss a beat. Shumate looks like a player, needs to see the field. Zeke Motta has to step up and lead this young secondary now that Slaughter is gone.
Fox, Tuitt, and Day also deserve mention for their outstanding play. Nix was also a beast. And don’t look now guys but shumate is gonna be something special.
Amen Delta,
Shumate has made big plays in all three games. I must admitt, win or loose, our freshman are really contributing early, amazing and fun to watch.
Here come the Irish!
I agree with the frosh play. It’s about time we have some young playmakers that are playing at this level for a change.
Go ND
How about John Goodman? I know it was an amazing catch, but it’s what happened just before he made the catch that impressed me the most…he used his body to shield the defender away from him, not allowing the DB to get to the ball. That is why the DB ran into his back, wrapped his right arm up, but was unable to get to the football allowing Goodman to use his still free left arm to make that fantastic catch. That is a veteran receiver playing like a champion.
Also, why he didn’t do much else in the game, the catch was HUGE, in my opinion, because it built an early Irish lead in that hostile environment.