Notre Dame moved to 3-0 on the season with a 30-14 victory over in-state rival Purdue in the annual Shamrock Series game. The Irish overcame some early adversity as they trailed late in the first half before pulling away. The Irish made adjustments at halftime and were able to shut down the Boilermakers offense in the second half and were able to create turnovers as well as limiting their own mistakes. The Irish also showed solid depth as many young players stepped up particularly in the secondary. The following players were instrumental to the Irish victory:
Kyle Brindza: Irish kicker Kyle Brindza was counted on more versus the Boilermakers than he was previously this season and he delivered. Brindza missed his first field goal attempt from 50 yards but made his next three, all of which were important to keeping Purdue at bay. Brindza also did a solid job on his punts when the Irish offense was struggling averaging just over 48 yards per punt and pinning the Boilermakers inside the 20 on two occasions.
Romeo Okwara: Junior defensive end Romeo Okwara played his best game in an Irish uniform on Saturday. The North Carolina native had a team-high 11 tackles as well as a half sack and critical forced fumble. Okwara forced a fumble that was recovered by Sheldon Day when Purdue was deep in Irish territory in the second quarter to prevent the Boilermakers from having the opportunity to take the lead. Okwara was strong against the run throughout the game and solid in the pass rush as well.
Jaylon Smith: Another week another great game from Jaylon Smith. The sophomore linebacker made multiple big plays for the Irish including a fourth down stop in the second quarter and a sack in the fourth that led directly to Danny Etling having to force the ball downfield and throwing the game-clinching interception. Smith recorded nine tackles including two tackles for loss in the victory.
Everett Golson: Irish quarterback Everett Golson had yet another solid game in a victory. The Irish offense struggled at times but Golson did enough to get the team the victory rushing for 56 yards and a touchdown while passing for 259 yards and two touchdowns. Golson made multiple plays with his legs when he had to improvise and made some excellent throws to Corey Robinson where only his tall receiver could come down with the ball.
All good choices. Brindza did convert on three key FGs, and continued to prevent returns on punts or KOs
assisting good field position. Romeo led the team in tackles, and J. Smith
was outstanding – continuing to get better every game. It’s noted that only one offensive player,
Everett Golson, gets mentioned. His arm and his legs again this week make it crystal clear how
he’s the critical playmaking difference despite an OL’s lack of blocking for the run – or the pass (4 sacks).
Like last week, and even vs. Rice, without EG’s ability to escape opponents’ pressure,
we could be easily looking at an additional dozen sacks after three games.
Romeo did not have a great game IMO because he broke contain time and time again on Sat allowing PU to rack up many a first down with mis-direction. He was extremely undisciplined.
Nice shout out to C J Prossise. He did a great job filling in for Carlisle. Looking forward to the rest of the season.
I don’t think Romeo caused hat fumble. Looked like it was self inflicted. Maybe I’m wrong. Still he was all over. Good to see.
Jaylon Smith is truly the real deal and BK is loading this team with young talent.Golson is a star developing right before us.