Notre Dame Football Recap: Miami 3-Notre Dame 41

Oct. 6, 2012; Chicago, IL, USA; Notre Dame Fighting Irish quarterback Everett Golson (5) is pressured by Miami Hurricanes defensive end Shayon Green (51) in the second quarter at Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: Matt Cashore-US PRESSWIRE

At Soldier Field on Saturday night, a rivalry was renewed with new twists to the storyline. In a late move, Brian Kelly benched Everett Golson for a violation of team rules. The benching only lasted for one series, however.

When Everett Golson returned, Notre Dame scored immediately on a 10 play, 88-yard drive. The drive was capped off by a 1-yard by Theo Riddick. On the drive, Golson was 2-for-2 for 27 yards.

Notre Dame was aided early in the game by several Miami miscues. On the first Hurricane drive, Miami Receiver Phillip Dorsett dropped two sure touchdown passes. When Ben Turk went to punt after the first Irish possession, Miami was slapped with a roughing the punter penalty. Later, Miami was hit was holding call that negated a Miami touchdown.

Notre Dame followed up their touchdown drive with a field goal. Notre Dame’s drive totaled 70 yards on 12 plays. On the third drive, Notre Dame kicked another field goal to take a 13-3 lead. Late in the first half, Golson lead Notre Dame down the field. He went 4-for-4 for 48 yards. Kyle Brindza missed the field goal attempt at the end of the drive. The Irish took a 13-3 lead into halftime.

Notre Dame received the ball at the beginning of the second half. They started the half in emphatic fashion. Notre Dame went on a 6 play, 81 yard drive in 3 minutes and 3 seconds. The Fighting Irish followed up that drive with another touchdown on a Cierre Wood 3 yard run.

The most explosive play on the evening was when George Atkinson III cut back and darted 55 yards for a touchdown. Atkinson displayed his talent and speed on this play. He showed that he can really be one of the top backs in the country with his size and speed.

Cam McDaniel finished off the evening for the Fighting Irish carrying the ball 11 times for 55 yards on the final scoring drive. McDaniel showed that he can play too.

Everett Golson had an efficient evening going 17 for 22 and 186 yards with no turnovers. The Irish had two Running Backs that went over 100 yards. Atkinson had 10 rushes for 123 yards. Wood had a dominant performance running for 117 yards on 18 carries and 2 touchdowns. Overall, the Fighting Irish ran for 379 yards. The way the Offensive Line played, anyone would have run well.