Notre Dame Football Recap: Arizona State 34-Notre Dame 37
By Andrew Hall
Oct 5, 2013; Arlington, TX, USA; The Notre Dame Fighting Irish sing the Alma Mater after Notre Dame defeated the Arizona State Sun Devils 37-34 at AT
2013 Notre Dame Football
Arizona State vs. Notre Dame
Notre Dame executed its game plan on their way to a 37-34 victory over #22 Arizona State. The Irish needed to run the ball and control time of possession to beat Arizona State. However, their road to victory had a few bumps.
After starting the game with an excellent drive, Kyle Brindza had his kick blocked. Notre Dame stalled and the Sun Devils built a 6-0 lead. But, with 3:35 to go in the first half, Tommy Rees hit Ben Koyack for a 19 yard touchdown. But, Notre Dame failed to stop the Sun Devils on the following drive.
Austin Collinsworth was beaten by Jaelen Strong on 4th Down for a 36 yard touchdown. But, Notre Dame responded on a 8 yard Rees to Jones touchdown pass as the Irish took a 14-13 lead into halftime.
Notre Dame dominated in the third quarter, outscoring the Sun Devils 10-0. The Irish carried a 24-13 lead into the fourth quarter.
But, just as Notre Dame fans thought the 5th Shamrock Series game was in the bag, Tommy Rees let the Devil right in. Osahon Irabor intercepted Rees and returned it 37 yards for a touchdown.
Notre Dame tacked on a field goal to make the score 27-20. But the score did not stay that way for long. ASU Receiver De’Marieya Nelson scored on a 21 yard pass from Taylor Kelly.
However, Notre Dame responded with a long drive that ended in a Kyle Brindza field goal. Following a Matthias Farley interception, Notre Dame failed to run the clock out. Arizona State had the ball inside their own 10. Taylor Kelly was hit and then intercepted by Linebacker Dan Fox who returned the pass for a Notre Dame touchdown.
ASU Running Back Marion Grice scored with 0:11 seconds left. TJ Jones recovered the onside kick and Notre Dame survived.
Survived. They may have kept their season alive tonight. This was a must win game and Notre Dame definitely played like it. The Defense slowed a great Arizona State Offense and the Offense did its part to win the game. Notre Dame still has a lot to work on. But, they should be pleased their victory going into Bye Week.