Notre Dame Football: Williams Carried the Load against Florida State

Notre Dame football is 10-0 for the first time since 2012, thanks in large part to Dexter Williams’ effort carrying the ball. He’s this week’s offensive player of the game.

Saturday night was one of the top 3 coldest nights since 1980 in Notre Dame Stadium. Being there, it sure as heck felt like it might have been the coldest. But being frozen was one of the last things on my mind after a dominate game for the Irish, beating Florida State 42-13. Perhaps the temperature was on the front of the Seminoles’ minds, as they seemed they were ready to head back to Florida early in this game.

Offensively, the Irish got off to a much needed fast start. With Ian Book being sidelined for the game with a rib injury, Brandon Wimbush took the helm for the Irish. Wimbush did a lot of good things with his legs and some with his arm when it really mattered most, throwing three touchdown passes to make sure the Irish were never in jeopardy of losing the game.

But I don’t think anyone will disagree with who the offensive stud really was Saturday night. He carried the offense (literally) and dominated every time he had the ball in his hands. He was not playing around and showed all the traits Kelly talks about daily. There is little doubt that running back Dexter Williams was the Slap The Sign offensive player of the game.

Willams had 20 carries for 202 rushing yards, along with 2 touchdowns. That’s over 10 yards per carry. If he continues with that state line, Notre Dame a football game the rest of the season. He was outstanding and completely dominated everyone on the Florida State’s defense.

I will say this again though: Williams is the most dynamic player on the roster and he must have around 20 carries a game. I also think it might be a good idea over the next few weeks that the staff tries and finds creative and different ways to get Dexter the ball because of how special a player he his for this offense. Whether that includes screens or wheel routes out of the backfield, whatever it is, the Irish will only get better if they get Williams the ball more often. Once again, I expect Williams to carry over his play Saturday afternoon against a top 12 team in Syracuse and dominate his opponent.

With Ian Book likely making his return from injury, we just might see some of those quick passes to Dexter out of the backfield that I suggested, just so the ball gets of out Book’s hands faster and he doesn’t take unnecessary hits. Maybe I’m just hoping that’s added to the game plan. Regardless, feed Dex.