Notre Dame: Paul Moala was the Unsung Hero vs. Navy

Reserve linebacker Paul Moala stepped up in a big way for Notre Dame against Navy.

Saturday was finally a fun one to watch against Navy and the triple option! Notre Dame absolutely dominated from the start, scoring on their first possession and never looking back in a 52-20 victory. Offense was nearly unstoppable and the defense played lights out and forced numerous uncharacteristic turnovers — which is the kryptonite to the Navy offense.

Someone that came in, stepped up and impressed in a big way was linebacker Paul Moala. He earned the Unsung Hero award against Navy.

Moala accounted for 2 tackles, a tackle for loss and a dagger fumble recovery that was returned for a touchdown to start the 4th quarter. The statistics don’t really show his impact, especially once the second unit started mixing into the game. Against the triple option, it’s imperative to stay in your gaps and trust your teammates will do the same so you’re able to play fast and physical football.

Moala did exactly that on multiple plays.

One was a huge end around trick play that he completely sniffed out in the backfield and the other of course was the tipped ball on the option pitch that he picked off and returned for score. He has quickness that I wasn’t aware of and always seems to be in the right position to make a play.

The young linebacker is just starting to find his groove in the Irish defense. He’s already made an early impact on special teams, and it’s really cool to see that from someone who comes from just down the road out of Mishawaka, Indiana. Kids that come from the backyard of South Bend are always people you love to root for, and Irish fans are excited to follow the young man’s future in blue and gold. What a showing in front of his home crowd for Moala and much deserving of the Unsung Hero this week.

I do expect to see more of Paul Moala the rest of the year and for him to get an opportunity to possibly even play some different linebacker spots, outside of his backup Rover position, especially with the season ending injuries to linebackers Jack Lamb and Shayne Simon. It will definitely be something to follow and pay attention to over the next few games.

For now, Boston College comes to town Saturday, and look out for Moala to try to make another impact play for Notre Dame on defense.