Notre Dame Football: The play that changed everything vs. Boston College

Notre Dame marked off one of their goals for 2019 after blowing out Boston College and completing the undefeated season at home.

While Notre Dame will ultimately fall short of their overall season goal of returning to the College Football Playoff, they have made the most of what has remained for them this season.

Notre Dame’s season could have fallen apart after the loss to Michigan, but instead, they have turned the page. Playing some of the best football they have all season, the Irish have looked like a new team. But, to start off the game against the rival Eagles, it looked like a lackluster effort was what we were in store for.

It was a slow start for the most part. Notre Dame’s defense played up to par and made up for what the offense was lacking.

Within the first minute of the second quarter, the Irish had already settled for two field goals. While they were pleased to have two of their first three drives end with a score, the overall feeling was that field goals were not going to be enough to win the game.

That fear became apparent as Boston College found the end zone and the lead on the very next drive.

As the minutes ticked away into the latter parts of the second quarter, we were still very much unaware of what this game had the ability to turn into. Around four minutes into the next Notre Dame drive, the team was forced to make a decision that would eventually have a huge impact.

A disappointing dropped ball at the BC 24-yard line set up a 4th & 3 for the Irish. Brian Kelly could have made the call to settle for another field goal and grab the lead, or change the entire momentum of the game and go for it.

He chose the latter.

Chris Finke slanted towards the middle of the field and cut back out to his left for a quick pass from Ian Book. Book hit the target right in the numbers and kept the drive alive.

Three plays later, the Irish would find the end zone for the first time — and with that — the floodgates were opened. Notre Dame would run away with the 40-7 victory and secure the undefeated home record for 2019.