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Notre Dame Football: The Play That Changed Everything Against South Florida

By Andrew Hall

SOUTH BEND, IN - OCTOBER 12: A detail view of the back of a Notre Dame Fighting Irish helmet during a game against the USC Trojans at Notre Dame Stadium on October 12, 2019 in South Bend, Indiana. Notre Dame defeated USC 30-27. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images)
SOUTH BEND, IN - OCTOBER 12: A detail view of the back of a Notre Dame Fighting Irish helmet during a game against the USC Trojans at Notre Dame Stadium on October 12, 2019 in South Bend, Indiana. Notre Dame defeated USC 30-27. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images) /
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The Notre Dame football team routed an outmatched South Florida on Saturday afternoon, 52-0, which brought their record to 2-0 on the season.

Last week, Jay Bramblett changed the game for the Notre Dame football team on a fake punt. This game-altering play was quite obvious as it sparked the Notre Dame offense and propelled the Irish to victory. In a blowout, the play that changed everything is not quite as obvious. In this case, the kickoff might be considered as the game changing play because an Irish victory was inevitable.

The biggest question on Saturday was not whether Notre Dame would win, but what the margin of victory would be. Late in the 3rd Quarter, Notre Dame lead 38-0. The Irish only added a field goal to add to their 35-0 lead. Would this game turn from a big win to an absolute blowout?

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With 3:34 left in the 3rd frame, South Florida lined up for one of their 6 punts. Like their other punts, the Bulls completely botched the execution. It began with another errant snap that went over the punter’s head. Kenny Scribner attempted run down the loose ball and get off an emergency punt. However, Sophomore Linebacker Osita Ekwonu and Freshman Defensive End Jordan Botelho were close in pursuit. As Scribner turned to punt, Ekwonu blocked his punt attempt and sent the ball rolling towards the goal line. Botelho perfectly executed the fumble recovery as he rolled into the endzone, making the score 45-0.

It was the cherry on top of what would be a great all-around team effort for the Irish.

The Irish added another touchdown late to make the score, 52-0. A victory was almost guaranteed, but a blowout, shutout win was not. A 52-0 win looks great in the box score and gives Notre Dame confidence for the rest of the season.

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