Notre Dame football: Offensive Grades vs. Syracuse

Notre Dame football: Offensive Grades vs. Syracuse

Wide Receivers/Tight Ends

In a game that started with multiple drops on the opening drive, including a Javon McKinley dropped touchdown pass. This was a huge part of that sleepwalking issue, along with the skills players struggling to get open for Book early in the game. Eventually, the wide receivers and tight ends got their act together, though.

That started with Ben Skowronek and Michael Mayer getting the ball moving on crossing routes, but it was blown open by McKinley on deep balls.

McKinley caught three touchdown passes against Syracuse, but he could have had even more. Still, that’s an insane game from a player who most people weren’t expecting to be the headliner among the Irish wide receivers. His touchdown right before the end of the first half gave Notre Dame the separation they needed to not have to worry about Syracuse going into halftime with hope.

Later, he’d add another touchdown in the late third quarter to help runaway from the Orange.

Javon McKinley obviously lead the day through the air, with seven catches, three touchdowns, and 111 yards. Skowronek and Mayer had strong days too, combining for nine catches and 107 yards. The tight ends behind Mayer were quiet, however. Tommy Tremble had one catch for 18 yards. Avery Davis was held in check too, with two catches for 10 yards. Finally, Braden Lenzy continues to disappoint, with one catch for zero yards.

Grade= B+