Notre Dame Football Rose Bowl review: 3 Studs, 3 Duds
By Andrew Hall
Notre Dame football vs. Alabama: 3 Studs
Michael Mayer
Michael Mayer continued to prove that freshman is only a term for some players. In comparison to fantastic freshman Kyle Rudolph, Mayer outplayed Rudolph during his rookie campaign and was on full display in this one.
In 2008, Rudolph caught 29 passes for 340 yards and two touchdowns, and by comparison, this season, Mayer snagged 42 throws for 450 yards and two touchdowns. Against Alabama, he proved he can play against the best players in the nation by recording seven receptions for 62 yards.
Mayer will continue to improve and become an All-American and first-round pick by the conclusion of his junior year.
DeVonta Smith
The probable Heisman winner dominated the Irish secondary to the tune of seven receptions for 130 yards and three touchdowns. Of the Alabama deadly trio, Smith felt almost unstoppable. Because of the lack of depth in the Notre Dame secondary, the Irish were unable to slow the onslaught of the Alabama passing attack, as Mac Jones finished with 25-of-30 passes for 297 yards and four touchdowns.
Najee Harris
Najee Harris’ leap over cornerback Nick McCloud highlighted Alabama’s victory against Notre Dame, as his superhuman feat dashed any hope that the Irish could match the Tide’s athleticism. Ian Book’s former 7-on-7 teammate finished the Rose Bowl with 125 rushing yards and 30 receiving yards.
Aside from the 53-yard run, Notre Dame’s defense relatively contained the running back from Antioch, California. They held the Crimson Tide below their season average of 189.82 yards per contest, but the problem is that Alabama can win in so many ways.