Notre Dame football: Week 1 offensive grades vs. Florida State
![Notre Dame Fighting Irish quarterback Jack Coan (17) hands the ball off to Notre Dame Fighting Irish running back Kyren Williams (23).The Notre Dame Fighting Irish lead the Florida State Seminoles 17-14 at the half Sunday, Sept. 5, 2021.Fsu V Notre Dame458 Notre Dame Fighting Irish quarterback Jack Coan (17) hands the ball off to Notre Dame Fighting Irish running back Kyren Williams (23).The Notre Dame Fighting Irish lead the Florida State Seminoles 17-14 at the half Sunday, Sept. 5, 2021.Fsu V Notre Dame458](https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/upload/c_fill,w_720,ar_16:9,f_auto,q_auto,g_auto/shape/cover/sport/f5c52e5331975abf17ed4ca205b6ebfbf328e060bd60373291b73797d594ed47.jpg)
Notre Dame football: Week 1 offensive grades vs. Florida State
Wide Receivers/Tight Ends
The wide receivers were highly criticized last season as they struggled with injuries and couldn’t find who would be their next great player. Against Florida State, Notre Dame seemed to have that presence, that explosiveness, that it takes to help open the offense up.
Kevin Austin was phenomenal, getting open and showing off his natural talent that has been promised for years now. Braden Lenzy was stretching the Florida State secondary downfield, a true threat Notre Dame hasn’t had in forever.
Even Joe Wilkins went out there and took the ball away from the Seminoles secondary to score a touchdown. It was great to see.
Michael Mayer is the clear favorite target of Jack Coan, as the big tight end was open all night long. Florida State had no idea how to cover him, and there were times when defensive backs were literally bouncing off him. His touchdown on a 4th down on the opening drive set the tone for the night to come. He did have two drops, including one that would have helped to avoid overtime.
Those do need to be cleaned up, but he was great otherwise.
Grade= A