Notre Dame Football vs. Purdue: 3 Studs and 3 Duds from Week 3

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SOUTH BEND, IN – SEPTEMBER 18: Kyren Williams #23 of the Notre Dame Fighting Irish celebrates a touchdown during the second half against the Purdue Boilermakers at Notre Dame Stadium on September 18, 2021, in South Bend, Indiana. (Photo by Michael Hickey/Getty Images) /

Notre Dame Football vs. Purdue: 3 Studs and 3 Duds from Week 3

2nd Stud: Kyren Williams

Everyone knows that Kyren Williams is one of the best running backs in college football and that he’s vital to this Irish offense. Through the first two weeks, he’s been stuck in the mud though. This is largely to do with the offensive line play that Notre Dame has struggled with. Against Purdue, though, Williams exploded.

On 4th down, Coan was able to find Williams on a short slant route. After Williams broke a tackle, he was off to the races. Then, as the game went on, the Irish were finally able to start running the football more effectively. Williams was finding space to lower his pads and attack. Eventually, this culminated in a 51-yard touchdown rush for the back.

Williams’ day ended with 12 carries for 91 yards and a touchdown, plus 2 catches for 47 yards and a touchdown.

2nd Dud: Kevin Austin

One of the most important players this year for the Notre Dame offense has been Kevin Austin on the outside, as he takes attention away from the middle of the field and can create chunk plays. That is until he didn’t have any catches against Purdue.

Of course, this wasn’t for a lack of trying. Austin was targeted over a half dozen times during the game. There were times when the coverage was too good, the throw was too inaccurate, or he simply dropped the ball. Either way, it wasn’t a good game for Austin, and that made it difficult for the Irish to move the ball.

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