Notre Dame football vs. Wisconsin review: 3 studs, 3 duds in Week 4
By Andrew Hall
Notre Dame football vs. Wisconsin review: 3 studs, 3 duds in Week 4
3 Studs
We kick off our analysis of the Notre Dame football team’s 41-13 victory by taking a closer look at 3 studs who made this win possible. This week’s trio is a quartet; an honorable mention making a very special appearance.
Brian Kelly
For fans, writers, and, perhaps, Kelly himself, it has yet to sink in that current Notre Dame football head coach Brian Kelly holds the program record for most victories. His legacy is not cemented yet. But, currently, Kelly finds himself in an unusual and unprecedented situation. His teams found enough success to help rewrite the record books. However, Kelly and his squads have not won the ultimate prize.
Until that happens, no one including Kelly will be satisfied.
His achievement and success deserve more praise than it currently receives. He helped stabilize the Irish program and reach levels of success not seen in South Bend for 25 years.
Cam Hart
In his first year as a starting cornerback, Hart has faced many ups and downs. Coaches decided to substitute Tariq Bracy against Toledo. He was beaten several times for big passing plays against Purdue. However, he possesses the most important trait for a cornerback: a short memory.
Hart has played physical against the run and has made several outstanding plays on the ball including a tipped pass that eventually found its way into the arms of D.J. Brown.
Against Wisconsin, Hart’s short-term memory worked in his favor. He was called for a questionable pass interference penalty. He responded by intercepting two passes to help the Irish secure victory.
Chris Tyree
The fourth quarter of Saturday’s contest featured many heroes including Drew Pyne, Jack Kiser, Cam Hart, and Drew White, but none of them could have made an impact if it were not for the spectacular kick return by sophomore running back Chris Tyree. Tyree exploded for a 96-yard kickoff return touchdown. He broke open with a devastating cut and smoked the rest of the Badgers to the end zone.
His kickoff return changed the complexion of the game and forced Wisconsin to put the ball in the air.
Honorable Mention
A special honorable mention goes out to my wife, Carly, who endured 36-hours of labor over the weekend. She gave birth to our first child in the early morning hours on Sunday. Baby did not arrive in time for the Badgers but is ready for a top-10 tilt against Cincinnati.