Xavier Watts the talk of the nation after Notre Dame football win
Xavier Watts’ performance for Notre Dame football against USC has made the college football world take notice of his skills.
Watts, who is having quite the senior season, has had a couple of games that have made people stand up and take notice. It was his performance against Duke after all, that helped the Fighting Irish defense do just enough to stop the Blue Devils a few weeks ago.
That performance might have been the opening act for Watts’ grand coming out party as one of the best defensive backs in the country. Against one of the best offenses in the country, Xavier Watts absolutely showed out for Notre Dame football.
Against USC, Watts recorded 7 tackles, 4 defensive stops, 2 interceptions, 3 passes defended, a fumble force, a fumble recovered and a defensive touchdown. It’s hard to imagine a Notre Dame football defensive back having a better night. Against a Top 10 team.
It was a performance that sparked the Fighting Irish to a blowout, 48-20 win. It should come as no surprise then, that social media all over the country took notice of the kind of game Watts had.
That includes quite a few people from Watts’ native Nebraska who were clearly quite proud of him, even if he wasn’t playing for the Huskers.
Xavier Watts this is your night - the Omaha Burke grad and Notre Dame DB has 2 picks off of Caleb Williams.
— Sam McKewon (@swmckewonOWH) October 15, 2023
Xavier Watts with a second INT! @OmahaBurkeFB
— Mike'l Severe (@MikelSevere) October 15, 2023
Former Omaha Burke Bulldog Xavier Watts had a truly unforgettable performance tonight against Caleb Williams and USC, cashing in two interceptions, a scoop-and-score touchdown, and a forced fumble for Notre Dame. The Fighting Irish beat the Trojans 48-20. 🏈🔥 #NebPreps… pic.twitter.com/Hu5EbhpRmE
— Omaha High School Football (@OmahaHSFootball) October 15, 2023
Xavier Watts podium game. #nebpreps
— Greg Smith (@GregSmithRivals) October 15, 2023
Notre Dame football star Xavier Watts gets national notice
But it wasn’t just people from the defensive back’s old stomping ground that took notice of his performance.
Exactly 50 years ago Luther Bradley had two interceptions, a fumble recovery and a caused fumble in a win over an unbeaten top 10 Southern Cal team. Tonight ND defender Xavier Watts had the exact same stats in a win over an unbeaten and top 10 USC team
— Tim Bourret (@TimBourret) October 15, 2023
Xavier Watts shouts out his teammates after his big night with seven tackles, two interceptions and a forced fumble. pic.twitter.com/Sjy0okl1k6
— NBC Sports (@NBCSports) October 15, 2023
USC Vs Notre Dame Immediate Takeaways☘️:
— Ryan Fravel (@Fravel_Ryan) October 15, 2023
1. Our defense is ELITE!!!
2. Xavier Watts had a Top 5 All-Time individual performance
3. While our offense wasn't as improved as we wanted, they answered when they needed to
4. Chris Tyree needs more touches!
5. USC is still Charmin…
Have yourself a night, Xavier Watts.
— The Athletic (@TheAthletic) October 15, 2023
Two interceptions, a forced fumble and a fumble return for a TD for the Notre Dame safety.
🎥 @NDFootball pic.twitter.com/0wnWzhAuWu
Xavier Watts has been having himself quite the senior season. He seems to be making sure that the NFL realizes that he’s a legitimate prospect for the next level.
In the meantime, he’s making sure that Notre Dame football is able to take advantage of his performance. At times, it seems as if they’ve had to hop on his back and ride him to victory.
The good news is that he appears ready and willing to carry his teammates home.