Where Notre Dame football made the grade in playoff ending dominance over Army
Notre Dame football extends its win streak against Army to 16 and its season win streak to nine as the Fighting Irish improve to 10-1 on the season. The Irish defeated the Black Knights 49-14 Saturday night at Yankee Stadium for the rivalry 100th-anniversary tribute to Notre Dame's “Four Horsemen.” The Irish dominated on all three phases of the ball as the offense continues to show flashes of brilliance and improves week by week, and the defense shut down Army run pass option and held the Black Knights to the fewest yards and points for their season. Here is a quick recap of Notre Dame offense, defense and special teams against Army, Nov. 23.
How Notre Dame Football made the grade in a win that ends Army's playoff hopes
Offense: A-
Notre Dame’s offense continues to improve week by week as they exploded for 49 points. Irish were led by Jeremiyah Love as he exploded for 130 rushing yards which is the third time this season he had 100 or more rushing yards. He picked up two more rushing touchdowns including a 68 yard rushing touchdown and a six yard receiving touchdown. Love three touchdowns against the Black Knights is a career high. Love has a rushing touchdown in every game this season and a total of 14 rushing touchdowns. Riley Leonard threw for 148 yards and two touchdowns on 10/13. Army’s defense was giving up just 82 yards on the ground per game and an average of just 10 points per game before Irish dominated in the trenches in their top 20 victory. Jordan Faison led the Irish in receiving yards with 46 yards in two catches. Beaux Collins also added four catches for 37 yards.
Defense: A-
Irish Defense continues to step up and demonstrate why they are one of the best in the country. Irish held the Black Knights to 233 total yard which is 187 yards below their average. Army offense averaged a league best 335 rushing yards per game entering Saturday and the Fighting Irish contained them to their lowest rushing yards this season at just 207 yards. Irish also held Army to just 14 points which is tied for their lowest amount of points they scored this season. Notre Dame forced one turnover as Leonard Moore caused a fumble in the second quarter and was picked up by Jack Kiser.
Special Teams: D
Notre Dame’s special teams’ unit had a mixed performance. On the positive side, Fighting Irish special teams got involved early, as Bryce Young blocked a punt from Army’s James Wagenseller, which lead to another Riley Leonard touchdown pass as he connected with Jeremiyah Love on a six yard pass in the first quarter. Young now has three blocked kicks on the season. However, the main concern for Irish fans is the kicking game. Mitch Jeter went perfect on extra points but continues to struggle since his hamstring injury. Jeter missed a 48 yard field to end the first half and then had a 30 yard field goal blocked in the third quarter. Jeter ended the day going 0-2 which makes him 7/11 on the year.
Overall Grade: A-
While Notre Dame offense and defense continue to show they are deserving to be in the playoffs and host a home playoff game, Irish kicking game is becoming a real concern. Notre Dame can rely on their offense and defense to dominate these weaker opponents but when the College Playoffs come around, the Irish kicking game needs to be better. However, focusing just on this game, Notre Dame did exactly what they needed to do and dominated from start to finish. Love had a career day, Leonard was pulled after the third quarter and the defense held one of the countries “best offense” to just 14 points. Notre Dame will face USC next week at the LA Memorial Coliseum.