The MAC schedule is over
Notre Dame got off to a terrible start against Miami, but despite the many mistakes, the Irish strong-armed the Redhawks for a 28-3 win at home.
The first quarter saw the Irish offense look completely inept with Riley Leonard at quarterback. But it wasn’t just the Irish quarterback, as the offensive line failed to provide much room for the running backs and the pass rush was confusing them on passing downs. You can even throw in bad play calls and a Jordan Faison fumble to the mix as they went into the second quarter tied at 0.
Shortly into the second quarter, the Redhawks had a drive stall out in the RedZone and kicked a field goal to go up 3-0 on the Irish.
Riley Leonard was struggling trying to pass the ball to just about anyone, but he did dash into the end zone from 8 yards out to go up 7-3. On the next offensive drive for Notre Dame, Leonard finally threw his first touchdown pass of the season with a 38 yarder to Beaux Collins.
It was 14-3 at halftime, but the Irish started to look like they were gaining some momentum. That carried over to the opening drive of the 3rd quarter, but Leonard fumbled after running over 40 yards to start the cycle of ugh all over again.
Notre Dame upped their lead to 21-3 after a 15 yard touchdown run from Jeremiyah Love. It was clear on the replay that Love fumbled right before the end zone and Aamil Wagner jumped on it to secure the score — but Love was credited for that extra half yard and the six points.
While Leonard’s passing game is questionable — the dude can run. In the 4th quarter, the Irish went for it on 4th and 1 and Leonard took off for a 50 yard touchdown run to make it 28-3.
The Irish defense looked a little soft early despite a Junior Tuihalamaka interception, but mostly handled Gabbert and the Miami offense for most of the day. Boubacar Traore had two sacks on the day starting in place of Jordan Botelho.
It wasn’t a dominant day for Notre Dame on the scoreboard, but they get the win to move to 3-1 on the season.
More to come on OFD.
