Notre Dame physically dominated the Florida State Seminoles up front, and the Irish ran away with a 52-3 victory.
Photo via Note Dame Football
SOUTH BEND, Ind. -- The key storyline heading into the game was the matchup between the stout Fighting Irish defense and the struggling Seminoles offense.
After a 16-play, 75-yard opening drive for the Seminoles resulted in three points, the Fighting Irish defense were suddenly on their toes.
That didn't last long.
The Notre Dame defense showed their teeth after being punched in the mouth and held the Seminoles to only three points and 206 total yards.
Rylie Mills emerged as the standout player, recording three sacks after fellow interior defensive star Howard Cross III left with an ankle injury.
In Cross' absence, junior Donovan Hinish contributed two sacks, while Jaylen Sneed continued his streak of strong performances.
The Notre Dame front seven wreaked havoc on Florida State quarterbacks Brock Glenn and Luke Kromenhoek. The Seminole quarterbacks combined for only 89 yards through the air on an abysmal 38.5% completion rate, and two interceptions.
Jordan Clark secured his first interception in an Irish uniform at the start of the second half, and reserve safety Luke Talich's 79-yard pick six put an exclamation point on Notre Dame's dominance.
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From the offensive side of the football, it was a bit of a mixed bag for the Fighting Irish.
An impressive five-play opening touchdown drive set the tone for Notre Dame, but two subsequent three-and-outs left them searching for answers.
They got one by simply feeding the talented running backs, which was highlighted through Jadarian Price's 65-yard touchdown. Jeremiyah Love also extended his every game touchdown streak late in the game.
Riley Leonard had a statistically poor performance throwing the ball going 14/27 for 215 yards and a touchdown. He also added 70 yards and two touchdowns with his legs.
Leonard's completion woes are something to monitor, but the Notre Dame receivers didn't do him many favors either. Beaux Collins, Jeremiyah Love, and Jordan Faison all had a drop that derailed Fighting Irish drives.
To be elite this late in the season against quality opponents, Notre Dame needs more from their pass catchers. Jayden Harrison had his best game of the season, and Jaden Greathouse has continued to develop into a weapon for the Irish, as well.
On special teams, the punt-blocking effort resembled that of 2022, with the Irish consistently pressuring Florida State punter Alex Mastromanno. Adon Shuler and Bryce Young paired up to deflected one, and Preston Zinter recorded a block, too.
Mitch Jeter returned to the field this week after nursing a groin injury, but went 1/2 in his return, missing a 42-yard attempt, and making a 28-yard try.
In a week where Notre Dame couldn't afford to play to their level of their inferior opponent, the Irish handled business and dominated on all fronts.
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