Audric Estimè Wakes Up Notre Dame, Sets New Career-High Ahead of Ohio State
Notre Dame’s offense tallied 290 total yards in the first half, but the Fighting Irish were only leading Central Michigan 21-14.
Sam Hartman had completed eight passes for 212 yards and two scores, yet the Irish run game had struggled to find consistency. Notre Dame totaled 78 rushing yards (4.9 ypc) in the first 30 minutes and lead back Audric Estimè had seven carries for 46 yards and score.
Notre Dame needed more and Estimè delivered.
The New Jersey native ran 13 times for 130 yards and hurdled three defenders on different occasions to give a much-needed energy boost to the offense, but also Notre Dame Stadium.
“I saw the offensive linemen playing a great game,” Estimè stated. “I saw Coach Parker giving great calls. I saw everyone executing and being 1 of 11 and giving 110 percent effort. That’s all you can ask for.”
Estimé’s 176 rushing yards is a career-high and it now gives him 521 yards in just four games.
The production is great, but his ability to lead by example means just as much.
“I think Dric is a fiery guy,” explained receiver Tobias Merriweather. “It’s sometimes hard because I don’t see what’s happening behind me and all I hear is the crowd going crazy. I’m like, ‘Oh no, I gotta block this guy because he’s about to score.’ Having him back there is so great for our offense. He’s a leader and a great guy.”
The ability to make game-changing plays and turn momentum is something Estimè takes a great deal of pride in as it’s something drilled into the entire team every day they step into The Gug.
“We’re just a team that will fight for all four quarters,” Estimè said. “Coach Freeman always takes pride in one day, one life. One play, one life. If we’re playing 100 plays, each individual play is going to be its own play and we have to give 100 percent that play.”
Notre Dame head coach Marcus Freeman knows a thing or two about tackling a big back and is well aware of how it can wear down a defense.
Freeman also noted how consistency in the run game can open up the offense as Notre Dame fans saw today with Sam Hartman averaging 20.2 yards per completion.
“Trust me, it's not a lot of fun tackling a guy like that,” Freeman stated. “Those hits take a toll on you as a player I'm sure as a defender. The success we can have running the ball with Audric, with any of those running backs again, when you can run the ball and have success running the ball, you truly open up your pass game. That's always been a strong belief of mine; is that the ability to run the ball will help us in the pass game and that's what you saw today.”
Estimè echoed Freeman’s comments as he believes the Irish can have one of the most dynamic offenses in the country.
“I say we’re a dynamic offense,” explained Estimè. “We can run the ball and pass the ball. Having Sam Hartman, he’s the best quarterback in the nation. (Him) right next to me is a very big help for me. I’m very blessed and honored for that.”
Notre Dame will look to clean up some costly mistakes as the Irish were flagged eight times for 72 yards on Saturday. One of those flags brought back Estimè’s 72-yard touchdown in the third quarter.
“We’re just striving to reach our full potential like Coach Freeman always preaches,” stated Estimè. “Penalties are part of the game, but you have to put that in the past and play the next play. That’s something we gotta keep on improving week after week.”
The win also allows Notre Dame to start to focus on next weekend’s clash with Ohio State, which has been circled for every college football fan.
“It’s a big opportunity ahead of us,” said Estimè. “They’re a really good team and a really good defense. They’re undefeated right now. They’re ranked top five or something like that. We’re coming into this game like any other game. It’s another game that we have to reach our full potential. We know it’s a tougher opponent, but we’re ready for that challenge and it’s a great opportunity for us.”
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