Notre Dame wrapped up its spring with the annual Blue-Gold Game on Saturday afternoon as the offense topped the defense 41-40.
The unique scoring format (and the ever-changing scoreboard) added intrigue throughout the afternoon, but the final moment was straightforward, as Spencer Porath drilled a 43-yard field goal to seal the win for the offense.
Despite the final score, the defense largely controlled the day.
Entering the spring with expectations of being one of the nation’s top units, the Irish defense backed up the hype. Over 12 drives, Notre Dame’s offense managed just 295 total yards, including only 73 rushing yards on 2.3 yards per carry.
Fifth-year linebacker Jaylen Sneed earned Player of the Game honors after recording four tackles and an interception, one that had been a long time coming.
“It was a coverage rep,” recalled Sneed. “We were in zone. I stepped in and then stepped out and then I saw the ball go in the air. I saw Ethan (Long) tip it and it just kind of landed in my hands. It felt good.”
While the defense didn’t show its full scheme, it mixed in different looks and occasional pressure packages to challenge the quarterbacks. Discipline before the snap was a major emphasis throughout the spring, particularly against a quarterback like Carr.
“I feel like that's been a big point of emphasis for Coach BJ (Brian Jean-Mary) this spring,” explained Sneed. “He just wants us to look the same every snap, so there's no tells. Just like Coach Ash said, CJ's so good at pre-snap, just knowing what he's seeing. If we have one foot up, he'll just know we're blitzing. He'll be like 3 right there, 3, 3, 3, and I'm like, ‘Damn, how did he know that? So we’re just getting to where we can look the same before every snap and just try to confuse the quarterback.”
Saturday also provided a glimpse of Sneed alongside Jaiden Ausberry, as both linebackers stepped into expanded roles with Drayk Bowen and Kyngstonn Viliamu-Asa sidelined this spring.
“We've been best friends since we got here and it's only been a matter of time until we got to play together,” said Sneed. “I think just our connection off the field, it just came together on the field. I just felt like we've just been getting better every practice.”
Offensively, the performance was uneven but productive enough to produce four touchdowns.
Running back Aneyas Williams, who was limited by a non-contact red jersey for most of the spring, still made an impact. The Irish often playing thud (not live tackling) when he was in the game, but Williams led the team with 38 rushing yards on 10 carries and added a touchdown.
“Just doing my job,” Williams said of his playmaking ability. “Part of this team and what we've built ourselves on is just being in the right position. For me, it's just been staying in my lane, following my path and when the right situation comes, just making the most out of it.”
The red jersey this spring might have been a blessing in disguise for Williams. It forced Williams to adapt his style, emphasizing speed and space creation rather than contact.
“I focused on speed and body control,” Williams said. “I think that's going to be a big thing. When you lose J. Love and JD, that speed in the backfield, I'm trying to make sure that we don't lose too much of that. Working on the big play capability, but I'd say specifically for me, just really creating a lot of space. That way, they couldn't say they tackled me in the red jersey. I'm just trying to get a lot of separation and really just playing fast.”
Williams has also embraced a larger leadership role within the running back room and across the offense. That leadership was evident Saturday as the offense rebounded from a slow start.
“I've always been like a vocal leader, but now just being able to be a leader throughout my play,” explained Williams. “I love it. There's nothing else I'd rather do. I love working with these younger guys because it helps me as well, being able to explain to them what's going on and what they're supposed to be doing. It helps me just as much as it helps them.”
With spring practice complete, Notre Dame now turns its focus toward fall camp. For Williams, the team’s biggest challenge moving forward isn’t external.
“Ourselves,” said Williams. “That would be a one-word answer, just ourselves. I think there's nothing in the way of this team besides ourselves. We just have to put our heads down and work. We have a long way to go and it's going to be a long season.
“This game is what we make it and we don't need to make it any bigger than what it is. Just go out there and have fun, play together, and play fast.”
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