Claypool's Big Night Earns Game Ball

Chase Claypool came up huge for Notre Dame on Saturday night at Northwestern as the junior receiver recorded eight catches for 130 yards to help the Irish move to 9-0 with the 31-21 win. 

The 6-foot-5, 227-pounder utilized power and agility to make big plays for the offense after the catch, and it’s something the Irish receivers have been focused on.

“It’s been our emphasis as of late,” Claypool said of making things happen after the catch. “The first half of the season we haven’t been getting YAC (yards after catch). We’ve been more possession receivers, and throughout the week we’ve been focused on getting up the field.” 

Claypool’s ability to run a defender over comes from his size, but he also possesses the rare ability to makes moves to get free despite his intimidating size. 

“It gives me an edge,” stated Claypool, who got the game ball. “If I can go attack the guy one play and then slip by him and catch a ball the next play, it makes it hard on a defender. Whatever I can do to give me an advantage I’ll do.” 

The big game comes almost a year to the date of Claypool’s best game to date. On November 4th of last year, Claypool recorded nine catches for 180 yards a score against Wake Forest. 

Heading into Saturday night, Claypool knew he would have a chance to make plays, and he embraced the opportunity.

“The game plan definitely set me up for it,” Claypool said of his big game. “I didn’t know it was going to be this many opportunities but going into the game, you want to feel like you’re going to play a big role in the game.” 

Notre Dame’s offense has turned the ball over on its first possession of the game on back-to-back weeks, and Claypool knows the sloppy play needs to get shored up the final three games of the season.

“We came out kind of slow,” explained Claypool. “We had the opportunities, and we have to capitalize on it. It’s all about what we do during the week. We always talk about being a second-half team.” 

Quarterback Ian Book capitalized on his opportunities to Claypool and the other receivers in the second half on his way to throwing for 343 yards and two scores. 

Claypool and Book have a clear chemistry, and it’s becoming a problem for defenses. 

“Ian is going to put the ball wherever you need it to be,” Claypool said. “It was right there for me on the slant route. I trust him, and he trusts me.” 

At 9-0, Claypool knows each win brings more and more pressure, but he believes the Irish learned from last November and are set on making sure it doesn’t happen again. 

“We have to stay humble,” said Claypool. “Last year around this time, the rankings came out, and Miami happened. That’s why we are coming out to these games and keeping our focus. You never know who can beat you. We have to keep working.”