Irish Roll Over Seminoles
In 27-degree weather, the third-coldest game since 1980 inside Notre Dame Stadium, #3 Notre Dame exploded for 365 yards on the ground in its 42-13 win over Florida State in South Bend on Senior Night.
The Irish took a commanding 32-6 lead at halftime, but the Seminoles showed some signs of life early in the third quarter. Florida State running back scored on a 7-yard touchdown run less than two minutes into the second half after Brandon Wimbush was picked off on the opening drive of the third quarter.
The Seminoles appeared to be on the verge of further chopping into the lead after Wimbush was again picked off on the next possession, but they couldn’t convert.
Deondre Francois was hurried by Julian Okwara on 4th and goal from the three, which forced him to throw an incomplete pass over the head of Tre McKitty.
"We've been like that all year," stated head coach Brian Kelly. "We kind of give up some yardage and bend a little bit. That's who we are a little bit. Our DNA has been kind of like that this year. We've given up some soft yards here and there. You know, in the red zone we tighten up, and we did again today. I thought there were some misfits, and I'll talk it Clark (Lea) about it."
Notre Dame was able to capitalize and drove down the field 97 yards on the shoulders of Dexter Williams who carried the ball eight of the 12 plays for 68 yards and touchdown. Williams surpassed 200 yards with his 32-yard touchdown run on the drive.
Williams exploded in the second half to lead Notre Dame’s explosive ground attack. The Irish totaled the most rush yards a strong Florida State run defense has let up this season. The senior running back cruised for 202 rush yards and two touchdowns on the night.
"He doesn't have a lot of miles on him, and I think that that helps as we go through later in the year," Kelly said of Williams. "Hasn't played a lot. Backs that have a lot of carries that are banged up, especially here in the month of November, they have a tendency to wear down a little bit. He's got fresh legs and he's still learning.
"We're seeing the effects of a back that is coming into his own and getting an opportunity now later in his career certainly, but seeing things, learning thing, and tapping into his potential. Notre Dame is the beneficiary, and he will be, too. So it's a win/win situation."
In Ian Book’s absence, the Notre Dame passing attack wasn’t nearly as effective, but Wimbush made critical throws when needed and used his legs effectively as expected. The senior signal-caller completed 12 of his 25 pass attempts for 130 yards, three touchdowns and two interceptions. Senior Chris Finke led the wide out group with four catches for 59 yards. Finke also had an electric 28-yard punt return in the win.
Aholi Gilman led the Notre Dame defense with 10 total tackles.
Playing from behind from the very beginning of the game, Florida State couldn’t get anything going offensively. The Seminoles signal-caller Deondre Francios was under pressure the whole game, but managed to complete 23 of his 47 pass attempts for 216 yards and an interception.
On the ground Akers (12 for 63 and two touchdowns) and Jacques Patrick (16 carries for 53 yards) combined for 116 yards and two touchdowns.
Dontavious Jackson did it all for the Florida State defense. The junior linebacker totaled 11 tackles (10 solo), and an interception in the loss.
Notre Dame opened the game with an interception on the second play of the game. A short pass that was intended by McKitty deflected in the air and into the hands of senior safety Nick Coleman’s for the interception.
Notre Dame score two plays later when Wimbush connected with fellow senior Miles Boykin a 2-yard touchdown on a fade. This gave the Irish a quick 7-0 lead.
The Irish defense came out with a ton of energy and was able to force a punt on the Seminoles next drive and countered with a 14-play, 81-yard drive capped by the first of two first half touchdowns for senior tight end Alize Mack. Mack caught touchdowns from 5 and 15 yards.
Early turnovers for Florida State helped Notre Dame to an early 17-0 in the first quarter.
Florida State sustained their line scoring drive in the second quarter when the Seminoles, drove down the field 75 yards in 16 plays. The drive was capped by an 8-yard touchdown run by Akers. However, Aguayo’s extra-point was blocked and returned 98 yards by Julian Love for two points. Notre Dame led 19-7.
Wimbush led the Notre Dame offense to an efficient first half. The senior signal-caller completed 10 of his 19 pass attempts for 11 yards and three touchdowns and also used his legs efficiently. He ran for 48 yards on eight carries.
Williams extended the Notre Dame led to 25-6 in the second quarter when he bolted for a 58-yard touchdown. The senior running back ran six times for 79 yards and a score in the first half.
Wimbush connected with Chris Finke three times for 48 yards in the first half.
Captain Drue Tranquill led the Notre Dame defense with six tackles and a half sack.
For the Seminoles, Francios completed 15 of his 27 pass attempts for 134 yards and an interception.
Murray was his favorite target and caught four passes for 59 yard. Patrick ran for 32 yards on nine carries to lead the Florida State run game.
Jackson led the Noles defense with five tackles.