In a commanding performance, No. 16 Notre Dame clinched its fourth consecutive victory, defeating NC State 36-7. The game, held in South Bend, Indiana, highlighted the Fighting Irish’s dominance, particularly in the second half.
Game Highlights and Statistics
Quarterback C.J. Carr was instrumental in the win, throwing for 342 yards and two touchdowns. He completed 19 of 31 passes, showcasing his ability to connect under pressure.
- Touchdowns: Carr threw an 18-yard TD pass to K.K. Smith and a 12-yard pass to Will Pauling in the third quarter.
- Rushing: Jeremiyah Love rushed for 86 yards and scored two touchdowns.
- Receiving: Eli Raridon had seven receptions for 109 yards, while Pauling tallied four catches for 105 yards.
Second Half Surge
The Fighting Irish entered halftime with a narrow 10-7 lead but exploded in the second half, outscoring NC State 26-0. This turnaround reflects Notre Dame’s ability to adjust and execute their game plan effectively.
Defensive Prowess
Notre Dame’s defense was a significant factor in the game, securing three interceptions and four sacks. NC State struggled offensively, amassing just 233 yards of total offense, in stark contrast to their season average of 447.7 yards.
- Key Defensive Statistics:
- 3 Interceptions
- 4 Sacks
- 5 Tackles for Loss
- 1 Safety
Coaching Remarks
Head Coach Marcus Freeman acknowledged the team’s need for improvement despite the victory. He emphasized the importance of focusing on execution and not underestimating opponents.
NC State’s head coach, Dave Doeren, noted that turnovers significantly impacted their performance. The Wolfpack’s quarterback C.J. Bailey struggled, a factor that limited their offensive potential.
Upcoming Games
Following this win, Notre Dame looks to maintain its momentum as they prepare to host Southern California next Saturday. NC State, on the other hand, will face Pittsburgh on October 25.
The fourth straight win for Notre Dame solidifies their position in the rankings, while NC State must regroup after facing challenges in recent outings.
