Notre Dame has had no problems on offense to this point in the season. The Irish have scored 199 points through their first five games, including 50 against the Syracuse Orangemen earlier today.
Their defense has been another story, however. For the fourth time this season they have surrendered more than 30 points. That simply isn’t a sustainable way to win football games, and the Irish, who’s season has to be considered a disappointment even if they win out the rest of the way, must make improvements.
Notre Dame won the game, 50-33, led by a strong effort from star quarterback Deshone Kizer.
History.
DeShone Kizer’s 471 Pass yds today are the most in a win in Fighting Irish history.
Notre Dame defeats Syracuse, 50-33. pic.twitter.com/n7J6mCzCCd— SportsCenter (@SportsCenter) October 1, 2016
Syracuse scored 30 points for the first time this season against a Division-I team, in large part thanks to quarterback Eric Dungey picking apart the Notre Dame secondary. He threw for 363 yards and two touchdowns while throwing no interceptions. Dungey was also the leading rusher for the Orange, being classified as a runner 17 times and amassing 49 yards on the ground.
Notre Dame's defense is so bad today that Syracuse is defending itself. https://t.co/KR9tLPVUQs pic.twitter.com/s30eX54pgc
— SB Nation (@SBNation) October 1, 2016
However, for as bad as the Irish defense was, they were just that good on offense.
DaShone Kizer threw for 471 yards and three touchdowns. Irish back Josh Adams added 102 yards between the tackles and Dexter Williams added 80, including a 59 yard touchdown run.
Reverses the field. Finds the open lane. Takes it 59 yards to the house. https://t.co/4MGeWgel8X
— SportsCenter (@SportsCenter) October 1, 2016
Notre Dame will play some pretty potent offenses the rest of the way and will need to improve their pass rush and their coverage if they hope to receive a bowl bid this season.
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Photo Credit: Twitter