Tyler Buchner took Notre Dame fans on one of the zaniest rollercoaster rides in memory on Friday while leading the Fighting Irish to a 45-38 victory over South Carolina in the Gator Bowl. The sophomore quarterback accounted for seven touchdowns – two rushing, three passing, and two pick-sixes by Gamecock defensive backs. In the end, however, Buchner’s short scoring toss to a wide open Mitchell Evans with 1:38 remaining was the difference. Things do not look good for Notre Dame in the early going. Carolina took the opening kickoff and needed only three minutes to race to an easy score. Spenser ..read more

Notre Dame (8-4) takes on South Carolina (8-4) in the Gator Bowl on Friday afternoon. The game is played in Jacksonville, Florida, where both teams have been practicing this week. Both the Fighting Irish and the Gamecocks will take the field without several key contributors from the regular season but the incentive to win is high for both young coaches. This matchup will be nationally televised on ESPN beginning at 3:30 PM Eastern time. Marcus Freeman must prepare Notre Dame for battle without his best offensive and defensive players, as well as his starting quarterback. Michael Mayer and Isai ..read more

As was the case recently with the offense, I’ve looked at our roster on defense in the context of where ND stands on the path toward building a legitimate championship contender. I’ve also made certain assumptions regarding players that may or may not return next season. Let’s start with the defensive line. DE – Isaiah Foskey is moving on, so the rush end (Vyper) position looks like this next season: Justin Ademilola (I’m betting he will return), senior Jordan Botelho, plus sophomores Aiden Gobaira and Josh Burnham. There are no incoming Vyper recruits in 2023. The strong side end spot has i ..read more

I’ve looked at our roster in the context of where ND stands on the path toward building a legitimate championship contender. I’ve also made certain assumptions regarding players that may or may not return next season. OFFENSE LT – The team is set with Joe Alt but they must develop his successor for 2024 since he may enter the NFL draft after next season. Discussion – The pipeline includes Tosh Baker, Michael Carmody and Caleb Johnson, along with freshmen Aamil Wagner and Ty Chan. Baker is more of a right tackle and Carmody projects as an interior player if he is going to become a starter. J ..read more

Fans wondered which version of the 2022 Fighting Irish would show up on Saturday but they didn’t have to wait long for an answer. Notre Dame overwhelmed Boston College and stormed to a 37-0 halftime lead before coasting to a 44-0 victory over the hapless Eagles. The cold and wintry weather did not bother the hosts as they dominated in all phases of the game on Senior Day. The Irish move to 8-3 on the season and will finish the regular season next week against archrival USC. Logan Diggs sent a message to BC on the first play of the game with a 51-yard romp. All three running backs scored for No ..read more

Notre Dame (7-3) celebrates Senior Day on Saturday afternoon as the Boston College Eagles (3-7) visit South Bend.  The Fighting Irish have won seven of their last eight contests including a closer than desired encounter against Navy last week. The Eagles are coming off their best win of the season, a thrilling last-minute 21-20 victory at 17th ranked North Carolina State. This week’s battle will be broadcast nationally by NBC starting at 2:30 Eastern time. A number of Notre Dame players are or could be wearing the blue and gold for the last time. Among them are Isaiah Foskey, Jayson Ademi ..read more

Just when you begin to believe in the 2022 Fighting Irish, the team finds another way of reminding us how fragile they are. Drew Pyne’s career best passing performance staked Notre Dame to a 35-13 halftime lead but the Irish elected to sleepwalk through the final two quarters before holding on to survive a determined comeback by the Midshipmen for a 35-32 win. Notre Dame finished with 66 yards rushing against a significantly undersized opponent. Navy’s run blitzes were relentless and mostly effective all day, but Pyne countered early with two quick scoring passes to Audric Estime and Braden Le ..read more

Notre Dame (6-3) travels to Baltimore on Saturday to play the Naval Academy (3-6) in M&T Bank Stadium. The Fighting Irish have found their footing in recent weeks with convincing wins over ranked opponents and will arrive in the Charm City brimming with confidence. Navy and Notre Dame have met each season since 1927 except for 2020 when COVID forced cancelation of a scheduled meeting in Dublin, Ireland. The teams will play there for the third time in the series on August 26, 2023. The Irish hold a 78-12-1 overall advantage and have won the last four. Saturday’s game will be broadcast natio ..read more

A certain skeptic who shall not be named looked at this matchup earlier in the week. Two more interceptions including a pick-six? Not bloody likely. Will we see another punt block resulting in a touchdown? You’re dreaming. How about a ground game that produces over 250 yards? That won’t happen against the impregnable Clemson front four. Will there be total domination by the Irish defensive line? You’re kidding. Can I settle for good tackling by the Notre Dame secondary? You must be smoking something. Well, you get my drift. All of these improbabilities became reality on Saturday night as the F ..read more

Notre Dame (5-3) hosts fourth ranked Clemson (8-0) on Saturday evening in the marquee game of this season’s home schedule. The Fighting Irish have built a semblance of momentum over the past two weeks. They are riding a strong ground game, an improved defense, and lights out special teams as they strive to reach their full potential. Meanwhile, the Tigers view Notre Dame as the last major obstacle on their cruise to an undefeated regular season and a berth in the College Football Playoffs.  NBC will televise the game beginning at 7:30 pm Eastern time. Coach Dabo Swinney is in his fifteent ..read more