Notre Dame Suffocates Purdue 49-10 in Complete Dominating Fashion
Photo via Notre Dame Athletics
There was plenty of hype surrounding Purdue’s offense coming into this game. After putting up big numbers and averaging just shy of 40pts a game against inferior competition, the Boilermakers were being talked about all week like they were bringing a powerhouse offense into this game. Notre Dame’s defense however, had a different message.
They smacked Purdue in the mouth from the opening snap.
Bryce Young got things started early with a sack, and it was immediately clear that this Notre Dame defense was ready to swarm. The Irish suffocated Purdue’s offense and made quick work of the Boilermakers, forcing a quick three-and-out.
Unfortunately, the Notre Dame offense responded with a three-and-out of its own. The slow offensive starts continue to be an issue for this team. Once again, the defense was forced to get right back onto the field, and Purdue was able to find some early success with its up tempo offense.
But just like they have done so many times this season, the Notre Dame defense eventually locked in and slammed the door.
The Irish special teams unit also came ready to play. Purdue tried an early fake punt at midfield, but Notre Dame was alert and stopped the Boilermakers from converting the first down. That was a huge play in keeping momentum on Notre Dame’s side.
Then the offense finally started to find its rhythm.
Nolan James Jr. showed beautiful patience and vision on a run that nearly broke for an early touchdown. That was followed by a beautiful pass to a wide-open Micah Gilbert for a touchdown.
Gilbert continues to show why he can be such an important piece of this offense. He later found himself wide open again for another huge gain. It is really nice to see Notre Dame developing another legitimate scoring threat at wide receiver alongside Jordan Faison. If the Irish can get a third wide receiver to consistently step up and become another threat, this offense has the potential to become a very high-powered unit.
The defense, meanwhile, just kept suffocating Purdue.
The Boilermakers couldn’t consistently get the ball across midfield, and the Notre Dame defensive line continued to make life miserable for the Purdue offense.
Freshman Joey O’Brien got the start at Safety and immediately made his presence felt, getting home on a safety blitz for a quarterback sack.
Then things got even better.
Notre Dame came up with another sack that resulted in a forced fumble, and Drayk Bowen scooped it up and took it to the house for a defensive touchdown.
This defense wasn’t simply stopping Purdue. They were hunting.
Aneyas Williams also appeared to play with a different level of confidence and patience. He waited for the hole to develop and then hit it perfectly, breaking loose for a 22-yard touchdown run.
After some early-season struggles and penalties, that had to feel good for Williams. More importantly, the patience and vision he showed on the run were encouraging signs of what he can bring to this offense moving forward.
At halftime, Notre Dame had completely taken control in dominating fashion going into the locker room with a 35-0 lead.
Notre Dame came out of halftime with another strange offensive series, including a rare poor decision from CJ Carr that resulted in an interception thrown directly to a Purdue defender. It was a head-scratching play from Carr, especially considering how well he has played for most of the season.
But once again, the defense had his back.
Purdue got the ball with a short field, but Notre Dame refused to let the Boilermakers take advantage.
The defense came up with another stop on fourth down to preserve a dominant performance where Purdue only found a way to score late in the game with backups in. That is what stood out most to me about this team is the never-give-up attitude and treating every play like it's the last.
Takeaways
The defense continues to look like an unstoppable force.
Notre Dame’s defense has been dominant, and what I love most is the attitude. Even with a huge lead, these guys continue to play like the game is still in doubt. They swarm to the football, put hats on the ball, and want to dominate every single series.
That is something we didn’t always see from Notre Dame teams in years past.
Micah Gilbert continues to emerge as a major weapon. Having another receiver who can consistently make plays alongside Jordan Faison changes the dynamic of this offense. Now the question becomes whether Notre Dame can get a third receiver to step up and give defenses another problem to deal with.
Aneyas Williams looked more confident. His 22-yard touchdown run showed patience, vision, and the ability to wait for the hole instead of forcing the play.
Jonaz Walton is going to be a star at this level. Every time he gets an opportunity, he seems to find a way to rip off a big play. The explosiveness is obvious, and I want to see him continue getting opportunities.
There were still things to clean up offensively.
Another slow start where the Notre Dame offense stumbled on a quic3-and-outut and CJ Carr’s rare poor decision leading to an interception are reminders that this offense isn’t perfect.
But outside of those moments, this was about as complete of a performance as you could ask for. Purdue came into this game averaging nearly 40 points per game, and Notre Dame completely shut them down. The biggest thing I take away from this game isn’t just the score. It’s the mentality.
This defense never takes its foot off the gas.
Up big or in a close game, they continue to attack, swarm and play with the mentality that every series matters.
That never-give-up, never-let-up attitude is something Notre Dame has been missing at times in years past.
Right now, this defense isn’t just winning games. They’re setting the tone for this football team. And that’s something that should have Irish fans very excited about what this team can become as they continue to grow as the season continues on.
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