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It didn't take long for the Notre Dame Fighting Irish to exert some punishment on the United States Armed Services. After last week's disappointing loss to the Navy Midshipmen, the Irish wanted to come out and jump on the Army Black Knights early and often.
Mission accomplished.
C.J. Sanders took the opening kickoff 92 yards for a touchdown, which set off a 21-0 run in the first quarter to help the Irish beat Army 44-6.
DeShone Kizer had a workman like day, completing 60% of his passes for 209 yards and 3 touchdowns. He also added 72 yards on the ground on 7 carries.
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An injured Tori Hunter sat out this game, but in his absence, Notre Dame remembered they had a tight end. Durham Smythe caught two balls- both of which were touchdowns.
The passing game wasn't the only thing taking advantage of the Army defense as Tarean Folston and Josh Adams combined for 154 yards on 28 carries and scored a touchdown a piece.
Defensively, Notre Dame shut Army down. The Black Knights came into the game averaging 320 yards rushing per game, but the Irish defense cut that average mark down almost 100 yards with 224. All in all, Army only gained 242 yards.
That defense was lead by Seniors James Onwualu and Greer Martini. Onwualu had 13 total tackles (1.5 TFL and a sack) and Martini had 9 total tackles (2 TFL and 1 sack) as they led the charge from the edge to give Army virtually nothing to work with outside of a few inside plays that went for long runs.
It should also be noted that freshman cornerback Julian Love got himself an interception, and had a second really good game in a row against an option team. Love looks like he could end up being just a phenomenal corner for the Irish in the coming years, and now has a tin of experience to push him along.
Notre Dame coasted to this victory, and the win along with the ease of that win was much needed by this team. They still have a goal of going to a bowl game, and need wins in their final two games against Virginia Tech at home next week, and USC on the road the week after to get bowl eligible.
If they are going to accomplish this goal, a game like today was exactly how to start that run.