Tip drill! Daelin Haeyes tips the pass, Devin Studstill intercepts

Devin Studstill and Daelin Hayes were playing high school football last year at this time. Tonight, they’ve combined in a “tip drill” type of play to intercept Michigan State’s fifth-year senior quarterback Tyler O’Conner. MSU was driving, but with their backs against the wall in the red zone, the Notre Dame D came up with this play:

The emergence of Hayes and Studstill, as well as the play of linebackers Te’Von Coney and Nigel Morgan early one, inspires confidence in the shaky Notre Dame defense moving forward. Unfortunately, the Irish D was put in a tough situation shortly after this play by a special teams turnover, and gave up a touchdown to the Spartans. To regain momentum, the Irish will need to sustain a drive on offense and give the young defense a break.

Michigan State leads 8-7 after cashing in on a two-point conversion with a singing-gate formation after the passing touchdown.