October 3rd, 2015.

October 8th, 2016.

October 7th, 2017.

What do these dates all have in common? They were all Saturdays in early October and they all featured an Irish football team playing in driving rain in the Carolinas. One of these dates is not like the other, however. On one of these dates, the Irish actually prevailed. If it were up to me, Notre Dame would quit scheduling these early October games in North and South Carolina, as both states’ weather is clearly cursed.

After last year’s NC State debacle, I am no longer taking rain games for granted, so it felt good to come away with a win this weekend, even if it was against a decimated UNC roster.

The Good

Ian Book

Photo by Grant Halverson/Getty Images

Brandon Wimbush’s foot injury forced the Irish to play redshirt freshman Ian Book on Saturday. Luckily, Book has seen a few game reps already, having stepped in during 4 of the Irish’s previous 5 (blowout) games. After a series of punts, Book showed some promise and led an 80-yard, 15-play drive down the field, culminating in a touchdown pass to Cameron Smith. From what I could tell on the #internet, Irish fans were generally happy with Book’s debut, but still prefer Wimbush as a starter.

Defense

The defense made some PLAYS this weekend. Between Okwara, Crawford, and Tillery, I’m not sure who had a better game. Here’s Okwara’s incredibly athletic deflection turned interception.

Look at this play (that I think was a pass break up in the end zone and didn’t get flagged but I honestly don’t remember.)

Bob Donnan-USA TODAY Sports

Josh Adams

If you are like every single other Notre Dame fan in the country, you’re wondering how it’s week 6 already and you’ve heard nary a word on Josh Adams in the ~national media.~ In light of this, we at OFD have made a story stream for all of Adam’s monster plays this season.

While we’re on the topic, it’s safe to say that Notre Dame is a running team this year, as weird as it sounds.

The bad

There wasn’t much to complain about this weekend. Maybe I’m losing my touch but Notre Dame won and I’m not even mad.

THE IRISH

Ramses

Here it is, the highlight of Saturday’s game. Ramses, the Tar Heel’s live mascot, completely stole the show.

This is Ramses XXII.

Ramses’ relationship with the Tar Heels anthropomorphic mascot is precious.

In case you were wondering, Ramses is male.

“Win one for the Josher”

If you were tuned into ESPN for the game, you heard the phrase, “Win one for the Josher” uttered by a broadcaster. I posited that the phrase was cringe-worthy, but it seemed like a lot of ND fans enjoyed it. So here’s your new catchphrase, ND fans.

5-1

Notre Dame reached an important milestone this weekend, securing 5 wins on the season. If you’re like me, you begrudgingly laughed at all the dumb 4-8 jokes that were thrown at you all offseason by your stupid coworkers and loser friends who are like, Iowa fans or something. You tried to act like a good sport, you laughed it off, maybe channelled your inner rage onto Brian Kelly or BVG. But the 4-8 jokes stung a little bit, because deep down we all knew Notre Dame was a way better team than 4-8 last year. So with this 5 win milestone we can officially put the 4-8 jokes to bed. Farewell, thoughtless, not funny, totally stupid 4-8 jokes. May we never meet again.

Also of note, Michigan State beat Michigan, ergo NOTRE DAME BEAT MICHIGAN THIS WEEKEND WOOOO!!!!!!!

But really, as you may recall, ND beat Michigan State by 20 points, and then Michigan State knocked off #7, so this is probably good for the Irish.

BYE WEEEEEEEK

Photo by Justin Sullivan/Getty Images

Guess what?! There’s a bye next weekend, which will make Saturday, October 14th the only potentially productive Saturday of the entire fall season! Get off your football watchin’ couch and go do some fall activities! This is the last Saturday without Notre Dame football until DECEMBER! MAKE IT COUNT.