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The Notre Dame Fighting Irish came out and completely outclassed the North Carolina Tar Heels. A sign of a good football team is when they handle their business against teams weaker teams. It is exactly what Notre Dame did on Saturday. There were many noteworthy performances from this game. These are the three I chose:
Julian Okwara
Wow is this guy talented. He is making plays and causing havoc more and more every single game. Okwara showed his athleticism when he jumped, swatted the UNC quarterback’s pass, and then caught the ball for the interception. Julian Okwara is only a sophomore but he has shown he will be a staple along the defensive line for years to come. He is another example of the defensive line personnel growing by leaps and bounds.
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Alize Mack
This guy had enormous expectations coming into the year. He might be the most athletic guy on the team and was coming off suspension with something to prove. You could tell Alize Mack was pressing the first few games of the season. This was his most complete football game. He was a excellent as a blocker and a pass catcher. The potential has always been there for Mack, and now he is showing that potential on the field. Alize Mack could be the breakout star of the Notre Dame football team the second half of this season.
Ian Book
He did exactly what Notre Dame needed him to. He came in and played capable football. Ian Book was not a highly ranked recruit coming into school so he doesn’t have the glitz and glamour associated with him. He did not need to do something special. Book leaned on the defense and the running game. I would feel confident with Ian Book having to make another spot start. He can throw on the run and make quick accurate passes. But let’s not forget that Brandon Wimbush is this team’s starting quarterback. There is no QB controversy this year.
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Another ho-hum performance for Josh Adams. How he gets almost zero national attention is astounding. The whole defense played great so I could have picked from a number of guys. It is so refreshing to watch Notre Dame assert their dominance on teams they are much better than. Now Notre Dame will be on their much needed bye week. It seems to be coming at the perfect time with all the bumps and bruises this team has right now. After that, it will be USC week. The Irish are ready.