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What an awesome performance by the Notre Dame football team. It is never easy to play a night game in someone else’s stadium. Right from the start the Irish controlled the game. Brian Kelly deserves some credit for this one. The team looked prepared and played a clean game of football. With that being said, these three performances stood out to me.
Brandon Wimbush
Let’s get this out of the way: it was a big time bounce-back game for Brandon Wimbush. He needed this one for his confidence. I loved how the game was called for him. He settled in nicely and kept the momentum all game. This is the quarterback Notre Dame needs the rest of the season.
Julian Love
Absolute game-changing play on the pick-six to start the game. Julian Love is a fantastic cornerback. I will admit that I was in favor of moving him to safety before the season started, but now that I have seen the first four games, I am more than okay with him staying at cornerback. The safety play has been better than expected, and Love has played great at corner.
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Julian Love, Nick Watkins, and Shaun Crawford make a pretty good cornerback group. The whole group played a great game. Love stands out more than the rest just because of the game-changing interception.
Chase Claypool
Notre Dame desperately needs a #2 wide receiver. We might have seen the emergence of him in Chase Claypool. He finished the game with 4 catches for 56 yards. I know it is only 1 game, but it is a great sign going forward. Claypool is a dynamic athlete who needs to see the field. Hopefully this game gives him the confidence to make plays in the future.
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I was going to pick Shaun Crawford, but at this point I almost expect him to make the key plays. His football instincts are off the charts. The touchdown saving strip he gave to LJ Scott was nothing less than magnificent. I have no idea what Crawford will have to do from now on to be one of the highlighted players I go over. Maybe a strip sack and fumble recovery for a touchdown? I wouldn’t put it past him.
Anyway, the Irish are now 3-1, and will welcome the Miami Redhawks to Notre Dame Stadium next Saturday.