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The Notre Dame Fighting Irish closed the 2017 season out by beating LSU 21-17. There were many big time plays made in this game. I decided to take a different approach when picking three players to highlight. First, I agreed with myself to leave out Ian Book and Miles Boykin. They both played very good games but the majority came on one play. Yes, that play was a game changer but I thought I could talk about other players and their whole game performances. So here we go:
Justin Yoon
I did not know what to expect when Justin Yoon lined up for both field goals. He made a 44 yard field goal to end the first half and give Notre Dame some momentum. He made a 49 yarder to make the score 7-6. This kick flipped momentum once again. Simply, he kept Notre Dame in the football game. This is his job and he executed his job in two very difficult circumstances. I tip my cap to you, Yoon.
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Quenton Nelson
He was without a doubt the most dominant player on Notre Dame’s football team all year. He was tossing LSU defenders all over the football field, play after play. This is my first time highlighting an offensive lineman all year long. I think Quenton Nelson has earned it. Quenton Nelson will be hard to replace. He is going to be a 1st round NFL draft pick in April and he has earned it. A great career ended with a great game.
Julian Love
I don’t know what exactly to say about Julian Love. This guy was all over the field. He is always in position and ready to make a play on the ball. Love will return in 2018 as Notre Dame’s best defensive back and the leader in the secondary. It is amazing to think that Julian Love stepped in as freshman and immediately made an impact. He then improved on that and became Notre Dame’s best defensive back as a sophomore. I am excited to see how junior Julian Love plays in 2018.
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Notre Dame finished the 2017 season 10-3. This year definitely had its ups and downs but to finish with double digits wins for the third time in the last six years is a big accomplishment. Coming off 4-8, I would take 10-3 with a bowl win over LSU 100% of the time.