One Foot Down - 2021 Notre Dame Football: Purdue Boilermakers WeekA never-ending discussion about Notre Dame and the greater CFB landscapehttps://cdn.vox-cdn.com/community_logos/52610/ofd_fav.png2021-09-21T13:14:44-04:00http://www.onefootdown.com/rss/stream/224375452021-09-21T13:14:44-04:002021-09-21T13:14:44-04:00Notre Dame Fighting Irish VS Purdue Boilermakers Analytics Recap
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<p>Analytics to Prove Purdue Was Beaten Like a Big Drum</p> <p id="vGnyu4"><a href="https://www.onefootdown.com">Notre Dame</a> secured by far their most stress free win of the season Saturday, handing Purdue its first loss to secure a 3-0 record. The Irish defense was excellent and is continuing to come into its own after a rocky start in Tallahassee. The offense was good enough to get the win, but may need to improve in some areas to compete against tougher competition. For an explanation of the statistics we will use in this analysis, please follow <a href="https://www.onefootdown.com/22663594/updated-primer-for-understanding-analytics-recaps-and-previews-advanced-stats-notre-dame-football">this link</a> to our analytics primer.</p>
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<p id="uO89T7">Converting a 4th and 3 into a touchdown resulted in 24% Win Probability Added, placing the Irish back in the driver’s seat after trailing early in the game. Avery Davis’ long touchdown catch was also crucial, and while Purdue was able to claw back a little bit after that it felt like the Irish were firmly in control of the fourth quarter.</p>
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<p id="g5Orsc">This was the worst week of the season so far for the passing game by a pretty wide margin. While Coan’s -0.04 EPA/Play is not awful, the 29% success rate is. This difference is driven by the fact that the long touchdowns Kyren Williams and Avery Davis are outliers and pulling Coan’s average EPA up. Coan struggled a bit with accuracy and Irish receivers dropped five passes, with Braden Lenzy dropping two including a long touchdown and Kevin Austin dropped two balls as well en route to the worst PFF Grade for any Irish player. It was just a bit of an out of sorts week in the passing game, where once Coan had shaken off his poor start his receivers began to struggle.</p>
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<p id="XXRuqv">The other variable in Coan’s inaccuracy was how often he was under duress. Coan was under pressure on 41.7% of his drop backs, but only two of the pressures were assigned to him holding onto the ball too long per PFF. Coan was excellent when he wasn’t under duress on Saturday, throwing for 8.2 yards per attempt, 3 Big Time Throws, and posting a PFF Passing Grade of 91.0, which is elite. Josh Lugg, Cain Madden, and Tosh Baker all posted pass blocking grades below 60 (replacement level). The lack of protection also led to a breakdown in the play action game, as Coan did not have time to fake gives and then make multi-stage reads. In addition, 40% of Irish catches in this game were made by running backs, partially due to a lack of time to allow deep routes to develop. </p>
<p id="m3XXiO">If you remember from our preview we discussed how the pass protection has actually been good and the high sack total was more of a problem of Coan not getting rid of the football. This was not as much the case this week, and the offensive line will need to be better as the competition ramps up. To be fair to the line, they were facing potential 1st Round Pick George Karlaftis, who racked up 4 pressures in the game. But they also gave up multiple pressures to 4 other Boilermakers, two of them being interior linemen, which can’t happen.</p>
<p id="dYcqFY">Giving the offensive line some credit though, this was the best week so far in terms of resetting the line of scrimmage with the run game. While it was still not a spectacular week for running the football, it was the first time the Notre Dame rushing success rate exceeded Notre Dame’s passing success rate, and this is partially due to the offensive line beginning to gel as a run blocking unit.</p>
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<p id="p1QFhT">This was a spectacular performance from the Notre Dame defense and they continue to silence critics who were concerned after <a href="https://www.tomahawknation.com/">Florida State</a>. After that game we had talked about that the underlying metrics suggested a good season was forthcoming so long as they could reduce the number of big plays allowed. That’s exactly what’s happened this week. Purdue’s passing game was fine, but look at how rarely Purdue pushed the ball down the field. Just 7 of their 49 targets travelled more than 10 yards down the field and they averaged only 0.41 EPA on throws over 20 Yards, a welcome development after watching Florida State and Toledo have success attacking deep.</p>
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<p id="szKyYH">The Irish performance against the run was somehow even more impressive than their performance against the pass. No matter how many blockers Purdue chose to use, or what their advantage was, or how many players Notre Dame committed to the box, Marcus Freeman’s unit was able to stop the run all day. They also did so often playing without a box advantage. Normally the defense has at least one more player in the box than the offense can block, but Freeman regularly trusted his front five or six to play the run without this advantage and they rewarded him for it. I will admit I was skeptical of these light boxes after Week 1 when Florida State ran so efficiently against them, but they have worked beautifully the last two weeks. NFL fans may note the similarities in his schematic choices so far with those of Brandon Staley and Vic Fangio. Those coaches choose to run Cover 2 High most of the time and present light boxes, defending the pass first and daring teams to run. So far it has worked but September 25th against Wisconsin will be a new challenge. We’ll save the Badgers preview for Friday, but I’m already intrigued to see if Freeman feels he can continue to play a bit lighter against a heavy running Wisconsin team, or if we’ll see some uncharacteristically high box counts from Freeman next week in Chicago. </p>
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https://www.onefootdown.com/2021/9/21/22685881/notre-dame-fighting-irish-vs-purdue-boilermakers-analytics-recap-college-football-advanced-stats-ndJackConcannon9Cooper Klaus2021-09-20T02:16:13-04:002021-09-20T02:16:13-04:00OFD Podcast: Reviewing Notre Dame’s win over Purdue — Do you knuck if you buck Coan?
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<figcaption>Brendan McAlinden</figcaption>
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<p>The guys are ready to argue about winning</p> <p id="3264Vw">Joshua, Jude, and Brendan are finally in the same universe to pod together - and yet still seem worlds apart on the status of the program after the 27-13 win by the <a href="https://www.onefootdown.com">Notre Dame Fighting Irish</a> over the <a href="https://www.hammerandrails.com">Purdue Boilermakers</a>. In this episode:</p>
<ul>
<li id="WnLUj8">Hello!</li>
<li id="tSNKBY">Does a rivalry trophy even exist if you can’t drink from it?</li>
<li id="AxOgna">A Brian Kelly statue is floated.</li>
<li id="40RdgS">Opening thoughts about the game and overall impressions.</li>
<li id="GxJIjZ">Jack Coan VS Tyler Buchner. This is where we are right now, and unsurprisingly there are two very different opinions and one that is in the middle of the road. The surprise is who takes what side.</li>
<li id="29Y5Dv">Can the offensive line be moved around?</li>
<li id="t4koUR">Are the wide receivers actually good, or are they not what we had mildly hoped?</li>
<li id="FcOMJu">Let’s talk about that running game... what can be done to fix it?</li>
<li id="zFprmT">Chris Tyree and Kyren Williams are vital to the passing game, but can we just hand the ball off to them a few more times?</li>
<li id="nykcgw">Kyle Hamilton is a bad man,</li>
<li id="7jIjAu">Y’all better be on the J.D. Bertrand train.</li>
<li id="RS9cQe">Is Drew White less of a factor on the field this season, or does the split reps with Bo Bauer create an illusion?</li>
<li id="28eCnQ">Jay Bramblett is good at his job.</li>
<li id="R8jR4S">The gameday atmosphere.</li>
<li id="2JQBTT">Did you feel lit on 3rd down? When do we bring back Crazy Train?</li>
</ul>
<p id="JEQGn4">And plenty more weaved in and out of the show.</p>
<p id="TQ87T9">Please RATE and REVIEW! All reviews left on Apple Podcasts will be read on the next OFD Podcast.</p>
<p id="tvitvD">You can listen to the show in the podcast player below, on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Audible, or wherever you listen to your favorite podcasts. </p>
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https://www.onefootdown.com/2021/9/20/22683503/ofd-podcast-reviewing-notre-dames-win-over-purdue-do-you-knuck-if-you-buck-coan-football-irish-newsJoshua Vowles2021-09-20T01:32:24-04:002021-09-20T01:32:24-04:00How Notre Dame’s 2021 Opponents Fared in Week 3 of College Football
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<figcaption>Photo by Rich von Biberstein/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images</figcaption>
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<p>A shootout in Chapel Hill</p> <p id="rrTmOY">Here’s how <a href="https://www.onefootdown.com/"><strong>Notre Dame</strong></a>’s 2021 opponents fared in week three of the college football season:</p>
<h3 id="J3GeyV"><a href="https://www.tomahawknation.com/"><strong>FLORIDA STATE</strong></a></h3>
<p id="iTzEOK">Result: Lost, 35-14, to <a href="https://www.bloggersodear.com">Wake Forest</a><br>Current record: 0-3<br>PFF team rank: 94th (out of 130 FBS teams) (down 19 spots)</p>
<h3 id="ak8azN"><strong>TOLEDO</strong></h3>
<p id="prweTm">Result: Lost, 22-6, to Colorado<br>Current record: 1-2<br>PFF team rank: 76th (down 30 spots)</p>
<h3 id="qC75r2"><strong>PURDUE</strong></h3>
<p id="yku6zj">Result: Lost, 27-13, to Notre Dame<br>Current record: 2-1<br>PFF team rank: 41st (down 26 spots)</p>
<h3 id="vSQjSq"><strong>WISCONSIN</strong></h3>
<p id="5O4zpy">Result: Did not play.<br>Current record: 1-1<br>PFF team rank: 72nd (up 13 spots)</p>
<h3 id="DzqjMj"><strong>CINCINNATI</strong></h3>
<p id="89rGvC">Result: Won, 38-24, over Indiana<br>Current record: 3-0<br>PFF team rank: 14th (down 1 spot)</p>
<h3 id="Svxmb0"><a href="https://www.gobblercountry.com/"><strong>VIRGINIA TECH</strong></a></h3>
<p id="ltNxuy">Result: Lost, 27-21, to West Virginia<br>Current record: 2-1<br>PFF team rank: 81st (down 41 spots)</p>
<h3 id="8d95FK"><strong>USC</strong></h3>
<p id="FuCOFg">Result: Won, 45-14, over <a href="https://www.cougcenter.com">Washington State</a><br>Current record: 2-1<br>PFF team rank: 21st (up 4 spots)</p>
<h3 id="19jfIy"><strong>NORTH CAROLINA</strong></h3>
<p id="tPzTA1">Result: Won, 59-39, over Virginia<br>Current record: 2-1<br>PFF team rank: 59th (up 19 spots)</p>
<h3 id="35Z5ZB"><strong>NAVY</strong></h3>
<p id="aVhspl">Result: Did not play<br>Current record: 0-2<br>PFF team rank: 125th (down 4 spots)</p>
<h3 id="AgvJpS"><strong>VIRGINIA</strong></h3>
<p id="CzfBBn">Result: Loss, 59-39, to North Carolina<br>Current record: 2-1<br>PFF team rank: 49th (down 42 spots)</p>
<h3 id="VN5QFY"><a href="https://www.fromtherumbleseat.com"><strong>GEORGIA TECH</strong></a></h3>
<p id="EjeMsG">Result: Lost, 14-8, to Clemson<br>Current record: 1-2<br>PFF team rank: 57th (up 4 spots)</p>
<h3 id="SAWU9M"><strong>STANFORD</strong></h3>
<p id="AqaxhL">Result: Won, 41-23, over Vanderbilt<br>Current record: 2-1<br>PFF team rank: 80th (up 30 spots)</p>
https://www.onefootdown.com/2021/9/20/22683301/notre-dame-2021-opponents-week-3-college-football-unc-georgia-virginia-tech-toledo-usc-purdue-fsundjrs2021-09-19T21:44:39-04:002021-09-19T21:44:39-04:00Three Things We Learned In Notre Dame’s Win Over Purdue
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<figcaption>Photo by Michael Hickey/Getty Images</figcaption>
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<p>Causes for cautious optimism</p> <p id="fdRjPu">The <a href="https://www.onefootdown.com">Notre Dame Fighting Irish</a> missed some opportunities to make a bigger statement, but still came away with far and away their easiest win of this young season, handling the <a href="https://www.hammerandrails.com">Purdue Boilermakers</a> 27-13. The Irish entered this week as perhaps the most pessimistic undefeated fan base in the nation after a pair of close calls against less-than-stellar competition. Concern abounded about the ability of the Irish to compete on both sides of the football. While there were still struggles in this game and still questions to be answered, the Irish showed marked improvement and gave fans reason to expect better moving forward. With next week’s matchup against the <a href="https://www.buckys5thquarter.com">Wisconsin Badgers</a> the first in a series of tougher games, let’s take a look at the three most important of those areas.</p>
<h1 id="GcXy3M">Continued Struggles, but Progress Up Front</h1>
<p id="ee80N7">Notre Dame’s offensive line continued to have issues on Saturday. A tough Purdue pass rush led by George Karlaftis garnered four sacks of Jack Coan and again held Notre Dame’s explosive running backs in check for large portions of the game, with the Boilers outgaining the Irish overall. As a result, the Irish were slow to get going in this game, allowing the Boilers to stay close in the first half.</p>
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<cite>Photo by Michael Hickey/Getty Images</cite>
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<p id="Y1Vizx">At the same time, the Irish also saw progress up front, with notable improvements in individual play by Tosh Baker and Cain Madden, and were able to keep Karlaftis from completely wrecking the Irish game plan. Tommy Rees and co. also made adjustments in scheme to help the young line, making frequent use of max protection and even sending Joe Alt out wearing #45 as a sixth lineman, while running more quick patterns and getting the quarterbacks out of the pocket. These improvements and adjustments gave Jack Coan the time he needed to make some key throws and Kyren Williams more room to run, particularly in the second half as the Irish offense started to find more of a groove. The Irish have the athletes in the backfield and on the perimeter to make plays against every defense they will play this season if the line gives them the opportunity, and Saturday we saw them make progress in that direction.</p>
<h1 id="JoC33U">Say It With Me: Execution</h1>
<p id="Q0OBr7">Brian Kelly’s week-one postgame mantra remains an apt one for this team, particularly in the downfield passing attack. Jack Coan and the Irish receivers had numerous opportunities to blow this game open on deep balls, but failed to execute and kept the game close. Braden Lenzy lost a sure touchdown ball in the sun on a drive where the Irish later punted, while Coan overthrew a wide-open Kevin Austin to miss another. Austin had a particularly frustrating day, being missed while open downfield several times and also having a couple drops of his own - including a bubble screen from Tyler Buchner that could have also gone for six - and ultimately ending the day with no catches. Only Avery Davis was able to connect with Coan on a deep ball. If Austin and Lenzy had been able to join him, this could have been a blowout win instead of merely a sound one.</p>
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<img alt="NCAA Football: Purdue at Notre Dame" data-mask-text="false" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/FSO2ti1B2X4dSfXcxE46_s-koD8=/400x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/22861515/usa_today_16780790.jpg">
<cite>Matt Cashore-USA TODAY Sports</cite>
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<p id="PyhuyL">Purdue made it clear from the outset that they were going to blanket Michael Mayer in this game, which put the onus on the Irish receivers to make them pay. Other opponents will likely continue to do that moving forward, and when the Irish are facing the likes of the Wisconsin Badgers and <a href="https://www.downthedrive.com">Cincinnati Bearcats</a>, they will not be able to afford missing out on those opportunities. Let’s hope Coan and his receivers worked out the yips on Saturday and are ready to execute moving forward. </p>
<h1 id="kfGUuu">The Defense Is Coming Together</h1>
<p id="jkRqRA">While the Irish offense played an uneven, but encouraging game, the defense put together a far more complete performance. An early fourth-down stop by Kyle Hamilton energized the team, and a solid early effort gave the Irish offense time to find its footing. Once the Irish had taken the lead, the defense held strong, shut down the run (Purdue gained 57 yards on 25 carries), limited the big-play potential of David Bell, and spent a lot of time in the Boilers’ backfield (3 sacks, 5 TFLs, 8 QB hurries). </p>
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<img alt="COLLEGE FOOTBALL: SEP 18 Purdue at Notre Dame" data-mask-text="false" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/-uN-kX24NdURQj8sgTcSp9zxOKQ=/400x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/22862360/1235343998.jpg">
<cite>Photo by Robin Alam/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images</cite>
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<p id="1XedoU">Hamilton had another star-making game, trailing only the rock-solid J.D. Bertrand in tackles while proving a constant disruptor on the back end and eventually sealing the game with an end-zone interception. If those two can continue to grow as leaders and the Irish play in sync as they did on Saturday, we can expect Marcus Freeman’s defense to keep blooming as the season goes on.</p>
<p id="NGpAa8">We are now a quarter of the way through the 2021 season and while it hasn’t been nearly as easy as we thought, the Irish remain unbeaten and seem to be finding an upward trajectory at exactly the right time. How good can this team be? We’ll find out in the next few weeks.</p>
https://www.onefootdown.com/2021/9/19/22682760/notre-dame-football-three-things-we-learned-against-purdue-offensive-line-fighting-irish-boilers-ndMatt Boomer2021-09-19T15:15:14-04:002021-09-19T15:15:14-04:00Notre Dame Ranked #10 in Coaches Poll and #12 in AP Top 25
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<img alt="COLLEGE FOOTBALL: SEP 18 Purdue at Notre Dame" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/gDQl6B8x_JQNnpVP-CdpxqulI4k=/0x216:5184x3672/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/69880055/1235349076.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Photo by Joseph Weiser/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images</figcaption>
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<p>Irish are Gearing Up For a Top 15 Matchup Next Week </p> <h2 id="e7YY3c">Week 3 Top 25</h2>
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<h2 id="P8A6HX">Quick Hitter</h2>
<p id="8iXhCx"><a href="https://www.onefootdown.com/"><strong>Notre Dame Fighting Irish</strong></a> remained steady at #10 in the coaches poll and #12 in the AP Top 25 Poll after a 27-13 win against the <a href="https://www.hammerandrails.com">Purdue Boilermakers</a> on Saturday Afternoon. The Irish defense looked solid throughout and multiple players stepped up with Michael Mayer and Kevin Austin not making much of an impact. Next week is the first “real” test for the Irish and their ranking. </p>
<h2 id="OEIrY5">Notre Dame Opponent Rankings Quick Hits</h2>
<ul>
<li id="VQfqc9">
<a href="https://www.downthedrive.com/"><strong>Cincinnati Bearcats</strong></a>: Dropped to #9/#9. Cincy looked vulnerable against an Indiana team that has looked very underwhelming this year. Like everyone Notre Dame plays, they will have a bye week before heading into South Bend</li>
<li id="ewHCa9">
<a href="https://www.buckys5thquarter.com/"><strong>Wisconsin Badgers</strong></a>: Up to #15/#15. The Badgers had the week off before heading to Soldier Field against the Irish next weekend. Mertz/Coan bowl will be one for the ages! </li>
<li id="xtInNB">
<a href="https://www.gobblercountry.com/"><strong>Virginia Tech Hokies</strong></a>: Dropped out of the Top 25. The Hokies came out very flat against West Virginia and couldn’t complete the late game comeback. It’s still a bit tough call of what to make of these Hokies. </li>
<li id="gjZGnI">
<a href="https://www.tarheelblog.com/"><strong>North Carolina Tar Heels</strong></a>: Dropped to #20/#21. The offense definitely clicked, but this defense is very much Swiss cheese. They gave up ridiculous numbers to Virginia, but also found their offensive football. The Bad news for the Irish is that Sam Howell is looking more and more like Sam Howell. </li>
</ul>
<h2 id="Bl6Zhg">Next Up</h2>
<p id="LbolbL">The Fighting Irish will “host” the Wisconsin Badgers next weekend in a marquee matchup. Though technically an away game, Chicago is flooded with Notre Dame fans and should be a crowd that skews Irish. Game Day and Big Noon Saturday will be there, which will only add to the hype. Yours truly will also be onsite and sitting in the press box, in what will be one of the coolest experiences in my life. As a die hard Bears and Notre Dame fan, this is really a dream come true. GO IRISH</p>
https://www.onefootdown.com/2021/9/19/22682591/notre-dame-football-irish-ranked-10-in-coaches-poll-and-12-in-ap-top-25-poll-news-nd-wisconsinPhilip Gough2021-09-19T03:09:02-04:002021-09-19T03:09:02-04:00Postgame Notebook: Notre Dame 27, Purdue 13
<figure>
<img alt="Purdue v Notre Dame" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/1eC_RTgALh7GMM_N0K6nJ9shdrM=/0x0:4624x3083/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/69878175/1235346334.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Photo by Michael Hickey/Getty Images</figcaption>
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<p>A better day</p> <p id="k1tAXe">The <a href="https://www.onefootdown.com">Notre Dame Fighting Irish</a> are 3-0 for the fourth season in a row after a 27-13 victory over the <a href="https://www.hammerandrails.com">Purdue Boilermakers</a> in front of a GREEN OUT crowd that was still about 3000 people short of a sellout. The Irish weren’t perfect, and the imperfections kept this from being a blowout, but both the offense and the defense showed noticeable improvements in multiple areas. </p>
<h2 id="pe4TNs">THE QB SITUATION</h2>
<div class="c-float-right"> <figure class="e-image">
<img alt="Purdue v Notre Dame" data-mask-text="false" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/xelMUHDkGrrV8V0zk9xuXWNWvTI=/400x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/22861513/1235346209.jpg">
<cite>Photo by Michael Hickey/Getty Images</cite>
</figure>
</div>
<p id="304nXQ">Going into this game, the conversation about Jack Coan and Tyler Buchner was really heating up. Both quarterbacks did some really good things against Toledo, so how would the Irish move forward with both without making it a “controversy”?</p>
<p id="Vm7nSd">Honestly, the game didn’t provide any more clarity other than the fact that ND will continue to sprinkle in Buchner with its main course of Coan.</p>
<p id="lMfN8m">Coan went 15-31 for 231 yards and 2 touchdowns against the Boilers. There were some huge drops from Braden Lenzy and Kevin Austin, but Coan still had his own issues early in the game. Buchner only attempted one pass (incomplete) but did rush 3 times for 24 yards — one of which was a 20 yarder to get a big first down. </p>
<p id="2ZmSWm">Prepare for more of the same.</p>
<h2 id="rkJPIG">TARGET DESTROYED</h2>
<p id="LRpdIR">Michael Mayer was targeted 4 times and Kevin Austin was targeted 8 times on the day. Those 12 targets amassed one catch for 5 yards (Mayer). While the Boilers did a decisive job of taking Mayer out of the game, Austin was much more frustrating. He had drops and at least one of the targets looked like he just flat-out lost the ball in the air. If I told you these stats before the game, you would likely think the Irish lost — and yet here we are. Notre Dame did a good job of getting other players involved, but moving forward they need to punish teams for taking one of these players out with the other player. It’s a bit of a package deal, and somehow it didn’t matter against Purdue.</p>
<h2 id="nydJr4">THE MAN</h2>
<p id="OjQy09">With Lenzy and Austin having the yips, and Mayer being essentially took out of the game, Avery Davis stepped up in a huge way. His 62 yard touchdown reception was pure speed, and came after Lenzy’s drop — which made me appreciate it even more. Davis caught 5 balls for 120 yards and that TD. Without him, the offense wouldn’t have done much today, and he should be appreciated more by the fanbase in this regard.</p>
<figure class="e-image">
<img alt="NCAA Football: Purdue at Notre Dame" data-mask-text="false" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/FSO2ti1B2X4dSfXcxE46_s-koD8=/400x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/22861515/usa_today_16780790.jpg">
<cite>Matt Cashore-USA TODAY Sports</cite>
</figure>
<h2 id="qYyjZz">A KYLE HAMILTON</h2>
<p id="H9Dz1B">If you thought Kyle Hamilton had an off game last week (even though he had an INT stolen from him) he made up for it against Purdue. Kyle had 10 tackles on the day with 2 pass breakups and a huge interception in the endzone. But his day was more than just those stats, it was how he came about them. Fourth down stops, and hitting David Bell so hard that the stadium went silent for about 20 minutes (thankfully Bell is going to be okay, but it was a scary time in the game). He’s the best defensive back in the country, and showed it on just about every snap of the game. Notre Dame has a Kyle Hamilton in its tool box, and no one else does. </p>
<figure class="e-image">
<img alt="COLLEGE FOOTBALL: SEP 18 Purdue at Notre Dame" data-mask-text="false" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/opb-OOL3jab6uyjOmshDGA1subg=/400x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/22861517/1235346893.jpg">
<cite>Photo by Robin Alam/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images</cite>
</figure>
<h2 id="LyME3g">BEAR BERTRAND</h2>
<p id="EbdOYz">JD Bertrand had another great game at linebacker. On Saturday he notched 12 tackles and was as stout as he was in the previous games. This was his third game in a row with 10 or more stops. Notre Dame’s front seven was considered a strength before the season, but multiple injuries at linebacker has put a strain on what and who the Irish put out on the field throughout the game — Bertrand’s steady play has greatly lessened the strain.</p>
<figure class="e-image">
<img alt="COLLEGE FOOTBALL: SEP 18 Purdue at Notre Dame" data-mask-text="false" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/C7sq5BuCkJg14O9Q4s-B8UGu5SE=/400x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/22861518/1235344138.jpg">
<cite>Photo by Robin Alam/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images</cite>
</figure>
<h2 id="21Ukj1">ON THE OFFENSIVE LINE</h2>
<p id="ArLUo6">Despite giving up 4 sacks on the day, the offensive line did a better job than the last two games. It wasn’t great — or all that good — but it was better, and two of those sacks can probably be placed on Jack Coan’s lap. Notre Dame took freshman offensive tackle Joe Alt and put a #45 jersey on him so they could use him as a third tackle to help Tosh Baker and keep George Karlaftis in check. Jarrett Patterson was as steady as he’s always been, but I do think Zeke Correll played a little better. Notre Dame brought in Andrew Kristofic at LG in place of Correll at times, and he did fine — but not great. Cain Madden played his best game of the year, but there was still “leakage” and not enough push in the running game. While Kelly complimented Josh Lugg in the postgame presser, he still played below the level that the Irish need moving forward.</p>
<p id="5xyCy7">Is there a fix? Maybe, but that would require a major reshuffling, and with Notre Dame down to its 3rd LT, it may be out of the question as well. </p>
<figure class="e-image">
<img alt="COLLEGE FOOTBALL: SEP 18 Purdue at Notre Dame" data-mask-text="false" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/2fELpzS51Q92W2FkuxwTp23rTAw=/400x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/22861520/1235348939.jpg">
<cite>Photo by Joseph Weiser/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images</cite>
</figure>
<h2 id="kIi7nH">STILL STREAKING</h2>
<p id="fwfNhs">Notre Dame kept both of its major streaks alive with the win. Their home winning streak now sits at 26, and their winning streak against unranked teams at 35.</p>
<h2 id="ncGx2P">USING THE RUNNING BACKS</h2>
<p id="TvRCMR">With C’bo Flemister out another game, Notre Dame continued to lean completely on Kyren Williams and Chris Tyree. Neither Audric Estime or Logan Diggs have yet to see the field this season. While the numbers are eye-popping, the cumulative total of what both backs did versus Purdue is impressive enough. Tyree and Williams combined for 120 yards rushing and 77 yards receiving and two total touchdowns (both by Williams). Finding ways to get these two players in space should be a major focus moving forward as the line will likely never be as consistent opening holes as they were last year. A more NFL like approach is needed, and it’s working.</p>
<figure class="e-image">
<img alt="NCAA Football: Purdue at Notre Dame" data-mask-text="false" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/u8qXhnKaqLiM8vohkgxc8gZpBtw=/400x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/22861519/usa_today_16780841.jpg">
<cite>Matt Cashore-USA TODAY Sports</cite>
</figure>
<h2 id="4YGYBB">A SPECIAL DAY</h2>
<p id="BELum1">Jay Bramblett needs some special praise for his day. He punted 7 times and averaged 42.6 yards a punt with two of them landing inside the 20 — one of which pinned Purdue back near the goaline. It’s never sexy, but Bramblett’s consistency can be a major devensive weapon moving forward. </p>
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<img alt=" " data-mask-text="false" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/kNJUt-4aKhR1M1jKglD4p2Ow7Z0=/400x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/22861512/Screen_Shot_2021_09_19_at_2.52.24_AM.png">
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https://www.onefootdown.com/2021/9/19/22681909/postgame-notebook-notre-dame-27-purdue-13-jack-coan-avery-davis-news-notes-stats-irish-nd-williamsJoshua Vowles2021-09-19T01:12:22-04:002021-09-19T01:12:22-04:00Notre Dame 27, Purdue 13: Highlights and post game video
<figure>
<img alt="Purdue v Notre Dame" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/kiFFK3DIZeMvj_u0ATpvODTnPDU=/0x0:5598x3732/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/69878062/1235346175.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Photo by Michael Hickey/Getty Images</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>Yay! A frustrating game ended up fine</p> <p id="Zv93mU">At the end of a perfect summer day in South Bend, the <a href="https://www.onefootdown.com">Notre Dame Fighting Irish</a> are 3-0 after taking out the unbeaten <a href="https://www.hammerandrails.com">Purdue Boilermakers</a>, 27-13. No one who watched the game will say that there was an offensive explosion or a defensive shutdown — but both units played better than they had showed in the previous two games. </p>
<p id="pjIlkN">Offensively, we saw the line do a better job of protection, and the scheme helped keep George Karlaftis in check. Defensively, Notre Dame only allowed two big plays — and those were 31 and 32 yards in length. </p>
<p id="X8MkL3">The Irish doubled the spread, and even though it’s “just Purdue,” it should give a bit more confidence to this team as it prepares for the <a href="https://www.buckys5thquarter.com">Wisconsin Badgers</a> next week in Chicago.</p>
<h2 id="iWSwqw">HIGHLIGHTS</h2>
<div id="Qs8XpK"><div style="left: 0; width: 100%; height: 0; position: relative; padding-bottom: 56.25%;"><iframe src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/n9WF2U3JYQs?rel=0" style="top: 0; left: 0; width: 100%; height: 100%; position: absolute; border: 0;" allowfullscreen="" scrolling="no" allow="accelerometer; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture;"></iframe></div></div>
<div id="A3nw49"><div style="left: 0; width: 100%; height: 0; position: relative; padding-bottom: 56.25%;"><iframe src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/V82RCmMYa4o?rel=0" style="top: 0; left: 0; width: 100%; height: 100%; position: absolute; border: 0;" allowfullscreen="" scrolling="no" allow="accelerometer; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture;"></iframe></div></div>
<h2 id="S2vWpY">PLAYER POST GAME INTERVIEWS</h2>
<p id="8QOit1"><strong>Kyle Hamilton</strong></p>
<div id="gx0lYf"><div style="left: 0; width: 100%; height: 0; position: relative; padding-bottom: 56.25%;"><iframe src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/-XPIDISxPa0?rel=0" style="top: 0; left: 0; width: 100%; height: 100%; position: absolute; border: 0;" allowfullscreen="" scrolling="no" allow="accelerometer; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture;"></iframe></div></div>
<p id="UBRWQW"><strong>Avery Davis</strong></p>
<div id="saovAL"><div style="left: 0; width: 100%; height: 0; position: relative; padding-bottom: 56.25%;"><iframe src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/gPeA7BJSEc8?rel=0" style="top: 0; left: 0; width: 100%; height: 100%; position: absolute; border: 0;" allowfullscreen="" scrolling="no" allow="accelerometer; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture;"></iframe></div></div>
<p id="dgZeOv"><strong>Kyren Williams</strong></p>
<div id="qvokJR"><div style="left: 0; width: 100%; height: 0; position: relative; padding-bottom: 56.25%;"><iframe src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/AQrBJwtwz7A?rel=0" style="top: 0; left: 0; width: 100%; height: 100%; position: absolute; border: 0;" allowfullscreen="" scrolling="no" allow="accelerometer; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture;"></iframe></div></div>
<p id="STYLrg"><strong>Myron Tagovailoa-Amosa</strong></p>
<div id="TCchFJ"><div style="left: 0; width: 100%; height: 0; position: relative; padding-bottom: 56.25%;"><iframe src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/eKzISjIaEeM?rel=0" style="top: 0; left: 0; width: 100%; height: 100%; position: absolute; border: 0;" allowfullscreen="" scrolling="no" allow="accelerometer; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture;"></iframe></div></div>
<p id="QKIPuK"><strong>Jack Coan</strong></p>
<div id="PBWxc8"><div style="left: 0; width: 100%; height: 0; position: relative; padding-bottom: 56.25%;"><iframe src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/RrZcShZcxGo?rel=0" style="top: 0; left: 0; width: 100%; height: 100%; position: absolute; border: 0;" allowfullscreen="" scrolling="no" allow="accelerometer; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture;"></iframe></div></div>
<h2 id="aXq4ji">BRIAN KELLY POST GAME PRESSER</h2>
<div id="6bpNQJ"><div style="left: 0; width: 100%; height: 0; position: relative; padding-bottom: 56.25%;"><iframe src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/D-QNoBOqPvw?rel=0" style="top: 0; left: 0; width: 100%; height: 100%; position: absolute; border: 0;" allowfullscreen="" scrolling="no" allow="accelerometer; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture;"></iframe></div></div>
<h2 id="Qvztp1">FULL RADIO BROADCAST STREAMED</h2>
<div id="WwV7bM"><div style="left: 0; width: 100%; height: 0; position: relative; padding-bottom: 56.25%;"><iframe src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/-ZlAgHJujmU?rel=0" style="top: 0; left: 0; width: 100%; height: 100%; position: absolute; border: 0;" allowfullscreen="" scrolling="no" allow="accelerometer; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture;"></iframe></div></div>
https://www.onefootdown.com/2021/9/19/22681754/notre-dame-27-purdue-13-highlights-and-post-game-video-radio-broadcast-jack-coan-brian-kelly-irishJoshua Vowles2021-09-18T19:30:52-04:002021-09-18T19:30:52-04:00Brian Kelly has tied Knute Rockne for the all-time win record at Notre Dame
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<img alt="NCAA Football: Purdue at Notre Dame" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/UmgbuZ2HNj9W7i4kUwf6Q0l0suQ=/0x0:4132x2755/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/69877542/usa_today_16780902.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Matt Cashore-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
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<p>105 and counting</p> <p id="fPTfGK">In the third game of the 2021 season, Brian Kelly has tied Knute Rockne as the all-time wins leader at <a href="https://www.onefootdown.com">Notre Dame</a>. On a warm and sunny Saturday afternoon, the Notre Dame Fighting Irish took out the <a href="https://www.hammerandrails.com">Purdue Boilermakers</a> 27-13. In many regards, it’s pure poetry that Brian Kelly got that 105th win today. </p>
<div id="0xtL30">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Congratulations, <a href="https://twitter.com/CoachBrianKelly?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@CoachBrianKelly</a>!<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/GoIrish?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#GoIrish</a> <a href="https://t.co/sOpJawUI8a">pic.twitter.com/sOpJawUI8a</a></p>— Notre Dame Football (@NDFootball) <a href="https://twitter.com/NDFootball/status/1439351841825906694?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 18, 2021</a>
</blockquote>
<script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
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<p id="AlrBWr">Kelly’s first ever game as the Irish head coach was against Purdue on a day very much like today, and that’s also the first win — a 23-12 contest that was mostly a forgettable affair. The rest of Kelly’s tenure has been anything but forgettable, and that even included the bad stuff.</p>
<p id="BiZh1i">After the Purdue game, Kelly attributed his success at Notre Dame to the longevity of his time in South Bend. Getting to 105 means you have to be in one place for a very long time, and have a lot of help along the way. Twelve years at Notre Dame is the same as several lifetimes, but Kelly looks like he could put in 12 more years of work (which is highly unlikely).</p>
<p id="gGQxbo">Tying a record is one thing, but breaking that record is another thing altogether. It means you stand alone, and above any and all that came before you — usually. Brian Kelly still doesn’t have a national championship and if he leaves Notre Dame with 150 wins (or whatever) and zero titles, you still can’t place him above Rockne, or Leahy, or Ara, or Devine, or Lou. You just can’t do it — not at Notre Dame. </p>
<p id="NiPBXy">Brian Kelly is going to be the all-time wins leader soon enough, and it should be enough to forever place his name as one of the all-time greats at Notre Dame. In a ridiculous amount of ways, he already has done that, but the record helps the narrative. If BK were to ever win a title at Notre Dame — in this day and age — then we need no preambles. He is just great. </p>
https://www.onefootdown.com/2021/9/18/22681493/brian-kelly-has-tied-knute-rockne-for-the-all-time-win-record-at-notre-dame-college-football-nd-newsJoshua Vowles