In the last game at Notre Dame Stadium this season the Irish capped off an undefeated season at home with a 28-7 victory over the Demon Deacons. A number of Notre Dame seniors played well in their last game in South Bend, keeping the team’s playoff hopes alive. Although the Irish didn’t put on a show for the playoff committee, a three touchdown victory is nothing to complain about. The following players led the Irish to victory on Saturday:
DeShone Kizer
Although it wasn’t a particularly impressive showing for the Irish offense, DeShone Kizer did what he had to do for the Irish to win. Most importantly Kizer protected the football, which made sure Wake Forest didn’t score any easy points. Kizer was conservative throwing the ball, going 13-19 for 111 yards. The Ohio native also rushed for two touchdowns in the win.
Josh Adams
With C.J. Prosise out of the lineup the Irish needed a solid effort from Josh Adams and he delivered one. Adams set an Irish record with a 98 yard rushing touchdown to give the Irish a commanding lead. The true freshman went over 100 yards for the second straight week, rushing for 141 yards on 17 carries.
Romeo Okwara
In his final game at Notre Dame Stadium Romeo Okwara put on a show. Okwara is playing the best football of his Notre Dame career in recent weeks and had a monster game versus Wake Forest. The senior had a game-high three sacks while also forcing a fumble and totalling five tackles. Okwara’s emergence gives the Irish a truly scary pass rush.
Jaylon Smith
In what could potentially be his final game at Notre Dame Stadium standout junior linebacker Jaylon Smith was all over the field. Smith led the Irish in tackles as usual with a game-high 14 including one tackle for loss. The Butkus award candidate also had a fourth down pass breakup in the fourth quarter to seal the game.
I was impressed with Day’s answer as well, Subway Alum.
Another RKG who has developed into an elite DL.
In the after-game interview, when asked what he’d remember most about this Senior Day, Sheldon Day said…”Romeo’s 4 sacks’. This guy (Day) is just a great team player. BTW, i agree with each of your ‘sticker’ choices. Kizer, with more possessions would have added another TD or two, Adams, turned a 2 yd gain into 98, Okwara, 4 solo sacks and Smith, seemed like the only LB who showed up Saturday.