On an afternoon when it seemed that neither team wanted or deserved to win, Notre Dame’s defense had the final say. Trailing by 31-24, Louisville took possession near midfield but could not gain traction as Tyler Shough’s long fourth down pass sailed into oblivion. A fitting end to an ugly game marred by turnovers, coaching blunders, injuries, and a few spectacular pass plays.
The first play of the afternoon set the tone for what was to come. Devyn Ford took the opening kickoff for the Fighting Irish and promptly fumbled it away at his own 24. Shough quickly capitalized by hitting Isaac Brown in the corner of the end zone for a 7-0 lead.