CHICAGO — The final score of 41-13 makes Notre Dame’s win against No. 18 Wisconsin look like a rout, and by the end there was nothing but tragic comedy to be had, but the truth of the matter is, the No. 12 Irish (4-0) won a hard-fought, old-fashioned game.
Trailing 13-10 early in the fourth quarter, Notre Dame was likely hoping for nothing more than a 17-13 win. That may have felt ambitious.
The Irish had gained 32 yards in the third quarter on 13 plays, losing one turnover and with three possessions losing yards. Nothing after halftime indicated Notre Dame would find offensive success against Wisconsin’s defensive front.