Notre Dame took the opening kickoff and quickly showed why their offense is considered both skilled and experience. On the first play of the game, Ian Book scrambled for a big gain and it was off to the races for Chip Long’s crew. Five plays later, the Irish were off to 7-0 lead — a theme that would follow most of Notre Dame’s touchdown drives throughout the night.
Louisville was equally impressive in their opening drive, clearly showing something under new head coach Scott Satterfield that Notre Dame didn’t expect. The Cardinals took advantage of an inexperienced Irish linebacker unit and displayed speed from multiple positions.