Kyren Williams ran for 112 yards and two touchdowns, and added 93 yards on a pair of pass receptions to lead sluggish Notre Dame to a 27-13 victory over Duke in the season opener. Avery Davis caught a 17-yard scoring pass from Ian Book early in the fourth quarter to seal the win, while kicker Jonathan Doerer drilled a pair of field goals in a flawless performance.
The Irish defense dug in and turned away the Blue Devils in critical moments despite giving up ground in the middle of the field. Two of the three scoring chances by Duke ended in field goals as Isaiah Foskey led a relentless pass rush against quarterback Chase Brice.