Notre Dame’s Alohi Gilman ended up with the ball after he barreled into Syracuse receiver Taj Harris in the second quarter. Gilman then ran 54 yards with the interception, setting up a touchdown. Jeff Zelevansky/Getty Images
Even as Notre Dame has marched toward an undefeated regular season, there have been questions about just how good the Fighting Irish really are. Their best victory, over No. 4 Michigan (10-1), came at home in the season opener, and the rest of their opponents have not been all that formidable.
And while Notre Dame is ranked No. 3 in The Associated Press poll, the team entered Saturday’s game against Syracuse just 15th in average scoring margin.