Offense snatched a dramatic victory in the Blue-Gold Game, punctuated by a last-second field goal after a fierce defensive rally.
Notre Dame, Ind. - The Notre Dame Fighting Irish held their annual season-ending Blue-Gold Game today, and it was the Irish offense that came out on top with a 41-40 victory. It was a battle of the offense (Blue) against the defense (Gold). The offense controlled the action, but a late rally by the defense forced a final play field goal that put the Irish offense back on top.
The defense forced a stop on the opening drive, but a 53-yard pass from Blake Hebert to Cam Williams got the second team offense going. Three plays later, freshman running back Jonaz Walton scored from four yards out to put the offense on the board. The first team defense shut down the first team offense once again on the next series and controlled the action until the Irish ground game started to roll.
Running back Aneyas Williams carried the ball seven times for 28 yards and caught another pass for eight yards to march the offense down the field. He capped the drive off with a 3-yard touchdown run to put the offense back on top. Redshirt freshman quarterback Blake Hebert hit Elijah Burress with a strike in the back of the end zone for a score, and freshman quarterback Noah Grubbs beat the defense deep, hitting classmate Devin Fitzgerald in the end zone for a 28-yard touchdown to put some distance between the Blue and Gold.
The defense battled back thanks to a couple of late turnovers. Linebacker Jaylen Sneed intercepted a pass that initially bounced off the hands of tight end Ty Washington. Redshirt freshman safety Ethan Long stepped in front of a Grubbs pass for a late interception and the defense took a late 40-38 lead. f
The scrimmage ended with the Blue team lining up for a 43-yard field goal attempt, which transfer kicker Spencer Porath nailed to give the Blue team a 41-40 win.
Hebert led the quarterbacks with 103 passing yards, completing 7-of-11 passes and a touchdown. Grubbs went 7-14 for 64 yards and a score as well. CJ Carr went 7-15 for just 55 yards in the Blue-Gold Game, although he had multiple passes dropped.
Williams led all rushers with 38 yards on 10 carries, although when he was in the game they got rid of tackling, which was interesting. Walton rushed for 33 yards on 11 carries.
Cam Williams led all receivers with 57 yards on three catches. Fitzgerald had 54 yards on three carries and a touchdown.
Sneed led the defense with four tackles. He also had one of the two interceptions. Cole Mullins, Loghan Thomas, Armel Mukam and Sean Sevillano all had tackles for loss.
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