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Notre Dame Not Going Down For the Count in 2013


Brian Kelly, NCAA Football

Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports

On a night when the sporting world was watching the Mayweather vs. Alvarez tilt in Sin City, the Notre Dame Fighting Irish did a little jabbing of their own and landed a big haymaker against rival Purdue in the 85th meeting between both schools tonight beating the Boilermakers 31-24 at Ross-Ade Stadium.

The Boilermakers, under the direction of offensive coordinator John Shoop dialing up the plays, exploited the Irish secondary early with a heavy dose of screen passes and crossing patterns throughout the first half. Notre Dame defensive coordinator Bob Diaco countered with pressure with frequent blitzes and disguising the coverages in the secondary, and the Irish running wore down head coach Darrell Hazel‘s group to finish the game.

The identity of the Irish offense transitioned from a more mobile quarterback in Everett Golson taking the snaps behind center to a more veteran, polished passer in Tommy Rees in last year of eligibility in South Bend.  Tommy Rees and the Irish seniors proved that they had some heart and would battle to not go down two weeks in a row.

Say what you will about this Notre Dame team offensively or defensively after last week’s devastating loss to Michigan at the Big House, but everyone should know after tonight’s performance that they’re willing to fight, and they’re not going down for the count going forward this season.

Matt Virnig is a SEC Writer for www.RantSports.com, Follow him on Twitter @MatthewVirnig, “Like” him on Facebook or add him to your network on Google.

Be sure to check out the Rant Sports 100 in 100 Series, a preview of the top 100 College Football Teams for the 2013 Season!



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