By Louie
IBG Staff
This was exactly what the doctor ordered.
After getting off to a slow start that featured field goals, the Irish offense got rolling late in the first half. Brady Quinn took the team down the field, finishing each drive by throwing a touchdown.
Quinn finished the half with a 9-10 passing streak.
He was able to get hot late in the half and not be in a hole because of how the defense played, though.
Despite giving up a few scattered big plays, the Irish defense managed to hold Penn State scoreless in the first half. Penn State had five first half drives, three of which were longer than five plays. Still, the result was a 17-0 halftime lead for the Irish.
Now I expected Penn State to come out swinging after some adjustments. That didn’t happen. They didn’t have time.
Notre Dame’s defense forced a fumble about one minute into the half and returned it 25 yards for a touchdown.
The rest of the game was just ceremonial.
What really strikes me about this game are the stats. Notre Dame had only 14 more offensive yards and less first downs than Penn State.
Penn State rushed for more yards and had less penalties. Still lost. Why?
I think it’s because the Domers made big plays at key times in the game. Fumble return for a touchdown. Two late first-half touchdowns. Fake punt for a first down.
Those plays were the difference in a statistically even game.
