Blue & Gold Illustrated: America's Foremost Authority on Notre Dame Football
Issue link: https://comanpub.uberflip.com/i/102697
top players of the game By lou somogyi Offense: DaVaris Daniels and TJ Jones The receiving duo of Daniels and Jones was one of the few bright spots in what turned out to be a rather gloomy night. They were determined to make plays in an effort to keep the Irish in the game against Alabama. Notre Dame used their ability to get open and secure catches on the sideline to its advantage, and both finished with a similar production. Daniels, a sophomore, had six catches for 115 yards, and Jones, a junior, had seven grabs for 90 yards. Defense: Zeke Motta The senior safety brought a high level of effort in his final game in blue and gold. Despite the game getting away from the Irish early, he maintained a leader 's demeanor, filled the lanes against the best running back duo Notre Dame has faced this season and was constantly around the football. Motta put a stamp on Senior safety Zeke Motta was active all night with 16 tackles (eight in the first quarter) and also was credited with Notre Dame's lone pass broken up. photo by bill panzica his Irish career by leading the team in tackles with 16 (eight of which were in the first quarter) and recording the lonepass broken up of the game for Notre Dame. Special Teams: Connor Cavalaris The walk-on safety is a member of Notre Dame's kickoff team, and it didn't take long for his name to hit the stat sheet during the national title game. The sophomore made the first of two stops in the contest when he notched an open-field tackle against Alabama returner Christian Jones, who fielded the ball at the Crimson Tide 1-yard line and was able to take it to only the 18 to open the game.