Freshman linebacker Jaylon Smith recorded four tackles, including one for loss, and his first career interception as part of a stifling defensive performance by the Irish.
photo by bill panzica
his recruitment with a 33-yard punt
return to the Irish 20-yard line. A few
plays later, Irish senior nose guard
Louis Nix III overpowered the Trojan offensive line and corralled redshirt sophomore Javorius Allen in the
backfield on third-and-goal from the
3-yard line to force the field goal.
Late in the first half, Notre Dame
went 91 yards in five plays to regain
the lead and claim its first halftime
advantage over the Trojans at home
since 2005. A pair of McDaniel "chunk"
runs of 36 and 24 yards set the Irish up
for an 11-yard touchdown pass from
Rees to senior wide receiver TJ Jones.
