Blue & Gold Illustrated: America's Foremost Authority on Notre Dame Football
Issue link: https://comanpub.uberflip.com/i/200019
top players of the game By andrew owens Sophomore cornerback KeiVarae Russell played arguably his best game of the season against Air Force and added a key fumble recovery late in the first half. photo by Bill Panzica Offense: Tommy Rees The senior signal-caller posted the best statistics of any game in his career, throwing as many scoring passes as incompletions. He completed 17 of 22 throws for 284 yards with five touchdowns and no interceptions for a 260.71 pass efficiency rating. Rees showcased several excellent throws on deep passes to senior wide receiver TJ Jones, freshman wide receiver Corey Robinson and freshman wide receiver Will Fuller, but possibly the most impressive was the toss to sophomore wide receiver Chris Brown in the end zone that he put right on the money. Defense: KeiVarae Russell The sophomore cornerback performed admirably on the edge while helping contain Air Force's backs. He displayed excellent open-field tackling and finished with six stops, including one for loss. Late in the first half, with Air Force driving, running back Anthony LaCoste fumbled in the red zone, and Russell fell on the ball to ensure the Irish would carry a two-possession lead into the second half. Special Teams: George Atkinson III After a field goal cut Notre Dame's lead to 14-10 early in the second quarter, the junior kick returner gave the Irish offense excellent field position with a big runback. Atkinson returned kicker Briceton Cannada's kickoff 37 yards to the Notre Dame 49-yard line. It took the offense just three plays to score, when senior quarterback Tommy Rees connected with junior tight end Ben Koyack for a 22-yard touchdown.