Blue and Gold Illustrated

February 2015

Blue & Gold Illustrated: America's Foremost Authority on Notre Dame Football

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right before halftime and a blocked 40-yard attempt that could have moved the Tigers ahead 31-28 in the fourth quarter. Furthermore, senior Kyle Brindza's punting kept the Tigers bottled up deep in their territory in the latter part of the game, and his 32-yard field goal, his lone attempt, won the game as time expired. ADVANTAGE: Even THIRD-DOWN CONVERSIONS Notre Dame's three sustained touchdown drives in the first half — 15 plays for 66 yards, 11 plays for 75 yards and 10 plays for 59 yards — were made possible by converting 7 of 9 third-down attempts. The Irish were 11 of 17 overall (64.7 percent), which bettered LSU's 5-of-10 effort (50.0 percent). The overshadowed Golson completed a 29-yard pass to junior wide receiver Chris Brown on third- and-eight on one TD drive, a desperate 14-yard heave to sophomore wideout Will Fuller on third-and-seven on the next TD march, and the 12-yarder to Koyack on third-and-10 to set up the winning field goal. ADVANTAGE: Notre Dame TURNOVERS Notre Dame started the season with no turnovers in its first two games and ended it with none despite a first-time starter at quarterback. The lone turnover, an LSU fumble just past midfield in the third quarter, did not result in a score but did help squelch mo- mentum for the Tigers. ADVANTAGE: Notre Dame SUMMARY The Notre Dame game plan was executed nearly flawlessly. With a first-time starter at quarterback, Notre Dame's ground attack had to take control to protect him and the young Irish defense. The offensive line played its best game of the year, there were zero turnovers, Golson complemented Zaire well, the defense made a couple of critical stops, and special teams delivered in the fourth quarter with deep punts, a blocked kick and a win- ning field goal. ✦ ON PAPER REVISITED BY LOU SOMOGYI Junior wideout Chris Brown moved the chains on a critical third-down play during one of Notre Dame's five scoring drives, and the Irish finished the contest with a 64.7-percent conversion rate (11 of 17) in that category. PHOTO BY BILL PANZICA

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