OFFENSE: C.J. PROSISE
The senior from Petersburg, Va.,
had a career performance in his
homecoming, fueling the Irish to a
34-27 victory. In his first start at run-
ning back, Prosise grinded out 155
yards on 17 carries, highlighted by
a 24-yard third quarter scoring run
that put the Irish up 19-14. He also
chipped in with 20 receiving yards
on three catches.
On Notre Dame's game-winning
drive, Prosise worked himself open
over the middle of the field and quar-
terback DeShone Kizer found him for
a 17-yard gain to get the ball to the
Virginia 40-yard line. Two plays later,
Kizer hit Will Fuller for the game-
winner.
DEFENSE: JAYLON SMITH
It was a rough game for the Notre
Dame defense, but the junior line-
backer played like an All-American,
finishing with 11 tackles and 2.5 tack-
les for loss. Virginia had a great deal
of success with its screen game, but
when the Cavaliers ran it to Smith's
side he was dominant, showing off his
athleticism as well as his instincts and
toughness.
When Notre Dame needed a stop,
Smith was able to make it, which al-
lowed the Irish defense to do enough
to give the offense an opportunity to
win the game late.
SPECIAL TEAMS: TYLER NEWSOME
T h e s o p h o m o re p u n t e r c a m e
through when he was needed most.
After opening the second half with
another three-and-out, the inconsis-
tent Irish offense was forced to punt,
but Newsome's booming 62-yard punt
pinned UVa at its own 12-yard line.
The defense held, forcing a punt and
giving the Irish good field position at
their 41-yard line.
A play later, quarterback Malik Zaire
hit Fuller on a 59-yard TD pass. New-
some perfectly placed the following
kickoff, pinning Virginia at its own
8-yard line, giving Notre Dame control
of field position and swinging mo-
mentum in its favor.
TOP PLAYERS OF THE GAME BY BRYAN DRISKELL
Junior linebacker Jaylon Smith led Notre Dame in
tackles for the second consecutive game, utiliz-
ing his athleticism, instincts and toughness to
record 11 stops, including 2.5 behind the line of
scrimmage.
PHOTO BY BILL PANZICA
