Blue and Gold Illustrated

Nov. 16, 2015 Issue

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

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OFFENSE: WILL FULLER There were a number of offensive stars for Notre Dame in its 42-30 victory over Pittsburgh, but none shone brighter than the junior wide receiver. The Pennsylvania na- tive notched season highs of seven catches and 152 receiving yards, and tied a career best with three touch- down receptions. Pittsburgh loaded up the box to stop the run, putting its cornerbacks in man-to-man situations against Fuller, who made the Panthers pay. He hauled in five passes for 126 yards and a pair of scores in the opening half alone, helping the Irish jump out to a 21-3 lead. DEFENSE: ROMEO OKWARA The senior defensive end came into this game playing the best football of his career. He continued his recent success with four tackles, including a pair of sacks, and a QB hurry. On Pittsburgh's opening drive of the game, it attempted a trick play that involved a reverse throwback to quarterback Nate Peterman. Notre Dame had struggled to stop oppo- nents on such plays in recent weeks, but Okwara took down Peterman for a drive-killing 13-yard sack. SPECIAL TEAMS: TYLER NEWSOME The sophomore punter was coming off arguably the worst performance of his career during Notre Dame's 24-20 win at Temple. Against the Panthers, he more than made up for it. Newsome's four punts averaged 51.8 yards, and his ability to flip the field was crucial to Notre Dame's suc- cess. None was more important than his 55-yard boot with the Irish offense backed up at its own 10-yard line in the second quarter. TOP PLAYERS OF THE GAME BY BRYAN DRISKELL Senior defensive end Romeo Okwara had another strong game, recording four tackles, two sacks and a quarterback hurry in Notre Dame's 12-point win over the Panthers. PHOTO BY BILL PANZICA

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