Notre Dame Obliterates Syracuse in Record-Setting Senior Day Win — Key Takeaways
Notre Dame didn’t waste a second celebrating senior day, overwhelming Syracuse 70–7 in a historic blowout that pushed the ninth-ranked Fighting Irish to 9–2 and kept them firmly in the College Football Playoff hunt. It was a spectacular sendoff for the program’s seniors and another major step toward a potential postseason berth.
Here are the main takeaways from Notre Dame’s dominant win:
A Start Unlike Anything You’ll Ever See
In decades of watching football, it’s hard to recall another game opening like this one. Notre Dame scored three touchdowns before running a single offensive play—a pick-six, a blocked punt returned for a touchdown, and another pick-six. Before quarterback CJ Carr even touched the ball, the Irish had erased any possibility of a competitive game. It was the kind of surreal start you might not see again in a lifetime.
Notre Dame Looks Like a True National Title Contender
Yes, Syracuse is now 3–8, but the Irish’s performance says far more about Notre Dame than the opponent. There’s no clear weakness: the defensive line has transformed into a disruptive unit, the secondary shuts down deep passing attacks, and the offense is balanced and dangerous both on the ground and through the air. Marcus Freeman has this team peaking at the perfect time, and they are absolutely a matchup nobody wants in the first round of the CFP.
Jeremiyah Love Is a Real Heisman Candidate
The Heisman goes to the nation’s most outstanding player—and it’s hard to argue anyone is more impactful than Jeremiyah Love. He’s arguably the most electrifying non-quarterback since Reggie Bush, capable of breaking a big play every time he touches the ball. Love posted 171 yards and three touchdowns on only eight touches—an absurd 21.4 yards per touch. Even though Notre Dame didn’t force-feed him the ball, his influence is undeniable.
Kyngstonn Viliamu-Asa Injury Update
Sophomore linebacker Kyngstonn Viliamu-Asa exited in the first half with an undisclosed injury and returned to the sideline in street clothes. He recorded two tackles before leaving. His status may not affect the upcoming game at Stanford, but Notre Dame will hope to have him back for the playoff.
A Throwback to 1988
The temperatures may have been near freezing, but the performance felt like a return to the Irish glory days of 1988. Notre Dame attempted only 15 passes—completing nine for 67 yards—and still dominated every facet of the game. Not only does this team resemble the ’88 squad in championship potential, but also in its punishing, run-heavy style of winning.
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