The Irish Prevail in Epic Clash of Top 25-Ranked Teams

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In a turnover-filled battle, No. 16 Notre Dame (4-1) held off No. 15 Louisville (3-1, 1-0 Atlantic Coast Conference) 31-24 on Sept. 28 at Notre Dame Stadium in South Bend, Ind. The Irish took an early lead but the Cardinals fought back, making it close in the final moments. However, Notre Dame’s strong finish secured the win and kept their playoff hopes alive.

Game Summary

In a game marked by sloppy play and heavy rain in spots, Notre Dame prevailed in a hard-fought victory. The Irish took an early lead, capitalizing on Louisville’s mistakes, but had to fend off a resilient Cardinals team that kept the game close. Ultimately, Notre Dame’s composure helped them outlast Louisville and secure the win.

Irish Quarterback Comes Through

Quarterback Riley Leonard led the Irish offense, completing 17-of-23 for 163 yards. Leonard passed for 2 touchdowns and rushed for another. He also finished as the team’s leading rusher with 52 yards on 13 totes. Louisville’s Tyler Shough had a strong showing, going 24-of-41 for 264 yards and 3 touchdowns. But turnovers and stalled drives proved costly for the Cardinals, keeping them from completing the upset.

Turning Point

The game's defining moment came when Leonard connected with running back Jeremiyah Love for a 32-yard touchdown pass that sealed the victory.

In a contest filled with wild momentum shifts and multiple turnovers, this game-clinching score tipped the scales in Notre Dame’s favor. It also ended Louisville’s comeback hopes and secured the Irish win.

What it Means

For Notre Dame, this victory keeps their playoff hopes alive for another week. With few chances left for statement wins, the Irish needed this result to build momentum before their crucial late-season clash with USC. Securing this victory was vital for Notre Dame as they aim to impress the College Football Playoff committee when playoff selections are made.