Notre Dame Has No Problems With Georgia Tech in 31-13 Win

©Brett Davis-Imagn Images

Head coach Marcus Freeman and the No. 12 Notre Dame Fighting Irish (6-1) secured another victory as they took down the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets (5-3, 3-2 Atlantic Coast Conference) 31-13 on Oct. 19. The Fighting Irish led 14-7 at the half and cruised to a 31-13 victory as the Yellow Jackets struggled without injured starting quarterback Haynes King.

Game Summary

The Yellow Jackets got this one started as running back Jamal Haynes scored a touchdown run as the first quarter was expiring. The Yellow Jackets led 7-0 early before the Fighting Irish started to find their game.

Fighting Irish quarterback Riley Leonard had touchdown runs with 7 minutes and 1:53 to go in the second quarter and suddenly it was 14-7 as the Yellow Jackets were scrambling for answers.

The Fighting Irish pushed the lead up to 21-7 on their first drive of the third quarter after the Yellow Jackets went three-and-out and punted after 49 seconds of possession. The touchdown was scored by running back Jeremiyah Love and was set up by a 15-yard throw from Leonard to wide receiver Beaux Collins.

The next three possessions for the Yellow Jackets ended in a punt, missed field goal and an interception. It was a rocky day for backup quarterback Zach Pyron as he threw 2 interceptions with one being returned for a touchdown.

The Fighting Irish finished this one off in the second half after their only touchdown allowed was scored in garbage time when the game was already over.

Turning Point for Notre Dame

There is not much that could be described as a turning point for Notre Dame in this one, but there is one moment that put it out of reach.

The true game ender in this one was the drive in the beginning of the third quarter that gave the Fighting Irish a 21-7 lead. After the touchdown was scored, not much was happening for the Yellow Jackets offense and the Fighting Irish were in control the rest of the way.

Love's touchdown run was the cherry on top of this one as the Fighting Irish added another win to their College Football Playoff resume.

What It Means for Each Team

As for the Fighting Irish, this one was not as much of a test for them and was an easy victory. Next up, they get set for a neutral site battle against the Navy Midshipmen (6-0, 4-0 American Athletic Conference) on Oct. 26 from MetLife Stadium at noon p.m. EST on ABC.

As for the Yellow Jackets, they have to hope to get King back and healthy. Their offense is much better with him in there and struggled mightily without him. Next up, they face the Virginia Tech Hokies (4-3, 2-1) on Oct. 26 from Lane Stadium at noon p.m. EST on ACC Network.