Notre Dame beat South Carolina 559-362.
first half
*** Notre Dame’s run game didn’t get much done early against a South Carolina defense that had the duo ready.His only successes in the first half of the first quarter inside Notre Dame were a jet sweep (outside), a quarterback draw with a kickout (great block Blake Fisher), outside counters and counterruns to the quarterback chris tyley He took advantage of South Carolina’s focus on the inside. The Notre Dame line was not pushed too early, Logan Diggs Didn’t punch holes in a lot of permissions.
*** Notre Dame needs to do more to get the ball out in run games.
*** But what the offense did well is getting the ball out in the passing game.jet sweep Braden Rangey was important, but they hit several boots and slides before a 75-yard homer to Diggs. Notre Dame struggled on offense in this area for much of the season, so it was helpful that he was able to get the QB out on his runs in his game. Buchner did best to throw a platform on the outside that had his receiver open. South Carolina knew Notre Dame would not attack the area during the regular season, so they were unprepared. Tommy Reese We did a very good job figuring out how to get the ball out in the first half. I’m curious to see how South Carolina will adapt and whether it can open things up for the Irish on the inside.
*** Wideout Jaden Thomas I had a great first half. He caught his three passes for his 39 yards and his catches were impressive. He opened a few more times, but the ball either missed the target or didn’t come.
*** QBs Tyler Buchner Had an interesting half. He missed some really easy throws and had some misleads. With the second goal missing Dion Korsey in the back line, he opened tight end Mitchell Evans with a cross route. Buchner also had a hard time finding his back open on some fast wheels, he wasn’t sharp enough to sit in his pockets and make throws, which combined made for a very inefficient performance.
*** But what Buchner has done so well is playing with his legs and playing off-script and off-script. Step up and hit Evans in the seam to convert the 3rd and 15th. Hit Thomas with the flat on the slide, hit Diggs with the drag, and hit Diggs with the angle of his arm. In the second half, Buchner will have to play more within the structure of the offense, but playmaking is a big reason Notre Dame is still in this game.
Latter half
*** The second half of Notre Dame was different. The Irish offense made too many mistakes on layups from Buchner, but Reese was at the head of the Gamecock defensive staff and the Irish offense always seemed to be one step ahead in the second half.
*** One of the biggest tweaks is going out more in run games. There weren’t any big runs, but we did see a counter designed to go out (a touchdown run by Buchner), we saw some stretch plays, and they kept running jets and quick throws. It continued to soften the inside of South Carolina’s defense, eventually popping out a 39-yard touchdown run to Diggs.
*** Buchner finally started hitting outside throws. Braden Rangey Passed two South Carolina defenders on the touchdown post route, Jaden Thomas Opening up in deep corner routes away from bootaway action, even mistakes helped soften the SC defense. It was a very aggressive game plan for Reese in the second half. The post-route to Rengie was the first play of the series in which the Irish started the drive in his SC territory. Two Down Territory.
*** However, the game changed with a play call that was too cute. Notre Dame he was leading 38-31. The line began to wear down South Carolina, Audric Estim Just ripped off a 26-yard gain to keep the ball inside the 10-yard line. Reese tried a little gimmicky play. Mitchell Evans Quad look in-cut-out ball. Quad’s look drew the backside backer and he stepped in front of the Buchner pass, but Buchner never saw him.
scroll to continue
*** Notre Dame continued with another great drive, combining a run game and a quick perimeter pass game with another scoring drive. Just as there was a red zone call on the previous drive, Reese made his call with a great play leaving Evans free for a touchdown.Notre Dame faked an outside quickslide that worked in every game, including the conversion to Third Down chris tyley just a few plays ago. Buchner stood up and turned around to find Evans wide on his back to score.
*** The Irish players made more mistakes in the second half. Buchner went a little too far with an interception in the third quarter. He missed an easy layup and his protection on the pass was a little shaky.
Fans of Irish Breakdown should get their Notre Dame tickets from SI tickets here.
Be sure to check out the Irish Breakdown message board, Champions Lounge.
Ireland Breakdown Content
Notre Dame 2022 roster
Notre Dame 2022 schedule
Notre Dame 2023 Scholarship Offers
Notre Dame 2024 Scholarship Offers
2022 Signatories Ranking – Offense
2022 Signatories Ranking – Defense
———————
Become a premium member of Irish Breakdown and get access to all premium content and premium message boards! Click the link below for more information.
become a member
Always enjoy Irish Breakdown!
Join the Irish Breakdown community!
Subscribe to the Irish Breakdown YouTube Channel
Subscribe to The Irish Breakdown Podcast on iTunes
Follow me on Twitter: @Coach D178
Follow us on Gettr: @IrishBreakdown
Like and follow Irish Breakdown on Facebook
Sign up for the free Irish Breakdown Daily Newsletter