No. 3 Notre Dame survived a challenge from Michigan State to win 27-10 on Saturday. As with the season opener against Wisconsin, the Fighting Irish were challenged early by physical play and a bogged-down running game. Notre Dame pulled away later, thanks to precise passing from quarterback CJ Carr, a stifling defense, and a running game that started to get its act together.
Here are the five stars from Saturday night’s win.
5 ⭐️ – The Defense
Two picks, and nearly a third. Four sacks, all seemingly coming at key moments. Just 10 points allowed. Constant pass rush. The defense mostly looked like the one we’ve been expecting to see.
One sloppy drive in the first half was disappointing, and the Spartans had a dropped wide-open touchdown pass early that could’ve been a game changer. Other than that, though, Notre Dame’s defense did what it was supposed to do.
4 ⭐️ – Nolan James
James is already pushing Aneyas Williams for the starting job. Williams has had flashes, but James is campaigning hard for the top job. His 121 yards rushing and one touchdown on 26 carries against the Spartans makes a good case.
3 ⭐️ – CJ Carr
Quarterback CJ Carr finally had a game without a touchdown pass. No matter, as he ran one in and still passed the ball effectively. He made a Jeremiyah Love-esque play that will be on many a highlight reel and hit an early deep ball to Micah Gilbert.
Carr finished 18-for-24 with 234 yards, no picks, and a rushing touchdown.
2 ⭐️ – Micah Gilbert
If he didn’t need to compete with his own teammates to earn stars, Gilbert might’ve been the five-star player tonight. He caught eight balls for 170 yards, an average of 21.3 yards, and a long of 61.
That 61-yarder on the game’s first play from scrimmage set the tone for the Irish.
1 ⭐️ – Tie: Luke Talich/Jordan Faison
It was impossible to decide between safety Luke Talich, who had an interception and a huge sack, or wide receiver Jordan Faison, who had five catches for 38 yards and a long of 21. Carr found Faison while under duress and/or needing a first down more than once.
Honorable mention here goes to safety Adon Shuler, who also had an interception.
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This article originally appeared on Fighting Irish Wire: Here are the five stars for Notre Dame versus Michigan State
