Irish Defense Shines in Shamrock Series Victory over Wisconsin

Saturday’s Shamrock Series game versus Wisconsin had to be highlighted on Jack Coan’s calendar for many weeks beforehand. The former Badger/current Irish QB was certainly anxious to prove to Wisconsin coach, Paul Chryst, that he had made a major mistake in naming Graham Mertz as the new starter over Coan for the 2021 season. It appeared obvious on Saturday that Chryst had made the wrong decision by handing over the reins to the highly-touted Mertz who has so far not lived up to expectations on the field.

Jack Coan had an acceptable day at QB for the Irish with a 108.9 QBR until he came limping off the field with a soft tissue injury. NEXT MAN IN: #10, Drew Pyne! With Tyler Buchner still sidelined by a nagging hamstring injury, Pyne took over completing 6 out of 8 passes for 81 yards and a touchdown.

Chris Tyree’s 98 yard kickoff return got the final quarter off to a bang, but, it was the Irish defense who controlled the outcome of this game. Cornerback Cam Hart came up with 2 game changing interceptions, while both Jack Kiser and Drew White added pick-sixes to the 31 point explosive 4th quarter for Notre Dame. The final score of 41-13 gave the Irish their 4th win of the season, but more importantly, this win saw Coach Brian Kelly pass Knute Rockne to become the winningest football coach in Notre Dame Football history with 106 wins.

This Saturday, the #7 ranked Cincinnati Bearcats come to Notre Dame Stadium to face the #9 Irish as they seek to extend their home winning streak to 26 games! Let’s Go Irish!