NCAAF LIVE🔴Notre Dame vs.Northern Illinois|7th September 2024|College Football Week 2 Full Game

welcome to the house at rotne bille Ley turned into Legacy Paran renovated and Holtz restored Notre Dame Stadium the home of the Fighting Irish we have a ranked versus unranked battle coming up here and you know how chaos can ensue if they start smelling an upset as we'll see a squad from the ma the Northern Illinois Huskies taking on the eighth rank in the land the Notre Dame Fighting Irish for EA Sports college football ree Davis with you alongside David Pollock and Jesse Palmer time to get this game [Applause] [Music] started Northern Illinois about to kick it off as we get things started here he comes from inside his own five really disciplined job by the coverage unit to get down there and make the stop at the 19 so Notre Dame's offense will start this game off and here he comes this offense is built completely around the talents of this running back a rare commodity in today's game and all eyes are on him and the defense knows it too you know every single snap this defense is going to be keying on this running back knowing that he is the key to the offensive success I love when players understand situations and they understand where the first down marker is and they understand where I got to get to a lot of people you'll see run north south and try to bounce out wide and make big plays sometimes it's not about making big plays sometimes it's about getting that first down to make sure I get an extra set of downs instead of trying to make those big touchdown runs defense closed down quickly after a gain of three they'll mark it at the 32 and the running back didn't do much there nice job by the defense you can tell they're focused in on this running back on this run game being physical getting knock backs and limiting his carries got three on first down it's second and seven out of the gun the give to the back and he gets it to the 44 yd line it'll be a first down I think it's really important for this offense they get this guy going early in the game and they're doing a nice job of that right now remember he's the kind of running back who gets better as the game goes on that's a really good omen for this offense considering his success now early Notre Dame coming to the line with another first down they bring him down and he's going to lose a yard on that one listen I know there are a lot of DBS out there that all they want to do is get interceptions and dance in the end zone this dude likes to put his face in the fan get close to the line of scrimmage and tackle and on the opening drive that he's out there he gets a huge tackle for loss early that is a statement play looking for a gap it's love smashes through and he didn't have a whole lot of operating room after the Juke and he stopped for a short game the D thinking bring some heat on Third and long from the 44 dropping back it's Leonard he's got an open man a quick tackle made but he's got plenty for the first down and you've seen these curl routes this is a timing route understand the ball's got to come out of my hand right when he hits the top of that curl nice job by the QB finding him nice catch it's first and 10 from the 44 yd line Red Pass it's complete after the filthy move he's got room he's right out of bounds but a big play on that one and it'll be a first down that was a really nice catch and an even better run after the grab and get the ball to your playmaker what's good about having him in the slot is he can go either direction you can get him matched up on somebody that's not as fast and you watch he can run away from those linebackers or safeties and off from the shotgun they finally make the stop with the big run is plenty to move those sticks for the first down you've got to be loving what you're seeing from your offense here on the opening drive of this game they're in a really nice Rhythm they've got real good balance going on right now and they've got the defense on their heels on first down from the 13 yd line now from inside the Red Zone quickly complete they'll get it down to the 8 yd line on that throw and catch and theep defense is backed up against the wall you complete some of these hitch throws early you're setting up the hitch and go later on you can pump fake that and then the receiver can pette right up the sideline that might be a home run play for the offense going to work in the Red Zone they can pick up the first down without getting it into the end zone hand off from the gun he pushes it forward all the way to the 2yd line I know this is an offensive line that has a ton of Pride they want to come out each and every game and really impose their will on the dline they got just enough push there on that run play to pick up the first Notre Dame has it now first and goal trying to pound their way in and they get nothing the ball remains at the 2yd line and just a great job by the defense being St right that's your job be Stout up front stuff in the Run play make them get in more passing situations but do do not let them run the football that's 101 stop the run first can the defense stop them again on second and goal he'll pull it on the re and he'll finish the run in the end zone touchdown Notre day and that touchdown just got this whole place going didn't it you got everybody doing the Irish jig Touchdown Jesus is happy you got the leprechaun he's dancing the energy in this place right now is on another level after that score no wonder this is such a tough place to come in and try to get a win on the RO lining up to attack one more onto that lead and with the extra point they get the first seven of the game they put it in the end zone with a 12 Play scoring drive and finish to deal with the short touchdown run from the two kickoff team lining up to send this one away he'll start the return inside is five good job by the coverage unit to stop the Return Man Illinois so Northern Illinois offense headed onto the field our first look at them today and what a great matchup we have of two highly productive Runners David and I like the competition aspect of this re like I'm watching what you're doing on the other side and I'm going to prove I'm a better running back than you both these guys are looking to be the man today and both guys Can Go the Distance right these two running backs seem to get better as the game goes on so which defense can be more physical step up and at least slow the other guy down you can barely hear yourself thinking here as they're trying to get this defense off to a good start they'll go right back to him and they'll finally get him down after a terrific pickup and that is just an attitude run running it right up the middle right into the teeth of that defense now on First and 10 from the 29 he leaves it with his back how about the defender being a heat seeking missile he was on radar lck he found the football and flew down with some bad intentions after losing a couple on that last play here's second and 12 to the air it's Hampton throwing right incomplete he had to get rid of it before he wanted to the defense with the heat on this is going to be a key that we look at this entire game how can this defense find ways to affect this quarterback and get pressure on him because they felt coming into the game if they could do that they could affect him and influence this passing game on third down he drops to throw a strike downfield and he was loose and out the gate and doesn't go down until he gets to the 48 yd line and the quarterback knew exactly where he wanted to go with the football had time spins the ball deep nice job by this offense understanding what the defense is giving him and creating the explosive play the run to the right he's knocked down in the back field he'll lose a couple you know when you're running counter those offensive linemen crashing down they've got to be able to pin those interior D linean they couldn't get it done there they gave up too much penetration and that led to the tackle for loss and here comes play number six of the drive from the gun they'll try to impose their running game and a really short game before he gets a whole bunch of company from the defense I'll tell you this is a running back who's very very dangerous and the defense did a good job getting him down there but you got to do a great job game tackling because this is a guy that can break tackles and turn those types of plays into home runs on third down he'll try to pick it up through the air got it in the middle it's Mitchell just what they were looking for and he's got him set up in business at the 35 with a first down obviously third Downs are so critical cuz you you get you get an extra chance to wear that defense out great job by the offense great job by the quarterback the pass getting the first down moving the sticks fresh set of down continue to wear on this defense touch pass on the Jet Sweep knocked down at the 25 yd line picked up 10 there and gets a first down it's so important this offense is able to get this guy the ball in space especially on the perimeter of the field and I love that last play call because he's able to get outside and use his speed to me that's where this guy is is most dangerous this crowd going to try to make life miserable for these guys grabbed behind the line it's Mitchell and the defense settled in to stop that one for a short gain I don't know if that's the coverage you want to be throwing wide receiver screens against often times you want the receivers to have some access you want the DBS to be off a couple yards so you can help set up the blocks and give the receivers somewhere to go with it it's hard to run that against press coverage and they only picked up a few yards there the give from the gun tackle is made right at the 20 yd line after a pick up of four [Applause] [Music] [Applause] [Music] third third down and this crowd will blow out a vocal cord to help this defense dropping back it's Hampton back open to Middle he knew exactly where he wanted to go with that one and they've got enough for the first down really nice play call there because the defense might have been thinking on Third and short in the Red Zone they're probably going to run the football instead they throw it catch them off guard and now they've got first and goal fans are bringing the noise on first and goal they'll try to get it in with the Run he's knocked down in the back field he'll lose a couple when the offense gets in those multiple tight end looks you kind of have a good understanding of what's coming you don't know where the ball's going necessarily but they'll put those big old bodies in there to block to move people to put more mass on the field especially once you get in this red area where you have to be able to run the football effectively those passing Windows tend to shrink a lot the run up the middle trying to power to the goal line he'll pick up three before he's down at the six this has been really good for the defense too it's kind of a Bend don't break mentality right really Bo up with your backs against the wall if you can win this next third down try to force the opponent into a field goal that's a win if you're on defense so loud it's rattling your fillings on Third and goal he's got it they will score touchdown Northern Illinois backed up in the shadow of their own goal post no problem when you start in the black Zone inside your own 20 coming out it's difficult you can give up a safety you get worried about that the offense puts a great drive together great job executing great job getting a touchdown getting set for the point after on for the extra point right down the middle they held the ball for 15 plays on that touchdown drive and they get it into the end zone with a 6-y touchdown pass and we're all square as he set to kick it away he'll bring it back from inside his spot he was hoping for something a little more Dynamic but they get him on the ground at the 20 here's here come the Irish back on offense after standing on the sideline and watching that long touchdown Drive they really need to put something together to give their defense a rest and that's a real thing man like you played a lot of plays you get worn out you need a chance to go decompress on the sideline get some oxygen Palmer now it's on this offense yeah this is the definition of complimentary football cuz it's a two-prong problem you've got to score points in answer but you've also got to take your time and give your defense an opportunity to get their win here's the hand off and it'll be a pick up of nine they're facing a third and one keep pounding away at this defense and make them play the run if you can get this many a chunk they're going to have to commit more guys to the Box more guys to the run then you open it up for the passing game they'll try to muscle their way forward on Third and short from the 29 they'll try to get the first through the air caught over the middle it's Evans he'll move it up to the 37 yd line and it'll be a first down third and short and I guess the only thing they really took out of play in the shotgun was the quarterback sneak yeah and that's kind of what I like to do Reese I mean third and inches I I want to run the quarterback sneak run the football but this team fully comfortable throwing the football and you see why easy pitch easy catch first down they'll go to the ground you want to make sure to maximize those types of runs and he gets it out to the 41 nice run there on first down you know this is a running back that gets better as the game goes on so they're going to want to make sure they keep feeding him the football let him get lathered up time winding down in the quarter as they come to the line back to throw it's Leonard just a short pass to the tight end and that defense is there to guide him out of bounds after a short gain out2 [Applause] that's the end of it's been punch counter punch throughout the early part of this game as we take a look at the first quarter stats we've got a good one going here and looking forward to keep those vibes rolling here in the second they'll snap it from the gun on third down makes the grab and a big gain there he's knocked down immediately at the 45 that's a great job by the wide receiver there on a critical down third down running the curl route coming back to the football making the catch and picking up the first Notre Dame ready to go back to work with another first down looking to move it through the air caught in the back field it's l he is stopped behind the line of grimage D lose yards on that one loses two brings up second down after losing a couple of yards it's now second and 12 as they try to keep this drive moving motion from the offense quarterback Quick Pass to the receiver they bring him down but a solid pick up to put them in position to pick up a first down man the defense you hold your breath when this receiver has the football out in space you have got to make sure you're playing with outstanding Pursuit nice job there but as this game goes on they've got to keep an eye on this guy and make sure they know where he is at all times looking to throw it again they're setting up the screen they got a little bit um but they didn't get the first down and you obviously trying to get the first down but you try to slip in those greens occasionally on third down I like when you slip him in there try to make a big play catch the defense maybe being a little aggressive and now on fourth down they'll try a field goal and it's a fake they fake it pitch it to the tight end you want to be bold and daring but sometimes you got to know when to just take the three they're going to throw it to start the drive he's got his man and and they pick up just a few on that completion down and here comes the offense on second down wide receiver shows motion but Jet Sweep pass that's what you expect from a senior don't give them any extra yards great tackle there this defense will try to force a fourth down on Third and short from the 45 give to the running back that'll be enough for a first down as he crosses the 50 and gets it to the 48 and that is exactly why you stick to running the football haven't had a lot of success but boom you pop one right that's what you got to do you got you cannot become one-dimensional and just throw the football every down love the offense stick into the Run nice job getting the first down they'll ride the hot hand they bring him down and he's going to lose a yard on that one offensively you want to run that counter right to try to take advantage of hyperactive defenses but just poor execution not a good job of understanding where I need to go when I bounce that thing backside and it boun outside you want to take that thing inside so the offense needs to operate a little bit better and maybe not run as much counter because the defense got in there pretty good grabbed in the middle it's bars he's there to make the stop but the damage has been done as they pick up the first down on the throwing catch ever since they invented the forward pass the tight ends have been running the drag and getting the first down I I think it's because the tight ends so much versatility you know they can block and stay in the form or they can release and come out but either way if the quarterback's patient most of the time that drag route's going to come open running back searching for a hole he's like a pinball with Attitude out there hammering ahead to the 30 yeah this coaching staff they're getting this offensive line lathered up and into a rhythm now they're letting them drive off the ball on first down on these running plays and they're getting chunks of yardage they can really be aggressive after that last play second and three touch pass on the Jet Sweep and just wedges it ahead a bit before he's brought down and these little touch passes man they're just the easiest completions ever for a quarterbacks Palmer I bet you would have loved being able to just Flip It Forward that counts as to your completion percentage which is good and then it's all right after the catch so pretty easy for a QB you wouldn't have been the only All-American in this Bo day if I were allowed to had push passes when I was playing quarterback I'll tell you that it is so hard to defend it's so hard to seal that edge especially when this guy's Full Speed Ahead coming around the thir and they finally haul him down but not before the good catch and run wow and what a great job by that quarterback finding his open receiver on third down you know guys one of the most telling stats at the end of the game is third down conversion percentage if you're a great third down team it's invaluable to your offensive success and that's why teams drill third down so much in practice he makes a catch in the end zone touchdown Northern Illinois northern Illinois a score for the big fella here why are tight ends so effective in the Red Zone well these aren't the guys that are going to burn by you and go for 70 most of the time but when you can use their big bodied frames threaten them to run the football and be a Blocker in the running game and now you slip them in the secondary make that big play [Applause] on to attempt the try kicker is on for the extra point and the pat gives him a 14-7 lead so the touchdown Drive goes 63 yds and the finisher an 18yd touchdown throw just about set to kick it away set Kick here's the return from inside is 10 he was looking for more Running Room but none to be found as he stopped at the 23 Mur Dame has the ball and ready to get moving keeping it on the ground with the running back into a massive giant bodies we'll call it a one yd gain to the 24 know I think a big part of this isn't necessarily scoring a touch stand on that play but you're just trying to get your offensive line in the rhythm of the game let those Big Fellas get lathered up didn't get much on first down it's second and nine he'll keep it himself not a whole lot of progress made there on the short run they go with the option quarterback keeps it himself and look we've seen this guy on tape guys break these tackles and take it the distance this offense should keep dialing up these option plays don't let that short game by the QB prevent you from running this scheme in your playbook looking for a man it's Leonard the sweet feet by a little time Nifty little Scamper on this one enough for the first down and he slides in safely nice job nice way to end that play for the QB he does a really good job scrambling getting the first down and getting down because defensively I'm trying to get get a lick anytime I can hit the quarterback that is a win Notre Dame ready to go with another first down quick strike complete man it's nice having a QB that is going to hang in there you could tell hanging in there he knows he's going to get hit right if I'm going to get hit I might as well make a completion great job hanging in there throwing the football on Target and getting the completion they'll line up for a second down play the give to the bat and that'll be enough to give Notre Dame a first down that offensive line is putting those golden domes on the defense and starting to move the ball on the ground and we can go back so many years and the coaches may change but the brand of Notre aim is what it is they're going to be physical they're going to run the football that's who they are and that's how they're built they're going to ride this running back breaks the tackle this defense has got to get better at tackling in the open Fielder game tackling because if you need three or four guys to bring a guy down have fun with that six- yd pickup on first down leaves him with second and four he's looking to throw that's it Fly excellent coverage and good use of the hands to knock it away well you know what they say tips lead to picks and the offense there lucky that one wasn't intercepted couldn't find his man last time now they'll have to convert third and four wants to throw it's Leonard receiver looks it in it's complete they've got it inside the 40 at the 39 as they pick up the first down and on that third and short I don't think he was unhappy to see that zone nope was a great job by the offense hey see where the holes in the zone are sit down you only need a little bit of yards on this third down get the conversion move the sticks they'll run the counter here just trying to flex the muscle they get him down at the 34 after a pickup of four that's a really nice play it's impressive runs first down and the defense thinks might be running the football you still can line up you can get some movement at the point of attack and find a little crease for your running back solid pick up of four on first down it's second and six looking for room it's l an excellent Vision to find Running Room there and make a really good pick up before the defense put a stop to it this running back loves running into the teeth of the defense in between the tackles he keeps low pad level and he's got some speed Notre Dame right back to the line they're in the red zone and they'll pass it quarterback on the Move still looking a really nice run and gain and he gets down to avoid taking punishment there's a couple of ways to deal with quarterbacks that can run like that so well QB contained keep those ends outside and wide keep him in the pocket and put a spy on him put a guy in the middle of the field who's really fast that has the ability to go get that guy when he takes off in situations like this and to the end zone he goes touchdown Iris [Applause] now they'll line up for what they hope is automatic right down the boulevard they put it in the end zone with a 12 play scoring drive and closed the deal with a three- yd touchdown run after that latest answer tied things up just about set to kick it away again on the move from inside is five and they'll get him on the ground as the offense comes out to start the next Drive looking for a productive play on first down not much there they'll give him one to the 14 I like feeding my guy I like getting my running back touches feeding the ball so he can break some of those big runs but I'm also okay with these little ones set the tone stay balanced didn't get much on first down it's second and nine now the play fake he's going to let one fly down the middle and that pass intercepted made a Defender Miss after making the interception ran that thing back to the 18 yd line I tell you what it puts you in a tough position when you're backed up inside your own 20 trying to come out but when you're a defense and you can force a turnover and you already set your offense up in scoring position they are going to be extremely happy and that offensive coordinator is going to look extremely smart here come the Irish back on offense how big is this drive scored a touchdown the last time they had it defense gets a stop and now it's up to them in a tie game all right so if you're the offensive coordinator here let's dial it in who are your best matchups and best Playmakers to take advantage of this golden opportunity yeah and I'm interested to see this defense too like the momentum is clearly not in your favor how do you get it back how do you make a big play do you be more aggressive here to try to get the football back to your offense looking to pass it's Le it's complete to the right they go up top to get it down to the 5 yd line as they try to pay off this drive good job by the receiver there not to run into coverage but to find a spot that the quarterback could throw him the ball yeah on those types of routes Rees they say if you're looking you're booking so if that's man coverage the receiver staring at the quarterback all the way across the field that time the receiver didn't give the quarterback's eyes so they were on the same page they both knew it was Zone and they executed that perfectly on first and goal Notre D and will'll try to get it in the end zone snapped it in the shotgun snagged in the middle it's Evans and really good job knowing I don't get the end zone I got to get close to the end zone be ready to break on the football as soon as they throw I can't give up any yards after the catch and they don't right there they'll try to dial up a better one this time on second and goal from the five he's looking to throw touchdown Fighting Irish and they'll put that scoreboard operator to work and put six on the board man I just love the execution by this offense late in the half man you want to take the lead you want to get that momentum on your side and they do it they finish it with the passing game I tell you what beat that passing game up you can keep this lead keep the momentum and keep putting up numbers they'll try to add another to their lead ex and the extra point is true and they're on top by seven quick work on that scoring drive just four plays and the score comes on a 5yd touchdown pass [Music] kickoff team has the ball teed up and they're about ready to go and it'll come out to the 25 no attempt at a return the Northern Illinois offense ready to go back to work after that last pick David they really need to take care of the ball this time no doubt and Palmer I want to know what Spurrier said to you on the sideline after a pick do that again and you'll be right here beside me for the rest of the game you got to go out you got got to call your plays and I hope this coaching staff isn't going to be afraid to throw at this dve looking downfield it's Hampton quickly to the tight end and he'll move his way forward to the first down they'll mark it at the 35 well they pick up the first against Zone coverage the biggest key there is the quarterback understanding that a it's Zone but B what kind of zone is it is it one high safety is it two high safeties and then you know instinctively where your best throw where your highest percentage comp completion is based on what type of Zone coverage it's going to be and this will be incomplete a big hit there forces second [Applause] down couldn't make the connection last time let's see if they'd throw it again on second down just just keeps firing catch in the middle it's Mark there's a timeout called as this offense tries to find a way to draw a little closer decb Rising as the crowd Gets behind this defense on third down from the gun wants to pass got it in the middle it's Mitchell lots of green grass as he gets it to the 31 and I really like when offenses attack over the middle of the field between the linebackers and the safeties there's usually a soft area that you can usually have some success and really nice job by this offense taking advantage of those areas Northern Illinois back to work after picking up the first down he's looking to throw it and the pass is intercepted taking it the other way the 40 the 20 he's at the 10 touchdown Notre D what a great play by the defense of paying it off with the interception return look lot of time left there's a little bit of distance right now being put on the scoreboard there is but it's so awesome when you're a defense and you study all week about what's coming and what routes to be ready for and then you jump the route and you make the plays and you just go get in that End Zone it is so beautiful ling up to tack one more onto that lead and the extra point pushes the lead to [Applause] [Music] 14 they got the late touchdown on the board now about to kick it away and hoping the defense can keep them from answering the returner will field it and try to set up his offense in great field position and the coverage team able to wrestle him down Northern Illinois takes over as the offense heads to the field this is when the pressure can ramp up a little and the pressure gets him back at the 8 yd Line This is a good sign for this defense the rate they were going not touching the quarterback him already having two touchdown passes in the first half this was not going to be a fun football game to watch now they're turning the tide a little bit getting a little bit of pressure getting a [Music] sack we played two quarters here time to go to Kevin Connors in our halftime update all right guys looks like we've got a great one in South Ben going on and we'd be remiss if we didn't start this halftime report by acknowledging the sparkling play of this tight end the guy's like an aircraft carrier out there as a blocker and then when he releases and shows off that speed and Route running he's almost unguardable got to believe he won't be able to go anywhere in this second half without someone attached to his hip with that said let's send it back to the fellas there in the shadows of touchdown [Music] Jesus ready to go here in the second half and Notre Dame will kick it away on the run from inside his own five nice job by the kickoff team everybody stayed in their lanes and they'll stop him at the 16 guys we'll see what the plan is for this Northern Illinois offense he Wast no time and comes out throwing wide open downfield that is exactly what you're looking for when you talk explosive plays the defense finally able to make the stop Northern Illinois right back to the line they'll run it to the right side pretty good effort on that one to work his way up to the 42 listen that wasn't the greatest run in the world but it was very successful and you're making the honor the run and another thing every time you run the football someone gets tackled there's physicality involved in the game so I like when offenses commit to the running the football no matter what the outcome is because those body blows do add it looking to throw it's Hampton and there was nowhere to go for this quarterback and down he goes well the defense knew coming into the second half here they were going to have to crank up the pass rush right they've got the lead they're going to be seeing this quarterback drop back how can you affect him you've got to win up front one-on-one and get home and they did there on third down [Music] guys this offense is already reeling down multiple possessions really need to cash in on this drive it's complete and he's knocked down immediately but not before he moves the chains that was a really well run route on the curl to pick up the first down yeah and it's a nice job too by the receiver getting his depth and then finding space in between the Defenders giving his quarterback a nice Target this Northern Illinois offense continues to move quickly they'll run it on the counter they bring him down and he's going to lose a yard on that one well the offense is trying to go counter but the defense blows it up and they do it by getting penetration up the middle setting up the tackle for L one on that last left when it's second and 11 he's looking to throw caught in the back field it's Barnes and that is good versatility there and a big hit from the backer in pass cover man these Notre Dame linebackers are flying around remember that game that Jeremiah U cor MOA had against Clemson this guy could be in for that kind of night yeah and when you can do that you change the whole offensive philosophy but I'm getting tackles for losses and I'm getting you behind the sticks I get to have even more fun and get after your quarterback and play the pass and not have to worry about the RN love the effort on defense that time that looked like that was going to be a completion downfield but the physicality of the defender Jarred the ball loose Northern Illinois will line up to punt it away first punt of the day and he'd love to lock them up close to their goal L and the punt hits at the six and they can't down it and it'll be a Touchback nerame has the ball and ready to get moving they'll run it out of the shot gun on the move at the 30 finally run out of bounds but he has this offense rolling with a first down and that's another productive run this offense has had a bunch of them today and the running back back I think this lead was built on this guy he's done a great job all game long setting the tone and I think that's why this offense has been successful that's a way to give yourself some breathing room now the second play of the drive from the 36 start so the decision has been made and the coach will take the penalty first down here for the offense pulls and throws off the RPO several Defenders get an assist on that tackle well we see another catch by this guy this defense is going to need to do a better job of tackling the catch in coverage I know they want to slap the ball away but if you can't do it and force the incompletion you've got to at least make sure you're able to drag him down to the ground as soon as he catches the ball this offense has a second down play looking downfield it's Leonard he looks that one in nicely and he's down after making the catch but did not reach The Line Game third [Applause] com third and short from the 44 and we might know if they plan to go for it on fourth down by what they call here fast motion from the offense off the play fake caught in the back field it's Mitchell and boy is he close to that first down maybe just a couple of inches short well they were counting on winning the one-on-one battle they got the completion but the yardage didn't work out yeah and a lot of times men that's what I do on short yardage situation third and short make my guy fall forward for a couple yards try to get the first down but it was a good tackle and the receiver got absolutely nowhere after the catch no return coming he'll call for the fair catch the Northern Illinois offense ready to go back to work they just didn't quite find the Rhythm on that that last Drive Jesse they had to punt it I think they got to be more physical David I think up front they got to do a better job getting blocks and establishing this running and how easy does football become if you're the more physical team if you can threaten the run and then then run play action it opens up the whole offense at your disposal and now on second down for this [Applause] offense they go to the ground he got a bunch and look close getting a lot more but he's got the first down man who says you can't run up the middle anymore right everybody thinks I got to make big plays I got to go way out to the left way out to the right way out in space nope right down the middle nice blocking how about the running back you could tell the speed the wheels does a great job getting down the field making a huge rushing play off the play fake on first down to throw and it's pck picked off for the third time today takes it the other way and a big return after the int sets up the offense for this possession that's the advantage right there of having your dime Personnel on the field you got an extra DB you got an extra guy out there who's really good at covering so for quarterbacks You' got to be so good and precise with these passes cuz they've got speed in the back end they're able to come away with the pick here come the Irish back on offense they had to punt it away on their last possession but man what great field position this time I mean this is awesome like last possession didn't go great now you're set up in an opportunity to get some points start thinking about what plays I like Jesse as I cross the field there are a lot of offensive coordinators out there David and in this position they like to take a shot right away and try and capitalize on this field position the Irish trying to strike gold in this Red Zone trip back to pass it's Leonard it's complete good job running that route to get past the sticks because he got nothing after the catch and when you run those drag routes it just takes a little bit of knowhow and when I say that receivers got to understand find Space my quarterback's going to find me he's looking for that space at the same time nice throw nice catch the way to get the first down they'll throw it on first down he's got it In The End Zone touchdown Iris what a grab and what a quick strike that offense and when I'm an offensive coordinator and I see a short field I'm thinking attack attack attack go get that touchdown take advantage of what the defense gave you great job by the offensive coordinator they'll try to add another to their lead exra and the extra point is true and the lead balloons to 21 quick strike offense on that three-play scoring drive and they finish it by firing one in from the 13 for the score about to kick it off after punching it in for the touchdown and he takes this from inside the five not a lot of space to be found good Hustle by the coverage team and they stop him at the 21 Northern Illinois takes over as the offense heads to the field trailing by three touchdowns if you're going to get back in it David the time to start is right now got to start now defense giving up points on that last possession again the offense is going to have to score and Jesse probably scored pretty quick yeah you got to go Tempo you're going to have to try to fit in as many plays as you can throughout the rest of this game but I think more than that you got to eliminate the negative plays no more penalties and no more turnovers throws to the wide out catch in the middle it's Mitchell put it right on him sweet play good pick up and they'll move the change with the first down you know the defense doesn't have an answer for this slot guy right now they may want to think about bracketing him having a Defender play to the outside and to the inside probably some sort of Zone coverage where you're trying to get two bodies forcing the quarterback to have to go somewhere else with the ball from the gun they'll try to impose their will nowhere to run on that one he loses four on the carry well the linebacker showing you read and react he knew exactly where that running play was going and he beat the football to the line of scrimmage and forc the tfl couldn't get him blocked on that last one now it's second and 14 wide out in motion Brown has it that Midfield he's got R nice pick up there gets him the first down and sets him up at the 45 yd line you know they Pride themselves on being physical at the point of attack dominated at the line of scrimmage nice job there picking up the first down Northern Illinois right back to the line from the gun the ground game keeps the legs moving they finally get him on the ground with the big running play moves to change for the first down first down physicality wins football games being able to run the football and create balance and and right here just chews up another first down gives you another chance to maybe continue to run the football and I feel like this guy too is just an explosive play waiting to happen his vision his quickness and he's got a burst if you give this guy just a crease he's going to hit it and right now he's doing some damage on this defense pocket starts to collapse caught behind the line it's Barnes and an absolutely Fearless tackle giving up size still got him on the turf well I know the tight end did some good things after the catch but got to give the quarterback credit too for the location of the throw because he put it out in front of his b big man he was able to make the catch and accelerate creating some distance there between him and the defense to the air it's Hampton gets it out fast and he's tripped up but not before picking up the first down you got to give the o line a lot of credit there because it gave the receiver time to work all the way across the field on the drag route against Zone coverage quarterback gets it to him he's able to turn it up and get a first down the Huskies have it with the first and 10 wide receiver coming across in motion touch pass on the run the defense wouldn't let him loose there and it was a completion with they lost yardage well I love the aggressive nature of the defense on that play everybody playing with eye discipline they saw the pre- snap motion they knew who had the football and you saw guys play with excellent Instinct running downhill and making a tack they've got a really good drive going but a little speed bump here at second 13 the aerial assault continues just not quite able to make a connection it's incomplete third [Music] coming and this offense just has to find a way to convert this third down or else they are really in trouble looking downfield and he needs a bunch got it and he won't be able to get in as the defense gets him down at the one it's important on offense in the passing game you've got to have balance and I mean you got to be able to attack different thirds of the field you got to work the perimeter to both sides but you got to let the defense know too that you're not afraid to go over the middle they did right there and the huskys trying to pay off the threat on first and goal they'll try to get it in with the run and he takes it in for the score touchdown Northern Illinois number oh the offense shows some life here and cuts into the lead with that score and man they needed it they had to have something to go right listen still down but this is a great start to getting back in this ball game [Music] Pat unit on the field exra point and the extra point is good but they still Trail 3521 he marched 78 yds down the field and they capped it off with a one yd punch about to kick it away after scoring the touchdown kick from inside the 10 here he comes he was hoping for something a little more Dynamic but they get him on the ground at the 20 M Dame has the ball and ready to get moving now they need to put something together to answer that last score there's a lot of pressure too on this offense to have to execute at a high level they've got to score points D but they can't go too fast cuz their defense right now is tied and I think that's the difficulty being a play call like I have to balance all of those things my defense is a little bit tired I can't put on the field but I got to be aggressive because this is a back and forth type game so a lot to process and think about quarterback on the keeper Nifty little dance step and he was able to run through one tackle but still only a modest game you know this offensive line they just got to hold their blocks a little bit longer this offense likes to run their quarterback on designed plays and if you can just give him a little crease he can take it the distance but they couldn't get it done there we'll see if they go back to the run here on third down grab behind the line it's Evans good call good execution as they move the chains and they have a first down at the 38 just beautiful and that's a great feeling as a quarterback when you make that throw it keeps your offense on the field keeps the offense in Rhythm obviously not as good as throwing a touchdown pass I'll tell you this way better than having to trot off over to the bench and wait for your turn to get another shot onun the gun he leaves it with the back he's dropped behind the line of scrimmage that'll be a loss of three BRS up second down and you want to talk about his favorite receiver it might be everybody based on the number of guys getting touches and a chance to show off their hands in the passing game one more quarter to play and it might be unlikely but they it's college football comebacks happen [Applause] out of the gun the running back has it good pick up on the ground and they'll Mark him down at the 39 the 39 yd third down coming up a third and long coming up here looking for a man it's Leonard fires to the wide out finds a man on the left he got loose almost house and finally dragged down at the 32 well I love play calls that want to stay aggressive regardless of what the score is regardless how much time is left on the clock and I promise you this there are a lot of fans there are a lot of teams all across college football that are paying attention to what is happening right now Notre Dame lines up [Applause] quickly moving the running back trying to get the D to tip its hand looking to scramble he'll pull it down on the run and he'll slide to avoid the hit a Nifty pick up there Hey listen it's important at that position to be able to be good off schedule everything's easy when it's on time you can get the ball out but when things break down and they get off schedule you've got to have a guy back there that can make the right decisions he did exactly that they're about to snap it for the seventh time on this drive they'll Run play action and here's the pick and oh did they need that right now bringing it back pass the 30 the 10 touchdown Huskies a great return for the touchdown any return for a touchdown is a great one to a defense how fast did this game just change offense in the lead with the football looking great defense makes the big play we've got ourselves a ball game [Music] [Applause] now ling up to add another on for the extra point and it's up and good as they draw Just a Touch closer that makes the score not 35in they'll kick it off and send that defense right back out there to try to score again after the pick six here he comes from inside his own five not a lot of space to be found good Hustle by the coverage team and they stop him at the 21 here come the Irish back on offense they'll try the run defense there to stop him after a gain of one to the 22 at this point of the game the offense has the lead the offensive coordinator knows they want to keep running the football so he's going back he's looking at his playlist and he's saying which runs work the best for me in this game what can I lean on right here to make sure we win this one didn't get much on first down it's second and nine to the air it's Leonard immediately fires to the middle really nice job there by both guys the throw and the catch to work that defense and get the first down it's a nice job running the end route there by the receiver and the best thing he did after he made his break he didn't Trail and fade away he actually attack the football that's a good lesson for young receivers out there watching he'll do it himself hitch up the first down still moving and he will finally go out of bounds after another big gain and they are absolutely gashing them with this running game well this is one of the fastest quarterbacks in college football and that's why the option's a good idea because if he can get out in space and he has a chance to get down field he is really difficult to tackle and he's very difficult to catch as you saw in that last play getting a first down the run from the shotgun crosses the 30 he got away brought down at the 25 yd line give him 15 yds on the pickup and this offense is threatening it's a point in the game I think as a coaching staff where you really challenge your offensive line to go win the football game right we've got to lead late we're going to run the football and the defense and everybody in the stadium knows that's what's going to happen can we run the ball down their throats and impose our will that's what this offense right now is trying to do tips deflections those are such good things in defense a lot of times they lead to interceptions and big plays just try to get any kind of disruption you came after the incompletion looking at second down looking for space it's brought down after picking up three down to the 22 y already well within field goal range wonder how aggressive they'll be on Third and long from the 22 they'll leave it with him and he's not going to get there the defense Stands Tall and makes the stop offense facing fourth so here we are on fourth down in this field goal kick ker is going to face all the pressure in the world it's good he could have hit a string right in the middle of the uprights there and that lead grows even bigger you know it's funny in an age where there's so many college football analytics and everybody wants to go for it on fourth down at the end of the day it still comes down to managing the good decision by the head coach here in the fourth quarter by kicking that field goal you've now made it a two-possession game your chances of winning this thing have now gone way up so they were able to put up a three spot on that last drive and now the kickoff team out there as they prepare to put boot to leather he'll start the return inside is five he was looking for some Running Room but not much to be found as he stopped at the 18 guys we'll see what the plan is for this Northern Illinois offense they'll run it from the gun they bring him down and he's going to lose a yard on that one know the one thing you can say about this defense they pursue the football the first guy might miss the second guy might miss but there's going to be more and more hats flying to the ball carry you saw it on that play getting the tackle for loss didn't get much done on that first play of the drive it's second and 11 to the air it's Hampton quickly out to the tight end that's a really good tackle there giving up some size and still making the play well a nice completion there finding the tight end and what's so beautiful about that is while they didn't get the first they were able to pick up enough yards now to make the third down manageable really putting this offense in a good position Here Comes This Home crowd as the defense tries to get off the field on third down the running back has it they'll move those chains getting it out to the 29 yd line and trying to get this drive rolling yeah and this offense listen we're in fourth feed right we we got to score a bunch of points here we're down we're trailing we got to go fast but we also got to get first downs and that's a nice job sneaking in the Run getting the first down and now we crank the tempo back up he'll come out throwing on first down grabbed over the middle it's Barnes and they'll finally catch up to him but not before a big chunk of yardage is picked up and on the heels of that last big play now you'd love to keep the momentum going and score quick how about staying aggressive try to throw this thing in into the end zone you need to get the ball back and you need to save as much time as you can they'll run it from the gun he's brought down but there's a flag on the field let's see which way that's going to go offside [Applause] defense yeah and you see some people get upset with off sides in the defense I call it the cost of doing business it's just part of being great off the football sometimes you'll guess and and sometimes you'll be wrong the first one is always on me coach you know and the second one you know usually he takes me out the game and he almost ran away from everybody on that one a huge pick up on that play and man this quarterback has had a day with that pass he goes over 300 yards on the day really nice job executing putting up some yards today pretty good day for the young man Northern Illinois right back to the line looking to pass inside the Red Zone finds his man it's Lewis that completion takes him down to the seven yd line and they are ready to strike and there was no question in that scenario that's where the quarterback was going he knew he had his receiver in a matchup that he liked running a route where he would find himself open up nice job between those two Northern Illinois will line up with a first and goal they want to just keep throwing it and the heat gets there and they get him down at the 14 yd line you try to catch him off bals maybe on a first down and goal right here a situation where maybe you sneak in a pass defense was ready got the sack now now you got to be a little bit more creative now that you got the negative play the offense I know you've worked this all week you got to get ready to execute the red zone [Music] defense rolls up deep in its own end on that last play now a second and long coming wide receiver now comes in motion quick pass on the jet motion and tackled there by the defense really good job by the defense seeing it and going and getting it nice job understanding the touch pass it could happen those guys come in motion man I got to understand saf's got to see that start flying down get ready to play that nice job by the defense being ready for that for third and goal from way back there the give to the running back from the shotgun and you want to talk about gang tackling everybody on the defense run to the ball and I think it's go time now at this point of the game if you're on offense because you need a touchdown you have this golden opportunity down close to the goal line who is a playmaker you can identify offensively that you know can win one-onone to get you the score so on fourth down here comes the field goal kicker in a huge spot it's good he hit that one right down the middle hold on just a second guys FL on can't make contact with a kicker like that a costly special teams penalty you've got to know your path in front of the kicker offense comes back on the field snags it he's all the way way down to the 2 yd line just spectacular execution there heftiness coming out on the goal line they'll try to run it in and maybe they want to try somewhere else because there is nothing doing in the middle of this defense and now a big third down coming up down multiple possessions this is one Palmer I'm looking for six I'm not trying to kick a field goal I want to cut into this lead with a touchdown no you got to have it and also considering all that this is four down territory too so you need to identify who are your best players on offense and how can you give them a chance to score this touchd third and short in college football today you see so much more pass that you used to the offense stays aggressive and I think they stay aggressive because they know they're in field goal range they got that three in their back pocket and on fourth down here comes the field goal unit and this ought to be a Chip Shot from about 20 yds out and the kicker delivers the three ball to finish off the drive 31 so after the last Drive ended with a field goal the kickoff team out there to send it away he'll bring it back from inside his spot he was hoping for something a little more Dynamic but they get him on the ground at the 20 M Dame has the ball and ready to get moving and now that cushion is a little bit smaller Jesse and any mistake would get magnified yeah a little bit of pressure now on this offense too David I think they got to go back to their Playmakers and get these guys going in the game no doubt find those plays those plays you know you can run them in your sleep you make sure you execute build this lead a little bit bigger put this thing away in the fourth quarter now on first down from the 30 the p and throw off the RPO and a good job in coverage there as they stop it after just a few a great job by the defense seeing it right away reacting to the screen going and getting the football and getting the fast playmaker on the ground they'll be perfectly content to go right back to the ground here on second and E we've reached a two-minute warning in this offense trying to milk this clock and keep time on their side let's see what they've got on second down they'll run it they want to take their time here really nice stop there from this senior leader quick timeout called by the defense stopping the clock to save as much time as possible for their offense big third down play here if they get a stop you'll see in immediate timeout back to pass it's Leonard unloads to the wide out and this is going to be incomplete on Third and money down is where you see defenses really understand where the sticks are play great past defense know what's coming and get off the field Notre Dame lining up to plet away on to kick it away fair catch called for and made the Northern Illinois offense ready to go back to work always good to get points on a drive David but Chip Shot field goals can leave you a little empty and I think it's great to get points but the great teams get touchdowns in the red area you got to get out there this time and execute a little better on this drive you're absolutely right David generally the best Red Zone offenses are the ones that run the ball back so let's see if they can be a little bit more physical on this dve second down coming up he's looking to throw fires to the wide out just goes right through the Wicket and brings up third down man he will be thinking about that one well they thrown two straight incompletions and they just need to play a pitch and catch on this next play they're down a possession and you don't have to necessarily get the first down right here but if you don't get it you've got to at least keep the fourth down manageable to give yourself an opportunity to keep pushing the ball down the field and give yourselves a shot to win got it in the middle it's Mitchell he'll have enough for the first down and they stop him at the 45 this dude is putting in work out of the slot and he is just wearing out this defense man and you see it Reese in football they just these slot guys are so quick so athletic you back them up off the football so you can't get hands on them and you just find ways to Contin to get him the football he's making plays so I'm going to continue to throw it his way throws to the wide out he just about put this game away if he'd been able to hold on to that one instead it's second down we've seen a lot of good hands in the back end of this defense in this game they've got multiple interceptions that was not a good example though that should have been another one but they say people play defense for a reason offense gets set for second down Ean Lo to throw it again finds his tight end and they're able to force him out of bounds after a short pickup he would love to have picked up the first down there but saving the timeouts saving the clock much more important right now yeah they could save the game because now I can work the middle of the field still now I can still take those shots deep when I get out time outs and those start to dwindle I get very predictable so great job getting out of bounds caught over the middle it's bar nice job to pick up the first down and they'll spot it at the 42 the offense gets a quick timeout at this point every second is precious in search of that tying touchdown they've moved the chains a couple of times it's first and 10 again got it behind the line it's brown what a great job by the quarterback working through his progressions here in a two-minute situation he doesn't force it down the field if it's not open check it down to your back let him go to work and he comes up with a huge play they'll try to kick it into overdrive clock's running second down coming he spikes it clock stops as they try to rally late third down coming big third down as the crowd Gets behind behind this defense back to throw it's Hampton snags it over the middle they are on the move as they pick up the first down they'll spot it at the 28 they immediately call timeout trying to preserve every second they can to try to rally here Le wants to throw on first down and the pressure will get there the sack down he goes in the way moments that could be a costly play and that's exactly what this defense needed they needed to have something positive give up some yardage they given up some plays no big deal got right back in it on this drive with that big sack and they'll spike the ball to try to save as much time as they can third down coming better find the earplugged here comes the noise backing this defense on third down looking to throw and he needs a chunk play and the defense will Corral the quarterback and down he goes at Midfield on the [Music]