No. 16 Notre Dame Outlasts No. 15 Louisville in Thrilling 31-24 Victory 9-28-2024
The 16th-ranked Notre Dame Fighting Irish secured a hard-fought 31-24 win against the No. 15 Louisville Cardinals in a sold-out showdown at Notre Dame Stadium on Saturday afternoon. The victory marked the ninth ranked win under Head Coach Marcus Freeman and showcased the Irish’s resilience and ability to capitalize on key moments.
Quarterback Riley Leonard led the way with 163 passing yards and two touchdowns while also adding 52 rushing yards and a score on the ground. Freshman Leonard Moore, starting at cornerback for the first time, shined with a team-high seven tackles, while senior safety Xavier Watts delivered a game-sealing performance with an interception and a critical pass breakup on Louisville’s final fourth-down attempt.
How It Happened
First Quarter: Early Drama
Notre Dame’s top-20 clash got off to a rocky start when a fumbled kick return gave Louisville early momentum. The Cardinals wasted no time, as quarterback Tyler Shough found freshman Isaac Brown in the back of the end zone to give Louisville a 7-0 lead just three plays into the game.
The Irish quickly responded. Riley Leonard showcased his dual-threat ability, orchestrating a balanced drive that culminated in a six-yard touchdown run by running back Jeremiyah Love to tie the game at 7-7.
Moments later, freshman Leonard Moore forced a fumble during a 43-yard quarterback keeper by Shough, with linebacker Jaiden Ausberry recovering for Notre Dame. A big run from Jadarian Price set up a 34-yard touchdown pass from Leonard to Jaden Greathouse, giving the Irish their first lead at 14-7.
Notre Dame’s momentum continued when Louisville botched a punt snap, resulting in a 45-yard loss and giving the Irish possession at the Cardinals’ 4-yard line. Leonard capitalized immediately with a four-yard touchdown run, extending the lead to 21-7.
Second Quarter: Louisville Fights Back
Louisville recovered a fumble on Notre Dame’s first play of the second quarter, setting up a quick nine-yard touchdown pass from Shough to cut the lead to 21-14.
The Irish defense answered when Xavier Watts intercepted a bobbled pass by Louisville receiver Jacorey Brooks, returning it 33 yards. However, the Cardinals’ defense held strong, limiting Notre Dame to a field goal that extended the lead to 24-14.
As halftime approached, Louisville mounted a promising drive but was stopped on fourth-and-one at Notre Dame’s 15-yard line, leaving the Irish with a 10-point lead and momentum heading into the break.
Third Quarter: Defensive Standoff
The third quarter saw both defenses dominate, with neither team able to find the end zone. The Irish maintained their 24-14 advantage heading into the final quarter.
Fourth Quarter: High Stakes
Louisville opened the fourth quarter by forcing a turnover on downs and converting a school-record 56-yard field goal to cut the lead to 24-17.
Notre Dame responded with a critical play from Jeremiyah Love. The running back turned a short screen pass into a 32-yard touchdown, extending the Irish lead to 31-17.
Louisville refused to back down. Shough led a late drive, finding Brooks in the back of the end zone to bring the Cardinals within seven points at 31-24 with just five minutes remaining.
Notre Dame’s offense went three-and-out, giving Louisville one last chance. The Cardinals advanced to midfield, but the Irish defense held firm. On fourth down, Shough’s pass down the middle was broken up by Xavier Watts, sealing the victory for Notre Dame.
Key Performers
- Notre Dame:
- Riley Leonard: 163 passing yards, 2 passing TDs, 1 rushing TD, 52 rushing yards.
- Jeremiyah Love: 6-yard rushing TD, 32-yard receiving TD.
- Leonard Moore: 7 tackles, forced fumble in first career start.
- Xavier Watts: Interception, 33-yard return, game-sealing pass breakup.
- Louisville:
- Tyler Shough: Multiple key completions, two touchdown passes.
- Isaac Brown: Touchdown reception.
By the Numbers
- Total Yards: Notre Dame 323, Louisville 289.
- Turnovers: Notre Dame 2, Louisville 3.
- Notre Dame Defense: 1 interception, 1 forced fumble, 1 fourth-down stop.
The victory improved Notre Dame’s record to 4-1 on the season, solidifying their position as a top contender. Up next, the Irish will face another critical matchup as they look to keep their momentum rolling.
