Fighting Irish Today

The University of Notre Dame football team delivered a commanding performance on Saturday afternoon, overpowering Purdue with a 66-7 victory at Notre Dame Stadium. The Irish scored 42 points in a blistering first half, allowing them to rotate in reserve players for the second half while maintaining complete control of the game.

Quarterback Riley Leonard led the offensive charge in the first two quarters, rushing for 100 yards and three touchdowns while throwing for another 112 yards. Jadarian Price capped the dominant first half with a 70-yard touchdown run, part of Notre Dame’s 278 rushing yards in the opening 30 minutes.

The Irish defense was equally relentless, limiting Purdue to just 162 total yards and a dismal 1-of-12 conversion rate on third downs. Freshman defensive lineman Boubacar Traore highlighted the defensive effort with a 34-yard pick-six in the second quarter.

In the second half, backup quarterback Steve Angeli took the reins, completing six of nine passes for 100 yards and two touchdowns. Third-string quarterback Kenny Minchey added a five-yard rushing touchdown late in the game to close out the scoring.

How It Happened

First Quarter
Notre Dame wasted no time asserting its dominance, opening with a five-play drive that culminated in a 48-yard touchdown run by Jeremiyah Love. The Irish struck again on their next possession, with Leonard capping an efficient drive with a five-yard rushing touchdown for a 14-0 lead.

Defensive end Jordan Botelho’s third-down sack set up the next scoring drive. Leonard showcased his mobility with a 34-yard touchdown run, breaking tackles and cutting back across the field to put the Irish up 21-0.

Second Quarter
Leonard wasn’t done, adding a third rushing touchdown on a 13-yard scramble after connecting with Mitchell Evans and Jayden Thomas on key plays during the drive. On the next Purdue possession, Traore intercepted a hurried pass and returned it 34 yards for a touchdown, extending Notre Dame’s lead to 35-0.

As the half wound down, Price delivered the highlight of the game with a 70-yard touchdown run, showcasing his speed and vision. Notre Dame entered halftime with a commanding 42-0 lead.

Second Half
Purdue’s struggles continued after the break. Their opening drive ended with a failed fourth-down attempt, and Angeli capitalized immediately with a 28-yard touchdown pass to tight end Cooper Flanagan.

Purdue managed its lone scoring drive midway through the third quarter when quarterback Hudson Card found an open receiver after a defensive miscue, leading to a five-yard touchdown pass.

The Irish responded quickly, with Angeli orchestrating another scoring drive highlighted by a 42-yard pass to Jayden Harrison. Mitch Jeter converted a 42-yard field goal to extend the lead to 52-7.

Fourth Quarter
The Irish continued to pour it on, with Angeli connecting on a touchdown pass to Kevin Bauman, marking the tight end’s first career score following a recovery from a knee injury. Minchey added the final touchdown of the game with a five-yard run, capping the 66-7 blowout.

Key Performers

• Notre Dame:
  • Riley Leonard: 112 passing yards, 100 rushing yards, 3 rushing TDs.
  • Jeremiyah Love: 101 rushing yards, 1 TD.
  • Boubacar Traore: 34-yard interception return for a TD.
  • Steve Angeli: 100 passing yards, 2 TDs.
• Purdue:
  • Hudson Card: 5-yard passing TD.

By the Numbers

• Notre Dame finished with 578 total yards, including 388 on the ground.
• The Irish defense allowed just 162 yards and forced two turnovers.
• Notre Dame converted 8 of 12 third downs, while Purdue managed only 1 of 12.

With the win, Notre Dame improves to 2-1 and builds momentum heading into their next matchup.