Notre Dame Football: 3 takeaways from tough Fiesta Bowl loss to OK State

Here are three takeaways from the Fiesta Bowl between No. 5 Notre Dame football and No. 9 Oklahoma State. The Cowboys held on late.

It was a tale of two halves for the #5 Fighting Irish. Notre Dame built a 28-7 lead and took a 28-14 lead into the half only to be shut out until less than three minutes in the fourth quarter. Jack Coan was masterful in the first half. However, running back Kyren Williams’ absence was the difference in this game.

The Irish averaged over 150 rushing yards per game with Williams. Today, Notre Dame ran for only 42 yards without their star running back. Despite being one-dimensional, the Fighting Irish built a lead and control of the game.

Defensively, the Irish shut down the Cowboys most of the first half. Oklahoma’s first two drives ended in punts and a fumble. The defense got pressure on quarterback Spencer Sanders and did a great job of shutting down the run game.

The second half was a different story.

Sanders looked like Barry Sanders running the ball and his coach Mike Gundy throwing. The senior quarterback ended the game with 371 passing yards and 125 rushing yards. The defense could not stop the Cowboys’ offense, and the offense did not fare much better.

The Cowboys strategically brought pressure against the immobile Jack Coan or sat back and played coverage, shutting out the Irish for most of the second half.

The Irish scored a late touchdown but could not recover the onside kick.

Here are three takeaways from Notre Dame’s loss in the Fiesta Bowl.