Notre Dame football: 3 takeaways from thrilling win over South Carolina

Notre Dame Fighting Irish quarterback Tyler Buchner (12) high steps it into the end zone for a late first quarter touchdown, The University of Notre Dame Fighting Irish took on the University of South Carolina Gamecocks in the TaxSlayer Gator Bowl game in Jacksonville, Florida's TIAA Bank Field Friday, December 30, 2022. The first half ended with South Carolina holding a 24 to 17 lead. [Bob Self/Florida Times-Union]Jki 123022 Bs Gatorbowl 04Syndication Florida Times UnionSyndication Notre Dame Insider /

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Dec 30, 2022; Jacksonville, FL, USA; Notre Dame Fighting Irish running back Audric Estime (7) runs with the ball during the second half against the South Carolina Gamecocks in the 2022 Gator Bowl at TIAA Bank Field. Mandatory Credit: Matt Pendleton-USA TODAY Sports /

2. The Notre Dame run game will be a problem next year

Heading into this game, I would have said that the Notre Dame run game had been slightly underwhelming this season. That’s not for a lack of talent, but rather the offense as a whole looked like it was stuck in mud for most of the season and could never really get going.

Friday flashed what we could see moving forward from the Irish.

Audric Estime had himself a really good game, leading the way with 95 yards on 14 carries and Logan Diggs was right behind him with 89 yards and a touchdown on 13 carries. This duo should be back and better than ever next year which is going to cause a lot of problems for opposing defenses because both have different strengths.

As if that wasn’t enough, Tyler Buchner showcased his legs a bit, rushing for 61 yards and two touchdowns on 12 carries. Having a mobile quarterback like this changes the entire outlook of the offense.

This run game has the potential to be really scary next season, especially if Buchner starts.

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