3. Notre Dame football’s offense showed big-play capabilities
NC State’s offense held up early against Notre Dame’s offense. However, the Irish began hitting explosive plays as the game continued. The Irish weren’t great on a down-to-down basis, but they could come up with big plays, something they did not do very well in 2022. Sam Hartman proved to be quite the difference-maker.
Hartman was efficient, throwing for 289 yards and four touchdowns. Notre Dame went three-and-out on its first two drives before kicking a field goal. Their next drive produced the first explosive play of the game, an 80-yard touchdown run by Audric Estime. Notre Dame went three-and-out on two more drives.
Then, the Irish answered an NC State score with a touchdown of its own. The catalyst of that touchdown drive was a 65-yard reception by receiver Chris Tyree. Tight end Jalen Greathouse caught a 13-yard touchdown pass from Sam Hartman.
After a three-and-out drive to open the second half, they scored on a three-play, 76-yard touchdown drive, aided by two big passes to wide receiver Holden Staes. The sophomore receiver caught a 28-yard pass and a 40-yard touchdown pass from Sam Hartman.
Big plays were the theme of the day for Notre Dame.