The hype wasn’t nearly the same as what the game in 1993 was, but the overall game lived up to the legend. Unfortunately for Notre Dame, they were the ones that came up short near the goaline. The game came down to one play despite the 4th down heave.
Notre Dame came to Tallahassee with everything on the line and they left everything on the field (including a little bit of extra laundry). The Irish thought they found a running game last week with Tarean Folston, and then Notre Dame kicked it up a notch as the Irish sophomore running back gained 120 yards on 21 carries. It was exactly what the Irish needed to make their passing game so effective as Golson passed for over 300 yards and 3 touchdowns.
Corey Robinson had 8 receptions for 99 yards and 2 touchdowns.
The real reason Notre Dame lost was because of Jameis Winston. After a sluggish first half for the Seminole offense, they made the proper adjustments at halftime and discovered the middle of the field. Winston hit receiver after receiver down the seam while the Irish were blitzing up that same middle.
Once Florida State took the lead after a 10 play 75 yard drive, Notre Dame fizzled out on their next drive deep into FSU territory. Brian Kelly opted to punt, which seemed to everyone to be a bad idea. It worked. Kyle Brindza punted the ball down inside the five and the Irish defense forced a 3 and out. Golson took over an led the Irish down to the goaline- and then the rub play touchdown penalty.
It was, according to some, technically the right call. It was inconsistent with how the game was being called, but I won’t argue against it too much.
If perception is reality, than the Irish won a lot in this loss. The time for moral victories went out the door with Jesse Harper, but in a world where that perception is what drives a program, Notre Dame’s performance tonight was of great importance. On the 28th, the College Football Playoff committee will release its initial rankings. ND Nation will have to wait and see what that perception is by those that matter.
Until then, it was a great game and it proved to the nation that Notre Dame can play with anyone in the country. If the team keeps winning and the cards fall in the right spot here and there, they very well may get another chance to prove it. I wish I could believe that, but this is a bitter and nasty drink right now and I can’t help but imagine that the hill will be much steeper.
Onward….
