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Rapid reaction: Northwestern’s comeback bid falls short in 31-21 loss to Notre Dame

EVANSTON, Ill. — Close, but no cigar for Northwestern.

The Northwestern Wildcats (5-4, 5-1 B1G) tried their best to spoil Notre Dame’s (9-0) undefeated season. However, a strong second half from Ian Book and the Notre Dame passing attack combined with injuries to Northwestern’s secondary turned a competitive game into a 31-21 victory for the Irish.

But, for a while, things were going well! Northwestern arguably played Notre Dame to a 7-7 draw in the first half. Northwestern couldn’t capitalize on a few opportunities, though, and Notre Dame switched to another gear the Wildcats could not match.