Irish Show Grit in First Win

Not only did Notre Dame record its first win in the Marcus Freeman era, they won the game three times. Protecting a 24-17 advantage with a minute remaining, the Fighting Irish stopped a desperation drive by Cal when a Hail Mary pass from Jack Plummer finally touched the turf in the end zone. This ended a heart-stopping rollercoaster ride in the final minute of the game that will drive Notre Dame fans to their favorite pub to decompress.

The Irish believed they had sealed the victory on the first play of the sequence when Clarence Lewis intercepted a Plummer pass and slid to the ground in celebration. Unfortunately, a targeting hit on linebacker J.D. Bertrand negated the pick and the Bears…