Notre Dame’s 70–7 demolition of Syracuse will be remembered for the historic scoring outburst, but lost in the mix is that it all started with a transfer player who had been relegated to mop-up duty emerging with two massive plays after being thrust into the starting lineup. Jalen Stroman’s pick-6 and blocked punt within the first few minutes of the game set the tone for the ensuing beatdown
The Irish entered the game already dealing with a difficult setback. Rising star safety Tae Johnson, one of the most consistent players on the defense, suffered a practice injury earlier in the week while punching the ball out — the exact kind of hustle play the staff teaches daily.