The fourth quarter of the Camping World Bowl merely was a curtain call for Notre Dame (11-2) as it finished off a 33-9 victory, which was the worst defeat for Iowa State (7-6) in two years. At one point, the Cyclones got to the Irish’s 37-yard line, but Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah sacked Brock Purdy again, this time on fourth down. This came on a drive that started at the Notre Dame 46 after the offense went three-and-out deep in its own territory.
The Irish added to their score on the ensuing drive with a 39-yard field goal from Jonathan Doerer. Iowa State was whistled for roughing the kicker on the play, but Brian Kelly opted to decline the penalty. At that point, it would have been stupid to try anything that might turn the tide, even if the Cyclones’ chances at that point were slim.
Notre Dame entered this game as a 3 1/2-point favorite, but it exceeded the expectations perhaps even their most ardent fans had. This was the Irish’s game from start to finish, and they proved that they probably belonged on a bigger stage during this bowl season. After all, you don’t have back-to-back 11-win campaigns for the first time in 30 years for no reason.
See y’all in 2020!