Football is a game that can make you feel feelings on both ends of the spectrum quickly. That definitely was the case for Notre Dame in the second quarter against Georgia Tech. Just when it seemed like the Irish would break this game open early, the exact opposite happened. Fortunately, they bounced back to take a 17-7 halftime lead.
On the very first play of the second quarter, the Irish were within striking distance of the end zone. Instead, Kyren Williams lost a fumble, and Zamari Walton picked it up and ran 93 yards for a touchdown the other way. The Yellow Jackets tied the game on the extra point. It was the longest fumble return in Georgia Tech history.
Still, the Irish have responded well to adversity this season, and the next drive was no exception. The offense mainly went right back to the ground, and it paid off. Though Williams did most of the damage, the biggest play went to Chris Tyree, who had a 21-yard run. Williams finished it off with a 2-yard touchdown, succeeding where he had failed the last time down the field.
The Yellow Jackets got into Irish territory on their next possession, but Kyle Hamilton was there to stop Jahmyr Gibbs for a big loss on fourth-and-2. Starting in Georgia Tech territory, the Irish’s offense used running attacks from Tyree and Ian Book to get to the Yellow Jackets’ 14-yard line. From there, Book took a couple of shots at the end zone, but to no avail. Jonathan Doerer salvaged the short drive with a 32-yard field goal.