For the hundreds of thousands still tuned into Notre Dame’s 40-8 victory over Oregon State in the Sun Bowl it was just the cap on a blowout contest that had been determined long before. But to Chase Ketterer it was a play, and even more so a celebration, that won’t soon be forgotten.
Ketterer, a Notre Dame walk on running back from nearby New Prairie, Indiana, started his Fighting Irish career in 2021 and saw the field sparingly early on. After starring as an option quarterback in high school, Ketterer handled scout team quarterback duties during Navy week in recent years.
This season he was able to get touches in blowout wins over both Tennessee State and Central Michigan before scoring his only collegiate touchdown to cap the season.
Ketterer spoke to Austin Hough of South Bend Tribune about what wound up being his final play of football.
“I was saying to my parents that 40 years down the line, I might not remember the touchdown, but I’m going to remember everything that happened right after it,” Ketterer said. “The brotherhood is just awesome, and having those guys there for me and being so happy in that moment was awesome.”
Ketterer is set to graduate from Notre Dame with a finance degree this spring with goals of one day working in an NFL front office.
To me it’s a special moment for Ketterer, his teammates and his family, all of which spoke to for his piece.
It’s also one that doesn’t happen if these “meaningless” bowl games were eliminated like some wish.