For the first time this season, we can legitimately say Notre Dame is having a difficult time with an opponent. We just didn’t think Louisville would provide that before Clemson. Yet somehow after three quarters, the Irish find themselves ahead, 12-7.
The Cardinals got the ball to begin the second half and started to move the ball well, mainly on the ground. They dealt the Irish a back-breaker when Malik Cunningham took it himself and converted on a fourth-and-3, making his way into Irish territory in the process. From there, Cunningham attacked through the air and needed only three plays to find Marshon Ford for a 1-yard touchdown pass. Louisville nearly took the ball right back on a surprise onside kick, but a replay review showed that its kickoff team began blocking before the ball went 10 yards, so the recovery was nullified.
Given new life, the Irish’s offense took advantage and actually found success this time. The drive was highlighted by back-to-back 15-yard runs from Javon McKinley and Chris Tyree. Ian Book punctuated it by running 13 yards into the end zone on a third-and-8 to give the Irish the lead right back. But that was all the points the Irish got as an attempt to go up by a full possession failed after a two-point conversion pass intended for McKinley was broken up.
Depending on how you look at it, the Irish might have a chance of hanging on. On Louisville’s next drive and with time running out in the quarter, Cunningham left the game with an injury and was replaced by sophomore Evan Conley. We’ll see how this changes the course of the game if Cunningham doesn’t return.