What in the name of Notre Dame offense is going on? It appears we’re finally getting that big game we’ve been waiting for. And it includes a receiver who’s been very quiet until now. The result is a 28-3 halftime lead over Pittsburgh.
Ben Skowronek decided one big touchdown catch wasn’t enough. He decided he needed to make an unbelievable grab as Ian Book aired it out after being sacked. It was one of those plays that even he appeared to be shocked that he made. Regardless, the 73-yard touchdown reception, which allowed Book to pass Tommy Rees for second place on Notre Dame’s all-time touchdown pass list (62), was such a pleasant shock that even Skowronek’s former Northwestern teammate and current Los Angeles Charger Justin Jackson had to weigh in:
Yessir!! @BSkowronek10 https://t.co/hB7z9mwUX5
— Justin Jackson (@J_ManPrime21) October 24, 2020
Meanwhile, the Irish defense continues to make Joey Yellen’s afternoon miserable as its pressure on him has helped hold one of the country’s best offenses at picking up first downs in check. Even after the Panthers were to get one in one instance, Bo Bauer picked Yellen off on the next play. Bauer’s 16-yard return into Pitt territory set up a particularly great drive for Kyren Williams, who recorded a 20-yard reception and eventually, a 2-yard touchdown run.
Not wanting to feel left out, the special teams also made a big play right before the second quarter ended. After the defense successfully defended another third down, Kirk Christodoulou came out to punt for the Panthers. But just as he did, Isaiah Foskey blocked the ball into the end zone, where he fell on it to wrap up the scoring for the half. It certainly helps to get points every which way after the Louisville game.