Saturday night, the #11 Notre Dame Fighting Irish had a field day in the rushing department, running their way to a 44-34 win over the University of North Carolina Tar Heels. The team put together a total of 293 rushing yards on the night, making it the best rushing performance the Irish have had this season.
199 of these yards belong to running back Kyren Williams who for the second week in a row showed why he will in all likelihood be spending his 2022 season in the NFL. Williams' contributions were felt all over the field against UNC as he used his speed and agility to his advantage in the offensive scheme as well as special teams plays.
Williams played a big role in setting up the Irish's first score of the game after a 47-yard punt return that gave the offense the ball at the UNC 41-yard line. Notre Dame would cash in on this great field positioning and make it a 7-0 game.
Later in the game, Williams recorded another huge play that many are calling the Irish's play of the year. In the fourth quarter, Notre Dame was backed up in their half of the field just 10 yards from their end zone. With a four point lead, quarterback Jack Coan handed the ball off to Williams who appeared to be swallowed up by UNC defenders. However, after some fancy maneuvering, Williams broke free and ran for a 91-yard touchdown carry, the longest of his career.
"PLAY OF THE YEAR FOR THE IRISH!" -@miketirico @Kyrenwilliams23 takes it 91 yards to the HOUSE! 🏠
— Notre Dame on NBC (@NDonNBC) October 31, 2021
📺: NBC and @peacockTV pic.twitter.com/8bOP78p1Ey
The Irish would go on to put away UNC even without their star safety Kyle Hamilton, though the defense certainly felt his absence. Notre Dame now prepares for a matchup against Navy this Saturday, November 6th at 3:30 PM.
