South Bend, Ind–The Irish looks like they are going back to their old ways in winning football games, running the ball right down their opponent throats.
South Florida suffered (1-1) the worst loss in program history with a 52-0 trouncing against No. 7 Notre Dame (2-0) at South Bend.
South Florida, which opened the season beating The Citadel 27-6, needs to improve on both sides of the ball after being outgained 429-231 at Notre Dame.
The last time these two teams played was in 2011 when USF beat Notre Dame 23-20 at South Bend in the season opener. The Irish has now won 20 games in a row at home and it is the second longest home winning streak in program history.
“It’s kind of like any other week — we prepare the guys that we have here and get ready for South Florida,” said Taggart, who will face USF for the first time since coaching the Bulls from 2013-16.
Notre Dame’s rout of South Florida kicked into overdrive when the Irish saw two freshman lined up and scored late in the third quarter on a blunder. USF was facing a 4th-and-12 situation from Notre Dame’s 45-yard line when freshman punter Kenny Scribner’s punt was blocked by sophomore linebacker Osita Ekwonu.
Freshman defensive lineman Jordan Botelho took it to the house, scoring his first career touchdown for a one-yard return. Notre Dame built a 45-0 lead over USF with 10:45 to play in the game.
The snap sailed over Schneider’s head. He recovered the loose ball and got his kick off, but took a bone crushing hit by Botelho. Four plays later, the Irish scored a touchdown to take a 35-0 lead over the Bulls.
Kyren Williams rushed for 62 yards on 10 carries, C’Bo Flemister led the Irish in rushing. He finished with 127 yards on 13 carries with a touchdown. Freshman Chris Tyree had 65 rushing yards on eight carries.
Notre Dame quarterback Ian Brook finished the game 12-19 for 143 yards through the air.
“They’re a fast football team. They can really run on both sides of the ball,” Taggart said. “They’re very aggressive, especially on defense.”
