Things were bad for Notre Dame in the first quarter as Alabama took a 14-0 lead. The second quarter was equally horrific for the No. 1 team in the country.
Alabama scored 14 more points in the second quarter to take a 28-0 lead into halftime. This game feels over, and barring a dramatic comeback, it probably is.
The lack of offense by the Irish is evident, but the biggest letdown has been Notre Dame’s defense -- at least the back eight. The Irish have already given up more points and rushing yards than the unit has averaged on the season. Not only that, but Notre Dame is missing tackles all over the place. Manti Te’o has been quiet too, with his name usually being mentioned alongside a missed tackle (a rarity for him this season) or a costly bite on a play-fake.
To top it all off, defensive lineman Kapron Lewis-Moore suffered a leg injury and doesn’t look like he’s in a position to return.
Alabama has shown perfect balance with 153 yards rushing and 156 yards passing with play-calling a near 50-50 with the run and pass. It’s about as efficient as an offense can be.
The keys for the second half? Alabama doesn’t need to change a thing, really. Notre Dame cannot give up any more points and probably needs a quick score or two from any side of the ball to aid the offense.
None of that seems likely.