No. 5 Notre Dame did not walk into Doak Campbell Stadium with the intention of offering itself as a sacrificial meal to second-ranked and defending national champion Florida State. Through one half in Tallahassee, the Fighting Irish lead 17-10.
The Irish live and die on the right arm and brain of quarterback Everett Golson, and so far he’s made more good decisions than bad, hitting 15-of-26 passes for 139 yards and two touchdowns with eight rushes for 32 yards while also throwing an interception and a couple failed fourth down conversions. Golson found Corey Robinson, son of Basketball Hall of Famer David, for both of his touchdowns, a one-yarder to open the scoring in the first quarter and a nine-yarder to put the Irish back up 14-7 in the second.
Most importantly, Notre Dame and defensive coordinator Brian VanGorder have kept Jameis Winston and the ‘Noles offense out of rhythm. Florida State has rushed just nine times for 19 yards, and pressured Winston on seemingly every pass. Relatedly, they are playing without offensive line coach Rick Trickett, who had to stay home due to health concerns.
Winston has hit 8-of-15 passes for 82 yards with a touchdown and an ugly interception, which came one play after Golson’s interception and directly led to Notre Dame’s second touchdown.
Overall, Notre Dame has out-gained Florida State 254-111 and own a 15-5 advantage in first downs. This is where we remind you Notre Dame is 9-0-1 all-time in games were both teams are 6-0 or better.
Florida State will receive the ball to open the second half.