FINAL: Notre Dame Fighting Irish fall to Oklahoma Sooners, 35-21
By Evan Reller
Sep 28, 2013; South Bend, IN, USA; Notre Dame Fighting Irish tight end Troy Niklas (85) celebrates with wide receiver T.J. Jones (7) after scoring a touchdown against the Oklahoma Sooners at Notre Dame Stadium. Oklahoma defeats Notre Dame 35-21. Mandatory Credit: Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports
The No. 22 Notre Dame Fighting Irish suffered their second loss of the season to the No. 14 Oklahoma Sooners. The 35-21 loss marked the first home loss of the season. The Irish struggled to overcome a very early 14-point deficit and were never able to take a lead.
Quarterback Tommy Rees had a horrible day. He was 9-for-24 for 104 yards, a touchdown, and three interceptions. The Irish converted just 4-of-12 third down attempts.
The ground game finally came alive for Notre Dame as George Atkinson III went off on the Sooners. Atkinson rushed for 148 yards and a touchdown off 14 carries. As a team, Notre Dame rushed for 220 yards.
Tight end Troy Niklas had two catches for 43 yards and a touchdown. Wideout TJ Jones had four receptions for 42 yards and a touchdown.
The Sooners dominated time of possession by 11 minutes. Oklahoma forced five three-and-outs.
Up next, the Irish will welcome Arizona State to South Bend.
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