FINAL: Notre Dame Fighting Irish outlast BYU, 23-13
By Evan Reller
Nov 23, 2013; South Bend, IN, USA; Notre Dame Fighting Irish running back Cam McDaniel (33) carries the ball as BYU Cougars linebacker Alani Fua (5) defends in the second quarter at Notre Dame Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Cashore-USA TODAY Sports
The Notre Dame Fighting Irish improved to 8-3 today after a gritty win over the BYU Cougars. The Irish held off a second half rally by the Cougars to secure the 23-13 victory in snowy South Bend.
Tommy Rees showed up and had a solid game on Senior Day. Rees connected on 15-of-28 passes for 235 yards and a touchdown. He also threw one interception.
DaVaris Daniels was Rees favorite target Saturday afternoon. Daniels had six receptions for 107 yards including a long 61-yard TD catch.
The Irish rushing attack was potent as well, churning up 235 yards on the ground. Cam McDaniel got the bulk of the work, gaining 117 yards on 24 carries. Tarean Folston came in to spell McDaniel and ran for 78 yards and a touchdown off 13 carries.
Despite the 20-degree temperature, intermittent snow, and wind gusts up to 30-MPH Irish kicker Kyle Brindza managed to drill three field goals. He even hit one from 51-yards out in the terrible conditions.
The defense managed to hold a high powered BYU offense to just 13 points, tying their lowest scoring game of the season. BYU managed 415 yards on the field, and was 11-for-20 on third down but simply couldn’t find the end zone after the first quarter.
Quarterback Taysom Hill and running back Paul Lasike both managed over 100 yards rushing. Hill was accurate from the pocket, but only managed to pass for 168 yards and the lone touchdown.
Special teams showed up big late in the game for the Irish when they blocked a 22-yard field goal attempt that would have made it a one-score game.
Up next for the Irish is a trip to No. 9 Stanford.
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