Notre Dame vs. NC State Short Report | Sep 9, 2023
Carter-Finley Stadium
Raleigh, NC
Sep 9, 2023
Upload a photo of you at this game and we'll create a commemorative ticket of it.
Game Recap
Notre Dame Fighting Irish secured an emphatic 45-24 victory over the NC State Wolfpack in a contest that left little doubt about their prowess. Sam Hartman led the aerial assault with 286 yards and four touchdown throws, including a masterful connection with Holden Staes. Audric Estimé was a dominant force on the ground, chalking up 134 rushing yards and two touchdowns, one of which was an exhilarating 80-yard sprint that showcased his speed and vision.
The Wolfpack struggled to find a rhythm due to Brennan Armstrong's three interceptions, pivotal moments that the Notre Dame defense capitalized on. Armstrong’s attempt to rally his team was undermined by those critical errors, despite tallying 260 passing yards and three touchdown passes. Key plays, such as a game-sealing interception by Xavier Watts, underscored the Fighting Irish’s defensive mettle. Notre Dame's special teams also shined, with Spencer Shrader nailing a crucial 54-yard field goal. The Fighting Irish showed a balanced and resilient game, marking them as a formidable contender this season.
Key Plays:
Spencer Shrader (Notre Dame Fighting Irish)
Spencer Shrader launched a magnificent 54-yard field goal, setting the tone early for Notre Dame with precision and power. This long-range kick showcased his reliability and gave the Fighting Irish an early lead that boosted their momentum.
Audric Estimé (Notre Dame Fighting Irish)
Audric Estimé electrified the crowd with an 80-yard touchdown run. Outpacing defenders, Estimé's breakaway speed and vision propelled Notre Dame to a commanding lead and underscored his status as a game-changer.
Bradley Rozner (NC State Wolfpack)
Bradley Rozner reeled in a precise 9-yard touchdown pass from Brennan Armstrong. This play momentarily closed the score gap, providing a spark of hope for NC State amidst Notre Dame's dominant first half.
Jaden Greathouse (Notre Dame Fighting Irish)
Sam Hartman found Jaden Greathouse for a 13-yard touchdown, effectively dashing NC State's hopes of a first-half comeback. The pass was a laser, showcasing Hartman's impressive accuracy and Greathouse’s secure hands.
Holden Staes (Notre Dame Fighting Irish)
Hartman connected with Holden Staes on a 40-yard touchdown bomb, further demoralizing the Wolfpack. The play was a testament to their collaborative chemistry and Hartman’s ability to strike deep.
Xavier Watts (Notre Dame Fighting Irish)
Xavier Watts intercepted Brennan Armstrong's pass early in the fourth quarter, flipping the game’s momentum back in Notre Dame's favor. This critical defensive play stifled an NC State rally and led to another scoring opportunity for the Irish.
Davis Sherwood (Notre Dame Fighting Irish)
Davis Sherwood made a crucial 10-yard touchdown reception from Sam Hartman, cementing Notre Dame’s dominance. This score capped a well-executed drive and put the game out of reach for NC State.
Standout Players:
Sam Hartman (Notre Dame Fighting Irish, QB)
Hartman was the linchpin of Notre Dame’s offense, passing for 286 yards and four touchdowns. His poise under pressure and ability to exploit defensive gaps were pivotal in the Fighting Irish's commanding win.
Audric Estimé (Notre Dame Fighting Irish, RB)
Estimé's 134 rushing yards and two touchdowns, highlighted by a spectacular 80-yard dash, showcased his explosive potential and athleticism, making him a nightmare for NC State's defense.
Holden Staes (Notre Dame Fighting Irish, TE)
Staes emerged as a crucial target for Hartman, with four catches for 115 yards and two touchdowns. His ability to find open space and secure catches provided a reliable outlet in the passing game.
Brennan Armstrong (NC State Wolfpack, QB)
Despite throwing for 260 yards and three touchdowns, Armstrong's three interceptions were costly. His mixed performance highlighted the struggle between making big plays and maintaining possession.
Xavier Watts (Notre Dame Fighting Irish, DB)
Watts' interception in the fourth quarter was a game-changer, halting NC State’s momentum and setting up another scoring drive for the Irish. His defensive acumen shone through crucial moments.
Spencer Shrader (Notre Dame Fighting Irish, K)
Shrader's long 54-yard field goal was not just a three-pointer; it was a momentum-definer that displayed his strong leg and reliability in high-pressure kicks. His perfect performance on extra points added further assurance to Notre Dame's special teams.
References:
Notre Dame Fighting Irish vs. North Carolina State Wolfpack - Final Score - September 09, 2023 | FOX Sports
Notre Dame Fighting Irish vs. NC State Wolfpack Live Score and Stats - September 9, 2023 Gametracker - CBSSports.com
Notre Dame football NC State Wolfpack live updates score highlights
Beyond The Boxscore: Notre Dame Gets Past Weather Distraction In 45-24 Win Over N.C. State Win // UHND.com
North Carolina State University
Team
1
2
3
4
T
Notre Dame Fighting Irish
3
14
7
21
45
NC State Wolfpack
0
7
10
7
24
