The Library Media — Sports · Sports Desk
No. 5 Notre Dame Defeats Boston College 41-7 in Holy War Rivalry
By Sadie Calloway
Photo: Tysto / Wikimedia Commons (Public domain)
SOUTH BEND, Ind. — No. 5 Notre Dame used a 24-point second quarter to turn an early lead into a 31-0 halftime advantage, defeating Boston College 41-7 on Saturday at Notre Dame Stadium in the Holy War rivalry.
The Fighting Irish improved to 9-1 with their third consecutive victory and extended their November winning streak to 13 games under head coach Marcus Freeman. Boston College fell to 4-6.
Notre Dame opened the scoring in the first quarter when quarterback CJ Carr connected with Micah Gilbert for a 26-yard touchdown. The Irish carried a 7-0 lead into the second quarter before taking control with a series of scoring plays.
Jonaz Walton scored on a 1-yard touchdown run, adding to an offensive performance that saw him finish with 141 yards on 15 carries. The second quarter also featured a defensive touchdown that widened Notre Dame’s advantage. Boubacar Traore recorded a strip-sack, and Jaylen Sneed recovered the fumble in the end zone to make it 28-0.
Spencer Porath added a 40-yard field goal near the end of the first half, completing Notre Dame’s 24-point second-quarter output and establishing the 31-0 halftime margin.
The Irish outgained Boston College 287-46 in the first half, while the Eagles struggled to generate offense. Boston College quarterback Mason McKenzie finished the game 8-of-21 for 51 yards with one interception. Notre Dame’s Ethan Long intercepted one of McKenzie’s passes.
Carr completed 20 of 28 attempts for 217 yards, throwing two touchdown passes and one interception. His connection with Gilbert provided the opening score, while Notre Dame continued to distribute its offensive production through the running game and other receiving options.
Walton added a significant contribution in the fourth quarter when his 50-yard run helped set up Notre Dame’s final field goal. He finished with 141 rushing yards and a touchdown. James added 73 yards on 14 carries and a touchdown, extending his streak to 10 consecutive games with a score.
Jordan Faison also contributed on the ground and through the air. He caught five passes for 41 yards and a touchdown, with his third-quarter scoring reception making it 38-7. He added a 28-yard run.
Boston College finally reached the scoreboard in the third quarter, accounting for its only points of the game. Notre Dame answered with Faison’s touchdown to maintain its commanding advantage.
Porath converted a 37-yard field goal in the fourth quarter to complete the scoring at 41-7. His two field goals, combined with the Irish’s offensive and defensive touchdowns, accounted for the final margin.
Notre Dame’s second-quarter surge proved decisive, as the Irish transformed a seven-point game into a 31-point halftime lead. The victory improved their record to 9-1 and extended their November winning streak under Freeman.
Sadie Calloway
College Football, The Library Media
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