Unforeseen weather was an unexpected guest during the Fighting Irish’s game against Stanford. While a break could’ve been a welcome respite for Stanford, that was trailing by 35 points, it did little to alleviate their woes or elevate their game.
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Between the third and fourth quarters, an announcement was made indicating that lightning had been detected within a 10-mile radius of South Bend.
As a result, the game was delayed, and fans were instructed to evacuate the stands to seek shelter. Play resumed at 7:12 PM ET, but even a tidal wave couldn’t have changed the outcome for the Stanford Cardinal.
The offense struggled to regroup during the weather-related suspension and failed to mount any significant offense afterward. Arguably, the game was lost for the Cardinal at halftime as they failed to put up any scores on the board after the first quarter.
Notre Dame, led by Riley Leonard, secured a decisive 49-7 win, managing to put up 7 points after the weather-related disturbance.
IRISH WIN#GoIrish☘️ | @Gatorade pic.twitter.com/7hxgGJvGDI
— Notre Dame Football (@NDFootball) October 12, 2024
Leonard delivered an exceptional performance, throwing for three touchdowns and completing 229 yards. He also shined with an impressive 16-of-22 passing. Leonard’s ability to execute under pressure was key to the Irish’s success.
Running back Jeremiah Love also shined, finishing the game with six carries for 53 yards and a touchdown. His contributions to the ground game were vital in maintaining momentum.
In addition, Wide Receiver Beaux Collins joined the offensive showcase with four receptions for 85 yards. In the end, he proved to be a reliable target for Leonard.
The third quarter was pivotal for the Fighting Irish, as they exploded for 21 points. This offensive surge followed a strong second quarter, where they managed to put up 14 points. Thus, Notre Dame’s ability to capitalize on opportunities set them apart from Stanford.
On the other hand, the Stanford Cardinal, who now sit at a disappointing 2-4 for the season, appeared lost for most of the game.
Their only notable moment came in the first quarter when they opened the game with a scoring drive, putting up 7 points.
In the end, it was Notre Dame that made the most of the break, regaining their focus and returning to the field with renewed energy. The Fighting Irish’s impressive performance also improved their season record to 5-1, solidifying their position as a formidable contender this year.
