By JOHN KEKIS AP Sports Writer

SYRACUSE, N.Y. (AP) — Notre Dame has beaten No. 16 Syracuse 41-24. The Irish's Brandon Joseph returned an interception 29 yards for a touchdown on the first play of the game and tailback Audric Estimé rushed for 123 yards and scored twice in the fourth quarter to thwart a Syracuse rally. Notre Dame has won five of six since opening the season with two losses. Syracuse suffered its second straight loss. Quarterback Garrett Shrader was replaced in the third quarter because of an injury. He completed 5 of 14 passes for just 35 yards and a 13-yard touchdown pass.