Second half performance leads Notre Dame to fourth straight win

SOUTH BEND, Ind. -- Notre Dame rolls past NC State 36-7 for fourth straight win. The Fighting Irish kept their momentum alive with a dominant 36–7 win over NC State, marking their fourth straight victory of the season.

After a slow start, Notre Dame exploded in the second half with 26 unanswered points — showing once again why this team is starting to look like a complete unit on both sides of the ball.

Defensively, the Irish continue to impress. They shut down one of the ACC’s best rushers, Hollywood Smothers, holding him to just 46 yards on the ground after he entered the game averaging over 115. Defensive lineman Boubacar Traore shined with two sacks, while the Irish defense posted its third straight second-half shutout.

On offense, quarterback CJ Carr delivered another strong performance — throwing for nearly 350 yards and two touchdowns. Tight end Eli Raridon and wide receiver Will Pauling both crossed the 100-yard mark, with Pauling also grabbing a touchdown.

Head coach Marcus Freeman praised his team’s effort but knows there’s still things to work on, saying:
“I’m proud of the way they prepared. You know, it wasn't perfect, probably will say that to you every time I'm up here. We have to clean it up, but we'll look at it, we'll get it cleaned up, we'll address it in practice, and we get another opportunity in seven days from now to get back out there and compete."

Meanwhile, Raridon was nothing but full of gratitude for these opportunities.

"I've had to wait a couple of years to show what i can do, but it's just such a blessing to be out there, and i'm so grateful and able to put myself in positions to make those plays.”

Next up, the Irish look to keep their streak alive against USC next week as the playoff picture begins to take shape.