Notre Dame stays hot after bye-week with 58-7 win over Pitt

 

SOUTH BEND, Ind. — The Notre Dame fighting Irish kept the victory train rolling Saturday with a statement win over Pittsburgh, 58-7.

The offense authored a slow start but was buoyed by a stellar defensive performance and a special teams unit that put up the first points of the ballgame.

To Head Coach Marcus Freeman, tonight's win was the result of a group effort. 

"It's a result of a lot of different things, right, the pressure our guys are getting in front of the different looks coach Golden is doing defensively to try to confuse the offense," said Marcus Freeman. "I think that's an outcome of a lot of different things. But, again, you have to make the play when you're in this position. And he's done that."

The offense put together its first touchdown in the early stages of the second quarter, with Audric Estime scoring on a 15-yard run.

Spencer Shrader booted a field goal through the uprights as time expired on the first half to extend the lead to 17-0.

The Irish proceed to score twice within two minutes of game time to open the second half, once on offense and once on a pick-six, returned to the house by Jaden Mickey.

Mickey’s interception was one of four on the day for the Irish.

The defense scored again on a fumble recovery in the third quarter, stretching their lead to 37-0.

The offense, then led by backup Steve Angeli, would score three more times to close out the game, twice on the ground and once through the air.

Despite two interceptions thrown by quarterback Sam Hartman, ND finished the game +3 in turnover differential, forcing five on the day.

Pittsburgh was shut out until the fourth quarter and outgained 535 to 255 in terms of yardage.

The win pushes the Irish to 7-2 on the season and drops Pitt to 2-6.

Notre Dame will be on the road next week at Clemson in a rare 12 p.m.