Ian Book returns as the starting quarterback for the 10th ranked Irish. Notre Dame begins their new all ACC season by welcoming Duke to South Bend. The Irish have won 18 straight at home. The 3rd longest streak for the team since 1930.
There were fans in the stands for this game including students. A Notre Dame Professor helped put together a seating chart for the students based on where they live so they could social distance and still get as many students in as possible. The stadium looked about half full.
Duke was led onto the field by a new quarterback, Chase Brice. Brice is a transfer from Clemson and has a national championship ring. In Brice’s first drive he came out firing, looking really strong. Brice’s strong start and Notre Dame’s slow start made it seem that the Irish might be in trouble.
The Notre Dame offense finally got going in the halfway through the 2nd quarter. Once Notre Dame took the lead they never looked back. The Irish defeat the Blue Devils 27-13.
Kyren Williams dominated the game, he was clearly the best player on the field for either team. Duke had no answers for Williams. He finished the game with 112 yards rushing and 2 touchdowns on the ground as well. Williams also added 93 yards receiving on 2 catches. He led both teams in rushing and receiving.
Notre Dame’s next game is at home against South Florida back in South Bend.