Notre Dame vs. Louisville: In-Game Live Analysis

Instant analysis as Notre Dame battles Louisville in a top 20 showdown

Notre Dame running back Gi'Bran Payne warms up before a NCAA college football game between Notre Dame and Louisville at Notre Dame Stadium on Saturday, Sept. 28, 2024, in South Bend. / MICHAEL CLUBB/SOUTH BEND TRIBUNE / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

Notre Dame and Louisville meet in South Bend as a pair of top 20 teams battle with playoff stakes on the line for both.

Check back during the game for instant thoughts as the game action goes on in South Bend.

Slowed Offenses Entering the Fourth Quarter (24-14 Notre Dame)

After Notre Dame's defense was shredded yardage wise in the first half, the defense has come out and performed in the second. It has only allowed two first downs in three possessions to start the half but Notre Dame's offense has done nothing.

Riley Leonard threw for just 10 yards since the end of the first quarter (before a completion to Jordan Faison) and the running game has been unable to get going. If nothing else, Notre Dame is in need of a couple of first downs just to get its defense off the field for a bit as it has done nothing.

I did like Freeman's choice to go for it just before the end of the third quarter, trusting his veteran quarterback in keeping it himself.

Halftime: Notre Dame 24, Louisville 14

A few halftime thoughts after Notre Dame's defense came up with a massive stop to keep Louisville off the board just before halftime, taking a 24-14 lead to the locker room.

Notre Dame has got to play the run better. This was a half that turnovers were huge for Notre Dame, but were a bit too relied upon. Notre Dame was significantly outgained, especially if you consider the fact Louisville held a 60 yard advantage despite losing 42 on the botched punt that Kennedy Urlacher eventually recovered to set up a short touchdown run.

All things considered, I feel good being up 10 at halftime but it was hardly pretty getting there. If that doesn't change early in the second half then we're looking at things being really uncomfortable as the afternoon goes on.

Trarore Update, Xavier Watts Interception: 3:46 2Q (24-14 Notre Dame)

Boubacar Traore has officially been ruled out the remainder of the game. It's his left knee and it didn't look good on the replay. Notre Dame is now without its two best edges. I'll be very curious to see the amount of snaps true freshman Bryce Young gets the remainder of the afternoon.

As for the latest on the field, Drayk Bowen continues to impress against the run, much more so than Jaylen Sneed today.

Xavier Watts gets the easiest interception as a dropped pass lands right in his lap. The frustrating part came on Notre Dame's possession when on third and one, the Irish ran horizontally with Jeremiyah Love instead of trusting Riley Leonard in short yardage. The result is a 10 point lead instead of converting that great field position into a touchdown and 14 point advantage.

Notre Dame Turnover/Riley Leonard Injury: 12:09 2Q (21-14 Notre Dame)

Immediately after forcing a Louisville punt, Notre Dame hands the ball right back as Jadarian Price fumbled inside his own ten yard line and the Cardinals recover. After a solid effort by the defense to force a third-and-goal, but seventh year quarterback Tyler Schough made an outstanding throw on the run to find Ja'Corey Brooks for a touchdown to get the game back to one score.

End of First Quarter: Notre Dame 21, Louisville 7

The worst thoughts in the world were going through my mind after Louisville went up seven instantly but Notre Dame's offense delivered a much-needed drive and answer immediately. Despite the ominous start, things couldn't have possibly gone better the next 13 or so minutes for Notre Dame.

It didn't come without concern though as defensive end Boubacar Traore, who has been big the last two games, exited with an injury just before the first quarter ended. We'll keep an eye and ear to anything that develops with that as Junior Tuihalamaka figures to get the majority of snaps if Traore is unable to return.

Special Teams Woes for Louisville - 2:40 1Q (21-7 Notre Dame)

Make it a 14 point lead for the Irish ☘️#GoIrish☘️ pic.twitter.com/cef27YQMMh

— Notre Dame Football (@NDFootball) September 28, 2024

Another big play to start a Louisville drive, getting the Cardinals to their own 45 yard line as Isaac Brown rushed for 20 yards. The defense rose to the occassion however and forced an attempted punt by Louisville but a wild snap resulted in Kennedy Urlacher scooping and returning the ball to the Louisville three yard line.

Riley Leonard immediately found the end zone with a short plunge as Notre Dame has Louisville in deep trouble suddenly. Now can the Irish deliver a knockout blow early?

Riley Leonard's Deep Ball for Irish Lead - 4:59 1Q (14-7 Notre Dame)

After losing the battle for a fumble ball on the ensuing kickoff, Notre Dame's defense made up for a mistake. Tyler Shough pulled a read option and found an opening for big yardage, but was stripped of the ball. Leonard Moore busted his rear end to get down field and force the fumble and deserves big credit for doing so. In what has been a rarity this year, Notre Dame was able to jump on a loose ball in great field position.

Four players later Riley Leonard exploited the Louisville pass defense that has been susceptible to date, finding Jaden Greathouse for his second touchdown pass of the year, this one from 34 yards out.

Notre Dame's Quick Offensive Response - 7:22 1Q (7-7)

Notre Dame's offense came back and responds with the exact kind of drive it needs. Despite a brutal drop on third down by Jaden Greathouse, Riley Leonard found veteran Jayden Thomas to pick up the fourth down and four plays later, Notre Dame punches in the tying score on the back of Jeremiyah Love.

It was the perfect drive to respond to the woeful start and exactly what the doctor ordered to not let Louisville run off with momentum.

Notre Dame's Brutal Start - 13:30 1Q (7-0 Louisville)

The special teams continue to be anything but special for this Notre Dame team as Devyn Ford fumbled the opening kickoff, setting up Louisville on the short field. Even with the benefit of a Louisville penalty for too many men on the field, Notre Dame still allows an easy conversion from 2nd and 11, and moments later, a touchdown on a broken coverage.