Xavier Watts Named Bronko Nagurski Player of the Week

Notre Dame safety Xavier Watts earned player of the week honors from the Bronko Nagurski Trophy

Notre Dame earned a huge win this past weekend when it pounded its arch-rival USC by a 48-20 score. The Fighting Irish dominated the Trojans from start to finish, giving USC its first loss of the season.

Notre Dame's dominance was fueled by the defense, and there were plenty of defenders that played outstanding football against the Trojans. None, however, was as brilliant as Xavier Watts, who was named the Bronko Nagurski Trophy National Player of the Week.

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Xavier Watts has been named the Bronko Nagurski Trophy National Player of the Week#GoIrish☘️ pic.twitter.com/NP8kXF9Tx0

— Notre Dame Football (@NDFootball) October 17, 2023

Watts kicked things off for Notre Dame, intercepting reigning Heisman Trophy winning quarterback Caleb Williams on the fourth play of the game. Williams sailed a pass to a USC tight end and Watts was there to make him pay, returning the ball to the Irish 12-yard line, which set up the first touchdown fo the game.

On the next series Watts forced a punt after blanketing USC's top wideout - Tahj Washington - a third-down route. Watts tackled Washington well short of the first down sticks.

After Notre Dame took a 10-3 lead, Watts once again stepped up in a big way. Williams was pressured backed in deep in USC territory and tried to throw a crossing route, but Watts had jumped the route and stepped in front of the receiver for the huge turnover. Watts returned the ball to the 2-yard line, which set up yet another touchdown to give Notre Dame a 17-3 lead.

Watts ended the game in the fourth quarter when Watts scooped up a fumble that was forced by cornerback Cam Hart. The Nebraska native returned the ball 15 yards for a Notre Dame touchdown. On USC's final drive, Watts stripped running back Quinten Joyner of the ball and the Irish were able to then run out the clock.

Watts finished the game with seven tackles, and he tied linebacker JD Bertrand for the most solo tackles in the game with six. The Irish safety picked off two passes, forced a fumble, broke up a pass and returned a fumble for a touchdown.

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