Love Scores 3 TDs as No. 6 Notre Dame Hands No. 18 Army First Loss with 49-14 Romp at Yankee Stadium
In a spectacular display of offensive prowess, Army vs Notre Dame Jeremiah Love stole the spotlight in the Fighting Irish’s tribute game to the legendary “Four Horsemen.” Love scored three touchdowns, tying a school record with his 11th consecutive game with a rushing TD, leading No. 6 Notre Dame to a resounding 49-14 victory over No. 18 Army at Yankee Stadium, ending the Black Knights’ impressive 13-game winning streak.
Jeremiyah Love Shines Under Pressure
Love showcased his explosive ability with touchdown runs of 68 and 14 yards, amassing a total of 130 yards on just seven carries. His performance also included a remarkable leap over a defender to cap off a 6-yard scoring pass from quarterback Riley Leonard. “It’s almost like he’s anticipating what the defense is going to do,” praised Notre Dame coach Marcus Freeman. “When he breaks through that second level, I don’t see many people that can catch him.” Love had already demonstrated his exceptional skill the previous week with a 76-yard touchdown run against Virginia.
Balanced Offensive Attack from the Irish
Adding to Notre Dame’s offensive firepower, Leonard threw for two touchdowns, while running back Jadarian Price contributed with two rushing scores of his own. This dominant performance marked the Irish’s ninth consecutive victory, enhancing their College Football Playoff aspirations as they currently sit at No. 6 in the rankings. The Fighting Irish have proven to be serious national title contenders, allowing 14 or fewer points in six straight games. “Everybody on our offense is a dog,” Love remarked, emphasizing the team’s resilience and growth. “We’re just continuing to grow every single week and get better.”
Army’s Rushing Attack Stifled Army vs Notre Dame
On the other side, Army’s quarterback Bryson Daily had a noteworthy game, rushing for 139 yards and both of his team’s touchdowns. This performance brought his season total to 23 rushing touchdowns. However, the Black Knights, who entered the game averaging 334.9 rushing yards per contest, struggled against a stout Notre Dame defense, finishing with just 207 yards. “We couldn’t stay on the field, and props to them,” Daily said, acknowledging Notre Dame’s dominance.
Historical Significance of the Matchup Army vs Notre Dame
This encounter marked the 16th consecutive win for Notre Dame over Army and the first ranked matchup between the two teams since 1958. The game commemorated the 100th anniversary of Notre Dame’s historic 1924 victory in New York at the Polo Grounds, which inspired the famous opening line by sportswriter Grantland Rice: “Outlined against a blue-gray October sky, the Four Horsemen rode again.” This quote was prominently displayed above Monument Park in the stadium’s outfield.
Notre Dame took an early 14-0 lead, scoring touchdowns on its first two possessions through Leonard’s passes. After Army narrowed the gap to 14-7 with Daily’s 4-yard run, Love responded with his 14-yard rush, tying Wayne Bullock’s record for consecutive games with a rushing touchdown.
Second Half Surge and Takeaways
The Irish continued their offensive onslaught, scoring on four of their six drives in the first half alone. Just 10 seconds into the second half, Love’s explosive 68-yard run propelled Notre Dame to a commanding 35-7 lead.
For Army, this game, while high-profile, does not define their season. The Black Knights are looking forward to crucial upcoming matchups, including a contest against No. 20 Tulane in the American Athletic Conference championship game and their traditional rivalry with Navy.
Poll Implications and Next Steps
With No. 5 Indiana falling to second-ranked Ohio State earlier in the day, Notre Dame’s convincing victory could propel them into the top five of the next AP poll. Army aims to remain just ahead of Tulane in the College Football Playoff rankings, currently sitting at No. 19.
Upcoming Schedule Army vs Notre Dame
- Army: Hosts UTSA next Saturday.
- Notre Dame: Travels to Southern California next Saturday.
This dominant performance not only showcased Notre Dame’s talent but solidified their place as a formidable contender heading into the closing weeks of the season.
