The highly anticipated matchup between the No. 9 ranked Notre Dame Fighting Irish and the No. 24 ranked Army Black Knights took place on November 23, 2024, at Yankee Stadium in the Bronx, New York. In what was seen as a showcase of two strong programs, Notre Dame dominated the game, securing a decisive victory with a final score of 49-14.
Despite the absence of player Howard Cross III due to injury, the Fighting Irish demonstrated their strength early in the first quarter. The game began with a 28-yard touchdown pass from quarterback Riley Leonard to receiver Jordan Faison, setting the tone for Notre Dame’s aggressive play. Moments later, Leonard connected again, this time with Jeremiyah Love, extending the lead to 14-0 after a blocked Army punt created advantageous field position.
As the game progressed into the second quarter, Army managed to respond with a scoring drive that culminated in a 4-yard touchdown run by Bryson Dailey. However, Notre Dame quickly regained control, with Love contributing a 14-yard rushing touchdown and Jadarian Price adding another with a 2-yard run, making it 28-7 by the end of the half.
The second half saw relentless energy from Notre Dame, featuring a spectacular 68-yard kickoff return for a touchdown by Love, followed by another touchdown by Price, increasing the lead to 42-7. Aneyas Williams capped off the scoring for Notre Dame in the fourth quarter with a stunning 58-yard run, showcasing the team’s rushing prowess.
The match concluded with Army adding some consolation points through a 1-yard run from Dailey in the final moments. The impressive performance of Notre Dame was evidenced by their ability to quickly capitalize on turnovers and effectively manage the clock with a balanced offensive attack.
As the weather held steady at 45 degrees with a moderate breeze, an enthusiastic crowd of 47,342 witnessed this thrilling encounter, making it a memorable event for fans of college football.
Overall, this game not only highlighted Notre Dame’s capabilities as a top contender in college football but also reinforced their identity as a resilient and skillful team. With high spirits and momentum from this victory, they look ahead to their next challenges, hopeful for continued success in the season.
Comments: Notre Dame’s robust all-around performance indicates they are peaking at the right time in the season, giving fans hope for a potential playoff run. Additionally, this win serves as a testament to the team’s depth and ability to perform under pressure, which could be a significant factor as they navigate tougher opponents in the path forward.
Summary: Notre Dame decisively defeated Army 49-14 at Yankee Stadium, displaying strong offensive execution and a resilient defense. Despite the absence of Howard Cross III, Notre Dame’s performance showcased their depth and capability as they look forward to future matchups in the college football season.