A quarter-by quarter look at the Yellow Jackets’ 30-22 loss against Notre Dame on Saturday in South Bend, Ind.
FIRST QUARTER
Big play: With separation from cornerback Chris Milton, Notre Dame wide receiver Will Fuller caught a 46-yard touchdown pass on a third-and-20 from quarterback DeShone Kizer for the opening score of the game. Kizer had time to throw and found Fuller, who was on Tech's radar going into the game.
Turning point: After Fuller's score, Tech was unable to answer effectively. After the Notre Dame touchdown, the Jackets went three-and-out, and then kicker Harrison Butker missed from 30 yards on Butker's first field-goal try of the season.
The takeaway: At least through 15 minutes, the shootout that was widely expected wasn't materializing. Besides the home-run ball to Fuller, the two offenses averaged 3.1 yards per play.
Score: Notre Dame 7, Georgia Tech 0
SECOND QUARTER
Big play: Tech B-back Patrick Skov followed blocks from right tackle Errin Joe and right guard Shamire Devine to run five yards for a touchdown and a 7-7 tie with 5:26 to play in the quarter. The 80-yard drive was abetted by A-back Broderick Snoddy's 48-yard run down the east sideline.
Turning point: On a third-and-7 for Notre Dame on the following series, Kizer completed a 36-yard pass to Fuller, converting the first down and leading to a go-ahead touchdown. A chance to get the ball back to the offense with decent field possession and keep momentum was lost.
The takeaway: Through two quarters, Notre Dame's defense was giving Tech and quarterback Justin Thomas problems it couldn't solve. Blocking, both at the line and on the perimeter, was ineffective and Fighting Irish linebacker Joe Schmidt was disruptive with six tackles, two for loss.
Score: Notre Dame 13, Georgia Tech 7
THIRD QUARTER
Big play: On the second play of Tech's opening drive of the third quarter, Thomas fumbled and linebacker Jaylon Smith recovered. While A-back Clinton Lynch saved a potential touchdown by tackling Smith at the 18, Notre Dame turned it into a field goal and a 16-7 lead.
Turning point: Joe was called for holding on what would have been a 23-yard touchdown run by Thomas. A touchdown and extra point would have cut the lead to 16-14. Instead, the drive came up empty after Thomas threw incomplete on fourth-and-16 from the Irish 32.
The takeaway: Tech's defense was hanging in against the Notre Dame defense, particularly by forcing a field goal after starting on its 18 after the Thomas fumble, but the Jackets were unable to generate much of anything on offense. Notre Dame imposed itself on the Jackets.
Score: Notre Dame 16, Georgia Tech 7
FOURTH QUARTER
Big play: Notre Dame running back C.J. Prosise gashed the Tech defense for a 91-yard touchdown run, the dagger play in an afternoon of Irish dominance.
Turning point: With his team down 23-7, Thomas was met by a swarm of tacklers on a third-and-8 from the Tech 39 and appeared to try to pitch the ball to A-back Qua Searcy. The play resulted in an 8-yard loss and led to a punt, the beginning of the end.
The takeaway: There was little question about the identity of the superior team Saturday.
Score: Notre Dame 30, Georgia Tech 22
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