Final Score: Notre Dame 31, Michigan 0
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Notre Dame gave Michigan one last good kick out of South Bend.
With the Irish and Wolverines playing in their last-scheduled meeting, Notre Dame shut out the Wolverines for the first time ever, and also topped its previous high-margin of victory over the Wolverines (23) in a series where the teams first met in 1887.
The Irish completely dominated the game, as Michigan only crossed midfield four times in the night.
Here’s how it happened.
Notre Dame Benefits From Michigan Penalties
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Notre Dame struck first on an 8-play, 71-yard drive that was capped off by a one-yard touchdown run by Cam McDaniel. The Irish benefited from two pass interference penalties – including one in the endzone – against Michigan on the drive.
Prior to that, Michigan missed a 46-yard field goal on its opening drive.
Michigan Kicker Misses Second FG
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Michigan missed its opportunity to narrow Notre Dame’s lead when the Irish blocked a Michigan 43-yard field goal attempt – the Wolverines second missed field goal of the game – on the Wolverines’ ensuing drive.
Michigan fans then took to Twitter to voice their displeasure.
Wile may be the worst field goal kicker in Michigan history
— Matt Blunk (@Matt_Blunk10) September 7, 2014
No, they can keep him. He's great by me! Hahah RT @poindexter755: Michigan needs a new kicker , missed 2 routine field goals lol
— Cult of Personality (@Stickamania) September 7, 2014
Irish Take Double-Digit Lead.
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Notre Dame’s offense seems to have found its rhythm, while the Wolverines are still struggling to move the ball.
The Irish extended their lead when quarterback Everett Golson found Amir Carlisle in the corner of the end zone.
Just a few plays prior to that, the Irish went for it on 4th down, and Golson’s pass found William Fuller for 11 yds to convert.
Fuller Makes Leaping TD Catch
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With just 34 seconds left until halftime, Golson hit wide receiver William Fuller, who made a leaping catch, in the back of the end zone to extend Notre Dame’s lead to 21-0 just seconds before halftime.
William Fuller extends Notre Dame's lead over Michigan with a tremendous TD catch #NDvsMich http://t.co/8DX7pBY8fR pic.twitter.com/bBckRg1lb2
— NBC Sports (@NBCSports) September 7, 2014
Notre Dame Continues Dominance
Carlisle found the endzone for the second time in the game for the Irish, showing some quick footwork on a run in the red zone to put the Irish up 28-0 with three minutes left in the third quarter.
To date, Notre Dame’s most lopsided win over Michigan was a 35-12 back in ’43. Irish had a Heisman quarterback back then too. #TooSoon?
— Irish Illustrated (@NDatRivals) September 7, 2014
Notre Dame then tacked on a field goal at the beginning of the fourth quarter to make it 31-0, for the final score of the game.