Notre Dame has been an outstanding defense throughout the 2023 season, but the unit saved its best for last. During Notre Dame’s 40-8 blowout victory over Oregon State in the Tony the Tiger Sun Bowl, the Irish defense overwhelmed and thoroughly out-played the Beavers. It was exactly the way a unit that had been the backbone of the team all season to end the season. Notre Dame gave up just eight points to the Beavers, and that was a fourth quarter score against a group of backups. The Irish held Oregon State to just 197 yards of offense and 4.5 yards per play.

Oregon State was missing several starters, including three starting offensive linemen. Notre Dame was missing important starters as well, but there was a strong core that returned. Defensive coordinator Al Golden had his unit ready to play at a high level, mixing up his looks and allowing the defense to attack downhill. It wasn’t a heavy scheme driven game, it was a smart game plan that used his teams athleticism and depth to whip Oregon State at the point and on the perimeter.

The defensive players rewarded the coaching staff’s strong game plan with a brilliant performance, and that started up front. Notre Dame had almost everyone up front paying in the game while the Beavers were missing the aforementioned three starters, and the Irish front did exactly what you are supposed to do in this type of situation. They absolutely whipped the Beavers and controlled the game from start to finish. It was a group affair up front. Javontae Jean-Baptiste, Rylie Mills and Howard Cross III did they what they have been doing all season. One of the many bright spots in this game is that Jordan Botelho played very well, finishing an otherwise disappointing season with a strong performance. Despite not having Cam Hart or Thomas Harper, Golden didn’t shy away from the aggressive man schemes that worked so well throughout the season. The young replacements – Jaden Mickey and Christian Gray – were outstanding filling in for Hart.

Notre Dame got production and impact plays from all three levels, and two-time captain JD Bertrand ended his Irish career with a very fitting performance. But as was the case everywhere else, he wasn’t alone, the Irish backers made plays across the board. The best part of the performance wasn’t that Notre Dame dominated a short-handed Beaver squad in areas where they had dominated all season. The best part was Notre Dame was outstanding in two areas where it wasn’t as strong during the season. Run defense and third-down defense were two of the more vulnerable areas for the defense in 2023. The Irish came into this game ranked 33rd and 32nd in rushing yards allowed per game and yards allowed per rush. Notre Dame also ranked 39th in red zone defense. While still decent numbers, consider that Notre Dame was either a Top 10 defense or a borderline Top 10 defense in almost every other category. Those season-ending numbers will look a whole lot better after the Sun Bowl.

Notre Dame held Oregon State to just 2 rushing yards on 16 carries, which was the fewest yards an Irish defense had allowed since 2005 when the defense held Stanford to -11 yards. Notre Dame ended the season by allowing just 119 yards per game, which was the best non-Covid impacted rushing defense performance since 2012. The Beavers converted just 1-of-9 third-down opportunities, which tied for the best third-down mark of the season in regard to fewest third-downs allowed.

It was exactly how you want to finish the season on defense, and for many players it was a perfect way to end their Irish careers.

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