Notre Dame-Washington: Irish Rout Huskies 33-7

By Michael Rubin, Domer Sports Report

Notre Dame used a swarming defense, a five wide receiver look, and some trickery to dominate the Washington Huskies, 33-7, and improve to 5-2. The Irish, who were going up against former coach Tyrone Willingham, looked rusty on offense but played relentless defense.

The Irish scored on their opening possession as Jimmy Clausen connected with Michael Floyd for a 51-yard touchdown reception to take a 7-0 lead. On Notre Dame's second possession, they went 65 yards on seven plays, covering just over three minutes, and capped it off with a 21-yard touchdown run by Golden Tate.

Notre Dame took a 17-0 lead into the half and opened the third quarter with a five play, 61-yard drive, culminating with a James Aldridge four-yard touchdown run to stretch the lead to 24-0. Aldridge scored his second touchdown of the game in the fourth quarter on a three-yard run.

The Irish defense forced Washington to six three-and-outs and kept them off the scoreboard until the Huskies scored on a six-yard touchdown pass with 2:56 to go in the fourth quarter.

Notre Dame dominated the Huskies in every statistical category. Notre Dame gained 459 total yards and held the Huskies to 124.

The defense continuously got into the Husky backfield and sacked quarterback Ronnie Fouch four times.

Clausen finished the game a mediocre 14-26 for 206 yards, an interception, and one touchdown pass.

The majority of the Irish offense came on the ground as the Irish outgained Washington on the ground 252-26. Aldridge led the ground attack, rushing for 84 yards on 13 carries. Armando Allen rushed for 62 yards on 15 carries, and Jonas Gray ran the ball nine times for 61 yards.

Next week the 5-2 Irish take on the 5-2 Pittsburgh Panthers in South Bend. A victory over the Panthers makes the Irish bowl eligible.