Notre Dame Debriefing: Sun Bowl Oregon State

Going into this Sun Bowl, Notre Dame was overshadowed by who wouldn’t be playing with 13 players entering the transfer portal and several key players opting out. These players included stars like Sam Hartman, Audric Estime, Joe Alt, Blake Fisher, and Cam Hart. They would be going into this game with many second-stringers starting, especially on offense. Nobody knew exactly how this team would perform. How would the players perform once they were put into starter roles? Especially when they’re thrown into the pressure situation of a bowl game.

However, it was quickly shown that Irish fans had nothing to worry about. Notre Dame would beat up Oregon State 40-8. It was the largest margin of victory in a bowl game in the history of Irish football. This win marks the fifth time in the last six seasons that Notre Dame has ended the season with double-digit wins. It’s also the first time Notre Dame has won a bowl game in back-to-back seasons since the 2013-2014 seasons. There is a lot to take away from this game. Here are the main takeaways from this game, as well as the season as a whole.

The Defense Dominated

When we look back on this game, the first thing people will point to is the performance of the defense. Their performance is the main reason Notre Dame won the game, holding Oregon State’s offense scoreless until the game was well beyond reach. It wasn’t just not allowing Oregon State to score, but it was preventing them from getting anything going offensively. This can be seen on the third down conversions, as Oregon State was only able to convert one of nine chances. They also allowed only two rushing yards the entire game. A performance like this takes all the pressure off the offense. The offense was able to play the offense they planned because they didn’t have to worry about keeping up with Oregon State.

This was a reminder to all Notre Dame fans that defensive coordinator Al Golden has to come back next season. Sure Oregon State were missing several of their key starters, which didn’t help them. But for Notre Dame to perform the way they did, it shows how well Golden was able to gameplan. Golden was also missing several key players on his unit as well. Imagine what he’ll be able to do once he has first-string caliber starters at every position. If Notre Dame wants to take the next step next season, Golden has to be involved in that process.

Notre Dame Wide Receivers Stepped Up

Out of all the positions that were affected by players transferring or opting out, the receiver’s room was hit the hardest. After firing wide receivers coach Chansi Stuckey, four receivers entered the transfer portal. This left the receiver room essentially empty. The running joke was that Notre Dame was going to have nobody to throw to during the Sun Bowl.

However, this mass exodus of receivers showed not to be a problem in this game. Notre Dame receivers combined for 14 receptions, 219 yards, and three touchdowns. A pretty impressive day especially considering these guys were 4th and 5th stringers during the regular season. This was mostly due to Jordan Faison, who had five receptions for 115 yards and a touchdown. This performance earned him Sun Bowl MVP honors. Faison, who went to Notre Dame to be a lacrosse player, essentially carried the offense to the win.

Now, even though Notre Dame has brought in some big-name receiver transfers, including Kris Mitchell and Beaux Collins, seeing the Notre Dame receivers perform the way they did should give fans a lot of hope for next season. This offense has the potential to be explosive if today is any indication.

Season Conclusion

With that, the 2023 Notre Dame football season comes to an end. Sure, going into the season the Irish had much bigger goals. They were hoping to end their season with a win in Houston as national champions. However, with the roller coaster of the season, a Sun Bowl win should be something Notre Dame should be very proud of.

Now, the attention turns to the 2024 season. They look to take the next step next season, especially after bringing in the transfers they have. They have to continue the success they have had in the transfer portal, as well as bring in top-end recruits to keep this program dominant for years to come. However, what this season has shown is as long as Marcus Freeman is at the helm, Notre Dame has a very bright future.

Thanks for reading! Credit for my feature image Sam Wasson. You can find more college football content at Belly Up Sports and follow me on Twitter/X.