Box Score (PDF) | Notre Dame Postgame Notes | Brian Kelly Post-Game Press Conference

PITTSBURGH, Pa. — The third-ranked University of Notre Dame football team moved to 5-0 in 2020 with a convincing 45-3 victory over the Pittsburgh Panthers (3-4) Saturday afternoon at Heinz Field.

Offensively, graduate student quarterback Ian Book led the way for the Irish with 312 yards passing and three passing touchdowns while adding 40 yards rushing on eight carries. He broke the game open by connecting with graduate student Ben Skowronek down the field twice – a 34-yard grab in the first quarter and a 73-yard scoring strike in the second. Freshman tight end Michael Mayer also had an impressive afternoon with five catches for 73 yards and one touchdown.

Notre Dame added two rushing touchdowns on the afternoon, marking the first time the Pittsburgh defense has given up multiple rushing touchdowns since Oct. 5, 2019 against Duke.

Over on the defensive side, the Irish were stout in the first half and held the Panthers to 97 yards of offense and just two yards rushing in the opening 30 minutes. Junior linebacker Bo Bauer recorded his first career interception late in the second half to set up the third touchdown of the half for the Irish. Senior linebacker Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah tallied his first career interception in the second half that led to another Irish touchdown.

On the very next drive for the Irish defense in the third quarter, graduate student Nick McCloud picked up his first interception in an Irish uniform. After allowing just three points, it is the first time since 2012 that the Irish defense has given up fewer than 10 points in back-to-back games.

Special teams helped deliver the knockout blow just before the half. Sophomore defensive lineman Isaiah Foskey came through and blocked the Pittsburgh punt with 10 seconds remaining in the half. Foskey was able to recover the ball in the end zone for the second special teams touchdown on the year for the Irish.

In the second quarter, Bauer’s interception set the Irish up around midfield as the first half was winding down. A two-yard Kyren Williams rushing touchdown finished off the eight-play drive and Notre Dame took a 21-3 lead. On one of the final plays of the half, Foskey busted through to block the Pittsburgh punt. Foskey recovered the ball in the end zone for the defensive score and the Irish led 28-3 at the break.

Notre Dame will be back in action next weekend when they hit the road for the second straight week. The Irish will face Georgia Tech on Oct. 31 (3:30 p.m. ET) at Bobby Dodd Stadium. The game will air on ABC.

🎥 GAME HIGHLIGHTS

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🏈 4th Quarter

🏈 3rd Quarter

🏈 2nd Quarter

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🏈 1st Quarter

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🏈 PRE-GAME

Chase Claypool shares how Notre Dame got him ready for the NFL. Also his insight scoop on the matchup against Pitt.

Play Coca Cola Play Live @ Notre Dame at halftime during tonight’s game for your chance to win Notre Dame Gear for top scores! Practice up now and get ready! Download or open the Notre Dame Fighting Irish app to play!

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