Sept. 28--As a whole, Notre Dame wasn't half bad in its 62-27 victory Saturday against UMass. But the Irish could have been better on defense in the first half, when they surrendered 20 points.
Offense
A. Forty-six years have passed since the Irish have posted as many yards (681) as they did Saturday, and 19 since they've scored as many points. Eight players had touchdowns, and C.J. Prosise (149 yards, 2 TDs) and Josh Adams (133 yards, 1 TD) both cleared 100 on the ground while three receivers each had at least 52 yards.
Defense
B. The Irish allowed the Minutemen to stick around in the first half, and gave up 450 yards, including 302 through the air. They also finished with nine tackles for a loss, two sacks and their first interception of the season, by Cole Luke.
Special teams
A. C.J. Sanders' punt return for a touchdown was Notre Dame's first since Golden Tate's in 2009. Tyler Newsome's 52.4-yard average on five punts is a program record. He also averaged 62.4 on kickoffs. Amir Carlisle averaged 25 yards on three kickoff returns.
Coaching
B. Kelly and his boys were much more poised in the second half. The offensive game plan worked well. The defensive game plan was reworked well.
