Nov. 16--Notre Dame's 28-7, average-looking victory Saturday against Wake Forest likely won't score many style points with the College Football Playoff selection committee, which ranked the Irish fourth last week. Still, after a 141-yard showing by freshman running back Josh Adams, including a record-setting 98-yard touchdown run, the Irish (9-1) moved up a spot to fifth in the Associated Press poll.
Offense
C. One could argue for an incomplete here. The Irish ran just 49 plays, 14 of which they advanced no farther than a yard. The Irish were averaging 68.1 plays per game going in. Take away Adams' touchdown run and he was good for 43 yards on 16 carries, a 2.7 average. Finally, Notre Dame ran for just 171 and passed for 111.
Defense
C. Romeo Okwara had three more sacks to up his total to five in two weeks and nine this season. This was a case of bend-don't-break, though. The Irish had a goal-line stand, and Wake Forest went 1-for-4 in the red zone. The Demon Deacons kept the Irish's defense on the field for 35 minutes, 48 seconds -- 111/2 minutes longer than the Irish's offense was on the field.
Special teams
B-. Another incomplete. The Irish didn't return a kick or attempt a field goal. Tyler Newsome averaged 44 yards on five punts.
Coaching
C. The Irish were ho-hum in this category, too, doing just enough to win. The wisest move was resting running back C.J. Prosise.
