In a statement win for No. 12 Notre Dame, the Fighting Irish shut down Georgia Tech’s offense and cruised to a 31-13 victory at Notre stadium on Saturday.
The win improved Notre Dame’s record to 6-2, showcasing a dominant defensive effort that stifled the Yellow Jackets throughout the contest.
From the opening whistle, Notre Dame’s defense was relentless, pressuring Georgia Tech’s young quarterback Haynes King and limiting the Yellow Jackets’ offensive production to just 292 total yards.
Georgia Tech entered the game averaging over 30 points per game, but the Irish defense was unyielding, forcing King into a pair of turnovers and holding the Yellow Jackets to a mere 13 points.
Notre Dame’s defensive line, led by standout linebacker JD Bertrand and defensive end Rylie Mills, consistently disrupted Georgia Tech’s offensive flow.
The Irish racked up five sacks on the day, with Mills contributing 1.5, while Bertrand made key tackles in the run game and coverage.
The pressure forced King to rush his throws, and his inability to find a rhythm hurt the Yellow Jackets’ chances.
Offensively, the Irish relied on a balanced attack that included strong performances from running back Audric Estime and quarterback Sam Hartman.
Estime, who has been a consistent force for Notre Dame this season, rushed for 124 yards and a touchdown, grinding down the clock and setting the tone for the game. His power running was complemented by Hartman’s efficient passing.
The senior quarterback threw for 204 yards and two touchdowns, spreading the ball around to a variety of receivers, including Jayden Thomas and Chris Tyree.
The game’s turning point came early in the second half when Notre Dame, leading 14-6, capitalized on a critical interception by safety Xavier Watts.
The turnover set up a quick touchdown drive, giving the Irish a commanding 21-6 lead. Georgia Tech responded with a field goal, but it was clear that the Notre Dame defense had the upper hand.
As the game progressed, the Yellow Jackets’ inability to mount a consistent offensive attack allowed Notre Dame to control the clock and put the game out of reach. The Irish added another touchdown late in the fourth quarter to secure the 31-13 win.
This victory solidifies Notre Dame’s place as a playoff contender as they head into the back half of their schedule, proving they can dominate both sides of the ball against an ACC opponent.