By the numbers ASU

We have two weeks with a bye coming up before USC to breakdown this matchup.  Let’s take a quick look at the game from the stats line.

37-34; the score are the only numbers that really count at the end of the day.

3.9; average yards per rush for the Irish, good enough this week but needs to get better.

2.6; Yards per carry ASU’s rushing game was held to (they had been averaging 4).  Improving defense.

9; Penalties giving up 64 yards.  Unforced errors on mental mistakes.

4; Punts (out of 5) placed inside the 20 yard line for the Irish.

7; Touchbacks (out of 8) on kick offs for Kyle Brindza.  That is exactly what he needs to do.

4 of 15; Third down conversions for the Irish offense, The Irish need to improve this number and be able to extend drives.

4 for 13; 30.8% third down completion rate for ASU who had entered the game with a 43% conversion rate.  This is how the Notre Defense must stop opposition momentum.

4-4; Scoring on Red Zone chances, 2 touchdowns and 2 field goals.  It could have been better but it could have been worse.

3-3; Scoring in the Red Zone by the Irish defense, one touchdown and 2 field goals,  It’s usually a good night when  your opponents score more field goals than touchdowns.

6; Sacks for 45 yards.  That’s the defense we remember.

0; Sacks given up by the Notre Dame offensive line.

3; different Irish receivers who caught touchdowns (Jones, Niklas, & Koyack).

53; Yards for Bindza’s career long field goal (3-4 on the night).  We know he had the leg.

2; Leg fractures (D. Smith and J. Grace). Long term losses.

2; Interceptions (Farley and Fox).  These are huge momentum swingers.

9; Tackles for true freshman Jaylon Smith.  He is improving every week.

3/3; Three tackles for a loss and three sacks for Prince Shembo.  He could be totally unstoppable.

13; Points from the leg of Kyle Brindza (9 via field goals and 4 via PAT’s).  He may end up as team MVP.

47; Career touchdown pass thrown by Rees.  He will still probably will not be remembered as an all-time ND great at quarterback.

33; Consecutive games that T.J. Jones has had at least one reception.

82; Career best in yards for Cam McDaniel.

18; Career high carries in a game for George Atkinson III.