While the Irish have been known for their defense this season, the run game continues to improve.
Notre Dame combined for 270 yards on the ground. Cierre Woods rushed for 114 yards and George Atkinson scored the go ahead touchdown...but it was Theo Riddick who sparked the offense and led the way with 143 yards, the Cougars just could not bring him down.
Riddick had runs of 55 and 27, the two longest rushes of his career. On the 55-yard run he ran into a pile at the line of scrimmage, put his hand down to keep his balance and then broke out of the pack.
His performance was inspiring.
"As a team, this was special," Riddick said. "We showed that we can run the ball."
Notre Dame coach Brian Kelly was impressed by his performance. Riddick "just ran really hard, north and south, physical," Kelly said. "That gives energy for everybody. The O-line sees a guy who's really pounding it in there. He got us that energy we needed."
"Just run and run until you can't no more," Riddick said.
