In a commanding performance under the lights on Saturday night, No. 10 Notre Dame (8-1) crushed Florida State (1-9) 52-3, showcasing a complete team effort that overwhelmed the Seminoles. Quarterback Riley Leonard led the charge, contributing both through the air and on the ground, while the Notre Dame defense put together a relentless display, highlighted by eight sacks. With this victory, Notre Dame not only rolled up 453 yards of total offense but also evened the all-time series with Florida State at 6-6, marking the largest margin of victory in this storied rivalry.
Riley Leonard was instrumental in the Irish’s dominant win, rushing for two touchdowns and passing for 215 yards with an additional touchdown pass. The senior quarterback set the tone on Notre Dame’s opening drive, breaking through Florida State‘s defense for a 34-yard touchdown run, diving into the end zone to electrify the crowd. He added another rushing touchdown in the third quarter with a 6-yard dash, slicing through defenders with ease. Leonard’s efforts on the ground (70 yards) complemented his efficient passing, allowing him to make critical plays at crucial moments.
Leonard’s aerial contribution was equally significant, including a 12-yard touchdown pass to tight end Mitchell Evans in the second quarter that extended Notre Dame‘s lead to 21-3 at halftime. With Leonard at the helm, the Irish offense was nearly unstoppable, effectively mixing the run and pass to keep Florida State’s defense off-balance throughout the game.
Notre Dame’s offense continued to surge after Leonard’s initial touchdown, with running back Jadarian Price adding to the scoreline by sprinting 65 yards for a touchdown to push the Irish further ahead. In the second half, Notre Dame extended its lead further with a 1-yard touchdown run by Jeremiyah Love early in the fourth quarter, followed by a 7-yard touchdown pass from backup quarterback Steve Angeli to receiver Deion Colzie.
The final dagger came with just over a minute left in the game, as Notre Dame’s Luke Talich intercepted a pass and returned it 79 yards for a touchdown, putting an emphatic exclamation point on a dominant night for the Fighting Irish.
Notre Dame’s defense was relentless, holding Florida State to just 37 yards over their final seven drives after allowing an early 75-yard drive that led to a 23-yard field goal by Ryan Fitzgerald. Notre Dame’s defense tallied eight sacks, including three by defensive lineman Rylie Mills, which left Florida State quarterbacks Brock Glenn and Luke Kromenhoek with little room to breathe. The Seminole quarterbacks combined for just 88 passing yards and struggled under constant pressure; Glenn, in particular, faced two interceptions, including the game-sealing pick-six by Talich.
This defensive performance highlighted Notre Dame’s ability to stifle even the smallest offensive gains, reflecting the preparation and execution of their game plan. Each level of the defense played its part, with aggressive pass-rushing and tight coverage that gave Florida State’s offense no path forward.
Notre Dame’s win puts them in a strong position to move up in the rankings, especially after key losses from top teams like Georgia and Miami. The Fighting Irish will need to finish strong in their final stretch against Virginia, Army, and Southern California to maintain their College Football Playoff hopes. Any slip-up, however, could prove costly, potentially leaving them on the bubble come selection time.
Notre Dame returns home next week to face Virginia as they continue their playoff push. Florida State, now 1-9, has a bye week to regroup before hosting Charleston Southern on November 23.
For Notre Dame, Saturday night was a statement—a powerful reminder that this team is ready to compete with the nation’s best and make a strong bid for a spot in the playoffs. With Leonard leading a dynamic offense and a defense that can dictate games, the Fighting Irish are positioning themselves as a team to watch closely as the season nears its conclusion.
