Arlington, TX – This one has been circled on the calendar for a few years now. The day had finally arrived for the Shamrock Series match-up between ASU and Notre Dame at AT&T Stadium in Texas. The Sun Devils came in trying to show the nation that they can beat a quality opponent on the big stage, while the Irish were trying to get things back on track after a 3-2 start to their season. Surprisingly, Notre Dame found their success through the air and defeated the Sun Devils 37-34.

Final Score: Notre Dame 37 – ASU 27.

First Quarter

The Sun Devil defense got off to a shaky start on the first Notre Dame drive, but held the Irish to a field goal attempt which was missed after it was partially blocked by ASU. The Sun Devils then went three and out on their first possession. Both teams went back and forth, then the Sun Devils put together a solid drive at the end of the first quarter, which ended with no score 0-0.

Second Quarter

The Sun Devils couldn’t finish the drive and find the end zone, but Zane Gonzalez nailed a 40 yard field goal to kick off the scoring for ASU. The Devils held the Irish on their next possession, and drove all the way down the field to the Notre Dame 3 yard line. But once again, they couldn’t convert six points and had to settle for another Gonzalez field goal extending the ASU lead to 6-0.

The Irish finally put together a respectable 7 play drive and got on the board with a 19 yard touchdown pass.  The Sun Devil offense came out with a purpose and wanted to get more points on the board before the half. After a successful drive, ASU went for it on fourth down and Taylor Kelly hit his new favorite target Jaelen Strong for a 36 yard touchdown pass to put the Devils back in front 13-7. However, Notre Dame tacked on another score right before the end of the half to retake the lead.

Halftime Score Notre Dame 14 – ASU 13

Third Quarter

ASU needed to get something going on offense, but the Sun Devils went three and out on their first possession of the second half. Notre Dame got another big pass play and then converted on a long 53 yard field goal to extend their lead to 17-13. ASU couldn’t find any rhythm on offense in the third quarter, but the Irish started rolling. They added another touchdown pass to extend their lead to 24-13 and Notre Dame had all the momentum at the end of the third quarter.

Fourth Quarter

Coach Graham gathered the entire team on the sidelines before the start of the fourth and final quarter. Senior Osahon Irabor responded immediately on the next series and intercepted a Notre Dame pass and took it to the house for a pick six. ASU was back in the game with the Irish now leading 24-20. On their next possession, Notre Dame drove down to the ASU 20 yard line, but had to settle for a field goal, increasing their lead to 27-20.

After that small victory for ASU, they were only down by a touchdown and they responded on the next drive. Kevin Ozier converted on a huge third down pass play with a 31 yard reception. Then Kelly found De’Marieya Nelson for a 31 yard touchdown pass to tie the score at 27-27.

With the game clock under six minutes, Notre Dame marched down the field and added one more field goal to reclaim the lead 30-27.

With 3:07 left on the clock, the Sun Devils had their chance to make history with a long drive to win the game. But in the end, they couldn’t pull it off.

Notre Dame picked off a Taylor Kelly pass for their own pick six and that seemingly iced the game for the Irish.

The Sun Devils didn’t give up the fight and drove down for one more score on a Kelly pass to Marion Grice to close the gap to 37-34. They followed that up with an unsuccessful onside kick and it was game over.

Final Score: Notre Dame 37 – ASU 34