Tarean Folston Has Huge Day as Notre Dame Avoids Trap and Becomes Bowl Eligible

We were all afraid of North Carolina being a trap game. Whenever you are coming off an emotional win and you have the #1 team in the nation and defending champs on deck, it is so easy for a let down to occur. Top that with the fact that the team you are playing is actually better than their record indicates at least on offense anyway. Those are the kind of conditions in which upsets occur.

The way this game started, that is exactly what it would like. Everett Golson missed his first five passes. He also fumbled which set up an early touchdown. He also threw a pick six.

But right after that, North Carolina was put on their Tar Heels. Notre Dame scored touchdowns on four straight possessions. The Irish hung 50 points in all. Despite his continued problems with turnovers, Golson threw for 300 yards with three touchdowns. He also rushed for 71 yards.

Will Fuller had another big day receiving with with 7 catches for 133 yards and 2 touchdowns. He has really established himself as the go to receiver.

But the offensive star of this game was Tarean Folston. Notre Dame hadn't been able to run the ball until today. Folston ran for 98 yards with 2 touchdowns. He was also a factor in the passing game as he caught 5 passes for 71 yards and a touchdown. He had the hot legs today among the running backs so Coach Kelly stuck with him rather than rotate. That is the right thing to do and I hope it stays like that.

The defense had it's toughest day in surrendering 36 points. The quick movement by Notrh Carolina made it tough for the defense to get the signals and substitutions in. Also the short field on the turnovers did not help. Multi-threat quarterback Marquise Williams threw for 303 yards with two touchdowns.Williams was their leading runner as well with 132 yards and a touchdown. He even caught a touchdown from 23 yards.

In spite the struggles, Notre Dame got the win and became bowl eligible at 6-0. Although the bigger goals are still out there, becoming bowl is the first step in making the playoffs. Now it is time for the game we have all been waiting for as the Irish prepare to travel to Tallahassee. This one will be hyped all week and ESPN will be at the game for game day.