On the offensive: Notre Dame was able to move the ball, gaining 494 total yards, but stalled frequently in the red zone. The Irish did run for 175 yards against the fourth-best run defense in the country entering the game.
Getting defensive: The Irish picked off four passes after intercepting only nine all season. Rutgers managed just 236 yards of offense. Irish sophomore KeiVarae Russell had a standout day at cornerback.
The number: 37. Victories for Brian Kelly, tying Lou Holtz and Dan Devine for the most by a Notre Dame coach in his first four seasons.
They’re still talking about: Kyle Brindza’s steady leg, especially on a wobbly surface. Brindza tied a career high with five field goals.
Looking ahead: Next season the Irish get Everett Golson back at quarterback and now await Stephon Tuitt’s looming NFL decision after he received a second-round grade from the NFL’s draft advisory committee.
— Chris Hine
