Leonard Moore’s return sparks Notre Dame’s 28-7 win over Boise State
When Leonard Moore, a preseason All‑America cornerback for the Notre Dame Fighting Irish, returned from a high‑ankle sprain, he snapped two interceptions in the Notre Dame vs. Boise State gameNotre Dame Stadium on Saturday. The 21st‑ranked Irish, playing at home in South Bend, Indiana, rolled the Broncos out 28‑7, a result that pushed the team to a 3‑2 record and reminded fans of the defensive ferocity that topped the nation with 33 takeaways last season.
Historical Context: A Season of Ups and Downs
Notre Dame entered the 2025 campaign with lofty expectations, yet the first two weeks felt like a stumble. After a razor‑thin win over Texas A&M and a perplexing loss to Purdue, head coach Marcus Freeman openly admitted the defense was “in a low point.” By contrast, Boise State, coming off a three‑game winning streak, had surprised many by staying unbeaten after a Week 1 loss, only to lose key defensive back Jaden Mickey to concussion protocols.
Game‑Day Details: How the Irish Dominated
Kickoff was slated for 3:30 PM EDT, and the Irish took early command. CJ Carr, the senior quarterback, completed 15 of 23 passes for 189 yards, threading the needle to Will Pauling in the red zone for a 7‑yard touchdown. A second strike came on a 12‑yard pass to Malachi Fields, sealing a 14‑7 halftime lead after a two‑point conversion.
The second half resembled a well‑rehearsed march. A 10‑play, 79‑yard drive capped by a 4‑yard rush from senior running back Jeremiyah Love stretched the advantage to 21‑7. Love had briefly left the game in the first half with a minor cramp, but returned to finish with 103 rushing yards. Backup back Jadarian Price added a flashy 49‑yard touchdown run, nudging the final score to 28‑7.
Defensive Turnaround: Four Interceptions, Two by Moore
Moore’s two picks came on Boise State’s second and third series, both off quick slants aimed at veteran receiver Tyler McKinney. The corner’s ball‑hawks were complemented by fellow defenders Tae Johnson and Luke Talich, who each grabbed one. Four interceptions in a single contest matched the Irish’s total through their first four games of the season, a clear signal that Freeman’s defense was snapping back to its former self.
“To think where that defense was and how they felt two weeks ago, after week two at A&M, after week three versus Purdue… it was a low point for us all,” Freeman said in the post‑game press conference. “Now we’re back to the style of play that got us where we are.” The coach’s remarks echoed a broader narrative: the unit, which led the nation with 33 takeaways in 2024, was regaining its identity after a brief identity crisis.
Coaches’ and Players’ Perspectives
Moore, playing his first snap in three weeks, was modest. “Just wanted to do my job and make some plays,” he told the media, flashing a quick smile. Carr, meanwhile, praised the offensive line’s protection, noting that the “quiet early game allowed us to settle in and hit the rhythm.” On the Broncos side, defensive coordinator Mike Rapp lamented the loss of Mickey, saying, “We missed his range, and that gave Notre Dame an edge.”
Impact and Next Steps for Both Programs
Notre Dame’s victory improved its record to 3‑2, keeping the team within striking distance of the ACC‑independent’s projected top‑10 finish. The 21.5‑point spread had made them overwhelming favorites, but the decisive early lead silenced any doubts. For Boise State, the defeat dropped them to 3‑1; the Broncos will have to rely on a healthy secondary and a balanced offense to bounce back against upcoming SEC opponents.
Analysts at ESPN noted the game “felt like a throwback to the 2024 season’s defensive swagger,” suggesting that the Irish could finish the year ranked in the top‑five if they maintain this trajectory. Meanwhile, sports betting firms adjusted the Broncos’ odds, indicating a tighter spread for their next matchup.
Background: Notre Dame Football’s Recent Evolution
Since Freeman took over as head coach in 2022, Notre Dame has oscillated between offensive fireworks and defensive lapses. The 2024 squad shocked the nation by leading the country in takeaways, a feat that helped secure a New Year’s Six bowl appearance. However, injuries to key defensive backs in early 2025 threatened to derail that momentum. Leonard Moore’s high‑ankle sprain, suffered in the opening week against Georgia Tech, kept him sidelined for the first two games, sparking concerns about the secondary’s depth. His return, therefore, not only bolstered the roster but also restored confidence among teammates and fans alike.
In the broader college football landscape, the Irish’s resurgence adds another strong independent to a season that already features a crowded playoff picture. With conference champions battling for limited at‑large bids, every interception and every defensive stand could tip the scales.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does Leonard Moore’s performance affect Notre Dame’s defense?
Moore’s two interceptions instantly upgraded the secondary, bringing veteran knowledge and ball‑hawking instincts back to the field. His play, paired with picks by Johnson and Talich, pushed Notre Dame’s interception total to four in a single game—matching their first‑four‑game output and signaling that the defense is re‑establishing the aggressive style that led the nation in takeaways last season.
What were the key factors behind the 28‑7 scoreline?
Three main factors drove the margin: (1) early scoring drives that forced Boise State into a catch‑up mode, (2) a dominant defensive showing that generated four turnovers, and (3) a balanced ground attack—Love’s 103 rushing yards and Price’s 49‑yard touchdown run—kept the Broncos’ defense on the sidelines.
What does this win mean for Notre Dame’s playoff hopes?
The victory keeps Notre Dame within the top‑ten of the AP poll and improves its strength‑of‑schedule profile. With a 3‑2 record and a convincing win over a solid Boise State team, the Irish are positioned to stay in the conversation for an at‑large playoff spot, provided they continue to win against Power‑Five opponents.
How might Boise State adjust after this loss?
Boise State will likely emphasize improving its secondary depth, especially with Jaden Mickey still out. Coach Rapp mentioned a focus on tighter coverage and more disciplined tackling to limit big plays. Offensively, they’ll need to lean on quarterback Tyler Varga to generate quick passes that mitigate the defensive mismatch.
When is Notre Dame’s next game and who are they facing?
The Irish head to Pittsburgh for a Week 7 showdown against the Panthers on October 12, 2025. That contest will test both the defense’s consistency and the offense’s ability to sustain drives against a stout defensive line.
