In a game that many figured would be tight down to the wire, NC State jumped out to an early 7-0 lead over Notre Dame with a blocked punt touchdown.
Notre Dame stalled on its second drive of the game, backed up in its own territory. That’s when James Smith-Williams blocked Tyler Newsom’s punt. Germaine Pratt fell on the ball for the easy score.
Blocked punt ➡️ Touchdown@PackFootball take a 7-0 lead after this play! #NCSTvsND pic.twitter.com/ODzXhIyZqy
— NBC Sports (@NBCSports) October 28, 2017
Both teams have one loss and cannot afford another if they have any hope of staying in the playoff race. Needless to say, this was a huge play to start the game for the Wolfpack.
The Fighting Irish did respond almost immediately, scoring a touchdown on their next drive when Brandon Wimbush found Durham Smythe for a 25-yard touchdown.
Durham Smythe takes it home to tie it up, 7-7!
Get to NBC now!#GoIrish pic.twitter.com/vSbPhqb2P2
— The Fighting Irish (@FightingIrish) October 28, 2017
This game figures to be quite exciting, and it’s only just begun.