Full Breakdown
Notre Dame Dominates Wisconsin at Lambeau Field
9/7/2026, 11:30:44 AM
Game Overview
On September 7, 2026, No. 4 Notre Dame opened its 2026 season with a 41-13 victory over Wisconsin at Lambeau Field in Green Bay, Wisconsin. The Irish led 13-10 at halftime before pulling away in the second half, scoring on each of their three second-half possessions. The win marked the first college football game at the Packers’ home stadium since 2016 and gave Notre Dame a strong statement after being left out of the College Football Playoff the prior year.
Family Tradition on the Field
Tight end James Flanigan, a Green Bay native, caught his first career collegiate touchdown on a 3-yard pass in the first quarter. The play held special meaning because both his father and grandfather—each named Jim Flanigan—had played for the Packers. Flanigan later described the moment as a continuation of a three-generation legacy at Lambeau Field.
Game Statistics
- Notre Dame: 239 passing yards (19-of-29), 111 rushing yards on 32 carries (3.5 yards per carry).
- CJ Carr threw two touchdown passes (to Flanigan and to Nolan James Jr., the latter a 28-yard strike with 1:51 left).
- Aneyas Williams rushed for 90 yards on 20 carries and scored twice.
- DJ McKinney’s 55-yard interception return added a defensive touchdown.
- Wisconsin: 284 total yards, 217 passing yards (19-of-30), 49 rushing yards (15 carries).
- Turnovers proved decisive; Wisconsin committed a blocked punt, a muffed kickoff and an interception that directly produced Notre Dame scores.
Coaches’ Perspectives
He credited the players for executing the revised game plan and highlighted the running-back committee approach necessitated by the loss of Heisman-t finalist Jeremiyah Love and draft-pick Jadarian Price.
Wisconsin coach Luke Fickell acknowledged the impact of the turnovers and praised his squad’s effort in the first half, but he expressed disappointment that the Badgers could not sustain momentum after the early special-teams miscues.
What’s Next
Notre Dame returns to South Bend for its home opener on September 12 against the Rice Owls. Wisconsin’s next game is a non-conference matchup against Western Illinois.
Verbatim Quotes
- “There’s three generations of Flanigans who have been on that field and made some plays,” — James Flanigan, green bay resident
- “It’s human nature, when maybe you look at somebody else’s record last year and everybody has expectations on what you should be this year to think, ‘This is how this game should go,’” — Marcus Freeman, coach
- “I don’t expect to replace J. Love and J.D. with just one guy, or two guys,” — Marcus Freeman, coach
- “I think the biggest thing was the ability to just let go of what you thought this game was going to be like and focus on the moment,” — Marcus Freeman, coach
- “Sometimes, you don't believe it till you're in it,” — Marcus Freeman, coach
These statements capture the personal significance of the Flanigan family’s legacy, the coaching mindset at halftime, the strategic outlook for the running game, and the broader philosophical approach that guided Notre Dame’s second-half surge.
