Notre Dame Pulls Away for 41-13 Victory Over Wisconsin in Season-Opening Shamrock Series

On Sunday night at Lambeau Field, the Notre Dame Fighting Irish defeated the Wisconsin Badgers 41-13. The Irish entered halftime with a 13-10 lead despite being outgained in yards (143-135). In the second half, Notre Dame scored 28 unanswered points, limiting the Badgers to a single field goal.

Sports Illustrated3 predictions for Wisconsin in Week 1 vs. Notre Dame: Can the Badgers score more than 1 touchdown? ESPNIrish Dominate Second Half, Take Down Badgers 41-13 Key moments from Notre Dame’s season-opening win over Wisconsin

The game marked the 13th edition of the Shamrock Series, a neutral-site matchup that traditionally pits Notre Dame against a regional opponent. The two programs previously met in 2021, when Notre Dame also won 41-13 at Soldier Field. Notre Dame entered the contest ranked fourth nationally, while Wisconsin was rebuilding under fourth-year head coach Luke Fickell.

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• Final score: Notre Dame 41, Wisconsin 13

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• Halftime score: Notre Dame 13, Wisconsin 10

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• Quarterback CJ Carr: 19-of-29 passes for 133 yards and a touchdown.

Key moments from Notre Dame’s season-opening win over Wisconsin

• Running back Aneyas Williams: 90 rushing yards and two touchdowns.

Irish Dominate Second Half, Take Down Badgers 41-13

• Receiver Nolan James Jr.: 28-yard touchdown reception.

Key moments from Notre Dame’s season-opening win over Wisconsin

• Cornerback D.J. McKinney: 55-yard interception return for a touchdown (first career pick).

Irish Dominate Second Half, Take Down Badgers 41-13

• Team yardage: Notre Dame averaged 5.7 yards per play; Wisconsin’s longest run was eight yards.

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• Special teams: Notre Dame blocked a punt and recovered a muffed kickoff, leading to a short field early in the second half.

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Head coach Marcus Freeman highlighted the halftime adjustments, noting the Irish “checked down” and avoided poor down-and-distance situations, which helped them seize momentum. He praised the running-back committee for keeping the defense off balance.

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Quarterback CJ Carr said the offensive rhythm that developed late in the first half carried into the second, describing the performance as a “fight” the Irish finally secured.

Key moments from Notre Dame’s season-opening win over Wisconsin

• “Sometimes, you don't believe it till you're in it,” — Marcus Freeman, head coach

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• “Outside of our building, here can be a narrative that college football is easy, and we should steamroll teams,” — CJ Carr, quarterback

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The Irish opened the second half with a nine-play, 70-yard drive culminating in Williams’ first touchdown. Midway through the third quarter, McKinney’s interception return extended the lead. Wisconsin’s special teams produced a 69-yard punt that landed inside the Irish five-yard line, but Notre Dame’s defense forced a turnover on the ensuing drive. Senior linebacker Kahanu Kia recovered a muffed kickoff, giving Notre Dame a short field that led to a touchdown pass to tight end James Flanigan.

Irish Dominate Second Half, Take Down Badgers 41-13 Key moments from Notre Dame’s season-opening win over Wisconsin ESPNSports Illustrated

The decisive second-half performance reinforced Notre Dame’s status as a top-four contender and demonstrated the effectiveness of Freeman’s adjustments and the depth of the running-back committee.

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