A Win with Weight for the Fighting Irish
Notre Dame came into their matchup with Pitt knowing the stakes were high, and the Fighting Irish delivered convincingly. With an 8-2 record, Notre Dame stayed in control of their outcome, and their 37-15 win over the Pittsburgh Panthers on the road sent a clear message that this is not a team content with just surviving. Instead, Notre Dame is aiming for relevance in the playoff conversation, yet again. The Irish defense dominated from the first whistle, limiting Pitt to just 219 total yards, and the offense capitalized on big opportunities throughout.
Jeremiyah Love was a force on the ground, rushing for 147 yards and one touchdown to power Notre Dame’s offense. His spin move on a 56-yard touchdown run early in the game was a highlight, turning heads and setting the tone. Meanwhile, quarterback CJ Carr connected with Malachi Fields twice for touchdowns, helping the Irish finish out the game. On defense, Tae Johnson made a big play when he intercepted Pitt’s freshman quarterback, Mason Heintschel, and returned it all the way down the field for a touchdown, giving Notre Dame a 14-point lead just minutes into the game.
This win was more than just another notch on the belt of the Fighting Irish; it carried real weight for their 2025 season. Notre Dame has now won eight straight games, and this performance helps solidify their spot among the top teams in the country. The average margin in those victories has been impressive, and the Irish are showing that both their offense and defense can deliver under pressure. For Pitt, this loss was a stark reminder of how far they still have to go. Their offense looked outclassed at times, and their defense couldn’t match the physicality and discipline of the Irish.
Looking ahead, Notre Dame is beginning to build real momentum. If they can maintain this level of play, they not only bolster their playoff resume but also continue to show that the Fighting Irish are building something real. This win carries weight for a team determined to stay in the national conversation, but can they keep up with the rest of the playoff contenders? The Fighting Irish will host the 3-7 Syracuse Orange on November 22nd, 2025, as they push towards the playoffs.
