The headline wasn't really big enough to fit everyone who contributed today, because there were many.  It's good to remember that Nevada's pass defense was putrid and the Irish let themselves get gashed on a lot of  running plays, but it's good to be able to laugh and smile again after a win like this.  Michael Floyd - who isn't as good as AJ Green or Julio Jones because he isn't blessed with SEC speed - had 4 catches for 189 yards and three touchdowns, anchoring Jimmy Clausen's sterling day.  The running game did enough to balance out the video game passing offense, and there were 28 points in the first half rather easily.  When Golden Tate and Kyle Rudolph only combine for seven catches and the offense rolls up a quick five touchdowns through three quarters, that's a good day.

The defense flew all over the field (although they sometimes targeted Colin Kaepernick's invisible companion, who got creamed by Sergio Brown at one point in the second quarter), and got the first Notre Dame shutout since 2002.  This is really starting to look like a Tenuta defense with all the pre-snap movement and blitzers coming from every corner, and it's an advantage to have a secondary as stout as Notre Dame's when your defensive backs are left on islands.  The whole Smith family - Brian, Toryan, Scott and Harrison - pitched in, and a Kyle McCarthy interception was the cherry on top of a great shutout effort.

This is a long season and the Irish need to keep focused and keep winning, but this is a great way to start the season.  There will, of course, be loads and loads of analysis of this game and a look at Michigan in the coming days, but for now, go out and celebrate, Irish faithful.  It was a long wait, but at this point, it was well worth it.

Wolf Pack vs Fighting Irish coverage

Wolf Pack vs Fighting Irish recap

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