Tide rolling, Irish fightless

Irish Insights

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Notre Dame defensive line coach Mike Elston talks about the new challenges the team will face by playing five Atlantic Coast Conference teams every year, starting in 2014.Wednesday

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Notre Dame defensive line coach Mike Elston talks about former Bishop Dwenger standout and current Irish defensive lineman Tony Springmann, and the value Springmann has by being a versatile lineman.Tuesday

Fort Wayne products impress Elston

Notre Dame defensive line coach Mike Elston talks about local products Tony Springmann of Bishop Dwenger and Jaylon Smith of Bishop Luers.Tuesday

MIAMI GARDENS, Fla. – Alabama rolled to a 28-0 lead for fightless Notre Dame in the opening half.

The No. 2 Crimson Tide piled up 309 yards, 16 first downs and went 6 for 8 on third-down conversions against the No. 2 Irish.

Notre Dame could only muster 124 yards, five first downs and went 0 for 5 on third-down conversions.

Notre Dame tried to make something happen after falling down 21-0 just seconds into the second quarter and decided to go for it on fourth-and-5 from Alabama's 39-yard line.

But Golson bomb to TJ Jones fell incomplete.

The Irish then forced its first three-and-out of the game, but holding to form of disheartening moments, Davonte' Neal nearly gave the ball away when he couldn't field the punt.

The ball rolled out of bounds at the Irish 8, and Notre Dame gave it back to Alabama being forced to punt three plays after Theo Riddick ran for 20 yards.

The teams then exchanged punts on the next three series before Alabama put together a 71-yard, nine-play scoring drive to go up 28-0 with 11 seconds left in the half.