Sam Hartman leapfrogs defender, celebrates with somersault after first rushing touchdown
Last week, Sam Hartman showed Notre Dame fans what he can do with his arm. But on Saturday, he used his legs — and turned in a sweet highlight in the process.
Hartman jumped over a Tennessee State defender and somersaulted into the end zone for his first rushing touchdown in a Notre Dame touchdown. The five-yard score extended the Fighting Irish lead to 14-3 in the second quarter.
It was a sweet move from Hartman in his second game with Notre Dame after transferring from Wake Forest. On the next drive, he then found Chris Tyree for a touchdown to make it a 21-3 Fighting Irish lead over Tennessee State.
The rushing touchdown was one part of Hartman’s hot start against TSU. He completed his first seven passes for 91 yards, including the touchdown to Tyree. Jeremiyah Love got things started as he took one 36 yards to the house for his first career score.
Notre Dame is looking to build off its season-opening victory over Navy in Dublin last week. Sam Hartman put together a monster performance in his debut, completing 19 of 23 passes for 251 yards and four touchdowns to lead the Fighting Irish to a 1-0 record.
Eddie George: Tennesse State excited to play against ‘a damn good opponent in Notre Dame’
Saturday marks a bit of history for Notre Dame. The Fighting Irish are not only playing an HBCU for the first time, but it’s also the first time the program is playing an FCS opponent. It’s also a battle of two former Ohio State players as Marcus Freeman faces off against Tennessee State head coach and Heisman Trophy winner Eddie George.
George talked about how much it means for Tennessee State to go in to Notre Dame Stadium and play the Fighting Irish, noting the history of the program and how special it is for his players to make the trip to South Bend.
“We’re very excited to play football against another opponent,” George said, via Blue and Gold’s Tyler Horka. “Against a damn good opponent in Notre Dame. It is what it is. We have an opportunity to go up to South Bend and play in a historical venue such as South Bend Touchdown Jesus, the cathedral of all stadiums.
“This is going to be a great opportunity for our kids to experience Saturday for our kids to play football against a damn good opponent. I think we are excited to give it our best shot and see if we can come away with a victory.”