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WATCH: Joe Wilkins Jr wrestles away touchdown pass for Notre Dame lead

by:Austin Brezina•09/05/21•

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Photo by Roy K. Miller/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images

Notre Dame quarterback Jack Coan delivered a 23-yard touchdown pass to receiver Joe Wilkins Jr. to gain the lead before halftime, 17-14. Wilkins jumped over his defender and wrestled the ball away from the Florida State defense.

Joe Wilkins Jr. touchdown grab

Following a big interception by Notre Dame’s defense with less than four minutes in the half, the offense didn’t take long to capitalize on the turnover. Quarterback Jack Coan lofted a pass to the endzone where Wilkins was tightly covered.

Wilkins reached over Florida State defensive back Travis Jay and used his strength to secure the ball as defenders pulled at him.

Wilkins’ touchdown gave Notre Dame a huge momentum swing in their opening week matchup with Florida State. Coming in as the ninth-ranked team in the nation, Notre Dame fell behind 14-7 after a rushing touchdown from Florida State quarterback Jordan Travis.

After a field goal for Notre Dame, Florida State attempted to build on their lead late in the second quarter. On a third-down pass attempt, safety Kyle Hamilton intercepted a pass from Jordan Travis to give the Fighting Irish the ball back at midfield.

Five plays later on a short third down, Coan tested the Florida State defense with a 23-yard endzone toss to Wilkins. Despite tight coverage, Joe Wilkins Jr. pulled the touchdown down for the final points of the first half.

Notre Dame’s first half effort

Despite the close score at the half, Notre Dame’s first-half performance looked solid. They led the Seminoles at halftime in total yardage, first downs and time of possession. In his debut at quarterback for Notre Dame, Jack Coan passed for 160 yards and a pair of touchdowns in the first half.

Notre Dame’s defense played well outside of a major play from Florida State running back Jashaun Corbin. Corbin broke an 89-yard rushing touchdown in the first quarter after the Seminoles had -19 yards on their first two drives.

Despite the big play, Notre Dame still out-gained the Florida State offense with 219 yards to their 152.