Notre Dame fights off late Florida State rally for overtime win

Notre Dame looked to be well on its way to winning the season opener against Florida State in the third quarter. Florida State head coach Mike Norvell decided to go for it on fourth down from his own 33-yard line in the third quarter, setting up a quick Notre Dame touchdown drive.

A fourth quarter comeback made for the movie screen featured former UCF star McKenzie Milton’s return to the field from a devastating leg injury but it was not enough to finish off the Fighting Irish.

Notre Dame won the game 41-38 in overtime, putting a stamp one of the most exciting games of the young season with an overtime field goal by Jonathan Doerer.

Kyle Hamilton heroics

Preseason All-American Kyle Hamilton, who made two interceptions from the safety position, thrived in his season debut. ESPN analysts Mel Kiper Jr. and Todd McShay rank Hamilton as one of the top five prospects in the 2022 NFL Draft. His ability to sit in center field and make quick reads to jump on the ball lends itself to the new Notre Dame system under Freeman.

The return of McKenzie Milton

After almost three years, McKenzie Milton is back. The last time Milton played a football game was November 23, 2018. He suffered a leg injury that caused artery and nerve damage, a dislocated knee and torn ligaments. He nearly had to have the leg amputated. That he has a chance to play football again is nothing short of a medical miracle.

Milton was the starting quarterback for UCF during its undefeated season in 2017. The quarterback passed for 4,037 yards, 37 touchdowns and seven interceptions that year. He played 10 games the following season and won all of them before suffering the leg injury.

As he began to work his way back last year, Milton got an opportunity to take a snap but declined coach Josh Heupel’s offer. He decided that if he was going to play, he would earn it.