Jimmy Clausen’s pinpoint passing and a gritty Notre Dame defense combined to crush Nevada by a 35-0 margin that could easily have been greater. Michael Floyd used his athleticism to convert three pass receptions into long touchdowns, while Kyle Rudolph and Armando Allen also scored for the Irish. Meanwhile, consistent defensive pressure caused Nevada’s “Pistol” offense to shoot itself in the foot on numerous occasions.

Notre Dame scored on its opening drive. Clausen found Rudolph in the post on a third down play for a quick 7-0 lead. The Wolfpack attempted to answer on its initial possession, but Ricky Drake’s 39 yard field goal attempt was wide. Vai Taua displayed excellent rushing skills during this drive and throughout the game, but the Nevada passing attack was non-existent. Quarterback Colin Kaepernick scrambled effectively at times, but his inexperienced wide receivers could not get open in the Irish secondary. Kaepernick finished with 12 completions in 23 attempts for 149 yards, but was never able to get comfortable in the pocket.

Floyd scored on the next two Irish drives, and Allen darted in from a yard later in the second quarter as Notre Dame built a 28-0 first half lead. Nevada could manage only a three and out and a failed fourth down rush on its two possessions during this critical stretch. A pass interception by Irish cornerback Robert Blanton ended the first half.

The Wolfpack opened the second half with a few productive runs by Taua, but ultimately punted the ball to the Irish one yard line. Allen was able to grind out a first down on three consecutive runs, and Clausen launched a bomb to Floyd on the next play. The sophomore out-leaped the defender for the ball at midfield, shook him off, and beat the rest of the pursuit to the end zone for an 88-yard touchdown and a 35- lead early in the third quarter.

Notre Dame was unable to score the rest of the way despite a few good chances, but the defense never backed off its pursuit of the shutout. Jon Tenuta’s charges continued to blitz Kaepernick and were able to snuff out the Wolfpack’s only serious scoring threat late in the third period. Taua fumbled an option pitch at the Irish five and Kapron Lewis-Moore pounced on the ball for Notre Dame.

The fourth quarter was scoreless, but not without action of interest to football-starved Irish fans who wanted to see the second teamers in action. Most of the attention was directed at freshman linebacker Manti Te’o, and the Hawaiian high school star did not disappoint. Te’o flashed his speed and hitting ability during his brief opportunity, but it was obvious that he belongs on the field sooner rather than later.

Backup Quarterback Dayne Crist also saw his first game action for Notre Dame. He was joined in the backfield by freshman running back Theo Riddick, and both players impressed in these cameo appearances. The Irish outgained Nevada 510-308, forced three turnovers and committed none, and were cited for very few penalties.

Here is a review of the key questions that helped determine the outcome:

Will Notre Dame’s offensive line avoid the frustrating breakdowns of the past and open holes for its running backs?
Yes, at least most of the time. There were a few missed blocks that killed promising plays, but the effort and the results were improved.

Will Clausen’s performance most resemble his erratic November 2008 outings or his Hawaii Bowl breakout?
The Californian, like much of his home state right now, was on fire.

Will Kaepernick escape the Irish rush to make big plays with his arm or feet?
While he scrambled effectively at times, Kaepernick could not make enough plays against the Irish defense to put any points on the board.

Will the Irish be demonstrably more physical in the trenches?
Not as much as I had hoped, and they will be challenged in this area the next two weeks.

Can Toryan Smith become the run stuffer Notre Dame needs at middle linebacker? Toryan made a few good plays, especially when he stuffed a fourth down run. Several runs by Taua ended up in the secondary though.

Can Duncan and Romine protect Clausen’s blind side?
Duncan struggled physically against Nevada’s pass rushers, and Clausen paid dearly when he was planted in the turf on a screen pass. Romine played well in spot duty. This position remains an ongoing concern.

What impact will a freshman kicker have for the Irish?
Nick Tausch was not tested in the field goal department, but his extra points were crisp and true. Kickoff distance still needs work.

Will circumstances allow Notre Dame to send in the reserves for meaningful minutes? Yes, and this made the game that much more enjoyable. It would have been a perfect ending if they had scored.

Which team will play fearlessly and make the fewest mistakes?
Notre Dame, hands down. Nevada turned out to be all hat and no cattle.

The Irish can now build on this successful debut and take a suitcase full of confidence on the road to Ann Arbor. The next two weeks will add sufficient context to this opening game performance, and expectations will be adjusted accordingly. For now, however, all good things remain possible.