DUBLIN (AP) — Sam Hartman credited coaches, the offensive line, running backs, the defense, even the event organizers.
This after a dream debut as Notre Dame quarterback.
Hartman threw for four touchdowns and the No. 13 Fighting Irish routed Navy 42-3 on Saturday in a season-opening victory in Ireland’s capital.
Notre Dame (1-0) scored at will by air and on the ground against the Midshipmen (0-1), improving to 3-0 all-time against Navy in Dublin games.
Hartman completed 19 of 23 passes for 251 yards.
“It starts up front. I had a lot of time to go through my reads and progressions, and felt comfortable,” Hartman said.
“It’s easy when you have two of the best tackles in the country,” he added. “Out wide, those guys just made plays in space.”
Hartman connected with Jaden Greathouse on two scoring strikes, the second a 20-yard reception that made the score 35-0 early in the third quarter and kept the Irish offense perfect at that point — scoring touchdowns in their first five possessions.
The Irish quickly eased fears about another possible slow start after going 0-2 to open last season.
“You couldn’t draw it up any better,” Irish coach Marcus Freeman said.
After touchdowns runs by Audric Estimé and Jadarian Price, Hartman’s first TD passwent to Greathouse, who caught a deep ball at the 5 and took it in for a 35-yard scoring play and a 21-0 lead.
Hartman, a grad transfer who set ACC records at Wake Forest, ended Notre Dame’s nearly flawless first half with a 14-yard touchdown pass to Jayden Thomas.
Notre Dame’s sixth drive ended when new kicker Spencer Shrader missed a 42-yard field goal attempt in the third quarter. Hartman hit Deion Colzie in the flat for a 25-yard touchdown pass that made the score 42-0 early in the fourth quarter.
RECORD BOOKS
Hartman matched Ron Powlus (1994) and Jack Coan (2021) for most touchdown passes by a Notre Dame quarterback in his first game with the team.
