In a year where Notre Dame finds themselves outside of the top 25 rankings for the first time in five years, one players efforts help to push them back into the conversation. Tight end Michael Mayer continues to build upon his legacy at ND as he continues to pull in completions, adding his name to the Notre Dame history books. After recording his 141st reception, Mayer became the all time leader in catches of any tight end to ever play at Notre Dame.
At the start of the second quarter, the pre-season All-American caught his sixth catch of the night for a 24 yard touchdown. With 14:26 left in the second quarter, Michael Mayer lined up in the slot. After the snap, he managed to sneak behind the slot defender and laid out for a high touchdown pass to put the Irish up 9-6.
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Before the Game…
Coming into the game, Mayer had 22 receptions for 233 yards and three touchdowns through the first four games of the 2022-2023 season. The Kentucky native also set the single season record as for most receptions with 71 last season. He also set single season tight end marks as a freshman in 2020 when he caught 42 passes for 450 yards. Through two seasons and four games, Mayer sat at 135 catches, for 1,523 yards and 12 touchdowns.
After the Game…
By the end of the contest, Michael Mayer found himself hauling in 11 receptions for 118 yards and two touchdowns. It’s safe to say that his spectacular performance played a huge part in their win against BYU. By the end of the night the Irish star and captain stretched his record setting night to 146 career catches for 1,641 yards and 14 touchdowns.
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Mayer and the Irish would have to perform to their highest potential to pull off an upset against a 16th ranked BYU football program. Despite coming in as the underdog, the Irish stepped up to the challenge, found their run game in Tyree, Estime, and Diggs, and fed “the beast” who would not be denied. Since second string quarterback Drew Pyne took over the offense, Marcus Freeman, Michael Mayer and the Irish are on a three game win streak. This goes down as the first win against a ranked opponent during the Freeman Era and gives Notre Dame football fans hope for this season’s future.
