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MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 22, 2025 | VOL. LX, NO. 12
Governors share message of political pragmatism
By Camilia Figueroa Davila and Sophie Hanawalt News Writer and Notre Dame News Editor
Since the shooting of conservative activist and Turning Point USA founder Charlie Kirk on Utah Valley University’s campus on Sept. 10, Utah Gov. Spencer Cox has entered the limelight, condemning political violence in public addresses and being featured by a number of media outlets for his message of the necessity that Americans turn down the political temperature.
But, long before Kirk’s murder and its aftermath, Cox had been invited to speak at Notre Dame with his friend, New Mexico Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham, about what much of their careers have been dedicated to: overcoming polarization in favor of political pragmatism.
During his time as the chairman of the National Governors Association from 2023-24, Cox’s chairman’s initiative was to launch “Disagree Better” through which he affirmed his commitment to reaching past partisan divides to find the best solutions for his constituents. Alongside the governors of other Western states, Cox and Lujan Grisham came to share how they’ve been doing just that.
On Friday afternoon, the Notre Dame Democracy Initiative hosted a conversation between the two governors, Cox, a Republican, and Lujan Grisham, a Democrat, moderated by University President Fr. Robert Dowd as a part of the Initiative’s Democracy Talks series.
In his invocation, University Provost John McGreevy said that the Democracy Initiative
“envisions Notre Dame as the most trusted institution people turn to for studying and strengthening democracy.” The initiative, part of the University’s 2033 strategic framework, aims to put Notre Dame at the forefront of democracy research with the end goal of lessening polarization, curbing toxic discourse and increasing trust in public institutions.
Lujan Grisham is the 32nd governor of New Mexico and the first Democratic Latina to be elected as a governor. She said at the lecture that she considers herself “a politician by accident,” beginning her political career as the cabinet secretary of New Mexico’s Department of Aging and Long-Term Services and before being named as New Mexico’s Secretary of Health. She was elected as a member of the U.S. House of
Irish overcome weather and Boilermakers, move to 1-2
By Ben Hicks Associate Sports Editor
Despite an almost two-hour weather delay and a defense that still faces more questions than answers, head coach Marcus Freeman’s Notre Dame outdueled rival Purdue 56-30 on Saturday to collect their first win of the season. The Irish were once again led by the standout backfield duo of juniors Jadarian Price and Jeremiyah Love. The pair combined to
NEWS | PAGE 2
Main Circle redesign
Notre Dame hosts ceremony on the redesign of Main Circle on Friday with community.
rush for 231 yards on 28 carries, reaching the end zone six times. Defensively, the secondary was much improved from a week ago, with junior cornerback Christian Gray hauling in his first interception of the campaign and freshman cornerback Dallas Golden collecting the first of his career.
Tale of the tape
Despite the newfound success of the Indiana Hoosiers, culminating in last year’s College
OPINION | PAGE 5
Voting threat
Columnist Sophia Lekeufack shares her view on voting barriers and gerrymandering.
Football Playoff (CFP) First Round showdown with the Fighting Irish in South Bend, Notre Dame’s most historic instate rivalry has long been with the Boilermakers. Saturday’s contest marked the 89th alltime meeting on the gridiron between the two northern Indiana institutions, with Notre Dame leading the series 58-26-2 (wins in 2012 and 2013 were vacated). Separated by a little more see “Purdue” on page 8
SCENE | PAGE 7 Krak Boba
Is it as addictive as the name suggests? Is it worth the noticeably high prices?
Representatives in 2011 before being elected in 2018 as governor of New Mexico.
Cox is a sixth-generation Utahn and the 18th governor of Utah. Before being elected as governor in 2020, he served as a city council member, mayor, county commissioner, state legislator and lieutenant governor. He described his political career as a way for him to “give back.”
Throughout the discussion, both governors said that they serve all their constituents, not their parties.
Reflecting on the governors’ relationship, Lujan Grisham said, “Republicans and Democrats are not enemies. We have different perspectives sometimes and maybe different priorities.”
She noted that at the end of the day, they “broke down that barrier” and were able to engage in respectful dialogue
and help each other where necessary.
She hopes that relationships like theirs “will take hold and more Americans can debate their differences, but to do so with respect and open-mindedness about how you might be persuaded to think about a problem … just a bit different.”
Dowd noted that both governors have served in leadership roles in governors associations both at the regional and national levels, and that it seems to him that there is “a great deal of bipartisan collegiality and pragmatism among governors.”
Cox praised Lujan Grisham’s work as chair of the Western Governors’ Association, for which he served as her vice chair. Speaking on a meeting the governors had, he said, “I see “Governors” on page 4
Shots fired on Eddy Street
Observer Staff Report
Around 12:40 a.m. on Sunday morning, police officers were dispatched to Eddy Street Commons following reports of shots fired around the 1100 block of East Angela Boulevard.
In a press release, the South Bend Police Department (SBPD) shared that they did not find anyone injured at the scene but did discover that a bullet had gone through a window in the entryway at the Embassy Suites hotel. The South Bend Police Department’s Violent Crimes Unit is now investigating the situation, as well as last week’s similar incident at Brother’s Bar & Grill.
This is the second reported shooting at Eddy Street Commons during a football weekend this academic year, as last Saturday, shots were fired on the street during the football game against Texas A&M. No one was hurt in the preceding incident, but five vehicles and two apartments were damaged by gunfire.
No arrests have been made in either case.
Due to an increased police
SPORTS | PAGE 11
presence in the area following last weekend’s shooting, the South Bend police shared that 13 unrelated arrests were made between Sept. 20–21 within Eddy Street Commons and its surrounding areas before, during and after the game.
The eight cases include criminal trespass and unlawful possession of a firearm. Three handguns, one of which was reported stolen, and one rifle were seized by the police department. No formal charges have yet been filed by the St. Joseph County Prosecutor’s Office.
SBPD also shared that four guns were confiscated in the area on Saturday, including a handgun and three rifles, one of which was reportedly stolen. One individual who was arrested had an outstanding warrant.
“These all remain active and ongoing investigations,” the release read.
The police department is asking that anyone with information about the incident report it anonymously through Michiana Crime Stoppers by calling 574-288STOP or visiting their website.
Key moments: Purdue Irish running backs, turnovers, rain delays and touchdowns turned the tide for the Irish. SPORTS | PAGE 12
Defense must help
MARY’S AND HOLY CROSS
Jeremiyah Love and Jadarian Price are elite, but the Irish’s weak defense hold them back.
DECLAN HUGGINS | The Observer
The Notre Dame Fighting Irish and the Purdue Boilermakers take the field in a matchup in Notre Dame Stadium. After a two-hour rain delay, the Irish went on to win 56-30 to improve to 1-2 on the season.
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Notre Dame dedicates new site to women
By Eileen Doyle News Writer
The University of Notre Dame dedicated its newly remodeled Main Circle on Friday afternoon, recognizing the 50th anniversary of the admission of undergraduate women and celebrating their lasting impact on campus.
University President Fr. Robert Dowd led the ceremony, along with Emeriti Presidents Fr. John Jenkins and Fr. Edward Malloy. Together, they blessed the new space before a crowd that filled the circle’s rings despite the late summer heat.
Dowd said the reimagining of the circle was built upon the “original design of our founder Father Sorin, who envisioned [Notre Dame Avenue] ... as a welcoming front door to this University.”
During the ceremony, Dowd described the new circle as “a tribute to those women who have helped make Notre Dame better and stronger and richer by their presence” and a lasting memorial to women who “enriched this institution tremendously.”
The redesign of the circle, first envisioned in 2002, was led by
alumni architects Melissa DelVecchio ‘94 and Tony McConnell ‘06. Sculptor Gail Folwell, a parent of a Notre Dame student, created bronze reliefs depicting women across five decades of campus life, accompanied by a quote from St. Catherine of Siena: “For God’s true servants, every place is their place, every time is their time.”
“As we celebrate 50 years of women as undergraduate
students at Notre Dame, we are mindful of the substantial impact and contributions that they have made to this place,” Dowd said. “Bless this medallion, the seal of the University of Notre Dame, may it forever represent the fullness of the Notre Dame family, the contributions and gifts of all who have called this place home and the promise of all who will grace this
campus in the future.”
At the heart of the circle lies a bronze rendering of the University seal, surrounded by the inscription: “Celebrating the 50th anniversary of the admission of undergraduate women 1972–2022.” By setting the seal at the entrance of campus, every visitor now crosses a marker of Notre see “Main Circle” on page 3
Welsh Family Hall holds hoedown
By Marie Stier News Writer
On Thursday on South Quad, Welsh Family Hall hosted its annual Hoedown Throwdown, a countrythemed dance party. Hoedown Throwdown began at 5 p.m. with donuts, apple cider and dancing.
”It’s Welsh Fam’s biggest event of the year; we have three events, and this one’s the biggest. We try to hype it up right at the beginning of the school year,” senior resident assistant Abby Klink said. “It’s got a lot of fun things and gives fall vibes — really fits in with the Fall Fest. It’s just good: good things, good times, good cause for Unity Gardens.”
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As mentioned on their website, Unity Gardens is Welsh Family Hall’s community partner and is “a collaborative network of community gardens originated to increase the availability, awareness, and accessibility of healthy, locally grown food.” The proceeds from snacks and tickets to ride the mechanical bull go to supporting the organization’s mission in providing accessible healthy food to the South Bend community.
“We do it every year, our
Hoedown Throwdown and all of our donations go to Unity Gardens, which is our community partner. Our signature event funds always go to Unity Gardens, an organization where they provide healthy foods to impoverished areas in South Bend. [Hoedown Throwdown] has been passed on from year to year and it’s our only signature event,” sophomore Kara Gallagher, Welsh Family Hall president, said.
For many, the main attraction of Hoedown Throwdown was the chance to ride the mechanical bull.
“I came because it’s my dorm’s fundraising event and I wanted to ride the bull. I’m feeling pretty confident. I’m from Texas, so I have good faith in myself,” freshman Paige Binns said.
Paige Binns, a resident of Welsh Family Hall, rides the mechanical bull at Hoedown Throwdown.
Last year, the Hoedown Throwdown mechanical bullriding record was 59 seconds, a record that held strong this year. The bull, which arrived with some mechanical difficulties, wasn’t available for riding until 6 p.m., about halfway through the event.
“My main role has been ordering the bull and then getting people together to decorate and set up and prepare for the event,”
special events commissioner junior Greta McEvoy stated. “We had some resources from last year as to which companies they were considering, so I reached out to each [company] and got a quota, and based on that, we went with the best option, but not sure if it was the best option as it turns out.”
Gallagher mentioned that what took the most coordination was in obtaining the mechanical bull, which led to different contracts being negotiated.
“The biggest thing [to plan] is getting the mechanical bull, which requires a lot of backand-forth planning contracts,” Gallagher said. “We got some donuts and apple cider and then
we basically just had to plan with the university to get the event space approved, and then we did a lot of advertising around the dorm.”
Despite technical difficulties, the event had many visitors participating in other activities at the event, such as karaoke and line dancing.
“The best part is how everybody dresses up. That’s something that started last year. We get super into it. The line dancing instructors are something new and awesome. I love that people come and really dive in head first,” Klink said.
Contact Marie Stier at mstier@nd.edu
MARIELLA TADDONIO | The Observer
The Notre Dame community came together for a ceremony on the redesign of Main Circle on Friday afternoon. The new space stands as a tribute to the five decades of women who have shaped the university.
MARIELLA TADDONIO | The Observer
Paige Binns, a resident of Welsh Family Hall, rides the mechanical bull at Hoedown Throwdown, a country-themed annual event for the hall.
Main Circle
Continued from page 2 Dame’s identity that honors the contributions of women.
The statue of Our Lady, now placed in the circle, was aligned intentionally to look
towards both the Golden Dome and the Grotto of Our Lady of Lourdes.
Beth Klein ‘79, who attended the ceremony with fellow alumna Deborah Sus ‘93, said the new space better represents the University’s identity.
“The [old] entrance did not reflect what Notre Dame is,” Klein said. “Now this entrance not only reflects what Notre Dame stands for, it also recognizes the importance of women. It’s a beautiful expression of everything we think about when we
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think about Notre Dame.” Klein and Sus are members of Hesburgh Women of Impact, a group that helped raise funds for the mosaic of former University President Fr. Theodore Hesburgh at the north entrance of Hesburgh Library. The group has
Julia Alvarez’s visit is part of the Francis A. McAnaney Humanities Lecture, previously known as the Christian Culture Lecture. This lecture series has welcomed remarkable writers, historians, philosophers, and theologians to campus for more than 15 years.
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since grown into a network of women philanthropists who support leadership development on campus. They were joined at the dedication by other alumnae leaders, including Kristina Jodis ‘89, a leader in Notre Dame Women Connect, and Jamee Decio ‘75, who designed the commemorative “1972” hats for the celebration. Together, these women represent the broad community of alumnae who have carried forward the legacy of Notre Dame’s first undergraduate women and are actively impacting the University.
The ceremony also included hymns from the Notre Dame Magnificat Choir and music by local Irish folk band Kennedy’s Kitchen, adding an aural aspect to the experience.
After the ceremony concluded, guests were invited to step inside the circle to view the reliefs, statue and newly installed seal at its center — a redesigned gateway that stands as a reminder of the contribution of women in the past and future enrichment.
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University hosts weekly lecture with Crash Course
By Anna Amaris News Writer
Not only do fans come to watch the Notre Dame Fighting Irish football, but since fall 2024, they have come for the University of Notre Dame’s College of Arts and Letters new home game Friday programming: Crash Course. Beginning at 2:30 p.m. in DeBartolo Hall, a professor from the College presents an hourlong lecture on numerous courses available to students. Attendees of the Crash Course include alumni, parents and prospective students who are interested in experiencing what a class at Notre Dame is like.
Some courses being given this year include: “Sport and Society in the Ancient World”, “Economics and the Seven Deadly Sins” and “Space Ethics.” Nathaniel Myers, an
Governors
Continued from page 1
wish every American could watch that, because you would be unable to tell who were the Republicans and who were the Democrats in that room, because this is a problem they were trying to solve together.”
Cox stressed the importance of governors in national politics, sharing his concerns that the federal government, especially the executive branch, has been given too much power, limiting solutions for the wide diversity of needs of the American people.
“We have to deliver real results in real time all of the time, which is different from what happens at the federal level,” Lujan Grisham said.
Cox noted that the healthy competition between the states is what he finds makes state governments so successful, as they can share ideas. “I don’t care if it comes from a blue state or red state. It’s going to make things better for the people in my state. I’m going to use that and implement it and as such, we work together,” Cox said.
Echoing this sentiment, Lujan Grisham emphasized the importance of putting constituents’ needs before any political party. Citing an example of this in terms of response to emergencies, Lujan Grisham said, “I don’t know whether it’s a Republican or a Democrat who’s lost everything. I know I’ve got a New Mexican in need, and it’s my job to … reassure them that their government is going to do everything in its power when we create policies.”
Both governors discussed the common ground they had found on lowering crime rates and on mental health and addiction, with Lujan Grisham sharing that some of her work on crime and mental health
associate teaching professor in the University Writing Program, gave the lecture on the course, “Writing in the Age of AI,” on Friday before the Notre Dame vs. Purdue University football game.
Myers began the lecture wth what he hoped a typical student taking this course would receive in five basic takeaways: writing is relational, conventional and thinking, while AI is informational and rhetorical. His goal was to help students understand how those ideas correlate in a relationship between AI and writing.
“I would like to begin with a question and a scenario to share with you all and we’ll go ahead and use some generative AI momentarily,” Myers said.
The scenario described a college student writing an apology text to his family for not calling them and being as responsive as
“flies squarely in the face of the Democratic Party” and its understandings of equality and freedom.
Lujan Grisham noted that while the Democratic Party has come to be branded as the party whose social teachings include standing for equality and justice, most Republicans believe in standing up for everyone too.
Echoing the importance of collaboration, Cox said, “Polling says that 70% of the country hates where we are right now, how divided we are, yet we have this market failure in both parties where we’re just missing it, and somebody’s going to have to figure it out somehow.”
He spoke on what Utah’s government has labeled “the Utah way,” which he described as an approach to government that favors seeing more than just the two parties’ solutions on any given problem to find alternate choices that serve constituents best.
Speaking on what they had learned from Kirk’s assassination, both governors said their key takeaway was the urgency of changing the trajectory of American political discourse. Cox said he feels Americans need to make “a collective decision that we’re better than this.”
When asked about recent political violence at the press conference following their conversation, Cox shared his fears that political violence will continue to happen if something doesn’t change. “If you didn’t have a pit in your stomach when this happened, there’s probably something wrong with you,” Cox said of Kirk’s shooting. Referencing not only the recent assassination of Kirk, but also the attempted assassination of President Donald Trump, the arson attack at the home of Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro (D), and the murders of a Minnesota state congresswoman and her husband
he should be. Myers plugged the synopsis into ChatGPT and the generative AI prompter provided a paragraph-long response using family details and ‘apologetic’ language. The audience shared their thoughts in pairs and next as a group, including James Altman ‘80, a pre-med graduate who shared first on his reaction to using AI to communicate relationally as humans.
“I think maybe in writing a letter to your parents, you’re gonna explore your own emotions ... Here you’re delegating to ‘something’ else to do that, so really you’re selling yourself,” Altman stated.
While many agreed with his notion of losing yourself to this delegation of writing, other audience members had differing opinions. Elise, a mom of a Notre Dame freshman student, expressed a different perspective to using AI as a writing tool.
alongside the attempted murder of another Minnesota politician, Cox explained that things would only change if we, as a country and as individuals, choose something different.
Lujan Grisham agreed with Cox’s remarks, saying that these recent acts of political violence are “a huge warning signal about where people are and how readily we let anger turn into horrific actions.” She went on to say that it is imperative to “condemn this violence anywhere and everywhere,” and denounce “inflammatory rhetoric.”
On his work with Disagree Better, Cox said the incentives are aligned against his work. “The incentives are lined up to be performative. The incentives are lined up to be loud and brash ... That’s how you get clicks, that’s how you win primaries, that’s how all of it is lined up to not do this work.”
He shared that his faith has helped him to get past these difficulties.
“I think it’s a mistake to divorce our faith from our public service,” Cox said. “There is a separation of church and state and I should not be doing anything to impose my faith on anyone else, but I am a whole person. [If] you’re voting for me, you’re voting for all of me, not just the things I say on Fox News, not just my policies. You’re voting for me as a human being, and faith is part of my humanness … you need to know that this is what I believe in, and this is why I believe it, and it is absolutely going to impact my service to people, because I see you all as my brothers and sisters,” Cox said.
“I look at it, kind of in this particular instance, humorously. Like at least my son took the time to know that he hadn’t called. I’ll take that awareness,” Elise stated.
Myers continued this discussion with another scenario, a University political science student using Google Gemini to create a cover letter for a job interview at the Pew Research Center. The audience and professor agreed that the finished product was detailed and included many specifics to the position and what they were looking for, but also made up points that were not cohesive to the cover letter.
He discussed the potential benefits of using generative AI, noting that while it can be a valuable tool, it does not need to complete all of the work for an individual. To illustrate this point, he presented a statement
on the board: “AI is only as good as its user.”
The lecture began to wrapup following that statement and Myers took the time to restate his five basic takeaways that began the lecture. While summing up those key aspects, he added the importance of knowing your intent for AI and executing on it.
“You can use AI to support your learning, but not replace your learning,” Myers stated.
By the end of the lecture, Myers reiterated that generative AI is most effective when used intentionally and in moderation. His message to the audience emphasized balance with AI to not replace critical thinking and personal voice in the writing process.
Contact Anna Amaris at aamaris@nd.edu
After expressing her appreciation for Cox’s transparency in terms of how faith and politics intersect for him, Lujan Grisham discussed her Catholic faith and her support for abortion-rights, and the need for respect and difficult conversations.
She added that she felt God’s love when she saw that a New Mexico archbishop had written an op-ed supporting her executive order banning the public carrying of firearms in Bernalillo County as her team worked on gun policies, a decision which she shared Americans of both parties took to social media to express their discontent with.
“He said, ‘Who is speaking for the children? The governor is and is uncomfortable. She chose courage over comfort because she’s speaking for the children.’ And it really touched me. It reminded me that it’s always there. The love of every other human. God’s love is everywhere that it comes to you when you need it most,” she said.
Cox noted that in light of Kirk’s murder, he’s found hope in the conversations he’s had with student leaders at Utah Valley University. “I listen to people who understand Disagree Better in peacemaking and bridge building better than I will ever understand, and at ages 19 and 20, they taught me lessons that I will never forget. That generation gives me hope
for the future,” Cox said.
On the difficulty of finding hope, Lujan Grisham said, “Political violence, and that all by itself, again, can be enough to shutter a democracy, to make us feel like we can’t move through it.” However, she added that listening to Cox speak on national television has reminded her that more difficult conversations can be held. She said these conversations are what gives her hope.
Offering advice at the press conference as to how average citizens can disagree better and help reduce political polarization, both governors emphasized talking to each other. Cox further elaborated on this sentiment by noting that debating is healthy for college students and that they especially shouldn’t shy away from difficult conversations. Both governors stressed that spending time away from social media is also crucial and spoke on their initiatives to curb social media use.
Contact Camila Figueroa Dávila at cfiguer3@nd.edu and Sophie Hanawalt at shanawal@nd.edu
SOPHIE HANAWALT | The Observer
President Robert Dowd speaks with Governors Michelle Lujan Grisham (D-NM) and Spencer Cox (R-UT) on pragmitism over polarization.
Our voting system is a threat to democracy
By Sophia Lekeufack Columnist, “Policy & Punchlines”
I did not vote in this past election. Not because I did not feel inclined to practice my civil duty, nor because I was feeling lazy that Nov. 5 nor because I thought “both sides were bad.” I did not vote simply because I was unable to vote. On Nov. 5, 2024, I was about two months shy of the legal voting age.
I was disappointed — no — I was in an all-out frenzy, angered by the fact that this election could possibly dictate the course of my formative years, and I was completely dependent on 174 million voters to make the “right decision.” To say the least, I had no hope. But, as I sat in my room, watching my local news station show clip after clip of the insanely long lines at the polling stations, not to mention the occasional protestor, I thought about voting in a way I, truthfully, had not in a long time. I saw voting in its entirety: from the very first election to its legacy as an unjust oppressor instead of a constitutional right.
When the United States of America was officially founded, the right to vote — the basis of our democracy — was extended to the American people. Or rather, it was extended to an extremely specific group of American people: white male landowners. The framers did not view nonlandowning men, women or slaves as “worthy” enough of holding what Americans today view as a fundamental right. Despite changes in legislation that have abolished voting practices such as poll taxes and the grandfather clause, the objectively undemocratic restrictions of American election history manifest themselves in the electoral system today. We try to find justification for our current system in order to subdue the guilt we often feel toward our nation’s past. But I believe that the systemically oppressive history of American elections is still present today
in society — specifically in the form of voter suppression — resulting in a system that fails to uphold the American political values of democracy, liberty, justice and equality. States practice voter suppression in a multitude of ways, one of which is strict voter identification laws. In Texas during the 2022 primary, over 18,000 Texan mail-in ballots were rejected due to recent GOP voting rules through Senate Bill 1, which created legislation that tightened state election laws and limited counties’ ability to expand voting options. Of the ballots tossed, most were likely from people over the age of 65 and those with disabilities. Under the guise of preserving voter integrity, we have produced a system with undemocratic outcomes by preventing certain demographics of people from exercising their right to vote. Further, strict voter identification laws create unequal voting opportunities. Eligible voters in Texas who do not have acceptable identification cannot vote, and eligible voters who do not meet the Texas mail-in voting requirements but are not able to vote in person cannot vote either. The voices of people of color, elderly people, disabled people and low-income individuals are all lost in elections when legislation forms barriers to voter access in the name of voter integrity. Not to mention, arbitrary requirements and harsh penalties also discourage voter participation, especially in communities of color. In Georgia, lawmakers have criminalized providing food and water to voters in line at polls, which experts have called “criminalization of the ballot box.” In Georgia districts with high Black populations, lines can be famously long, and such laws can instill a fear of voting in communities of color due to the history of racism and inequality within law enforcement. Criminalization of the ballot box disproportionately affects people of color,
as they are more likely to both come in contact with law enforcement and be penalized than their white counterparts. Not only have state leaders used harsh penalties to impact voter participation, but they have also used gerrymandering to impact the results of elections and suppress the voices of the people. In the U.S., political leaders have used gerrymandering to redraw legislative and congressional districts to favor one political party over another.
Redrawing district lines can effectively reflect the population and demographics of a state. But gerrymandering suppresses the people’s voice by either “packing” certain groups of voters into as few districts as possible or splitting groups of people with
similar characteristics across multiple districts. In both instances, gerrymandering weakens specific groups’ voting strength in local or state elections, allowing political candidates to neglect their needs when running for office. In 2018, Wisconsin Democrats won every statewide office and the statewide vote majority, but won only 36 of the 99 seats in the state assembly. In Maryland, Democrats used their map-drawing control to eliminate one of the state’s Republican congressional districts. The overwhelming strength of gerrymandering in the U.S. forcefully takes power away from the people and fails to uphold democracy. If the actions of political leaders rather than the votes of the American people can determine the
outcome of American elections, then American elections are neither democratic nor equal. When states use the law to prevent voter participation, democracy cannot be upheld. When legislation and practices target certain groups of Americans, it is incorrect to say that American elections foster equality. I am finally 18 years old. I am finally eligible to vote and am so ready to do my part. But I cannot help but wonder what barriers might stand in my way; and if not in my way, what about the way of my neighbor?
The views expressed in this column are those of the author and not necessarily those of The Observer.
Write to Sophia Lekeufack at slekeufa@nd.edu
SOPHIA LEKEUFACK | The Observer
A view of the U.S. Supreme Court Building, which is undergoing renovations to preserve and refurbish its marble facade. A single guard can be seen, standing watch over a chain fence which circles the front steps.
We cover politics clinically, not ideologically. So it’s not our job or mission to offer policy or political advice. But thousands of you asked for thoughts on how college kids — or anyone, really — can truly think differently, or more calmly, about politics in charged moments. So here are eight clinical, nonideological changes you could make today:
1. Vote. Ya don’t get to whine if ya don’t get in line — and vote. The presidency, Congress and many state and local races come down to thousands of votes. So, yes, your vote often matters. Yet outside of presidential elections, most don’t even try. The good news: Presidential turnout was roughly 65% of eligible voters in 2024. Not too shabby. But less than half of adults vote in congressional races. Average turnout in state and local races? 15%-30%. A big uprising by like-minded people can literally shape politics at federal, state and local levels.
2. Serve . Less than 1% of Americans go into the military. Our best and brightest aren’t choosing government instead. They’re going into the private sector, while holding an increasingly sour view of government competence. I can tell you this as someone who started and runs companies: You’re only as good as your talent. So unless a lot more talented, well-intentioned people choose service, the country suffers. Somehow, we need to make this prestigious and valiant again. It might take
OPINION
Axios CEO: Widen your eyes
mandatory service programs, but that’s not happening anytime soon. So, volunteer.
3. Get informed. I’m horrified by how many people argue about policies or politics without knowing the facts, history or context. Don’t Be That Person. Take the time to understand governance based on what you know, not how you feel. Read trustworthy news more regularly, dig a little deeper if you don’t understand. Find sources — media, podcasts, friends or family — who routinely demonstrate clinical, fact-based understanding of big issues.
4. Pop your bubble. Take time to understand views or people you oppose — or even loathe. To our liberal readers, watch or listen to hardcore Trumpers like Steve Bannon or Charlie Kirk and conservatives with more mixed views of Trump like Ben Shapiro or Bari Weiss. To our conservative readers, read or listen to New York Times columnist Ezra Klein, mainstream Democrats like the Pod Save America guys, or proud progressives like Rachel Maddow.
5. Share knowledge, not noise. One massive, easy change all of you can make: Stop sharing stuff you didn’t read or authenticate. It’s wild how many people share things on social media based on a headline or even one word that juiced their dopamine and rage. Stop! And then start sharing fact-based, useful information that might actually help others better understand the inherent complexities of
issues. When in doubt, share nothing.
6. Give yourself a reality check. Take to heart our message that politicians and your social media feed are designed to make things feel more hateful and hopeless than they actually are. Then, realize a lot of social media accounts are bots controlled by foreign countries and other scumbags playing to your worst impulses. Social media is not reality. Put down your phone. Clean up your feed (who and what you follow). Stay alert and clear-eyed when scrolling.
7. Fix your politics diet. We co-founded Politico and Axios, where the vast
majority of our traffic and money comes from people reading political and policy coverage. So my advice might shock you (or rattle our bean counters!): Stop reading so much politics. This stuff used to be boring and consumed in small quantities. Our brains (and mental health) aren’t built to marinate in politics all day, every day. Everything in moderation, especially politics.
8. Widen your eyes Everyone is hopped up about political change. But there are three or four tectonic shifts unfolding that might be bigger and more lasting than today’s politics: AI, media, China and birth rates.
Take time to read up and think about how AI might be more impactful than the internet ... how media is being shattered into scores of ecosystems, shaping realities based on people’s age, profession and politics ... how China represents the biggest threat to America’s dominance in a century-plus ... and the consequences of people having fewer babies — not just here, but in most advanced nations. The big picture: There are clear alternatives to disengaging or doom-sharing. You simply need to choose them.
Jim VandeHei Axios CEO Sept. 9
SOPHIA LEKEUFACK | The Observer
Death as obsession: Revisiting ‘Identikit’ at DPAC
By Kate Shin Scene Writer
Death is typically portrayed as humanity’s greatest fear, the ultimate unknown that ends all possibility. Yet, in Giuseppe Patroni Griffi’s haunting 1974 film “Identikit,” death transforms into the singular obsession driving a woman toward her own carefully orchestrated demise.
The DeBartolo Performing Arts Center (DPAC) held a screening of “Identikit” on Sept. 18, offering audiences a chance to encounter a polarizing work of cinema. Also released under the title “The Driver’s Seat,” this Italian psychological drama represents a collision of high art and Hollywood glamour, starring the Old Hollywood legend Elizabeth Taylor as the character Lise in one of her most bizarre roles. The film’s bohemian credentials are cemented further by memorable appearances from the artist Andy Warhol as an English lord.
The film follows Lise as she journeys from Copenhagen to Rome on a premeditated search for anyone to kill her. This eccentric motive leads her to form numerous dangerous liaisons, all of whom continuously reappear in flash-forward scenes while investigators attempt to find out what truly happened after her death.
“Identikit” has not carved itself a place in film history through conventional success. With a disjointed, non-linear narrative jumping between flash forwards and fragments
of Lise’s fate, audiences witness the breakdown of identity itself as if through a mirror. Viewers are kept destabilized through this lack of linear storytelling, as the knowledge of Lise’s death is explicit, but we are unaware of when or how it happened.
Yet, I felt the fragmented structure of the film sometimes risked audience alienation rather than audience engagement, as the constant flash forwards spoil the suspense of Lise’s death instead of deepening it.
From the opening scene where she erupts at a saleswoman, Taylor
appears disheveled and deranged, heavily contrasting with her earlier image as an actress who rose to global prominence through her striking beauty and grand blockbuster roles. To me, however, Taylor’s performance was what kept the film enjoyable to watch. It was incredibly refreshing to see an actress abandon glamour to embody raw instability, showing how even major stars are able to escape typecasting and weaponize their personae against audience stereotypes. As I sat in the theater and watched
Lise descend more and more into madness each second, I found myself wondering about the reactions of audiences at the time of the film’s release. In the decade of “Jaws,” “The Godfather” and “Star Wars,” I doubted that such a psychologically intense film centering around a singular woman would have gained positive reception — and I was right. Mainstream audiences of the time found the film alienating, and critics dismissed it as incoherent and overly melodramatic, since Griffi’s direction refuses to provide the
Tri-campus on Krak
By Aly Rothfus Scene Writer
Krak Boba is Eddy Street’s very own boba spot, and after almost a year of operation, students are still stopping in to get their boba fix. For anyone who is new to Notre Dame or has not given Krak a try, is it worth it?
I stopped into the establishment on an early Thursday evening. There was no line, and I was greeted by a kind employee named Addy. She was helpful and patient while my friends and I decided on our order. We ordered Addy’s recommendation: the Sunset Passion with chamoy and popping boba. We also ordered the milk tea and the King Brûlée, which Addy described as the most popular drink at the Notre Dame location.
Our drinks came out shortly after we ordered. While waiting for the boba, we helped ourselves to the ice water that was on the counter. Since we were some of the only customers present at the time, there was plenty of open seating. However, at a busier hour, finding seating might be more of a struggle as there are only a few tables.
The drinks looked aesthetically pleasing, with an ombré appearance. After we shook our drinks, we poked our straws into their clean, plastic linings.
The Sunset Passion had a slushy texture. Flavors of mango and passionfruit were prominent in the
drink, but I wish that the chamoy flavor were more present. Addy did notify me that you can request extra chamoy in your drink when ordering, which I would recommend if you like spice paired with mango. This beverage is great for those who do not want a typical creamy tea drink that you would get at a boba place.
The milk tea was classic. It hit every note a milk tea should — subtle tea flavor, creamy milk and chewy, caramel-tasting tapioca pearls. We were delighted with the generous
helping of pearls that they put in the beverage. For the milk, they have non-dairy options for those who cannot have dairy. Notre Dame freshman and Krak Boba regular Henry Bonnet described the Thai milk tea as “my usual, and I love it!”
Finally, we ended the night with King Brûlée. Growing up in the boba desert that is Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, I never thought that boba could make me feel nostalgic, but this did. The sweet, custard flavor brought me back to eating Eggo
comfort of traditional storytelling. Scenes bleed into one another without warning, keeping viewers off balance. Time becomes elastic, cause and effect blur, and we the audience feel trapped within Lise’s deteriorating mental landscape. The film’s unsettling composition ultimately enhances its psychological depth, immersing the viewer in a fragmented world that mirrors Lise’s own collapse. What audiences in the 1970s may have found bewildering can be recognized as formal experimentation, with the very strangeness that once alienated critics emerging as a potential strength.
In retrospect, “Identikit” anticipates many of the qualities associated with later experimental and cult cinema. Rather than dismissing it as incoherent melodrama, it is more productive to read the film as an avant-garde work positioned at an intersection of European art cinema and Hollywood celebrity culture. From this perspective, “Identikit” belongs within a broader lineage of films that were too radical to be fully understood at the moment of release but endure precisely because they challenge conventional narrative and aesthetic expectations. Its recent screening at DPAC underscores this reevaluation, displaying how film can disturb, unsettle and provoke new ways of thinking about identity and death.
Contact Kate Shin at kshin2@nd.edu
this beverage.
Overall, the experience at Krak is enjoyable. Bonnet — who is from Chicagoland, where boba shops are numerous — said, “Krak is the fourth best boba place I’ve been to … I’m glad they have a boba spot here because I’ve wanted boba since day one.” Kumm added, “I don’t drink boba at all, but this place converted me.”
Addy noted that she sees many regular customers that come in who are students. It seems as though Krak has a chokehold on a range of students from those who are trying it for the first time to boba connoisseurs.
Should your next Eddy Street excursion include a stop at Krak? The spot has hospitable employees, a plethora of boba options and quick service.
waffles with Log Cabin syrup before heading off to school. Notre Dame freshman Thomas Kumm described the drink as having notes of vanilla and caramel. This beverage is definitely a dessert drink. It was rich and creamy and almost too sweet. There is a tea flavor among everything else, but it was not as pronounced as it was in the milk tea. I would recommend shaking it thoroughly before poking a straw in, as when I got to the bottom of the drink it was overly sweet. The tapioca pearls were a great addition to
Among all the good things at Krak, though, there is a price to pay. The specialty drinks (Sunset Passion and King Brûlée) both cost $7.85, including the boba add-in, and the milk tea costs $6.85. At the time of my visit, they had a promotion where it was buy three get one free, so if you come with a group you might be able to get this deal. As good as Krak is, it will not be a frequent stop for me due to the prices. Depending on the way you look at it, the high prices can be a positive as they can keep one from becoming a Krak addict.
Contact Aly Rothfus at arothfus@nd.edu
MEG HAMMOND | The Observer
MEG HAMMOND | The Observer
Purdue
Continued from page 1
than 100 miles, the two programs first met in 1896 and have contested a slew of notable games over the years. Purdue has taken down a top-ranked Notre Dame side four times, while the schools also met as No. 1 and No. 2 in the polls back in 1968. The annual series was cancelled in 2014 due to the Big Ten realignment, but the rivalry is still scheduled intermittently throughout the coming years.
Following last season’s embarrassing home opening defeat to Northern Illinois, the Irish went into West Lafayette and stomped Purdue 66-7, marking the largest margin of victory in series history.
The Boilermakers would limp to a 1-11 record in 2024, before resetting the program by hiring head coach Barry Odom away from UNLV and welcoming in over 60 transfers.
Notre Dame opened 2025 on the wrong note, staggering to a 0-2 start after close setbacks to No. 2 Miami and No. 9 Texas A&M. After losing renowned defensive coordinator Al Golden to the Cincinnati Bengals, the unit has struggled, allowing 68 points across its first two contests. Under the leadership of freshman quarterback CJ Carr, the Irish offense has looked impressive both through the air and on the ground, but it hasn’t been enough to make up for the defensive woes.
Across the sideline, Purdue had already surpassed their win total from a year ago, entering South Bend at 2-1. They opened the season with a shutout win over Ball State before taking down Southern Illinois a week later. The Boilers dropped their Big Ten opener 3317 to USC, but look to be much improved under head coach Barry Odom’s new schemes.
How it unfolded
After winning the coin toss and deferring their selection to the second half, Notre Dame’s defense forced a three-and-out on Purdue’s opening possession. The Irish offense then wasted no time taking advantage, as Carr found Virginia transfer wideout Malachi Fields on a deep post on their first play from scrimmage.
Fields, a Charlottesville native, beat cornerback Tony Grimes to haul in the 66-yard reception and give Notre Dame the early 7-0 advantage.
Purdue responded quickly, as receiver Nitro Tuggle snagged an impressive grab down the left sideline to gain 31 yards before the Boilermakers reached the end zone with some trickery. On first-andgoal, quarterback Ryan Browne handed off to running back Devin Mockobee, who pitched a forward pass back to Browne, who had rolled out to the right side.
After a 42-yard kickoff return from Price, a vintage Love drive allowed the Irish to retake the lead at 14-7. The St. Louis native carried eight times for 39 yards on the drive, resulting in his second rushing score of the season.
Purdue’s next possession stalled
SPORTS
out before a fake punt from their own 40 exposed the overloaded Irish pass rush, with punter Jack McCallister scampering to gain 10. Later in the series, Browne escaped a collapsing pocket on third-and-11 to find pass-catcher
Michael Jackson III over the middle. Notre Dame’s defense held up in the red zone, forcing a 48-yard field goal try, which kicker Spencer Porath converted.
Offensive coordinator Mike Denbrock’s concerted effort to feed Love continued into the second quarter, as he saw 14 carries before Price even appeared on offense. Price didn’t waste his first touch however, as he capped off a nine-play, 75-yard drive with a 21yard touchdown run.
Following that, a third-down pass intended for Jackson was tipped in coverage by freshman linebacker Madden Faraimo, before it was picked by Gray. The ensuing five Irish plays were all Price runs, with a nine-yard score extending his team-leading touchdown total to four and the Notre Dame edge to 28-10.
Purdue settled for three again on their next drive, with Porath connecting from 26 yards away.
The Boilermaker defense finally made a play late in the first half, with cornerback Myles Slusher strip-sacking Carr inside the Notre Dame 20-yard line. That quick shift in momentum would be the final play before lightning caused an evacuation of Notre Dame Stadium.
Freeman commented postgame on the mindset of his players returning from the extended delay.
“You just got to do your job,“ he said. “You can’t do somebody else’s job. You can’t try to make a play. You just have to trust your technique and do your job and win that play.”
As action resumed, Notre Dame’s pass rush did its job, recording a
sack and forcing Porath into his third successful kick of the day. Price quickly struck back for Notre Dame, bouncing off tacklers to return the ensuing kickoff 100 yards. His third score of the day tied the record for the longest touchdown in Notre Dame Stadium history.
Purdue then easily drove 75 yards through the Notre Dame defense in just 53 seconds, making the score 35-23 at the intermission. After 30 minutes, Purdue had outgained the Irish 286-231. Browne was 17-for-26 through the air for 224 yards, while Carr had only attempted four passes. Love and Price were left to do much of the heavy lifting, totaling 138 yards on 20 combined carries.
That trend would continue into the second half, with Love breaking multiple tackles on the opening possession en route to a highlight reel 46-yard touchdown scurry.
Despite finishing with just 12 passing attempts, Carr consistently dimed up receivers. Perhaps his best throw of the day was an audibled double move to Jordan Faison that went for 48 yards, extending the Irish lead to 26. The young quarterback finished the day 10-for-12 for 223 yards, with two scores and a near-perfect passer rating. Faison also turned in a career day, eclipsing the 100yard mark for the second time as he finished with five catches for 105 yards and a touchdown.
“The guy has been different from the minute he walked on campus,“ Freeman said about his budding star at quarterback. “He is an ultra-talented individual and ultra-competitive individual that uses that competitive spirit to prepare. When you add all those things together you get the output that you’ve seen in three games. I’ve seen it for a year and a half.”
The Irish attack continued to hum in the dominant third period, as Price scored from one yard out
for his fourth touchdown of the day. His career day stuffed the stat sheet, as he galloped for 74 yards on just nine carries, averaging 8.2 yards per rush. Love slightly edged him out, averaging 8.3 yards per carry, racing for a career-high 157 yards on 19 carries and finishing the day with two scores of his own.
Freeman was also complimentary of Price, but focused more on his character than his ability.
“He is talented, but he’s the most unselfish individual,” he said.
That mindset was also exhibited in Price’s postgame conversation with the media.
“It’s everything for team glory,“ Price said. “Whatever I need to do, whether score six touchdowns or score zero, it doesn’t matter to me.”
Carr joined in on the praise for his running backs.
“It’s easy when you have Jeremiyah Love and Jadarian Price and the best o-line in the country,“ he said. “It just takes all the pressure off my shoulders.”
Defensive coordinator Chris Ash’s defense hunkered down in the second half, with the young and inexperienced secondary stepping up to make timely plays. Midway through the fourth quarter, Golden hauled in his first career interception by jumping into an underthrown ball from Purdue backup Malachi Singleton. Although the 30 on the scoreboard remains an eyesore, the defense created much more chaos this week, tallying two sacks, five tackles for loss and two interceptions.
Freeman applauded the work of his young defensive backs.
“There are not many freshmen that get a chance to come in and start, play as a true freshman at Notre Dame,“ he said. “They got here in June and we need them and we trust them. There will be a time where Mark Zackery gives up a big play and the next time he knocks it down. Dallas Golden will
intercept the ball on a fade and next time it’s a catch … that’s going to help them get better.”
The Boilermakers would steal a garbage-time touchdown on a juggling 24-yard reception by Jesse Watson, but it made little difference. All told, Notre Dame prevailed in dominating fashion for a second straight season, besting Purdue 56-30 to capture the Shillelagh Trophy. The Irish outgained the Boilermakers 535-379, including an astonishing 254-76 advantage in the rushing game. Freeman concluded by stressing the importance of cherishing success, but also recognized that his team’s performance wasn’t perfect.
“You guys saw it. I saw it. There is work to do,” he said. “There are things we have to continue to try to get fixed.”
What’s next
Now at 2-2, Purdue will be idle next week before resuming Big Ten play on Oct. 4 against one-loss Illinois. The Fighting Illini, ranked No. 23 in the new AP Poll, will travel to West Lafayette as they pursue the program’s first CFP appearance.
Notre Dame’s early-season gauntlet will roll on next weekend, as they enter SEC country for a battle with Arkansas. Sam Pittman’s Razorbacks are 2-2, coming off consecutive close losses to unbeaten Mississippi and Memphis. Arkansas’ offense has been electric thus far, possessing the exterior speed and skill that plagued Notre Dame against Miami and Texas A&M. Saturday’s contest between the Razorbacks and the Irish from Donald W. Reynolds Razorback Stadium in Fayetteville is set for a noon kickoff, with a national broadcast on ABC.
Contact Ben Hicks at bhicks2@nd.edu
DECLAN HUGGINS | The Observer
The Notre Dame football team sings the Alma Mater following their 56-30 win over Purdue on Saturday. The win marks the Irish’s first of the season, and has boosted them to No. 22 in the AP Poll. The Irish were led by Jeremiyah Love’s 157 yards and the fine play of freshman CJ Carr.
QUESTION OF THE DAY:
If you could time-travel to any decade, which one would you choose?
Fiona McNulty freshman Walsh Hall
“1990s.”
Xavier Williams freshman O’Neill Family Hall
“2010s.”
Emily Cao junior Farley Hall
“20 years later.”
DECLAN HUGGINS | The Observer
Notre Dame Stadium after lightning caused an almost two-hour delay minutes before halftime at the Notre Dame vs. Purdue football game on Saturday afternoon. Fans evacuated to nearby buildings to seek shelter.
CROSSWORD | WILL SHORTZ
Adam Hartz freshman O’Neill Family Hall
“’70s.”
Courtney Smith sophomore Lyons Hall
“’80s.”
SOCIAL MEDIA POLL
Have an idea for a poll? Email dstangel@nd.edu
Did you go back to the Purdue Game after the weather delay?
A recent poll conducted by The Observer via Instragram asked students if they went back to the Purdue football game on Saturday after an hour and 54 minute weather delay due to lighting and thunder. 56.2%, 173 voters, said “yes,” while the remaning 43.8%, 135 voters, said “no.” A delay longer than a standard half seemed to deter many fans.
THE NEXT FIVE DAYS
Want your event included here? Email news@ndsmcobserver.com
Monday
Office hours with University Committee on the Honor Code Students can ask questions about academic integrity. Conference 2C W212A, Duncan Student Center 6 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.
Tuesday
Pizza, Pop and Politics: “Democratic Backsliding” Join discussion with professor Laura Gamboa. 1030 Jenkins Nanovic Halls 6 p.m. – 7 p.m.
Wednesday
Notre Dame women’s soccer vs. North Carolina The Fighting Irish battle the Tar Heels. Alumni Stadium 6 p.m.
Thursday
An evening with Carl Zimmer Science journalist and author discusses misinformation. 105 Jordan Hall of Science 4:30 p.m. – 5:30 p.m.
Friday
Notre Dame women’s volleyball vs. Syracuse The Fighting Irish face the Orange. Purcell Pavilion, Joyce Center 6:30 p.m.
PHOTO OF THE DAY
Poets & Art with Brenda Cárdenas
Join us as we welcome Brenda Cárdenas, Poet Laureate of Wisconsin, who will give a talk on ekphrastic writing and perform her poems alongside the projections of artwork that inspired them.
Wednesday September 24, 2025 5:30 p.m.
Raclin Murphy Museum of Art University of Notre Dame
Raclin Murphy Museum of Art Institute for Latino Studies
Five key moments: Notre Dame 56, Purdue 30
By Tyler Reidy Associate Sports Editor
On Saturday evening, Notre Dame football found the win column for the first time in 2025, pummeling Purdue by a score of 56-30 at Notre Dame Stadium. The victory wasn’t always a comfortable one, as Purdue tallied 23 of its points in the first half, and a 114-minute lightning delay lengthened the halftime break. However, Notre Dame’s offensive stars easily overcame any and all defensive struggles, bringing the Irish to 1-2 for the year.
Here’s how Notre Dame got it done.
Both teams trade highlight house calls
Purdue took the football first and immediately ran into problems, punting after retreating into a third and 24 via an unsportsmanlike conduct penalty. Notre Dame instantly scored on its first offensive play, as senior wide receiver Malachi Fields breezed past Tony Grimes, his opposing No. 0, on a deep post route. Freshman quarterback CJ Carr delivered a brilliant ball down the middle to Fields, who trotted into the end zone for a 66-yard score, his first in a Notre Dame uniform.
Despite needing to call a timeout before the first play of their second drive, Purdue eventually settled into a game-tying march down the field. The Boilermakers got moving
with a 22-yard pass in the flat to running back Devin Mockobee, later crossing midfield and converting a key third down. Purdue then entered a goal-to-go situation, as quarterback Ryan Browne connected with wideout Nitro Tuggle on a 33-yard deep ball.
On the next play, which followed a Purdue false start, Browne handed off to Mockobee. The running back stopped his feet in the backfield and threw a swing pass back to Browne, whom the Irish left alone out wide for a 14-yard touchdown.
Irish running backs widen the lead
After junior running back Jadarian Price set the tone for Notre Dame’s ensuing drive with a 42-yard kick return, his backfield partner in crime did the rest. Junior running back Jeremiyah Love received eight carries during the possession, converting a pair of third downs on the ground. He’d later punch in a oneyard touchdown with his legs, pushing the Irish lead to 14-7.
With the help of a fake punt and a third-and-11 conversion near midfield, Purdue advanced back down the field, kicking a 48-yard field goal to close within four points.
Notre Dame once again leaned on Love during the next drive, handing him the rock six times to reach the edge of the red zone. From 21 yards out, Price received his offensive touch of the contest, busting it around the right end for
a touchdown run. Three drives into the game, Notre Dame had earned three touchdowns and a 21-10 lead while averaging 6.8 yards per carry.
Turnovers, points and a lightning delay
Both teams turned the football over in the second quarter, Purdue first losing possession on a Browne interception. Browne’s slant receiver was completely taken away by freshman linebacker Madden Faraimo and sophomore linebacker Kyngstonn Viliamu-Asa, but the quarterback made the throw anyway. Faraimo batted the pass up in the air, and junior cornerback Christian Gray picked it off to position the Irish on the plus side of midfield.
The takeaway quickly turned into a touchdown, as Price carried the ball five times and eventually scored from nine yards out, reaching the end zone for a second time in the quarter.
Purdue pushed back down the field and kicked a field goal, tightening the score to 28-13. Then, on the first play of Notre Dame’s next drive, a strip sack on Carr gave the Boilermakers the football inside the Irish 20. It also preceded a one-hour, 54-minute lightning delay that ate up about 30 percent of Notre Dame Stadium’s crowd.
FOOTBALL
Price channels his inner Estimé
After the long delay, which replaced the halftime break, Purdue still had the football. The Boilermakers ended up kicking another field goal, reducing the Irish lead to 28-16.
If you can remember the last time Notre Dame faced a weather delay in September, it was Audric Estimé who instantly rejuvenated the Irish after their long stoppage. On Sept. 9, 2023, at NC State, he ran Notre Dame’s first offensive play post-delay 80 yards to the house, helping the Irish to a 45-24 victory. Price accomplished a similar feat on Saturday, taking a kick return 100 yards for his third touchdown of the quarter within minutes of the weather break ending. On the play, Price bounced off a head-on collision at the 25-yard line, using his speed the rest of the way for his second career kick return touchdown.
Unfortunately for Notre Dame, Purdue did not cower in fear after Notre Dame’s electrifying return to play. The Boilermakers rolled right down the field on six plays in 53 seconds, covering 75 yards to earn a touchdown and take the game to halftime. Tuggle hauled in the scoring pass from Browne, bringing the margin to 35-23 at the midway point.
Irish touchdowns put game out of reach
Notre Dame seized full control of the game during the third
quarter, outscoring Purdue 21-0 with a couple of long touchdowns. Love provided the first, paralleling the line of scrimmage for seemingly forever before turning the corner and bursting down the right sideline for a 46-yard strike. He’d go on to finish with a career-high 157 rushing yards on 19 carries.
Junior wideout Jordan Faison delivered the next big blow, beating his man down the left sideline for a 48-yard touchdown pass. Like he did with Fields on the opening play, Carr dropped a perfect ball into Faison’s stride, allowing his two-sport receiver to clear 100 yards for the first time since December 2023.
Price punched in one more score for good measure, barreling across the goal line from one yard out for his third rushing touchdown and fourth total touchdown of the day. Price rushed nine times for 74 yards and punctuated a rushing attack that ended with 254 yards and five touchdowns throughout the contest. With Notre Dame up 56-23, sophomore quarterback Kenny Minchey and the Irish backups played the remainder of the game on offense. The defense gave up one more garbage time touchdown to bring the final score to 56-30 and award the Irish a much needed dominant home victory.
Contact Tyler Reidy at treidy3@nd.edu
Team comes first, opponents pay the Price
By Tyler Reidy Associate Sports Editor
Jadarian Price is one heck of a football player. You’d be hardpressed to find many running backs in the annals of Notre Dame history who can turn a corner faster than he can. Few anywhere in the country are more explosive — whether on the ground or in a kick return.
But Price’s impact on the Irish goes well beyond his skills and his statistics. Just ask his head coach.
“I’ll say this every time you ask,” Marcus Freeman said after Saturday’s game against Purdue. “Yes, he’s talented, but he is the most unselfish individual along with others on our team, and that’s what I wanna point out — not his great play, not his touchdowns.”
If not for his selfless approach, Price easily could’ve sulked through the early part of Saturday’s game. He did not receive a touch until the second quarter, as fellow junior running back Jeremiyah Love totaled 19 carries to Price’s nine.
Regardless of who got how many rushing attempts on Saturday, Price and Love accomplished two feats they set out after as a team. First, they helped the Irish win their first game this season. Second, after
combining for 4 touchdowns last week against Texas A&M, they reached the next level.
“We were like, ‘Okay, we gotta top it this week. You gotta score six,’ and we did that,” Price joked.
Love scored two while rushing for a career-high 157 yards, and Price set his own career best with four scores. Three of Price’s house calls came on the ground, as he efficiently totaled 74 rushing yards on just the nine carries. He found paydirt from distances of 21, 9 and 1 yard out, becoming the first Notre Dame rusher with a hat trick of touchdowns since Audric Estimé in 2023.
More on the Price-Estimé parallels in a moment.
Price’s fourth touchdown — his third in chronological order — came on the kick return. He had already previewed the runback with an earlier return in the first quarter, covering 42 yards to kickstart a touchdown drive. Price felt that he would have scored on the play by beating one more Boilermaker, supplying him with some extra motivation for the next return.
“I owed them one on the second one for sure,” Price said.
He’d have to wait for that opportunity, though. With less than two
minutes to play in the first half, lightning moved over Notre Dame Stadium, shutting down the game for almost two hours.
“No one likes the delay when you’re out there on fire. The last thing you wanna do is go to the locker room and get stiff,” Price said.
“The main thing we did was just hammering on the details, the little things that we saw throughout the first half of the game. I don’t think a lot of people were expecting the outcome of the kickoff return, but that just goes to show that you know no matter what phase, no matter what unit is out there, we’re ready to go when our name is called.”
Why were the Irish ready to go? Apparently, they took a trip down memory lane to their most recent September weather delay. In 2023 at North Carolina State, the Irish and Wolfpack took shelter for a similar lightning stoppage in the first half. On the first play back from the break, Audric Estimé ripped off an 80-yard touchdown run.
Price, who received seven carries during that game in Raleigh, remembers the play well.
“That’s all we were talking about during the delay,” Price recalled. “We were like, ‘Remember when Audric scored that?’”
The Irish remembered the play so well, they practically reenacted it on special teams. Although, technically speaking, Purdue ran the first few plays after the weather delay en route to a made field goal, Notre Dame still scored on its first chance to touch the football. It was Price taking the aforementioned second kickoff return 100 yards to the end zone, outdoing his 99-yard return score against USC in 2023.
NC State all over again, right? Yes, but this time, the running back harmed no hot dogs in the making of his touchdown.
“I did not have a hot dog during the delay like [Estimé] did, so it’s not the exact same, but it brought back memories for sure,” Price laughed.
At the end of the day, Price scored four touchdowns on Saturday, but he would have been just as happy to finish with four yards on one carry. And in some games, like this weekend’s, the flow of play favors more touches for Love and thus less for Price.
None of that matters to No. 24, though. As long as he can contribute to a Notre Dame victory in some way, Price will leave the field a happy man.
“That individual could have the
ball and be on the field every single play,” Freeman said. “But what does he do? He says, ‘Coach, if you want J Love in there, put him in there. But when I get my opportunity, I’m gonna make the most of it … That’s the trait that I want our players to emulate — not the talent, the touchdowns — it’s the unselfishness that he displays.”
Heading into next week’s test against Arkansas in Fayetteville, Price and Love won’t chat about who will run the rock or find the end zone more. Instead, they’ll probably scheme up a means of scoring eight combined touchdowns and helping the Irish hang 60 on the Razorbacks.
It’s the nature of Notre Dame’s two-headed monster of a backfield. The backs are talented, selfless and such an exhilarating watch.
“That’s just what we do here at Notre Dame,” Price said. “The team comes first, whatever we need to do to get our first win of the season, everything for team glory. Whatever I need to do, whether that’s score six touchdowns or score zero, it doesn’t matter to me — whatever is gonna help our team win.”
Contact Tyler Reidy at treidy3@nd.edu
Hicks: Defense can’t keep wasting Love and Price
By Ben Hicks Associate Sports Editor
Despite a 26-point blowout rivalry victory in which his freshman quarterback attained a perfect passer rating and his standout running back duo combined for six touchdowns, head coach Marcus Freeman seemed exhausted and exasperated in his postgame press conference. Why, you might ask? It’s because his defense is bad. Really bad.
“I mean, we tried cover one, cover two, cover three, cover four. And what happens is you start to panic, and you start to say, ‘OK, this isn’t working, so let’s try this.’ And then you’re doing nothing,” he said.
It makes sense why Freeman would be frustrated. He is a defensive coach at his core. He was a star linebacker for Ohio State in the mid-2000s, and ascended the coaching ranks as one of the nation’s premier defensive coordinators with Purdue, Cincinnati and Notre Dame.
The Notre Dame offense has been historically efficient throughout their first three games. It has been offset, to the result of a 1-2 record and endless online discourse, by a historically poor defensive unit. In program history, Notre Dame football has allowed 95 or more points over the first three games of a season only three times: 2007, when they gave up 102 points and finished 3-9; 2016,
when they conceded 96 and finished 4-8; and 2025, where they have allowed 98 points through contests with Miami, Texas A&M and Purdue.
The most confusing part of this porous defense is the stark contrast with a year ago, when the Notre Dame pass rush wreaked havoc on opposing protection and the secondary made life hell for pass-catchers. Under Al Golden, who has since departed to coordinate the Cincinnati Bengals, Notre Dame ranked top-five nationally in scoring defense, passing yards allowed and takeaways.
Former Rutgers head coach Chris Ash took over the unit this offseason, and despite vowing to continue the trends developed under Golden, has completely remade Notre Dame’s defense. Notre Dame is bottom-20 in scoring defense, bottom-five in passing yards allowed and has forced just three takeaways, two of which came against a lackluster Purdue offense. The main difference between a nationally renowned defense, and a defense that seems inept and confused, lies in its approach.
Freeman sees much of the issues existing between the connection of his front-end defense and back-end secondary. “We have to do a better job of marrying up our coverage and our front, and make sure that if we’re going to play with seven guys in coverage, then four guys are
going to have to get some type of pressure on the quarterback.”
Under Golden, the Irish defense was nasty. They played aggressively, they created chaos, and most importantly, they dictated how the offense would try to attack them. Now, with much of the same personnel, just Ash on the headset, Notre Dame plays passively and slowly, creating very little pressure, and seemingly all too content with letting opposing offenses pick them apart drive after drive.
Commenting on the lack of havoc in the pocket, Freeman said, “When we do pressure and bring five, we can’t allow a quarterback to sit back there, because in that coverage somebody is coming open.”
These issues wouldn’t be so frustrating if they didn’t appear to be entirely resolvable, and if Notre Dame didn’t have a generationally talented attack. After a much publicized and highly scrutinized quarterback battle, which freshman CJ Carr won, the Michigan native has rapidly dispelled any concerns about his maturity and readiness, instead displaying immense talent and feel for the game. Carr, the grandson of legendary Michigan head coach Lloyd Carr, has already proven to be Notre Dame’s best pure passer in a long time. His performance against Purdue on Saturday was the highest rated of any Irish quarterback since Pro Football Focus began
evaluating the position in 2014.
And then of course, there is the two-headed monster of juniors Jadarian Price and Jeremiyah Love in the backfield. Regardless of the nonsensical offseason discourse valuing Penn State’s rushing duo over Price and Love, the pair has proved their immeasurable worth throughout the opening quarter of the season. The two are averaging more than 5.5 yards per carry, while combining to tally 471 rushing yards. Love has four touchdowns, while Price has six. Each was exceptional, even by their own astronomical standards, against Purdue, as Love set a careerhigh in yards with 157, while Price set a career-high with four touchdowns, and even tied the Notre Dame Stadium record for longest touchdown.
The receiving corps of senior transfers Malachi Fields and Will Pauling and juniors Jordan Faison and Jaden Greathouse is much improved from last year’s depleted and injured unit. The offensive line is also great as usual. Even special teams under coordinator Marty Biagi have made critical plays throughout the first three weeks. This exceptional consortium of talent makes the defense’s incompetence both bewildering and unacceptable, leaving fans as irritated as Freeman in both his press conference and following Purdue’s 53-second, 75-yard
scoring drive to end the first half on Saturday.
So, how do the issues get fixed and where does Freeman turn to fix them? There are a plethora of possible solutions, but it all starts with creating pressure in the backfield. However the Irish decide to remedy this sinking defensive ship, it better happen soon. Next Saturday, Arkansas presents an offense eerily similar to the Miami and Texas A&M units that gashed Notre Dame.
Quarterback Taylen Green is a mobile, dual-threat option, who will expose the Irish if they can’t make him uncomfortable. The Razorbacks also have elite speed and skill on the perimeter, a combination that has plagued the Irish secondary, even dating back to Golden’s tenure.
Needless to say, Freeman, Ash, and company have to find adjustments, or the Irish could be staring at a 1-3 start. That is, unless Carr, Love and Price are perfect again. Relying on three offensive players to win every game is a very vulnerable and dangerous position to be in. If anyone can get it done though, it is Love and Price. It would, however, save everyone, Freeman included, tons of stress if this defense can step up and hold its weight on a Notre Dame team whose talent rivals that of anyone in college football.
Contact Ben Hicks at bhicks2@nd.edu
DECLAN HUGGINS | The Observer
Jeremiyah Love races to the endzone en route to his second touchdown in Notre Dame’s 56-30 win over Purdue this past Saturday. Love led all rushers with 157 yards. The star running back has heated up since week one, and has notched
last two
Love seeks to carry his form into the Irish’s game against Arkansas.