South Bend, Ind. — Syracuse lost Saturday’s game at No. 9 Notre Dame, 70-7.
The 63-point loss was Syracuse’s worst since a 66-0 defeat against Union in 1893.
Notre Dame’s offense didn’t touch the field until 7 minutes and 52 seconds of football had already been played.
It wasn’t that Syracuse had some time-consuming opening drive. Notre Dame’s defense and special teams just managed to score 21 points of their own before Heisman Trophy candidate Jeremiyah Love and company were needed.
The Orange was outmatched and outclassed from the very beginning of Saturday’s loss. Notre Dame displayed the difference between a team competing for a playoff berth and a team that’ll be playing in the ACC’s last-place game next week.
Notre Dame Fighting Irish wide receiver Micah Gilbert (14) holds off Syracuse Orange defensive back Kaylib Singleton (3) at Notre Dame Stadium Saturday, Nov. 22, 2025, in South Bend, IN.
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Syracuse Orange linebacker Antoine Deslauriers (5) tackles Notre Dame Fighting Irish running back Nolan James Jr. (23) at Notre Dame Stadium Saturday, Nov. 22, 2025, in South Bend, IN.
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Syracuse Orange quarterback Joseph Filardi (13) is upended against the Notre Dame Fighting Irish at Notre Dame Stadium Saturday, Nov. 22, 2025, in South Bend, IN.
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Syracuse Orange defensive back Chris Peal (16) breaks up a pass intended for Notre Dame Fighting Irish wide receiver Micah Gilbert (14) at Notre Dame Stadium Saturday, Nov. 22, 2025, in South Bend, IN.
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Syracuse Orange head coach Fran Brown address players as they walk off the field against the Notre Dame Fighting Irish at Notre Dame Stadium Saturday, Nov. 22, 2025, in South Bend, IN.
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Syracuse Orange running back Malachi Coleman (28) is tackled against the Notre Dame Fighting Irish at Notre Dame Stadium Saturday, Nov. 22, 2025, in South Bend, IN.
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Syracuse Orange quarterback Joseph Filardi (13) is chased down by Notre Dame Fighting Irish defensive lineman Jordan Botelho (12) and Notre Dame Fighting Irish linebacker Madden Faraimo (19) at Notre Dame Stadium Saturday, Nov. 22, 2025, in South Bend, IN.
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Syracuse Orange quarterback Joseph Filardi (13) throws under pressure by Notre Dame Fighting Irish defensive lineman Jordan Botelho (12) at Notre Dame Stadium Saturday, Nov. 22, 2025, in South Bend, IN.
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Syracuse Orange wide receiver Darrell Gill Jr. (15) just misses a catch defended by Notre Dame Fighting Irish cornerback Leonard Moore (15) at Notre Dame Stadium Saturday, Nov. 22, 2025, in South Bend, IN.
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Syracuse fans watch warmups before the Orange take on the Notre Dame Fighting Irish at Notre Dame Stadium Saturday, Nov. 22, 2025, in South Bend, IN.
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Notre Dame Fighting Irish fans were ready to squeeze the Syracuse Orange at Notre Dame Stadium Saturday, Nov. 22, 2025, in South Bend, IN.
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Syracuse Orange quarterback Joseph Filardi (13) throws a pass against the Notre Dame Fighting Irish at Notre Dame Stadium Saturday, Nov. 22, 2025, in South Bend, IN.
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Notre Dame Fighting Irish cornerback Cree Thomas (20) breaks up a pass intended for Syracuse Orange wide receiver Jaylan Hornsby (3) at Notre Dame Stadium Saturday, Nov. 22, 2025, in South Bend, IN.
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Syracuse Orange quarterback Joseph Filardi (13) is pulled down by his jersey by Notre Dame Fighting Irish safety Jalen Stroman (7) at Notre Dame Stadium Saturday, Nov. 22, 2025, in South Bend, IN.
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Syracuse Orange quarterback Joseph Filardi (13) chased by Notre Dame Fighting Irish safety Jalen Stroman (7) at Notre Dame Stadium Saturday, Nov. 22, 2025, in South Bend, IN.
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Syracuse Orange quarterback Joseph Filardi (13) collects a high snap against the Notre Dame Fighting Irish at Notre Dame Stadium Saturday, Nov. 22, 2025, in South Bend, IN.
Scott Schild | sschild@syracuse.com
Syracuse Orange quarterback Joseph Filardi (13) against the Notre Dame Fighting Irish at Notre Dame Stadium Saturday, Nov. 22, 2025, in South Bend, IN.
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Syracuse Orange quarterback Joseph Filardi (13) runs in the Orange’s only touchdown against the Notre Dame Fighting Irish at Notre Dame Stadium Saturday, Nov. 22, 2025, in South Bend, IN.
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Notre Dame Fighting Irish safety Ethan Long (22) intercepts a pass against the Syracuse Orange at Notre Dame Stadium Saturday, Nov. 22, 2025, in South Bend, IN.
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Syracuse Orange quarterback Luke Carney (11) is tackled by Notre Dame Fighting Irish safety Ben Minich (13) at Notre Dame Stadium Saturday, Nov. 22, 2025, in South Bend, IN.
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Notre Dame Fighting Irish safety Ethan Long (22) intercepts a pass intended for Syracuse Orange wide receiver Darrell Gill Jr. (15) at Notre Dame Stadium Saturday, Nov. 22, 2025, in South Bend, IN.
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Notre Dame fans lift and press after every touchdown tallying over 300 pushups in a 70-7 victory over Syracuse at Notre Dame Stadium Saturday, Nov. 22, 2025, in South Bend, IN.
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Notre Dame Fighting Irish running back Aneyas Williams (22) is lifted in a touchdown celebration against the Syracuse Orange at Notre Dame Stadium Saturday, Nov. 22, 2025, in South Bend, IN.
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Syracuse Orange running back Tylik Hill (39) defended by Notre Dame Fighting Irish linebacker Kyngstonn Viliamu-Asa (27) at Notre Dame Stadium Saturday, Nov. 22, 2025, in South Bend, IN.
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Syracuse Orange head coach Fran Brown talked things over with Syracuse Orange wide receiver Johntay Cook (2) against the Notre Dame Fighting Irish at Notre Dame Stadium Saturday, Nov. 22, 2025, in South Bend, IN.
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Syracuse Orange quarterback Luke Carney (11) looks to pass against the Notre Dame Fighting Irish at Notre Dame Stadium Saturday, Nov. 22, 2025, in South Bend, IN.
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Syracuse Orange quarterback Luke Carney (11) breaks up the middle for a few yards against the Notre Dame Fighting Irish at Notre Dame Stadium Saturday, Nov. 22, 2025, in South Bend, IN.
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Syracuse Orange wide receiver Darius Johnson (14) is tackled by Notre Dame Fighting Irish safety Jalen Stroman (7) at Notre Dame Stadium Saturday, Nov. 22, 2025, in South Bend, IN.
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Syracuse Orange running back Will Nixon (24) reaches fro a pass defended by Notre Dame Fighting Irish cornerback Mark Zackery IV (24) at Notre Dame Stadium Saturday, Nov. 22, 2025, in South Bend, IN.
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Syracuse Orange defensive back Berry Buxton III (29) misses a tackle against Notre Dame Fighting Irish wide receiver Jordan Faison (6) at Notre Dame Stadium Saturday, Nov. 22, 2025, in South Bend, IN.
Scott Schild | sschild@syracuse.com
Syracuse Orange quarterback Joseph Filardi (13) takes a snap and is protected by Syracuse Orange offensive lineman Austin Collins (51) and Syracuse Orange offensive lineman Joe Cruz (78) at Notre Dame Stadium Saturday, Nov. 22, 2025, in South Bend, IN.
Scott Schild | sschild@syracuse.com
Syracuse Orange running back Will Nixon (24) works down the sideline chased by Notre Dame Fighting Irish safety Jalen Stroman (7) and Notre Dame Fighting Irish linebacker Jaiden Ausberry (4) at Notre Dame Stadium Saturday, Nov. 22, 2025, in South Bend, IN.
Scott Schild | sschild@syracuse.com
Syracuse Orange head coach Fran Brown against the Notre Dame Fighting Irish at Notre Dame Stadium Saturday, Nov. 22, 2025, in South Bend, IN.
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Jon Bon Jovi makes an appearance as the Orange take on Notre Dame at Notre Dame Stadium Saturday, Nov. 22, 2025, in South Bend, IN.
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Syracuse Orange quarterback Joseph Filardi (13) breaks for some yards against the Notre Dame Fighting Irish at Notre Dame Stadium Saturday, Nov. 22, 2025, in South Bend, IN.
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Syracuse Orange quarterback Joseph Filardi (13) warms up to take on the Notre Dame Fighting Irish at Notre Dame Stadium Saturday, Nov. 22, 2025, in South Bend, IN.
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Syracuse warms up to take on the Notre Dame Fighting Irish at Notre Dame Stadium Saturday, Nov. 22, 2025, in South Bend, IN.
Scott Schild | sschild@syracuse.com
Syracuse warms up to take on the Notre Dame Fighting Irish at Notre Dame Stadium Saturday, Nov. 22, 2025, in South Bend, IN.
Scott Schild | sschild@syracuse.com
Syracuse Orange quarterback Joseph Filardi (13) warms up to take on the Notre Dame Fighting Irish at Notre Dame Stadium Saturday, Nov. 22, 2025, in South Bend, IN.
Scott Schild | sschild@syracuse.com
Syracuse warms up to take on the Notre Dame Fighting Irish at Notre Dame Stadium Saturday, Nov. 22, 2025, in South Bend, IN.
Scott Schild | sschild@syracuse.com
Syracuse warms up to take on the Notre Dame Fighting Irish at Notre Dame Stadium Saturday, Nov. 22, 2025, in South Bend, IN.
Scott Schild | sschild@syracuse.com
Syracuse warms up to take on the Notre Dame Fighting Irish at Notre Dame Stadium Saturday, Nov. 22, 2025, in South Bend, IN.
Scott Schild | sschild@syracuse.com
Syracuse Orange quarterback Joseph Filardi (13) warms up to take on the Notre Dame Fighting Irish at Notre Dame Stadium Saturday, Nov. 22, 2025, in South Bend, IN.
Scott Schild | sschild@syracuse.com
Syracuse Orange quarterback Rickie Collins (10) warms up to take on the Notre Dame Fighting Irish at Notre Dame Stadium Saturday, Nov. 22, 2025, in South Bend, IN.
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Syracuse warms up to take on the Notre Dame Fighting Irish at Notre Dame Stadium Saturday, Nov. 22, 2025, in South Bend, IN.
Scott Schild | sschild@syracuse.com
Syracuse warms up to take on the Notre Dame Fighting Irish at Notre Dame Stadium Saturday, Nov. 22, 2025, in South Bend, IN.
Scott Schild | sschild@syracuse.com
Syracuse warms up to take on the Notre Dame Fighting Irish at Notre Dame Stadium Saturday, Nov. 22, 2025, in South Bend, IN.
Scott Schild | sschild@syracuse.com
Syracuse warms up to take on the Notre Dame Fighting Irish at Notre Dame Stadium Saturday, Nov. 22, 2025, in South Bend, IN.
Scott Schild | sschild@syracuse.com
Syracuse Orange quarterback Joseph Filardi (13) warms up to take on the Notre Dame Fighting Irish at Notre Dame Stadium Saturday, Nov. 22, 2025, in South Bend, IN.
Scott Schild | sschild@syracuse.com
The timing of this game was working against the Orange. Syracuse played a Notre Dame team that has to do everything possible to distance itself from No. 13 Miami to earn an at-large bid in the 12-team playoff. Considering Syracuse’s last game was its 38-10 loss in Miami, the Irish had a clear goal for Saturday.
Syracuse’s first pass of the day was intercepted by Jalen Stroman and returned 44 yards for a touchdown. The second drive ended on a deflected punt by Stroman that was returned 22 yards for a touchdown. The third drive resulted in a 46-yard pick-six by Leonard Moore, a potential first-round pick in 2027.
After three drives, walk-on freshman Joe Filardi was replaced by fellow freshman Luke Carney at quarterback.
Syracuse was attempting to preserve Carney’s redshirt entering the week. If that remains the plan, he won’t be able to play next week against Boston College. He did say earlier in the season, however, that he’d forego the redshirt if Syracuse needed him to.
Once Notre Dame’s offense did touch the field, it took just two plays and 36 seconds to go 59 yards for a score, capped by Love’s 45-yard rushing touchdown.
It was Jadarian Price’s turn on the next drive, following up an 11-yard run with a 58-yard rushing touchdown. That drive took just three plays and 58 seconds.
That meant 35 first-quarter points for Notre Dame, a program record, with four minutes still on the clock.
By the end, Notre Dame became the third team to score 70 on Syracuse in school history, behind the 76-point outing by Pittsburgh in 2016 and the 75 points by Union in 1891.
Syracuse returned to Filardi after two series with Carney.
Saturday showed what went wrong for Syracuse this season. The success of the entire football team rested on the shoulders of Steve Angeli, a transfer quarterback from Notre Dame.
One player was the end-all, be-all for a roster of 90-plus players. Syracuse had one quarterback ready to play, an inconsistent offensive line and a vulnerable defense.
Beyond that, the management of the quarterbacks has been questionable. Fran Brown, who painted himself as the picture of quarterback stability in the offseason, has shuffled through his young quarterbacks.
None have had it worse than Carney. No one could have foreseen his one play against Colgate backfiring. However, Carney hasn’t been trusted to throw the football.
He has made three relief appearances this season and attempted just four passes against the Irish. Meanwhile, Filardi threw three interceptions — two of which were returned for touchdowns.
Notre Dame scored touchdowns on its first four possessions of Saturday’s beatdown and scored a program-record 49 first-half points.
Brown’s response?
No point in being mad, he told NBC at halftime.
That attitude will have to change in the future. Teams normally look different, often worse, when their starting quarterback gets injured. But Syracuse has lost all seven of its games without Angeli and has looked lifeless in the process.
Notre Dame had its backup quarterback in the game with more than 9 minutes remaining in the third quarter. Love became the third FBS player since 1996 with three touchdowns and 170 rush yards in eight or fewer carries.
Syracuse has one game remaining in this lost season; one game to play hard for seniors like Dan Villari; one game for Brown and offensive coordinator Jeff Nixon to do something with a home-grown quarterback.
Perhaps most importantly, a chance to avoid an eight-game losing streak to finish the season, something Syracuse last did in 2020, when it finished 1-10.
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