Notre Dame football routs Temple in season opener

Following last year's 4-8 outing, there weren't many fans who knew what to expect of Notre Dame football in 2017. However, Saturday's 49-16 victory over Temple to open the season may have heightened those expectations.

The Irish used several big plays to create a large lead in the first half, most of which came on the ground. Notre Dame ran for more than 400 yards and four touchdowns. That rushing attack was led by Josh Adams, who tallied 161 yards and two touchdowns of his own.

Quarterback Brandon Wimbush earned his first career victory as a starter. While he did not post a particularly stellar passing line (186 yards, two touchdowns, and one interception), he added 106 rushing yards over 12 carries and showed poise that impressed head coach Brian Kelly.

"Quarterbacks are judged on wins and losses," said Kelly after the game. "It was a good day for [Wimbush] because we are 1-0."

It seemed Kelly gave his team a passing grade on its first test of the 2017 campaign, but a larger one is right around the corner. The nationally-ranked Georgia Bulldogs come into Notre Dame Stadium next week in one of the most highly-anticipated games of the Irish schedule.