Notre Dame vs. FSU score, takeaways: Jack Coan’s debut steals McKenzie Milton’s thunder

Notre Dame quarterback Jack Coan. (Melina Myers-USA TODAY Sports)
Notre Dame quarterback Jack Coan. (Melina Myers-USA TODAY Sports) /
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Notre Dame’s Jack Coan and Florida State’s McKenzie Milton were in the spotlight as the Fighting Irish topped the Seminoles in an overtime thriller.

Anyone who switched off Sunday night’s game between Notre Dame and Florida State when the Irish went ahead by 18 in the third quarter missed out on a classic college football thriller.

UCF transfer McKenzie Milton’s long-awaited return from injury turned the second half on its head as the Seminoles forced overtime.

However, the Irish out-lasted FSU in the end, with Jonathan Doerer hitting a 41-yard field goal in overtime to win it, 41-38.

Jack Coan set a Notre Dame record in his debut

Wisconsin transfer Jack Coan was tasked with filling Ian Book’s shoes and he did more than just fine. He hit four touchdowns while throwing for 366 yards, a Notre Dame record for a season-opener.

Offensive coordinator Tommy Rees and Coan look like they already have quite the connection.

McKenzie Milton’s return was magical

Even though the game ended in disappointment for Florida State, Milton was a gleaming bright spot.

More than two years after a devastating knee injury that should have ended his career, Milton made his FSU debut because starter Jordan Travis lost his helmet and had to sit out a play.

Milton went on to finish out the game, hitting 5-of-7 passes for 48 yards. He led the Seminole offense like the veteran quarterback he is, forcing overtime, and looked more than capable of reaching his former level.

Florida State has made some real progress

Florida State has been horrid in recent seasons. The fact that they went toe-to-toe with No. 9 Notre Dame is a credit to this year’s team. They rushed for 264 yards on offense while the defense held the Irish in check for an admirable amount of time.

There is a ton for Seminole fans to feel good about coming out of this game. Things are looking way up.

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