*Kyren Williams, Notre Dame Football News: Draft Scout Player News

10/31/21 - RB *Kyren Williams, rSo/2022, Notre Dame

On a night when he had a 91-yard touchdown run early in the fourth quarter, Kyren Williams once again gave credit to his offensive line as No. 11 Notre Dame held off Sam Howell and upset-minded North Carolina 44-34 on Saturday in a game that had over 1,000 yards in offense. "Their blocking means everything to me because I know what they do every week," the 5-foot-9, 199-pound Williams said after rushing for a career-high 199 yards on 22 carries. "I just appreciate all of my boys working collectively as a group." Coach Brian Kelly's Fighting Irish improved to 7-1 with their third straight victory - and ruined the 400th collegiate game for North Carolina Hall of Fame coach Mack Brown. "We did some good things with good balance on offense running it and throwing it," Kelly said. "I really love this team. I love their grit but I like they are getting better." The Irish won despite being outgained by the Tar Heels (4-4) in total yardage, 554-523. But the Irish outrushed the Tar Heels 293-223.

Despite the loss, Brown was impressed by both teams' play. "I thought it was a great game," he said. "Both teams played really hard, both offenses ran up and down the field ,and neither defense played great." Howell, who became the Tar Heels' first quarterback with over 10,000 passing yards in his junior season, finished with 341 yards on 24-of-31 passing with one touchdown and one interception. He added another 101 yards on 18 carries, one a 31-yard touchdown run that kept the Tar Heels in it at 41-34 with 7:23 to play. It was the third game this season he has passed for over 300 yards and rushed for more than 100. "He's a warrior," Kelly said. - Notre Dame/AP College Football

rSo/2022