Jeremiyah Love Ties Jerome Bettis’ Notre Dame Single-Season Touchdown Record in 70-7 Win Over Syracuse

The Notre Dame football team dominated Syracuse 70–7 in a performance that showcased the depth and explosiveness of its offense. Among the standout contributors was running back Jeremiyah Love, who delivered a historic display, joining one of the program’s all-time greats, Jerome Bettis.

Love’s three-touchdown performance against the Orange brought his season total to 20, tying the record Bettis set decades ago for most touchdowns in a single Notre Dame season. His achievement was widely celebrated on social media, with fans and reporters noting the significance of placing Love alongside a Hall of Fame-caliber player.

Beyond touchdowns, Love was unstoppable on the ground, rushing for 171 yards on just eight carries. His explosive ability to break through defenses, coupled with his efficiency, made him the focal point of Notre Dame’s offensive onslaught.

Head coach Marcus Freeman praised Love’s consistency and impact, noting that the running back’s play inspires confidence across the team. Love’s combination of skill, reliability, and leadership has made him a cornerstone of Notre Dame’s success this season.

1. Record-Tying Performance

Love’s three touchdowns against Syracuse were emblematic of a season-long pattern of production. Each score demonstrated not only speed and power but also an uncanny ability to find space and exploit defensive weaknesses. His 171-yard rushing total in the game further underscored his dominance, showcasing a balance of breakaway speed and short-yardage toughness. Freeman highlighted Love’s ability to make consistent, game-changing plays, calling him “special” and noting the confidence he instills in teammates. Love’s achievement in tying Bettis’ record also places him in rare company historically within Notre Dame football. Jerome Bettis remains one of the most celebrated running backs in program history, and Love’s emergence signals a generational talent in the present roster. The performance also illustrated the cohesion of Notre Dame’s offensive line and skill players, who created opportunities for Love to exploit. The team’s execution allowed Love to showcase his talents in a way few players in recent memory have been able to achieve.

2. Freeman on Love: Consistency and Confidence

Freeman emphasized that Love’s value goes beyond highlight plays, pointing to his consistent production as a reason for the team’s confidence. “He’s consistent,” Freeman said, “not just this once in a while, he makes a play. Like he consistently does his job.” This consistency, Freeman noted, allows the offense to operate at a higher level, knowing that Love can be trusted in crucial situations. Whether it’s a short-yardage conversion or a long touchdown run, his reliability has been a stabilizing factor. Love’s ability to perform at a high level week after week has drawn NFL attention, with scouts projecting him as a future Pro Bowl-caliber player. Freeman highlighted that his mindset and execution make him not just a talented player, but a leader on and off the field. Looking ahead, Love has the opportunity to break Bettis’ record in Notre Dame’s final regular-season game against Stanford. A historic milestone is within reach, and his performance this season has already cemented his place among the program’s elite.

3. Looking Ahead: Stanford and Beyond

As the Fighting Irish prepare for their final game against Stanford, Love will be the focus of both celebration and defensive attention. Opponents will likely game-plan to slow him, but Notre Dame’s depth and playmaking ability should continue to create opportunities. Love’s season has also served as a benchmark for future Notre Dame players, illustrating the impact a consistent, elite running back can have on team success. His combination of production, leadership, and work ethic makes him a role model for teammates and recruits alike. Freeman’s praise indicates that Love’s influence extends beyond statistics; he has changed the mindset and confidence of the entire squad. How the team supports him in the final game could define both his legacy and the team’s end-of-season narrative. If Love surpasses Bettis’ mark, it would not only elevate him in program history but further solidify his case as one of the premier running backs in college football this season.