(Photo: AJ Houk)
From the first play of the game, when CJ Carr hit Malachi Fields in stride for a 66-yard touchdown, it was clear Notre Dame’s offense had arrived. Carr finished an ultra-efficient 10-of-12 for 223 yards and two touchdowns. But it was the dynamic duo of Jeremiyah Love and Jadarian Price that stole the show, combining for 373 total yards and six touchdowns.
Price provided a spark late in the second quarter with a 100-yard kickoff return for a touchdown, extending Notre Dame’s lead and keeping Purdue off balance. His four total touchdowns—three rushing and one on the kickoff—made him the first Irish player to score four times in a game since Audric Estimé did it against Stanford in 2023.
Reflecting on their performance, Price shared a behind-the-scenes insight: “Funny little, behind-the-scenes thing, so me and Jeremiyah together, we scored four last week, and we’re like, ‘Okay, we gotta top it this week. We gotta score six.’ And he did that.” Their chemistry and shared drive made the ground game nearly unstoppable.
Love, meanwhile, carved up Purdue’s defense with power and speed. The junior back set a new career high with 157 yards on 19 carries, averaging 8.3 yards per rush, and added two touchdowns. His previous best was 137 yards against Virginia last season. The game also marked his 20th career rushing touchdown and his 20th consecutive start at running back, placing him fifth all-time at Notre Dame in that category.
Together, Love and Price combined for 238 rushing yards and five rushing touchdowns, marking the eighth time both backs have found the end zone in the same game. It was also the second time they each scored multiple rushing touchdowns, the last coming in 2024 against Army.
Their 28 combined carries averaged 8.3 yards per rush, showcasing the explosive balance of Notre Dame’s backfield.
Head coach Marcus Freeman praised Price for what he called his most important trait: unselfishness. “Yes, he is talented, but he’s the most unselfish individual. That guy could demand to be on the field every play, but instead he says, ‘Coach, if you want J-Love in there, put him in there. When I get my opportunity, I’ll make the most of it.’ That kind of selflessness is what makes this team special.”
Price’s 101-yard kickoff return was only the fourth of its kind in Notre Dame history and the first since Julius Jones against Nebraska in 2000. For Love, the day cemented his role as one of the most consistent offensive weapons in the nation.
If Love is Notre Dame’s #1 weapon, Price is no worse than 1A.
Together, they gave Notre Dame fans a glimpse of what a balanced, unselfish, and explosive rushing attack looks like at full throttle—leaving Purdue reeling in their wake.
With the Love & Price Show on display, the Irish backfield has become must-see TV.
