Notre Dame quarterback Sam Hartman moves up FBS record books against Wake Forest
SOUTH BEND, Ind. — Sam Hartman is now fourth all time in passing touchdowns in FBS history following a four-touchdown performance in a 45-7 win over Wake Forest Saturday.
The Notre Dame quarterback has 132 career passing touchdowns, passing the three-way tie of Colt Brennan (Hawaii, 2005-07), Baker Mayfield (Oklahoma, 2013-17) and Rakeem Cato (Marshall, 2011-14), all of which had 131 touchdowns.
More: Notre Dame football makes it look easy, fun in home finale against Wake Forest
“I’m just happy for a win,” said Hartman when asked about the career touchdown mark. “I think, when I come back here and (Ron Powlus) is showing me and my kids around, I’ll make sure that he brings (the record) up organically. That’s about it for me.”
Hartman's record came on a 48-yard touchdown pass to freshman Jaden Greathouse early in the fourth quarter. The other passing scores Saturday went to running back Devyn Ford, tight end Eli Raridon and wideout Tobias Merriweather.
More: How the points were scored: Notre Dame football tops Wake Forest on Senior Day
Moving up the record books meant doing it against his former team. Hartman threw 110 touchdowns in five seasons with the Demon Deacons, an ACC record.
“It’s a credit to everybody,” continued Hartman about the total touchdowns he's thrown. “Shoot, it’s a credit to a lot of the guys on the other team that we just played, which is a weird thing to say. It’s a credit to everybody around me making plays, making catches and blocks.”
Hartman finished 21-for-29 passing for 277 yards and the four touchdowns. He was taken out of the game with the Irish ahead, 38-7, early in the fourth quarter.
More: What the numbers tell us. Notre Dame football vs Wake Forest team, individual statistics
The strong performance snapped an eight-quarter streak without a passing touchdown for Hartman, the longest of his career.
“It just goes to show the ebbs and flows of college football,” Hartman said. “You’re going to say it’s the defense you’re playing, the team, whatever – I just think some nights, the ball’s bouncing your way, and sometimes it’s not. Just really proud of our guys for battling. Obviously, there’s narratives when you lose games and you’re coming into these last two, but I felt like we handled our business like we needed to.”
Irish head coach Marcus Freeman commended the way Hartman handled the emotions of playing his former team.
“It can’t be easy,” Freeman said. “I’ve done it as a coach. I remember, a couple of years ago, we played Cincinnati. There are normal distractions that the human element presents when you play a team where you know every person on that sideline like Sam does. It’s different. He was with those guys for five years. For him to put that distraction away and perform the way he did is a testament to who he is.”
As he finished up his press conference inside Notre Dame Stadium Saturday night, Hartman gave kudos to the people that have helped his lone season wearing the Blue and Gold successful. “Just want to thank (Jack) Swarbrick, the AD, and Father John (Jenkins),” Hartman said. “(Powlus), Katy (Lonergan), the media. All the custodians, the fans – it’s been an incredible journey. I know it’s not over yet; we’ve got two more left. But thank you. This is my message of thanks to everyone who’s been a part of this.”
This article originally appeared on South Bend Tribune: Notre Dame quarterback Sam Hartman moves up FBS record books against Wake Forest
