5 numbers that explain Notre Dame's dominant win over Georgia Tech

In a season that tells us every day that we simply have to survive and advance, Notre Dame moved to 6-1 with a 31-13 win over Georgia Tech.

There may not have been any awards for being the prettiest game, but Notre Dame was in control for the vast majority of games and, once it took the lead, was never really challenged by Georgia Tech.

As the broadcast tells us, Notre Dame's College Football Playoff hopes remain very much alive with the win. Here are five numbers that tell the story of Notre Dame's 31-13 victory in Atlanta on Saturday afternoon.

Notre Dame vs. Georgia Tech: 2.2 yards per carry against

Notre Dame's defense was once again the talk of the day as it made life at Georgia Tech incredibly challenging for most of the afternoon. In no department was this clearer than in the running game, as the Yellow Jackets managed just 2.2 yards per carry in the game. Even a solid offensive line like Georgia Tech rarely tried to get the ball up the middle against Notre Dame's dominant defensive tackles.

Notre Dame vs. Georgia Tech: 1.5 sacks from Rylie Mills

Rylie Mills played perhaps his best game yet in a Notre Dame uniform on Saturday. It's rare to see outstanding tackling numbers as a defensive tackle, but his 1.5 sacks and three total tackles on the day are worth noting as his performance was instrumental in taking Georgia Tech away from the middle of the field all afternoon.

Notre Dame vs. Georgia Tech: 2 Yellow Jackets touchdowns

Georgia Tech scored on both its second possession and its final possession Saturday, but caused major goosebumps in between. Georgia Tech's two touchdowns, one of which came after the game, were very well controlled and the spread was still easily covered by Notre Dame.

This was the first time Notre Dame allowed two touchdowns in the same game in a season.

Notre Dame vs. Georgia Tech: 47:51 time lead

Notre Dame got off to a slow start Saturday, going out three times and throwing a pick in its first two possessions. It also allowed a touchdown during that time against a Georgia Tech team that was trying to limit possession and shorten the game.

Still, Notre Dame took the lead with 2:51 left in the first quarter and never relinquished it.

As frustrating as the offense looked for most of the second half, Notre Dame held a two-touchdown lead at the final 26:50 of the game, which didn't give the Fighting Irish's offense much urgency.

Notre Dame vs. Georgia Tech: Riley Leonard's 12 consecutive completions

After Notre Dame quarterback Riley Leonard threw his interception in the first quarter, he was just 2-4 passing for nine yards and one interception. From that point on, he completed 12 passes in a row, giving Notre Dame a 21-0 run with two touchdowns.

Leonard wasn't perfect early on, but he took advantage of short throws and made them in the money, giving Notre Dame a lead that Georgia Tech couldn't overcome against the Fighting Irish's dominant defense.

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