Gerad Parker blasted by Notre Dame fans after bad 1st half vs. Louisville
Gerad Parker and Notre Dame’s offense struggled mightily in the first half against Louisville on Saturday night.
The Fighting Irish managed just 7 points before the break, in-part because of a pair of turnovers in the first half. Sam Hartman threw his first interception of the season in the first quarter and he fumbled an exchange with receiver Chris Tyree late in the second quarter.
Parker, who is in his first year as Notre Dame’s offensive coordinator, took criticism from fans for the play call that resulted in the fumble.
Hartman had arguably his worst half in a Notre Dame uniform. He completed 11-of-17 passes for 128 yards, 1 touchdown and was at least partially responsible for 2 turnovers. A large chunk of his passing yardage — 36 yards — came one one pass to Jordan Faison for the Irish’s only touchdown of the half.
Audric Estime did not have a big impact on the game in the first half. He carried the ball 6 times for just 18 yards and did not catch a pass. Estime entered this game as college football’s leading rusher.
Five of Notre Dame’s first six drives ended in either a turnover or a punt. The Irish averaged just 4.6 yards per play in the first half, which is far below their season average of 7.42 entering this game.
Here’s some of the reaction from fans and media to Notre Dame’s struggles in the first half:
Gerad Parker was great in Notre Dame’s first few games. He was confident and trusted what worked.
He’s been galaxy brain since Ohio State. And it might cost this team a chance at a special season.
— Terence Malangone (@SpikeMal) October 8, 2023
ND playing like an underdog on offense. Estime is being ignored by Gerad Parker
— Keith Wynne (@Keith_Wynne) October 8, 2023
Why are we getting cute on 3rd and 1? Gerad Parker c'mon man
— Ryan Fravel (@Fravel_Ryan) October 8, 2023
Gerad Parker needs to take a walk and get his stuff together. 3rd and 1 with this line and Estime… wtf are we even doing?
— One Foot Down (@OneFootDown) October 8, 2023
Why is Notre Dame’s offense broken?
— Paul Costanzo (@PaulCostanzo) October 8, 2023
Having flashbacks to the Marshall loss with how Notre Dame's offense currently looks.
— Garion Thorne (@GarionThorne) October 8, 2023
Dear Gerad Parker, please stay in Kentucky after this game. Sincerely, ND fans.
— ☘️ Kyle ☘️ (@kredmond7829) October 8, 2023
Can we put Gerad Parker on the hot seat now officially
— Dan (@dannah__montana) October 8, 2023
Tough night for Gerad parker
— WAR DADDY ☘️ (@NotreDameTime) October 8, 2023
Memo to Gerad Parker: RUN THE BALL. What is this #NotreDame offense?
— Nick Cattles (@NickCRadio) October 8, 2023
I’m calling the feds on Gerad Parker man I swear to God
— NardiDame (@MatthewTNardi) October 8, 2023
Why is gerad Parker still employed? Seriously anyone have an answer?
— mikewhit (@michaelwhitfiel) October 8, 2023
Is Gerad Parker dead serious right now?
— Chris Williard (@ChrisWilliard17) October 8, 2023
Gerad Parker is choosing to die on the third down end around hill #NotreDame
— Daniel Macak (@DMacak2) October 8, 2023
Gerad Parker pic.twitter.com/Ao4qVOU3Rr
— Kyle OConnor (@oconnorkyle) October 8, 2023
Is Gerad Parker being paid extra to keep these games close? Let’s run a jet sweep on a 3rd and 6, okay
— Joe (@JoeIrish13) October 8, 2023
Does Gerad Parker have money on Louisville? What in the world is this play-calling?!
— Chris Palmquist (@ChrisPalmquist6) October 8, 2023
Gerad Parker, what are you doing?
— Notre Dame Recruiting (@NDrecruiting01) October 8, 2023