SOUTH BEND, Ind. – Sophomore cornerback Leonard Moore has been named the Paycom Jim Thorpe Award Defensive Back of the Week for his two-interception performance against Boise State. It is his second weekly honor following the game, as he was also named the Walter Camp FBS Defensive Player of the Week.
In addition to his two interceptions, Moore forced a fumble and totaled six tackles in the 28-7 win after returning from an injury. His two interceptions marked a career-best performance, as he became the first Notre Dame player to have multiple interceptions in the same game since 2023 (Xavier Watts).
The sophomore was responsible for two third-down stops on the day. His second interception sealed the game for the Irish, allowing the offense to kneel out the clock to secure the 28-7 win.
Moore and the Irish defense stymied a Boise State offense that entered the game ranked ninth in the country with 520.0 yards per game. Notre Dame held Boise State to just 315 total yards of offense, more than 200 yards below average, holding the Broncos to below both their rushing and passing averages entering the game. Moore and Notre Dame’s defense wreaked havoc, totaling four interceptions. It marked the seventh time Notre Dame had at least four interceptions as a team in a single game since 1996, and the first time since October 28, 2023, against Pittsburgh.