Everett Goslon's first drive as Notre Dame's quarterback couldn't have gone much better.
The sophomore led the Irish on an 11-play, 75-yard drive that ended with an 11-yard touchdown run by Theo Riddick. Golson completed 3 of 4 passes for 28 yards, ran for 5 yards and held onto the ball when he was sacked.
But Golson wouldn't take credit for the strong start.
"I can't credit myself on that," Golson said. "I think that is all due to the O-line and the running backs doing a good job of really just running the ball and the O-line blocking."
Golson completed 12 of 18 passes for 144 yards with a touchdown and an interception.
And his teammates said the 6-foot, 185-pounder had good command of the offense.
"I think it helped to get a game under his belt," said tight end and Bishop Dwenger graduate Tyler Eifert, who caught a 5-yard touchdown pass from Golson. "He had never started a game before, so having some experience, even though it is just one game, that is still a lot. That will help him."
Golson said he is glad that he has one game under his belt, and he felt like starting the season in Dublin, Ireland, helped him remain calm.
"You didn't really know anybody in Dublin, or at least, I didn't," said Golson, who will lead the No. 22 Irish against Purdue in the home opener Saturday. "Playing in front of 81,000 fans that you know, the nerves are still going to be there. But I'm going to stay calm and stay the course."
Golson said he wants to work on being more decisive and on his footwork going into this weekend's game.
"I can remember many throws where I was falling off my throws or off balanced," Golson said. "Coach Kelly has been on my mechanics very hard."
Golson also isn't going to rest on one game. He said he still feels like he is fighting for his job every week.
"My job is not certain right now," Golson said. "I still have my foot on the gas pedal. I'm just going to keep working and try to be the best I can be."
As of now, the starting job is Golson's. But if he slips up Tommy Rees, who is back from a one-game suspension, and Andrew Hendrix are prepared to take over at quarterback.
Golson said even though Rees is allowed to play again, the junior is continuing to help him improve.
"He's been good, same thing as before, just the same old Tommy," Golson said. "He's there lending a helping hand. If he sees something that I don't see, he will let me know about it. We just communicate."
