Irish hammer Wake Forest,Adams and Wimbush shaken up, but OK

SOUTH BEND—Notre Dame quarterback Brandon Wimbush had a wrap protecting his left hand during the second half of the 48-37 victory over Wake Forest.Good thing he throws with his right.Wimbush passed for a career-high 280 yards, ran for 110 more and totaled three touchdowns as the Irish (8-1, No. 3 CFP) won their seventh straight game Saturday on a day standout running back Josh Adams missed the second half because of weariness.Notre Dame had its best offensive performance of the season with 710 total yards.Of course, the Fighting Irish also gave up 587 yards to Wake Forest (5-4) as quarterback John Wolford threw for 331 yards, rushed for 59 and accounted for three touchdowns of his own (two passing). Running back Matt Colburn became the first back to run for 100 yards against Notre Dame this season, finishing with 120.Adams left the field late in the first quarter and Wimbush joined him late in the first half as Notre Dame Stadium grew silent in a hurry. Wimbush was hit on his planted left leg after a 28-yard gain but suffered a contusion to his left hand when he did a flip. He was fitted with a pad and returned for the second half.Meanwhile, Adams, who was fifth nationally with 1,169 yards entering the game, exited in this first quarter after gaining just 22 yards on five carries. Just before halftime he was seen riding a stationary bike. There were reports on social media that Adams was in the team’s concussion protocol, which Kelly denied afterward.Adams did not return and didn’t need to. The nation’s No. 6 rushing offense, averaging just under 318 yards a game, gained 380 on the capable legs of Wimbush, Deon McIntosh (63 yards) and four others who surpassed Adams’ output.