Even as Notre Dame has marched toward an undefeated regular season, there have been questions about just how good the Fighting Irish really are. Their best victory, over No. 4 Michigan (10-1), came at home in the season opener, and the rest of their opponents have not been all that formidable.

And while Notre Dame is ranked No. 3 in The Associated Press poll, the team entered Saturday’s game against Syracuse just 15th in average scoring margin.

But in what amounted to an unofficial home game at Yankee Stadium, where the Irish have often played over the decades, they quieted skeptics with a 36-3 victory over No. 12 Syracuse, their most impressive showing since beating the Wolverines.

“This narrative of ‘Who’s playing great? Who’s not playing pretty good?’” Coach Brian Kelly said after the game. “We’re playing pretty good right now.”