Oct. 31, 2002
By Adam Porcelli
Notre Dame, Ind. – On Thursday afternoon, the fourth-ranked Notre Dame football team practiced for the last time before Saturday’s game versus Boston College. The game will mark the 14th meeting between the two schools. The Irish lead the series 9-4, but have dropped two of the last three contests to the Eagles. In 1999, Boston College came into Notre Dame Stadium and escaped with a 31-29 victory over the Irish. Last season, Notre Dame made the trip to Alumni Stadium and lost another close game to the Eagles, 21-17. Despite Boston College’s recent success in the series, Notre Dame senior wide receiver Arnaz Battle does not believe in paying any attention to the past.
“All that is the past and we are a totally different team this year,” said Battle.
“The guys this year have a different mind set. We take games one at a time and don’t think about the past. We’re not even worrying about the eight games we have already played this season. All we are focusing on is our game this week, with this year’s Boston College team, and coming away with a win.”
Even though Boston College comes into the game with a 4-3 record, defeating BC will not be an easy task. The Eagles’ last two losses came last Saturday in overtime at 6-2 Pittsburgh, and on Oct. 10 versus third-ranked Virginia Tech, 28-23. Battle acknowledges the challenge presented by Notre Dame’s next opponent.
“We are definitely going to receive their best effort,” said Battle.
“They’re going to take their best shot at us. They are a good team and all their losses have come to good teams. They also lost some of those games close. We are a good team as well and there is no question that the game is going to come down to who wants it the most.”
After a standard week of practice, Battle is confident the Irish are ready to secure their ninth win of the season. The team will attempt to do so by approaching Boston College in the same fashion as the prior eight opponents.
“We had a good week and did the same things that have made us successful so far this season,” said Battle.
“Every week, we focus on executing in order to get better. We are ready this week as a team to put together another winning effort. We’re going to go in there and give our all to come out of there with a victory.”
The Irish will play Boston College Saturday at 2:30 p.m. (EST) at Notre Dame Stadium. The game will be televised nationally by NBC.
— ND —