Aug. 8, 2000

NOTRE DAME, Ind. – Freshman Greg Pauly spent most of his first practice riding a stationary bike while the rest of his freshman counterparts hit the field. The prognosis for Pauly is still up in the air.

Pauly suffered a torn anterior cruciate ligament and torn medial meniscus in his left knee back in early July. The injury occurred in a practice for a Wisconsin all-star game.

POLL RELEASED

When the Associated Press released its first football poll of the season, Notre Dame did not earn a spot in the top 25. In fact, the Irish found themselves ninth on the receiving votes list behind the likes of East Carolina and others.

The last time Notre Dame entered the football season unranked was in 1986. Nebraska is ranked tops in the nation. The Irish will face the No. 1 team in the nation on Sept. 9 in South Bend.

KRUEGER UPS TOTAL

At the first practice of the season, quarterback coach Kevin Rodgers found himself surrounded by a sea of red jerseys. In this year’s freshman class, there are five quarterbacks.

Freshman walk on Matt Krueger joined the mix of quarterbacks, upping the total to five. He is joined by the likes of Jared Clark, Abram Elam, Carylyle Holiday, and Matt LoVechhio.

The quarterback situation is an interesting one for the Irish. Sophomore Gary Godsey impressed the coaching this past spring and earned himself a decent shot at backing up Arnaz Battle.

Davie is honoring his promise to Abram Elam. When he recruited Elam, he told him he would give him a chance at quarterback. Many believe it is just a matter of time before Elam is shifted to the safety position.