Nov. 21, 2002
By Adam Porcelli
Notre Dame, Ind. – The eighth-ranked Notre Dame football team conducted its final practice before Saturday’s home finale versus Rutgers. Rutgers enters the game with a record of 1-9, its one win coming on September 14, versus Army 44-0. Notre Dame is 3-0 all-time against the Scarlet Knights. Despite Rutgers’ record and past success in the series by the Irish, Notre Dame senior tight end Gary Godsey does not believe Saturday’s contest will be an easy victory for the Irish.
“Rutgers is much better than their record indicates,” said Godsey.
“They play really well in big games. They always play at the level of their competition. I know we are expecting a war on Saturday. We are coming off a couple bad weeks of play, so we are looking to go out and finish the home schedule with a win.”
Although Notre Dame needs a win to keep its BCS bowl hopes alive, the game means even more to some members of the Irish. On Saturday, the team’s seniors will run out the tunnel and on to the field at Notre Dame Stadium for the final time. Godsey acknowledges the significance of this week’s game to the Irish seniors.
“Without question, the game is a big deal,” said Godsey.
“There will be a lot of emotions. It will be tough for the guys who won’t be able to come back next year. Hopefully, the team can go out there and finish the job for the guys who are playing their last game ever in this stadium.”
After being idle last week, Godsey believes Notre Dame is ready to finish the season strong by playing at a high level. The team is looking forward to Saturday when they attempt to win for the seniors and secure Notre Dame’s 10th win of the season.
“It has been a long journey for the seniors,” said Godsey.
“Right now, we want to rebound after a couple rough games and go out and win on Saturday. The team wants to end things right and win the last two games for the guys who are playing in their final games.”
The Irish will play Rutgers Saturday at 1:00 p.m. (EST) at Notre Dame Stadium. The game will be televised nationally by NBC.
— ND —