Sept. 19, 2000

NOTRE DAME, Ind. – The Irish are leaps and bounds of where they were last year at this time.

Just three games in the season last year and the injuries already began to pile up for Notre Dame. Irish head coach Bob Davie feels that his team is in much better shape this year than compared to last.

Really, only two minor injuries surfaced after Saturday’s win over Purdue. Tight end Jabari Holloway sprained his ankle but he is probable for Saturday’s game. Also cornerback Brock Williams sprained his knee against Nebraska and then injured his other knee against Purdue.

“Brock Williams continues to struggle with the knee,” Davie said. “But he is a pretty tough guy. We are in pretty good shape.”

Defensive end Grant Irons underwent surgery on his shoulder. Doctors opted to wait for the surgery so long in order for the swelling in his shoulder to go down.

As for quarterback Arnaz Battle, his surgery proved to be a success. He made an appearance yesterday at practice and ran some drills. His injury occurred on his left wrist so he is still able to throw with his right arm.

“He did some things yesterday,” Davie said. “He threw the ball and obviously using one hand, but he feels pretty good. What that means, I don’t know. He is still out indefinitely. I don’t think anybody knows, but we are going to try to do some things with him as we move forward.”

The verdict is still out on whether or not Battle will be able to return in the future. Both he and Irons would be eligible for a fifth-year if neither participates in another game. Either way, Davie remains optimistic about the state of his team.