Nov. 15, 2000

NOTRE DAME, Ind. – Notre Dame comes into the contest against Rutgers a little more banged up then usual.

The only player who will definitely not suit up for the Irish is punter Joey Hildbold. He sprained his ankle in the Thursday practice prior to the Boston College game and did not play at all.

Sophomore Nick Setta inherited the punting job in the Boston College game and averaged 40 yards per punt.

Fullback Jason Murray is questionable with a hamstring injury.

Also listed as questionable is tailback Julius Jones who suffered a bruised thigh in the first half of the game against Boston College. He sat the remainder of the contest while tailbacks Tony Fisher and Terrance Howard assumed the duties.

Dave confirmed that Fisher would get the start with Jones being out. Howard will also see significant time as well.

Gerome Sapp and Ron Israel are also slightly injured. Sapp is nursing a sprained ankle while Israel is suffering from a groin injury.

Sapp sat out the Boston College game. Israel sat out the majority of the game. He did manage to come in towards the end and catch a game-saving interception.

As usual, Arnaz Battle and Grant Irons will not suit up either. They both suffered season-ending injuries in the game against Nebraska.