Nov. 20, 2007

Full Notes Package in PDF Format (recommended for easy reading and enhanced statistical data)

DATE: Saturday, November 24, 2007

TIME: 12:30 p.m. PT

SITE (CAPACITY): Stanford Stadium (50,000); Stanford, Calif.

TICKETS: The game between Notre Dame and Stanford is not sold out. It would become just the seventh in the last 72 road games for the Irish that was not a sellout. The 2001, 2003 and 2005 games at Stanford, the 2004 game vs. Navy (The Meadowlands), the 2005 game at Washington and the 2006 game at Air Force were not sellouts.

TV: ESPN2 national telecast with Dave Lamont (play-by-play) and Ed Cunningham (analysis), Jack Arute (sideline), Bruce Treut (director) and Jim Zirolli (producer).

RADIO: For the 40th consecutive season, all Notre Dame football games are to be broadcast on approximately 200 stations in 50 states by Westwood One with Don Criqui (play-by-play), former Irish running back Allen Pinkett (analysis) and Jeff Jeffers providing pre-game, halftime and post-game reports. This broadcast can be heard live on SIRIUS Satellite Radio (channel 159) and will be streamed live on the Irish official athletics website at www.und.com.

All Notre Dame home games may be heard in South Bend on U93-FM (92.9) and WDND-AM (1490). See page nine of this notes package for more information on Irish football radio and television shows.

Web Sites: Notre Dame (und.com), Stanford (gostanford.com).

Real-Time Stats: Live in-game statistics will be provided through College Sports Television’s Gametracker via each school’s respective official athletic websites.

POLLS: Notre Dame and Stanford each failed to receive any votes in either the Associated Press or USA Today coaches polls.

SERIES INFO: Notre Dame and Stanford will play one another for the 22nd time in series history on Saturday. The Irish hold a 15-6 (.714) edge in the series, including a 31-10 victory in the last season’s meeting in Notre Dame Stadium. The Irish have captured each of the last five meetings and six of seven overall. Notre Dame has also won in its last two trips to Stanford Stadium. (see All-Time Series Results on page 2).

WHAT TO WATCH FOR: Notre Dame All-American candidate Trevor Laws is putting together a record-setting season for the Irish. Laws, who leads the entire country for tackles by an defensive lineman, has 104 tackles on the season. The 104 tackles is tied for the second most ever by an Irish defensive lineman. With 10 tackles against Stanford, he would break Steve Niehaus’ record for most tackles in a single-season by an Irish defensive lineman (113, 1975). Laws is the fifth Irish defensive lineman to ever eclipse 100 in a season. He not only leads the NCAA in tackles by a defensive lineman, but he is also the only DL in the top 100 in tackles.

NOTRE DAME HEAD COACH Charlie Weis: A record combined win total for the first two seasons of any Notre Dame head football coach, consecutive Bowl Championship Series appearances for the first time in Irish history, and the two most accomplished passing seasons in Notre Dame football annals – those are the most notable by-products of the first two seasons of the Charlie Weis era in South Bend. Weis (Notre Dame, 1978), owner of four Super Bowl-champion rings as products of a stellar 15-season career as a National Football League assistant coach, wasted no time putting his signature stamp on his alma mater’s program in his first two years as Irish head coach in 2005 and 2006. The Irish finished his inaugural season with a 9-3 mark and an appearance in the Fiesta Bowl. Notre Dame followed that campaign with a 10-3 record last season and another BCS Bowl berth (Sugar). In addition to leading one of three schools to consecutive BCS bowl games, Weis guided the Irish to their most wins over any two-year span since 1993-94. He is 2-0 all-time against Stanford.

STANFORD HEAD COACH JIM HARBAUGH: Jim Harbaugh (Michigan, 1986) spent the last three seasons (2004-06) as the head coach at the University of San Diego, leading the Toreros to Division I-AA Mid-Major national titles each of the past two campaigns. He posted an impressive three-year overall record of 29-6 (.829) at San Diego, including 11-1 campaigns each of the past two years that also included a school record 18-game win streak over the period and two Pioneer Football League championships. Following his retirement from pro football, Harbaugh went into the coaching ranks and spent two seasons (2002-03) as the quarterbacks coach for the Oakland Raiders. In his first season, the Raiders finished 11-5 during the regular season and won the AFC Western Division. They went on to beat the New York Jets and Tennessee Titans to advance to Super Bowl XXXVII in San Diego, where they lost to Tampa Bay. Harbaugh began his coaching career while still playing in the NFL as an NCAA-certified unpaid assistant coach under his father, Jack, at Western Kentucky University for eight seasons. Top

Top Irish Performances vs. Stanford

INDIVIDUAL
Rushing Yards
Julius Jones, 23-218, 1 TD; 11.29.03

Passing Yards
Brady Quinn, 25-38-432, 3 TD; 11.26.05

Receptions
Jeff Samardzija, 8-191, 2 TD; 11.26.05

Receiving Yards
Jeff Samardzija, 8-191, 2 TD; 11.26.05

Points Kicking
Craig Hentrich, 9 (3 XP, 2FG); 10.7.89

Kickoff Return Yards
Clint Johnson, 2-179; 10.2.93

Punt Return Yards
Vontez Duff, 2-50; 11.29.03

Touchdowns
Jarious Jackson, 3 (rushing), 10.3.98
Ryan Grant, 3 (rushing); 11.29.03
Jerome Bettis, 3 (rushing); 10.5.91

Interceptions
Pat Terrell, 2-42; 10.7.89

TEAM
Points Scored
57 (W 57-7); 2003 in Stanford

Points Scored (quarter)
23 (W 57-7); 2003 (third) in Stanford

Points Scored (half)
34 (W 57-7); 2003 (first) in Stanford

Points Allowed
40 (L 37-40); 1999 in Stanford

Points Allowed (quarter)
17 (L 37-40); 1999 (first) in Stanford
17 (W 38-37); 2005 (fourth) in Stanford

Points Allowed (half)
26 (L 16-33); 1992 (second) in Notre Dame

A WIN THIS WEEK WOULD…

  • Be the second straight victory for Notre Dame.
  • Be the sixth consecutive victory over Stanford and third straight win against the Cardinal in Palo Alto.
  • Improve Notre Dame to 16-6 (.727) in the all-time series with Stanford.
  • Improve the Irish to 6-4 (.600) in the all-time series with the Cardinal in Palo Alto.
  • Improve Weis’ Notre Dame record to 22-15 overall, 3-0 against Stanford, 2-0 against the Cardinal in Palo Alto and 6-3 against the Pac-10.
  • Improve Weis’ Notre Dame road record to 10-4 (.714).
  • Improve Weis’ Notre Dame record to 10-3 (.769) in November games.
  • Improve Weis’ Notre Dame record to 15-2 (.882) following a victory.
  • Improve an unranked Notre Dame squad to 4-4 (.500) all-time against Stanford.
  • Improve an unranked Notre Dame squad to 2-4 (.333) all-time against the Cardinal in Palo Alto.
  • Improve Notre Dame to 15-3 (.833) all-time against an unranked Stanford squad.
  • Improve Notre Dame to 6-2 (.750) all-time against an unranked Stanford squad in Palo Alto.
  • Improve Weis’ record to 16-12 (.571) in afternoon games.
  • Improve Notre Dame’s all-time record to 824-278-42 (.739).
  • Improve the Irish all-time road record to 289-137-22 (.670).
  • Improve Notre Dame’s all-time record against the Pac-10 Conference to 78-41-6 (.648).
  • Improve Notre Dame’s all-time road record against the Pac-10 Conference to 31-24-5 (.558).
  • Improve Notre Dame’s all-time record in the regular season finale to 64-43-12 (.588).

A LOSS THIS WEEK WOULD…

  • Snap a five-game winning streak over Stanford overall and two-game winning streak against the Cardinal in Palo Alto.
  • Drop Notre Dame to 15-7 (.727) in the all-time series with Stanford.
  • Drop the Irish to 5-5 (.600) in the all-time series with the Cardinal in Palo Alto.
  • Drop Weis’ Notre Dame record to 21-16 overall, 2-1 against Stanford, 1-1 against the Cardinal in Palo Alto and 5-4 against the Pac-10.
  • Drop Weis’ Notre Dame road record to 9-5 (.714).
  • Drop Weis’ Notre Dame record to 9-4 (.769) in November games.
  • Drop Weis’ Notre Dame record to 14-3 (.882) following a victory.
  • Drop an unranked Notre Dame squad to 3-5 (.500) all-time against Stanford.
  • Drop an unranked Notre Dame squad to 1-5 (.333) all-time against the Cardinal in Palo Alto.
  • Drop Notre Dame to 14-4 (.833) all-time against an unranked Stanford squad.
  • Drop Notre Dame to 5-3 (.750) all-time against an unranked Stanford squad in Palo Alto.
  • Drop Weis’ record to 15-13 (.571) in afternoon games.
  • Drop Notre Dame’s all-time record to 823-279-42 (.739).
  • Drop the Irish all-time road record to 288-138-22 (.670).
  • Drop Notre Dame’s all-time record against the Pac-10 Conference to 77-42-6 (.648).
  • Drop Notre Dame’s all-time road record against the Pac-10 Conference to 30-25-5 (.558).
  • Drop Notre Dame’s all-time record in the regular season finale to 63-44-12 (.588).

NOTRE DAME – STANFORD Series Notes

  • Notre Dame and the Cardinal will meet for the 22nd time in series history on Saturday. The Irish lead the all-time series, 15-6, and have won the last five meetings. Notre Dame and Stanford have played each of the past 10 years.
  • The series began on Jan. 1, 1925 (the end of the 1924 season) when Notre Dame’s famed Four Horsemen and head coach Knute Rockne travelled across the country to meet Stanford’s Pop Warner and Ernie Nevers. Notre Dame’s 27-10 victory earned the Irish their first-ever national championship and the first of four national crowns to come via bowl wins.
  • Notre Dame has won the previous five meetings with Stanford, which is the longest winning streak for either school in the all-time series.
  • Notre Dame is 5-4 all-time at Stanford Stadium against the Cardinal, including two consecutive victories.
  • Notre Dame and Stanford have met every season since 1997, with the Irish holding a 7-3 advantage in the series during that time. The two teams also met seven consecutive times from 1988-1994 and the Irish were ranked in every meeting during the run. Notre Dame finished that seven-game stretch with a 5-2 record against Stanford.

NOTRE DAME VS. Pac-10

  • Notre Dame is 77-41-6 (.645) all-time against teams from the Pac-10 Conference. Stanford represents the third and final Pac-10 opponent for the Irish this season. Notre Dame already played UCLA (Oct. 6) and USC (Oct. 20).
  • The 124 games against Pac-10 teams is the second-most for the Irish against any conference. The Big Ten Conference (340) represents the most games played against Notre Dame and the ACC ranks third (105).
  • Notre Dame has a winning series record against nine of the Pac-10 teams. Most of those games (79) have come versus USC (42-32-5), while 21 other matchups have come against Stanford.
  • Notre Dame has played a handful of games versus California (4-0), Washington (6-0), UCLA (4-0), Arizona (2-1), Oregon (1-0-1) and Oregon State (0-2). Notre Dame and Arizona State met for the first time in 1998, while the Irish met Oregon State for the second time in the 2004 Insight Bowl. Notre Dame played its first-ever game against Washington State in 2003, downing the Cougars, 29-26, in overtime.
  • Notre Dame has posted a 30-24-5 (.551) record against Pac-10 opponents on the road.

On This Date
Notre Dame has played 19 previous games in its history on Nov. 24. The Irish are 12-4-3 all-time on this date. The Irish have recorded five shutouts on Nov. 24 (1900, 1906, 1917, 1921, 1923).

1892 T Hillsdale 10-10 H
1900 W Rush Medical 5-0 H
1904 L Purdue 0-36 A
1905 L Purdue 0-32 A
1906 W Beloit 29-0 H
1910 T Marquette 5-5 A
1917 W Washington & Jefferson 3-0 A
1921 W Michigan State 48-0 H
1923 W Carnegie Tech 26-0 A
1934 W Army (at Yankee Stadium) 12-6 N
1945 W (5) Tulane 32-6 A
1951 T Iowa 20-20 H
1956 L Iowa (3) 8-48 A
1962 W Iowa 35-12 H
1967 W (6) Miami (Fla.) 24-22 A
1979 W Miami (Fla.) 40-15 N*
1984 W USC (14) 19-7 A
1990 W (7) USC (18) 10-6 A
2001 L Stanford (13) 13-17 A

Beginning with the 1936 season, the number in front of the opponent name indicates Notre Dame’s ranking in the Associated Press poll coming into the game. The number following the opponent name indicates its ranking.

Nov. 24, 1934: Army was favored this year and the game attracted “the biggest turn out of fans in the East this season.” Eighty-one thousand “jammed the huge triple-decked Yankee Stadium, overflowed into the aisles and furnished a brilliant, vociferous background…for the football battle.” (AP) Paul Gallico estimated that three-quarters [of the fans were] were bawling at the top of their lungs for Notre Dame du Lac,” and, on this day, they cheered a satisfying Fighting Irish win. They also embraced the new head coach [Elmer Layden], some running on the field after the game to lift him onto their shoulders. The press emphasized the point that, in this victory, a symbolic torch passed from Rockne to Layden because the player scoring the winning touchdown was “the last remaining Rockne coached member of the Fighting Irish.” (New York Post) Fullback Don Hanley of the switched-jersey fame (1931 USC game) had sat out 1931-1932, but Layden sent him into the Army game as a substitute and with time running out, Hanley plunged over to secure the 12-6 win.

Nov. 24, 1946: Jim Seymour, great end and favorite target of Terry Hanratty on the 1966 National Championship team, is born.

Nov. 24, 1979: Notre Dame beats Miami 40-15 in the Mirage Bowl in Tokyo, Japan.

Nov. 24, 1986: Steve Beuerlein tied the then school record with four touchdown passes to lead the Irish to a thrilling come-from-behind, 28-37, victory at USC. Notre Dame trailed the Trojans, 37-20, with just 12 minutes remaining in the game. Beuerlein hooked up with Milt Jackson (42 yards) and Braxton Banks (five yards), then spotted Andy Heck open on a two-point conversions, before John Carney kicked a 19-yard field goal as time expired to give the Irish the victory.

NOTRE DAME-STANFORD CONNECTIONS

  • Stanford head coach Jim Harbaugh played at the University of Michigan (1984-86). He helped the Wolverines to a pair of victories over the Irish (1985, 20-12; 1986, 24-23).
  • Stanford special teams/defensive line coach D.J. Durkin spent two years at Notre Dame (2003-04) as a graduate assistant.
  • Notre Dame’s roster features eight players from the state of California. The roster of Stanford does not have a player from the state of Indiana.
  • A number of players from Stanford and Notre Dame either attended the same high school or hail from the same hometown.
Notre Dame High School/Hometown Stanford
Will Yeatman, TE San Diego, CA Derek Belch, PK
Nate Whitaker, PK Jason Forcier, QB
Andrew Fowler, MLB
Tyler Mabry, OT
Clinton Snyder, OLB
Nate Whitaker, PK St. Augustine H.S. (CA) Jason Forcier, MLB
Jimmy Clausen, QB Oaks Christian H.S. (CA) Joe Dembesky, OT
Sean Wiser, FS
Aaron Nagel, ILB Lemont, IL Coby Fleener, TE
Brian Smith, OLB Overland Park, KS Derek Hall, DT
Nikolas Rodriguez, HB San Antonio, TX Carlos McFall, FS
Dan Wenger, OC Coral Springs, FL Jay Ottovegio, P
Sam Young, OT
Dan Wenger, OC St. Thomas Aquinas H.S. (FL) Jay Ottovegio, P
Sam Young, OT

NOTING THE DUKE GAME

  • The game officially was sold out, making it the 199th consecutive sellout at Notre Dame Stadium. Since 1966, every Notre Dame home football game has been a sellout except one – a 1973 Thanksgiving Day game vs. Air Force. The Irish have now have played in front of sellouts in 247 of their past 248 home games.
  • The following Notre Dame players extended streaks for consecutive starts: senior ILB Maurice Crum, Jr. (36), senior DE Trevor Laws (36), sophomore OT Sam Young (23), senior CB Terrail Lambert (20) and senior SS Tom Zbikowski (17).
  • With freshman NT Ian Williams earning his first career start for Notre Dame, 27 different Irish players (12 on defense, 15 on offense) have registered their first career starts this season.
    Sr., OLB, Anthony Vernaglia Jr., FS, David Bruton
    Jr., NT, Pat Kuntz Jr., OT, Paul Duncan
    Jr., OG, Michael Turkovich Jr., OG, Dan Wenger
    So., QB, Demetrius Jones So., WR, George West
    So., OLB, John Ryan Fr., QB, Jimmy Clausen
    Fr., HB, Armando Allen So., ILB, Toryan Smith
    Sr., DE, Dwight Stephenson So., WR Robby Parris
    So., RG, Matt Carufel Jr., DT, Derrell Hand
    So., HB, James Aldridge Fr., OLB Kerry Neal
    So., DB Raeshon McNeil Fr., WR Golden Tate
    So., TE, Will Yeatman So., OG, Eric Olsen
    Fr., WR, Duval Kamara Jr., QB, Evan Sharpley
    Jr., FS, Kyle McCarthy Fr., OLB, Brian Smith
    Fr., NT, Ian Williams
  • Freshman NT Ian Williams became the seventh Notre Dame true freshman to start this year, joining QB Jimmy Clausen, HB Armando Allen, WR Golden Tate, WR Duval Kamara, OLB Kerry Neal and OLB Brian Smith.
    First-Year Starters (NCAA Bowl Subdivision)
    1. Temple 11
    2. Notre Dame 9
    Buffalo 9
    Marshall 9
    5. North Carolina 8
    Georgia 8
    7. Florida 6
    Iowa 6
    Middle Tennessee State 6
    USC 6

    * includes true freshman, redshirt freshman and in Notre Dame’s case (second year players that failed to play in their first season).

  • Notre Dame started six freshmen against Duke (NT Ian Williams, QB Jimmy Clausen, HB Armando Allen, WR Duval Kamara, OLB Kerry Neal and OLB Brian Smith), including three on each side of the ball. It topped the previous school record for freshmen starters in a single game. The Irish started five freshman against Air Force on Oct. 13, 1979.
  • Irish freshmen accounted for 164 of the team’s 220 rushing yards, 49 of 194 receiving yards and two of the four touchdowns in today’s game.
  • Notre Dame, which entered the game ranked fifth in the NCAA in pass defense, limited Duke sophomore quarterback Thaddeus Lewis to 121 yards in the air and a 48.5% completion percentage (16-of-33).
  • Boston College quarterback Matt Ryan (32-of-49 for 291 yards) is the only opposing quarterback to complete 60% of his passes (minimum of 20 attempts) against the Irish this season. He also is the only opposing signalcaller to surpass 255 yards in the air. Excluding Ryan, the Irish passing defense has limited opposing quarterbacks to a combined completion percentage of 51.5% (134-of-260). Here is a look at the quarterbacks that have failed to complete 60% of their passes against Notre Dame.
    Name, School Comp.-Att. Comp. % INT
    Taylor Bennett, Georgia Tech 11-of-23 .478 0
    Anthony Morelli, Penn State 12-of-22 .545 1
    Ryan Mallett, Michigan 7-of-15 .467 0
    Brian Hoyer, Michigan State 11-of-24 .458 1
    Curtis Painter, Purdue 22-of-37 .594 2
    Ben Olsen, UCLA 4-of-10 .400 0
    McLeod Bethel-Thompson, UCLA 12-of-28 .429 4
    Mark Sanchez, USC 21-of-38 .553 0
    Thaddeus Lewis, Duke 16-of-33 .483 0
  • Notre Dame’s starting offensive line consisted of three sophomores (OT Sam Young, C Dan Wenger, OG Eric Olsen) and two juniors (OT Paul Duncan and OG Mike Turkovich). Young is the only member of the group who had started a game prior to this season.
  • The Irish have been victimized by points off turnovers all season. Notre Dame had been outscored, 82-47, off of turnovers entering the game, but the Irish turned a pair of Duke turnovers into 14 points over the final two minutes of the first half.
  • Notre Dame rolled up 238 total yards (including 169 passing yards) in the first half. The 238 total yards and 169 passing yards were the most by the Irish in a first half this season. In fact, Notre Dame failed to reach 238 total yards in seven games this year.
  • The Irish scored a pair of offensive touchdowns in the final 1:17 of the first half. The 1:13 between a pair of Irish touchdowns (offensive) is the shortest between two scores this season and shortest since Nov. 5, 2005, when the Irish recorded a pair of scores in 1:00 against Tennessee.
  • Notre Dame registered a season-high 10 third-down conversions this afternoon. The previous season-high was nine set against Navy on Nov. 3. That was the most third-down conversions for the Irish since they converted 10 against USC on Oct. 15, 2005.
  • Notre Dame has completed passes to a total of 16 different receivers in 2007. That is tied for sixth across the country. Freshman HB Robert Hughes picked up his first reception of the season in last week’s game.
    Different Receivers with Receptions
    1. Nebraska 20
    2. Troy 19
    3. TCU 18
    Colorado 18
    5. USC 17
    6. Notre Dame 16
    Boise State 16
    Baylor 16
    Texas Tech 16
    Georgia 16
    Rice 16
    UL Lafayette 16
    LSU 16
  • Notre Dame nearly recorded its first shutout since Nov. 23, 2002, when the Irish blanked Rutgers, 42-0. Duke averted the shutout by scoring a touchdown with 1:12 left to play.
  • Senior OC John Sullivan missed the game with an injury, ending his streak of 31 consecutive starts. The previous game that Sullivan failed to start was at Washington on Sept. 24, 2005.
  • Junior FS David Bruton picked up his first career fumble recovery late in the second quarter.
  • Freshman HB Robert Hughes had his longest rush of the season on Notre Dame’s touchdown drive in the second quarter. Hughes galloped 24 yards on the play preceding freshman QB Jimmy Clausen’s 25-yard scoring strike to junior WR David Grimes.
  • Hughes recorded his best game in an Irish uniform on Saturday. He set season highs in rushes (17) and rush yards (110). Hughes also picked up his third rushing touchdown of the season to cap off a 13-play, 69 yard march that ate up 6:27 off the clock in the third quarter. He had 25 yards on the ground on that drive.
  • Hughes became the first Notre Dame freshman running back to eclipse 100 yards in a game since Darius Walker ran for 112 yards against Pittsbugh on Nov. 13, 2004.
  • Freshman QB Jimmy Clausen connected with junior WR David Grimes for a 25-yard touchdown pass that gave Notre Dame a 7-0 lead with 1:17 left in the first half. The 25-yard TD pass was the longest of the season for Clausen and tied the longest scoring pass of the season for the Irish.
  • Clausen and Grimes have hooked up for touchdowns each of the past two weeks. Grimes, who hauled in a 21-yard touchdown pass against Air Force, now has four career touchdown receptions.
  • Clausen wasted little time in matching his season-long touchdown pass. He found freshman WR Duval Kamara in the corner of the endzone with only four seconds remaining in the opening half to push the Irish lead to 14-0.
  • For Clausen, the touchdown pass was his sixth of the season and fifth in the past two weeks. Clausen completed 13-of-23 passes for 169 yards and two touchdowns in the opening half. Including last week’s stellar second half effort against Air Force (17-of-29 for 192 yards and two touchdowns), Clausen went 30-of-52 for 361 yards and four touchdowns in that four-quarter span.
  • Clausen finished the game with three touchdown passes, tying his season high and tying the Notre Dame freshman quarterback record. He has thrown six touchdown passes and no interceptions over the past two weeks.
  • The touchdown reception was Kamara’s fourth of the season. Two of his four touchdown catches have gone for over 20 yards.
  • Kamara’s four touchdown receptions are the most ever by a Notre Dame freshman (dating back to 1972, when freshmen became eligible).
  • Senior SS Tom Zbikowski registered five tackles against Duke. The five tackles move him into a tie for 11th place with Steve Niehaus (290, 1972-75) on the all-time Notre Dame tackle list. Zbikowski, who already owns the school record for tackles by an Irish defensive back, now is only four tackles shy of Courtney Watson (294, 2000-03) for 10th place.
    Career Tackles
    1. Bob Crable (LB) 521 (1978-81)
    2. Bob Golic (LB) 479 (1975-78)
    3. Steve Heimkreiter (LB) 398 (1975-78)
    4. Bob Olson (LB) 369 (1967-69)
    5. Tony Furjanic (LB) 361 (1982-85)
    6. Mike Kovaleski (LB) 353 (1983-86)
    7. Ross Browner (DE) 340 (1973, 1975-77)
    8. Brandon Hoyte (LB) 297 (2002-05)
    9. Greg Collins (LB) 295 (1972-74)
    10. Courtney Watson (LB) 294 (2000-03)
    11. Steve Niehaus (DT) 290 (1972-75)
    Tom Zbikowski (SS) 290 (2004-07)
  • Senior TE John Carlson recorded a season-long 41-yard reception on the opening drive. The 41-yard grab was the second-longest passing play of the season (the longest play of season is a 43-yard reception by Golden Tate against Purdue). It was Carlson’s second-longest catch of his career (he registered a 62-yard TD grab at Michigan State in 2006).
  • Carlson’s 97 career receptions are second-most ever by a Notre Dame tight end (passing teammate Anthony Fasano this afternoon) while his 1,064 career receiving yards rank third, ahead of Dean Masztak’s 924 and now only 38 behind Fasano.
    Receptions – Career (Tight End)
    1. Ken MacAfee 128 (1974-77)
    2. John Carlson 97 (active)
    3. Anthony Fasano 92 (2003-05)
    4. *Tony Hunter 70 (1979-82)
    5. Derek Brown 62 (1988-91)
    Dean Masztak 62 (1978-81)
    7. Mark Bavaro 55 (1981-84)
    Receiving Yards – Career (Tight End)
    1. Ken MacAfee 1,759 (1974-77)
    2. Anthony Fasano 1,102 (2003-05)
    3. John Carlson 1,064 (active)
    4. Dean Masztak 924 (1978-81)
    5. *Tony Hunter 904 (1979-82)
    6. Derek Brown 899 (1988-91)
    7. Mark Bavaro 771 (1981-84)
    *played TE only in 1981-82
  • With his second tackle last Saturday, senior DE Trevor Laws became the fifth Notre Dame defensive tackle ever to reach 100 tackles in a single season. Laws is the first Irish player to accomplish that feat since Melvin Dansby (103) in 1997. He is only the second Notre Dame defensive tackle to surpass the century mark since 1977. Steve Niehaus (113; in 1975) is the only Notre Dame DT ever to total more tackles in a season than Laws (104).
    Most Tackles by a Front-Four Lineman (since 1956)
    1. 113, Steve Niehaus 1975
    2. 104, Trevor Laws 2007
    104, Ross Browner 1977
    4. 103, Melvin Dansby 1997
    5. 101, Jeff Weston 1975

How Do They Stack Up?
Average weight of the offensive and defensive lines:
ND OL 301.8 lbs. vs. SU DL 267.5 lbs.
ND DL 285.7 lbs. vs. SU OL 299.0 lbs.

Average height of the receivers and the secondaries:
ND WR/TE 6′ 3″ vs. SU DB 6′ 0 3/4″
ND DB 6′ 0 3/4″ vs. SU WR/TE 6′ 4 3/4″

TEAM NOTES

  • A total of 21 different players have started on offense for Notre Dame this year. Of those 21 players, only six had started in their Irish careers prior to this season. Among the six players, two had started three or fewer games at their position (Jr., FB, Asaph Schwapp – 3, Sr., HB, Travis Thomas – 2).
  • Through 11 games, there have been 121 total starts on the offense. Here is a breakdown of the starts by class:

    Freshmen
    18 (14.9%); QB Jimmy Clausen – 8; HB Armando Allen – 4; WR Duval Kamara – 4; WR Golden Tate – 2.

    Sophomores
    43 (35.5%); OT Sam Young – 11; WR George West – 7; HB James Aldridge – 5; WR Robby Parris – 4; OG Eric Olsen – 5; OG Dan Wenger – 4; OG Matt Carufel – 3; TE Will Yeatman – 3; QB Demetrius Jones – 1.

    Juniors
    37 (30.6%); OT Paul Duncan – 11; OG Michael Turkovich – 11; FB Asaph Schwapp – 6; WR David Grimes – 7; QB Evan Sharpley – 2.

    Seniors
    0 (0.0%)

    Fifth-Year Seniors
    23 (19.0%); TE John Carlson – 11; C John Sullivan – 10; HB Travis Thomas – 2.

    Here is the breakdown of starts on offense by class:

    Freshmen: 18 (14.9%)
    Sophomores: 43 (35.5%)
    Juniors: 37 (30.6%)
    Seniors: 0 (0.0%)
    Fifth-Year Seniors: 23 (19.0%)

    Here is the breakdown of starts on defense by class:

    Freshmen: 7 (5.8%)
    Sophomores: 22 (18.2%)
    Juniors: 22 (18.2%)
    Seniors: 30 (24.8%)
    Fifth-Year Seniors: 40 (33.1%)

    The following chart breaks down the 242 starts made by the Irish this season by class:

    Freshmen: 25 (10.3%)
    Sophomores: 65 (26.9%)
    Juniors: 59 (24.4%)
    Seniors: 30 (12.4%)
    Fifth-Year Seniors: 63 (26.0%)

    The following chart breaks down the 286 starts made by the Irish in 2006:

    Freshmen: 15 (5.3%)
    Sophomores: 8 (2.8%)
    Juniors: 41 (14.3%)
    Seniors: 145 (50.7%)
    Fifth-Year Seniors: 77 (26.9%)

NINTH-BEST in the NCAA Since 1988
Notre Dame has the nation’s ninth best record over the last 20 seasons, or since the start of 1988. The Irish have posted a 165-74-2 record. The best Division I-A records from the start of 1988 (research courtesy of Colorado):

School G W L T Pct.
1. Florida State 245 199 45 1 .814
2. Miami, Fla. 239 188 51 0 .787
Nebraska 246 193 52 1 .787
4. Florida 246 186 59 1 .758
5. Michigan 243 182 57 4 .757
6. Ohio State 245 183 58 4 .755
Tennessee 243 182 58 3 .755
8. Texas 240 166 72 2 .696
9. Notre Dame 241 165 74 2 .689
10. Penn State 241 163 77 1 .678

In Front of a Full House

  • Notre Dame has played in front of sellout crowds in 201 of its previous 229 games, including 76 of its last 83 contests dating back to the Tostitos Fiesta Bowl at the end of the 2000 season (the 2001, 2003 and 2005 games at Stanford, the 2004 game vs. Navy at the Meadowlands, the 2005 game at Washington and the 2007 game at UCLA were not sellouts). This Saturday’s game with the Cardinal is also expected to fall short of a sellout. At Michigan in 2003, the Irish and Wolverines attracted the largest crowd in NCAA history (111,726), marking the third time in the history of the series that an NCAA attendance record was set. Including last year’s game at Georgia Tech, the Irish have been part of establishing a new stadium attendance record seven times since 2001. The list also includes: at Nebraska and Texas A&M in 2001, at Air Force and Florida State in 2002, home vs. Boston College in 2002, vs. Oregon State in the Insight Bowl in 2004 (the game set a Bank One Ballpark record for football configuration). Notre Dame and Michigan played before an over-capacity 111,386 at Michigan Stadium in September of 2005. At Purdue in ’05, the Irish and Boilermakers played before 65,491 football fans, a Ross-Ade Stadium record (since the renovation of the facility in 2003). Penn State drew the second largest crowd in Beaver Stadium history for the meeting with the Irish earlier this season.
  • Notre Dame did not become the first school in NCAA history to ever play three regular season road games before crowds of 100,000. Both Penn State and Michigan exceeded that mark, but UCLA fell short.

YOUTH ON SERVE

  • A total of 68 different players have seen action this fall for Notre Dame (excluding the nine senior walkons that made their Irish debut last week on Senior Day). Of those 68 players, 37 are either freshmen or sophomores. The Irish have played 11 true freshman through their first 11 games and seven (QB Jimmy Clausen, HB Armando Allen, WR Golden Tate, OLB Kerry Neal, WR Duval Kamara, OLB Brian Smith and NT Ian Williams) have started.
  • Notre Dame has already had 27 (12 on defense, 15 on offense) different players register their first career starts this season. They include QB Demetrius Jones, HB Armando Allen, QB Jimmy Clausen, DB Raeshon McNeil, WR George West, WR Golden Tate, FS David Bruton HB James Aldridge, ILB Toryan Smith, OG Dan Wenger, ILB Anthony Vernaglia, OLB Kerry Neal, DE Dwight Stephenson, Jr., OT Paul Duncan, OG Matt Carufel, OG Mike Turkovich, WR Robby Parris, TE Will Yeatman, OLB John Ryan, DE Derrell Hand, NT Pat Kuntz, RG Eric Olsen, WR Duval Kamara, QB Evan Sharpley, FS Kyle McCarthy, OLB Brian Smith and NT Ian Williams. The Irish have also used freshman place kicker Brandon Walker, sophomore kickoff specialist Nate Whitaker and sophomore punter Eric Maust.
  • Notre Dame started six freshman last week against Duke. It topped the previous school record for freshmen starters in a single game. The Irish started five freshman against Air Force on Oct. 13, 1979.
  • With freshmen Jimmy Clausen and Armando Allen each starting against Penn State, it marked the first time since freshmen were made eligible in 1972 that Notre Dame started rookies at both quarterback and tailback.
  • In the game against USC, Notre Dame started two freshmen at wide receiver (Golden Tate and Duval Kamara) for the first time since Oct. 30, 1982, against Navy (Meadowlands). The two freshmen that started at wideout that afternoon were Milt Jackson and Mike Haywood (the current Irish offensive coordinator).
  • Notre Dame played nine freshmen in the season-opening loss to Georgia Tech. It was tied for the fourth most freshmen to take the field in a season-opener since 1972.
  • The Irish returned just five senior lettermen and eight junior lettermen. Of those 13 upperclassmen, only six had ever started a game for Notre Dame prior to this season.
  • Notre Dame returned just 30 letterwinners to the 2007 team. The total is the third lowest (or 117th) in the nation.
  • The Irish lost 28 lettermen from the 2006 team that finished 10-3 and earned a spot in the Allstate Sugar Bowl. The total is tied for the fifth most in the country.
Appearances by True Freshmen
1. Temple 20
2. Florida 18
3. Auburn 15
South Carolina 15
5. Florida International 13
Middle Tennessee State 13
7. Central Florida 12
8. Notre Dame 11
Buffalo 11
Clemson 11
Iowa 11
North Carolina 11
Rutgers 11
Toledo 11
First-Year Starters
1. Temple 11
2. Notre Dame 9
Buffalo 9
Marshall 9
5. North Carolina 8
Georgia 8
7. Florida 6
Iowa 6
Middle Tennessee State 6
USC 6

* includes true freshman, redshirt freshman and in Notre Dame’s case (second year players that failed to play in their first season).

Youngest Teams Total (Fr+So) Total Players Pct.
1. Temple 47 80 63.51%
2. Florida International 41 74 61.19%
3. Colorado 34 67 58.62%
4. North Carolina 45 58 56.27%
5. Notre Dame 37 68 54.41%
6. Georgia 40 81 49.38%
7. Central Florida 30 61 49.18%

FRESH HORSES
Eleven true freshmen have played for Notre Dame this season. HB Armando Allen, QB Jimmy Clausen, HB Robert Hughes, WR Duval Kamara, OLB Kerry Neal, TE Mike Ragone, OT Matt Romine, OLB Brian Smith, WR Golden Tate, PK Brandon Walker and NT Ian Williams all have made significant contributions in 2007, giving Irish fans good reason to feel optimistic about the future.

Allen (344) and Hughes (158) are second and third on the team in rushing. Allen is fifth on Notre Dame with 23 receptions for 115 yards. He has also added 32 kick returns for 687 yards (21.5 yards per return). Allen recorded his best career game to date against Navy on Nov. 3. He rushed for 91 yards on 16 carries and added three receptions for 20 yards. Allen also returned four kicks for 115 yards, including a career-best of 38 yards. Allen’s 216 all-purpose yards against the Midshipmen ranks tied for 11th in Notre Dame single-game history. He leads the Irish in all-purpose yards (1,146) — averaging 104.2 per game. Hughes, who picked up his first career touchdown against Michigan State on Sept. 22, added his second rushing touchdown against Navy on Nov. 3. He put together is best career performance last week against Duke. Hughes rumbled for 110 yards on 17 carries and scored his third career touchdown. He became the first freshman running back to eclipse 100 yards in a game since Darius Walker ran for 112 yards against Pittsbugh on Nov. 13, 2004.

Kamara, who did not play against Air Force on Nov. 10, is third on the Irish in receiving with 26 receptions for 264 yards — good for 10.2 per catch. Kamara recorded his team-leading fourth touchdown reception of the season in the victory over Duke last week. The 25-yard grab was the longest of his career and also broke the previous single-season school record for touchdown receptions by a Notre Dame freshman. He also became the first Irish freshman since 1992 (Derrick Mayes, vs. Pittsburgh) to have multiple TD receptions in a game against Navy on Nov. 3. The 21-yard touchdown grab against the Midshipmen also was his longest reception of the season. He had six grabs for 68 yards, including his first career touchdown earlier this season against Purdue.

Tate caught three passes for 104 yards and one touchdown at Purdue. He not only became the first freshman to catch a touchdown pass since Maurice Stovall (Nov. 23, 2002 against Rutgers), but also became the first Notre Dame freshman to surpass 100 yards receiving in a game since Derrick Mayes (100 yards on two catches) against Pittsburgh on Oct. 10, 1992. He has five receptions for 126 yards — good for an astounding 25.2 yards per grab. Tate also averages 22.8 yards per kick return.

Clausen has started eight games this fall, becoming just the eighth freshman quarterback to start for Notre Dame since 1950. He has completed 119-of-213 (55.9%) for 1,058 yards and seven touchdowns. He put together his best game to date against Air Force on Nov. 10. Clausen went 22-of-40 for 246 yards and three touchdowns (no interceptions). The attempts, completions and yards were all career-highs. The three touchdown passes equalled the Notre Dame freshman record held by Matt LoVecchio (who tossed for three against Air Force on Oct. 28, 2000). Clausen picked up against Duke where he left off against the Falcons. He tossed three more touchdown passes and connected on 16-of-32 for 196 yards. Clausen has thrown six touchdowns over the past two weeks without an interception.

Williams, Smith and Neal have been major additions to the Irish defense this fall. Neal has started four of the last seven games at outside linebacker. He has registered 17 tackles (seven solo), including a sack. Neal has added three pass break-ups, two quarterback hurries (stat only tracked in home games), two fumble recoveries, including an 11-yard fumble return setting up an Irish field goal against UCLA. Smith has played in 10 games (starting against Air Force on Nov. 10 and Duke on Nov. 17) and has registered 21 tackles (11 solo), including 3.5 for loss and one sack. He has recorded a forced fumble and became the first freshman to return an interception for touchdown since 1976. Smith raced 25 yards to bring Notre Dame within six points, 20-13, against #4 Boston College. Williams, who registered his first career start in the victory over Duke, leads all Irish first-year players with 39 total tackles (16 solo). He has 1.5 tackles for loss. Williams recorded a career-best 11 tackles against Navy on Nov. 3.

Ragone has seen action in 10 games, mostly on special teams, but he did pick up his first career reception (seven yards) against Navy. Romine played in two games before suffering an injury that has sidelined him the last seven weeks.

Walker has handled the kicking duties the entire season. He is 6-of-11 on the season, including a career-best 48 yard kick at UCLA. Walker is the first left-footed kicker for Notre Dame since Harry Oliver in 1981.

MORE ON THE YOUTH
Notre Dame used a total of 61 players in the season opener against Georgia Tech. An incredible 31 of those players were either freshmen or sophomores, including five that started. Just over 50% of the players on the field were in their first or second year with the Irish. On the other hand, Georgia Tech started just one freshmen or sophomore and played only 19 first or second year players.

The 31 freshmen and sophomores playing in a season opener stands as the most in Irish history. The previous high for first and second year players in a Notre Dame season opener came during the 1983 and 1989 seasons (29).

Opponent, Date Fr./So. Played
Georgia Tech, 2007 31
Virginia, 1989 29
Purdue, 1983 29
Purdue, 1984 23
Maryland, 2002 23
Indiana, 1991 22
Kansas, 1999 22
Purdue, 1980 21
Michigan, 1987 21
Northwestern, 1992 21

NEWCOMERS THROWN INTO ACTION
In the season opening loss against Georgia Tech, nine members of the 2007 signing class saw their first action. Armando Allen (Fr., HB), Jimmy Clausen (Fr., QB), Robert Hughes (Fr., HB), Duval Kamara (Fr., WR), Kerry Neal (Fr., LB), Matt Romine (Fr., OT), Golden Tate (Fr., KR), Brandon Walker (Fr., PK) and Ian Williams (Fr., NT) each played in their first season with the Irish. In addition to those nine players from the 2007 signing class making their Notre Dame debuts versus Georgia Tech, the following players saw action in an Irish uniform for the first time: Thomas Bemenderfer (Jr., OC), Dan Wenger (So., OG), Demetrius Jones (So., QB), Leonard Gordon (So., DS/DC), Luke Schmidt (So., FB), Paddy Mullen (So., DT) and Kallen Wade (So., DE). In all, 16 of the 61 players that played against Georgia Tech for Notre Dame were making their first ever appearance in an Irish uniform.

MORE ON THE FRESHMEN
Notre Dame used nine freshmen in its season opening loss to Georgia Tech. It was tied for the fourth most used in an opener since the freshman eligibility rule became enacted in 1972. The Irish used 11 freshmen in the 2006 opener against the Jackets. A total of 14 frosh played in the 36-13 win over Virginia in the 1989 Kickoff Classic and 12 saw action in the 52-6 blowout of Purdue in 1983.

Opponent, Date Freshmen Played
Virginia, 1989 14
Purdue, 1983 12
Georgia Tech, 2006 11
Georgia Tech, 2007 9
Michigan, 1987 9
Michigan, 1986 8
Michigan, 1998 8

STARTING SOMETHING
Five offensive players and four players on the defensive side of the ball picked up their first career starts in the loss against Georgia Tech. George West (X), Paul Duncan (LT), Michael Turkovich (LG), Dan Wenger (RG) and Demetrius Jones (QB) each started the game for the first time for the Irish offense, while Pat Kuntz (NT), John Ryan (OLB), Anthony Vernaglia (OLB) and David Bruton (FS) hit the field the first play for the Notre Dame defense.

SCHEDULE NOTES

  • Notre Dame’s schedule is ranked as the 13th most difficult in the country by Sagarin. Entering last week’s game against Duke, the Irish scheduled was listed as the third most difficult. Washington and Florida were the only schools rated with a tougher schedule.
  • Nine of Notre Dame’s 10 opponents so far this season have already become bowl eligible. UCLA, at 5-5, could become bowl eligible with a victory in one of its final two games this season.
  • Two of Notre Dame’s opponents to this point rank in the top-20 in total defense and five rank in the top-25 of scoring defense (six among the top-27).
  • Five of Notre Dame’s opponents to this point rank in the top-20 in rush defense (four rank among the top10) and nine opponents rank in the top-58 in rush defense.
  • Notre Dame has faced eight teams that went to bowl games last year: Georgia Tech (Gator), Penn State (Capital One), Michigan (Rose), Purdue (Champs), UCLA (Emerald), Boston College (Meineke Car Care), USC (Rose) and Navy (Meineke Car Care).
  • Notre Dame is one of 12 I-A teams (only two other BCS schools) to play six straight weekends to open the season and have four of the six games on the road. The others are Akron, Buffalo, Florida International, Eastern Michigan, Duke, Kent State, Miami (Ohio), San Jose State, Troy, Utah State and West Virginia.
  • Notre Dame is the only school in the country to face a school from a BCS conference over the first eight weeks of 2007. The next longest streak to open this season is four (Florida Atlantic). The Irish also play a total of 10 BCS affiliated schools (which is tied for second most in the NCAA).
  • Notre Dame travelled to the Rose Bowl for the first time since Knute Rockne brought his eventual national champion 1924 squad to Pasadena to face Stanford in the Rose Bowl. The ’24 team featured the Shock Troops, Seven Mules and the famous Four Horsemen.
  • The Irish took on Duke for the first time since 1966. Notre Dame leads the brief all-time series, 3-1. The Irish blanked the Blue Devils, 64-0, in the last meeting.

2007 NOTRE DAME OPPONENT UPDATE
Below is a look at Notre Dame opponents’ results from last week. Since 1977, when the NCAA started rating strength of schedule, Notre Dame’s schedule has been rated the most difficult five times in the last 30 years (1978, 1985, 1987, 1989 and 1995).

  • Notre Dame’s past opposition currently ranks as the 14th-most difficult in all of college football according to the NCAA (was ranked second entering the Duke game).
Opponent ’07 Record Nov. 10
Georgia Tech 7-4 W, 27-25 (North Carolina)
Penn State 8-4 L, 31-35 (at Michigan State)
Michigan 8-4 L, 3-14 (#7 Ohio State)
Michigan State 7-5 W, 35-31 (Penn State)
Purdue 7-5 L, 24-27 (at Indiana)
UCLA 5-5 Bye
Boston College 9-2 W, 20-17 (at #15 Clemson)
USC 8-2 Bye
Navy 7-4 W, 35-24 (Northern Illinois)
Air Force 9-3 W, 55-23 (San Diego State)
Duke 1-10 L, 7-28 (at Notre Dame)
Stanford 3-7 Bye

Notre Dame 2007 Opponents’ Combined Record: 79-55 (.590)

ONLY THE BIG BOYS
Notre Dame is one of just five NCAA Division I-A programs that has never faced a non-Division I-A opponent since the current division setup was established in 1978 (the division’s names have undergone a change this year, but the setup is still the same). The four remaining schools that have yet to play a non-Division I-A opponent since the advent of the current format are Michigan State, USC, UCLA and Washington. The list stood at seven entering this season, but Michigan and Ohio State each opened its respective seasons with Appalachian State and Youngstown State on Sept. 1.

IRISH ADD HERALDED SIGNING CLASS
This preseason, Notre Dame has welcomed another outstanding recruiting class under third-year head coach Charlie Weis. The Irish signing class has been ranked as high as fifth (tied) in college football. Below charts where the media experts tabbed Notre Dame’s 2007 incoming class:

CBS SportsLine.com, t-5th
SuperPrep, 11th
ESPN.com, 8th
Scout.com, 11th
CollegeFootballNews.com, 11th
Rivals.com, 8th

IRISH STRONG IN NOVEMBER
Notre Dame enters the Stanford game having won eight of its last 11 games in the month of November (all under current head coach Charlie Weis). The Irish had dropped three straight games in the month before last week’s victory over Duke. Since the 1988 season, Notre Dame is 47-22-1 (.674) in November and was 22-11-1 (.662) in November in the 1990s.

DEFENSIVE NOTES

  • The Irish return 18 letterwinners and five starters on defense. Heading the list of returnees is two-time All-America strong safety Tom Zbikowski.
  • With the addition of new defensive coordinator Corwin Brown, Notre Dame switched from its previous 4-3 base defense to a 3-4. The change was due in large part to head coach Charlie Weis’ familiarity with the scheme from his time in the NFL.
  • Fifth-year senior LB Joe Brockington broke onto the scene in 2006 starting the final nine games. Brockington finished the season with 59 tackles, good for fifth on the team. He recorded a then career-best 15 stops at Air Force.
  • Notre Dame is replacing three of its four starters on the defensive line with the graduation of tackle Derek Landri and ends Victor Abiamiri and Chris Frome. Fifth-year senior Trevor Laws is the lone returning starter. Laws registered 62 tackles, 40 solo, and 11 for loss, including four sacks.
  • While Penn State scored 31 points and totaled 164 yards on the ground, the stats are a little misleading. The Irish limited the Nittany Lion ground game to just 57 yards through the opening three quarters. Notre Dame’s first team defense held Penn State to 126 yards on 42 carries — just 3.0 yards per rush.
  • The Irish first team defense also denied the Nittany Lions a single rush beyond 12 yards.
  • Penn State starting running back Austin Scott finished the night with 116 yards, but 53 came on just nine carries in the fourth quarter against a tied Irish defense.
  • Notre Dame’s secondary held Penn State and senior quarterback Anthony Morelli to just 131 yards on 12-of-22 passing (51 yards came on one reception). The Irish limited senior Derrick Williams to just two receptions for 14 yards. Penn State managed just five catches for 10 yards or longer and only one reception topped 16 yards.
  • Notre Dame ranks third in the nation in passing defense (162.45 per game) and is tied for 10th in fourth-down defense.
  • Navy entered the game against the Irish leading the country in rushing at 342.88 yards per game. Notre Dame limited the attack to 257 yards or 85 yards less than their per game average. The Midshipmen also averaged 5.5 yards per carry, but managed just 3.9 yards per rush against Notre Dame. Navy rolled up 328 yards on the ground earlier this season against Wake Forest (which ranks 27th in country in rushing defense), but entered the game with the Middies yielding just under 97 yards a game on the ground.
  • The Irish have limited eight (Georgia Tech, Penn State, Michigan, Michigan State, UCLA, Navy, Air Force and Duke) of their 11 opponents this season to under 200 yards passing. In fact, Notre Dame has held seven (Georgia Tech, Penn State, Michigan, Michigan State, Navy, Air Force and Duke) of those eight teams to under 150 yards. The Irish pass defense has recorded two games this season allowing under 100 yards in the air (Michigan and Navy).
  • Notre Dame is allowing just 162.5 yards per game in passing. The 162.5 yards per game would rank as the fewest per game by an Irish defense since 1996 (when Notre Dame allowed just 150.5).
  • Boston College quarterback Matt Ryan (32-of-49 for 291 yards) is the only opposing quarterback to complete 60% of his passes (minimum of 20 attempts) against the Irish this season. He also is the only opposing signalcaller to surpass 255 yards in the air. Excluding Ryan, the Irish passing defense has limited opposing quarterbacks to a combined completion percentage of 51.5% (134-of-260). Here is a look at the quarterbacks that have failed to complete 60% of their passes against Notre Dame.
Name, School Comp.-Att. Comp. % INT
Taylor Bennett, Georgia Tech 11-of-23 .478 0
Anthony Morelli, Penn State 12-of-22 .545 1
Ryan Mallett, Michigan 7-of-15 .467 0
Brian Hoyer, Michigan State 11-of-24 .458 1
Curtis Painter, Purdue 22-of-37 .594 2
Ben Olsen, UCLA 4-of-10 .400 0
McLeod Bethel-Thompson, UCLA 12-of-28 .429 4
Mark Sanchez, USC 21-of-38 .553 0
Thaddeus Lewis, Duke 16-of-33 .483 0

TREVOR LAYING DOWN THE LAWS (ALL-AMERICAN FLYER ON page 70)

  • Senior DE Trevor Laws has excelled in his new role as DE in the Notre Dame 3-4 defense. Laws, who finished fifth on the Irish in tackles last year, leads the Irish with 104 tackles and 3.0 sacks this season. He also ranks second on Notre Dame with 7.0 tackles for loss. He has even chipped in with a pair of blocked field goals (five for his career), five pass-breakups, six quarterback hurries (only Irish home games) and two fumble recoveries.
  • Has started 36 consecutive games for Notre Dame and has played both defensive end and defensive tackle in the varying fronts presented by the Notre Dame defense.
  • In 48 career contests at Notre Dame, has tallied 217 career tackles including 21.5 tackles for loss and 9.0 sacks to go with two forced fumbles, four fumble recoveries, 10 passes defended, five blocked kicks and one interception.
  • Laws was recently named a midseason second team All-American by Phil Steele.
  • Laws currently ranks 44th in the NCAA in tackles at 9.45 tackles per game (total of 104). He leads the nation in tackles among defensive lineman. In fact, he is the only defensive tackle that ranks among the top 100. The 104 tackles ranks second all-time in single season tackle history by Irish defensive lineman.
  • Laws became the fifth Notre Dame defensive tackle ever to reach 100 tackles in a single season. Laws is the first Irish player to accomplish that feat since Melvin Dansby (103) in 1997. He is only the second Notre Dame defensive tackle to surpass the century mark since 1977. Steve Niehaus (113; 1975) is the only Notre Dame DT ever to total more tackles in a season than Laws (104).
  • Laws is on pace for 113 tackles which would equal for the most ever by an Irish defensive lineman in school history
    Most Tackles by a Front Four Lineman (since 1956)
    1. 113, Steve Niehaus 1975
    2. 104, Trevor Laws 2007
    104, Ross Browner 1977
    4. 103, Melvin Dansby 1997
    5. 101, Jeff Weston 1975
    6. 99, Ken Dike 1976
    99, Mike Calhoun 1978
    8. 97, Ross Browner 1976
    97, Mike Kadish 1971
    10. 96, Greg Marx 1972
    113, Trevor Laws 2007 (projected)
  • Laws finished the game against Duke with six tackles (three solo), one tackle for loss and one sack. He also added a pair of quarterback hurries.
  • With his eighth tackle against Air Force on Nov. 10, Laws eclipsed 200 stops for his career. Laws also added his fifth pass breakup of the season. He finished the game with a career-high 17 tackles and registered 10 or more stops for the fourth time this season (second straight game and third in the last four) and fifth time in his career.
  • The 17 tackles by Laws were the most for an Irish defensive lineman since Melvin Dansby had 18 against Navy on Nov. 1, 1997. He has registered 32 tackles over the past two games (school record for total tackles in consecutive games is 45 held by Bob Golic).
  • Laws set a then career-high with 15 tackles against Navy on Nov. 3. His previous high of 11 tackles came earlier this season against Boston College.
  • Laws’ 15 tackles are the most by an Irish defensive tackle since Dansby had 18 against Navy on Nov. 1, 1997.
  • Laws registered nine tackles, including three solo, in the 38-0 loss to No. 13 USC. He added 0.5 tackles for loss and a quarterback hurry.
  • Laws registered a then career-best 11 tackles, including four solo, in the 27-14 loss to No. 4 Boston College. He has recorded 10 or more tackles on three occasions over his career, including twice in 2007.
  • Laws recorded six tackles, a sack (his seventh career sack) and two pass break-ups in the 20-6 victory at UCLA on Oct. 6. The sack was the second of his season. Laws now has 13.5 tackles for loss.
  • Laws continued to fight through double and sometimes triple teams at Purdue. He finished the game with six tackles, including a career-high 3.0 for loss, and one sack.
  • Laws put together his fourth consecutive tremendous effort in the loss against Michigan State. He totaled nine tackles, a fumble recovery, a pass break-up and two quarterback hurries.
  • Laws’ effort against the Wolverines is even more impressive when you consider he moved to right defensive end and lined up against Michigan All-American left tackle Jake Long. Laws not only had seven tackles, but he added 1.5 for loss.
  • Laws totaled nine stops in the season opener against Georgia Tech, followed with a then career-high 10 stops at Penn State, seven more tackles against Michigan and six stops (three for loss) at Purdue. He also added a quarterback hurry and blocked field goal against the Yellow Jackets. The field goal block was the fourth of his Irish career.

ZIBBY ALL-TIME LEADER IN TACKLES BY A DB (ALL-AMERICAN FLYER ON page 71)
After picking up six tackles against Penn State, two-time All-American strong safety Tom Zbikowski became the Notre Dame career leader for tackles by a defensive back. With 290 career stops, Zbikowski ranks ahead of Jim Browner (228, 1976-78) for the top spot. He ranks tied for 11th all-time with Steve Niehaus (1972-75) in Notre Dame tackles history regardless of position. Zbikowski recently passed Ned Bolcar (1986-89), Wes Pritchett (1985-88), Drew Mahalic (1972-74), Jeff Weston (1974-78), Greg Mary (1969-72) and Mike Calhoun (1975-78).

Career Tackles
1. Bob Crable 521 (1978-81)
2. Bob Golic 479 (1975-78)
3. Steve Heimkreiter 398 (1975-78)
4. Bob Olson 369 (1967-69)
5. Tony Furjanic 361 (1982-85)
6. Mike Kovaleski 353 (1983-86)
7. Ross Browner 340 (1973, 1975-77)
8. Brandon Hoyte 297 (2002-05)
9. Greg Collins 295 (1972-74)
10. Courtney Watson 294 (2000-03)
11. Tom Zbikowski 290 (2004-07)
Steve Niehaus 290 (1972-75)
13. Ned Bolcar 270 (1986-89)
14. Jeff Weston 267 (1974-78)
15. Greg Mary 263 (1969-72)
Mike Calhoun 263 (1975-78)

ZIBBY HAS A KNACK FOR THE FOOTBALL

  • Senior All-American SS Tom Zbikowski is fifth on the Irish with 71 tackles, including 36 solo stops. He has added a 1.5 tackles for loss, a sack, interception, pass break-up, two fumble recoveries and three forced fumbles. Zbikowski is also averaging 8.9 yards per punt return (19 for 170). With three career punt return for touchdowns, he currently shares the school record with four other players (Allen Rossum, 1994-96; Ricky Watters, 1987-90; Tim Brown, 1984-87; Nick Rassas, 1963-65).
  • Zbikowski ranks tied for 16th in the NCAA with the three forced fumbles.
  • Zbikowski recorded five tackles, two solo, and a half tackle for loss in the victory over Duke on Nov. 17.
  • Zbikowski registered his second fumble recovery of the season against Air Force on Nov. 10. Zbikowski now has been involved in a total of 18 turnovers (seven forced fumbles, seven interceptions, four fumble recoveries) during his brilliant four-year career.
  • Zbikowski registered 10 tackles against Navy on Nov. 3 (marking the second straight game with double-digit tackles). He also picked up his first fumble recovery of the season.
  • Zbikowski recorded a season-high tying 10 tackles, including five solo, in the 38-0 loss against #13 USC.
  • Zbikowski picked up six tackles and a pass break-up against No. 4 Boston College. He also added three punt returns for 34 yards, including an 18-yard return.
  • Zbikowski recorded his second career sack and forced his third fumble of the season on the same play setting up the Irish field goal late in the first quarter in the 20-6 win at UCLA on Oct. 6. Zbikowski finished the game against the Bruins with five tackles. The sack was his first since Nov. 5, 2005 against Tennessee.
  • Zbikowski was recently named a midseason second team All-American by Phil Steele.
  • Against Purdue, Zbikowski recorded his seventh career interception and first since Nov. 12, 2005 against Navy. He has caused three turnovers this season, including two forced fumbles against Penn State on Sept. 8. He recorded seven tackles on the afternoon.
  • Zbikowski forced the fifth and sixth fumbles of his career against Penn State on Sept. 8. He became the first Irish player to record two forced fumbles in the same game, since, well, himself against Michigan State in 2004. Zbikowski has six career interceptions (two returned for touchdowns) and two fumble recoveries (both returned for TDs).

BROCKINGTON MANNING THE MIDDLE FOR THE IRISH

  • Senior ILB Joe Brockington, a native of Palmya, Pa., has quietly put together a great senior season. He is second on the Irish defense with 99 tackles, including a team-high tying 47 solo stops. He has 7.5 tackles for loss (tops on the team), four quarterback hurries (stat only kept in Irish home games), one pass break-up and one fumble recovery. Brockington made a career-best 16 stops against Navy on Nov. 3 and has eclipsed the double-digit tackle barrier four times in 2007. He has led the Irish in tackles in four different game this year.
  • Brockington led Notre Dame with seven tackles in the victory over Duke last week. He chipped in with two quarterback hurries, a tackle for loss and one pass break-up.
  • Brockington recorded 13 tackles against Air Force on Nov. 10. It marked his fifth career game of 10 or more tackles. Including last year’s 15 tackle game against Air Force, Brockington has totaled 28 tackles in the last two meetings with the Falcons.
  • Brockington’s 16 tackles topped his previous career-high of 15 stops set last season against Air Force.
  • Brockington ranks tied for 52nd in the country in tackles averaging 9.00 per game.
  • Brockington has gone over 10 or more tackles in three (Air Force, 13; Navy, 16; Boston College, 12) of Notre Dame’s last five games.
  • Brockington totaled six tackles, one for loss and one quarterback hurry against USC on Oct. 20.
  • Brockington recorded a then season-best 13 tackles, 10 solo stops, against No. 4 Boston College. He added a half tackle for loss.
  • Brockington finished with a game-high tying 10 tackles, including six solo stops, at Penn State on Sept. 8. He added 1.5 tackles for loss and a fumble recovery.

CRUMBLING THE COMPETITION

  • Senior LB Maurice Crum, Jr., totaled 100 tackles in 2006 to lead Notre Dame. Crum was the first Irish player to eclipse the 100 tackle mark since Courtney Watson had 117 in 2003.
  • Crum, Jr., who missed most of the game with No. 4 Boston College due to a toe injury, is third on the Notre Dame defense with 78 tackles. He has 4.5 tackles for loss, one sack, two interceptions, five pass break-ups, three forced fumbles, two fumble recoveries, including a 34-yard fumble return for touchdown against UCLA.
  • Crum, Jr. was recently named a midseason third team All-American by Phil Steele.
  • Crum, Jr. ranks tied for 16th in the NCAA with the three forced fumbles.
  • Crum, Jr. registered 11 tackles against Air Force on Nov. 10. He has eclipsed 10 or more tackles in a game three times this season and five times over his career.
  • Crum, Jr. totaled 13 tackles (seven solo), one tackle for loss, one forced fumble and one pass break-up in the loss to Navy on Nov. 3.
  • Crum, Jr. went over 200 tackles for his career in the victory over UCLA on Oct. 6. However, it was almost forgotten considering the rest of his evening.
  • Crum, Jr. recorded a forced fumble and fumble recovery on the same play midway through the third quarter. For Crum, it was his first forced fumble and fumble recovery of the season (first career fumble recovery and third forced fumble of career).
  • Crum, Jr. added another forced fumble and promptly scooped up the ball and raced 34-yards for a touchdown. The TD was Crum’s first career score and was the first fumble return for touchdown since Tom Zbikowski against Penn State on Sept. 9, 2006.
  • Crum, Jr. added his second career interception (first of the season) in the fourth quarter. Crum was the first Irish player to force three turnovers (two fumbles, one interception) in a single-game since Shane Walton had three (all interceptions) against Maryland on Aug. 31, 2002.
  • Crum, Jr. would add another INT late in the fourth quarter. He is the first Irish player ever to record four turnovers in a single game. Crum also recorded a team-high tying seven tackles.
  • Crum, Jr., was all over the field in the loss to Michigan State on Sept. 22. The senior linebacker registered a career-best 16 tackles, including six solo stops. His previous career-high for tackles in a game was 14 against Penn State in 2006.
  • Crum, Jr., as well as senior DT Trevor Laws and junior FS David Bruton, led the Irish with nine tackles against Georgia Tech. For Crum, it was the fifth time in his career he led Notre Dame in tackles. He led the Irish in tackles four times in 2006 (Penn State, 14; UCLA, 8; UNC, 9; USC, 9). Crum, Jr., added a tackle for loss versus the Jackets.

WHO SAYS KUNTZ IS UNDERSIZED AT NOSE TACKLE?

  • Junior NT Pat Kuntz entered the 2007 season without a single start and just 11 tackles in 21 career games. Kuntz has excelled in Notre Dame’s new 3-4 defensive scheme. He has registered 43 tackles, almost four times his entire total from the previous two seasons, over the first 10 games (despite missing most of the Navy and Air Force games with injuries; missed the entire Duke game and will likely miss Stanford). Kuntz picked up a career-high eight stops and a half-tackle for loss against Penn State on Sept. 8.
  • Kuntz, who many have said is undersized, has managed to knock down nine passes from the line of scrimmage. He surpassed Chinedum Ndukwe’s team-high from the entire 2006 season. Kuntz batted down two passes against both Georgia Tech (Sept. 1), UCLA (Oct. 6) and USC (Oct. 20).
  • Kuntz was on pace to surpass the school record for pass break-ups in a single-season. Of those players that have broken up 10 or more passes in a single season, he would have been just the second non-defensive back on the list (David Martin, 1966).
    Passes Broken Up – Season
    1. Clarence Ellis 13 (1969)
    2. Dave Waymer 12 (1978)
    3. Tom Schoen 11 (1967)
    Luther Bradley 11 (1973)
    Clarence Ellis 11 (1970)
    6. Tim Rudnick 10 (1973)
    Dennis Phillips 10 (1963)
    Tony Carey 10 (1964)
    Tom Longo 10 (1964)
    *David Martin 10 (1966)
    Thomas O’Leary 10 (1966)
    Ralph Stepaniak 10 (1969)

    * indicates non-defensive backs

  • Kuntz is tied for t-38th in the nation in passes broken up and is tied for 93rd in the nation in passes defended.
  • Kuntz ranks 1st in the nation among defensive linemen in passes broken up and tied for 1st passes defended.
    Name, School PBU INT PD
    Pat Kuntz, Notre Dame 9 0 9
    Phillip Hunt, Houston 8 1 9
    Tyler Jackson, LSU 8 0 8

SOMETHING BRUTON IN THE NOTRE DAME SECONDARY

  • Junior FS David Bruton is fourth on Notre Dame with 76 tackles, including 47 solo stops (despite missing much of the game against Navy on Nov. 3). Bruton has 3.5 tackles for loss, a sack and two interceptions. He has also chipped in with two pass break-ups, a forced fumble, fumble recovery and blocked punt.
  • Bruton finished with six tackles, three solo, a fumble recovery and pass break-up in the victory over Duke last week.
  • Bruton recorded his second career (both this season) double-digit tackle game against Air Force. He finished with 13 tackles.
  • Bruton recorded five tackles, a forced fumble, a pass break-up and a blocked punt in the 38-0 loss to USC.
  • Bruton recorded his second career interception in the 20-6 victory at UCLA on Oct. 6. Bruton returned it 17 yards to set up the eventual game-winning touchdown (Irish took a 13-6 lead they never relinquished).
  • Bruton picked up first first career interception in the loss to Michigan State on Sept. 22. Bruton also added a career-best 15 tackles, including seven solo.
  • Bruton made quite an impression in his first career start for the Irish in the season opener against Georgia Tech. He finished with a game-high tying nine tackles, two for loss, and a sack. Bruton also managed to pick up a special teams tackle on senior Geoff Price’s 55-yard long punt — denying the Georgia Tech returner to gain a single yard. He once again led Notre Dame in tackles against Michigan. Bruton recorded nine stops and one for loss.

IRISH MAKE LIFE OF OPPOSING QUARTERBACK DIFFICULT
Boston College quarterback Matt Ryan (32-of-49 for 291 yards) is the only opposing quarterback to complete 60% of his passes (minimum of 20 attempts) against the Irish this season. He also is the only opposing signalcaller to surpass 255 yards in the air. Excluding Ryan, the Irish passing defense has limited opposing quarterbacks to a combined completion percentage of 51.5% (134-of-260). Here is a look at the quarterbacks that have failed to complete 60% of their passes against Notre Dame.

Name, School Comp.-Att. Comp. % INT
Taylor Bennett, Georgia Tech 11-of-23 .478 0
Anthony Morelli, Penn State 12-of-22 .545 1
Ryan Mallett, Michigan 7-of-15 .467 0
Brian Hoyer, Michigan State 11-of-24 .458 1
Curtis Painter, Purdue 22-of-37 .594 2
Ben Olsen, UCLA 4-of-10 .400 0
McLeod Bethel-Thompson, UCLA 12-of-28 .429 4
Mark Sanchez, USC 21-of-38 .553 0
Thaddeus Lewis, Duke 16-of-33 .483 0

IRISH SECONDARY BLANKET STAR WIDEOUTS
Notre Dame has faced the likes of Greg Smith (3 rec., 31 yards; Georgia Tech), Demaryius Thomas (1 rec., 9 yards; Georgia Tech), Jordan Norwood (3 rec., 20 yards; Penn State), Adrian Arrington (2 rec., 15 yards; Michigan), Mario Manningham (2 rec., 35 yards; Michigan), Dorien Bryant (8 rec., 82 yards; Purdue), Brandon Breazell (5 rec., 69 yards; UCLA), Brandon Robinson (1 rec., 12 yards; Boston College) and Kevin Challenger (2 rec., 22 yards; Boston College). That group of nine receivers managed just 27 receptions for 295 yards (only 10.9 yards per catch). That same group of wideouts is averaging 13.9 yards per reception against everyone else. Here is a further breakdown of the Irish success against the top receiving options of their 2007 opponents.

Vs. ND Vs. Everyone Else
Rec. Yds. Avg. Rec. Yds/g. Avg/rec.
Greg Smith (GT) 3 31 10.3 2.4 34.2 14.0
Demaryius Thomas (GT) 1 9 9.0 2.8 45.7 16.4
Jordan Norwood (PSU) 3 20 6.7 3.7 46.4 12.5
Adrian Arrington (UM) 2 15 7.5 5.4 70.1 13.0
Mario Manningham (UM) 2 35 17.5 6.0 102.7 17.1
Dorien Bryant (PU) 8 82 10.3 6.5 73.4 11.3
Brandon Breazell (UCLA) 5 69 13.8 4.0 66.3 16.5
Brandon Robinson (BC) 1 12 12.0 5.2 76.4 14.6
Kevin Challenger (BC) 2 22 11.0 3.9 48.8 12.5
Totals 3.0 32.8 10.9 4.5 63.1 14.1

IRISH SECONDARY ONE OF THE MOST IMPROVED IN THE COUNTRY
With the return of experienced defensive backs, including senior SS Tom Zbikowski, senior DB Terrail Lambert, senior DB Ambrose Wooden, sophomore DB Darrin Walls and the emergence of junior FS David Bruton, the Irish figured to have a vastly improved secondary in 2007. Well, the improvements are significant and looks as though Notre Dame could have one of its best units in years. The Irish are allowing over 40 fewer yards per game in the air this season and over 100 fewer yards when compared to 2005. The 162.45 yards passing per game would rank as the best for a Notre Dame defense since 1996.

Year Pass Efficiency Defense (rank) Pass Defense (rank)
2007 116.04 (33rd) 162.45 ypg (3rd)
2006 137.59 (90th) 203.38 (60th)
2005 126.40 (69th) 264.58 (103rd)

IRISH BAFFLE HIGH OCTANE UCLA OFFENSE

  • UCLA came into the matchup with Notre Dame averaging 24.6 points per game, 424.6 total yards per game, 199.4 rushing yards per game (16th in the NCAA at the time) and 225.2 passing yards per game. The Irish held the Bruins well below their averages in each of those categories.
    Stat Avg. Entering Game Vs. Notre Dame Difference
    Points 24.6 6 -18.6
    Total Yards 424.6 282 -142.6
    Rushing Yards 199.4 89 -110.4
    Passing Yards 225.2 193 -32.2
  • The Irish forced three turnovers in the third quarter and then again in the fourth quarter. It was the most turnovers forced by the Irish in a single quarter since Notre Dame forced three against Michigan State on Sept. 23, 2006.
  • The Irish forced a total of seven UCLA turnovers. It was the most turnovers forced by a Notre Dame defense since Purdue had eight turnovers against the Irish on Sept. 30, 1989.
  • Notre Dame turned those seven turnovers into 17 points — the most points off turnovers in a single game since Penn State on Sept. 8, 2006 (Notre Dame also had 17 points off turnovers).
  • Notre Dame held UCLA without an offensive touchdown. It marked the first game the Irish held their opponent without an offensive touchdown since a 38-3 win over Washington (Sept. 25, 2004).
  • The Irish blanked UCLA in the second half. Notre Dame had not held an opponent scoreless over an entire half since Navy on Oct. 28, 2006.
  • Notre Dame totaled a season-high five sacks. It was the most sacks for the Irish since Stanford on Oct. 7, 2006.
  • The Irish limited the Bruins to just 29 yards rushing on 15 carries in the second half.

TALE OF TWO HALFS
The Notre Dame defense struggled with the spread and versatility of the Purdue offense in the first half on Sept. 29. The Boilermakers scored 23 points, recorded 262 total yards, passed for 189 and rushed for 73 — all before halftime. Purdue also registered 16 first downs over the first 30 minutes. The Irish, however, made the necessary adjustments in the second half and slowed down the Boilermaker attack. Purdue managed just 109 total yards (63 in the air and 46 on the ground) and 10 points after halftime. The Boilermakers averaged just 3.1 yards per play in the second half, way down from the 6.0 yards per play before intermission.

watch out for WALLS
Sophomore DB Darrin Walls not only registered his first career interception, but the Pittsburgh, Pa., native returned it 73 yards for a touchdown against Penn State. The interception return was the first for the Irish since senior DB Terrail Lambert turned the task against Michigan State in 2006. The 73-yard INT return was the longest interception return since senior SS Tom Zbikowski returned a pick 83 yards against BYU on Oct. 22, 2005.

MORE FROM THE IRISH DEFENSE AGAINST THE YELLOW JACKETS

  • Of Georgia Tech’s four scoring drives before intermission, three began in Irish territory (two after fumbles) and another opened at the Yellow Jacket 47-yard line. In fact, four scoring drives that resulted in 16 of their 33 points came off drives of 18, 36, 21 and 17 yards.
  • While Tashard Choice did gain 196 yards on 26 carries, the Irish actually bottled up the Georgia Tech star for most of the afternoon. Choice collected 106 of those 196 yards on just four carries. Take away those runs, Notre Dame limited Choice to 90 yards on 22 totes.
  • The Irish did not allow Georgia Tech a single third down conversion in the first half. The Yellow Jackets were 0-for-6 on third down and did not register a third down conversion until their seventh drive of the afternoon.
  • Notre Dame allowed just over 200 yards (203.4) per game passing in 2006. The Irish also allowed their opponents to complete just over 55% of its passes a year ago. Georgia Tech completed, though, on just 45% (11-for-24) of its throws for a mere 121 yards.

OFFENSIVE NOTES

  • Notre Dame returns 10 letterwinners on offense, including three starters. The returnees include Freshman All-American lineman Sam Young and second team All-America tight end John Carlson as well as Rimington and Outland Trophy candidate John Sullivan.
  • The Irish offensive line has two of five starters back from last year in sophomore Sam Young and senior John Sullivan. Among the departed were tackle Ryan Harris, who finished his career with 45 consecutive starts, and guard Dan Santucci, who closed his with 25 straight.
  • Notre Dame’s starting offensive line against Duke (without the services of injured senior C John Sullivan) consisted of three sophomores (OT Sam Young, C Dan Wenger, OG Eric Olsen) and two juniors (OT Paul Duncan and OG Mike Turkovich). Young is the only member of the group who had started a game prior to this season.
  • Senior TE John Carlson, a Mackey Award finalist in 2006 and Maxwell Award candidate in 2007, exploded onto the scene last season becoming Notre Dame’s third-leading receiver in terms of yardage and worked his way into the Fighting Irish record books. The 6-6, 256-pound student-athlete from Litchfield, Minn., caught 47 passes for 634 yards and four touchdowns despite missing almost three entire games. Carlson recorded the second-most receiving yards in a single season ever by a Notre Dame tight end and ranked third for most receptions in a single season by a tight end. He ranked second in the NCAA Division I in receptions per game by a tight end and third for most receiving yards per game by a tight end in 2006.
  • Carlson was recently named a semifinalist for one of college football’s most sought after and competitive awards. The Draddy Trophy recognizes an individual as the absolute best in the country for his combined academic success, football performance and exemplary community leadership.

    Nominated by their schools, which are limited to one nominee, semifinalists must be a senior or graduate student in their final year of eligibility, have a GPA of at least 3.2 on a 4.0 scale, have outstanding football ability as a first team player, and have demonstrated strong leadership and citizenship. Established to honor former NFF Chairman Vincent dePaul Draddy, a Manhattan College quarterback who developed the Izod and Lacoste brands, the award comes with a 24-inch, 25-pound bronze trophy and a $25,000 post-graduate scholarship.

    Carlson, who was a ESPN The Magazine/CoSIDA Academic All-American in 2006, graduated last May from the College of Arts and Letters with a degree in history. He earned a 3.917 grade-point

    The NFF Awards Committee will select and announce up to 15 finalists on Oct. 25. Each finalist will be recognized as part of the 2007 National Scholar- Athlete Class, receiving an $18,000 post-graduate scholarship. The Draddy winner, who will receive a $25,000 postgraduate scholarship, will be announced at the NFF’s Annual Awards Dinner on December 4 at the prestigious Waldorf-Astoria in New York City. A total distribution of more than $300,000 in scholarships will be awarded that evening.

    TOP IRISH RECEIVING SEASONS IN IRISH TIGHT END HISTORY
    Gms. Rec. Yds TD
    Ken MacAfee (1977) 11 54 797 6
    Anthony Fasano (2005) 12 47 576 2
    John Carlson (2006) 11 47 634 4
    Tony Hunter (1982) 11 42 507 0
    CAREER RECEPTIONS BY AN IRISH TIGHT END
    1. Ken MacAfee 128 (1974-77)
    2. John Carlson 97 (active)
    3. Anthony Fasano 92 (2003-05)
    4. *Tony Hunter 70 (1979-82)
    5. Derek Brown 62 (1988-91)
    Dean Masztak 62 (1978-81)
    7. Mark Bavaro 55 (1981-84)
    *played TE only in 1981-82
    CAREER RECEIVING YARDS BY AN IRISH TIGHT END
    1. Ken MacAfee 1,759 (1974-77)
    2. Anthony Fasano 1,102 (2003-05)
    3. John Carlson 1,064 (active)
    4. Dean Masztak 924 (1978-81)
    5. *Tony Hunter 904 (1979-82)
    6. Derek Brown 899 (1988-91)
    7. Mark Bavaro 771 (1981-84)
    *played TE only in 1981-82

CLAUSEN finds HIS way

Freshman signal caller Jimmy Clausen had his best game to date against Air Force on Nov. 10. He completed 22-of-40 for 246 yards and three touchdowns. The completions, attempts, yards and touchdowns were all career-highs.

  • Clausen was even better in the second-half. He was 17-of-29 for 192 yards and two scores. Clausen was also victimized by at least five dropped passes.
  • Clausen connected with junior WR David Grimes for a 25-yard touchdown pass that gave Notre Dame a 7-0 lead with 1:17 left in the first half against Duke. The 25-yard TD pass was the longest of the season for Clausen and tied the longest scoring pass of the season for the Irish.
  • Clausen and Grimes have hooked up for touchdowns each of the past two weeks.
  • Clausen wasted little time in matching his season-long touchdown pass. He found freshman WR Duval Kamara in the corner of the endzone with only four seconds remaining in the opneing half to push the Irish lead to 14-0.
  • For Clausen, the touchdown pass was his sixth of the season and fifth in the past two weeks. Clausen completed 13-of-23 passes for 169 yards and two touchdowns in the opening half. Including his stellar second half effort against Air Force (17-of-29 for 192 yards and two touchdowns), Clausen went 30-of-52 for 361 yards and four touchdowns in that four-quarter span.
  • Clausen finished the game with three touchdown passes, tying his season high and tying the Notre Dame freshman quarterback record. He has thrown six touchdown passes and no interceptions over the past two games.
  • Prior to Air Force, Clausen’s best game came at Purdue on Sept. 29. Despite missing most of the fourth quarter after suffering a hip injury, he was 18-of-26 for 169 yards and one touchdown. Clausen recorded a completion percentage of 69.2% against Purdue — second-highest ever by a Notre Dame freshman quarterback (only Steve Beuerlein (.700, 14-for-20) at Penn State on Nov. 12, 1983 completed a higher