Jan. 2, 2001

TEMPE, Ariz. – THE CROWD – The 30th annual Tostitos Fiesta Bowl is a sellout with a crowd capacity of 75,428. It is the third-largest crowd in Tostitos Fiesta Bowl history.

SHAMROCK – Notre Dame head coach Bob Davie promised fans that his team would suit up in special jerseys for the BCS bowl. Notre Dame did not break out the green jerseys. However the Irish uniforms did incorporate the shamrock on to the sleeves of the jerseys.

FIRST POINTS – The Irish posted their first points of the game till the final ticks of the first half. Nick Setta scored Notre Dame’s first points off a 29-yard field goal with 00:00 remaining in the half.

RUNNING UP THE SCORE – Prior to the Fiesta Bowl, Air Force registered as Notre Dame’s highest scoring opponent of the season with 31 points. Oregon State smashed that mark by scoring 41 points in the New Year’s Day contest.

TURNOVERS – Notre Dame entered the game with just eight turnovers but had four turnovers in the contest against Oregon State. LoVecchio threw two interceptions. The Irish had two fumbles as well.

PENALTY GAINERS – While the Beavers managed to secure a big win, they also secured a Fiesta Bowl record. Oregon State now holds the record for most penalties in a Fiesta Bowl with 18 penalties for 174 yards.

NEGATIVE NUMBERS – Irish quarterback Matt LoVecchio did not register positive numbers in rushing. He averaged a negative 5.4 yards per carry.

DENMAN’S DEVOTION – Despite the score, senior linebacker Anthony Denman left his heart on the field. He finished the game with a team-high nine tackles.

SPORTSMANSHIP – Sophomore tailback Julius Jones won the Art Bodine Sportsmanship Award. Oregon State’s Jonathan Smith and Darnell Robinson took home the offensive and defensive MVP for the game.