Sept. 6, 2000

NOTRE DAME, Ind. – Irish head coach Bob Davie announced today the departure of Jovan Witherspoon from the football program. The freshman wide receiver notified Davie yesterday of his decision to leave the University.

“I really don’t know where he is headed,” Davie said. “I certainly wish him the best of luck and I’m really sad to see him leave. I think he is a bright young prospect and our coaching staff was really excited about him.”

TEAM HOLDS MEETING

Going half-pads in today’s practice, coach Davie held a team meeting in preparation for Saturday’s big match against top-ranked Nebraska.

“I think our football certainly feels a sense of urgency getting ready for Nebraska. They see it as a great challenge and a great opportunity…. We spend every second of our time getting ready.”

Saturday’s game is rapidly approaching and Davie and Co. are addressing the team in terms of what needs to happen in the big showdown.

“We talked today about how it is going to take a career best effort,” Davie stated. “That doesn’t mean you’ll have to play your career best football game across the board, but it will take your career best effort. This is not somebody that you just walk out there Saturday and play.”

DAVIE ON THE HYPE

With 20,000 to 30,000 Husker fans expected this Saturday, and ESPN Gameday broadcasting from outside the stadium, it is hard to avoid the hype and excitement attached to this match up.

“I haven’t noticed it that much,” Davie said in response to the hype. “We have been kind of sequestered away as a football team. I see a few more faces around here today that we don’t normally see and some big time media guys in from outside places but other than that it has been pretty normal. It’s about business as usual around here.”

OLYMPIC RELIEF

Originally scheduled as the opener, Nebraska turned into Notre Dame’s second opponent after it was learned the Texas A&M game would we be played on a Saturday conflicting with NBC’s coverage of the Olympic games in Sydney.

“I’m glad the Olympics interfered so we were able to get that game out of the way,” Davie said. “I think it was the best thing that could have happened to us now, in hindsight, looking back at the chance we played a good football last week that obviously gave us some confidence.”