Sept. 27, 2000

NOTRE DAME, Ind. – With two weeks left before Stanford rolls into town, Coach Davie and offensive coordinator Kevin Rogers met yesterday to discuss the quarterback situation. While the most of the team enjoys its bye week, the coaches and quarterbacks could not relax from the important issue at hand, who will be the starting quarterback.

“Matt LoVecchio gives us the best opportunity to do what we are most comfortable doing,” Davie said. “We are continuing to work Jared Clark as well as Gary Godsey…But Matt LoVecchio has a slight edge because he is a little more mobile and he played really well when he was given an opportunity. Then it is Gary Godsey and Jared Clark on the depth chart.”

WORK WEEK

With an emotional start to the season already filled with highs and lows, the team has moved into a relaxed fifth week. With no preparation needed for this Saturday, practice was less about Stanford and more about taking care of little things.

“This is the kind of week where you don’t get a great feel because it is a work week,” Davie said. “This is a week where you don’t expect a lot of enthusiasm.”

“There is no question that we have had two devastating losses with the second loss being more significant,” Davie added. “But right now this team is intent on getting better. They see if they play as well as they are capable of playing that they can control their own destiny.”

EARLY REPORT CARD

With what he called the “first half” of the season complete, Davie was asked what he thought of the team as a whole.

Although a little early to throw out grades, Davie expressed his confidence in this football team.

“I think people appreciate how hard this team plays,” Davie said. “Obviously we have taken a huge hit because our quarterback is not there.”

“Overall, I think we are a better football team and I think we have a chance to really be successful this season.”