Nov. 15, 2000

NOTRE DAME, Ind. – Football practices are getting darker, and colder, as the days drift into late November.

But the black and chilly nights cannot distract this football team from the job at hand, preparing for Rutgers.

“I expect Rutgers to play their best football game of the year,” Davie said. “I expect us to play our best football game of the year as well.”

Davie reiterated that this year’s football team is a special one.

“We went out last night when it was really cold, and there was not one complaint,” Davie said.

Receivers coach Urban Meyer approached Davie before the start of the first game to give his opinion on the matter.

“He {Meyer} said to me `Do you realize how long and how much work it has taken to get this thing to where it is right now,’ and I think about it everyday,” Davie said.

One of the reasons it has been a special, and quick season, has to be credited to the players Davie said.

“We have a bunch of players who are un-selfish and hard workers,” Davie pointed out. “It is important for them to get Notre Dame football back where it is supposed to be.”

ROGERS TO MEET RUTGERS OFFICIALS

After the game on Saturday, one person not making the return trip will be offensive coordinator Kevin Rogers.

With the Scarlet Knights head coaching job vacant following this season, Rogers has an opportunity that Davie says he should look at.

” I know how difficult head coaching jobs are to get,” Davie said. “I have been in the same position myself.”

“I think it is the right thing to do if you have an opportunity to take the next step in your career…I’m not going to stand in anyone’s way.”