NationMaster - Encyclopedia: Notre Dame football

The University of Notre Dame Fighting Irish, sometimes called Notre Dame or the Irish, is an American football team that competes as an Independent school in National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) Division I-A and represents the University of Notre Dame on the gridiron. Over the past century, the Irish have been the most successful and popular sports team in college football, enabling the university to negotiate its own national television contract for their home games with NBC—a feat unheard of in United States amateur sports. The university is one of two Catholic universities that field a team in Division I-A, the other being Boston College, and one of a handful of programs independent of a football conference. The team plays its home games at Notre Dame Stadium, also known as "the House that Rockne Built," which is located on Notre Dame's campus and seats over 81,000 people, comparable in size to many professional American football venues. Notre Dame claims 11 Consensus National Championships in football, but there have been 24 years in which Notre Dame finished the season atop some ranking system. Image File history File links Notre_Dame_helmet. ... Image File history File links Notre_Dame_helmet. ... Image File history File links Notre_Dame_Leprechaun. ... Image File history File links Notre_Dame_Leprechaun. ... Image File history File links Notre_Dame_logo. ... Image File history File links Notre_Dame_logo. ... United States simply as football, is a competitive team sport that is both fast-paced and strategic. ... NCAA Division I-A independent schools are four-year institutions whose football programs are not part of an NCAA-affiliated conference. ... The National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA, often pronounced N-C-Double-A or N-C-Two-A) is a voluntary association of about 1200 institutions, conferences, organizations and individuals that organizes the athletics programs of many colleges and universities in the United States. ... Division I is the highest level of intercollegiate athletics sanctioned by the National Collegiate Athletic Association in the United States. ... The University of Notre Dame is a leading Roman Catholic institution of higher learning located in Notre Dame, Indiana, immediately northeast of South Bend, Indiana, United States. ... NBC, (Formerly an acronym for the National Broadcasting Company until 2004), is an American television and radio network based in New York Citys Rockefeller Center. ... This article is about Boston College; for the unaffiliated urban university, see Boston University. ... Notre Dame Stadium is the home football stadium for the University of Notre Dame Fighting Irish, one of the most celebrated college football teams in history. ... UTs Bevo with the BCS Division I-A National Championship trophy The NCAA Division I-A national football championship is the only Division I-A NCAA-sponsored sport without an organized tournament to determine its champion. ...

History

The beginning (1887 - 1917)

American football did not have an auspicious beginning at the University of Notre Dame. In their inaugural game on November 23 1887 the Irish lost to the University of Michigan Wolverines by a score of 8-0. Their first win came in the final game of the 1888 season when the Irish defeated Harvard Prep by a score of 20-0. At the end of the 1888 season they had a record of 1-3 with all three losses being at the hands of Michigan by a combined score of 43-9. Between 1887 and 1899 Notre Dame compiled a record of 31 wins, 15 losses, and 4 ties against a diverse variety of opponents ranging from local high school teams to other universities. The University of Notre Dame is a leading Roman Catholic institution of higher learning located in Notre Dame, Indiana, immediately northeast of South Bend, Indiana, United States. ... This article is about the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor. ...

At the beginning of the 20th century college football began to increase in popularity and became more standardized with the introduction of the Intercollegiate Athletic Association of the United States (IAAUS) in 1906. That organization would become the NCAA in 1910. Notre Dame continued its success during this time and achieved their first victory over Michigan in 1909 by the score of 11-3 after which Michigan refused to play Notre Dame again for 33 years. By the end of the 1912 season they had amassed a record of 108 wins, 31 losses, and 13 ties. The National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA, often pronounced N-C-Double-A or N-C-Two-A) is a voluntary association of about 1200 institutions, conferences, organizations and individuals that organizes the athletics programs of many colleges and universities in the United States. ...

Jessie Harper became head coach in 1913 and remained so until he retired in 1917. During his tenure the Irish began playing only intercollegiate games and posted a record of 34 wins, 5 losses, and 1 tie. This period would also mark the beginning of the rivalry with Army and the continuation of rivalries with Michigan State. West Point redirects here. ... Michigan State University is a university in East Lansing, Michigan near the state capital of Lansing. ...

Rockne era (1918 - 1930)

Knute Rockne became head coach in 1918 and ushered in one of the most famous and successful chapters in Notre Dame football history. Under Rockne the Irish would post a record of 105 wins, 12 losses, and 5 ties. During his 13 years, the longest tenure of any coach to date, the Irish won 6 national championships, had 5 undefeated seasons, won the Rose Bowl in 1925, and produced many legendary players such as the "Four Horsemen". Rockne has the highest win percentage (.881) in college football history. 1927 Time cover featuring Rockne Knute Kenneth Rockne (March 4, 1888â€“March 31, 1931) was an American football player and is regarded by many as the most famous college football coach in history. ... The Four Horsemen of Notre Dame comprised a winning group of football players at the University of Notre Dame under coach Knute Rockne. ...

Among the events that occurred during Rockne’s tenure none is more famous than the Rockne’s Win one for the Gipper speech. George "the Gipper" Gipp was a very successful player on Rockne’s earlier teams and tragically died of pneumonia in 1920. Army came into the 1928 matchup undefeated and was the clear favorite. Notre Dame, on the other hand, was having their worst season under Rockne’s leadership and entered the game with a 4-2 record. At the end of the half Army was leading and looked to be in command of the game. Rockne entered the locker room and gave his account of Gipp’s final words: "I've got to go, Rock. It's all right. I'm not afraid. Some time, Rock, when the team is up against it, when things are wrong and the breaks are beating the boys, tell them to go in there with all they've got and win just one for the Gipper. I don't know where I'll be then, Rock. But I'll know about it, and I'll be happy." The speech, although possibly fictional, inspired the team and they went on to upset Army and win the game 12-5. George The Gipper Gipp (February 18, 1895 â€“ December 14, 1920) was a famous college football player who played for the University of Notre Dame. ...

Rockne died in a plane crash in Kansas while on his way to help in the production of the film The Spirit of Notre Dame in 1930. He was the subject of the 1940 film Knute Rockne, All American. Official language(s) English Capital Topeka Largest city Wichita Area Ranked 15th - Total 82,277 sq. ... Knute Rockne, All American is a 1940 biographical film which tells the story of Knute Rockne, perhaps the most famous of all of the football coaches at Notre Dame, one of the most successful football programs in history. ...

After Rockne (1931 to 1941)

Upon Rockne’s death Heartly "Hunk" Anderson took the helm of the Irish leading them to a record of 16 wins, 9 losses, and two ties. Anderson was a former Irish player under Rockne and at the time of his death was serving as Rockne’s assistant coach.

Anderson resigned as Irish head coach in 1934 and was replaced by Elmer Layden, who was one of Rockne’s "Four Horsemen" in the 1920’s. After graduating, Layden played professional American football for one year and then began a coaching career. The Irish posted a record of 47 wins, 13 losses, and 3 tie in 7 years under Layden. He left the team in 1940 to become Commissioner of the National Football League (NFL). Elmer Francis Layden (May 4, 1903 â€“ June 30, 1973) served as Commissioner of the National Football League and as head football coach at Notre Dame. ... The National Football League (NFL) is the largest professional American football league, consisting of thirty-two teams from American cities and regions. ...

Leahy era (1941 – 1953)

Frank Leahy was hired by Notre Dame to take over for Layden in 1941, and was another former Irish player that played during the Rockne Era. After graduating from Notre Dame, Leahy had a variety of coach positions including line coach of the infamous "Seven Blocks of Granite" of Fordham University that helped that team to win all but two games between 1935 and 1937. He then coached the Boston College Eagles to a win in the 1941 Sugar Bowl. His move to Notre Dame would inaugurate a new period of spectacular gridiron success for the Irish and would insure Leahy's place among the very greatest coaches in the history of college football. Frank William Leahy was an American collegiate football coach, born in 1908. ... Fordham University is a co-educational private university in New York City. ... This article is about Boston College; for the unaffiliated urban university, see Boston University. ... A sugar bowl is a small bowl or designed for holding sugar or sugar cubes to be served with tea or coffee in the Western tradition. ...

Leahy would be the Irish’s head coach for 11 seasons from 1941 to 1943 and 1946 to 1953. He has the second highest winning percentage (.864) of any college coach in history. He led the Irish to a record of 87 wins, 11 losses, and 9 ties including 39 games without a loss (37-0-2), four national championships, and six undefeated seasons. A fifth national championship was lost because of a tie in 1953 against Iowa, in a game that caused a minor scandal at the time, when it appeared that some Irish players had faked injuries to stop the clock. Leahy retired in 1954 due to health reasons.

From 1944 to 1945, Leahy served in the U.S. Navy and was honorably discharged as a Lieutenant. Ed McKeever, Leahy’s assistant coach, became interim head coach while Leahy was in the Navy. During his one year at the helm the Irish managed 8 wins and 2 losses. McKeever left Notre Dame in 1945 to take over as head coach of Cornell University. McKeever was replaced by Hugh Devore for the 1945 season and led the Irish to 7 wins, 2 losses, and 1 tie. The United States Navy (USN) is the branch of the United States armed forces responsible for conducting naval operations. ... A Lieutenant is a military, paramilitary or police officer. ... This is about the university. ...

After Leahy (1954 – 1963)

The departure of Leahy ushered in a downward slope in Notre Dame’s performance. Terry Brennan was hired as the Notre Dame head coach in 1954 and would stay until 1958. He departed with a respectable total of 32 wins and 18 losses. But note: the 32 wins included 17 in 1954 and 1955. Thereafter his record would be a mediocre 15-15. Brennan was a former player under Leahy and before joining the Irish had coached the Mount Carmel High School team in Chicago, Illinois and later the freshman squad at Notre Dame. His first two seasons were successful and the Irish were ranked 4th and 9th respectively. However, in the light of what would follow those first seasons, some observers began to wonder if Brennan's early success owed more to the residual effects of Leahy's coaching on Brennan's first two cadres than it did to any notable brilliance of his own. It was the 1956 season that began to darken his reputation, for it became one of the most dismal in the team’s history and saw them finish the season with a mere 2 wins, including crushing losses to Michigan State, Oklahoma, and Iowa. The Irish would recover the following season, posting not only a respectable record of 7 wins and 3 losses but including in their wins a stunning upset of Oklahoma, in Norman, that ended the Sooners' still-standing record of 47 consecutive wins. In Brennan’s final season, though, finished with a mere 6 wins and 4 losses, acceptable at many places but a severe disappointment at Notre Dame. Brennan left the Irish to become the conditioning coach for the Cincinnati Reds. It has been suggested that Mt. ... Chicago (officially named the City of Chicago) is the third largest city in the United States (after New York City and Los Angeles), with an official population of 2,896,016, as of the 2000 census. ... Official language(s) English Capital Springfield Largest city Chicago Area Ranked 25th - Total 57,918 sq mi (149,998 kmÂ²) - Width 210 miles (340 km) - Length 390 miles (629 km) - % water 4. ... Major league affiliations National League (1890-present) Central Division (1994-present) West Division (1969-1993) American Association (1882-1889) National League (1876-1880) Major league titles World Series titles (5) 1990 â€¢ 1976 â€¢ 1975 â€¢ 1940 1919 NL Pennants (9) 1990 â€¢ 1976 â€¢ 1975 â€¢ 1972 1970 â€¢ 1961 â€¢ 1940 â€¢ 1939 1919 AA Pennants (1...

Fifty years after Brennan's appointment, one could look back at Notre Dame' hiring policies and notice a curious pattern: the recurrent hiring of inexperienced coaches in the wake of legends. Brennan following Leahy; Gerry Faust following the hall-of-fame tandem of Parseghian and Devine; and, finally, Davie following Lou Holtz. In each case the Irish had hired a youthful coach with no experience as a head coach, and in each case the choices led to bitter disappointment on the field

Joe Kuharich took over for Brennan in 1959 and to date remains the only Irish head coach to leave the team with a losing record. During his 4 year tenure as coach, the Irish finished with 17 wins and 23 losses and they never finished better than .500 in a season. Hugh Devore once again filled in the gap between coaches and led the Irish to yet another lackluster season in 1963, finishing with 2 wins and 7 losses. Joseph Lawrence Kuharich(April 14, 1917-January 25,1981) was a noted football coach. ...

Parseghian era (1964 - 1974)

Ara Parseghian was a former college football player for the Miami University Redskins until 1947 and became their assistant coach in 1950 and head coach in 1951, after a two year stint playing for the Cleveland Browns. In 1956 he moved to Northwestern University, where he stayed for eight years. In 1964 he was hired to replace Devore as head football coach and immediately brought the team back to their former levels of success. In his first year the Irish improved their record to 9 wins and 1 loss earning Parseghian coach of the year honors. Ara Parseghian (born March 10, 1923 in Akron, Ohio, USA) He was of Armenian descent. ... Miami University, founded in 1809, is the second-oldest public college west of the Allegheny Mountains. ... City Cleveland, Ohio Team colors Seal Brown, Orange, and White Head Coach Romeo Crennel Owner Randy Lerner General manager Phil Savage Mascot CB, Chomps, TD, and Trapper Local radio Flagship stations: WMMS (100. ... Northwestern University is a private, coeducational, non-sectarian university, located in Evanston, Illinois and Chicago, Illinois. ...

During his eleven year career, the Irish amassed a record of 95 wins, 17 losses, and 4 ties and captured two uncontested national championships. The Irish also had two undefeated season in 1966 and 1973, had three major bowl wins in five appearances, and produced one Heisman Trophy winner. Parseghian was forced to retire after the 1974 season for medical reasons.

Devine/Faust era (1975 - 1985)

Dan Devine was hired to take over as head coach upon Parseghian's retirement in 1975. Devine was already a highly successful coach and had led Arizona State, Missouri, and the Green Bay Packers. When he arrived at Notre Dame he already had a college coaching record of 120 wins, 40 losses, and 8 ties and had led his teams to victory in 4 bowl games. At Notre Dame he would lead the Irish to 53 wins, 16 losses, and 1 tie. The Irish were winners of 3 major bowl games and captured one national championship in 1977. Devine resigned as head football coach in 1980. Dan Devine (December 22, 1924 - May 9, 2002) was a football coach. ... Arizona State University (ASU) is (as of 2004) the third-largest university in the United States with a student body of 57,543. ... The University of Missouri System is the designated public research and land-grant university system of the state of Missouri. ... City Green Bay, Wisconsin Team colors Dark Green, Gold, and White Head Coach Mike McCarthy Owner A public company General manager Ted Thompson Fight song Go! You Packers! Go! Local radio Flagship stations: Milwaukee - WTMJ (620 AM) Green Bay - WNFL (1440 AM) and WIXX (101. ...

Gerry Faust was hired to replace Devine for the 1981 season. Prior to Notre Dame, Faust had been one of the more successful high school football coaches in the country. As coach of Moeller High School in Cincinnati, Ohio he amassed 174 wins, 17 losses, and 2 ties. Despite his success in the high school ranks, his success at Notre Dame was mixed. In his first season the Irish finished with 5 wins and 6 losses. The most successful years under Faust were the 1983 and 1984 campaigns where the Irish finished with 7 wins and three losses and made trips to the Liberty Bowl and Aloha Bowl respectively. Faust resigned at the end of the 1985 season to take over as head coach for the University of Akron. Gerry Faust was a football coach at the University of Notre Dame from 1981 to 1985. ... This article or section does not cite its references or sources. ... Cincinnati, Ohio viewed from the SW, across the Ohio River from Kentucky. ... Official language(s) None Capital Columbus Largest city Columbus Largest metro area Cleveland Area Ranked 34th - Total 44,825 sq mi (116,096 kmÂ²) - Width 220 miles (355 km) - Length 220 miles (355 km) - % water 8. ... The University of Akron is an institution of higher learning located in Akron, Ohio. ...

Holtz era (1986 – 1996)

Lou Holtz had 17 years of coaching experience by the time he was hired to lead the Irish. He had previously been head coach of William and Mary, North Carolina State, Arkansas, and Minnesota. Holtz began in 1986 where his predecessor left off in 1985, finishing with an identical record of 5 wins and 6 losses. That would be his only losing season as he posted a record 95 wins, 24 losses, and 2 ties over the next ten seasons adding up to 100 wins, 30 losses, and 2 ties overall. Lou Holtz (born Louis Leo Holtz on January 6, 1937 in Follansbee, West Virginia) is one of the premier NCAA college football head coaches of his era. ... The College of William and Mary (also referred to as William and Mary, W&M or simply The College) is a small public university located in Williamsburg, Virginia, USA. It is the second-oldest institution of higher education in the United States. ... North Carolina State University is a public, coeducational, extensive research university located in Raleigh, North Carolina, United States. ... The University of Arkansas is a public co-educational land-grant university. ... Washington Avenue Bridge at night The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities is the oldest and largest part of the University of Minnesota system. ...

Holtz was well-known as a master motivator and a strict disciplinarian. He displayed the latter trait in spades when he found that two of his players had been having academic problems right before the then top-ranked Irish played second-ranked Southern California in the final regular season game of 1988. Holtz stuck to his guns, sending the two players home despite the fact that they had been contributors to the team's success. His move was vindicated when the Irish defeated USC anyway. Southern California Downtown Los Angeles Skyline Vintage Disneyland Southern California, sometimes abbreviated SoCal or colloquially, the Southland, is an informal name for the megalopolis and nearby desert that occupies the southern-most quarter of the U.S. state of California. ...

Holtz was named coach of the year in 1988, the same season he took Notre Dame to an upset of #1 Miami in the Catholics vs. Convicts series and a win in the Fiesta Bowl, thus capturing the National Championship. His 1989 and 1993 squads narrowly missed repeating the feat. Overall, he took Notre Dame to one undefeated season, 9 consecutive New Year’s Day bowl games, and top 10 finishes in the AP poll in five seasons. Holtz retired from Notre Dame in 1996, although there has been much speculation (fueled further by a lack of clarification from Holtz himself) on whether he left of his own accord or was forced out by then athletic director Mike Wadsworth, with whom Holtz did not have a very good relationship. He went on to become an analyst for CBS for a few years before accepting the head job at the University of South Carolina before the 1999 season. After turning around the former Southeastern Conference doormat, he retired again from coaching after the 2004 season. He is currently a football analyst for ESPN. Catholics vs. ... The Fiesta Bowl, now sponsored by Tostitos tortilla chips (a Frito-Lay product), is a United States college football game played annually since 1971 in Tempe, Arizona, hosted by Arizona State Universitys Sun Devil Stadium. ... CBS (formerly an acronym for Columbia Broadcasting System, the former legal name of the network) is one of the largest television networks, and formerly one of the largest radio networks, in the United States. ... The University of South Carolina, Columbia (USC or Carolina) is a public, coeducational, research university located in Columbia, South Carolina and is the flagship campus of the University of South Carolina System. ... The Southeastern Conference (SEC) is a college athletic conference which operates in the southeastern part of the United States. ... ESPN (formerly an initialism for the Entertainment and Sports Programming Network) is an American cable television network dedicated to broadcasting sports-related programming 24 hours a day. ...

Davie/Willingham era (1997-2004)

Coached by Bob Davie for 5 years, the team suffered 3 Bowl losses (1997 Independence Bowl, 1998 Gator Bowl, 2000 Fiesta Bowl) and failed to qualify during two seasons, 1999 and 2001. The highlight of Davie's tenure may have been beating USC on three consecutive occasions, including the thrilling 25-24 victory at Notre Dame Stadium in 1999. The aforementioned 2000 Fiesta Bowl was Notre Dame's first invitation to the Bowl Championship Series. The 2001 squad was awarded the American Football Coaches Association Achievement Award for its 100% graduation rate. Robert Edwin Davie, Jr. ... The Independence Bowl is a post-season NCAA-sanctioned Division I-A college football bowl game that is played annually at Independence Stadium in Shreveport, Louisiana, so named because it was inaugurated in the United States bicentennial year, 1976. ... The Gator Bowl is an annual college football bowl game that is played at ALLTEL Stadium in Jacksonville, Florida. ... The Fiesta Bowl, now sponsored by Tostitos tortilla chips (a Frito-Lay product), is a United States college football game played annually since 1971 in Tempe, Arizona, hosted by Arizona State Universitys Sun Devil Stadium. ... For other uses of the abbreviation BCS, please see BCS (disambiguation). ...

Realizing the team was not progressing, the administration decided it was time to make a change. On December 9, 2001, Notre Dame hired George O'Leary to replace Davie. However, New Hampshire Union Leader reporter Jim Fennell—while researching a "local boy done good" story—uncovered discrepancies in his résumé. O'Leary resigned five days later before coaching a single practice. December 9 is the 343rd day (344th in leap years) of the year in the Gregorian calendar. ... 2001: A Space Odyssey. ... George OLeary is the head football coach for the University of Central Florida. ... The New Hampshire Union Leader is the daily newspaper of Manchester, the largest city in the state of New Hampshire. ...

In need of a coach, the school turned to Tyrone Willingham, who had been coaching at Stanford. Bringing a new feeling of change and excitement to campus, Ty energized the team in the Fall of 2002 by starting the season 8-0, with wins over #7 Michigan and #11 Florida State. Those eight games, however, would be the highlight of Willingham's tenure, as Notre Dame finished the year with a heart-breaking loss to Boston College (further worsened by the fact that Willingham, using a well-known Notre Dame coach's play, dressed his Irish in green jerseys before the game), being exposed by a very talented USC team, and suffering a depressing loss to NC State in the Gator Bowl. Things would not get better as the team compiled an 11-13 record over the next two years, and a multitude of lopsided losses (2003: 38-0 Michigan, 45-14 USC, 37-0 FSU, 38-12 Syracuse; 2004: 41-16 Purdue, 41-10 USC). Lionel Tyrone Willingham, or Ty Willingham, is the head football coach at the University of Washington. ...

Alumni around the nation voiced their displeasure in the current state of Notre Dame football, though the firing of Willingham came as a surprise to most. Despite Willingham's mediocre overall performance as coach, many pundits accused Notre Dame of racism for firing Willingham after three years when every previous full-time Irish coach had been given five years to put their team together. However, good news was on the horizon for Notre Dame fans, as the latest coaching search found Charlie Weis, the highly successful offensive coordinator to the New England Patriots, ready to accept the job and return the program to prominence and its rightful place among the college football elite. An African-American man drinks out of the colored only water cooler at a racially segregated street car terminal in the United States in 1939. ... An offensive coordinator typically refers to a coach on a football team in the National Football League (or at others levels of American football) who is in charge of the offense. ... City Foxborough, Massachusetts Other nicknames The Pats Team colors Blue, Red, Silver, and White Head Coach Bill Belichick Owner Robert Kraft General manager Scott Pioli Mascot Pat Patriot Local radio Flagship stations: WBCN 104. ...

Current team

Charlie Weis became head football coach for the Irish beginning with the 2005 season. In his inaugural season he led Notre Dame to a record of 9 wins and 3 losses and a postseason appearance in the Fiesta Bowl, losing to Ohio State 34-20. Weis' impact was immediately apparent when, in the first half of the first game against Pittsburgh, Notre Dame had more offensive yards than in any of five entire games of the previous season. Notre Dame quarterback Brady Quinn would go on to break numerous team passing records that season and put himself in the national spotlight. Wide receiver Jeff Samardzija also put himself on the national scene by catching a touchdown pass in the Irish's first eight games, a team record for consecutive games with a touchdown pass. Samardzija eventually became a finalist for the Fred Biletnikoff Award given to the nation's top wide receiver. Charlie Weis speaking at a Notre Dame Club event in San Jose Charlie Weis (March 30, 1956, in Trenton, New Jersey) is the current head coach of the University of Notre Dame football team. ... Brady Quinn Brady Quinn (born October 27, 1984 in Columbus, Ohio) is an American football quarterback for the University of Notre Dame football team. ... Jeffrey Alan Samardzija (pronounced sa-MAR-ja; born January 23, 1985 in Merrillville, Indiana) is a Serbian-American athlete. ... The Fred Biletnikoff Award has been presented since 1994 to the nations top college football wide receiver by the Tallahassee Quarterback Club. ...

The season also included one of the classic games in team history as well as the sport's history when USC came to South Bend for an October 15, 2005 game. The Trojans had won the last three meetings between the teams by 31 points each and had won 27 games in a row overall. However, this game became a classic when Brady Quinn took his team down the field to score a touchdown with just over two minutes to play to put Notre Dame ahead 31-28. The Irish defense pushed the Trojans into a 4th down and nine situation, but USC quarterback Matt Leinart hit receiver Dwayne Jarrett for 67 yards to put the ball inside the Notre Dame 10 yard line. Then, on a second down and goal play, Leinart was flushed from the pocket and forced to scramble towards the end zone. He was hit at the one yard line and fumbled the ball out of bounds. However, the clock operator ran the clock down to 0:00, and delirious Irish fans thought they had finally defeated USC, flushing a large portion of the student section onto the field. However, officials regained order and placed the ball inside the one yard line and put seven seconds on the clock. On third down, USC elected to try for the touchdown rather than spike the ball and go for a field goal on fourth down. Although Leinart's quarterback sneak was initially turned away by the Notre Dame defense, he spun to his left, and, aided by a controversial shove (see Bush Push) from his teammate, 2005 Heisman Trophy winner Reggie Bush, surged into the end zone to win the game for USC by a 34-31 margin. Pundits called it one of the greatest games ever, and Bush himself, who had won a national championship game in his career, called it "the biggest win of my career". The University of Southern California (commonly referred to as USC, SC, Southern California and Southern Cal[1]), located in the urban center of Los Angeles, California, was founded in 1880, making it Californias oldest private research university. ... South Bend is the name of the following places in the United States of America: South Bend, Indiana South Bend Township, Kansas South Bend Township, Minnesota South Bend, Nebraska South Bend Township, Pennsylvania South Bend, Washington This is a disambiguation page — a navigational aid which lists other pages that might... Matthew Leinart (born May 11, 1983 in Santa Ana, California) is an American football quarterback (QB) for the Arizona Cardinals of the National Football League. ... Dwayne Jarrett team picture. ... The Bush Push is a common term used to discuss one of the most famous plays in college football history. ... The Heisman Memorial Trophy Award (also known simply as the Heisman Trophy or The Heisman), named after former college football player and coach John W. Heisman, is considered the most prestigious award in American college football. ... Reginald Alfred Reggie Bush II (born March 2, 1985 in San Diego, California), nicknamed The President after George W. Bush, is an American football player who plays for the New Orleans Saints and formerly for the University of Southern California (USC). ...

2005 coaching staff

Charlie Weis speaking at a Notre Dame Club event in San Jose Charlie Weis (March 30, 1956, in Trenton, New Jersey) is the current head coach of the University of Notre Dame football team. ... The head coach in sports coaching is the coach who is in charge of the other coaches. ... An offensive coordinator typically refers to a coach on a football team in the National Football League (or at others levels of American football) who is in charge of the offense. ... High school running back A running back, halfback or tailback is the position of a player on an American and Canadian football team who lines up in the offensive backfield. ... This page meets Wikipedias criteria for speedy deletion. ... The wide receiver (WR) position in American and Canadian football is the pass-catching specialist. ... It has been suggested that this article or section be merged with American football. ... Defensive back (DB) is a player in American football whose role is primarily pass coverage; that is, the defensive back will stay near a receiver and try to deflect or intercept any passes thrown to him. ... A defensive coordinator typically refers to a coach on a football team in the National Football League (or at other levels of American football) who is in charge of the defense. ... A linebacker is a position in American and Canadian football. ... Defensive end is the name of a defensive position in the sport of American football. ... To meet Wikipedias quality standards, this article or section may require cleanup. ... The tight end (TE) is a position in American football on the offensive team. ... Special Teams Explained Contributed by NewsWatch Dallas Now that the NFL playoffs and college bowl seasons are near, itâ€™s time to get back to fundamentals. ... Joe Montana, an American quaterback. ...

2005 roster^[1]

Image File history File links Flag_of_Maryland. ... Defensive end is the name of a defensive position in the sport of American football. ... File links The following pages link to this file: Alexandria, Virginia Virginia Wikipedia talk:WikiProject U.S. states Frederick County, Virginia Richmond, Virginia Norfolk, Virginia Montgomery County, Virginia Bedford, Virginia Roanoke, Virginia Hopewell, Virginia Greene County, Virginia Gloucester County, Virginia York County, Virginia Wythe County, Virginia Wise County, Virginia Westmoreland... The wide receiver (WR) position in American and Canadian football is the pass-catching specialist. ... Image File history File links Flag_of_Maryland. ... High school running back A running back, halfback or tailback is the position of a player on an American and Canadian football team who lines up in the offensive backfield. ... Image File history File links Flag_of_New_Jersey. ... A linebacker is a position in American and Canadian football. ... huiiuknki nujcxn uj File history Legend: (cur) = this is the current file, (del) = delete this old version, (rev) = revert to this old version. ... The defensive team or defense in American football or Canadian football, is the team that begins a play from scrimmage not in possession of the ball. ... File links The following pages link to this file: Columbus, Indiana Fort Wayne, Indiana Gary, Indiana Indiana Clinton County, Indiana Putnam County, Indiana Adams County, Indiana Indianapolis, Indiana Clay County, Indiana Montgomery County, Indiana Whitley County, Indiana White County, Indiana Wells County, Indiana Wayne County, Indiana Washington County, Indiana Warrick... It has been suggested that this article or section be merged with American football. ... File links The following pages link to this file: Pennsylvania Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania Philadelphia, Pennsylvania Clinton County, Pennsylvania Adams County, Pennsylvania Harrisburg, Pennsylvania Montgomery County, Pennsylvania Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania Lancaster County, Pennsylvania Lancaster, Pennsylvania Allegheny County, Pennsylvania Armstrong County, Pennsylvania Bedford County, Pennsylvania York County, Pennsylvania Wyoming County, Pennsylvania Westmoreland County... A linebacker is a position in American and Canadian football. ... Image File history File links Flag_of_California. ... In American football, the guards are the two players that line up between the center and the tackles on the offensive line of a football team. ... File links The following pages link to this file: Cape Cod Nantucket, Massachusetts Barnstable County, Massachusetts Berkshire County, Massachusetts Bristol County, Massachusetts Dukes County, Massachusetts Essex County, Massachusetts Franklin County, Massachusetts Hampden County, Massachusetts Hampshire County, Massachusetts Middlesex County, Massachusetts Norfolk County, Massachusetts Plymouth County, Massachusetts Suffolk County, Massachusetts Worcester... A linebacker is a position in American and Canadian football. ... Image File history File links Flag_of_California. ... The wide receiver (WR) position in American and Canadian football is the pass-catching specialist. ... File links The following pages link to this file: Pennsylvania Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania Philadelphia, Pennsylvania Clinton County, Pennsylvania Adams County, Pennsylvania Harrisburg, Pennsylvania Montgomery County, Pennsylvania Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania Lancaster County, Pennsylvania Lancaster, Pennsylvania Allegheny County, Pennsylvania Armstrong County, Pennsylvania Bedford County, Pennsylvania York County, Pennsylvania Wyoming County, Pennsylvania Westmoreland County... A linebacker is a position in American and Canadian football. ... Image File history File links Flag_of_Maryland. ... Defensive end is the name of a defensive position in the sport of American football. ... File history Legend: (cur) = this is the current file, (del) = delete this old version, (rev) = revert to this old version. ... Defensive back (DB) is a player in American football whose role is primarily pass coverage; that is, the defensive back will stay near a receiver and try to deflect or intercept any passes thrown to him. ... State flag of New York. ... Placekicker is the title of the player on an American football team who is responsible for the kicking duties of field goals, extra points, and, in many cases, kickoffs. ... File links The following pages link to this file: Minnesota Minneapolis, Minnesota Saint Paul, Minnesota Clay County, Minnesota Duluth, Minnesota Yellow Medicine County, Minnesota Wright County, Minnesota Winona County, Minnesota Wilkin County, Minnesota Watonwan County, Minnesota Washington County, Minnesota Waseca County, Minnesota Wadena County, Minnesota Wabasha County, Minnesota Traverse County... The tight end (TE) is a position in American football on the offensive team. ... Image File history File links Flag_of_California. ... Defensive back (DB) is a player in American football whose role is primarily pass coverage; that is, the defensive back will stay near a receiver and try to deflect or intercept any passes thrown to him. ... Image File history File links Flag_of_Kansas. ... Defensive back (DB) is a player in American football whose role is primarily pass coverage; that is, the defensive back will stay near a receiver and try to deflect or intercept any passes thrown to him. ... File links The following pages link to this file: Pennsylvania Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania Philadelphia, Pennsylvania Clinton County, Pennsylvania Adams County, Pennsylvania Harrisburg, Pennsylvania Montgomery County, Pennsylvania Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania Lancaster County, Pennsylvania Lancaster, Pennsylvania Allegheny County, Pennsylvania Armstrong County, Pennsylvania Bedford County, Pennsylvania York County, Pennsylvania Wyoming County, Pennsylvania Westmoreland County... The defensive team or defense in American football or Canadian football, is the team that begins a play from scrimmage not in possession of the ball. ... Image File history File links Flag_of_Florida. ... A linebacker is a position in American and Canadian football. ... Image File history File links Flag_of_Texas. ... A linebacker is a position in American and Canadian football. ... File history Legend: (cur) = this is the current file, (del) = delete this old version, (rev) = revert to this old version. ... Defensive back (DB) is a player in American football whose role is primarily pass coverage; that is, the defensive back will stay near a receiver and try to deflect or intercept any passes thrown to him. ... Image File history File links Flag_of_Georgia_(U.S._state). ... It has been suggested that this article or section be merged with American football. ... Image File history File links Flag_of_New_Jersey. ... The wide receiver (WR) position in American and Canadian football is the pass-catching specialist. ... Image File history File links Flag_of_New_Jersey. ... Anthony Fasano is a current American Football tight end for the Dallas Cowboys. ... The tight end (TE) is a position in American football on the offensive team. ... File history Legend: (cur) = this is the current file, (del) = delete this old version, (rev) = revert to this old version. ... Defensive back (DB) is a player in American football whose role is primarily pass coverage; that is, the defensive back will stay near a receiver and try to deflect or intercept any passes thrown to him. ... File history Legend: (cur) = this is the current file, (del) = delete this old version, (rev) = revert to this old version. ... It has been suggested that this article or section be merged with American football. ... File links The following pages link to this file: Columbus, Indiana Fort Wayne, Indiana Gary, Indiana Indiana Clinton County, Indiana Putnam County, Indiana Adams County, Indiana Indianapolis, Indiana Clay County, Indiana Montgomery County, Indiana Whitley County, Indiana White County, Indiana Wells County, Indiana Wayne County, Indiana Washington County, Indiana Warrick... Placekicker is the title of the player on an American football team who is responsible for the kicking duties of field goals, extra points, and, in many cases, kickoffs. ... File links The following pages link to this file: Minnesota Minneapolis, Minnesota Saint Paul, Minnesota Clay County, Minnesota Duluth, Minnesota Yellow Medicine County, Minnesota Wright County, Minnesota Winona County, Minnesota Wilkin County, Minnesota Watonwan County, Minnesota Washington County, Minnesota Waseca County, Minnesota Wadena County, Minnesota Wabasha County, Minnesota Traverse County... The tight end (TE) is a position in American football on the offensive team. ... Image File history File links Flag_of_California. ... Defensive end is the name of a defensive position in the sport of American football. ... Image File history File links Flag_of_California. ... Joe Montana, an American quaterback. ... File links The following pages link to this file: Columbus, Indiana Fort Wayne, Indiana Gary, Indiana Indiana Clinton County, Indiana Putnam County, Indiana Adams County, Indiana Indianapolis, Indiana Clay County, Indiana Montgomery County, Indiana Whitley County, Indiana White County, Indiana Wells County, Indiana Wayne County, Indiana Washington County, Indiana Warrick... Placekicker is the title of the player on an American football team who is responsible for the kicking duties of field goals, extra points, and, in many cases, kickoffs. ... File history Legend: (cur) = this is the current file, (del) = delete this old version, (rev) = revert to this old version. ... Joe Montana, an American quaterback. ... File history Legend: (cur) = this is the current file, (del) = delete this old version, (rev) = revert to this old version. ... The wide receiver (WR) position in American and Canadian football is the pass-catching specialist. ... File history Legend: (cur) = this is the current file, (del) = delete this old version, (rev) = revert to this old version. ... The tight end (TE) is a position in American football on the offensive team. ... File links The following pages link to this file: Pennsylvania Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania Philadelphia, Pennsylvania Clinton County, Pennsylvania Adams County, Pennsylvania Harrisburg, Pennsylvania Montgomery County, Pennsylvania Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania Lancaster County, Pennsylvania Lancaster, Pennsylvania Allegheny County, Pennsylvania Armstrong County, Pennsylvania Bedford County, Pennsylvania York County, Pennsylvania Wyoming County, Pennsylvania Westmoreland County... Defensive end is the name of a defensive position in the sport of American football. ... Image File history File links Flag_of_Louisiana. ... The wide receiver (WR) position in American and Canadian football is the pass-catching specialist. ... File links The following pages link to this file: Minnesota Minneapolis, Minnesota Saint Paul, Minnesota Clay County, Minnesota Duluth, Minnesota Yellow Medicine County, Minnesota Wright County, Minnesota Winona County, Minnesota Wilkin County, Minnesota Watonwan County, Minnesota Washington County, Minnesota Waseca County, Minnesota Wadena County, Minnesota Wabasha County, Minnesota Traverse County... It has been suggested that this article or section be merged with American football. ... Image File history File links Flag_of_Florida. ... Defensive back (DB) is a player in American football whose role is primarily pass coverage; that is, the defensive back will stay near a receiver and try to deflect or intercept any passes thrown to him. ... File links The following pages link to this file: Minnesota Minneapolis, Minnesota Saint Paul, Minnesota Clay County, Minnesota Duluth, Minnesota Yellow Medicine County, Minnesota Wright County, Minnesota Winona County, Minnesota Wilkin County, Minnesota Watonwan County, Minnesota Washington County, Minnesota Waseca County, Minnesota Wadena County, Minnesota Wabasha County, Minnesota Traverse County... The tight end (TE) is a position in American football on the offensive team. ... State flag of New York. ... State flag of Missouri. ... The wide receiver (WR) position in American and Canadian football is the pass-catching specialist. ... File history Legend: (cur) = this is the current file, (del) = delete this old version, (rev) = revert to this old version. ... High school running back A running back, halfback or tailback is the position of a player on an American and Canadian football team who lines up in the offensive backfield. ... Image File history File links Flag_of_New_Jersey. ... A linebacker is a position in American and Canadian football. ... File links The following pages link to this file: Columbus, Indiana Fort Wayne, Indiana Gary, Indiana Indiana Clinton County, Indiana Putnam County, Indiana Adams County, Indiana Indianapolis, Indiana Clay County, Indiana Montgomery County, Indiana Whitley County, Indiana White County, Indiana Wells County, Indiana Wayne County, Indiana Washington County, Indiana Warrick... Defensive back (DB) is a player in American football whose role is primarily pass coverage; that is, the defensive back will stay near a receiver and try to deflect or intercept any passes thrown to him. ... File history Legend: (cur) = this is the current file, (del) = delete this old version, (rev) = revert to this old version. ... It has been suggested that this article or section be merged with American football. ... Image File history File links Flag_of_New_Jersey. ... Defensive back (DB) is a player in American football whose role is primarily pass coverage; that is, the defensive back will stay near a receiver and try to deflect or intercept any passes thrown to him. ... Image File history File links Flag_of_Arizona. ... File history Legend: (cur) = this is the current file, (del) = delete this old version, (rev) = revert to this old version. ... High school running back A running back, halfback or tailback is the position of a player on an American and Canadian football team who lines up in the offensive backfield. ... Image File history File links Flag_of_Arizona. ... It has been suggested that this article or section be merged with American football. ... Image File history File links Flag_of_Arizona. ... Defensive end is the name of a defensive position in the sport of American football. ... File history Legend: (cur) = this is the current file, (del) = delete this old version, (rev) = revert to this old version. ... Defensive back (DB) is a player in American football whose role is primarily pass coverage; that is, the defensive back will stay near a receiver and try to deflect or intercept any passes thrown to him. ... File links The following pages link to this file: Columbus, Indiana Fort Wayne, Indiana Gary, Indiana Indiana Clinton County, Indiana Putnam County, Indiana Adams County, Indiana Indianapolis, Indiana Clay County, Indiana Montgomery County, Indiana Whitley County, Indiana White County, Indiana Wells County, Indiana Wayne County, Indiana Washington County, Indiana Warrick... Defensive end is the name of a defensive position in the sport of American football. ... Image File history File links Flag_of_California. ... Defensive back (DB) is a player in American football whose role is primarily pass coverage; that is, the defensive back will stay near a receiver and try to deflect or intercept any passes thrown to him. ... Image File history File links Flag_of_California. ... It has been suggested that this article or section be merged into Nose guard. ... File links The following pages link to this file: Minnesota Minneapolis, Minnesota Saint Paul, Minnesota Clay County, Minnesota Duluth, Minnesota Yellow Medicine County, Minnesota Wright County, Minnesota Winona County, Minnesota Wilkin County, Minnesota Watonwan County, Minnesota Washington County, Minnesota Waseca County, Minnesota Wadena County, Minnesota Wabasha County, Minnesota Traverse County... The defensive team or defense in American football or Canadian football, is the team that begins a play from scrimmage not in possession of the ball. ... Image File history File links Flag_of_Texas. ... Defensive end is the name of a defensive position in the sport of American football. ... File links The following pages link to this file: Minnesota Minneapolis, Minnesota Saint Paul, Minnesota Clay County, Minnesota Duluth, Minnesota Yellow Medicine County, Minnesota Wright County, Minnesota Winona County, Minnesota Wilkin County, Minnesota Watonwan County, Minnesota Washington County, Minnesota Waseca County, Minnesota Wadena County, Minnesota Wabasha County, Minnesota Traverse County... It has been suggested that this article or section be merged with American football. ... File history Legend: (cur) = this is the current file, (del) = delete this old version, (rev) = revert to this old version. ... High school running back A running back, halfback or tailback is the position of a player on an American and Canadian football team who lines up in the offensive backfield. ... File links The following pages link to this file: Pennsylvania Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania Philadelphia, Pennsylvania Clinton County, Pennsylvania Adams County, Pennsylvania Harrisburg, Pennsylvania Montgomery County, Pennsylvania Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania Lancaster County, Pennsylvania Lancaster, Pennsylvania Allegheny County, Pennsylvania Armstrong County, Pennsylvania Bedford County, Pennsylvania York County, Pennsylvania Wyoming County, Pennsylvania Westmoreland County... It has been suggested that this article or section be merged with American football. ... File history Legend: (cur) = this is the current file, (del) = delete this old version, (rev) = revert to this old version. ... A linebacker is a position in American and Canadian football. ... File history Legend: (cur) = this is the current file, (del) = delete this old version, (rev) = revert to this old version. ... Defensive back (DB) is a player in American football whose role is primarily pass coverage; that is, the defensive back will stay near a receiver and try to deflect or intercept any passes thrown to him. ... Image File history File links Flag_of_Georgia_(U.S._state). ... High school running back A running back, halfback or tailback is the position of a player on an American and Canadian football team who lines up in the offensive backfield. ... File history Legend: (cur) = this is the current file, (del) = delete this old version, (rev) = revert to this old version. ... Defensive end is the name of a defensive position in the sport of American football. ... Image File history File links Flag_of_California. ... The wide receiver (WR) position in American and Canadian football is the pass-catching specialist. ... Image File history File links Flag_of_Tennessee. ... Defensive back (DB) is a player in American football whose role is primarily pass coverage; that is, the defensive back will stay near a receiver and try to deflect or intercept any passes thrown to him. ... File history Legend: (cur) = this is the current file, (del) = delete this old version, (rev) = revert to this old version. ... Joe Montana, an American quaterback. ... Image File history File links Flag_of_Texas. ... In American football, the guards are the two players that line up between the center and the tackles on the offensive line of a football team. ... File history Legend: (cur) = this is the current file, (del) = delete this old version, (rev) = revert to this old version. ... Defensive back (DB) is a player in American football whose role is primarily pass coverage; that is, the defensive back will stay near a receiver and try to deflect or intercept any passes thrown to him. ... Image File history File links Flag_of_California. ... Defensive end is the name of a defensive position in the sport of American football. ... Source: http://www. ... The wide receiver (WR) position in American and Canadian football is the pass-catching specialist. ... Image File history File links Flag_of_California. ... Defensive back (DB) is a player in American football whose role is primarily pass coverage; that is, the defensive back will stay near a receiver and try to deflect or intercept any passes thrown to him. ... File history Legend: (cur) = this is the current file, (del) = delete this old version, (rev) = revert to this old version. ... The wide receiver (WR) position in American and Canadian football is the pass-catching specialist. ... File links The following pages link to this file: Minnesota Minneapolis, Minnesota Saint Paul, Minnesota Clay County, Minnesota Duluth, Minnesota Yellow Medicine County, Minnesota Wright County, Minnesota Winona County, Minnesota Wilkin County, Minnesota Watonwan County, Minnesota Washington County, Minnesota Waseca County, Minnesota Wadena County, Minnesota Wabasha County, Minnesota Traverse County... High school running back A running back, halfback or tailback is the position of a player on an American and Canadian football team who lines up in the offensive backfield. ... Image File history File links Flag_of_Texas. ... Todd Sauerbrun, one of the NFLs top punters, punts the ball for the Carolina Panthers. ... File history Legend: (cur) = this is the current file, (del) = delete this old version, (rev) = revert to this old version. ... Brady Quinn Brady Quinn (born October 27, 1984 in Columbus, Ohio) is an American football quarterback for the University of Notre Dame football team. ... Joe Montana, an American quaterback. ... Image File history File links Flag_of_New_Jersey. ... A linebacker is a position in American and Canadian football. ... File history Legend: (cur) = this is the current file, (del) = delete this old version, (rev) = revert to this old version. ... Image File history File links Flag_of_Texas. ... Placekicker is the title of the player on an American football team who is responsible for the kicking duties of field goals, extra points, and, in many cases, kickoffs. ... File history Legend: (cur) = this is the current file, (del) = delete this old version, (rev) = revert to this old version. ... Defensive back (DB) is a player in American football whose role is primarily pass coverage; that is, the defensive back will stay near a receiver and try to deflect or intercept any passes thrown to him. ... Image File history File links Flag_of_Georgia_(U.S._state). ... Defensive back (DB) is a player in American football whose role is primarily pass coverage; that is, the defensive back will stay near a receiver and try to deflect or intercept any passes thrown to him. ... Image File history File links Flag_of_California. ... A linebacker is a position in American and Canadian football. ... File links The following pages link to this file: Columbus, Indiana Fort Wayne, Indiana Gary, Indiana Indiana Clinton County, Indiana Putnam County, Indiana Adams County, Indiana Indianapolis, Indiana Clay County, Indiana Montgomery County, Indiana Whitley County, Indiana White County, Indiana Wells County, Indiana Wayne County, Indiana Washington County, Indiana Warrick... Jeffrey Alan Samardzija (pronounced sa-MAR-ja; born January 23, 1985 in Merrillville, Indiana) is a Serbian-American athlete. ... The wide receiver (WR) position in American and Canadian football is the pass-catching specialist. ... File history Legend: (cur) = this is the current file, (del) = delete this old version, (rev) = revert to this old version. ... It has been suggested that this article or section be merged with American football. ... File links The following pages link to this file: Pennsylvania Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania Philadelphia, Pennsylvania Clinton County, Pennsylvania Adams County, Pennsylvania Harrisburg, Pennsylvania Montgomery County, Pennsylvania Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania Lancaster County, Pennsylvania Lancaster, Pennsylvania Allegheny County, Pennsylvania Armstrong County, Pennsylvania Bedford County, Pennsylvania York County, Pennsylvania Wyoming County, Pennsylvania Westmoreland County... A linebacker is a position in American and Canadian football. ... Image File history File links Flag_of_Connecticut. ... High school running back A running back, halfback or tailback is the position of a player on an American and Canadian football team who lines up in the offensive backfield. ... File links The following pages link to this file: Pennsylvania Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania Philadelphia, Pennsylvania Clinton County, Pennsylvania Adams County, Pennsylvania Harrisburg, Pennsylvania Montgomery County, Pennsylvania Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania Lancaster County, Pennsylvania Lancaster, Pennsylvania Allegheny County, Pennsylvania Armstrong County, Pennsylvania Bedford County, Pennsylvania York County, Pennsylvania Wyoming County, Pennsylvania Westmoreland County... Defensive back (DB) is a player in American football whose role is primarily pass coverage; that is, the defensive back will stay near a receiver and try to deflect or intercept any passes thrown to him. ... File history Legend: (cur) = this is the current file, (del) = delete this old version, (rev) = revert to this old version. ... Joe Montana, an American quaterback. ... Image File history File links Flag_of_Tennessee. ... The wide receiver (WR) position in American and Canadian football is the pass-catching specialist. ... File history Legend: (cur) = this is the current file, (del) = delete this old version, (rev) = revert to this old version. ... A linebacker is a position in American and Canadian football. ... Image File history File links Flag_of_Florida. ... Defensive end is the name of a defensive position in the sport of American football. ... File history Legend: (cur) = this is the current file, (del) = delete this old version, (rev) = revert to this old version. ... In American football, the guards are the two players that line up between the center and the tackles on the offensive line of a football team. ... File links The following pages link to this file: Pennsylvania Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania Philadelphia, Pennsylvania Clinton County, Pennsylvania Adams County, Pennsylvania Harrisburg, Pennsylvania Montgomery County, Pennsylvania Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania Lancaster County, Pennsylvania Lancaster, Pennsylvania Allegheny County, Pennsylvania Armstrong County, Pennsylvania Bedford County, Pennsylvania York County, Pennsylvania Wyoming County, Pennsylvania Westmoreland County... Maurice Stovall is a current American football wide receiver for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. ... The wide receiver (WR) position in American and Canadian football is the pass-catching specialist. ... Center (C) is a position in American football. ... State flag of Missouri. ... The tight end (TE) is a position in American football on the offensive team. ... File history Legend: (cur) = this is the current file, (del) = delete this old version, (rev) = revert to this old version. ... Defensive end is the name of a defensive position in the sport of American football. ... Image File history File links Flag_of_Alabama. ... A linebacker is a position in American and Canadian football. ... File links The following pages link to this file: Pennsylvania Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania Philadelphia, Pennsylvania Clinton County, Pennsylvania Adams County, Pennsylvania Harrisburg, Pennsylvania Montgomery County, Pennsylvania Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania Lancaster County, Pennsylvania Lancaster, Pennsylvania Allegheny County, Pennsylvania Armstrong County, Pennsylvania Bedford County, Pennsylvania York County, Pennsylvania Wyoming County, Pennsylvania Westmoreland County... High school running back A running back, halfback or tailback is the position of a player on an American and Canadian football team who lines up in the offensive backfield. ... File links The following pages link to this file: Pennsylvania Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania Philadelphia, Pennsylvania Clinton County, Pennsylvania Adams County, Pennsylvania Harrisburg, Pennsylvania Montgomery County, Pennsylvania Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania Lancaster County, Pennsylvania Lancaster, Pennsylvania Allegheny County, Pennsylvania Armstrong County, Pennsylvania Bedford County, Pennsylvania York County, Pennsylvania Wyoming County, Pennsylvania Westmoreland County... It has been suggested that this article or section be merged with American football. ... Image File history File links Flag_of_Connecticut. ... The wide receiver (WR) position in American and Canadian football is the pass-catching specialist. ... Image File history File links Flag_of_California. ... A linebacker is a position in American and Canadian football. ... Image File history File links Flag_of_Georgia_(U.S._state). ... High school running back A running back, halfback or tailback is the position of a player on an American and Canadian football team who lines up in the offensive backfield. ... Image File history File links Flag_of_Texas. ... A linebacker is a position in American and Canadian football. ... File links The following pages link to this file: Pennsylvania Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania Philadelphia, Pennsylvania Clinton County, Pennsylvania Adams County, Pennsylvania Harrisburg, Pennsylvania Montgomery County, Pennsylvania Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania Lancaster County, Pennsylvania Lancaster, Pennsylvania Allegheny County, Pennsylvania Armstrong County, Pennsylvania Bedford County, Pennsylvania York County, Pennsylvania Wyoming County, Pennsylvania Westmoreland County... Defensive back (DB) is a player in American football whose role is primarily pass coverage; that is, the defensive back will stay near a receiver and try to deflect or intercept any passes thrown to him. ... File history Legend: (cur) = this is the current file, (del) = delete this old version, (rev) = revert to this old version. ... Defensive back (DB) is a player in American football whose role is primarily pass coverage; that is, the defensive back will stay near a receiver and try to deflect or intercept any passes thrown to him. ... Image File history File links Flag_of_Tennessee. ... Joe Montana, an American quaterback. ... Image File history File links Flag_of_Maryland. ... Defensive back (DB) is a player in American football whose role is primarily pass coverage; that is, the defensive back will stay near a receiver and try to deflect or intercept any passes thrown to him. ... File history Legend: (cur) = this is the current file, (del) = delete this old version, (rev) = revert to this old version. ... The wide receiver (WR) position in American and Canadian football is the pass-catching specialist. ... File history Legend: (cur) = this is the current file, (del) = delete this old version, (rev) = revert to this old version. ... Tom Zbikowski is an All-American defensive back and punt returner for the University of Notre Dame football team. ... Defensive back (DB) is a player in American football whose role is primarily pass coverage; that is, the defensive back will stay near a receiver and try to deflect or intercept any passes thrown to him. ...

Rivalries

Notre Dame's chief rival is the University of Southern California, followed by their natural enemy, the University of Michigan. They have maintained longtime annual series with Michigan State University, Purdue University, and Navy. The University of Southern California (commonly referred to as USC, SC, Southern California and Southern Cal[1]), located in the urban center of Los Angeles, California, was founded in 1880, making it Californias oldest private research university. ... This article is about the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor. ... Michigan State University (MSU) is a public university in East Lansing, Michigan. ... See also Purdue University System. ... The United States Naval Academy (USNA) is an institution for the undergraduate education of officers of the United States Navy and Marine Corps and is located in Annapolis, Maryland. ...

USC rivalry

The Notre Dame-USC rivalry has been played annually since 1926, except for a brief repose during World War II. In recent years, the game alternates between South Bend in mid-October and the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum, USC's home field, in late November. Originally the game was played in both locations in late November, but because the poor weather during that time of the year at South Bend, USC insisted on having the game moved to October in 1961. There have been many memorable games. In 1964 Notre Dame was attempting to complete a perfect season and was heavily favored, but USC after trailing 17-0 at halftime won the game 20-17 to ruin the Irish's hopes of a National Championship. In 1966 undefeated Notre Dame, following its controversial 10-10 tie with Michigan State, beat the Trojans 51-0 which was enough to impress voters to give the Irish the number one ranking. In 1988 both teams entered the game undefeated and Notre Dame emerged on top 27-10 on its way to the National Championship. In 2005 Southern Cal came through with a dramatic last minute drive which culminated with a touchdown on the final play of the game to win 34-31.^[2] Notre Dame dominated the series from 1983-1995 compiling a record of 12-0-1 including 11 straight victories. For other uses, see Memorial Coliseum (disambiguation) and Coliseum. ...

Series factoids

VHS box cover of Kathie Lees Rock n Tots Cafe: A Christmas Giff starring Kathie Lee Gifford, copyright 1995 Rock n Tots Joint Venture. ... Categories: TV Spin-offs | Television talk shows | Television stubs ... Regis Philbin as a guest on The Late Show with David Letterman Regis Francis Xavier Philbin (born August 25, 1931) is an experienced American talk show host whose career has included stints as a game show host and all-purpose television personality. ... VHS box cover of Kathie Lees Rock n Tots Cafe: A Christmas Giff starring Kathie Lee Gifford, copyright 1995 Rock n Tots Joint Venture. ... Frank Newton Gifford (born August 16, 1930 in Santa Monica, California) was an American football player and one of the better-known American sports commentators in the latter part of the 20th century who made the transition from an athlete to broadcasting. ... City East Rutherford, New Jersey Other nicknames Big Blue Wrecking Crew, Big Blue, G-Men, the Giants, The New York Football Giants Team colors Royal Blue, Red, Gray, and White Head Coach Tom Coughlin Owner The Mara and Tisch Families General manager Ernie Accorsi Local radio Flagship stations: WFAN (660... Ripa in a promotional photo for Hope & Faith Kelly Maria Ripa (born October 2, 1970 in Stratford, New Jersey) is an American actress of Italian and Irish descent. ...

Michigan rivalry and the Big Ten

Notre Dame and Michigan first played in 1887 in Notre Dame's introduction to football. Given both schools' rich football traditions and their close geographical proximity, Michigan and Notre Dame would seem to be natural rivals. However, they only played 11 times prior to 1978, in large part due to Michigan coach Fielding Yost's refusal to schedule Notre Dame again after a Michigan defeat at the hands of the Irish in 1909. Outside of two wartime games, Michigan did not play Notre Dame again until 1979. Since then, the series has been more or less continuous, often an early season game featured on national television. Through the 2005 season, Michigan leads the overall series 18-14-1. The rivalry is heightened by the two schools' competitive leadership atop the college football all-time winning percentage board, with Michigan holding a slim lead after the 2005 season.

Michigan's attempted "blackballing" of Notre Dame led to two unintended consequences. First, Notre Dame struck up a series with Michigan State, and somewhat later Purdue, to provide some Midwest opponents to fill the void in the schedule that the powerful Michigan squad had vacated. These series have continued with some regularity to the present day, making the Spartans and "Spoilermakers" two of Notre Dame's most frequent opponents and leading to some classic games including the Notre Dame / Michigan State "Game of the Century" in 1966. Second, it forced Notre Dame to schedule a broader array of opponents. Legendary Notre Dame coach Knute Rockne capitalized on this trend to use intersectional matchups like ND/USC to promote "Rockne's Ramblers" as collegiate football's only truly national team.

Notre Dame has traditionally played Division I-A football independent from any conference affiliation. In its early years joining a conference, in particular the geographically-contiguous Big Ten Conference, would have provided stability and scheduling opportunities. Michigan's ongoing animosity towards Notre Dame, kept Notre Dame out of the Big Ten Conference (then known as the Western Conference) despite numerous entreaties before Knute Rockne's reign. Once Notre Dame established itself as a powerhouse program, however, its independence worked to its advantage, providing freedom in scheduling, national press coverage, a national fan base, and, many years later, a historic contract with NBC Sports for exclusive coverage of all its home games. Conferences have periodically approached Notre Dame about joining, most notably the Big Ten in 1999. Many Notre Dame fans and alumni, however, fiercely support its independent stance, feeling that it has contributed to Notre Dame's unique place in college football lore. Big Ten Conference The Big Ten Conference is the United States oldest college athletic conference. ...

Series factoids

The West Wing is a popular and widely acclaimed American television serial drama created by Aaron Sorkin and produced and co-written by John Wells. ... ... Martin Sheen RamÃ³n Gerardo Antonio EstÃ©vez (born August 3, 1940), better known as Martin Sheen, is an American actor, best known for his roles in the film Apocalypse Now, and most recently as President Josiah Bartlet on the television drama The West Wing. ... It has been suggested that Assistant to the President of the United States be merged into this article or section. ... John Spencer as Leo McGarry Leo Thomas McGarry is a fictional character played by the late actor John Spencer on the television serial drama The West Wing. ... John Spencer can refer to different people: John Spencer is an American actor in series such as L.A. Law and The West Wing. ... Andrews Air Force Base (ICAO code KADR) is a United States Air Force base near Washington, DC, the home base of Air Force One and SAM FOX. // Location The base is a few miles southeast of Washington, in Prince Georges County, Maryland. ... Air Force One is the air traffic control call sign of any U.S. Air Force aircraft carrying the President of the United States. ... Flag Seal Nickname: City of Roses, Stumptown, Bridgetown Location Location in Multnomah County and the state of Oregon Coordinates , Government Country State County United States Oregon Multnomah County Mayor Tom Potter Geographical characteristics Area City 145. ...

Navy rivalry

The Notre Dame-Navy series has been played annually since 1931, with Notre Dame holding a 69-9-1 series edge including a current 42-win streak that is the longest series win streak in Division 1-A football. Navy's last win came in 1963, 35-10 with future Heisman Trophy winner and NFL QB Roger Staubach at the helm. Navy has come close to winning on numerous occasions since, including in 1999 when Notre Dame needed a controversial first down call on 4th and 9 with 1:37 left to escape with a 28-21 win.

Despite the one-sided result the last few decades, most Notre Dame and Navy fans consider the series a sacred tradition for historical reasons. Notre Dame, like many colleges, faced severe financial difficulties during World War II. The US Navy made Notre Dame a training center and paid enough for usage of the facilities to keep the University afloat. Notre Dame has since extended an open invitation for Navy to play the Irish in football and considers the game annual repayment on a debt of honor. The series is marked by mutual respect, as evidenced by the Notre Dame team's standing at attention during the playing of Navy's alma mater after the 2005 game. Navy's athletic director, on renewing the series through 2016, remarked "...it is of great interest to our collective national audience of Irish fans, Naval Academy alumni, and the Navy family at large. Two institutions with similar values rekindling a lengthy and well-respected relationship make this game special."

All-time records

Notre Dame's all time record stands at 811 wins, 265 losses, and 42 ties. They have won a total of 11 national championships (1924, 1929, 1930, 1943, 1946, 1947, 1949, 1966, 1973, 1977, and 1988) and received mention in a further 10 national championships (1919, 1920, 1927, 1938, 1953, 1964, 1967, 1970, 1989, 1993). Yearly totals for Notre Dame football. ...

Bowl games

Notre Dame has made 27 Bowl appearances, winning 13 and losing 14.^[3] They have played in the Rose Bowl (1 win), the Cotton Bowl (5 wins, 2 losses), the Orange Bowl (2 wins, 3 losses), the Sugar Bowl (2 wins, 1 loss), the Gator Bowl (1 win, 1 loss), the Liberty Bowl (1 win), the Aloha Bowl (1 loss), the Fiesta Bowl (1 win, 3 losses), and the Independence Bowl (1 loss). Through the bowl games following the 2005 season, Notre Dame has lost 8 bowl games in a row. The Rose Bowl is an annual American college football game, usually played on January 1 (New Years Day) at the stadium of the same name in Pasadena, California. ... The Cotton Bowl Classic is a United States college football bowl game played annually since 1937 at the Cotton Bowl in Dallas, Texas. ... The Orange Bowl is an annual college football game that is usually played on January 1 in Miami, Florida. ... A sugar bowl is a small bowl or designed for holding sugar or sugar cubes to be served with tea or coffee in the Western tradition. ... The Gator Bowl is an annual college football bowl game that is played at ALLTEL Stadium in Jacksonville, Florida. ... The Liberty Bowl is an annual college football game played in December of each year since 1959. ... The Aloha Classic is a now_defunct National Collegiate Athletic Association Division I_A college football bowl game played in Honolulu, Hawaii at Aloha Stadium. ... The Fiesta Bowl, now sponsored by Tostitos tortilla chips (a Frito-Lay product), is a United States college football game played annually since 1971 in Tempe, Arizona, hosted by Arizona State Universitys Sun Devil Stadium. ... The Independence Bowl is a post-season NCAA-sanctioned Division I-A college football bowl game that is played annually at Independence Stadium in Shreveport, Louisiana, so named because it was inaugurated in the United States bicentennial year, 1976. ...

Records of head coaches

1927 Time cover featuring Rockne Knute Kenneth Rockne (March 4, 1888â€“March 31, 1931) was an American football player and is regarded by many as the most famous college football coach in history. ... Elmer Francis Layden (May 4, 1903 â€“ June 30, 1973) served as Commissioner of the National Football League and as head football coach at Notre Dame. ... Frank William Leahy was an American collegiate football coach, born in 1908. ... Joseph Lawrence Kuharich(April 14, 1917-January 25,1981) was a noted football coach. ... Ara Parseghian (born March 10, 1923 in Akron, Ohio, USA) He was of Armenian descent. ... Dan Devine (December 22, 1924 - May 9, 2002) was a football coach. ... Gerry Faust was a football coach at the University of Notre Dame from 1981 to 1985. ... Lou Holtz (born Louis Leo Holtz on January 6, 1937 in Follansbee, West Virginia) is one of the premier NCAA college football head coaches of his era. ... Robert Edwin Davie, Jr. ... Lionel Tyrone Willingham, or Ty Willingham, is the head football coach at the University of Washington. ... Charlie Weis speaking at a Notre Dame Club event in San Jose Charlie Weis (March 30, 1956, in Trenton, New Jersey) is the current head coach of the University of Notre Dame football team. ...

Notable alumni

Heisman Trophy winners^[4]

Seven Notre Dame football players have won the prestigious Heisman Trophy. As of 2005, Notre Dame and USC are tied for the most Heisman Trophy winners. The Heisman Memorial Trophy Award (also known simply as the Heisman Trophy or The Heisman), named after former college football player and coach John W. Heisman, is considered the most prestigious award in American college football. ... The University of Southern California (commonly referred to as USC, SC, Southern California and Southern Cal[1]), located in the urban center of Los Angeles, California, was founded in 1880, making it Californias oldest private research university. ...

Angelo Bertelli (June 18, 1921 - June 26, 1999) was an American football quarterback. ... Johnny Lujack (born January 4, 1925 in Connellsville) was an American football quarterback for the University of Notre Dame and the Chicago Bears. ... Leon Hart (November 2, 1928 near Pittsburgh - September 24, 2002) was an American football player. ... Johnny Lattner (born October 24, 1932 in Chicago, Illinois) was a halfback for the University of Notre Dame. ... Paul Vernon Hornung (born December 23, 1935 in Louisville, Kentucky) was an outstanding all-around athlete who played college basketball but is best known as an American football player. ... John played for the University of Notre Dame after graduating from Mater Dei High School. ... Tim Brown (born July 22, 1966) is a retired National Football League player who was predominantly used as a wide receiver and also as a kick and punt returner early in his career. ...

Other notable alumni

George The Gipper Gipp (February 18, 1895 â€“ December 14, 1920) was a famous college football player who played for the University of Notre Dame. ... Daniel Rudy Ruettiger dressed in his #45 for the Georgia Tech game. ... Joseph Clifford Montana, Jr. ... Joe Theismann (born September 9, 1949) is a former American football quarterback and current television football announcer for ESPN. He was born to an Austrian father, Joseph John Theismann, and a Hungarian mother, Olga Tobias, and was raised in South River, New Jersey. ... Jerome Bettis (right) with U.S. Surgeon General Richard Carmona during an American Lung Association event in May 2005. ... Raghib Ramadian Rocket Ismail (b. ... Ricky Watters (born April 7, 1969) is a former American Football running back who played for the San Francisco 49ers, Philadelphia Eagles, and finally the Seattle Seahawks. ... Ron Powlus (born July 16, 1974 in Berwick, Pennsylvania) is a former starting quarterback for the University of Notre Dame Fighting Irish football team. ...

References

Categories: Notre Dame Fighting Irish football 2006 (MMVI) is a common year starting on Sunday of the Gregorian calendar. ... June 28 is the 179th day of the year (180th in leap years) in the Gregorian Calendar, with 186 days remaining. ... 2006 (MMVI) is a common year starting on Sunday of the Gregorian calendar. ... June 28 is the 179th day of the year (180th in leap years) in the Gregorian Calendar, with 186 days remaining. ... 2006 (MMVI) is a common year starting on Sunday of the Gregorian calendar. ... June 28 is the 179th day of the year (180th in leap years) in the Gregorian Calendar, with 186 days remaining. ... 2006 (MMVI) is a common year starting on Sunday of the Gregorian calendar. ... June 28 is the 179th day of the year (180th in leap years) in the Gregorian Calendar, with 186 days remaining. ...

Contents

History GA_googleFillSlot("encyclopedia_square");

The beginning (1887 - 1917)

Rockne era (1918 - 1930)

After Rockne (1931 to 1941)

Leahy era (1941 – 1953)

After Leahy (1954 – 1963)

Parseghian era (1964 - 1974)

Devine/Faust era (1975 - 1985)

Holtz era (1986 – 1996)

Davie/Willingham era (1997-2004)

Current team

2005 coaching staff

2005 roster[1]

Rivalries

USC rivalry

Series factoids

Michigan rivalry and the Big Ten

Series factoids

Navy rivalry

All-time records

Bowl games

Records of head coaches

Notable alumni

Heisman Trophy winners[4]

Other notable alumni

References

History

2005 roster^[1]

Heisman Trophy winners^[4]