Maize's Golden Domers: "Adding to the House Rockne Built"

[Maize08]

November 14th, 2009
Heinz Field, Pittsburgh, PA

vs.
ND Fades, Panthers Defense Holds Off Late Charge

Game Boxscore
Notre Dame (5-4)...14.....0.....0.....7....21
Pittsburgh (7-2).......0....14....12....0....26
Stat of the Game: Total Offense: Notre Dame - 394 yards -- Pittsburgh - 295 yards
Player of the Game: Michael Floyd, WR - Notre Dame - 7 receptions, 122 yards, 1 TD
______________________________________
1st Quarter
UND: 2 yard run by R. Hughes (XP Good) - 6:23
UND: 22 yard interceptions return by S. Smith (XP Good) - 4:17
-
2nd Quarter
PITT: 13 yard pass from B. Stull to N. Byham (XP Good) - 14:24
PITT: 7 yard run by K. Collier (XP Good) - 5:31
-
3rd Quarter
PITT: 29 yard pass from B. Stull to T. Porter (Conversion failed) - 13:31
PITT: 21 yard pass from B. Stull to T. Porter (Conversion failed) - 3:25
-
4th Quarter
UND: 49 yard pass from J. Clausen to M. Floyd (XP Good) - 2:10
_______________________
Player Stats
Jimmy Clausen, QB - 20/27, 234 yards, 1 TD
Bill Stull, QB - 11/25, 156 yards, 3 TD, 2 INT
Kevin Collier, RB - 17 carries, 107 yards, 1 TD
Robert Hughes, RB - 17 carries, 94 yards, 1 TD
James Aldridge, RB - 13 carries, 83 yards, 4 receptions, 26 yards
Michael Floyd, WR - 7 receptions, 122 yards, 1 TD
T.J. Porter, WR - 4 receptions, 71 yards, 2 TD
Duval Kamara, WR - 4 receptions, 37 yards
Jonathan Baldwin, WR - 3 receptions, 56 yards
Ryan Burkhart, K - 0/5, 3/3 on XP
Kevin Harper, K - 2/2 on XP
Justin Hargrove, OLB - 12 tackles, 1 for loss
Toryan Smith, MLB - 8 tackles, 1 for loss
Steve Dell, MLB - 6 tackles
Brian Smith, OLB - 4 tackles, 1 for loss, 1 INT
Scott Smith, OLB - 3 tackles, 1 for loss, 1 INT, 1 TD
_______________________________
Injury Report
Antwaun Reed, CB - Pittsburgh - Torn shoulder muscle - 4 weeks
Josh Novotny, OG - Pittsburgh - Pinched nerve - 2 weeks*
Armando Allen, RB - Notre Dame - Dislocated ankle - 1 week
Kyle McCarthy, SS - Notre Dame - Forearm Fracture - 3 weeks
* - Injury occurred during game
_______________________________

Next Game: vs. UConn (2-7)

[Maize08]

News Around College Football

Top 25
1. LSU - W 42-14 vs. La Tech - 10-0
2. Texas - W 49-17 vs. Baylor - 10-0
3. Georgia Tech - W 55-0 vs. Duke - 11-0
4. Oregon - W 37-19 vs. ASU - 10-0
5. Oklahoma - W 35-31 vs. TAMU - 9-1
6. Florida - W 49-16 vs. S Car - 9-1
7. Oklahoma State - W 59-20 vs. Tx Tech - 9-1
8. Penn State - W 19-7 vs. IU - 10-1
9. Boise State - W 45-14 vs. Idaho - 8-1
10. Ole Miss - W 42-10 vs. Tenn - 9-1
11. South Florida - W 49-42 vs. RU - 9-0
12. USC - W 28-7 vs. Stan - 8-2
13. Cal. - W 24-17 vs. Ariz - 8-2
14. Ohio State - W 52-10 vs. Iowa - 9-2
15. BYU - W 63-14 vs. UNM - 8-2
16. Kansas - W 42-30 vs. Neb. - 9-1
17. Florida State - W 45-23 vs. Wake - 8-2
18. Virginia Tech - L 21-34 vs. Terps - 8-2
19. Illinois - W 49-13 vs. NU - 9-1
20. Alabama - W 34-3 vs. Miss St - 7-3
21. Clemson - W 34-27 vs. NCSU - 8-2
22. Rutgers - L 42-49 vs. USF - 7-2
23. Oregon State - W 41-7 vs. Wash - 8-2
24. Pittsburgh - W 26-21 vs. ND - 8-2
25. Tennessee - L 10-42 vs. Miss - 7-3

--

Heisman Watch
1. Tim Tebow, QB - Florida
2. Jordan Jefferson, QB - LSU
3. Colt McCoy, QB - Texas
4. Jeremiah Masoli, QB - Oregon
5. Dezmon Briscoe, WR - Kansas

[Maize08]

Floyd Eyes Historic Season
Sophomore receiver Michael Floyd has gained national recognition to rival that of the numerous stories and media attention flocking to the program as of late. With a 5-5 record, the team has not played up to high pre-season expectations. Close, devastating losses, like last week's road loss to the Pittsburgh Panthers have crushed BCS dreams, but have not put to bed the 2009 season.

"There are still two games to be played," quoted Head Coach Charlie Weis, who is getting used to dodging most questions that reporters ask him in recent interviews. "Plus, we all should keep an eye on [Michael] Floyd, he is having a remarkable season."

That much is true, as the passing game is statistically one of the best in the nation. The run game has not been up to par, but the offense can contend with anyone. Led mainly by the high-flying, big play abilities of Michael Floyd.

Through ten games, Floyd has 54 receptions (team high) for 770 yards (team high) and a shocking 14 receiving touchdowns. At fourteen, Floyd finds himself one touchdown shy of Jeff Samardzija's 2005 record of 15. As a junior, Samardzija set many school records and ended his career as a leader in receiving touchdowns, yards and total receptions for a season ('05) and a career.

Now Floyd is looking to rewrite the record books, with two (possibly three) games remaining. He is two touchdowns shy of breaking the single season record in only his second year of action. One year removed from rewriting the freshman receiving records at Notre Dame. This season has put him in the short list of receivers named to the Biletnikoff Watch List, along with Kansas' Dezmon Briscoe, Oklahoma State's Dez Bryant and Illinois' Arrelious Benn.

[Maize08]

November 21st, 2009
Notre Dame Stadium, Notre Dame, IN

vs.
Clausen Breaks Huskies, Passing Record

Game Boxscore
Connecticut (2-7)......3.....0......7.....7....17
Notre Dame (5-5)....14....14....14...14....56
Stat of the Game: Total Offense: Connecticut - 442 yards -- Notre Dame - 449 yards
Player of the Game: Jimmy Clausen, QB - Notre Dame - 17/25, 323 yards, 7 TD
______________________________________
1st Quarter
UCONN: 30 yard Field Goal by D. Teggart - 11:31
UND: 77 yard pass from J. Clausen to K. Rudolph (XP Good) - 10:58
UND: 10 yard pass from J. Clausen to K. Rudolph (XP Good) - 4:42
-
2nd Quarter
UND: 8 yard pass from J. Clausen to M. Floyd (XP Good) - 3:44
UND: 6 yard pass from J. Clausen to M. Floyd (XP Good) - 1:26
-
3rd Quarter
UCONN: 24 yard pass from Z. Frazer to M. Smith (XP Good) - 10:08
UND: 62 yard pass from J. Clausen to K. Rudolph (XP Good) - 7:23
UND: 17 yard pass from J. Clausen to J. Gray (XP Good) - 4:59
-
4th Quarter
UCONN: 3 yard pass from Z. Frazer to M. Smith (XP Good) - 14:53
UND: 4 yard pass from J. Clausen to D. Walker (XP Good) - 9:31
UND: 1 yard run by J. Gray (XP Good) - 2:51
_______________________
Player Stats
Zach Frazer, QB - 18/36, 248 yards, 2 TD, 4 INT
Jimmy Clausen, QB - 17/25, 323 yards, 7 TD, 3 INT
Andre Dixon, RB - 20 carries, 164 yards
Robert Hughes, RB - 11 carries, 67 yards
Jonas Gray, RB - 9 carries, 46 yards, 1 TD, 1 reception, 17 yards, 1 TD
Michael Smith, WR - 8 receptions, 64 yards, 2 TD
Kyle Rudolph, TE - 5 receptions, 165 yards, 3 TD
Michael Floyd, WR - 5 receptions, 21 yards, 2 TD
Kevin Poles, WR - 5 receptions, 83 yards
Golden Tate, WR - 4 receptions, 94 yards
Kashif Moore, WR - 3 receptions, 76 yards
Deion Walker, WR - 2 receptions, 26 yards, 1 TD
Dave Teggart, K - 1/4, Long of 30, 2/2 on XP
Brandon Walker, K - 8/8 on XP
Lawrence Wilson, OLB - 8 tackles
Sergio Brown, SS - 6 tackles
Toryan Smith, OLB - 5 tackles, 1 FF
Jasper Howard, CB - 4 tackles, 1 INT
Dwayne Gratz, CB - 2 tackles, 2 INT
_______________________________
Injury Report
Dwayne Gratz, CB - UConn - Upper arm fracture - 4 weeks*
Brad Kanuch, WR - UConn - Broken jaw - 4 weeks
Kyle McCarthy, SS - Notre Dame - Forearm Fracture - 2 weeks
* - Injury occurred during game
_______________________________
News and Notes
- QB Jimmy Clausen breaks school's single game touchdown record with seven, perviously held by Brady Quinn.
- WR Michael Floyd breaks school's record for receiving touchdowns in a season (16).
_______________________________

Next Game: @ Stanford (2-9)

[Maize08]

News Around College Football

Top 25
1. Texas - W 48-21 vs. KU - 11-0
2. Georgia Tech - Bye - 11-0
3. Oregon - W 35-28 vs. Ariz - 11-0
4. Oklahoma - W 45-7 vs. Tx Tech - 10-1
5. Florida - W 58-3 vs. FIU - 10-1
6. LSU - L 32-36 vs. Miss - 10-1
7. Oklahoma State - W 63-7 vs. CU - 10-1
8. Ole Miss - W 36-23 vs. LSU - 10-1
9. Penn State - W 43-37 vs. MSU - 11-1
10. Boise State - W 64-35 vs. Utah St - 9-1
11. South Florida - W 38-24 vs. Louis - 10-0
12. USC - Bye - 8-2
13. Cal. - W 49-3 vs. Stan - 9-2
14. Ohio State - W 42-36 vs. Mich - 10-2
15. BYU - W 27-12 vs. AF - 9-2
16. Florida State - W 55-28 vs. Terps - 9-2
17. Virginia Tech - W 35-11 vs. NCSU - 9-2
18. Illinois - Bye - 9-1
19. Alabama - 45-0 vs. UTC - 8-3
20. Kansas - L 21-48 vs. Texas - 9-2
21. Clemson - W 37-7 vs. UVA - 9-2
22. Rutgers - W 60-17 vs. SU - 8-2
23. Oregon State - W 63-3 vs. WSU - 9-2
24. Pittsburgh - Bye - 8-2
25. Tennessee - W 34-22 vs. Vandy - 8-3

--

Heisman Watch
1. Tim Tebow, QB - Florida
2. Jordan Jefferson, QB - LSU
3. Colt McCoy, QB - Texas
4. Terrelle Pryor, QB - Ohio State
5. Dezmon Briscoe, WR - Kansas

[Maize08]

Weis to Step Down at End of Season
Following the stunning 56-17 home victory the Fighting Irish had over UConn, it was a big victory that guaranteed a bowl game for Notre Dame. A roller coaster season started with high hopes and those hopes quickly dissipated with an overtime loss to Nevada that followed a 0-3 start.

The tenure of Charlie Weis as Head Coach started well, but with struggles against rivals Michigan, Michigan State and USC - the hopes of a National title slipped away in South Bend. Now 6-5 with a road game against Stanford, weeks of media scrutiny led to the Head Coach calling a press conference.

Just days after the UConn victory, Head Coach Charlie Weis announced he was stepping down at the end of the regular season. With the team being bowl eligible, this means that if the team does reach the post-season, Charlie Weis will not be on the sidelines. Making the game against Stanford his final game as Head Coach.

A very upset Charlie Weis limited his speech before breaking down into tears. "This opportunity has been great, and I realize that I have not lived up to the success in victories I promised five years ago."

He then talked about the success he had winning the Hawaii bowl, with recruiting and with turning many Notre Dame players into professionals at the next level. A 35-29 record in five seasons, with a 1-2 record in bowl games is not up to standards of one the most storied programs in college football history.

Charlie Weis stood next to Jack Swarbrick who took questions from the media, but would not talk about the next Head Coach at Notre Dame. The Athletic Director had stood next to his football programs leader since taking the job late last year.

As he took the podium from Weis, the media erupted into applause as the Charlie Weis sat down in front of the same media members who had questioned his job for much of the last year.

Charlie Weis will leave Associate Head Coach Corwin Brown to take over the program, if it is invited to a bowl game. As for the final game of this season, the players look to play its' final game for "their coach," Charlie Weis.

[Maize08]

November 28th, 2009
Stanford Stadium, Stanford, CA

vs.
Stanford Surprises, Axes Weis' Final Game

Game Boxscore
Notre Dame (6-5)....3......3.....0....13....19
Stanford (3-8).........7......0.....7.....8....22
Stat of the Game: Total Offense: Notre Dame - 484 yards -- Stanford - 342 yards
Player of the Game: Tavita Pritchard, QB - Stanford - 19/32, 259 yards, 3 TD
______________________________________
1st Quarter
UND: 51 yard Field Goal by B. Walker - 9:41
STAN: 6 yard pass from T. Pritchard to D. Baldwin (XP Good) - 4:51
-
2nd Quarter
UND: 33 yard Field Goal by B. Walker - 12:30
-
3rd Quarter
STAN: 57 yard pass from T. Pritchard to J. Dray (XP Good) - 1:57
-
4th Quarter
UND: 5 yard run by J. Aldridge (XP Good) - 11:29
STAN: 12 yard pass from T. Pritchard to J. Dray (Conversion Successful) - 3:26
UND: 32 yard pass from J. Clausen to M. Floyd (Conversion Failed) - 1:43
_______________________
Player Stats
Tavita Pritchard, QB - 19/32, 259 yards, 3 TD, 1 INT
Jimmy Clausen, QB - 18/38, 274 yards, 1 TD, 2 INT
Robert Hughes, RB - 14 carries, 109 yards, 6 receptions, 139 yards
Tyler Gaffney, RB - 12 carries, 71 yards
James Aldridge, RB - 6 carries, 39 yards, 1 TD
Doug Baldwin, WR - 6 receptions, 85 yards, 1 TD
Michael Floyd, WR - 5 receptions, 98 yards, 1 TD
J.R. Patterson, WR - 4 receptions, 40 yards
Jim Dray, TE - 3 receptions, 89 yards, 2 TD
Brandon Walker, K - 2/4, Long of 51, 1/1 on XP
Eric Whitacker, K - 2/2 on XP
Ekom Udofia, DT - 8 tackles, 4 for loss, 2 sacks
Brian Smith, OLB - 8 tackles, 1 FF
Tom McAndrew, DE - 7 tackles, 4 for loss, 2 sacks
Toryan Smith, OLB - 7 tackles, 4 for loss, 1 sack
Kapron Lewis-Moore, DE - 4 tackles, 2 for loss, 1 sack, 1 FF
Sergio Brown, SS - 4 tackles, 1 INT
Richard Sherman, CB - 3 tackles, 2 INT
_______________________________
Injury Report
Kyle McCarthy, SS - Notre Dame - Forearm Fracture - 1 week
* - Injury occurred during game
_______________________________

Next Game: TBD

[Maize08]

News Around College Football

Top 25
1. Texas - W 45-24 vs. TAMU - 12-0
2. Georgia Tech - W 58-28 vs. UGA - 12-0
3. Oregon - Bye - 11-0
4. Oklahoma State - W 25-14 vs. OU - 11-1
5. Florida - W 35-9 vs. FSU - 11-1
6. LSU - W 35-14 vs. Ark - 11-1
7. Ole Miss - W 45-17 vs. Miss St - 11-1
8. Penn State - Bye - 11-1
9. Oklahoma - L 14-25 vs. OK St - 10-2
10. Boise State - W 52-10 vs. Nevada - 10-1
11. South Florida - W 17-14 vs. Miami - 11-0
12. USC - W 48-6 vs. UCLA - 9-2
13. Cal. - Bye - 9-2
14. Ohio State - Bye - 10-2
15. BYU - W 40-28 vs. Utah - 10-2
16. Virginia Tech - W 21-17 vs. UVA - 10-2
17. Kansas - W 48-21 vs. Mizzou - 10-2
18. Clemson - W 48-14 vs. S Car - 10-2
19. Rutgers - W 70-14 vs. Louis - 9-2
20. Florida State - L 9-35 vs. UF - 9-3
21. Oregon State - Bye - 9-2
22. Cincinnati - W 27-21 vs. Illini - 8-3
23. Illinois - L 21-27 vs. Cincy - 9-2
24. Tennessee - W 39-21 vs. UK - 9-3
25. West Virginia - W 41-29 vs. Pitt - 8-3

--

Heisman Watch
1. Tim Tebow, QB - Florida
2. Jordan Jefferson, QB - LSU
3. Colt McCoy, QB - Texas
4. Jonathan Dwyer, RB - Georgia Tech
5. Dezmon Briscoe, WR - Kansas