/ ^ \ THE bserver OThe Independent Newspaper Serving Notre Dame and Saint Marys VOLUME 39 : ISSUE 67 TUESDAY, DECEMBER 14, 2004 NDSMCOBSERVER.COM Weis here to win 'My job here is to raise [the] expectations.' giving our students a superb By HEATHER education and excelling on the VAN HOEGARDEN field,” University President­ News Writer elect Father John Jenkins said. “Meeting all of these goals is a When he was unemployed 15 tremendous challenge. But I years ago, a job as the Notre believe we have found a person Dame head football coach was in who can lead us the farthest thing from his to such multifaceted success.” mind. But Sunday, things came Weis said he didn’t come to full circle for Charlie Weis, as Notre Dame to lose football he was named the head football games. He expects nothing less coach at his alma mater, sign­ than winning football games in ing a six-year deal. a program that hasn’t posted “This is obviously a high-pro­ back-to-back winning seasons file, big-time job, but it’s one since 1997 and 1998 under Bob that I, a long, long time ago Davie. thought ‘wouldn’t that be some­ “You are w hat you are folks, thing if you could ever be the right now you’re a 6-5 football at Notre Dame,”’ team,” Weis said. “And guess Weis, a 1978 Notre Dame grad­ what — that’s just not good uate who didn’t play football for enough. That’s not good enough the Irish, said at Monday’s for you, and it’s certainly not press conference. “You know going to be good enough for when we all grow up we have me. aspirations.” “So if you think they hired me Weis, was without a job in to go .500, you’ve got the wrong 1989 after South Carolina guy.” coach died, and Weis especially emphasized as a result, he lost his assistant the new attitude he wants to job. He then became a high bring to Notre Dame. He knows school head coach for a year the Irish play a tough schedule, before coaching in the NFL. The playing four of the first five last five years, Weis has been games on road next season, the offensive coordinator of the including Michigan and , winning Pittsburgh. But despite claims two titles. that the schedule is too tough, “At the University of Notre Weis wants his team to play Dame, the success in our foot­ with arrogance, a sense that CLAIRE KELLEY/The Observer ball program consists of three Notre Dame formally announced Charlie Weis as the 28th head coach of the Irish Monday. Weis, things—acting with integrity, see WEIS/page 2 current offensive coordinator of the New England Patriots, graduated from Notre Dame in 1978. Monk clarifies remarks, supports Weis White outlines

By MATT LOZAR News Writer extensive search

After expressing public embarrassment last week about By MATT LOZAR the decision to fire , University President News Writer Father Edward Malloy explained his attention-grabbing remarks Monday and offered his support for Charlie Weis. Notre Dame athletic director Kevin White claims “I was not a definitive voice and I was not the one who he doesn’t know any of the details about the initiated the action. The impression had been gained that I nationwide media speculation surrounding the was, and I was simply trying to clarify the record that 1 Irish coaching search. wasn’t and had a disagreement about that choice,” Malloy He didn’t ready any of the articles. said. “But people of goodwill can disagree about such m at­ “I’ve had the blinders on. I haven’t read any of ters, and I don’t want that to stand in the way of good rela­ your articles. I really haven’t. I’m sure some of tionship with coach Weis.” them were terrific and some weren’t very good. I During the course of the football season, Malloy met with can’t speak to that,” White said. “What I can tell Irish athletic director Kevin White on many occasions to you is my focus has been on hiring the next foot­ discuss the direction of the program. Malloy felt the GEOFF MATTESON/The Observer University President Father Edward Malloy responds ball coach. I worked really hard not to be defo­ University had chosen Willingham as its coach and barring to questions. cused by everything that’s going on.” tragic events that coach should have a time span that is Over the 10-day search. White said Monday generally five years. there were an unquantifiable of conversa­ Malloy made his comments at the panel titled “Role of did, and I have nothing else to say about that.” tions with potential prospects in the college and the President or Chancellor in Overseeing Intercollegiate During this presidential transition process, long-term NFL worlds. The University utilized one outside Athletics" at the Sports Business Journal’s Intercollegiate decisions like a football coaching change affect both the search consultant, Gene Corrigan, a former Notre Athletics Forum. He was on the panel along with presi­ current and future administrations. Malloy deferred to Dame athletic director and former commissioner dents from Ohio State and Vanderbilt and Myles Brand, University President-elect Father John Jenkins at this time, of the Atlantic Coast Conference. president of the NCAA. following University President Emeritus Theodore White said five candidates were interviewed for­ In June 2001, the Knight Commission published “A Call Hesburgh’s example. mally for the head coach position left vacant by the to Action: Reconnecting College Sports and Higher “I feel in the administration here we have a very harmo­ Nov. 30 firing of Tyrone Willingham. Education." Monday, Malloy cited one of the report’s princi­ nious group,” Malloy said. “The transition has gone well Two candidates had conversations with ples that states the responsibility and authority for the with Father Jenkins, and I have talked about all the signifi­ University representatives about specific compen­ administration of the athletics department are vested in the cant matters along the way and when I pass along the sation details. president. This includes issues related to basic policies, mantle. I have great confidence in the job he’ll do and all On Friday, a number of different groups talked personnel and finances. the people who assist him.” by phone with coach Charlie Weis before the offer “I was in a long-established commitment for a confer­ After the turmoil during the past two weeks, Jenkins was made that evening. ence in New York,” Malloy said. “The other people that feels Notre Dame is “absolutely” ready to put all of the criti­ The student-athlete transition team of Victor were on it were all people I know. The things we talked cism behind it and move on. He said Notre Dame is ready Abiamiri, Anthony Fasano, , Brandon about were all serious. to put it in the rearview mirror and move forward. Hoyte, and Ryan Harris talked with “I knew I was probably going to be asked and was expecting that. I wanted to clarify my position, which I felt I see MALLOY/page 3 see WHITE/page 3 page 2 The Observer ♦ NF.XX^S Tuesday, December 14, 2004

T he O bserver . The Independent, Daily Newspaper Serving Notre Dame and Saint Mary'sStudents voice optimism about Weis

P.O. Box Q. Norrc Dame, IN 46556 024 South Dining Hall, Noire Danic, IN 46556 programs in the country, so like a good second choice ... he on-field record Notre Dame By CLAIRE HEININGER hopefully he can bring that to seemed like a very straightfor­ requires. E d i t o r in C h ie f News Editor Notre Dame,” Moller said. ward guy, and he’ll do a good “[Firing Willingham] was M att Lozar “[But] it’s going to take wins on job with the X’s and 0 ’s.” kind of a necessary step to get M a n a g i n g E d i t o r B u s in e s s M a n a g e r If first impressions are any the football field ... if Charlie Freshman Michael Verdeyen, us where the University wants Meghanne Downes Mike Flanagan indication, new head football Weis can’t perform, he should who followed the coaching to go with the football pro­ A ss r. M anaging Editor coach Charlie Weis and the be fired, and we should bring search, said he and his friends gram,” he said. “But Joe Hettlcr Notre Dame student body will someone else in.” had mixed feelings about the “[Willingham] did some great make a strong match. It is “absolutely a realistic hiring but looked forward to things off the field and I really N e w s E d i t o r : Claire Heiningcr Whether or not they favored possibility for the offensive respect him for all that he did.” V i e w p o i n t E d i t o r : Sarah Vabulas the firing of former coach the Weis-led magic the coordi­ In the eyes of senior Sarah S p o r t s E d i t o r : Heather Van Hopgarden Tyrone Willingham, most stu­ Irish to return “[Weis] seems like nator could bring Wallace, it will be difficult for S c e n e E d i t o r : Maria Smith dents were optimistic Monday to national to South Bend. Weis to immediately achieve he’s a football guy - S a in t M a r y ’s E d i t o r : Angela Saoud about the football program’s championship “He taught Tom the same level of respect. he’s going to put a P h o t o E d i t o r .- Claire Kelley chance to leave behind the con­ contention, Brady a lot, so “I think IWillingham] was a G r a p h ic s E d i t o r : Mike Harkins troversy of the past two weeks Moller said. system in place, hopefully he can more likeable person to watch A d v e r t i s in g M a n a g e r : Carrie Franklin and move forward under its And w hile relate to the coach Brady talk, so unless this new coach A d D e s ig n M a n a g e r : Kelly N elson new leader. Weis will have Quinn,” Verdeyen puts out a lot of wins, he’s not p la y e r s ” S y s t e m s A dministrator : M ary Allen “(Weis] seems like he’s a foot­ to contend with said. going to compete with me,” ball guy — he’s going to put a the notion that Interacting Wallace said. “It seems like the W e b A dministrator : Jim Coulter system in place, relate to the he was Notre Adam Higgins with players people in charge arc willing to CoNTROLiiiR: Paula Garcia players,” sophomore Adam Dame’s second sophomore should be — and hurt a lot of feelings and put C o n t a c t U s Higgins said. “I don’t think any­ choice — after already seems to winning before everything O f f i c e M a n a g e r & G e n e r a l In f o one disliked IWillingham] as a Utah’s Urban be — Weis’ prior- else.” (574)631-7471 man, but he wasn’t getting it Meyer, who signed with the ity, said sophomore Chris Sergio disagreed. F a x Florida Gators last week — stu­ Sergio. “It’s not necessarily all about (574) 631-6927 done as a football coach. I think A d v e r t i s i n g IWeis] will.” dents .expressed confidence in “He’s going to come in strong winning,” he said. “But both (574) 631-6900 [email protected] Senior Nick Moller agreed the selection of the new coach. and not take less than the best sides [of athletics and academ­ E d i t o r i n C h i e f that from a purely football “When we didn’t get [Meyer], from the players,” Sergio said. ics] have to be considered ... (574) 631-4542 standpoint, Weis seemed to be I started to be against [firing “Not that he’ll boss them and from what I saw it looks M a n a g i n g E d i t o r & A s s i s t a n t M a n a g i n g E d i t o r an improvement on his prede­ Willingham] because I didn’t around and be a super bad guy, like Weis can take care of (574) 631-4541 [email protected] B u s i n e s s O f f i c e cessor — but should be held to want us to get our second but get it done on and off the both.” (574)631-5313 an identical standard of per­ choice again [after the 2001 field.” N e w s D e s k formance. George O’Leary episode],” Players loved Willingham, (574) 631 5323 obsnews. I @nd.edu “I think he’s been working sophomore Robbie Rhinesmith Sergio said, but the former Contact Claire Heininger at V i e w p o i n t D e s k with one of the most successful said. “But Charlie Weis seems coach did not accumulate the [email protected] (574) 631-5303 viewpoint, l@ nd.edu S p o r t s D e s k (574) 631-4543 [email protected] S c e n e D e s k (574) 631-4540 [email protected] S a i n t M a r y ’s D e s k (574) 631-4324 [email protected] Concerns still remain P h o t o D e s k (574) 631-8767 [email protected] S y s t e m s & W e b A dministrators (574)631-8839 in Irish community

O b se r v e ro n l in e www.ndsmcobserver.com By CLAIRE HEININGER News Editor P o l ic ie s The Observer is the independent, daily newspaper Despite the hiring of Charlie Weis, some members of the published in print and online by the students of the Notre Dame community who vocally opposed the firing of University of Notre D am e du Lac and Saint M arys Tyrone Willingham said Monday that their concerns still linger. College. Editorial content, including advertisements, is Paula I liggins, a music professor who initially sponsored the not governed by policies of the administration of either Faculty Senate’s Dec. 6 resolution against the firing, said on the institution. The Observer reserves the right to refuse CLAIRE KELLEY/The Observer face of it, Willingham’s dismissal still appears to be the wrong advertisements based on content. University President Elect Father John Jenkins, left, and choice. Her shock at the decision’s abruptness and exclusivity The news is reported as accurately and objectively as University President Father Edward Malloy listen to Weis. — not to mention the negative external attention it brought the possible. Unsigned editorials represent the opinion of the majority of the Editor in Chief, Managing Editor, University — has yet to fade. Assistant Managing Editor and department editors. Weis “This is our University,” said Higgins, who observed a dra­ Commentaries, letters and columns present the views matic increase in academic performance among the football of the aut hors and not necessarily those of The continued from page 1 players she taught during Willingham’s tenure. “[The firing! Observer. seemed to suggest that winning is more important than aca­ Viewpoint space is available to all readers. T he free they can beat anyone they play. demics. After all, Notre Dame is not the NFL — even though expression of all opinions through letters is encouraged. “Doesn’t make any difference whatever night or day they some people want it to be.” Letters to the Editor must be signed and must include schedule them — we play them,” Weis said. “That includes But the fact that Weis is an NFL coach does not necessarily contact information. being able to win on the road, and it goes back to having that speak for his academic credentials, Higgins acknowledged. Questions regarding Observer policies should betoughness and playing smart and playing disciplined and “He’s a Domer, he knows the drill,” she said of the 1978 grad­ directed to Editor in Chief Matt Lozar playing nasty and going in there with an arrogant attitude. uate. “One would hope he understands the importance of aca­ “Doesn’t make any difference where you go, you intend on demics at this University ... I think he deserves all of our sup­ beating them.” port.” P o s t O f f ic e In f o r m a t io n The Observer (USPS 599 2-4000) i» published Monday through Friday except during Weis will now have to balance his time between Notre Though he stood front and center at the Weis announcement, exam and vacation periods. A subscription to The Observer is $ 100 for one academic Dame and New England. The Patriots’ season could last Faculty Board on Athletics chair Fernand Dutile said afterward year; #55 for one semester. until the Super Bowl on Feb. 6. He would not disclose he stood by the board’s Friday statement about its concerns The Observer is published at; POSTMASTER 024 South Dining Hall Send address corrections to; specifics about how he will split time, but he said he is confi­ over Willingham’s termination. The statement listed speed, tim­ Notre Dame. IN 46556-0779 The Observer Periodical postage paid at Notre Dame P.O. Box Q dent in his ability to recruit, even while holding both jobs. ing, a lack of faculty involvement and the role of two members and additional mailing offices. 024 South Dining Hall “One of the initial things we are going to have to do is get a of the Board of Trustees as the faculty board’s chief concerns Notre Dame. IN 46556-0779 foundation of a coaching staff that’s in-house, on-site, that about the decision. T h e O bserver is a m em ber o f the Associated Press, All reproduction right: reserved. while there’s some going back and forth between places of The statement also asked University President Father which schedule I won’t talk about, I could have a foundation Edward Malloy and University President Elect Father John set,” said Weis, who also said he will not be attending the Jenkins to meet with the board. Both have agreed to do so, and Insight Bowl. will hold separate meetings because of scheduling reasons, T o d a y ’s S t a f f Weis, the first Notre Dame graduate to be a head coach at Dutile said. the University since served as interim coach in However, Dutile expressed satisfaction with his inclusion in News Insider 1963, said his knowledge of Notre Dame will serve to his the hiring process. Meghanne Downes Justin Schuver advantage. “I was continually involved in the search,” he said. “I talked “Well, when you go talk to a guy about coming to school to [Weis] personally about the academic concerns of my job ... here, it isn’t like you don’t know,” Weis said. “If you try to in my view, he represents commitment to integrity, academic recruit a guy — I know, I’ve been here.” success and athletic success.” In the meantime, Weis said he will focus his attention on Tim Kelley, a 1964 Notre Dame graduate who helped author The Observer will the current Irish players. a letter to the Board of Trustees last winter that criticized the “I come here with a plan, and the plan is [that] the first University’s management of the football program, echoed thing you’ve got to do is you’ve go to take care of the guys Dutile’s endorsement. resume publishing you already have here,” he said. “Everyone wants to hear “It appears there was a fairly well-managed selection process about recruits, but they forget about the players that are as opposed to what happened in the past,” Kelley said. Jan. 12, 2005. already here.” Kelley refused to take credit for influencing the coaching For Weis, after he is finished with New England’s season, change, but said other alumni he had spoken with were The staff wishes Notre Dame is the end of the road. pleased with Weis’ Notre Dame ties. “I also owe the New England Patriots and the people from “He’s a Notre Dame graduate and he understands the issues everyone good New England to give them my best until their season is over, ... I think he is probably in a better position than past coaches because once their season is over, my NFL career is over and to do it the Notre Dame way,” Kelley said. “He’s one of us.” luck on finals. I’m the head coach of the full time That mentality is troubling to Higgins, who said the until the day I retire, and that’s what my intent is,” Weis University’s core academic and athletic values are jeopardized Happy Holidays. said. by outside pressures — alumni included. Contact Heather Van Hoegarden at [email protected] Contact Claire Heininger at [email protected] O bserver

The Irish hope to finish the season on a high note b \

Photo Illustration by MIKE HARKINS and CLAIRE KELLEY] page 2 The Observer ♦ IRISH INSIDER Tuesday, December 14, 2004 This game still matters a lot game hype “We're playing The Insight Bowl is a chance for a team that's pretty hungry. ...It’s going to Does it even matter? n’t played in a bowl game (see They’ve seen Bob Davie, then tum heading into the new be a challenge. Does playing in the Copper, 1996,1999, 2001, 2003) or George O’Leary, then coach’s first season in 2005. er. Insight Bowl m atter to hasn’t won a bowl game (see Willingham and now Weis as The Irish are what they are Our guys are Notre Dame? 1994,1995, 1997, 1998, 2000, the head coach. They’ve faced at this point in the season — ready to play Should it m atter? 2002). No Notre Dame team many obstacles, and they’ve an inconsistent 6-5 team that them. Does it since 1993 has ended a win­ been through many hardships. has shown Hashes of great­ interim head coach matter, even ning season with a significant A bowl game victory would be ness, and flashes of inepti­ after Notre victory. Changing that trend a deserving way for the class tude. For all the difficulties “Anytime you go Dame fired would give the team some members to end their careers. this season has presented, to a bowl game head coach momentum heading into the A Notre Dame win would, Notre Dame can push the neg­ Tyrone off-season. perhaps, help recruiting too. atives away and focus on end­ you're excited. We Willingham Either way, a win would be Recruits watching the game ing the season on a high note. get to go down Nov. 30? a positive may be more With the Irish falling so rap­ there and show Does it means of attracted to idly from ’s the country what Joe Hettler matter, even ending a tur­ [The Irish] have faced the Irish, elite programs during the last kind of team we Justin Tuck if the Irish bulent sea­ after seeing decade, it’s critical to begin have. ” Irish defensive coaching Sports Writer son. many obstacles, and them battle turning the program around. staff is a Notre they’ve been through through the ’s 1996 team fin­ end bunch of Dame also many hardships. A bowl controversy ished the season at 8-3, and lame ducks, coaching the Dec. has extra of the turned down bowl bid invita­ “They’ve got 28 game and then leaving motivation by game victory would be aWillingham tions. Things certainly have great skill- when new head coach Charlie looking at the deserving way for the firing and changed since then. position guys Weis brings in his own guys? opponent on class members to end then still But with Weis stepping in, Four years ago it Does it matter, even if the the other finding a the program can begin to was the same two teams playing are 6-5 and sidelines. their careers. path to victo­ regain some prominence. the game is being played Oregon State, ry in the While a win in the Insight case. They’re real inside a baseball stadium? if you don’t Insight Bowl. Bowl wouldn’t be, by any Kyle Budinscak strong up front so Actually, yes. It does matter. remember, embarrassed So there it is, a few reasons means, groundbreaking, it Irish it will be a Notre Dame does have some Notre Dame in the 2001 Fiesta why Notre Dame does have could be the start of a slow, defensive end challenge. ’’ motivation when the team Bowl, creaming the Irish 41-9. something to play for on Dec. gradual improvement of the travels to Phoenix to face This season’s senior class has­ 28. Sure, the Insight Bowl isn’t Irish football program. Oregon State a few days after n’t forgotten that blowout. A the Fiesta, Rose, Orange or Does this game even mat­ “For those of us Christmas. win against the Beavers could Sugar Bowl. It’s not even the ter? who have Gator or Cotton for that mat­ First, they can win a bowl make the previous loss hurt a Yes, it does. followed football game — even it is a former little less. ter. .com bowl game. The Irish The Irish can send their sen­ But it is a bowl game. It The opinions expressed in for a while, haven’t won a postseason iors off with a win. This group does give Notre Dame a this column are those of the Notre Dame has game since the first day of has been through one of the chance to win a football game. author and not necessarily a special place January in 1994, a 24-21 vic­ toughest, if not the toughest, To end its season with a those of The Observer. in college tory against Texas A&M. Since stretches on the gridiron in much-needed victory. To give Contact Joe Hettler atjhet- Mike Riley football. ” then, Notre Dame either has­ Notre Dame’s storied history. the Weis era a little momen­ [email protected] Oregon State head coach Irish hope to avoid repeat of 2001 Fiesta Bowl Notre Dame lost 41-9 to Beavers infirst

w ork.” halftime, but in the third quar­ Over the past five years, the The Irish have allowed a total By MATT LOZAR “It’s the same city, the same ter, Oregon State scored 29 Irish have not had the best fin­ of 10 passes in the Sports Writer timing, against the same team. I unanswered points en route to ishes to their seasons. In 1999 past two games. don’t know exactly what that amassing 446 total yards of they lost their last four games. Irish interim coach Kent Baer It’s not about revenge, but the means. 1 would hate to end my offense compared to Notre In 2000 there was the Fiesta said Friday he isn’t too con­ details are too coincidental to career the way it kind of Dam e’s 155. Bowl loss. In cerned about the discount the obvious. began.” “I remember freshman year. I 2001 th ey recent perform­ “I don’t know about revenge. While revenge isn’t on the didn’t participate, I but] basical­ won their last “It’s the same city, the ance of the sec­ It’s hard to take out revenge on forefront of motivational toolsly we got our butts kicked. It’s game but Bob same timing, against ondary. guys you haven’t seen in four for Dec. 28’s Insight Bowl game not how you want to go out.” D avie w as the same team. I don’t “I think they’re years,” Irish fifth-year senior against Oregon State, four years Irish fifth-year defensive line­ fired the next fine. We got a lot Kyle Budinscak said. “I think I after the Beavers destroyed the man Greg Pauly said. “It’s not day. know exactly what that of pride. I like the definitely don’t want to have the Irish 41-9 in the 2001 Fiesta like we’re looking for payback. During the means. I would hate to group. Quentin taste in my mouth finishing my Bowl, the memories of that This is a big game for us, and W illingham end my career the way Burrell is our career that I had when I first “Fiasco Bowl” aren’t forgotten. we’re going out there and play­ era, in 2002 leader. The rest got here. It’s funny how things The score was only 12-3 at ing like that.” the Irish were it kind of began. ” of those guys will ■ ■ ■ blown out by rally around Southern Kyle Budinscak him,” Baer said. California and Irish defensive lineman “They’re going to North be fine. Some of Carolina State the things that and in 2003, a 5-6 Syracuse happened in the last couple of team embarrassed the Irish 38- games, they schemed us pretty 12 . good a couple of times. We’ve This game gives the Irish learned from a lot from those another opportunity to avoid gam es.” ending their season with a bad A lot has been talked about loss. what this team has left to play “I think this team is full of for — pride, the old coaching competitors, and that’s who we staff, a winning record — but are, and that’s what the leaders of this team are tak­ we’re going to do, whether ing a pretty basic approach. were playing in the national “Our goal is to try to go out, championship game or the and what we’ve talked about as Insight Bowl,” Irish offensive the leaders of this team and a lineman Dan Stevenson said. lot of the guys that are going to “Right now, I think you have to play a lot, and take it to another play for pride. ... There’s a lot level, let it all hang out and play to show about this team. It sets the best game we’ve played all up next year.” year and let’s really do it,” One big key in this game is Budinscak said. “There’s no going to be the Irish secondary pressure, we have nothing to against the Oregon State pass­ worry' about. Let’s take it to ing attack. another level and surprise The Beavers rank eighth in everyone.” KRT the country in passing per Oregon State Jonathan Smith avoids Notre Dame’s Tony Driver, No. 25, and Jason game, averaging 304.4 yards Contact Matt Lozar at Beckstrom, No. 27, during the Beavers’ 41-9 victory over the Irish in the 2001 Fiesta Bowl. per game. [email protected] Tuesday, December 14, 2004 The Observer ♦ IRISH INSIDER page 3 Still a lot to play for Irish hope to win Insight Bowl for Willingham, for the University and for themselves

on a positive note after seeing good note, and this is just one By HEATHER three coaches in five years. more chance to get everything VAN HOEGARDEN Senior defensive end Justin going in the right direction and Sports Editor Tuck said Baer brought up the just make the spring and sum­ fact that Notre Dame hasn’t mer that much more exciting,” For some, it’s a chance to get won a bowl game in so long. Irish kicker D.J. Fitzpatrick a win. For others, it is the last “It’s been over a decade that said. time they will put on a Notre we haven’t had a bowl game Irish offensive lineman Dan Dame uniform. But for most, it win,” said Tuck, who has one Stevenson said getting a win to is an important football game. year of eligibility remaining. end the year is especially When Irish coach Tyrone “That’s our focus. We want to im portant. W illingham w as fired on Nov. go down there and get a win. “You don’t want to spend the 30, his team had a decision to It’s not about we got a bowl entire offseason thinking about make. Would they honor the game and all the hoopla. This the last game,” Stevenson said. commitment they made just is a focused football team.” “Whatever happens in the last two days earlier to play in the Senior Mike Goolsby doesn’t game you keep that in the Insight Bowl? Or would they want his season to end as it back of your mind. So it’s huge back out of the contract? did his freshman year — with for us to go out there and get a Under the leadership of its a loss to Oregon State. As a big win. seniors, this team decided to true freshman, Goolsby saw Stevenson said he thinks this play. So now, the Irish get Irish team still has something with former beat 41-9 in the to prove to the rest of the col­ defensive coor­ “We got our butts Fiesta Bowl by lege football world after a sea­ dinator Kent the Beavers in son in which the Irish knocked kicked [against Oregon Baer as their 2001 . off two top-10 teams (Michigan interim head State in the 2001 “We got our and Tennessee), but also lost coach, the Irish Fiesta Bowl], and I butts kicked, two tough home games (Boston (6-5) travel to and I remember College and Pittsburgh). Bank One remember them calling them calling it “It’s a huge game, we want Ballpark in it the Fiasco Bowl. We the Fiasco to go out there and show that Phoenix to take are trying not to let Bowl,” Goolsby we have a great team, great on O reg o n said. “We are talent,” he said. “I think every­ State Dec. 28. that happen again. ”trying not to let one’s writing us off, but we Notre Dame that happen know better than that. We i s n ’t p la y in g Mike Goolsby again. know what we have here, and for a national Irish linebacker “It’s ironic for its time for us to step up and CHUY BENITEZZThe Observer championship, the fifth-year show it.” The Irish sack Stanford quarterback Trent Edwards in a game earli­ and they aren’t guys that our Still a football game er this season. Against Oregon State’s potent passing attack, the playing to move up in the top- first bowl game as freshmen is Despite all the media atten­ Notre Dame defense will have to get pressure on the quarterback. 25, but don’t tell this team this going to be our last bowl game tion Notre Dame and its foot­ game isn’t important. In fact, playing the same team. It’s our ball program has received in gam e. and play the best game we’ve the players are all playing for last chance to get a shot. I the weeks following the firing “Anytime you get an oppor­ ever played, and try to amaze one thing — a win. But each never got to beat Boston of Willingham, Irish players tunity it’s a chance to show­ people with what we can do has approached it differently. College, so this is one of those are excited to get back on the case what you’ve got,” Goolsby and have a great team effort. “Coach Baer said we needed types of deals. It’s your last field to play the game they said. “It’s going to be a big- We want to go out on the right to do this one for coach opportunity.” love. time game with a lot of guys note.” Willingham and the Something to build on “We’re excited,” Tuck said. watching. That’s one way I And while the seniors play University,” Irish Last year, their season ended “We get to go to a great bowl want to look at it. But at the their last game for Notre said. “The with a 38-12 loss to Syracuse. site in Phoenix. The coaches same time I want to win it for Dame, other Irish players will University has been through The year before it ended with have set up a schedule where coach IWillingham] and for the be playing their first bowl some times this year, and we a 28-6 loss to North Carolina we’re going to have a lot of younger guys so there’s more game. Walker, a true fresh­ really want to go out there and State in the . In fun. But in the same sense than enough reasons to pre­ man, is excited for the oppor­ win this one for the University. fact, Notre Dame has not won we’re going to go down there pare well.” tunity to play in a bowl. We also want to win it for our­ its last game since 2001, when and work and try to get a win. Budinscak, another fifth- “It’s very exciting,” Walker selves.” Bob Davie’s team beat Purdue I think this football team is year senior, said that for the said. “Seeing all the bowl Bowl-game drought 24-18, the last game Davie very excited with this opportu­ seniors, it is a chance to show games on TV last year, that It has been 10 seasons since coached at Notre Dame. nity.” the world one last time what was something I really wanted Notre Dame has ended its year The Insight Bowl is an Goolsby sees his last game as they can do. to do. I’m excited, I’m thrilled. with a bowl win. The last win opportunity for this team to one final chance to show what “Obviously this thing might I’m pumped-up, ready to go. I for Notre Dame came in the end a roller coaster season on he can do on the football field, mean a lot more to us than it just can’t wait to get to Jan. 1, 1994, Cotton Bowl a positive note, following a 41- while at the same time, does to people around the pro­ Arizona where it’s warm.” when the Irish beat Texas 10 loss at USC Nov. 27, the preparing the younger players gram who are concerned with A&M 24-21. For the fifth-year third straight 31-point loss to for their futures at Notre a lot of other things,” seniors, the Insight Bowl is an the Trojans. Dame. He won’t need any Budinscak said. “I think we Contact Heather Van Hoegarden opportunity for them to leave “USC we didn’t finish on a extra motivation going into thewould love to as seniors go out at [email protected] by the numbers The last year that Notre Dame won a bowl game; the vie- 1 0 0 / 1 lory was a 24-21 victory over Texas A&M in the Cotton I Bowl

Number of bowl games Notre Dame has lost since that Cotton 6 Bowl victory.

Number of points Notre Dame allowed against Oregon State in the teams' last matchup — the 2001 Fiesta Bowl, which the Irish lost 41 -9 41

Notre Dame’s rank, out of 117 Division I football teams, in 114 passing defense (274.3 yards per game)

Oregon State’s national rank in passing offense (304.4 yards per Q game) Q

*7 Q Number of rushing yards Oregon State averages per / game, second worst in the nation behind Iowa

Number of rushing yards the Notre Dame defense gives up per game 94.4 CLAIRE KELLEY/The Observer The Notre Dame defensive line gets a push against the Michigan offensive line earlier this season. 1 A Average AP ranking of the five opponents who have defeated Oregon The Irish have held their opponents to low rush totals all season, and hope to do the same to I I I State this season; the Beavers lost to USC (No. 1), California (No. 4), Oregon State. Boise State (No. 10), LSU (No. 12) and Arizona State (No. 21) The Observer ♦ IRISH INSIDER Tuesday, December 14, 2004 Notre Dame Fighting Irish Record: 6-5 HEADT AP: NR Coaches: NR Notre Dame Fighting Irish

Kent Baer WIDE RECEIVER NOTRE DAME 2 1 -S to v a ll interim coach at NOTRE DAME T'-SiirUui! Notre Dame 2004 Schedule # career record: CORNERBACK LEFT TACKLE 2-B row ner 0-0 Sept. 4 at BYU - L H a r r i s 9 - L a w s o n at Notre Dame: 5 2 - R a r i d o n TAILBACK LEFT GUARD 0-0 4-G rant 7 6 - M o r to n Sept. 11 MICHIGAN - W R IG H T E N D Kent Baer against ie.rowe“ .N«al QUARTERBACK 50-SaffluM 90-Swancutt IN S ID E 1 2 - S c h m i d t 1 0 - Q u in n 49-Van Orsow LINEBACKER Oregon State: 0-0 9-Dilllngham 40 -P o lla rd interim head coach Sept. 18 at Michigan St. - W 45-Doggelt; WASHINGTON - W R o ster Sept. 25

No. Pos. Ht. Wt. YR Oct. 2 PURDUE - L RIGHT GUARD Jared Clark TE 6-4 250 1 SR 74-Stevenson ) IN S ID E S T R U N G 5 1 - R y a n 2 Freddie Parrish DB 6-1 202 SO E, if LINEBACKER S A F E T Y 3 Darius Walker RB 5-11 200 FR Oct. 9 STANFORD - W 44-B ray 24-Plscltelll 41-Davidson 7 - H e r r o n 4 Ryan G rant RB 6-1 218 SR RIGHT TACKLE 5 Rnema McKnight WR 6-1 215 JR 7 3 -L e V o lr 6 Carlos Campbell CB 5-11 195 SR 5 1 - R y a n 7 Carlyle Holiday WR/QB 6-3 215 SR Oct. 16 at NAVY - W 8 Marly Mooney QB 6-2 210 JR 8 Quentin Burrell FS 6-0 195 SR TIGH T END 9 Tom Zbikowski DB 5-11 203 SO 8 8 -F a sa n o Oct. 23 BOSTON COLL. - L 8 5 -P a lm e r 9 Pat Dillingham QB 6-2 205 SR UUTSIDE S A I i i Y 10 Brady Quinn QB 6-4 224 SO LINEBACKER 5 -M ee u w se n II Marcus Wilson RB 5-11 202 SR WIDE RECEIVER 4-E lliso n 43 A nderson Josh Schmidt FB 6-1 232 SR Nov. 6 at Tennessee - W 5 -M cK n lg h t 2 1 S ( " 0 13 David Wolke QB 6-4 205 FR # 15 Preston Jackson CB 5-9 180 SR 16 Rashon Powers-Neal FB 6-2 243 SR 16 Stan Revelle 5-11 195 SR LEFT END QB Nov. 13 PITTSBURGH - L 27-Lemma l ' Geoffrey Price P 6-3 190 SR 95 -R u d u lp h CURNERBACK 17 J.J. W arren QB 6-1 184 SO 8 -W lllia m s OREGON STATE 18 Darren Bragg QB 6-2 185 FR 3 0 - B u m l e y 18 Chinedum Ndukwc DB 6-2 223 SO Nov. 27 at USC - L DEFENSE 19 D.J. Fitzpatrick K/P 6-1 200 SR 21 M aurice Stovall WR 6-5 227 JR 22 Ambrose Wooden CB 5-11 186 SO 23 C hase A nastasio WR 6-1 202 SO 24 D w ight Bllick CB 5-10 185 SR 25 N ate Schiccatano FB 6-2 242 JR 26 W ade lam s DB 5-8 170 FR 26 Travis T hom as RB 6-0 212 SO 27 Lionel Bolen DB 6-0 211) SR 27 John Lyons RB 6-1 192 SO 28 Tregg Duerson DB 5-10 170 FR 28 Cole Laux FB 5-10 240 SR 30 Mike Richardson DB 5-11 190 JR 31 Jake C arney FS 6-0 192 JR C o a c h in g Q uarterbacks I r is h R u s h in g Ir is h P a s s in g 31 A.J. C edeno DB 6-0 191 SO 32 Jeff Jenkins RB 6-0 216 JR 33 Justin Hoskins RB 6-0 195 FR 34 Terrail Lambert DB 5-10 190 FR 37 Junior Jabbie DB 5-11 190 FR 37 Malt Mitchell CB 5-9 190 JR Quinn has been up and The Irish have done well 38 Leo Ferrine DB 6-0 180 FR Baer will lead the team in Notre Dame has had 39 Brandon Hoyte LB 5-11 231 SR down during the regular this season with a two- 40 M aurice C rum , Jr. LB 6-1 215 FR ui his first, and last, game as some good games pass­ 41 Mike Goolsby LB 6-4 242 SR season, but has still had headed attack in senior coach of the Irish. As ing this season and also 42 Anthony Vemaglia LB 6-4 220 FR the best year of his career Ryan Grant and fresh­ 43 Anthony Salvador LB 6-2 232 JR < defensive coordinator dur­ some poor showings. 44 Justin Tuck DE 6-5 261 SR o so far after throwing for man Darius Walker. The 45 Carl Gioia K/P 5-10 185 SO ing the regular season Against the Trojans, the 2,372 yards and 15 two backs were about 45 Rich Whitney DB 6-3 205 JR Lti under the recently-fired Irish threw for a season- 46 Corey Mays LB 6-1 243 SR K . He has also all the offense the Irish 47 Mitcnell Thomas LB 6-3 230 SO W illingham , B a e r’s low 105 yards. The 48 6-4 SR shown flashes of being could muster against Jerom e Collins TE 258 defense was strong against team’s raid of 218.2 49 Derek Curry LB 6-3 235 SR able to bring the ball USC, and Oregon State’s 50 Dan Santucci OL 6-4 292 JR the run but poor against yards per game is about 51 Jam ie Ryan OL. 6-5 310 down and run if the run defense is not as JR the pass. average in Division I. 52 Joe Brockington LB 6-1 225 SO defense allows it. good as USC’s. 53 D an Hickey OL 6-3 224 JR 53 Joseph Boland LB 6-3 JR 54 David Fitzgerald OL. 6-4 285 JR 55 Zachary Giles C 6-3 281 SR 56 Nick Borseti LB. 6-4 238 SO The Beavers have done The Beavers allow 194.1 58 Abdel Banda LB 6-2 215 FR Riley has a losing Anderson has had a fan­ 59 Jam es Bent OL 6-1 271 JR HI okay against the run, yards per game, a pretty 59 Dan Chervanick DT/NG 6-2 265 record in two stints at tastic year, throwing for JR but they have also low average considering 60 C asey Cullen LB 6-2 212 SO Oregon State, and was 3,257 yards and 25 61 J.J. Jansen LS 6-3 215 FR played a schedule full of Oregon State is in the 62 Scott Raridon OT 6-6 310 JR not successful in the touchdowns. Both Quinn 64 Casey Dunn OL 6-4 256 SR pass-first Pac-10 teams. pass-happy Pac-10 con­ 1 NFL as coach of the San and Anderson completed 65 Tim Gritzman DE 6-3 210 FR z Oregon State has ference. They are tied 66 Derek Landri NO 6-2 278 JR Diego Chargers from 53 percent of their pass­ 67 John Kadous OL 6-7 310 FR o allowed an average of for fifth in the country 68 Ryan 11 arris OL 6-5 289 SO 1999-2001. His team es this season, but 69 Darin Mitchell OC 6-3 290 SR 122.6 yards per game with 18 interceptions, 5

I 2 I 5 has played hard this Anderson had 470 70 OL 6-6 280 FR oc this season and just but have also allowed 23 71 James Bone Hi OL 6-4 290 JR season against ranked attempts to Quinn’s 324 72 Jeff Thompson OL 6-4 285 SR nine rushing touch­ touchdowns through the o team s. attem pts. 73 M ark Ix'Voir OT 6-7 310 SR air. 74 Dan Stevenson OG 6-5 293 SR downs. 75 Chris Frame DE 6-5 271 JR 76 Bob M orton OG/C 6-4 300 JR 77 Greg Pauly DT 6-6 295 SR 78 John Sullivan C 6-3 295 SO The Irish might have 79 Brian Mattes OL 6-5 292 IK Anderson might have the Notre Dame shouldn’t 80 Chris Vaughn WR 6-4 205 FR While Riley has never have too much difficulty difficulty against the 81 Brandon Harris WR 6-1 190 JR more impressive stats, 82 Matt Shelton WR 6-0 175 SR done much to prove his Beavers if Quinn makes but he also has the running enough to keep 83 Jeff Sam ardzija WR 6-5 215 SO (/> worth as a head coach, poor decisions and 84 Mike O'Hara WR 5-9 175 JR advantage of Oregon the defense honest. 84 Rob Woods WR 6-2 205 JR he still has six years of Oregon State has faced throws intercepIions. 85 Billy Palm er II 6-3 256 SR State’s complete lack of a experience in both the The Oregon Stale 87 Marcus Freeman TE 6-2 248 JR I running game. Neither very few teams with the 88 Anthony Fasano TE 6-4 256 JR < Nil and at Oregon defense has been stellar 89 John Carlson TE 6-5 248 s o Z team’s pass defense is rushing attack the Irish S la te f Ba'or, m eanw hile, against a schedule that 90 Brian Beidatsch DL 6-2 295 SR overly impressive, so have, and when they did 91 Craig C ardillo K 6-0 169 JR < will be coaching his first is*loadcd with better 92 Kyle Budinscak DE 6-4 275 SR both should face good running teams 93 Brandon Nicolas DL 6-5 275 FR gam e. (USC, California), they pasSlffTleams than 94 Justin Brown DL/LB 6-4 225 FR have good nights. 95 Victor Abiamiri DE 6-5 269 SO lost. Notre Dame. 96 Bobby Renkes K/P 6-0 190 SO 97 Travis Lcitko 1 H 6-6 275 JR 98 Trevor Laws DL 6-0 285 s o 99 Ronald Talley DL 6-4 245 FR

What do I know? Probably not much. I picked A lot of people would compare winning this the Irish to beat BYU, Purdue, BC, and Pitt, and game to Boston College and Pittsburgh — lose to Michigan and Tennessee. So, I'll go with games the Irish shouldn’t lose because of the Oregon State in hopes I'm wrong yet again. Irish leadership of their senior class. But that leader­ Notre Dame needs to’shut down the Beavers ship can’t overcome Notre Dame’s inability to outstanding passing attack, while the Irish stop Oregon State’s aerial attack. It won’t be the offense needs to rush the ball well against a vul­ Fiasco Bowl, but it won’t be a happy ending. experts nerable OSU run defense. 1 Matt Lozar FINAL SCORE: Oregon State 27, Joe Hettler FINAL SCORE: Oregon State 31, Editor in Chief Notre Dame 17 AME Notre Dame 21 Tuesday, December 14, 2004 The Observer ♦ IRISH INSIDER page 5 Oregon State Beavers HEAD Record: 6-5 AP: NR Oregon State Beavers Coaches: NR Mike Riley OREGON STATE OREGON STATE fourth sea so n at OFFENSE Oregon State 2004 Schedule career record: 1 6 - L o v e CORNERBACK , 8 2 - P o w e r s LEFT TACKLE 2 4 - E l lic k 22-24 61 K eels 6 - C a m p b e ll Sept. 4 at LSU - L 7 8 - M ill e r at Oregon State: 22-24 LEFT GUARD Sept. 10 at Boise State - L 6 9 - L l n e h a n R IG H T E N D against Notre 6 2 - P e r r y 9?-Budinscak Mike Riley 95-Abiamiri LINEBACKER Sept. 18 NEW MEXICO - W Dame: 0-0 head coach

Sept. 25 at Arizona State - L R o s t e r No. Pos. Ht. Wt. YR 2 Brandon Browner CB 6-4 202 SO Oct. 2 CALIFORNIA - L 3 Josh Hawkins WR 6-0 185 JR 67-Schuening 4 Keith Ellison LB 6-2 224 JR 58-Bridges I CENTER . 4 Nick Bode man WR 5-11 180 JR 73 -B rock LINEBACKER 5 Mitch Meeuwsen FS 6-3 205 SR 4 1 - G o o l s b y 7 5 - D e V a n Oct. 16 at Washington - W 5 Brady Schlalich QB 6-1 201 FR RIGHT TACKLE 6 G eorge G illett WR 6-1 208 SR 76-Thom pson^ 6 Harvey Whiten SS 6-3 219 JR Oct. 23 WASHINGTON ST. - W 7 C olt C harles QB 6-0 188 SO 7 Lamar Herron DB 6-0 195 FR 8 Aric W illiams CB 6-0 172 SR FREE Oct. 30 at Arizona - W 9 Gerard Lawson CB 5-9 185 FR SAFETY 10 John Dailey PK 6-1 214 JR 8 - B u r r e l l 10 Ryan Gunderson QB 6-4 220 FR WIDE RECEIVER 8 S £ » 18-Ndukwe 17-Wheal-Brown. 12 Adam Rothenfluh QB 6-3 187 SR ss„ Nov. 6 USC - L 13 Blake Normine WR 5-10 183 FR 13 A lexis C em a PK 5-7 157 FR 14 D erek A nderson QB 6-6 240 SR Nov. 13 at Stanford - W 15 Brian Hildebrand QB 6-2 203 FR 15 Kellen Marshall CB 5-10 183 SO 16 Marcel Love WR 6-0 181 JR 17 Anthony Wheat-Brown WR 6-1 210 ' FR Nov. 20 OREGON - W 18 Jimtavis Walker RB 5-9 217 JR 19 Fredie Davis CB 5-11 170 JR 19 Sammie Stroughter WR 5-10 177 FR 20 Dallas Buck DB 6-2 191 SO '21 C haz Scott LB 6-2 222 JR 22 Keller Christensen LB 5-10 209 SR 23 Bryan Payton CB 6-1 ' 200 FR 24 Sabby Piscitelli SS 6-3 217 SO 25 N ate Johns WR 6-0 177 FR 26 Yvensen Bernard TB 5-8 207 FR 27 Joe Lem m a DE 6-3 252 SO 28 M ike H ass WR 6-1 210 JR 29 D w ight W right TB 5-9 208 SR 30 Charles Burnley DB 6-0 180 FR B eav er R u s h in g B ea v er P a s s in g S p e c ia l T e a m s In t a n g ib l e s 30 Michael Jones TB 5-11 247 FR 31 Daniel Weis RB/LB 6-0 222 FR 32 Jeff K ruskam p TE 6-4 227 1 R 33 Ryan Cole TB 6-0 233 SO 34 Keenan Lewis CB 6-1 172 FR N o tre D a m e ’s ru s h The Irish secondary has Notre Dame hasn’t won 35 Sam Paulescu P/PK 5-11 187 JR Fitzpatrick is 11-for-15 in 36 Brandon Hughes WR 5-10 167 FR defense is ranked No. 9 been one of the worst in a bowl game since 1994, 37 Matthew Sieverson FS 6-1 200 FR field goals this year, and in the nation, averaging the country, allowing and lost its last two 38 Olaniyi Sobomehin RB 6-0 231 FR has been better than 39 Daniel Drayton S 5-9 199 FR just 94.4 yards allowed five touchdowns in each games during the regu­ 40 Jonathan Pollard LB 6-1 243 SR average on his punts — 5 per game. The Irish of Notre Dame’s last two lar season. They’d love 73 41 Kevin Davidson LB 6-1 237 SR averaging 42.4 yards per 42 Andy Darkins LB 6-2 227 FR have held opponents games in the regular to break both those m 43 Eric Anderson SLB 6-1 205 FR kick. The Irish kick return under 100 yards eight season. The team’s aver­ streaks at the Insight 44 Trent Bray LB 6-1 234 JR team has been woeful, 45 Derrick Doggett WLB 6-3 197 FR times this season, but age of 274.3 yards Bowl, and help Baer go Alan Darlin LB FR allowing two touchdowns 46 6-1 238 only won four of those allowed through the air out a winner — no doubt 47 Star Paddock LS 5-10 187 JR and 20.5 yards average 48 Eddie Stamm LB 6-1 215 FR gam es. per game is the fourth- with the team playing in per return. 49 Jeff Van Orsow DE 6-2 258 FR worst in the nation. honor of Williingham. 50 Seth Lacey LB 6-2 237 SR 51 A dam Speer C 6-2 290 FR 52 John Strowbridge P 6-1 230 FR 53 E van Sm ith LB 6-0 195 FR 54 D arrick Bruns LS 6-5 271 JR Oregon State has gone 55 Caleb Tommasini CB 5-11 186 FR Anderson is not a stellar Serna is 16-of-17 for field The Beavers are anxious from one of the best 56 Corey O 'N eill PK 5-9 169 FR quarterback, but neither goals this year, but has to show their 6-5 record is o 57 Kelly Phelps LB 6-2 226 SO rushing teams in the 73 58 Brent Bridges OG 6-3 291 SR was Pittsburgh’s Tyler missed three extra points misleading, and hope to nation with Stephen m 60 J.C. Ronnfeldt OG 6-4 347 SO Palko, who threw for 334 — with all three coming take advantage of the Irish o 61 A dam Koets OT 6-6 293 SO Jackson in 2003, to the 62 Jeremy Perry OG 6-2 296 FR yards and five touch­ in a game that cost the while they’re down. With • o second-worst in the 65 D oug N ienhuis OT 6-6 321 SR team an upset victory the game in Arizona, z 66 Andy Levitre OL 6-2 326 FR nation in 2004 at just downs against the Irish. Anderson is the leader of against LSU early in the Oregon State might have a 67 Roy Schuening OG 6-3 302 FR 75.3 yards per game. Its 69 Josh Linehan OT 6-4 284 SO season. The Beavers slight home-field advan­ 71 Winfield Usher OG 6-2 342 FR passing game more than the nation’s eighth-best passing attack, averaging have allowed one punt tage, but then again there 73 M att Brock C 6-2 298 SR makes up for the lack of 75 Kyle DeVan OL 6-2 292 FR 304.4 yards per game. return for a touchdown. are Irish fans everywhere. m 76 Tavita Thompson OL 6-6 290 FR a rushing game. 77 Pemell Booth DT 6-1 298 FR 78 C hris M iller OT 6-5 299 JR 79 Patrick Wu OT 6-3 302 FR 80 Zach Tarver WR 6-5 214 FR The Irish really want to win 81 Kevin Swanigan WR 6-2 201 JR The Beavers will proba­ Oregon State’s strength on Neither team is overly 82 Brandon Powers WR 6-1 203 FR this game, but this looks like 83 Dan H aines TE 6-4 242 bly lose this battle badly. offense is through the air, impressive when it comes JR However, the Irish have a bit of a mismatch with one 84 Jim H anchett TE 6-6 248 JR something that doesn’t bode to special teams. Both do 85 Jerem y W eldon TE 6-2 267 JR of the best passing offense in 86 Gabe Button TE 6-4 232 still lost plenty of games well for the Irish. Anytime some tilings well and some > SR this year in which they the country against an Irish z 87 Zach Hagemeister TE 6-4 264 FR during the regular season things poorly. The kicking 88 Pat Loney TE 6-6 251 SR secondary that is one of the > stopped their opponents’ that the Irish faced a veter­ games for each team are 89 Joe N ew ton TE 6-7 244 SO running games, so woret. The distractions sur­ 90 Bill Sw ancutt DE 6-4 259 SR an quarterbuek, the defense especially shaky, as Serna 91 Frank Naymon DE 6-4 275 FR Oregon State might not suffered as a result. rounding Notre Dame’s I 92 Alvin Smith DT 6-2 313 JR has been suspect on extra

Oregon State’s passing attack will Notre Dame has optimism for The Irish would really really love be too much for Notre Dame as all next season and something to to win this game for Willingham. team’s attacks have been this sea­ prove. But the Oregon State But, they probably really really son. The Beavers will stop the Irish passing offense has been too wanted to beat USC, Pittsburgh, offense enough to get the win complicated and successful this Purdue, Boston College and through the air. The Irish are opti­ season to let me pick the Irish BYU, as well. The Notre Dame mistic about next season, but it — who struggle against the secondary simply doesn’t have doesn’t start here. pass — in this one. enough to stop Anderson and Heather Pat Leonard Justin Schuver the Beavers’ passing attack. Van Hoegarden FINAL SCORE: Oregon State Associate FINAL SCORE: Oregon State Associate FINAL SCORE: Oregon State Sports Editor 27, Notre Dame 20 Sports Editor 31, Notre Dame 24 Sports Editor 35, Notre Dame 14 page 6 The Observer ♦ IRISH INSIDER Tuesday, December 14, 2004 Sizing up the Irish and Beavers

N o t r e D a m e ’s O f f e n s e O r e g o n S ta te ’s O f f e n s e vs vs v e r a g e e r a m e A P G O r e g o n S ta te ’s D e f e n s e N o t r e D a m e ’s D e f e n s e

total yards gained 351.8 378.8 total yards allowed 316.7 368.6

rushing yards gained 133.6 74.5 rushing yards allowed 122.6 94.4

passing yards gained 218.2 304.4 passing yards allowed 194.1 274.3

N otre D a m e O regon S tate

kick return yards gained 59.7 49.5 P a s s in g D e fe n se P a s s in g G a m e kick return yards allowed 93.8 82 Notre Dame’s passing The Beavers pass for defense has been woe­ 304.4 yards per game, ful this season, espe­ while the Irish allow punt return yards gained [ 31.9 cially against teams 274.3 yards per game. with a veteran quarter­ That’s not good odds if punt return yards allowed| back. you’re a Notre Dame fan. The Irish have been Derek Anderson, especially suspect above, has been one of yards per punt against the pass in the best passers in the 41.5 41.9 their last two games country, throwing for punts blocked against Pittsburgh and 3,257 yards and 25 f [J7 USC in w hich N otre touchdowns. The Beavers Dame defensive backs have been a pass-first turnovers lost 15 allowed five touch­ team all season, and I downs in each,contest. Anderson has lit perfectly turnovers recovered n 21 1 Quentin Burrell, into head coach Mike above, and the rest of Riley’s system. the Irish defensive Eight different Beavers total points scored 24.4 25.6 backs are going to have caught a touchdown total points allowed have to stop the pass this season, and 24.8 22.8 Beavers’ passing game Anderson will try to if the Irish have any spread the Irish second­ hope of winning their ary early and look for Notre Dame yards penalized 48.9 first bowl game since matchups to take advan­ Oregon State yards penalized 81.8 1994. tage of. Mattison to join Meyer's UF staff after bowl Current Irish defensive line coach will

over the past eight years. The coordinator, Mattison came to By MATT LOZAR challenge of recruiting at Notre South Bend and has seen a Sports Writer Dame is the lack of a local tal­ number of defensive linemen ent base. While the allure of make it to the National Irish defensive line coach playing for the Irish is an Football League, including Greg Mattison simply couldn’t advantage, the countrywide Lance Legree, Anthony Weaver, take another coaching change. search is a hindrance. Derrick Campbell and Cedric Mattison will become co- At Florida, that won’t be the Hilliard. Current senior defen­ defensive coordinator and the case. sive end Justin luck is project­ defensive line coach at the on “For the past eight years, I’ve ed as a high draft pick when he new coach ’s staff been on a plane it seems like decides to go to the NFL. at the University of Florida every other day Hying all over Great players, seeing his after coaching Notre Dame in the country,” Mattison said. daughter graduate in 2003 and the Insight Bowl Dec. 28. [Meyer] said, ‘How are you his love for the University “I’m really excited about it. going to like getting in your Mattison leaves with nothing I’m excited about IMeyer],” car, driving to but good things Mattison said Friday. “We’ve see a kid at to say about always really respected each night and then 7 think the world of Notre Dame. other. I think the world of him driving home?’ IMeyer] and the job “Notre Dame and the job he’s done and I’m T h e n I s a i d , he’s done and I’m is a special excited about being there.” ‘W ell I h a v e n ’t place, it’s as Mattison was the defensive done that in excited about being good of a place coordinator for all five years of along time, that there. ” as there is. I’m former Irish coach Bob Davie’s will be kind of still excited tenure. When Tyrone fun” Greg Mattison about the day I Willingham came to South Mattison was loft Michigan to Bend in 2002, Mattison was the in consideration Irish defensive line coach come here. lone holdover from Davie’s for the Western That’s one of staff and has been the defen­ Michigan head-coaching job, the best decisions I ever m ade sive line coach for the past but pulled his name from con­ just because I had the opportu­ three seasons. tention when he couldn’t com­ nity to spend eight years at this “When you’re a guy that’s mit five years to running the great institution,” Mattison kept, it’s hard to go pick up the show there. said. “They are going to be pieces, ” Mattison said. “I wasn’t going to take a job great here. The coach that “Recruiting is hard enough, but and have everybody commit to comes in here, I really think when you have to go in after you and you commit to them has some great talent. The something like this happened, and something comes up like a defense should be back the the first thing you have to get Florida or something like that way it was, and the offense has the young man’s confidence and have to tell those guys I’m everybody back. and trust. Then you have to going to take this job,” “Notre Dame will get past recruit him. I said I don’t know Mattison said. “I don’t believe this bump. I don’t think there’s if I want to go through that in th a t.” a question about that.” CLAIRE KELLEY/The Observer whole thing again.” After coaching at the Irish defensive line coach Greg M attison, back, will leave Notre Mattison is known as one of University of Michigan for five Contact Matt Lozar at Dame after the Insight Bowl to become co-defensive coordina­ Notre Dame’s top recruiters years, the last two as defensive [email protected] tor for Florida coach Urban Meyer’s staff. Tuesday, December 14, 2004 The Observer ♦ IRISH INSIDER page 7 Oregon State happy to be in any bowl game No. 4 California'sBOS snub drops Beav

Dame 41-9 in the last postsea­ active Division-I quarterback By PAT LEONARD son meeting between the two behind only Hawaii’s Timmy Associate Sports Editor team s at the 2001 Fiesta Bowl. Chang (16,667 yards). This time, the Beavers again Anderson helped Oregon State No. 4 California was poised to bring a high-octane passing rebound from a 1-4 start. The take a BCS bid to the Rose Bowl. attack characteristic of Pac-10 Beavers played four ranked Then, it happened. teams against a Notre Dame teams in their first five games, The Golden Bears got secondary that has allowed 10 losing to Boise State, Arizona snubbed in favor of No. 6 Texas. passing touchdowns in its last State, California and Louisiana Their drop in the bowl picture two games. State, a 22-21 season-opening rippled throughout the Pac-10 Quarterback Derek Anderson loss in which kicker Alexis conference, and the stage was leads the Beaver offense that Serna missed three extra points. set. averages 304 yards passing and Riley’s team bounced back to Notre Dame (6-5) would play 74 yards rushing per game. win on the road against Oregon State (6-5), not UCLA, in Anderson kept Oregon State Washington, Arizona and the Insight Bowl Dec. 28 in close against No. 1 USC in a 28- Stanford, and a season-ending Phoenix. 20 loss, the same team that beat 50-21 victory over in-state rival “There’s going to be a lot said Notre Dame 41-10. Oregon clinched the Beaver about how this all transpired,” “[Oregon State] throws the bowl berth. fourth-year Oregon State head ball all over the place,” Irish Oregon State defensive end coach Mike Riley interim Bill Swancutt (6-foot-4, 259- said. “I really head coach pounds) anchors the Beavers have no opinion “I think Notre Dame and K ent B aer line and has the second-highest on it whatsover. I the Insight Bowl are said. “They sack total (11.5) and third-most said right after h av e got tackles for a loss (18.5) in the the Oregon game attractive to our team. every route conference. Swancutt was that I’m very Just like all of us imaginable, announced as the 2004 Morris excited to be coaches, I think the everything Trophy winner recently, an going to a bowl you can award given to an offensive and game, they’ll tell players are excited just imagine in defensive lineman each season us where to go to learn where and who the passing as voted by the players on oppo­ and we’ll be very they wanted us to play. ”game, [and nents’ starting lines. pleased with it.” they throw] Anderson and Swancutt are Had California for 300 both seniors and looking to gone to the Rose Mike Riley y a rd s a close their careers out with a Bowl, Oregon Oregon State coach gam e.” win Dec. 28. State would have Notre “I think the Sun Bowl was met Purdue in the Dame’s def­ attractive. I think Notre Dame Sun Bowl. But Riley said his ense gives up 274 yards passing and the Insight Bowl are attrac­ team is pleased with even and 94 yards rushing per game. tive to our team ,” Riley said. receiving a bowl bid. Anderson (6-foot-6, 240- “Just like all of us coaches, I “It’s exciting for our team,” he pounds) has thrown for 10,891 think the players were excited said. “I think it’s great for the yards and 75 touchdowns in just to learn where and who Beavers to play five of the last four seasons with the Insight they wanted us to play.” six years in bowl games. It’s a Bowl remaining, both first all- Getty great opportunity to practice time for an Oregon State quar­ Oregon State quarterback Derek Anderson looks for an open our young players.” terback. He also has the second Contact Pat Leonard at receiver during the Beavers’ gam e against USC. Oregon State routed Notre most career passing yards of an [email protected] Baer decides not to pursue Utah State job

the first go-around. see time at the cornerback posi­ By MATT LOZAR Utah State announced Brent tion in bowl practice as well as Sports Writer Guy as its new head coach get repetitions at his customary Friday. safety position. The way Irish interim head Beavers a streaking team “Freddie did an excellent job coach Kent Baer explained the After a 1-4 start, the Beavers for us that day. It’s really just a Utah State situation showed have won five of their last six tough situation to get him in, how difficult a decision it was. games to become bowl-eligible get him all the looks,” Baer Baer’s parents live five min­ after defeating Oregon 50-21 on said. “But I thought for the utes from the campus. His son, Nov. 20 in the annual ‘Civil most part, he did a great job. I granddaughter and four sisters War” game between the two know they gave us some looks, live there as well. He played teams. especially in the passing game college football for the Aggies The hot finish to the season that he hadn’t seen, that we and coached there for nine reminds Baer of the 1996 hadn’t practiced. I thought for years. Stanford team that won its final the most part he did well.” But for Baer to take a head four regular season games Baer wouldn’t say whether coach position, it had to be before defeating Michigan State Parish would get his second about more than personal con­ 38-0 in the Sun Bowl. start of the season at corner in nections. “I They’ve I won four out of the the bowl game. “After looking at the situation, last five or five out of the last Team hopes to get players my emotional heart and my six. So, we might be playing one healthy for bowl personal heart was into it of the hottest teams in the Baer didn’t have a lengthy because that’s where I’m from,” country. We’re playing a team injury update list on Friday. He Baer said. “But my professional that’s pretty hungry,” Baer said. said defensive end Justin Tuck heart just didn’t seem like the “They’re really a talented foot­ should be okay and that right thing for me to do right ball team and we’re going to' , who has been now. I’d love to be a head coach have our hands full. battling an ankle injury this someday. I want to make sure It’s going to be a challenge. season, should be fine once the it’s the right situation. I don't Our guys are excited to play Irish get to Phoenix. want to be a head coach just to them .” Coming out of the USC game, be a head coach. So, again, it The impressive statistic about the Irish had some players beat was just a gut feeling.” Oregon State’s five losses — up. Baer said he will hold some Baer wasn’t satisfied when LSU, Boise State, Arizona State, back in practice so they’re the school couldn’t commit to California and USC — is those ready for Oregon State. future plans concerning all came against teams current­ Practice schedule upgrades to the locker room, ly ranked in the Associated Baer said the Irish will prac­ meeting rooms and weight Press top 25 and all five are tice today, Wednesday, room. playing in bowl games. Thursday and Friday before the When the school asked Baer if Parish continues to practice players go home for a few days. we would accept the job if it at cornerback The team will reconvene in was offered, he said no. After making his starting Phoenix on Dec. 22. Baer met with Utah State in debut at cornerback against AP Arizona the second time after Southern California Nov. 27, Contact Matt Lozar at Notre Dame interim coach Kent Baer turned down the opportunity meeting them in Los Angeles on Freddie Parish will continue to [email protected] to be the head coach at Utah State. page 8 The Observer ♦ IRISH INSIDER Tuesday, December 14, 2004

CHUY BENITEZ/The Observer CHUY BENITEZ/The Observer The Best of 2 0 0 4 Notre Dame’s roller-coaster season had plenty of highs — upsetting No. 7

Michigan, defeating No. 11 Tennessee in a packed Neyland Stadium — but

also plenty of lows — losing to Brigham Young in the first game of the sea­

son, dropping consecutive home games to Boston College and Pittsburgh.

The team’s up-and-down performance also featured the emergence of sever­

al Irish stars — running back Darius Walker and wide receiver Matt Shelton,

among others. The Irish hope to finish the season on a good note with a vic­

CHUY BENITEZ/The Observer tory in the Insight Bowl Dec. 28.

CLAIRE KELLEYZThe Observer

CHUY BENITEZ/The Observer CHUY BENITEZ/The Observer

Clockwise from top left, Irish wide receiver Matt Shelton catches one of his two touchdowns against Michigan. Irish running back Ryan Grant breaks a tackle against Navy. Irish running back Darius Walker breaks free for a long gain against Stanford. Irish defensive end Kyle Budinscak tackles Tennessee running back Gerald Riggs, Jr. Irish Billy Palmer celebrates his only touchdown of the season against USC. Irish fullback Rashon Powers-Neal scores a touchdown against Purdue. Tuesday, December 14, 2004 The Observer ♦ SPORTS page 3 Former Irish players commend decision to hire Weis

Moving Weis from coaching on Sundays to the Irish — after the Patriots season deficiency Weis may have will be more By ERIC RETTER to Saturdays is expected to immediately comes to a close. than eclipsed by the ability he brings to the Sports W riter impact the Irish on the recruiting trail. “He’s been here five years and has a lot table. “First of all, kids should come to Notre to do with our success,” Belichick told the “He has a brilliant football mind,” past The NFL branch of the Notre Dame Dame because of the school, but, if you Associated Press. “We all at the Patriots Notre Dame tight end and 10-year NFL Alumni Association has no illusions as to bring in a guy with three Super Bowl rings wish him well. But at the same time, we veteran Derek Brown said. “That alone is why Charlie Weis came to the Irish. and who’s a proven have a lot of football part of it. He understands the big picture.” “He’s here to win football games,” said winner, then high left. We have a job to That mind will be charged with uniting a , a former Irish tight end school kids are going “The circus is over. We got a do.” team and a community that has seen its who, along with Weis, won the Super Bowl to want to play for big-time coach, and we After years of suc­ share of controversy since Willingham as part of the 1990 . him,” Bavaro said. didn’t have to settle. cess as an assistant departed. Weis comes to South Bend with an Not only will Weis co ach , n e x t y e a r ’s “The only way you do that is by winning impressive history of being part of teams potentially help bring He’s a name with Notre Irish squad will be the games,” Edwards said. “You have to win that do just that, being the proud owner of top. high school stu- D am e ties. ” first college or profes­ football games, and, if you do that, then three world championship rings and lead­ dent-athletes to the sional team Weis has everyone will rally behind you.” ing the offensive attack for a Patriots team Irish, but he will bring Marc Edwards managed. However, ’’Winning cures everything,” Brown poised to make a run for a fourth. with him the ability to those who have agreed. Weis’ hiring ends a two-week long develop the talent that Jaguars fullback worked with him don’t Weis’ desire to make this his last coach­ firestorm that began when Tyrone is already here. expect the doubts ing stop is shared by Edwards who wants Willingham was dismissed on Nov. 30. “He gives players a about his lack of head to see Weis roaming the Irish sidelines for Many are glad the situation resolved program to buy into,” Bavaro said. coaching experience to manifest them­ a many years. itself in Weis. Weis will juggle his Notre Dame and selves any time soon. “He signed a long-term contract,” “I’m pumped about [the hire],” said New England coaching responsibilities for “There’s definitely question marks,” Edwards said. “Hopefully he’ll be the face Marc Edwards, former Irish star and the remainder of the NFL season. Patriots Bavaro said. “No one’s sure [what will of Notre Dame football for a long time to Jaguars fullback. “The circus is over. We head coach had nothing but happen], but judging by his past record, come.” got a big-time coach, and we didn’t have to good things to say about Weis and gave his he’s more than capable.” settle. He’s a name with Notre Dame ties.” offensive coordinator his blessing to come Most seem convinced any head coaching Contact Eric Retter at [email protected]

celebrated head coaches prepared him to take over one of the most visible jobs Home in the nation. Weis knows nasty is needed continued from page 4 “I look at those guys, those gentlemen who I have been able to be groomed “Obviously one of the two greatest under and be polished under and influences of my life in the coaching learned how to deal with the game of profession is ,” Weis said. “I football and teaching of football and mean, he took me, gave me an opportu­ dealing with all of the different ele­ nity when I was an absolute nobody, ments and the distractions, and get hired me and groomed me, and started focused on what’s really important,” me on special teams and then I moved Weis said. to offense.” Family is important to Weis and his Weis coached the Giants’ running wife, Maura, who have two children, backs for two years before moving to Charlie and Hannah. In 2003, Weis and New England, where he coached run­ Maura started the Hannah & Friends ning backs, tight ends and wide Foundation for children and young receivers for the Patriots from 1993-96. adults affected by autism and global Weis then went to the , delays. Weis’ daughter Hannah is where he made his debut at offensive affected by these developmental disor­ coordinator in 1998. In 2000, he ders. returned to New England as Bill Maura and Charlie attended Weis’ Belichick’s offensive coordinator, pick­ press conference where he announced ing up two more Super Bowl titles. his acceptance of the Notre Dame job. “The foresight and insight that “This is not a stepping stone,” Weis [Belichick] had is one of the things that I said. “This is an end-all for our family. pride myself on — trying to take the We come to Notre Dame, it’s with the best attributes of each person I've been intent of retiring here ... I’m proud to around and he’s ahead of most people,” be here. I’m thankful to be here.” Weis said.

Working under two of the era’s most Contact Kate Gales at [email protected] AP Charlie Weis coaches the New England Patriots Sunday.

experience. It stuck out like the diamond-filled ring that excuse in New England this year. The Patriots “I don’t think [Weis’ lack of college weighs down his right hand. have been forced him into using wide receiver Recruiting experience] is a negative at all,” he In the middle of his lengthy opening state­ as a defensive back. By the way, continued from page 4 said. “Just look at what he’s done as a ment, new Notre Dame football coach Charlie the Patriots are 12-1. professional coach. He’s won a couple Weis described what his team would be. Weis refused to make excuses Monday good if we can get him here in the next of Super Bowls.” Hard working — Weis knows first-hand about the academic standards for recruiting, couple of days.” So far the only verbal recruit to total­ championship football the challenging schedule and juggling act he’ll One of the potential drawbacks to ly retract his commitment from Notre teams aren’t made by have to perform holding two jobs for what Weis is his lack of collegiate experi­ Dame is Dayton, Ohio defensive back going through the motions. many hope is until Feb. 6 in the winning lock­ ence. His only time spent at the college Brandon Harrison. Lawrence Wilson, a Intelligent — at Notre er room at Super Bowl XXXIX. level was as a graduate assistant and defensive end from Akron, Ohio, has Dame, Weis already has an The players really didn’t know what to think assistant recruiting coordinator at taken away his verbal commitment but advantage. upon hearing Weis’ nasty comment during the South Carolina from 1985-88. still has the Irish on his list along with Nasty — wait a second. press conference. “He has the NFL experience, yes, but Ohio State, Pittsburgh and Michigan. “And I hate to include They remember an offensive coordinator now he’s with a college team,” Bruton Harrison is considering Michigan and the nasty, but that is part of from the Super Bowl champions as something said. “I figure that it will be different Iowa. being a winning football more than just a run-of-the-mill guest speaker [for Weis].” team,” Weis explained. Matt Lozar during a winter practice. He criticized them After three years of polit­ and after that initial shock, the players real­ On the other hand, Smith does not Contact Mike Gilloon at Sports Writer see any problems with Weis’ coaching [email protected] ically correct Tyrone ized this guy knows what he is talking about. Willingham always having Hearing the nasty comment Monday morn­ the right answer to every question, Weis ing provided another eye-opener for the play­ Board on Athletics chair Fernand opened some eyes at his first press confer­ ers. Dutile, chair of the faculty board ence. But they let it sink in again. White on athletics. A decision was then One common theory in replacing a leader is And they liked it. continued from page 1 made and at 6 p.m. Friday evening, to go for the opposite of the person being Just ask Justin Tuck and Brady Quinn. White and University President­ replaced. After meeting with Weis Monday afternoon Weis at 2 p.m. on Friday. Then at 3 elect Father John Jenkins offered Weis isn’t the exact opposite of Willingham. for the second time in as many days, the two p.m., University Provost Nathan Weis the position. Both understand the first and foremost leaders left the Joyce Center with a bounce in Hatch, Executive Vice President responsibility of the coach at Notre Dame is to their step and smiles on their faces. John Affleck-Graves and Faculty Contact Matt Lozar at [email protected] win and win often. That’s why a new coach It didn’t matter that it was finals week. was announced Monday. It didn’t matter that it was a winter wonder­ But Willingham never talked about his team land in South Bend. being nasty. Having a swagger, yes. Being It didn’t matter that Tuck has all the tempta­ the press follows us around and that’s nasty, no. tion in the world to declare a year early for the Malloy not true at every school. We welcome There is a difference. NFL draft. that scrutiny,” Jenkins said. “We think Weis comes from the Bill Parcells and Bill They wanted to strap on the pads right continued from page 1 we have it because we have high ideals Belichick coaching pedigree. Knowing any­ there. for our program. We are going to keep thing about those two top-flight coaches Why? The reason it’s been so tough for them, and we are going to meet them. reveals they are no-nonsense kind of people They know that nasty wins. Notre Dame during all of the media We’ll be able to put us behind us, and who don’t make excuses for anything. Just look at Weis’ right hand. criticism, is the University’s high pro­ we look forward to the future.” Parcells throws his rookies into the fire and file. chastises them when they ask for a play off. The opinions expressed in this column are “People look at it and people attend Contact Matt Lozar at Just ask how well that’s worked. those of the author and not necessarily those to it. When we go to follow coaches, [email protected] Belichick won’t acknowledge injuries as an of The Observer. T h e O bserver

Tuesday, December 14, 2004 Players respond positively to Weis hire

CLAIRE KELLEY and GEOFF MATTESON/The Observer From left, defensive end Justin Tuck, tight end Anthony Fasano and quarterback Brady Quinn answered questions regarding their new coach, Charlie Weis. The three along with linebacker Brandon Hoyte, defensive end Victor Abiamiri and offensive tackle Ryan Harris are part of the student athlete transition team. said, still grinning, “because he was a different twist. That was conference say ‘nasty,’” Tuck NFL or stay in South Bend. By JOE HETTLER got right down to it. He started our first impression of him.” said. “But that’s a good thing “That’s going through my head Sports Writer talking about himself and what Tuck said Weis may even have because football is a nasty game, right now,” Tuck said. “From the he’s all about and right then he insulted some of the players dur­ and you want that attitude com­ little I know about [Weis] and lis­ Brady Quinn looked like a kid had my attention. I’m just happy ing his speech. ing from the top person and fil­ tening to him at the press con­ on Christmas morning Monday. he’s here.” “I think some took a little tering down to the team.” ference, he seems like ... some­ The Irish signal-caller was all Although the entire team did­ offense to it,” Tuck said. “But Perhaps the biggest benefactor body you can really like as a smiles a few moments after n’t speak with Weis before he then they sat down thought of the Weis hiring is the Irish head coach.” Notre Dame named New was hired, many players had about it and he was right.” offense, specifically Quinn. Weis Quinn said one of the most England Patriots offensive coor­ already met the 1978 Notre Irish tight end Anthony Fasano has developed New England’s important criterions that Weis dinator Charlie Weis its 28th Dame graduate. Weis spoke to believes Weis will help Notre former sixth-round pick, Tom will bring Notre Dame’s football football head coach at a morning the Irish during winter workouts Dame have a different attitude Brady, into a two-time Super program is confidence. With so press conference. last year, and Tuck remembers on and off the field. Bowl MVP, w hile lead in g th e many accolades to his name, no “Everybody is real excited,” the speech as anything but typi­ “I think [an attitude change Patriots to wins in two of the last one doubts Weis’ ability to help a Quinn said. “We didn't get to cal. was needed]. Going 6-5, you three Super Bowls. team find success. meet as a team and talk about it, “Honestly, he was the first have to change something,” “I’m pumped up,” Quinn said. “It impresses me. It gives me a but you can tell there’s a lot of guest speaker that wasn’t hip Fasano said. “I think that’s a big “Honestly, going to the press sense of confidence in him excitement and happiness that, hip hooray Notre Dame,” Irish part of football, and I think he’s conference, hearing him talk because he knows what it takes one, the whole search is over — defensive end Justin Tuck said. going to bring it to our team.” and watching the I New England] to get there,” Quinn said. “He’s we know where we are — and “He was more of a critical guest Tuck said he liked what Weis game [Sunday], it only brings coaching guys, he’s had success secondly [about] the person we speaker. That was kind of sur­ said in the press conference, excitement to me, and I just and he’s winning Super Bowl[s], have.” prising. He was the first speaker specifically when the new coach can’t wait to get out there and It’s only going to help us, to give After personally meeting with to come in and really get on us referred to Notre Dame as being get my head in the playbook.” us more confidence and Weis around 9 p.m. Sunday about things. “a nasty” team under his leader­ As for Tuck, Notre Dame’s all- inevitably buy into his program evening, it didn't take Quinn “We were like ‘You’re the ship. time sack leader has one year and his system.” long to form an opinion of his guest speaker, you’re supposed “When he said that, I actually remaining of eligibility remain­ new coach. to come and say how great Notre started laughing because I’ve ing, and he said he’s still waiting Contact Joe Hettler at “Maybe five minutes,” Quinn Dame is and blah blah blah.’ It never heard someone at a press to decide whether to go into the [email protected] Recruits excited Former ND grad returns home

By KATE GALES about Weis tenure News Writer Charlie Weis much about him but I’m looking It was a 27-year journey from Profile By MIKE GILLOON forward to getting a chance to talk student section to sidelines for Sports Writer with him. ” Charlie Weis. David Bruton, a safety from Starting in New Jersey, stop­ • College: Notre Dame As new Notre Dame coach Miamisburg, Ohio, wasn’t as ping off in South Carolina and Charlie Weis walked through the thrilled as Sharpley but still felt winding through New England, • College Coaching Experience: Joyce Center doors Sunday night a Notre Dame made a good choice. Weis has come home to end his South Carolina (1985-88) large sparkled on “It’s a step in the right direc­ career as Notre Dame football’s Assistant Coach his right ring finger. Apparently it tion,” Bruton said. “I still don’t new head coach. caught the eye of Irish recruits. know much about him or how he “This is obviously a high-pro­ Marshall, Mich, quarterback coaches or his personality or any­ file, big-time job,” Weis said. “But • Pro Coaching Experience: Evan Sharpley was enthusiastic at thing like that.” it’s one that I, a long, long time New York Giants (1990-92) the idea of playing under a man When contacted none of the ago thought — ‘wouldn’t that be Assistant Coach who developed New England recruits said Weis had talked to something if you could ever be New England Patriots (1993-96) Patriots quarterback them. However, both Sharpley and the head coach at University of from a sixth-round draft pick to Smith indicated that they were Notre Dame.'” TE/RB/WR Coach Super Bowl MVP. expecting a call from Weis some­ Weis picked up three Super New York Jets (1997-99) “He has a great track record,” time Monday night. Bowl rings on his way home to Offensive Coordinator/ Sharpley said. “Pretty much “I’m looking forward to that the Dome and is the first Notre WR Coach everywhere he’s gone he’s done call,” Sharpley said. Dame alumnus to coach the Irish New England Patriots (2000-04) pretty well. It’s fun to watch him Sharpley, who carries a 3.97 since Hugh Devore served as on Sundays as the Patriots have GPA, phoned a number of players interim coach in 1963. Offensive Coordinator an exciting offense and they use who have already given their ver­ Dr. Jim Bcnenati, Weis’ room­ their players well.” bal commitments to the Irish and mate from his days as a resident MIKE HARKINS/Observer Graphic The combination of being on the other potential recruits after Weis of Planner 2B, recalled Weis as a coaching stall'of three Super Bowl was hired. “warm and caring” person. The New Jersey native was (N.J.) High School until moving to winning teams along with running “I called some guys [Sunday] to Benenati recalled sitting and born in Trenton on March 30, South Carolina to serve as a grad­ one of the best offenses in the NFL see what their opinions were,” he cheering at football games with 1956. He graduated from uate assistant, volunteer coach is another selling point. said. “A lot of guys were excited. I Weis. However, at the time Middlesex High School in 1974 and assistant recruiting coordina­ “He’s a pretty good head coach,” mean, who wouldn’t be?” Benenati never imagined his and the University of Notre Dame tor from 1985-88. In 1989, Weis Hartford, Conn. fullback Asaph One player Sharpley specifically roommate standing where Dan in 1978 with a bachelor’s degree returned to New Jersey to spend Schwapp said, "lie really has the mentioned was Kansas City, Mo. Devine then patrolled. in speech and drama, with an one year as head coach at experience. I le’s done a heck of a wide receiver D.J. fiord, lie has “I never put it past him, |but| I emphasis in communications. Franklin Township (N.J.) High job in the NFL. It’s pretty exciting an official visit scheduled with would be lying if I thought back While coaching at the University School. to know that he’s won a couple Notre Dame but Nebraska, when we were in school that he’d of South Carolina in 1989, Weis In 1990, Weis earned his first Super Bowls.” Oklahoma and LSU are among the ever be the Notre Dame football earned his m aster’s degree in Super Bowl ring during his first Highland Park. III. linebacker schools competing with the Irish coach,” Benenati said. “I don’t education. season with the New York giants Scott Smith agreed with his future for I lord. think that ever even crossed my In 1979, Weis began his career as a defensive assistant. Today, he teammates. “I’m talking to him a lot right mind, but I never put anything as a coach at Boonton (N.J.) I Ugh credits Bill Parcells as one of the "I’m definitely excited that they now,” Sharpley said. “It will be past him in terms of ending up School as an assistant coach. For greatest influences on his career. found a guy like coach Weis to back at the school in some capac­ the next five years, he was an come in,” he said. "I don’t know ity.” assistant coach at Morristown