Football: Holiday's fate will be game-time decision
By: ANDREW SOUKUP
Sports Writer
Carlyle Holiday says he's ready to play Saturday. But his coaches aren't quite convinced yet, saying they'd be willing to wait until just before kickoff Saturday before deciding whether to start Holiday or backup Pat Dillingham.
"We'll wait right up until the last moment," Irish head coach Tyrone Willingham said. "Carlyle has progressed very well, and we'll make a decision on game day."
Speaking to reporters for the first time this week, Holiday said his left shoulder is still a little tender but doesn't significantly affect his throwing. He practiced in shoulder pads every day this week, but hasn't done any full contact drills since injuring his shoulder against Michigan State two weeks ago and doesn't know if his non-throwing arm could sustain a hard hit.
Perhaps the clearest sign about Holiday's health came in the interview room after practice. The Irish quarterback normally gestures with both hands when he talks, but rarely moved his injured arm Thursday afternoon.
"I think that the coaches and the doctors should make the decision," said Holiday, who did not elaborate on the specific nature of his injury. "I always want to play, I'm a competitor and I want to be in there to support my team and help win ballgames, but I realize that's not up to me. They want what's in the best interests for me and they know what's right."
Earlier in the week, Willingham said the Irish wouldn't have a definitive timetable on reaching a decision. When asked Thursday if he had a possible starter in mind, Willingham quickly responded.
"I knew someone would ask me that," he said, "and I knew I wouldn't answer that."
If Holiday is unable to play, Dillingham will make his first college start just two weeks after he threw a 60-yard game-winning touchdown pass against Michigan State. Offensive coordinator Bill Diedrick said Notre Dame's preparation won't change for Saturday even though he's not sure who will start.
Earlier in the week, Diedrick suggested the Irish would make a preliminary decision on Holiday's status after Thursday's practice. But Thursday, the offensive coordinator said the decision might not be made until the Irish return to the locker room after warm-ups Saturday.
"I think the thing you always look at along the line of those endless lists … is what's best for the team, what is best for Carlyle, what is the best for everybody," Diedrick said. "There are a lot of factors that will go into it and have already gone into it."
Right now, the Irish are balancing starting Holiday – the clear-cut starter if he is healthy – against the idea that a big hit could knock him out for the rest of the season. On the flip side, Dillingham has played only 20 minutes of college football. Additionally, the Irish haven't decided if Holiday would take over if Dillingham can't move the ball.
The only thing the Irish know for certain is that they know nothing.
"I've progressed faster than most thought. It just feels good right now," Holiday said. "But its all up to the coaching staff with regards to my playing situation."
All Sports Stories for Friday, October 4, 2002
