Quarterbacks, fans, and big plays mark season highlights
By TIM CASEY
Assistant Sports Editor
TEMPE, Ariz.
Season-ending musings while reflecting on Cornhusker Red, what exactly the real Rudy said (at the Air Force luncheon), the afro atop Big Ced's (Hilliard) head, Bob Davie rising from the coaching dead, and Oregon State players acting like they were at Club Med.
Here are one man's most memorable scenes from the past four months. Too bad only the top 10 moments could make the final list.
u Nebraska Fans Sept. 9 The night before, honorary alum Dick Vitale addressed the pep rally crowd and told the players to "play hard for 40 minutes." Oops, baby Wrong sport. Seventeen hours later, even the most loyal and optimistic Irish fan had to be disappointed upon viewing college football's version of the Red Scare. As for the game? The Irish competed for 58 minutes and 27 seconds of regulation. Then Bob Davie decided Notre Dame haters needed extra time to mock the seemingly neutral site atmosphere.
u Day after Nebraska Sept. 10 Arnaz Battle made the navicular bone the most talked about body part in college football. Said a distraught Davie: "You've all seen how we've evolved as a football team and how much work has gone into this offense. This is a tremendous blow."
After a spring, summer and fall installing a Battle-tested offense, the coaches had six days to prepare for Purdue. Lost in the day's events was Grant Irons' season-ending shoulder injury. In retrospect, it's probably best this campus has another year with maybe the nicest student-athlete in the country.
u Cancer kids Sept. 15 By far, the season's highlight. I regret missing the pep rally where Scott Delgadillo spoke. Fortunately, earlier that day, I met with another teenage cancer survivor at the weekly football luncheon. John Clary, an amazing, articulate 15-year old, made the trip from New York to South Bend with his father. The Clarys shared a story of how Davie and the Irish football program made a memorable impact on their 1998 visit to campus. If only all athletes, coaches and celebrities understood their impact on society.
u Godsey vs. Purdue Sept. 16 We trusted in Godsey for good reason. With the help of Nick Setta, who made us again question why Jim Sanson kicked (attempted?) field goals last year, the former tight end led the Irish in Joe Montana-fashion. Who would have imagined that in a month, Godsey would be as forgotten as the state of Montana? At least he basked in the glory for one unforgettable afternoon.
u Godsey post-MSU Sept. 23 A 6-foot-7, 250-pound Notre Dame quarterback can not hide from the media after a game. But that's what the hero-turned-goat attempted to do. Godsey pulled his suit jacket over his eyes and darted for the team bus after a 4-for-20 passing performance. Anyone with an ounce of compassion had to feel bad for Godsey. Notre Dame Nation caught its first glimpse of Matt LoVecchio. Two wins, two losses, two months until Davie's predicted firing.
u Earl block Oct. 28 No-brainer. This game featured the most boring three quarters imaginable but also the most unexpected finish in recent memory. The player with two first names leapt to block Dave Adams field goal and returned to the ground as an instant Irish legend. How many times have you heard of the "13-million dollar block?" Add one to your previous total.
u Getherall at BC pep rally Nov. 10 Everyone thinks Joey Getherall is tough because he gets pummeled. That's true.
But how many 21-year old males would cry in front of over 10,000 people when speaking about his collegiate experiences? There haven't been that many tears shed on campus since Matt Doherty's post-game sobbing ritual. Getherall will be missed dearly in 2001.
u ND players picking up grass after BC win Nov. 11 Not the most original idea but it began the first "November to Remember" in Davie's tenure. A year earlier, Boston College's Chris Hovan tore up a piece of grass and paraded around the Stadium. In 2000, Hovan's high school teammate Dan O'Leary returned the favor. In 50 years, a proud O'Leary will certainly tell his grandchildren the story of his last game in Notre Dame Stadium.
u Davie after USC Nov. 25 The farewell tour ended with a coach refusing to comment on his imminent departure. A victorious Davie answered every question like he had just won the lottery. By mid-December, he had. We're "stuck" with "Bullet Bob" for another five years. At least that's how the contract reads. If the Fiesta Bowl foreshadows the rest of the 2001 campaign, start preparing lists of possible replacements.
u The cornerbacks' Fiesta Bowl performance Jan. 1, 2001 Sorry, Cliff. You don't get any of the $13 million for the Oscar-worthy acting performance for your supporting role in the made-for-ABC tragedy.
Neither does your fellow cornerback. But Williams receives an alternate prize (a mention here) for his post-Fiesta Bowl tirade. "I've never been a part of something like that," Williams said. "This is the worst loss I've been a part of. It's hard, man. I don't want to criticize anyone but overall we need a lot of work. To lose like that, man, is surprising. I don't know how that happened. It makes you think."
One final note: (Those fortunate enough to attend the pep rally in Tempe would understand.)
Although topics changed and subplots varied, one thing remained the same from the assault of the Aggies to the bashing by the Beavers:
How 'bout that band?!
The opinions expressed in this column are those of the author and not necessarily those of The Observer.
All Sports Stories for Wednesday, January 17, 2001
