Students hope game sets tone for season
By Lauren Beck
News Writer
Cautious optimism turned to euphoria Saturday night among Notre Dame football fans after a 22-0 Irish victory over Maryland in the Kickoff Classic.
The general mood on campus following the game in East Rutherford, N.J., was one of hope and excitement as students looked ahead to the remaining 11 games on the football schedule.
"I knew the game was going to set the tone for the season, and that was the tone I wanted it to set," said sophomore Matthew Poetzinger.
Poetzinger hoped the team's showing would increase fan support in the upcoming games.
"Last year, it seemed like people were going to the Stadium to watch the Irish lose, but that won't be happening now. I see an attitude change among the fan base," he said.
For freshmen Joe McFarlane and Mike Ragsdale, Saturday's game was the perfect start to the next four years of watching Irish football.
"I'm proud to be a part of the Irish after their excellent showing," McFarlane said. "They played better than I expected. They played with more spirit … they really wanted to win."
Ragsdale said he was surprised by the team's performance, considering Notre Dame's absence from the preseason polls.
"It was great to witness the first shutout by a new coach at Notre Dame in almost 50 years," he said about Tyrone Willingham's first game at the helm of the team.
Upperclassmen were also optimistic about the new season, citing the improvements they saw from last year. Several credited Willingham's leadership and work ethic for the team's new look and attitude.
"I could tell when seeing new plays and new strategy that it's a different team," said senior Katherine Karrat. "There are things they still need to work on, but I think we'll have a better season than expected as they continue to practice."
Senior George Salib said the Irish were more exciting to watch Saturday than last season as they brandished Willingham's West Coast offensive scheme.
Christine Bryant, also a senior, said she was impressed by Willingham's hard-working attitude.
"You would think a coach up at the half would be pleased, but when they interviewed Willingham at halftime … he wasn't settling. He's tough, and that's what we need. We seemed more together and solid," she said.
Some students, such as junior Chrissy Maher, are hoping for a bowl game appearance from the Irish after the outcome of Saturdays' game.
"I was optimistic before the game, with a new coach and a fresh start, and I'm even more excited now," she said.
But students also recognized that they couldn't get their hopes up too high, too early, especially with a tough schedule that includes Michigan, Michigan State and Florida State.
"We can't get too hyped after the first game," said Bryant. "We have to keep our hopes up high, but don't expect a championship this year"
Salib added, "There is certainly reason to be optimistic, but it's easy for fans to get ahead of themselves. The team is showing promise, but there are things we need to work on."
Regardless, the Irish victory restored fans' faith in Notre Dame football and gave them hope for the rest of the season.
"I think we have more confidence now, win or lose," said sophomore Dennis Idawu. "We're all behind [Willingham], and we believe in him."
Salib said Saturday set a positive tone for what he hopes will be a memorable final football season at Notre Dame.
"I can't imagine how crazy the Stadium will be, with spirit from both the fans and players. I'm looking forward to that."
All News Stories for Monday, September 2, 2002
