Irish defense does the job the offense couldn't — score
By MATT LOZAR
Sports Writer
For the second straight week, cornerback Vontez Duff scored a touchdown, senior linebacker Courtney Watson did not dress and the Irish offense failed to score a touchdown.
For the second straight week, the Irish won a football game — which is really all that matters.
"But the whole key as much as you may like to see us throw the ball and do it successfully — the whole key is to win," Notre Dame coach Tyrone Willingham said. "When I arrived, I said I wanted an offense that wins, a defense that wins and a special teams that wins. Winning is the great thing, and to be 2-0 right now is special."
In a defensive extravaganza, Notre Dame returned three of Purdue's four turnovers for touchdowns and defeated the Boilermakers 24-17.
In the span of 11 seconds, the game went from a 0-0 tie to Notre Dame leading 14-0. Boilermaker running back Montrell Lowe fumbled on a screen pass and Irish safety Gerome Sapp picked up the loose ball and ran 56 yards to put the Irish on the board.
"While I was running, I actually thought of some high school days when I was playing running back," Sapp said. "I don't know what came over me. I was just determined to get in the end zone and my teammates made some really good blocks and they met me and celebrated."
On the ensuing kickoff, Deaunte Ferrell lost the ball and Lionel Bolen returned the ball four yards for the score.
"Those are the great things that happen when the team is flying around and playing team football," Willingham said. "One guy makes a play, and the other guy is right there to cover his backside and pick it up the other way to go in the end zone."
That was a good cushion for a Notre Dame offense that had trouble scoring all day. The passing game, which was moderately successful last week against Maryland, fell totally flat on Saturday.
After looking composed and confident last week, throwing for 226 yards, Irish quarterback Carlyle Holiday had a tougher time against the Boilermakers. Holiday went 7-for-22 and only threw for 50 yards.
"I thought Carlyle hung in there well, especially when it was trying and things were very frustrating," said Notre Dame offensive coordinator Bill Diedrick. "He was very poised. He wasn't in a panic mode. He was seeing what was actually happening out there, and I think that's what you look for."
After Nicholas Setta's 19-yard field goal put Notre Dame ahead 17-0 in the second quarter, Purdue struck back with its own special teams touchdown before the half. Anthony Chambers returned Joey Hildbold's punt 76 yards to bring the Boilermakers within 10.
In the third, Purdue put together a 10-play, 71-yard drive highlighted by a 38-yard pass from Kyle Orton to John Standeford. Jerod Void scored from three yards out to cut the Irish lead to three. Berin Lacevic made a 45-yard field goal on Purdue's next drive to tie the game at 17.
"We made some big plays. We were down 17-0 and came back and tied the game up and had a chance to win the football game," Purdue coach Joe Tiller said. "There was a lot more positive things than negative things except the great big negative is the `L.'"
The Irish responded and gave Setta two chances to put them ahead. He missed a 38-yarder and had a 42-yard attempt blocked.
"That's football. You have to have a team and with that team when you aren't playing up to par, they've got to step up and show themselves, and that's what they did all day," Setta said.
Once again, the Notre Dame defense stepped up. Orton's pass to Seth Morales was tipped, and Duff made the interception. He went 33 yards and dove into the end zone to put the Irish ahead for good.
"It's the best feeling, especially on defense, you don't get to see a touchdown too much, but when you get close, all you know is touchdown," Duff said. "I got in. I got the ball in, that's all that matters."
Although the offense has yet to find the end zone, the defense is confident the offense will provide points when necessary.
"The offense will probably have 600 yards next week against Michigan," Sapp said. "We're not worried at all. They'll step up when they need to."
Ryan Grant led the Notre Dame rushing attack with 99 yards, and Rashon Powers-Neal averaged more six yards a carry on seven touches.
All Sports Stories for Monday, September 9, 2002
