Irish must become road warriors to win
By NOAH AMSTADTER
Assistant Sports Editor
Current Notre Dame seniors have seen almost everything from the Irish football team.
In 1997, the newcomers to campus saw Jim Sanson miss three field goals as Notre Dame fell 20-17 to rival USC. The next year it enjoyed the season-opening victory over defending national champion Michigan.
As juniors, the team moved closer to the 50-yard line only to see the Irish drop the last four games of the season. Already this year, the seniors have seen the Irish take the top-ranked 'Huskers down to the final seconds.
However, throughout their time under the Golden Dome, Irish seniors have yet to witness a Notre Dame victory over Highway 31 neighbor Michigan State. The Irish have fallen 23-7, 45-23 and 23-13 each of the last three seasons.
"We'd like to think we are an improved football team," said head coach Bob Davie. "But until we go win a game on the road, I don't know that we can say that."
Taking down the Spartans will not be an easy task for Davie's team. Michigan State has won its last six games dating back to last season, led by a tough defense and the strong play of tailback T.J Duckett.
The Irish have succeeded this season behind a strong defense and an overachieving special teams squad. After returning two kicks for touchdowns to take Nebraska into overtime, Notre Dame took advantage of three field goals and a blocked punt against Purdue. Junior cornerback Shane Walton intercepted Heisman Trophy-candidate Drew Brees' pass and returned it for a touchdown.
"I think those things not only inspire the fans," said Davie, "but they inspire the players as well.
Sophomore Gary Godsey, playing in place of injured Arnaz Battle, will once again lead the offense. Godsey completed 14 of 25 passes — one more completion than Brees — while playing in a limited offense last week.
"It means we are going to have to do something a little bit different now to be able to run the ball," said Davie of his struggling running game.
Sophomore Julius Jones made his first career start in the Nebraska game, compiling 227 all-purpose yards.
On defense, sophomore Ryan Roberts is making his second career start in place of injured captain Grant Irons. Linebackers Rocky Boiman and Anthony Denman each have two sacks, while Denman leads the team with 29 tackles.
Defensive backs Tony Driver, Brock Williams, Ron Israel, and Walton have been successful in limiting two top-ranked passing teams in Purdue and Nebraska.
Davie described the opening minutes of the 1998 loss, the last time the Irish entered Spartan Stadium. "When you have a punt blocked late in the game, when you throw interceptions for touchdowns, when you give up big plays on defense, it doesn't matter if you're playing in your backyard if you are playing like that," said Davie.
The next step in proving this team's strength is a win in Michigan State's backyard Saturday.
All Sports Stories for Friday, September 22, 2000
