Another game at Ross-Ade and the weather is of coarse, RAIN,RAIn, RAin, Rain, and more…rain. This became an advantage to Weis and the Fighting Irish as they have been pounding the ball with ease. Tiller thought that having his players wear speedos would put fear in the hearts of the Irish. Instead, the Irish seemed to have put in an extra gear, as to not be touched by these fairy princesses. The defense and special teams was lights out and did HALF of the scoring. McNeil took a pick 61 yards to the house, as did Tommy Zbikowski for 37 yards return to the house. Tommy Z also took a punt 84 yards for a score. James Aldridge scored 2 TDs and led all rushers with 116 yards on 22 carries. Travis Thomas saw limited action due to an ankle injury suffered during practice. (Should be 100% for the Bruins). The remaining TD was a 17 yard reverse by George West on a 3rd and 15 play. Tiller blamed bloggers everywhere for the loss.
MVP- Tommy Z 12 tackles, 2 sacks, INT for TD, 84 yrd PR for TD and a forced fumble.
ND (4-1) @ UCLA (5-0) 17-14 Bruins
The land of roses was not so rosy for the Lads of Notre Dame. The offense struggled in the first half. ND only earned one first down and that was during the first series on a QB scramble by Clausen. The Bruins did not do so hot themselves, but a blocked punt and a long punt return set them up for 2 easy scores from within the 10 yard line. It was 14-0 at the half. The Irish put themselves back in the game with 2 long scoring drives that in its totality took over 32 plays and 18 minutes. Both TDs were the Clausen to Carlson variety (12,9). The defense did what it needed and got the ball back from the Bruins with 3:03 remaining in the game. On the very first play with the ball back, Bruce Davis blindsided Clausen and forced a fumble that was took down to the ND 23 yard line by Dragovic. The bruins managed to secure one first down and wound the clock down to 0:43 seconds before Kai Forbath came in and knocked down the 25 yard chipshot. ND got the ball back with decent field position (ND 42) and Clausen threw 2 quick strikes to David Grimes to get the Irish to the UCLA 27 yard line. After ND called a timeout they had 4 seconds remaining to tie the game with a field goal. Once again the Irish kicking game let them down and sophomore Ryan Burkhart missed the 44 yard kick as it ricocheted off the right post. DAMN!
MVP- Carlson 8 rec. for 104 yards and 2 TDs.
Next Up: Fredo, Condoms, and Seamen
Ranking: 15 A.P. / 19 Coaches
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