2007 Notre Dame Fighting Irish football team

American college football season August 2026 January 2026 2007 Notre Dame Fighting Irish Notre Dame Fighting Irish logo.svg 150px Independent 3–9 Charlie Weis 3rd Michael Haywood 3rd Corwin Brown 1st Pro-style 3–4 Trevor Laws John Carlson Maurice Crum Jr Travis Thomas Tom Zbikowski Notre Dame Stadium The 2007 Notre Dame Fighting Irish football team was an American football team that represented the University of Notre Dame as an independent during the 2007 NCAA Division I FBS football season. In their third year under head coach Charlie Weis, the Irish compiled a 3–9 record and were outscored by a total of 345 to 197.2007 Notre Dame Fighting Irish Scehedule and Results Sports Reference LLC SR/College Football August 8, 2026 https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/schools/notre-dame/2007-schedule.htmlFootball Review 2007 The Notre Dame Scholastic January 2008 https://archives.nd.edu/Football/Football-2007s.pdf For the first time in school history, Notre Dame opened the season with five losses (Notre Dame's worst opening prior to 2007 was 0–3).http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/21049290/ Irish drop to 0–5 after defeat to Purdue MSNBC September 29, 2007 September 30, 2007 https://web.archive.org/web/20071029130936/http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/21049290/ October 29, 2007 dead Their nine losses was also a school record. The team's statistical leaders included quarterback Jimmy Clausen (1,254 passing yards), running back James Aldridge (463 rushing yards), and tight end John Carlson (40 receptions for 372 yards) and kicker Brandon Walker (40 points scored, 22 of 23 PAT, 6 of 12 field goals).2007 Notre Dame Fighting Irish Stats Sports Reference LLC SR/College Football August 8, 2026 https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/schools/notre-dame/2007.html The team played its home games at Notre Dame Stadium in South Bend, Indiana. Schedule The 2007 Notre Dame schedule was ranked the 13th hardest in the country by Sports Illustrated.Megargee, Steve http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2007/football/ncaa/06/19/schedules.top25/index.html https://web.archive.org/web/20070702075551/http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2007/football/ncaa/06/19/schedules.top25/index.html dead July 2, 2007 Top 25 toughest schedules Sports Illustrated June 21, 2007 September 3, 2007 The road schedule was ranked as the 10th most difficult.https://sports.yahoo.com/ncaaf/news;_ylt=ArtvqpQefn2niKTGykZ7ji8cvrYF?slug=rivals-133598&prov=rivals&type=lgns Road to glory will be tough one for Seminoles Megargee, Steve Yahoo June 21, 2007 June 2017 InternetArchiveBot yes 2007 AP Eastern September 1 3:30 p.m. l Georgia Tech Notre Dame Stadium Notre Dame, IN rivalry NBC 3–33 80,795 September 8 6:00 p.m. l y Penn State 14 Beaver Stadium State College, PA rivalry ESPN 10–31 110,078 September 15 3:30 p.m. l y Michigan Michigan Stadium Ann Arbor, MI ABC rivalry 0–38 111,178 September 22 3:30 p.m. l Michigan State Notre Dame Stadium Notre Dame, IN rivalry NBC 14–31 80,795 September 29 12:00 p.m. l y Purdue Ross–Ade Stadium West Lafayette, IN rivalry ESPN 19–33 62,250 October 6 8:00 p.m. w y UCLA Rose Bowl Pasadena, CA ABC 20–6 78,543 October 13 3:30 p.m. l Boston College 4 Notre Dame Stadium Notre Dame, IN Holy War NBC 14–27 80,795 October 20 3:30 p.m. l USC 14 Notre Dame Stadium Notre Dame, IN rivalry NBC 0–38 80,795 November 3 2:30 p.m. l Navy Notre Dame Stadium Notre Dame, IN rivalry NBC 44–46 3OT 80,795 November 10 2:30 p.m. l Air Force Notre Dame Stadium Notre Dame, IN rivalry NBC 24–41 80,795 November 17 2:30 p.m. w Duke Notre Dame Stadium Notre Dame, IN NBC 28–7 80,795 November 24 3:30 p.m. w y Stanford Stanford Stadium Stanford, CA rivalry ESPN 21–14 48,953 Preseason Coaching changes With the end of the 2006 season, two assistant coaches' contracts came up and were not renewed by the Irish. Rick Minter, the defensive coordinator who had been with the Irish since the 2005 season, was replaced by Corwin Brown, and Peter Vaas, the quarterback coach who had also been with the Irish since 2005 after David Cutcliffe left the position, was replaced by former Irish quarterback, Ron Powlus. Both Powlus and Brown played college football and had time playing in the NFL. Brown was previously an assistant coach for the New York Jets and Powlus had been Notre Dame's director of personnel development since 2005.http://und.cstv.com/sports/m-footbl/spec-rel/011907aae.html Notre Dame Coaching Staff Changes Press Conference Transcript UND.cstv.com January 19, 2007 June 30, 2007 January 26, 2007 https://web.archive.org/web/20070126134246/http://und.cstv.com/sports/m-footbl/spec-rel/011907aae.html dead Roster changes The Irish lost a number of players to graduation and the NFL. Former consensus All-American,http://und.cstv.com/sports/m-footbl/spec-rel/010906aaa.html Jeff Samardzija Named Consensus All-American UND.cstv.com January 9, 2007 June 30, 2007 June 30, 2008 https://web.archive.org/web/20080630064741/http://und.cstv.com/sports/m-footbl/spec-rel/010906aaa.html dead and two-year starting wide receiver, Jeff Samardzija, was signed by Major League Baseball's Chicago Cubs as a pitcher,http://und.cstv.com/sports/m-footbl/spec-rel/011907aak.html Jeff Samardzija Signs Five-Year MLB Deal With Chicago Cubs UND.cstv.com January 19, 2007 June 30, 2007 January 28, 2007 https://web.archive.org/web/20070128041239/http://und.cstv.com/sports/m-footbl/spec-rel/011907aak.html dead while twelve others were signed onto NFL teams. Former offensive starters Brady Quinn, Ryan Harris, and Dan Santucci and defensive starters Victor Abiamiri, Derek Landri, Mike Richardson, and Chinedum Ndukwe were taken in the 2007 NFL draft, while five others, Marcus Freeman, Chris Frome, Travis Leitko, Rhema McKnight,http://und.cstv.com/sports/m-footbl/spec-rel/043007aac.html Seven Notre Dame Football Players Drafted Into NFL; Four Others Sign Free Agent Contracts UND.cstv.com April 30, 2007 June 30, 2007 https://web.archive.org/web/20070703090141/http://und.cstv.com/sports/m-footbl/spec-rel/043007aac.html July 3, 2007 and Darius Walker,http://sports.aol.com/fanhouse/category/ncaafootball/2007/05/10/texans-sign-notre-dame-running-back-darius-walker/ Texans Sign Notre Dame Running Back Darius Walker AOL Sports May 10, 2007 June 30, 2007 signed contracts with NFL teams. The team returns three starters on offense and five on defense.Schlabach Mark Mark Schlabach May 11, 2007 Breaking down the independents https://www.espn.com/college-football/news/story?id=2869113 live https://web.archive.org/web/20070715162227/http://sports.espn.go.com/ncf/news/story?id=2869113 July 15, 2007 June 30, 2007 ESPN Despite the number of high-profile losses, Weis refused to call it a "rebuilding year," citing a number of fifth-year seniors that he owes to try to win.http://und.cstv.com/sports/m-footbl/spec-rel/080607aad.html Head Coach Charlie Weis Press Conference Transcript – 2007 Notre Dame Football Media Day UND.cstv.com August 6, 2007 September 3, 2007 April 18, 2008 https://web.archive.org/web/20080418135730/http://und.cstv.com/sports/m-footbl/spec-rel/080607aad.html dead Award candidates Four players were named to six national awards watch lists in the pre-season: John Carlson – Maxwell Awardhttp://und.cstv.com/sports/m-footbl/spec-rel/062607aab.html John Carlson Named to Maxwell Award Watch List UND.cstv.com June 26, 2007 July 1, 2007 June 30, 2008 https://web.archive.org/web/20080630064829/http://und.cstv.com/sports/m-footbl/spec-rel/062607aab.html dead Maurice Crum Jr. – Bronko Nagurski Trophy,http://und.cstv.com/sports/m-footbl/spec-rel/061207aac.html Crum and Zbikowski Named to 2007 Bronko Nagurski Watch List UND.cstv.com June 12, 2007 July 1, 2007 https://web.archive.org/web/20070615160029/http://und.cstv.com/sports/m-footbl/spec-rel/061207aac.html June 15, 2007 live Chuck Bednarik Award,http://und.cstv.com/sports/m-footbl/spec-rel/062607aaa.html Maurice Crum and Tom Zbikowski Names to Chuck Bednarik Award Watch List UND.cstv.com June 26, 2007 July 1, 2007 https://web.archive.org/web/20070629153921/http://und.cstv.com/sports/m-footbl/spec-rel/062607aaa.html June 29, 2007 live and Lott Trophyhttp://und.cstv.com/sports/m-footbl/spec-rel/040207aaa.html Crum, Zbikowski Named To Lott Trophy Watch List UND.cstv.com April 2, 2007 July 1, 2007 July 12, 2007 https://web.archive.org/web/20070712191245/http://und.cstv.com/sports/m-footbl/spec-rel/040207aaa.html dead John Sullivan – Dave Rimington Trophyhttp://und.cstv.com/sports/m-footbl/spec-rel/050207aad.html John Sullivan Named To 2007 Rimington Award Spring Watch List UND.cstv.com May 2, 2007 July 1, 2007 June 30, 2008 https://web.archive.org/web/20080630064806/http://und.cstv.com/sports/m-footbl/spec-rel/050207aad.html dead and Outland Trophyhttp://und.cstv.com/sports/m-footbl/spec-rel/061207aaa.html John Sullivan Named to Outland Trophy Watch List UND.cstv.com June 12, 2007 July 1, 2007 https://web.archive.org/web/20070615174211/http://und.cstv.com/sports/m-footbl/spec-rel/061207aaa.html June 15, 2007 live Tom Zbikowski – Bronko Nagurski Trophy, Chuck Bednarik Award, and Lott Trophy Game summaries Georgia Tech Georgia Tech 6 10 3 14 33 Notre Dame 0 0 3 0 9&^ While deciding who would be the starting quarterback two weeks before the opener, Weis, wanting to keep the Yellow Jackets guessing, would only tell the media that the quarterback and his backup knew their roles.https://www.espn.com/espn/wire?section=ncf&id=2999482 Notre Dame to reveal it's QB secret in opener against Georgia Tech ESPN August 31, 2007 September 3, 2007 Demetrius Jones started the game, with Evan Sharpley and Jimmy Clausen both seeing action as quarterback. Giving up nine sacks and two fumbles, and having negative 8-yards rushing, the Irish lost 33–3 in their most lopsided season opening loss in the history of the program.http://sports.espn.go.com/ncf/recap?gameId=272440087 https://archive.today/20120715143116/http://sports.espn.go.com/ncf/recap?gameId=272440087 dead July 15, 2012 Yellow Jackets shut down, nearly shut out Irish ESPN September 1, 2007 September 3, 2007 Penn State Notre Dame 7 0 3 0 10 #15 Penn State 7 7 10 7 31 left|thumb|Notre Dame at Penn State during White Out After the opening loss, Weis named freshman Jimmy Clausen the starting quarterback. Clausen would become the eighth Notre Dame freshman to start at quarterback since 1951 and would be the earliest to start when he faced the 15th ranked Penn State Nittany Lions in Happy Valley.https://www.espn.com/college-football/news/story?id=3003938 Clausen gets starting nod at QB against Penn State ESPN September 4, 2007 September 11, 2007 The Nittany Lions won the game 31–10. The Irish ended the game with no rushing yards, and had only 144 total yards. They also amassed 97 yards in penalties.http://scores.espn.go.com/ncf/recap?gameId=272510213 https://archive.today/20120715020059/http://scores.espn.go.com/ncf/recap?gameId=272510213 dead July 15, 2012 Nittany Lions' defense punishes Clausen in Notre Dame debut ESPN September 8, 2007 September 11, 2007 Michigan Notre Dame 0 0 0 0 0 Michigan 10 21 7 0 38 With both teams starting the season 0–2, for the first time ever a combined 0–4,Walters, John http://www.nbcsports.com/portal/site/nbcsports/menuitem.6f806e473b4cb158fb00ec22493c2d04/?vgnextoid=c50cac67f78e4110VgnVCM10000075c1d240RCRD&vgnextfmt=default Notre Dame, Michigan: Chagrin and bear it NBC Sports September 9, 2007 September 11, 2007September 2018 InternetArchiveBot yes the Irish next faced the Michigan Wolverines.https://sports.yahoo.com/ncaa/football/news?slug=dw-notredame090807 College Football News, Scores, Fantasy Games and Highlights 2021 | Yahoo Sportshttps://news.google.com/archivesearch?q=Notre+Dame+Michigan+%22Toilet+Bowl%22&btnG=Search&um=1&ned=us&hl=en&scoring=a Google News Michigan played without their starting quarterback Chad Henne due to a leg injury.https://www.espn.com/college-football/news/story?id=3012933 Henne listed as week-to-week after injury against Oregon ESPN September 10, 2007 September 11, 2007 Michigan senior running back Mike Hart guaranteed a victory over the Irish.https://www.espn.com/college-football/news/story?id=3012699 Weis says there's good reason for Hart's victory pledge ESPN September 10, 2007 September 11, 2007 Quarterback Demetrius Jones did not board a bus for the trip to Michigan. Charlie Weis issued a statement saying, "At 2:30 today, while boarding the bus to Michigan, I was notified that Demetrius Jones had decided not to make the trip. I have not spoken to Demetrius and can only say that he missed the team bus. Any additional comment would be without all the facts."https://www.espn.com/college-football/news/story?id=3020149 Jones' status in doubt after not boarding team bus to Ann Arbor ESPN September 14, 2007 September 15, 2007 On game day, it was reported that he had enrolled at Northern Illinois University,https://www.espn.com/college-football/news/story?id=3021106 Source: Irish quarterback Jones enrolls at Northern Illinois ESPN Schad, Joe September 15, 2007 September 15, 2007 however, he later revealed that he was transferring to the University of Cincinnati.http://cbs.sportsline.com/collegefootball/story/10376363 Former Irish QB Jones transfers to Cincinnati, eligible next year CBS Sports September 27, 2007 September 30, 2007 https://archive.today/20120709082609/http://cbs.sportsline.com/collegefootball/story/10376363 July 9, 2012 dead Michigan won 38–0, tying their largest-ever win over Notre Dame set during the 2003 season. For only the second time in school history, Notre Dame opened the season with three losses.http://scores.espn.go.com/ncf/recap?gameId=272580130 https://archive.today/20120713172755/http://scores.espn.go.com/ncf/recap?gameId=272580130 dead July 13, 2012 Michigan has Hart, much more in rout of winless ND ESPN September 15, 2007 September 15, 2007 Michigan State Michigan State 14 3 14 0 31 Notre Dame 7 7 0 0 14 Despite scoring their first two offensive touchdowns of the season (the first resulting from a fumble by MSU's quarterback, Brian Hoyer, at the 9-yard line), Notre Dame fell to Michigan State 31–14. For the first time in 119 seasons of Notre Dame football, the Irish had started a season 0–4. Michigan State also became the first opponent to win six in a row at Notre Dame Stadium.http://sports.espn.go.com/ncf/recap?gameId=272650087 Notre Dame goes 0–4 for the first time in school history ESPN September 22, 2007 September 30, 2007 https://web.archive.org/web/20071014093545/http://sports.espn.go.com/ncf/recap?gameId=272650087 October 14, 2007 dead Purdue Notre Dame 0 0 6 13 19 #25 Purdue 10 13 3 7 33 Despite outgaining the Boilermakers in total yards (426–371) and Clausen throwing his first collegiate touchdown, the Irish fell to 0–5 on the season to Purdue by a score of 33–19. Down 23–0 at halftime, the Irish came out in the second half and drove to a 37-yard touchdown drive with Clausen's pass to John Carlson. Clausen left the game afterwards with an undisclosed injury. Evan Sharpley replaced him and threw his first collegiate touchdown in the fourth quarter and later threw another to put the Irish down by a touchdown, but they wouldn't score again. The Irish had much trouble in their kicking game with only one extra point made on three attempts and a blocked field goal.http://scores.espn.go.com/ncf/recap?gameId=272722509&confId=80 https://archive.today/20120716221519/http://scores.espn.go.com/ncf/recap?gameId=272722509&confId=80 dead July 16, 2012 Notre Dame scores first passing TD but remains winless ESPN September 29, 2007 September 30, 2007 UCLA Notre Dame 3 0 17 0 20 #25 UCLA 3 3 0 0 6 250px|left|thumb|Jimmy Clausen directs the ND offense UCLA was without its two starting quarterbacks. UCLA starter Ben Olson went out with a knee injury late in the first quarter, which left freshman walkon redshirt McLeod Bethel-Thompson to lead the Bruins.Notre Dame takes advantage of UCLA walk-on QB to win first game Associated Press (ESPN web site). October 6, 2007 This was the first appearance for the Irish in the Rose Bowl stadium since the 1925 Rose Bowl. The Irish were able to capitalize on Bruin offensive mistakes to recover loose balls. This ended one of the worst slumps in Fighting Irish football, and prevented the Irish from equaling their longest losing streak in their history.UCLA turnovers help Notre Dame earn first win of year. Associated Press, in USA Today, October 7, 2007. Quote:"Jimmy Clausen scored on a quarterback sneak and Maurice Crum returned a fumble 34 yards for another touchdown during a 50-second span of the third quarter as Notre Dame fought its way out of one of the worst slumps in school history with a 20–6 victory over No. 25 UCLA on Saturday." The 1960 Notre Dame Fighting Irish football team lost eight straight games.Sinking Irish in Pasadena for first time since Knute Rockne days. Associated Press, October 6, 2007, Hosted on ESPN.COM Quote:"Already off to the worst start in school history, another loss would match Notre Dame's longest losing streak – eight in a row. The last time the Irish lost eight straight was in 1960, when they won their opener, then didn't win again until the final game of the season." The biggest cheer during the entire game came when the score of the 2007 Stanford vs. Southern California football game was announced. Fighting Irish and Bruins fans, who together are arch-rivals of the Trojans, cheered together.Chris Dufresne – You look upset, Los Angeles. Why the long fall from grace? Los Angeles Times, October 7, 2007. Quote:"With the Rose Bowl game mired in 6–6 slog, UCLA and Notre Dame fans collectively erupted with 4:46 left in the third quarter at the Rose Bowl when Stanford's epic upset at the Coliseum was announced – - Pete Carroll's first home loss since Stanford beat the Trojans in 2001" Boston College #4 Boston College 6 7 14 0 27 Notre Dame 0 0 14 0 14 In a battle between the two Catholic schools, the unbeaten Boston College Eagles and Heisman-hopeful Matt Ryan faced off against the struggling Notre Dame Fighting Irish. Faced with constant blitzes from the Irish defense, Ryan used a short passing attack to lead the Eagles to a 20–0 lead early in the third quarter. Just as the game appeared headed for another blowout, Evan Sharpley, replacing an ineffective Jimmy Clausen, threw a touchdown pass to wide receiver Robby Parris followed by a pick six of Ryan during the next possession. With the score suddenly 20–14, the Eagles took advantage of good starting field position to answer with their own touchdown for the game's final score of 27–14.http://www.espn.com/college-football/recap?gameId=272860087 https://web.archive.org/web/20171027231600/http://www.espn.com/college-football/recap?gameId=272860087 dead October 27, 2017 Boston College vs. Notre Dame - Game Recap - October 13, 2007 - ESPN USC #9 USC 7 10 14 7 38 Notre Dame 0 0 0 0 0 left|thumb|Notre Dame and USC take the field in the 79th edition of the rivalry. In what was the largest margin victory the Trojans have put forth on the Irish to date, Notre Dame was shut out by USC for the first time since 1998. USC came into this game 5–1, http://graphics.fansonly.com/schools/usc/graphics/media-guides/06-footbl/05fbguide208.pdf 2006 USC Media Guide: USC Football History usctrojans.cstv.com April 25, 2008 https://web.archive.org/web/20080524023557/http://graphics.fansonly.com/schools/usc/graphics/media-guides/06-footbl/05fbguide208.pdf May 24, 2008 dead while Notre Dame came in 1–6.http://sports.espn.go.com/ncf/recap?gameId=272930087 https://archive.today/20120714050224/http://sports.espn.go.com/ncf/recap?gameId=272930087 dead July 14, 2012 Sanchez's four touchdowns lead Trojans' rout of Irish ESPN April 26, 2008 Notre Dame head coach Charlie Weis announced during that summer that his team would wear throwback green jerseys for the matchup, signifying the 30-year anniversary of the Irish beating the Trojans in their green jerseys in 1977, when Weis was a senior at Notre Dame. Because of John David Booty's injured finger, USC back-up quarterback, Mark Sanchez, was the starter. In his second game as a starter, Sanchez managed to complete 21 of 38 passes with a combined total of 235 yards and 4 touchdown passes. This was the Trojans' 6th consecutive victory over the Irish, and in the process they became only the third team to accomplish this feat (Michigan and Michigan State share the record with eight straight wins in non consecutive years).http://und.cstv.com/auto_pdf/p_hotos/s_chools/nd/sports/m-footbl/auto_pdf/07fbguidehistory 2007 Notre Dame Media Guide: History and Records (pages 131–175) und.cstv.com April 24, 2008 https://web.archive.org/web/20080610005741/http://und.cstv.com/auto_pdf/p_hotos/s_chools/nd/sports/m-footbl/auto_pdf/07fbguidehistory June 10, 2008 dead Navy Navy 0 14 6 8 7 3 8 Notre Dame 7 14 0 7 7 3 6 2007 Navy vs. Notre Dame football game Notre Dame came into the game with 43 consecutive wins against Navy since the last loss in 1963.http://sports.espn.go.com/ncf/recap?gameId=273070087 Notre Dame's NCAA-record 43-game win streak over Navy ends ESPN November 3, 2007 November 3, 2007 https://web.archive.org/web/20071105124734/http://sports.espn.go.com/ncf/recap?gameId=273070087 November 5, 2007 dead In triple overtime, Navy (5–4) scored a touchdown and successful two-point conversion on their possession. Notre Dame (1–8) likewise scored a touchdown, but failed to make their own two-point conversion on a rush attempt. Air Force Air Force 10 7 14 10 Notre Dame 0 10 0 14 ESPN reported, "A week after the Midshipmen eked out a triple overtime victory against the Fighting Irish for the first time since 1963, Air Force beat Notre Dame 41–24 for its worst loss to a service academy since that Navy victory 44 years ago...It was the largest margin of victory for Air Force in six wins over the Irish and the biggest by a military academy since Navy beat the Irish 35–14 in 1963 behind Roger Staubach." With the loss to Air Force, the Fighting Irish have lost nine games in one season for the first time in school history.http://sports.espn.go.com/ncf/recap?gameId=273140087 Air Force 41, Notre Dame 24 – Fighting Irish suffer school-record ninth loss this season ESPN November 11, 2007 November 10, 2007 https://web.archive.org/web/20071113165258/http://sports.espn.go.com/ncf/recap?gameId=273140087 November 13, 2007 dead Duke Duke 0 0 0 7 Notre Dame 0 14 7 7 Notre Dame garnered its second win of the season in a game between what ESPN's Lee Corso called the two worst teams in major college football. Notre Dame was led with three Jimmy Clausen touchdown passes of 25, 25 and 9 yards each. Freshman running back Robert Hughes also added a touchdown in the 3rd quarter. The win would be the Irish's only home win of the season, avoiding what would have been its first winless season at home in 74 years. The Irish gained 220 yards rushing behind the hard running of freshman tailbacks Robert Hughes and Armando Allen. After a scoreless first quarter, Notre Dame managed to capitalize on two forced fumbles in the final 1:12 of the 2nd quarter to take a 14–0 half time lead. Clausen was 16-for-32 for 194 yards and had his second straight three-touchdown game.http://sports.espn.go.com/ncf/recap?gameId=273210087 https://archive.today/20130103203158/http://sports.espn.go.com/ncf/recap?gameId=273210087 dead January 3, 2013 Duke 7, Notre Dame 28 ESPN November 17, 2008 July 6, 2008 Stanford Notre Dame 7 7 0 7 Stanford 7 7 0 0 The Irish concluded their season on a high note, winning its second straight game and its second win on the road.http://sports.espn.go.com/ncf/recap?gameId=273280024 https://archive.today/20130102234351/http://sports.espn.go.com/ncf/recap?gameId=273280024 dead January 2, 2013 Notre Dame 21, Stanford 14 ESPN November 24, 2008 July 6, 2008 Robert Hughes ran for 136 yards and the go-ahead 6-yard touchdown with 6:06 remaining in the 4th quarter to help the Irish beat Stanford 21–14. Jimmy Clausen went 19–32 for 196 yards and one touchdown. The game was one of missed field goals, turnovers and controversial calls against the Irish. The Cardinal missed 4 field goals and turned the ball over twice. Notre Dame, meanwhile, committed 4 turnovers, including 3 fumbles and an interception. Notre Dame would have added a score in the 3rd quarter, but a touchdown pass from Clausen to David Grimes was overturned on inconclusive evidence, despite the ruling on the field of a touchdown. Notre Dame almost added another score on what would have been a spectacular finish to the half. David Bruton intercepted Stanford quarterback Tavita Pritchard's last-play heave at the 3-yard line and began a three-lateral return to the end zone that was called back on a personal foul on Notre Dame defensive lineman Trevor Laws. Safety Tom Zbikowski ran the final 30 yards after a lateral from Darrin Walls. Personnel Players Roster center titlebackground=#ccccff Wide receiver  1 D.J. Hord – junior 11 David Grimes* – junior 18 Duval Kamara – freshman 19 George West – sophomore 21 Barry Gallup Jr. – sophomore 23 Golden Tate – freshman 24 Brandon Erickson – senior 29 Jake Richardville – senior 38 Nick Possley – senior 42 David Costanzo – junior 45 Kris Patterson – junior 80 Richard Jackson – sophomore 82 Robby Parris – sophomore Center 51 Dan Wenger – sophomore 67 Thomas Bemenderfer – junior 78 John Sullivan – senior (Captain) Offensive guard 70 Matt Romine – freshman 55 Eric Olsen – sophomore 73 Matt Carufel – sophomore 77 Mike Turkovich – junior 91 Emeka Nwankwo – freshman Offensive tackle 63 Jeff Tisak – freshman 71 Bartley Webb – sophomore 72 Paul Duncan – junior 74 Sam Young – sophomore 75 Taylor Dever – freshman Tight end 39 Kevin Brooks – sophomore 40 Mike Talerico – senior 46 Mike Planalp – junior 83 Mike Ragone – freshman 84 Will Yeatman – sophomore 88 Konrad Reuland – sophomore 89 John Carlson – senior (Captain) Quarterback  3 Demetrius Jones – sophomore  7 Jimmy Clausen – freshman 12 Darrin Bragg – senior 13 Evan Sharpley – junior 16 Justin Gillett – senior Tailback  5 Armando Allen – freshman 25 Munir Prince – sophomore 26 Travis Thomas – senior 33 Robert Hughes – freshman 34 James Aldridge – sophomore 37 Junior Jabbie – senior Fullback 32 Luke Schmidt – sophomore 36 Dex Cure – sophomore 44 Asaph Schwapp – junior Nose tackle 69 Neil Kennedy – senior 59 Chris Stewart** – sophomore 96 Pat Kuntz – junior 95 Ian Williams – freshman Defensive line 56 Kerry Neal – freshman 57 Dwight Stephenson – senior 76 Andrew Nuss – freshman 92 Derrell Hand – junior 93 Paddy Mullen – sophomore 94 Justin Brown – senior 97 Kallen Wade – sophomore 99 Trevor Laws – senior (Captain) Cornerback  2 Darrin Walls – sophomore  4 Gary Gray – freshman  8 Raeshon McNeil – sophomore 15 Lou Ferrine – senior 20 Terrail Lambert – senior 22 Ambrose Wooden – senior 23 William David Williams – senior 26 Wade Iams – senior 43 Mike Anello – junior Linebacker 40 Maurice Crum Jr. – senior 41 Scott Smith – junior 42 Kevin Washington – junior 47 Aaron Nagle – freshman 48 Steve Quinn – junior 49 Toryan Smith – sophomore 50 Steve Paskorz – freshman 52 Joe Brockington – senior 53 Morrice Richardson – sophomore 54 Anthony Vernaglia – senior 58 Brian Smith – freshman 90 John Ryan – sophomore Strong safety  6 Ray Herring – junior  9 Tom Zbikowski – senior (Captain) 24 Leonard Gordon – sophomore 29 Jashaad Gaines – sophomore 30 Harrison Smith – freshman Free safety 27 David Bruton – junior 28 Kyle McCarthy – junior 31 Sergio Brown – sophomore Long snapper 61 J. J. Jansen – senior Punter 14 Brandon Walker – freshman 17 Geoff Price – senior 43 Eric Maust – sophomore Place kicker 33 Nate Whitaker – junior 39 Ryan Burkhart – sophomore * Bold indicates starter ** Stewart shifted to guard Sources: https://web.archive.org/web/20070128174059/http://und.cstv.com/sports/m-footbl/mtt/nd-m-footbl-mtt.html, https://web.archive.org/web/20071224235432/http://notredame.rivals.com/croster.asp?Team=NOTREDAME Coaching staff Name Position Year at Notre Dame Alma mater (Year) Charlie Weis Head coach 3rd Notre Dame (1978) Michael Haywood Offensive coordinator, running backs 3rd Notre Dame (1986) Rob Ianello Recruiting coordinator, receivers 3rd Catholic (1987) John Latina Assistant head coach (offense), offensive line 3rd Virginia Tech (1981) Bill Lewis Assistant head coach (defense), defensive backs 3rd East Stroudsburg (1963) Bernie Parmalee Tight ends, special teams 3rd Ball State (1990) Brian Polian Assistant defensive backs, special teams 3rd John Carroll (1997) Corwin Brown Defensive coordinator 1st Michigan (1993) Jerome "Jappy" Oliver Defensive line 3rd Purdue (1978) Ron Powlus Quarterbacks 1st Notre Dame (1997) Recruiting The Irish added 18 players to its roster with high school recruits. Included in the class were five-star quarterback recruit Jimmy Clausen, nine four star recruits on offense, and four on defense. The class was named a top-15 class by most media. yes yes 2007 Armando Allen RB Hialeah, FL Hialeah-Miami Lakes HS 5 9 183 4.33 December 1, 2006 4 4 79 Jimmy Clausen QB Westlake Village, CA Oaks Christian HS 6 3 198 4.7 April 22, 2006 5 5 86 Taylor Dever OL Grass Valley, CA Nevada Union HS 6 6 295 5.2 December 16, 2006 4 3 69 Gary Gray DB Columbia, SC Richland Northeast HS 5 10 163 4.5 September 18, 2006 4 4 85 Robert Hughes RB Chicago, IL Hubbard HS 5 11 226 4.6 January 23, 2007 4 4 79 Duval Kamara WR Hoboken, NJ Hoboken HS 6 4 200 4.6 May 10, 2006 4 4 82 Aaron Nagel LB Lemont, IL Lemont Twp HS 6 1 215 4.52 March 4, 2006 3 3 77 Kerry Neal DE Bunn, NC Bunn HS 6 4 233 4.7 February 24, 2006 4 4 84 Andrew Nuss OL Ashburn, VA Stone Bridge HS 6 5 290 5.1 June 29, 2006 3 4 78 Emeka Nwankwo OL Hollywood, FL Chaminade Madonna College Prep 6 4 278 5.27 November 6, 2006 4 3 79 Steve Paskorz ATH Allison Park, PA Hampton HS 6 1 215 4.6 May 24, 2006 3 4 77 Mike Ragone TE Cherry Hill, NJ Camden Catholic 6 4 221 4.5 April 30, 2006 4 4 81 Matt Romine OL Tulsa, OK Union HS 6 6 278 5.2 January 6, 2007 4 4 80 Brian Smith LB Overland Park, KS St. Thomas Aquinas HS 6 2 222 4.72 January 30, 2007 3 4 79 Harrison Smith S Knoxville, TN Knoxville Catholic HS 6 2 201 4.38 December 22, 2006 4 4 78 Golden Tate WR Hendersonville, TN John Paul II HS 5 11 175 4.22 December 12, 2006 4 4 85 Brandon Walker K Findlay, OH Findlay HS 6 2 190 NA January 30, 2007 3 2 40 Ian Williams DT Longwood, FL Lyman HS 6 2 292 5.1 December 12, 2006 3 3 79 yes 2007 Notre Dame Commit List 2007 Scout.com Football Recruiting: Notre Dame 2007 Player Commitments – Notre Dame notredame 109 87 #11 #7 June 28, 2007 yes Statistics Passing Jimmy Clausen - 138 of 245 (56.3%) for 1,254 yards, 7 touchdowns, 6 interceptions, 103.85 efficiency rating Evan Sharpley - 77 of 145 (55.0%) for 736 yards, 5 toucchdowns, 3 interceptions, 106.66 efficiency rating 2007 Football Review, pp. 36-37. Rushing James Aldridge - 463 yards on 121 carries, 3.8-yard average, 0 touchdowns Armando Allen - 348 yards on 86 carries, 4.0-yard average, 0 touchdowns Robert Hughes - 294 yards on 53 carries, 5.5-yard average, 4 touchdowns Travis Thomas - 58 yards on 27 carries, 2.1-yard average, 5 touhdowns Receiving John Carlson - 40 receptions for 372 yards, 9.3-yard average, 3 touchdowns Duval Kamara - 32 receptions for 357 yards, 11.2-yard average, 4 touchdowns Robby Parris - 29 receptions for 361 yards, 12.4-yard average, 1 touchdown David Grimes - 27 receptions for 224 yards, 8.3-yard average, 2 touchdowns George West - 21 receptions for 172 yards, 8.2-yard average, 0 touchdowns Golden Tate - 6 receptions for 131 yards, 21.8-yard average, 1 touchdown Armando Allen - 24 receptions for 124 yards, 5.2-yard average, 1 touchdown Junior Jabbie - 14 receptions for 123 yards, 8.8-yard average, 0 touchdowns Tackles Trevor Laws - 112 total tackles, 53 solo tackles, 8.0 tackles for loss, 4.0 sacks Joe Brockington - 108 total tackles, 52 solo tackles, 8.5 tackles for loss, 1.0 sack David Bruton - 85 total tackles, 55 solo tackles, 4.5 tackles for loss, 1.0 sack Maurice Crum Jr. - 84 total takles, 35 solo tackles, 4.5 tackles for loss, 1.0 sack Tom Zbikowski - 80 total tackles, 42 solo tackles, 1.5 tackles for loss, 1.0 sack Awards and honors No Notre Dame players won first-team honors on the 2007 All-America college football team. Freshman nose tackle Ian Williams was named to the 2007 AON Insurance Freshman All-America Team, the Football Writers Association of America announced during their annual banquet.http://und.cstv.com/sports/m-footbl/spec-rel/010808aac.html Ian Williams Named 2007 Freshman All-American UND.cstv.com January 8, 2008 July 6, 2008 September 17, 2008 https://web.archive.org/web/20080917063809/http://und.cstv.com/sports/m-footbl/spec-rel/010808aac.html dead He was one of six true freshmen named to the defensive unit on the FWAA Freshman All-America Team and was one of 13 of the 28 freshman All-America selections who was a true freshman this season. Williams was also named to the CollegeFootballNews.com all-freshman third team and was an honorable mention member of The Sporting News all-freshman team. Seniors John Carlson and Trevor Laws received second-team Academic All-American honors from ESPN The Magazine and the College Sports Information Directors of America (CoSIDA).http://und.cstv.com/sports/m-footbl/spec-rel/112907aaa.html John Carlson and Trevor Laws Named Second Team Academic All-Americans November 29, 2007 July 6, 2008 April 19, 2008 https://web.archive.org/web/20080419052926/http://und.cstv.com/sports/m-footbl/spec-rel/112907aaa.html dead 2008 NFL draft Four Notre Dame players were drafted in the 2008 NFL draft.http://und.cstv.com/sports/m-footbl/spec-rel/042708aae.html Four Notre Dame Players Selected in 2008 NFL Draft UND.cstv.com April 27, 2008 July 6, 2008 https://web.archive.org/web/20080608223251/http://und.cstv.com/sports/m-footbl/spec-rel/042708aae.html June 8, 2008 dead Senior tight end John Carlson went 38th overall to the Seattle Seahawks. Later in the second round, DE Trevor Laws was selected by the Philadelphia Eagles at 47th overall. In the third round, safety Tom Zibikowski was the 86th selection, going to the Baltimore Ravens. Center John Sullivan was the final Notre Dame draftee, going to the Minnesota Vikings in the sixth round. Three players that were not drafted quickly signed with NFL teams as free agents following the NFL Draft: linebacker Joe Brockington signed with the Buffalo Bills, long snapper J.J. Jansen signed with the Green Bay Packers, while running back Travis Thomas joined former teammate and co-captain Brady Quinn in Cleveland. References Notre Dame Category:Notre Dame Fighting Irish football seasons Notre Dame Fighting Irish football