1998 Notre Dame Fighting Irish football team

American college football season August 2023 January 2026 1998 Notre Dame Fighting Irish football Independent 22 22 9–3 Bob Davie 2nd Jim Colletto 2nd Option Greg Mattison 2nd 4–3 Autry Denson Bobbie Howard Kory Minor Mike Rosenthal Notre Dame Stadium Gator Bowl L Lost 28–35 vs. Georgia Tech The 1998 Notre Dame Fighting Irish football team was an American football team that represented the University of Notre Dame as an independent during the 1998 NCAA Division I-A football season. In their second year under head coach Bob Davie, the Irish compiled a 9–3 record, outscored opponents by a total of 300 to 213, and were ranked No. 22 in the final AP poll and UPI polls. They opened the season with a victory over No. 5 Michigan but lost the following week to unranked Michigan State. They then won eight straight games over unranked opponents before losing to USC. They ended the season with a loss to Georgia Tech in the Gator Bowl.1998 Notre Dame Fighting Irish Schedule and Results Sports Reference LLC SR/College Football August 4, 2026 https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/schools/notre-dame/1998-schedule.html1998 Football Review: The 58th Annual Post-Season Report The Notre Dame Scholastic January 1999 August 5, 2026 https://archives.nd.edu/Football/Football-1998s.pdf Notre Dame Archives The team's statistical leaders included quarterback Jarious Jackson (1,740 passing yards), tailback Autry Denson (1,274 rushing yards, 90 points scored), wide receiver Malcolm Johnson (43 receptions for 692 yards), and linebacker Bobbie Howard (118 tackles).1998 Notre Dame Fighting Irish Stats Sports Reference LLC SR/College Football August 4, 2026 https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/schools/notre-dame/1998.html1998 Football Review, p. 48. The team played its home games at Notre Dame Stadium in Notre Dame, Indiana. Schedule 1998 AP Eastern September 5 2:30 p.m. w 22 Michigan 5 Notre Dame Stadium Notre Dame, IN rivalry NBC 36–20 80,012 September 12 8:00 p.m. l y 10 Michigan State Spartan Stadium East Lansing, MI rivalry ABC 23–45 74,267 September 26 2:30 p.m. w 23 Purdue Notre Dame Stadium Notre Dame, IN rivalry NBC 31–30 80,012 October 3 2:30 p.m. w 23 Stanford Notre Dame Stadium Notre Dame, IN rivalry NBC 35–17 80,012 October 10 3:30 p.m. w y 22 Arizona State Sun Devil Stadium Tempe, AZ ABC 28–9 73,501 October 24 2:30 p.m. w 18 Army Notre Dame Stadium Notre Dame, IN rivalry NBC 20–17 80,012 October 31 2:30 p.m. w 16 Baylor Notre Dame Stadium Notre Dame, IN NBC 27–3 80,012 November 7 12:00 p.m. w y 13 Boston College Alumni Stadium Chestnut Hill, MA Holy War CBS 31–26 44,500 November 14 3:30 p.m. w y 12 Navy Jack Kent Cooke Stadium Landover, MD rivalry CBS 30–0 78,844 November 21 1:30 p.m. w 10 LSU Notre Dame Stadium Notre Dame, IN NBC 39–36 80,012 https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-indianapolis-star-bittersweet-win-fo/152176592/ The Indianapolis Star Bittersweet win for Irish November 22, 1998 July 28, 2024 Newspapers.com November 28 8:00 p.m. l y 9 USC Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum Los Angeles, CA rivalry ABC 0–10 90,069 January 1, 1999, 1999 12:00 p.m. l y 17 Georgia Tech 12 Alltel Stadium Jacksonville, FL Gator Bowl, rivalry NBC 28–35 70,791 https://www.newspapers.com/article/detroit-free-press-yellow-jackets-leave/152141149/ Detroit Free Press Yellow Jackets leave Irish buzzing, 35–28 January 2, 1999 July 26, 2024 Newspapers.com Rankings 1998 NCAA Division I-A football rankings AP 0 15 22 10 23 23T 23T 22 18 18 16 13 12 10 9 16 17 22 Coaches Poll 0 15 24 11 25 RV 23 22 20 20 16 13 13 10 10 16 18 22 BCS 8 14 16 13 12 10 9 NR NR Season summary With wins in their final five regular season games of 1997, the Irish started Davie's second season with confidence. Despite losing record-setting quarterback Ron Powlus, the Irish returned 14 starters, including tailback Autry Denson and three senior linebackers that were placed on the preliminary list for the Dick Butkus Award.http://und.cstv.com/sports/m-footbl/spec-rel/081498aaa.html https://archive.today/20120716050111/http://und.cstv.com/sports/m-footbl/spec-rel/081498aaa.html dead July 16, 2012 Football Prepares for 1998 Season UND.cstv.com August 12, 1998 August 28, 2007 Powlus was replaced by Jarious Jackson who had played sparingly in 1997 but had amassed almost 200 passing yards in the time.http://und.cstv.com/sports/m-footbl/archive/97season/nd-m-fb-1997gmbygmindstats.html Game-By-Game Individual Statistics UND.cstv.com August 28, 2007 December 6, 2007 https://web.archive.org/web/20071206104200/http://und.cstv.com/sports/m-footbl/archive/97season/nd-m-fb-1997gmbygmindstats.html dead In Jackson's first start, against Michigan, he threw two touchdowns to lead the Irish, ranked 22nd, over the 5th ranked Wolverines. Denson added 162 yards and two touchdowns to give the Irish a 36–20 win.http://und.cstv.com/sports/m-footbl/recaps/090698aaa.html Notre Dame Owns Second Half, Victory in Opener UND.cstv.com September 5, 1998 August 29, 2007 December 6, 2007 https://web.archive.org/web/20071206104356/http://und.cstv.com/sports/m-footbl/recaps/090698aaa.html dead The Irish moved to tenth in the rankings, however didn't stay long, as Michigan State, who led by 39 points at halftime, beat the Irish for the second year in a row.http://und.cstv.com/sports/m-footbl/recaps/091398aaa.html Football Upset by Michigan State UND.cstv.com September 12, 1998 August 29, 2007 December 6, 2007 https://web.archive.org/web/20071206104406/http://und.cstv.com/sports/m-footbl/recaps/091398aaa.html dead Dropping back to 23rd in the nation, the Irish returned home to face Purdue. The Boilermakers handed the Irish their first loss in 1997 which dropped the Irish from the rankings, and the Irish looked for retribution in this game. With the Irish down two with less than two minutes remaining, Tony Driver, who was switched to cornerback in the offseason, intercepted a Drew Brees pass to set up the go-ahead field goal for the Irish. With the Boilermakers once again moving the ball, Driver had his second interception with less than a minute remaining to preserve the win for the Irish.http://und.cstv.com/sports/m-footbl/recaps/092698aaa.html Irish Win Thriller Over Boilermakers UND.cstv.com September 26, 1998 August 29, 2007 December 6, 2007 https://web.archive.org/web/20071206104411/http://und.cstv.com/sports/m-footbl/recaps/092698aaa.html dead The Irish won all four of their October games, including a win over Stanford,http://und.cstv.com/sports/m-footbl/recaps/100398aaa.html Irish Handle Stanford UND.cstv.com October 3, 1998 August 29, 2007 September 13, 2007 https://web.archive.org/web/20070913233938/http://und.cstv.com/sports/m-footbl/recaps/100398aaa.html dead a dominating win at Arizona State,Reisner, Mel http://und.cstv.com/sports/m-footbl/recaps/101098aaa.html Football Too Much for Sun Devils in 28–9 Win UND.cstv.com October 10, 1998 August 29, 2007 December 6, 2007 https://web.archive.org/web/20071206054321/http://und.cstv.com/sports/m-footbl/recaps/101098aaa.html dead a last minute win over Army,Ross, JR http://und.cstv.com/sports/m-footbl/recaps/102498aaa.html Notre Dame Edges Army, 20–17 UND.cstv.com October 24, 1998 August 29, 2007 December 6, 2007 https://web.archive.org/web/20071206104416/http://und.cstv.com/sports/m-footbl/recaps/102498aaa.html dead and a win over Baylor led by Denson's career high of 189 yards,http://und.cstv.com/sports/m-footbl/recaps/110198aaa.html Irish Run Over the Bears UND.cstv.com October 31, 1998 August 29, 2007 December 6, 2007 https://web.archive.org/web/20071206104421/http://und.cstv.com/sports/m-footbl/recaps/110198aaa.html dead to move back into the top-15 in the rankings. In the next game, the Boston College Eagles were poised for the upset of the Irish. Down 30–26, the Eagles had the ball on the Irish four-yard line with less than a minute remaining. The Irish defense, however, held the Eagles for four downs to preserve the win.http://und.cstv.com/sports/m-footbl/recaps/110798aaa.html Goalline Stand Equals Victory UND.cstv.com November 7, 1998 August 29, 2007 September 13, 2007 https://web.archive.org/web/20070913232206/http://und.cstv.com/sports/m-footbl/recaps/110798aaa.html dead The next week, led by Denson, who became the all-time leader in rushing yards at Notre Dame, the Irish shut-out Navy to increase their NCAA record winning streak over the Midshipmen to 35 games.http://und.cstv.com/sports/m-footbl/recaps/111598aaa.html Irish Sink Navy, 30–0 UND.cstv.com November 14, 1998 August 29, 2007 December 6, 2007 https://web.archive.org/web/20071206054337/http://und.cstv.com/sports/m-footbl/recaps/111598aaa.html dead Once again ranked tenth, the Irish faced LSU in their final home game. Avenging their loss in the 1997 Independence Bowl Independence Bowl 1997 Independence Bowl, the Irish beat the Tigers on a late touchdown run.http://und.cstv.com/sports/m-footbl/recaps/112198aab.html Notre Dame Downs LSU UND.cstv.com November 21, 1998 August 29, 2007 September 13, 2007 https://web.archive.org/web/20070913235322/http://und.cstv.com/sports/m-footbl/recaps/112198aab.html dead With a potential BCS berth on the line, and without Jackson, who was injured in the final play against LSU, the Irish traveled to face rivals USC in their final regular season game. Playing two backups at quarterback, including true freshman Arnaz Battle, the Irish were dominated by the tough Trojan defense that caused five turnovers. Though the Trojans, led by freshman quarterback Carson Palmer, couldn't produce much offense themselves, they only needed two scores to defeat the Irish 10–0.http://und.cstv.com/sports/m-footbl/recaps/112998aaa.html Irish Blanked by USC UND.cstv.com November 28, 1998 August 29, 2007 December 6, 2007 https://web.archive.org/web/20071206054342/http://und.cstv.com/sports/m-footbl/recaps/112998aaa.html dead Missing out on a BCS bowl game, the Irish, who signed a deal early in the year that gave them a tie-in with the Big East Conference bowl games,http://www.techsideline.com/newsarch/1998/980506news.htm?PHPSESSID=c111245290104ca8e036a7d26cf59196 Fallout from the Big East / Notre Dame Bowl Deal Continues techsideline.com May 6, 1998 August 29, 2007 accepted a bid to play Georgia Tech in the 1999 Gator Bowl Gator Bowl Gator Bowl. Wearing their alternate green jerseys for the first time since the 1995 Fiesta Bowl, the Irish got behind early to the Yellow Jackets with two long touchdowns. Though closing the gap to a touchdown in the fourth quarter, the Irish couldn't move the ball on their last two drives and lost their fourth straight bowl game.http://und.cstv.com/sports/m-footbl/recaps/010199aaa.html Irish Can't Stop Georgia Tech, Fall in Gator Bowl, 35–28 UND.cstv.com January 1, 1999 August 29, 2007 December 6, 2007 https://web.archive.org/web/20071206054301/http://und.cstv.com/sports/m-footbl/recaps/010199aaa.html dead They finished the season with a 9–3 record and dropped to 22nd in the national rankings. After the season, seven players were taken in the 1999 National Football League (NFL) draft. Among them were Denson, who left with multiple Notre Dame rushing records, Malcolm Johnson, who left with a Notre Dame record of six consecutive games with a touchdown catch, and most of the offensive line starters.http://und.cstv.com/sports/m-footbl/spec-rel/041799aaa.html https://archive.today/20120721043533/http://und.cstv.com/sports/m-footbl/spec-rel/041799aaa.html dead July 21, 2012 Seven Notre Dame Players Taken in NFL Draft UND.cstv.com April 18, 1999 August 29, 2007 Also, offensive coordinator, Jim Colletto, was lured away to the NFL by Baltimore.http://und.cstv.com/sports/m-footbl/spec-rel/020599aaa.html https://archive.today/20120718005655/http://und.cstv.com/sports/m-footbl/spec-rel/020599aaa.html dead July 18, 2012 Assistant Football Coach Heads to NFL UND.cstv.com February 5, 1999 August 29, 2007 Game summaries Michigan 1998 Michigan Wolverines football team Notre Dame Fighting Irish 2; text-align:center collapsed No. 5 Michigan Wolverines (0–0) at No. 22 Notre Dame Fighting Irish (0–0) September 5 3:30 p.m. EDT Michigan 3 10 0 7 Notre Dame 3 3 17 13 Notre Dame Stadium, South Bend, Indiana 80,012 Sunny, 83 F C NBC Dick Enberg and Pat Haden Box Score, Box Score left Michigan Wolverines Michigan Notre Dame Fighting Irish Notre Dame Tom Brady 23/36, 267 Yds Clarence Williams 13 Rush, 114 Yds Marcus Knight 5 Rec, 126 Yds Jarious Jackson 4/10, 96 Yds, 2 TD, INT Autry Denson 24 Rush, 162 Yds, 2 TD Raki Nelson 2 Rec, 68 Yds, TD UM ND collapsed 1 9:37 Michigan 57 FG 36 Kraig Baker 3 0 1 7:30 Notre Dame 5 57 FG 32 Jim Sanson 3 3 2 11:36 Michigan 7 54 2:28 FG 21 Jay Feely 6 3 2 3:08 Notre Dame 11 50 4:29 FG 27 Jim Sanson 6 6 2 0:23 Michigan 12 72 2:45 RushTD Tom Brady 1 good Jay Feely run/pass good/failed/incomplete 13 6 3 11:34 Notre Dame 10 62 3:26 FG 32 Jim Sanson 13 9 3 7:40 Notre Dame 7 34 3:43 RecTD Dan O'Leary Jarious Jackson 4 good Jim Sanson run/pass good/failed/incomplete 13 16 3 5:02 Notre Dame 1 35 RecTD Raki Nelson Jarious Jackson 35 good Jim Sanson run/pass good/failed/incomplete 13 23 4 13:23 Notre Dame 9 52 4:05 RushTD Autry Denson 3 good Jim Sanson run/pass good/failed/incomplete 13 30 4 4:09 Notre Dame RushTD Autry Denson 1 no good Jim Sanson run/pass good/failed/incomplete 13 36 4 2:09 Michigan 80 RecTD Jerame Tuman Drew Henson 8 good Jay Feely run/pass good/failed/incomplete 20 36 20 36 At Michigan State December 2022 Purdue December 2022 Stanford 1998 Stanford Cardinal football team Notre Dame–Stanford football rivalry Notre Dame Fighting Irish 2; text-align:center collapsed Stanford Cardinal (1–3) at No. 23 Notre Dame Fighting Irish (2–1) October 3 2:30 p.m. EDT Stanford 3 0 0 14 Notre Dame 21 7 7 0 Notre Dame Stadium, South Bend, Indiana 80,012 Cloudy, 53 F C NBC Box Score left Stanford Cardinal Stanford Notre Dame Fighting Irish Notre Dame Todd Husak 25/41, 226 Yds, TD Coy Wire 19 Rush, 79 Yds DeRonnie Pitts 8 Rec, 112 Yds Jarious Jackson 11/15, 163 Yds, INT Jarious Jackson 18 Rush, 100 Yds, 3 TD Malcolm Johnson 7 Rec, 113 Yds At Arizona State December 2022 Army December 2022 Baylor December 2022 At Boston College December 2022 vs Navy December 2022 LSU December 2022 At USC December 2022 Vs. Georgia Tech—Gator Bowl December 2022 Roster 1998 Notre Dame Fighting Irish f 3 Fr Arnaz Battle QB y 88 Jr Bobby Brown Bobby Brown (wide receiver) WR y 18 Fr Joey Getherall WR n 23 Sr Autry Denson RB y 12 Fr Tony Fisher Tony Fisher (American football) RB y 69 Jr Mike Gandy G y 14 Fr David Givens WR y 45 Jr Joey Goodspeed FB y 87 So Jabari Holloway TE y 21 Fr Javin Hunter WR y 7 Jr Jarious Jackson QB y 6 Sr Malcolm Johnson Malcolm Johnson (wide receiver) WR y 64 Jr John Merandi C 86 So Dan O'Leary Dan O'Leary (American football) TE y 54 Sr Luke Petitgout T y 79 Sr Mike Rosenthal G y 71 Sr Jerry Wisne T y 30 Fr Rocky Boiman LB y 99 Jr Jason Ching DE 1 Jr Deke Cooper FS y 39 So Anthony Denman LB y 25 So Tony Driver S y 51 Fr Tyreo Harrison LB y 27 Sr Bobbie Howard LB y 44 So Grant Irons DE y 90 So Lance Legree DT y 36 Sr Tim Lynch CB 4 Sr Kory Minor LB y 93 Jr B. J. Scott DE 49 Sr Joe Thomas LB 98 Fr Anthony Weaver DE y 94 So Andy Wisne DT 1 So Brock Williams CB y 19 Jr Jim Sanson K 8 Sr Hunter Smith P y https://web.archive.org/web/19990502213644/http://www.usatoday.com/sports/football/sfc/india/sfck09ra.htm *Bob Davie Jim Colletto (OC) Urban Meyer (WR) Greg Mattison (DC) Charlie Strong (DL) Statistics Passing Jarious Jackson - 104 of 188 (55.3%) for 1,740 yards, 13 touchdowns, 6 interceptions Arnaz Battle - 8 of 20 (40.0%) for 134 yards, 0 touchdowns and 2 interceptions Rushing Autry Denson - 1,176 yards on 251 attempts, 4.7-yard average, 15 touchdowns Jarious Jackson - 441 yards on 113 attempts, 3.9-yard average, 3 touchdowns Jamie Spencer - 256 yards on 54 attempts, 4.7-yard average, 2 touchdowns Joey Goodspeed, 202 yards on 29 attempts, 7.0-yard average, 0 touchdowns Receiving Malcolm Johnson - 43 receptions for 692 yards, 16.1-yard average, 6 touchdowns Bobby Brown - 13 receptions for 286 yards, 22.0-yard average, 1 touchdown Jabari Holloway - 15 receptions for 262 yards, 17.5-yard average, 2 touchdowns Raki Nelson - 11 receptions for 217 yards, 19.7-yard average, 2 touchdowns Joey Getherall - 13 receptions for 197 yards, 15.2-yard average, 1 touchdown Scoring Autry Denson - 90 points scored, 15 touchdowns Jim Sanson - 64 points scored, 31 or 36 PAT, 11 of 15 field goals Malcolm Johnson - 36 points, 6 touchdowns Tackles Bobbie Howard (LB) - 118 Jimmy Friday (LB) - 79 Deke Cooper (DB) - 78 Tony Driver (CB) - 60 Kory Minor (LB) - 60 A'Jani Sanders (S) - 58 References Notre Dame Category:Notre Dame Fighting Irish football seasons Notre Dame Fighting Irish football