1997 Notre Dame Fighting Irish football team

American college football season August 2023 January 2026 1997 Notre Dame Fighting Irish football Independent 7–6 Bob Davie 1st Jim Colletto 1st Option Greg Mattison 1st 4–3 Autry Denson Melvin Dansby Ron Powlus Allen Rossum Notre Dame Stadium Independence Bowl L Lost 9–27 vs. LSU The 1997 Notre Dame Fighting Irish football team was an American football team that represented the University of Notre Dame as an independent during the 1997 NCAA Division I-A football season. In their first year under head coach Bob Davie, the Irish compiled a 7–6 record and outscored opponents by a total of 273 to 238. They were ranked No. 11 in the preseason AP poll, but lost five of their first seven games. They then won five consecutive games to become bowl eligible and ended the season with a loss to LSU in the Independence Bowl.1997 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/1997-schedule.html1997 Football Review: The 57th Annual Post-Season Report The Notre Dame Scholastic January 1998 August 5, 2026 https://archives.nd.edu/Football/Football-1997s.pdf Notre Dame Archives Fifth-year senior quarterback Ron Powlus led the team with 2,078 passing yards and set single-season Irish records for pass attempts (298) and completions (182). Cornerback and kick returner Allen Rossum set an NCAA single-season record with nine returns for touchdowns (three each on interceptions, punts, and kickoffs).The team's other statistical leaders included tailback Autry Denson (1,268 rushing yards, 78 points scored), wide receiver Malcolm Johnson (596 receiving yards), wide receiver Bobby Brown (45 receptions), and linebacker Jimmy Friday (109 tackles).1997 Notre Dame Fighting Irish Stats Sports Reference LLC SR/College Football August 4, 2026 https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/schools/notre-dame/1997.html1997 Football Review, p. 50. The team played its home games at Notre Dame Stadium in Notre Dame, Indiana. Schedule 1997 AP Eastern September 6 2:30 p.m. w 11 Georgia Tech Notre Dame Stadium Notre Dame, IN rivalry NBC 17–13 80,225 https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-philadelphia-inquirer-notre-dame-eke/152097793/ The Philadelphia Inquirer Notre Dame ekes out a 17–13 win over Georgia Tech in Davie's debut September 7, 1997 July 26, 2024 Newspapers.com September 13 3:30 p.m. l y 12 Purdue Ross–Ade Stadium West Lafayette, IN rivalry ABC 17–28 68,789 September 20 2:30 p.m. l Michigan State 17 Notre Dame Stadium Notre Dame, IN rivalry NBC 7–23 80,225 September 27 3:30 p.m. l y Michigan 6 Michigan Stadium Ann Arbor, MI rivalry ABC 14–21 106,508 October 4 3:30 p.m. l y Stanford 19 Stanford Stadium Stanford, CA rivalry ABC 15–33 75,651 October 11 3:30 p.m. w y Pittsburgh Pitt Stadium Pittsburgh, PA rivalry CBS 45–21 47,306 October 18 2:30 p.m. l USC Notre Dame Stadium Notre Dame, IN rivalry NBC 17–20 80,225 October 25 2:30 p.m. w Boston College Notre Dame Stadium Notre Dame, IN Holy War NBC 52–20 80,225 November 1 1:30 p.m. w Navy Notre Dame Stadium Notre Dame, IN rivalry NBC 21–17 80,225 November 15 3:30 p.m. w y LSU 11 Tiger Stadium Baton Rouge, LA CBS 24–6 80,556 https://www.newspapers.com/article/chicago-tribune-with-2-more-wins-indepe/152114940/ Chicago Tribune With 2 more wins, Independence Bowl could be on November 16, 1997 July 27, 2024 Newspapers.com November 22 1:30 p.m. w West Virginia 22 Notre Dame Stadium Notre Dame, IN NBC 21–14 80,225 November 29 7:30 p.m. w y Hawaii Aloha Stadium Halawa, HI ESPN 23–22 41,509 December 28, 1997 8:00 p.m. l y LSU 15 Independence Stadium Shreveport, LA Independence Bowl ESPN 9–27 50,459 https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-indianapolis-star-irish-buried-on-th/152115096/ The Indianapolis Star Irish buried on the bayou December 29, 1997 July 27, 2024 Newspapers.com Rankings 1997 NCAA Division I-A football rankings AP 0 17 11 11 11 12 NR NR NR NR NR NR NR NR NR NR NR NR NR NR Coaches 0 17 12 13 15 NR NR NR NR NR NR NR NR NR NR NR NR NR NR Game summaries Georgia Tech The Irish began the Davie era at home, playing Georgia Tech in the newly renovated Notre Dame Stadium.http://und.cstv.com/facilities/nd-stadium.html Notre Dame Stadium UND.cstv.com August 28, 2007 February 26, 2009 https://web.archive.org/web/20090226013129/http://und.cstv.com/facilities/nd-stadium.html dead The Irish christened the stadium with a close win over the Yellow Jackets that was sparked by a renewed running game and key defensive stops late in the game.Lesar, Al http://und.cstv.com/sports/m-footbl/archive/97season/nd-m-footbl--game01sum.html Notre Dame 17, Georgia Tech 13 South Bend Tribune September 6, 1997 August 28, 2007 With the close win, the Irish showed their weakness and dropped a spot in the national ranking. Purdue The next week, at Purdue, though the Irish had 457 total yards, they only managed 17 points. With key mistakes on offense and a confused defense, the Irish lost 28–17 and dropped out of the rankings.Lesar, Al http://und.cstv.com/sports/m-footbl/archive/97season/nd-m-footbl--game02sum.html Purdue 28, Notre Dame 17 South Bend Tribune September 13, 1997 August 28, 2007 Michigan State Michigan Week 4: Notre Dame at (6) Michigan(Michigan–Notre Dame rivalry game) Notre Dame (1–2) Michigan (2–0) 7 7 0 0 0 7 14 0 September 27 Michigan StadiumAnn Arbor, MI 106,508 yes 1 3:16 ND Bobby Brown 15-yard pass from Ron Powlus (Jim Sanson kick) ND 7–0 2 13:40 MICH Clarence Williams 4-yard run (Kraig Baker kick) Tied 7–7 2 0:18 ND Tony Driver 2-yard run (Jim Sanson kick) ND 14–7 3 14:36 MICH Tai Streets 41-yard pass from Brian Griese (Kraig Baker kick) Tied 14–14 3 9:21 MICH Chris Floyd 14-yard run (Kraig Baker kick) MICH 21–14 yes For its fourth game of the season, Notre Dame faced Michigan in the 27th match between college football's winningest programs. Michigan won the game, 21–14, in front of a crowd of 106,508, the sixth largest in the history of Michigan Stadium at that time.https://www.nytimes.com/1997/09/27/sports/college-football-struggling-notre-dame-confronts-limitations.html College Football; Struggling Notre Dame Confronts Limitations July 23, 2010 September 27, 1997 The New York Times Moran, Malcolm Notre Dame ended the day with its first three-game losing streak in 12 years.https://www.usatoday.com/sports/scores97/97270/97270386.htm Notre Dame vs. Michigan July 21, 2010 September 27, 1997 USA Today In the first quarter, Notre Dame scored first on a 15-yard touchdown pass from Ron Powlus to Bobby Brown, culminating a 12-play, 78-yard drive. In the second quarter, the Wolverines tied the game on a 4-yard touchdown run by Clarence Williams to complete an 11-play, 68-yard drive. Notre Dame regained the lead late in the second quarter on a 98-yard drive ending in a two-yard run by Tony Driver with 18 seconds left in the half. Within the first 24 seconds of the second half, Brian Griese and Tai Streets connected on back-to-back passes of 15 and 41 yards to tie the game at 14. Michigan scored again just over five minutes later on a 14-yard run by Chris Floyd. Michigan's defense overcame three fourth-quarter turnovers and held Notre Dame scoreless in the second half to preserve the 21–14 lead. After Aaron Shea lost a fumble at the Michigan 47-yard line, cornerback Tommy Hendricks made a diving interception in the end zone with 10:34 remaining in the game. When Notre Dame recovered a loose ball two minutes later at the Wolverines 42-yard line, Michigan's defense forced a punt after a three-and-out. The Wolverines suffered a third turnover late in the fourth quarter when Griese and Chris Howard botched a handoff that Notre Dame recovered at the Michigan 28-yard line. Notre Dame drove to the 20-yard line, but Glen Steele and James Hall made a key stop on fourth down.https://www.nytimes.com/1997/09/28/sports/college-football-irish-are-granted-three-wishes-but-still-lose.html College Football; Irish Are Granted Three Wishes, but Still Lose July 24, 2010 September 28, 1997 The New York Times Moran, Malcolm Howard helped Michigan run out the final 3:26 with runs of 27, seven, nine and eight yards. Notre Dame outgained Michigan in total offense by a margin of 354 yards to 345 yards. Notre Dame's offensive standouts were Powlus (177 passing yards) and Malcolm Johnson (106 receiving yards). However, Notre Dame was penalized 10 times for 92 yards, including six holding infractions, one of which nullified a pass interference penalty against Woodson. Michigan's offensive stars of the game were Griese (16-of-22 passing for 177 yards), Howard (91 rushing yards rushing on 16 carries) and Streets (3 receptions for 77 yards). Pittsburgh The Irish looked to be getting back on track with a trip to face Pittsburgh. With a renewed running game, the Irish beat the struggling Panthers by 24.Lesar, Al http://und.cstv.com/sports/m-footbl/archive/97season/nd-m-footbl--game06sum.html Notre Dame 45, Pittsburgh 21 South Bend Tribune October 11, 1997 August 28, 2007 USC With the offense struggling once again in their next game, a loss to rival University of Southern California (USC), the Irish hit, what was called, "rock bottom."Lesar, Al http://und.cstv.com/sports/m-footbl/archive/97season/nd-m-footbl--game07sum.html USC 20, Notre Dame 17 South Bend Tribune October 18, 1997 August 28, 2007 Navy Notre Dame Fighting Irish 2; text-align:center collapsed Navy Midshipmen at Notre Dame Fighting Irish November 1 1:30 p.m. Navy 7 3 7 0 Notre Dame 7 0 7 7 Notre Dame Stadium • South Bend, Indiana NBC Notre Dame Football Archives Navy Chris McCoy147 Rush Yds, 2 TD Notre Dame Ron Powlus7/17, 99 Yds, TD Autry Denson125 Rush Yds Allen Rossum knocked Pat McGrew out at the two-yard line on a Hail Mary pass to preserve Notre Dame's 34th straight win over Navy NAVY ND collapsed 1 12:02 Navy 60 RushTD Chris McCoy 9 good Tom Vanderhorst run/pass good/failed/incomplete 7 0 1 4:37 Notre Dame 2 RecTD Bobby Brown Ron Powlus 14 good Cengia run/pass good/failed/incomplete 7 7 2 8:07 Navy 8 30 FG 22 Tom Vanderhorst 10 7 3 13:36 Notre Dame RushTD Autry Denson 48 good Cengia run/pass good/failed/incomplete 10 14 3 2:59 Navy RushTD Chris McCoy 2 good Vanderhorst run/pass good/failed/incomplete 17 14 4 5:48 Notre Dame 17 7:30 RushTD Autry Denson 5 good Cengia run/pass good/failed/incomplete 17 21 17 21 LSU The Irish next went to LSU to face the 11th-ranked Tigers. Looked to be outmatched, the Irish didn't commit a penalty all game, had no turnovers, and didn't give up any plays longer than one 28 yard pass, to upset the Tigers and move back to 5–5 on the season.Lesar, Al http://und.cstv.com/sports/m-footbl/archive/97season/nd-m-footbl--game10sum.html Notre Dame 24, LSU 6 South Bend Tribune November 15, 1997 August 28, 2007 Boston College With a slight quarterback controversy, the Irish next faced Boston College. Though backup quarterback Jarious Jackson played 21 downs, Powlus led the Irish with 267 passing yards to rout the Eagles and put the Irish offense back on track.Lesar, Al http://und.cstv.com/sports/m-footbl/archive/97season/nd-m-footbl--game08sum.html Notre Dame 52, Boston College 20 South Bend Tribune October 25, 1997 August 28, 2007 West Virginia The Irish then faced 22nd ranked West Virginia for their final home game. With the game tied late in the fourth quarter, Powlus led the Irish on a drive that was capped by his final touchdown pass at Notre Dame Stadium for the game-winning touchdown.Lesar, Al http://und.cstv.com/sports/m-footbl/archive/97season/nd-m-footbl--game11sum.html Notre Dame 21, West Virginia 14 South Bend Tribune November 22, 1997 August 28, 2007 September 13, 2007 https://web.archive.org/web/20070913232920/http://und.cstv.com/sports/m-footbl/archive/97season/nd-m-footbl--game11sum.html dead With the win the Irish beat ranked opponents on consecutive Saturdays for the first time since 1992,http://und.cstv.com/sports/m-footbl/archive/97season/nd-m-fb-1997notes.html '97 Irish Notes UND.cstv.com August 28, 2007 Hawaii LSU (Independence Bowl) Once again facing LSU in Louisiana, in the [ndependence Bowl, this time with the Tigers ranked 15th, LSU dominated on offense and beat the Irish 27–9.Lesar, Al http://und.cstv.com/sports/m-footbl/archive/97season/nd-m-footbl--game13sum.html LSU 27, Notre Dame 9 South Bend Tribune December 28, 1997 August 28, 2007 Though the Irish finished with a loss, the 7–6 record was the biggest Irish turn around in team history. Roster 1997 Notre Dame Fighting Irish f 28 Sr Ken Barry RB 88 So Bobby Brown Bobby Brown (wide receiver) WR y 8 So Eric Chappell QB 23 Jr Autry Denson RB y 84 Sr Mike Denvir TE 73 Sr Mike Doughty OT 18 Fr Joey Getherall WR 87 Fr Jabari Holloway TE y 7 So Jarious Jackson QB y 11 So Jay Johnson WR 6 Sr Malcolm Johnson Malcolm Johnson (wide receiver) WR y 9 So Raki Nelson WR 54 Jr Luke Petitgout OT y 3 Sr Ron Powlus QB y y 89 Jr Tim Ridder TE 79 Jr Mike Rosenthal OG y 33 Jr Jamie Spencer RB 32 Sr Clement Stokes RB 71 Jr Jerry Wisne OT y 56 Sr Kurt Belisle DE 95 Sr Corey Bennett DT 1 So Deke Cooper S 14 Sr Ivory Covington CB 51 Sr Melvin Dansby DE 13 Jr Jimmy Friday LB 2 Jr Benny Guilbeaux S 27 Jr Bobbie Howard LB y 85 Jr Antwon Jones DE 4 Jr Kory Minor LB y 15 Sr Allen Rossum CB y 5 Jr A'Jani Sanders S 77 So Brad Williams DE 1 Fr Brock Williams CB y 12 Sr Scott Cengia K Kevin Kopka K 19 So Jim Sanson K 17 Jr Hunter Smith P y https://web.archive.org/web/19971009120949/http://www.und.com:80/sports/m-footbl/mtt/nd-m-footbl-mtt-alpha.html *Bob Davie Jim Colletto (OC) Greg Mattison (DC) Charlie Strong (DL) 1997-10-09 Statistical leaders Passing Ron Powlus - 182 of 298 (61.1%) for 2,078 yards, 9 touchdowns and 7 interceptions Jarious Jackson - 8 of 17 (47.1%) for 146 yards, 1 touchdown and 1 interception Rushing Autry Denson - 1,268 yards on 264 carries, 4.8-yard average, 12 touchdowns Clement Stokes - 351 yards on 75 carries, 4.6-yard average, 3 touchdowns Ken Barry - 196 yards on 35 carries, 5.3-yard average, 0 touchdowns Tony Driver - 133 yards on 35 carris, 3.6-yard average, 3 touchdowns Jamie Spencer - 108 yards on 24 carries, 4.4-yard average, 1 touchdown Receiving Malcolm Johnson - 42 receptions for 596 yards, 14.2-yard average, 2 touchdowns Bobby Brown - 45 receptions for 543 yards, 12.1-yard average, 6 touchdowns Raki Nelson - 23 receptions for 341 yards, 0 touchdowns Autry Denson - 30 receptions for 175 yards, 5.8-yard average, 1 touchdown Jabari Holloway - 8 receptions for 144 yards, 18.0-yard average, 1 touchdown Joey Getherall - 9 receptions for 193 yards, 11.4-yard average, 0 touchdowns Scoring Autry Denson - 78 points, 13 touchdowns Bobby Brown - 36 points, 6 touchdowns Jim Sanson - 30 points, 15 of 16 PAT, 5 of 10 field goals Scott Cengia - 25 points, 16 of 17 PAT, 3 of 5 field goals Jarious Jackson - 24 points, 4 touchdowns Tackles Jimmy Friday (LB) - 109 Melvin Dansby (DE) - 103 Bobbie Howard (LB) - 91 Kory Minor (LB) - 85 Lammont Bryant (LB) - 78 Benny Guilbeaux (S) - 68 Ivory Covington (CB) - 66 Deveron Harper - 60 A'Jani Sanders (S) - 58 Allen Rossum (CB) - 53 Grant Irons - 50 Awards and honors Tailback Autry Denson received All-America honors from Football News and was voted by the players as the team's most valuable player. Defensive end Melvin Dansby received All-America honors from Football News, was selected as Notre Dame's Lineman of the Year, and won the Nick Pietrosante Award. Linebacker Kory Minor received All-America honors from Football News. Offensive guard Mike Rosenthal received All-America honors from Football News.1997 Football Review, p. 51. References Notre Dame Category:Notre Dame Fighting Irish football seasons Notre Dame Fighting Irish football