2004 Notre Dame Fighting Irish football team

American college football season August 2026 January 2026 2004 Notre Dame Fighting Irish Notre Dame Fighting Irish logo.svg 150px Independent 6–6 Tyrone Willingham 3rd regular season Kent Baer interim; bowl game Bill Diedrick 3rd Kent Baer 3rd Justin Tuck West Coast 4–3 Notre Dame Stadium Insight Bowl L Lost 21–38 vs. Oregon State The 2004 Notre Dame Fighting Irish football team was an American football team that represented the University of Notre Dame as an independent during the 2004 NCAA Division I-A football season. In their third and final year under head coach Tyrone Willingham, the Irish compiled a 6–6 record, scored 289 points, and also gave up 289 points on defense. They lost four of their last five games, including a loss to Oregon State in the Insight Bowl.2004 Notre Dame Fighting Irish Scehedule and Results Sports Reference LLC SR/College Football August 5, 2026 https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/schools/notre-dame/2004-schedule.htmlFootball Review 2004 The Notre Dame Scholastic January 2005 https://archives.nd.edu/Football/Football-2004s.pdf Willingham was fired on November 30,Willingham Fired South Bend Tribune December 1, 2004 1 https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-south-bend-tribune-willingham-fired/203249918/ Newspapers.com and defensive coordinator Kent Baer took over as interim head coach for the Insight Bowl.Baer to sub on sideline in Insight South Bend Tribune December 2, 2004 1 https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-south-bend-tribune-baer/203250217/ Newspapers.com The team's statistical leaders included quarterback Brady Quinn (2,586 passing yards), running back Darius Walker (786 rushing yards), wide receiver Rhema McKnight (42 receptions for 610 yards), and kicker D.J. Fitzpatrick (67 points scored, 34 of 35 PAT, 11 of 15 field goals).2004 Notre Dame Fighting Irish Stats Sports Reference LLC SR/College Football August 6, 2026 https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/schools/notre-dame/2004.html Defensive end Justin Tuck won the team's most valuable player award. The team played its home games at Notre Dame Stadium in Notre Dame, Indiana. Schedule 2004 AP Eastern September 4 9:15 p.m. l y BYU LaVell Edwards Stadium Provo, UT ESPN 17–20 65,251 September 11 3:30 p.m. w Michigan 8 Notre Dame Stadium Notre Dame, IN rivalry NBC 28–20 80,795 September 18 7:00 p.m. w y Michigan State Spartan Stadium East Lansing, MI rivalry ESPN 31–24 74,962 September 25 2:30 p.m. w Washington Notre Dame Stadium Notre Dame, IN NBC 38–3 80,795 October 2 2:30 p.m. l Purdue 15 Notre Dame Stadium Notre Dame, IN rivalry NBC 16–41 80,795 October 9 2:30 p.m. w Stanford Notre Dame Stadium Notre Dame, IN rivalry NBC 23–15 80,795 October 16 12:00 p.m. w y Navy Giants Stadium East Rutherford, NJ rivalry CBS 27–9 76,166 October 23 1:30 p.m. l 24 Boston College Notre Dame Stadium Notre Dame, IN Holy War NBC 23–24 80,795 November 6 3:30 p.m. w y Tennessee 9 Neyland Stadium Knoxville, TN CBS 17–13 107,266 November 13 2:30 p.m. l 24 Pittsburgh Notre Dame Stadium Notre Dame, IN rivalry NBC 38–41 80,795 November 27 8:00 p.m. l y USC 1 Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum Los Angeles, CA rivalry ABC 10–41 92,611 December 28, 2004 9:45 p.m. l y Oregon State Bank One Ballpark Phoenix, AZ Insight Bowl ESPN 21–38 45,917 Preseason The 2004 season began with doubts and criticism for the Irish.Soukup, Andrew http://media.www.ndsmcobserver.com/media/storage/paper660/news/2004/04/23/IrishInsider/The-Frustrations.Persist-670103.shtml The frustrations persist The Observer UK April 23, 2004 August 26, 2007 dead https://web.archive.org/web/20071020093534/http://media.www.ndsmcobserver.com/media/storage/paper660/news/2004/04/23/IrishInsider/The-Frustrations.Persist-670103.shtml October 20, 2007 With Julius Jones graduating as fourth-leading rusher in Notre Dame history,http://und.cstv.com/sports/m-footbl/spec-rel/042404aaa.html https://archive.today/20130120073127/http://und.cstv.com/sports/m-footbl/spec-rel/042404aaa.html dead January 20, 2013 Two Former Notre Dame Players Selected On Day One Of NFL Draft UND.cstv.com April 24, 2004 August 26, 2007 the Irish hoped to replace him with a talented recruiting class. However, Willingham struggled in his second full year of recruiting and the new class was ranked 30th in the nation.http://oklahoma.scout.com/a.z?s=146&p=9&c=14&yr=2004 Scout.com:Team Recruiting Rankings Scout.com August 25, 2007 Despite signing highly sought after recruit Darius Walker,http://notredame.scout.com/a.z?s=109&p=8&c=1&nid=620159 #7 Darius Walker Scout.com August 26, 2007 the 17 man class only included three four-star recruits.http://notredame.scout.com/a.z?s=109&p=9&c=8&yr=2004 Scout.com Football Recruiting: Notre Dame Scout.com August 26, 2007 Game summaries BYU The season began poorly for the Irish with a loss at BYU. Despite Brady Quinn improving at the quarterback position, completing over 50 percent of his passes for 265 yards, the Irish only managed to gain 11 yards rushing.http://und.cstv.com/sports/m-footbl/recaps/090504aaa.html Irish Fall To BYU, 20–17 UND.cstv.com September 4, 2004 August 26, 2007 November 18, 2007 https://web.archive.org/web/20071118123820/http://und.cstv.com/sports/m-footbl/recaps/090504aaa.html dead Michigan Michigan 6 3 3 8 Notre Dame 0 0 7 21 September 11 Notre Dame Stadium, South Bend, IN 3:30 p.m. EST NBC yes 1 8:29 Michigan Garrett Rivas 38-yard field goal Michigan 3-0 1 0:11 Michigan Garrett Rivas 33-yard field goal Michigan 6-0 2 0:00 Michigan Garrett Rivas 22-yard field goal Michigan 9-0 3 11:02 Notre Dame Matt Shelton 46-yard pass from Brady Quinn (D.J. Fitzpatrick kick) Michigan 9-7 3 5:57 Michigan Garrett Rivas 47-yard field goal Michigan 12-7 4 13:48 Notre Dame Darius Walker 6-yard run (D.J. Fitzpatrick kick) Notre Dame 14-12 4 11:23 Notre Dame Darius Walker 5-yard run (D.J. Fitzpatrick kick) Notre Dame 21-12 4 5:49 Notre Dame Rashon Powers-Neal 8-yard pass from Brady Quinn (D.J. Fitzpatrick kick) Notre Dame 28-12 4 2:27 Michigan Steve Breaston 25-yard pass from Chad Henne (Steve Breaston pass from Chad Henne) Notre Dame 28-20 yes ESPN.com Notre Dame next faced a highly ranked Michigan team at home and Willingham stated that an improved running game would be important if the Irish were to be able to beat the Wolverines.http://und.cstv.com/sports/m-footbl/spec-rel/090704aab.html https://archive.today/20120717114248/http://und.cstv.com/sports/m-footbl/spec-rel/090704aab.html dead July 17, 2012 Tyrone Willingham Press Conference Transcript UND.cstv.com September 7, 2004 August 26, 2007 Darius Walker answered Willingham in his first collegiate game, gaining 115 yards and scoring two late touchdowns to lead the Irish in the upset.http://und.cstv.com/sports/m-footbl/recaps/091104aab.html Irish Knock Off No. 8 Michigan, 28–20 UND.cstv.com September 11, 2004 August 26, 2007 November 18, 2007 https://web.archive.org/web/20071118123825/http://und.cstv.com/sports/m-footbl/recaps/091104aab.html dead With the win the Irish were rejuvenated,Mandel, Stewart http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2004/writers/stewart_mandel/09/11/notredame.folo/ https://web.archive.org/web/20110604121132/http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2004/writers/stewart_mandel/09/11/notredame.folo/ dead June 4, 2011 Hope springs eternal Sports Illustrated September 12, 2004 August 26, 2007 Stewart Mandel Michigan State Notre Dame 14 7 7 3 Michigan St 7 0 7 10 September 18 Spartan Stadium, East Lansing, MI 7:00 p.m. EST yes 1 12:18 MSU Jerramy Scott recovered blocked punt in end zone (Dave Rayner kick) Michigan St 7–0 1 4:42 ND Brady Quinn 1-yard run (D.J. Fitzpatrick kick) Tie 7–7 1 :07 ND Tom Zbikowski 75-yard fumble return (D.J. Fitzpatrick kick) Notre Dame 14–7 2 8:52 ND Matt Shelton 35-yard pass from Brady Quinn (D.J. Fitzpatrick kick) Notre Dame 21–7 3 5:39 ND Ryan Grant 6-yard run (D.J. Fitzpatrick kick) Notre Dame 28–7 3 5:28 MSU DeAndra' Cobb 89-yard kick return (Dave Rayner kick) Notre Dame 28–14 4 14:55 MSU Dave Rayner 46-yard field goal Notre Dame 28–17 4 :57 ND D.J. Fitzpatrick 23-yard field goal Notre Dame 31–17 4 :09 MSU Drew Stanton 4-yard run (Dave Rayner kick) Notre Dame 31–24 yes https://archive.today/20130701060815/http://espn.go.com/ncf/recap?id=242620127 ESPN.com The Irish rallied to move to 3–1 on the season with wins over Michigan State and Washington.http://sports.espn.go.com/ncf/recap?confId=&gameId=242620127 https://web.archive.org/web/20121022090710/http://sports.espn.go.com/ncf/recap?confId=&gameId=242620127 dead October 22, 2012 ND's Walker rushes for 98 yards ESPN September 18, 2004 August 26, 2007http://sports.espn.go.com/ncf/recap?confId=&gameId=242690087 https://web.archive.org/web/20121022090722/http://sports.espn.go.com/ncf/recap?confId=&gameId=242690087 dead October 22, 2012 Quinn ties school record ESPN September 25, 2004 August 26, 2007 Some in the media began comparing Willingham to some of Notre Dame's legendary coaches and said the team would win seven or eight games in the season, and be back in national championship contention by 2005.Bradley, Michael http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2004/writers/michael_bradley/09/23/irish/index.html https://web.archive.org/web/20040925031937/http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2004/writers/michael_bradley/09/23/irish/index.html dead September 25, 2004 Cheer, cheer for old Notre Dame Sports Illustrated September 23, 2004 August 26, 2007 Washington Purdue With renewed expectations, the Irish hoped to continue their streak and beat 15th ranked Purdue, who hadn't won at Notre Dame in 30 years. The Boilermakers' quarterback, Kyle Orton, torched the Irish defense handing them a 25-point loss to end the rally.http://sports.espn.go.com/ncf/recap?confId=&gameId=242760087 https://web.archive.org/web/20121022090744/http://sports.espn.go.com/ncf/recap?confId=&gameId=242760087 dead October 22, 2012 Boilermakers last won at Notre Dame in 1974 ESPN October 2, 2004 August 26, 2007 Stanford The Irish got back on track and beat Stanford, making Notre Dame the second school to reach 800 wins.http://sports.espn.go.com/ncf/recap?confId=&gameId=242830087 https://web.archive.org/web/20121022090750/http://sports.espn.go.com/ncf/recap?confId=&gameId=242830087 dead October 22, 2012 Notre Dame rallies with 20 second-half points ESPN October 9, 2004 August 26, 2007 Navy Notre Dame defeated Navy for the 41st straight time,http://sports.espn.go.com/ncf/recap?confId=&gameId=242902426 https://archive.today/20120719193515/http://sports.espn.go.com/ncf/recap?confId=&gameId=242902426 dead July 19, 2012 Notre Dame's dominance the longest in NCAA history ESPN October 16, 2004 August 26, 2007 to move into the rankings for the first time since their 2003 loss to Michigan. Boston College The Irish didn't stay ranked for long, as Boston College once again beat the Irish on a late score.http://sports.espn.go.com/ncf/recap?confId=&gameId=242970087 https://web.archive.org/web/20121022090804/http://sports.espn.go.com/ncf/recap?confId=&gameId=242970087 dead October 22, 2012 Peterson's arm leads Eagles to second-half comeback ESPN October 23, 2004 August 26, 2007 Tennessee The Irish had three games left, and needed one win to become bowl eligible, but looked as if that win wouldn't come in their next game as they faced the 9th ranked Tennessee Volunteers in Knoxville. The Irish defense, however, stepped up, and, after knocking out quarterback Erik Ainge on a sack, returned an interception for a touchdown to upset the Volunteers and become bowl eligible.http://sports.espn.go.com/ncf/recap?confId=&gameId=243112633 https://web.archive.org/web/20110525034952/http://sports.espn.go.com/ncf/recap?confId=&gameId=243112633 dead May 25, 2011 Ainge separates shoulder, joins Schaeffer on sidelines ESPN November 6, 2004 August 26, 2007 Pittsburgh Once again ranked, the Irish returned home for their final home game against Pittsburgh. Losing on a late score, the team allowed five passing touchdowns by an opponent for the first time ever at home.http://sports.espn.go.com/ncf/recap?confId=&gameId=243180087 https://archive.today/20120719024513/http://sports.espn.go.com/ncf/recap?confId=&gameId=243180087 dead July 19, 2012 Palko becomes 1st QB to throw 5 TDs vs. Irish ESPN November 13, 2004 August 26, 2007 USC Visiting USC for the final regular season game, the Irish again lost to the Trojans by 31.http://sports.espn.go.com/ncf/recap?confId=&gameId=243320030 https://web.archive.org/web/20121022090815/http://sports.espn.go.com/ncf/recap?confId=&gameId=243320030 dead October 22, 2012 Junior QB passes for career-high 400 yards ESPN November 27, 2004 August 26, 2007 Oregon State (Insight Bowl) Notre Dame vs. Oregon State Fighting Irish 0 7 7 7 Beavers 14 7 3 14 December 28 Bank One Ballpark 6:45 p.m. PST 45,917 ESPN yes 1 9:24 ORST George Gillett 12 yard pass from Derek Anderson (Alexis Serna kick) Oregon State 7–0 1 5:41 ORST Joe Newton 11 yard pass from Derek Anderson (Alexis Serna kick) Oregon State 14–0 2 7:49 ORST Dan Haines 11 yard pass from Derek Anderson (Alexis Serna kick) Oregon State 21–0 2 :56 ND Anthony Fasano 13 yard pass from Brady Quinn (D.J. Fitzpatrick kick) Oregon State 21–7 3 9:16 ORST Alexis Serna 38 yard field goal Oregon State 24–7 3 2:40 ND Darius Walker 5 yard run (D.J. Fitzpatrick kick) Oregon State 24–14 4 12:17 ORST Joe Newton 1 yard pass from Derek Anderson (Alexis Serna kick) Oregon State 31–14 4 4:52 ND Rhema McKnight 18 yard pass from Brady Quinn (D.J. Fitzpatrick kick) Oregon State 31–21 4 3:19 ORST Dwight Wright Jr. 2 yard run (Alexis Serna kick) Oregon State 38–21 yes 2004 Insight Bowl 2004 Oregon State Beavers football team Anderson Hurls Four TDs to Finish Career http://espn.go.com/ncf/recap?gameId=243630087 https://web.archive.org/web/20131219104145/http://espn.go.com/ncf/recap?gameId=243630087 dead December 19, 2013 ESPN December 28, 2004 December 29, 2014 The Irish accepted a bid to play in the Insight Bowl,http://und.cstv.com/sports/m-footbl/spec-rel/112804aab.html https://archive.today/20130121090811/http://und.cstv.com/sports/m-footbl/spec-rel/112804aab.html dead January 21, 2013 Notre Dame Accepts Invitation To Play In Insight Bowl UND.cstv.com November 28, 2004 August 26, 2007 however, in a highly criticized move,Whiteside, Kelly https://www.usatoday.com/sports/college/football/independent1a/2004-11-30-willingham-fired_x.htm Notre Dame football shows something new USA Today December 1, 2004 August 26, 2007Celzic, Mike http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/6621249/ https://web.archive.org/web/20041207002543/http://msnbc.msn.com/id/6621249 dead December 7, 2004 Notre Dame has sullied its Golden Dome MSNBC December 13, 2004 August 26, 2007Maisel, Ivan https://www.espn.com/college-football/news/story?id=1935138 Fall From Grace ESPN December 1, 2004 August 26, 2007 https://web.archive.org/web/20070828203518/http://sports.espn.go.com/ncf/news/story?id=1935138 August 28, 2007 liveWilbon, Michael https://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/articles/A23549-2004Nov30.html Notre Dame's True Colors The Washington Post December 1, 2004 August 26, 2007 Michael Wilbonhttps://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/articles/A49593-2004Dec8.html Notre Dame President Blasts Firing The Washington Post December 9, 2004 August 26, 2007 two days later fired Willingham.http://und.cstv.com/sports/m-footbl/spec-rel/113004aab.html Statement From Director Of Athletics Kevin White UND.cstv.com November 30, 2004 August 26, 2007 https://web.archive.org/web/20071114084357/http://und.cstv.com/sports/m-footbl/spec-rel/113004aab.html November 14, 2007 dead Defensive coordinator, Kent Baer, led the Irish, hoping to "win one for Ty," however, the Oregon State Beavers, led by four touchdown passes from Derek Anderson, beat the Irish in their seventh consecutive bowl loss.http://sports.espn.go.com/ncf/recap?confId=&gameId=243630087 https://web.archive.org/web/20121022090820/http://sports.espn.go.com/ncf/recap?confId=&gameId=243630087 dead October 22, 2012 Anderson hurls four TDs to finish career ESPN December 28, 2004 August 26, 2007 The Beavers never trailed in the game, and easily defeated the Irish 38–21. Oregon State quarterback Derek Anderson threw for 359 yards and four touchdown passes, with no interceptions The Irish ended 2004 with a 6–6 record and in need of a coach. Aftermath of the Willingham firing In firing Willingham, the Notre Dame athletic department cited a relatively poor record of 21–15, a weak recruiting class, and three losses, each by 31 points, to rival USC.http://und.cstv.com/sports/m-footbl/spec-rel/113004aac.html Kevin White Teleconference Transcript UND.cstv.com November 30, 2004 August 26, 2007 December 24, 2006 https://web.archive.org/web/20061224002302/http://und.cstv.com/sports/m-footbl/spec-rel/113004aac.html dead However, the Irish also hoped to entice Urban Meyer, the head coach of Utah, to lead Notre Dame. Meyer had just led the Utes to an undefeated season and he had a clause in his contract that stated he could leave Utah without a penalty to coach for the Irish.https://www.espn.com/college-football/news/story?id=1936781 Meyer can leave for ND without buyout ESPN December 3, 2004 August 26, 2007 When Meyer instead took the head coaching position at Florida,http://www.sportsline.com/collegefootball/story/7956954 https://archive.today/20130203043417/http://www.sportsline.com/collegefootball/story/7956954 dead February 3, 2013 Meyer signs seven-year, $14 million deal with Florida CBS Sportline December 3, 2004 August 26, 2007 the Irish were ridiculed in the media, saying that the Notre Dame coaching position is no longer as prestigious as it was in the past.Dodd, Dennis http://www.sportsline.com/collegefootball/story/7958364 In 2004, Notre Dame beneath top coach like Meyer CBS Sportsline December 3, 2004 August 26, 2007 dead https://web.archive.org/web/20041208231459/http://www.sportsline.com/collegefootball/story/7958364 December 8, 2004 Saraceno, Jon https://www.usatoday.com/sports/columnist/saraceno/2004-12-05-saraceno-notre-dame_x.htm Irish's Urban renewal project never had chance USA Today December 5, 2004 August 26, 2007 After over a week without a coach, the Irish hired New England Patriots' offensive coordinator Charlie Weis as head coach. Weis was an alum of Notre Dame, and became the first alum to coach the team since 1963.https://www.espn.com/college-football/news/story?id=1943710 Weis to be introduced as Irish coach Monday ESPN December 13, 2004 August 26, 2007 At least one sports writer stated that Weis was a choice that made sense for the program.Smith, Michael https://www.espn.com/college-football/columns/story?id=1938244 Patriots' Weis is perfect for Irish ESPN December 10, 2004 August 26, 2007 Notwithstanding, after the fact Willingham's firing remained controversial with some believing he was treated unfairly.Then again Ty Willingham was a major failure at the University of Washington- in fact going 0–12 in his last season.Mandel, Stewart http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2007/writers/stewart_mandel/09/19/mailbag/1.html https://web.archive.org/web/20110604174648/http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2007/writers/stewart_mandel/09/19/mailbag/1.html dead June 4, 2011 College Football Mailbag SI.com September 19, 2007 September 26, 2007 Statistics Passing Brady Quinn - 191 of 353 (54.1%) for 2,586 yards, 17 touchdowns, and 10 interceptions, 125.87 efficiency Pat Dillingham - 4 of 6 (66.7%) for 31 yards, 0 touchdowns, 0 interceptions, 110.07 efficiency Football Review 2004, pp. 36-37. Rushing Darius Walker - 786 yards on 185 carries, 4.2-yard average, 7 touchdowns Ryan Grant - 515 yards on 127 carries, 4.1-yard average, 5 touchdowns Marcus Wilson - 138 yards on 35 carries, 3.9-yard average, 1 touchdown Receiving Rhema McKnight - 42 receptions for 610 yards, 14.5-yard average, 3 touchdowns Matt Shelton - 20 receptions for 515 yards, 25.8-yard average, 6 touchdowns Anthony Fasano - 27 receptions for 367 yards, 13.6-yard average, 4 touchdowns Maurice Stovall - 21 receptions for 313 yards, 14.9-yard average, 1 touchdown Jeff Samardzija - 17 receptions for 274 yards, 16.1-yard average, 0 touchdowns Scoring D.J. Fitzpatrick (PK) - 67 points, 34 of 35 PAT, 11 of 15 field goals Darius Walker (RB) - 42 points, 7 touchdowns Matt Shelton (WR) - 36 points, 6 touchdowns Ryan Grant (RB) - 30 points, 5 touchdowns Anthony Fasano (TE) - 24 points, 4 touchdowns Punt returns Carlyle Holiday - 29 returns for 314 yards, 10.8-yard average, 0 touchdowns Tackles Mike Goolsby - 97 total tackles, 43 solo tackles Brandon Hoyte - 74 total tackles, 39 solo tackles Quentin Burrell - 72 total tackles, 42 solo tackles Tom Zbikowski - 70 total tackles, 37 solo tackles Derek Curry - 65 total tackles, 42 solo tackles References Notre Dame Category:Notre Dame Fighting Irish football seasons Notre Dame Fighting Irish football