Irish Insider - The Observer

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Photo Illustration by SHAWNA MONSON and MIKE HARKINS
Irish ready for revenge after last year
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page 2
USC quarterback Carson
Palmer drove the train that
ran over Notre Dame’s season
in 2002.
Just to
put into
context
how dominant the
Trojans
were
against
the Irish
in late
November
of last
Joe Hettler
season,
USC put
up more
Sports Editor
total yards
of offense
— 610 —
than any other opponent had
in the previous 1,081 games
of Irish football history, dating
back to 1887. Much of that
credit went to Palmer, who
wrapped up the Heisman
Trophy with last year’s big
win against the Irish.
The Irish offense didn’t help
the cause, either, by gaining
all of 109 yards and scoring
as much as the club chess
team.
After that thrashing, you
better believe the Irish want
revenge.
“We went out there and got
our butts kicked,” Dwight
Ellick said. “I feel like they
tried to embarrass us on
national television. We really
didn’t like that. We are going
to come out this week and try
The Observer ◆ IRISH
INSIDER
Notre Dame player and fan in
to show them that last year’s
the country felt the same that
game was not Notre Dame
night.
football.”
The USC loss has been on
Throw out Notre Dame’s
the Irish players’ minds this
sub-par 2-3 record. Who
cares that the team has tough week. Notre Dame may have
had several big games this
games against Boston College
season — Washington State at
and Florida State left on the
home, Michigan and
schedule. None of that matPittsburgh on the road — but
ters Saturday.
none of those will mean as
That’s because the players
much to the players as facing
from the 2002 Notre Dame
USC Saturday.
team still have vivid memoLinebacker Courtney
ries of that terrible game.
Watson had to be shocked at
They remember what it felt
the way the Trojans offense
like to have USC knock them
moved the ball up and down
on the ground, then kick
the Rose Bowl field all night.
them in the head.
After the game, he tried to
They remember the signs
justify that the Irish defense
that said, “The glory stops
was still a good unit — few
here.”
believed him.
They remember the hope
Vontez Duff
they had
couldn’t stop
entering that
USC’s star
game — a
Graduated offensive
freshman
chance to
lineman Jordan Black
receiver Mike
earn a BCS
Williams
bowl berth
simply said he wanted
from grab— and the
to throw up after the
bing 10 passempty feelgame. He and every
es for 169
ing they had
yards and
leaving it, as
Notre Dame player and
two toucha team that
fan in the country felt
downs during
had just
the same that night.
the game or
been embarstop him
rassed in
from ripping
front of the
the Irish secondary after the
nation.
game, saying the unit wasn’t
And they remember trying
good at all.
to figure out how that beating
You better believe those
could happen.
two, along with all the 2002
Graduated offensive lineman Jordan Black simply said players will be rallying
around last season’s game.
he wanted throw up after the
The Irish find themselves in
game. He and every other
a very different position heading into this season’s game
than in 2002. They aren’t
ranked in the top 10 in the
nation. There will be no BCS
berth opportunity. And they
aren’t expected to give the
Trojans much of a game.
But Notre Dame has something very crucial in its favor.
The Irish faithful have been
waiting almost a year for USC
to march its Trojan horse
back into South Bend. The
players have been waiting a
long time for a chance to
knock down some yellow and
red jerseys. The chance for
payback is inching closer.
When the Irish take the
field Saturday, they will have
a mission. It will be more
than just winning the football
game and upsetting a top five
team at home. It will be getting back at a team that
trashed them in front of the
nation and sent a near-fatal
blow to an otherwise successful season. It will mean an
opportunity to win for the
seniors of last year that still
feel hatred for USC. But most
importantly, the game is a
chance for Notre Dame to get
revenge on a team that disrespected them. A chance to
ruin USC’s season.
A chance to take down Troy.
The opinions expressed in
this column are those of the
author and not necessarily
those of The Observer. Contact
Joe Hettler at jhettler@nd.
edu.
Friday, October 17, 2003
game hype
Tyrone Willingham
Irish head coach
“You are
always
hoping your
team hits
some type of
stride.”
“We are
really
psyched
about
this game.”
Dwight Ellick
Irish cornerback
Darrell Campbell
Notre Dame
defensive tackle
“This is a big
match-up.
It’s very
significant
to us.”
“The ‘Wild
Bunch’ — I
don’t know
about that.
We are
pretty
good too.”
Pete Carroll
USC head coach
Friday, October 17, 2003
The Observer ◆ IRISH
page 3
INSIDER
Controlling his anger
Notre Dame provides Campbell with a chance to vent his early-life frustrations
By ANDREW SOUKUP
Sports Writer
Maybe the reason Darrell
Campbell rips through offensive linemen is because he’s
learned to harness the rage he
f e l t a t n e v e r, e v e r h a v i n g
Darrell Campbell Sr. be a part
of his life.
Maybe the reason Campbell
appreciates
Ty r o n e
Willingham’s attempt to turn
football players into a men is
because, for the longest time,
he never really had one in his
life.
Maybe the reason Campbell
respects Willingham and position coaches Kent Baer and
Greg Mattison so much is
because they act as fathers to
a player who never experienced a relationship with his
biological one.
“Me growing up and not having my biological dad there, or
him not doing the things that
he was supposed to do when
he was there,” Campbell
shrugged, “that’s all the more
testament to what a man is
not.”
The anger has always existed. Campbell just had to learn
how to find a place to control
it.
Luckily for Notre Dame, he
did.
services, a tour of everything
Notre Dame.
But it took a conversation
from someone he had never
met before coming to Notre
Dame to convince Campbell to
play for the Irish.
“If you want to be good, go
someplace else,” alumni association president Chuck
Lennon told the prospect during his visit. “If you want to be
great, come here.”
Coming into his own
Buoyed by his trip to Notre
Dame — and the fact that
Northwestern coach Gary
Barnett had left the school for
Colorado — Campbell changed
his mind and decided to play
for the Irish. His mother wasn’t
happy.
“His mom is a very loving
mother and taught him that
h e ’s a m a n o f h i s w o r d , ”
Mattison said. “I don’t think
she understood that until you
sign the name is when you
become attached to the univers i t y. S h e w a n t e d h i m t o g o
where he originally said he
was going to go.”
With Mattison’s prodding,
who promised Jeannette Notre
Dame
had
everything
Northwestern had academically, Campbell’s mom started
wavering. With McGee’s calming influence, she caved in and
allowed Campbell to go to
Worrisome of commitment
Notre Dame.
Campbell was three years old
“She probably wasn’t conwhen his father exploded into
vinced until the first time she
a fit of rage, climbed into his
came up here and saw the
blue Buick and drove away
alumni,” Campbell said. “Up
from his son and his wife.
until that point, she was like,
Since Jeannette Campbell filed
‘Yeah, you’re making a misfor divorce 19 years ago, her
take.’”
son can count on one hand the
Since
then,
Jeannette
number of times he’d seen his
Campbell has seen her imposfather.
ing son wreak havoc on opposCHIP MARKS/The Observer
That’s not to say he didn’t Notre Dame defensive tackle Darrell Campbell gets ready to line up at Pittsburgh last weekend. ing offenses and graduate from
w a n t t o s e e h i m . C a m p b e l l Campbell has overcome his father leaving his family at the age of three to become a well-rounded man.
the University last May with a
often cried that he wanted to
degree in English and computtalk to his dad, not underer applications. In his fourstanding why he couldn’t have stand how badly McGee want“We were on a rollercoaster
W h e n f o o t b a l l r e c r u i t e r s y e a r N o t r e D a m e c a r e e r,
a father in his life like the rest ed to give him the father’s love going up at that point, and it tripped over themselves trying Campbell has started 27 of the
of his friends did.
Campbell had been missing his stopped because I detoured t o l a n d t h e h i g h l y - c o v e t e d 37 games he played in, record“There
w e r e n ’t
r e a l l y entire life.
and focused on my biological Campbell, the choice was easy.
ed 75 tackles and 10 sacks.
instances where he came
“What Milton did was give father instead of focusing on
He picked Northwestern.
But Campbell knows he owes
t h r o u g h , ” C a m p b e l l s a i d . me the space to kind of make him,” Campbell said. “It takes
“My mom was just bleeding who he is now to his mom and
“There were only
the determina- a man who really loves his son purple,” Campbell said, who his dad. Not his biological dad,
glimpses, and they
t i o n f o r m y s e l f t o s t e p b a c k a n d s a y, ‘ G o committed to the
who has pulled a
only lasted for a
when
I
w a s ahead, do what you have to do Wildcats because
disappearing act
“For those
moment in time,
g r o w i n g u p t o — just know that I’m here if o f t h e s c h o o l ’s
“I liked the kid and o n e t o o m a n y
moments, I almost
and then they
know who to put you need me.’”
strong academic
times, but McGee,
I felt in my heart
were gone.
my faith in,”
As much as Jeannette and reputation. “She
had him, but at
who Campbell
that he belonged at always introduces
“For
those
C a m p b e l l s a i d . M i l t o n t r i e d t o a l l e v i a t e had purple comthe same time, I
moments, I almost
“But at the same Campbell’s loss, they couldn’t. ing out of every
Notre Dame.”
as his father.
was so far away.”
had him, but at the
time, he stayed “There was a lot of anger, a lot o r i f i c e , p u r p l e
As for Darrell
same time, I was
there and gave o f a n i m o s i t y, a l o t o f h a r d r o b e s ,
purple
Campbell
S r. ?
Greg
Mattison
so far away.”
me everything I times, hard feelings that I had everything.”
Tw i c e , h e c o n Darrell Campbell
Irish defensive
Jeannette, howneeded to let me to deal with,” he said.
But his committacted his son to
Irish defensive tackle
line coach
e v e r, w a s d e t e r know he was
S o C a m p b e l l , a f u t u r e ment didn’t deter
try to re-establish
mined to raise her
there.”
English major, turned to writ- N o t r e D a m e o r
a relationship.
son not to follow in his father’s
That
was
s o m e t h i n g ing and poetry as a way of M a t t i s o n ,
the
Tw i c e , h e l e f t
footsteps. With a strict hand, Campbell’s biological father expressing his feelings. He c o a c h a s s i g n e d t o r e c r u i t phony contact information,
she made sure he excelled in had never done. But Campbell turned to football as a way of Campbell.
leaving Campbell frustrated
the classroom, treated people didn’t understand that yet.
venting his anger.
Even though Campbell never again. If his biological father
with respect and made sure he
“That was a way to relieve took a visit to Notre Dame, called again, Campbell would
kept his word to others. Sports, Relieving his frustration
my frustrations on people,” M a t t i s o n l o v e d e v e r y t h i n g t a l k w i t h h i m , b u t n o t h i n g
however, came after the homeTime after time, Campbell Campbell grinned wickedly, “in about the talented defensive more.
w o r k a n d t h e c h o r e s w e r e had hoped his biological father a legal sort of way.”
prospect. One night, he drove
No longer will Campbell
done.
He just didn’t know how good t o w a t c h C a m p b e l l a t a chase a blue Buick. Instead,
would come back into his life.
Ironically, the long hours Time after time, he was let he’d be at it.
wrestling meet. Before he left, he’s hunting down quarterJeannette worked at a Chicago down.
he told Campbell he was mak- backs.
power plant brought the twoing a mistake if he didn’t at
There was the eighth grade Change of plans
“I’m older, I’m 22 years old.
p e r s o n f a m i l y m o r e t h a n graduation, where the father
Two national publications least check out Notre Dame I’m coming into my own,” he
money. It also gave Campbell a promised his ex-wife he would n a m e d C a m p b e l l , w h o h a d once.
said. “The weaning way from
father figure.
“I liked the kid,” Mattison the childhood where the son
show up to see his son give a emerged as a terrifying defenJeannette married Milton w e l c o m i n g
speech.
A s sive force, one of the top 100 said, “and I felt in my heart always wanted his father to be
McGee, whom she had met at Campbell stood at the podium p l a y e r s i n t h e n a t i o n . U S A t h a t h e b e l o n g e d a t N o t r e there, it’s kinda gone.”
work, in 1995 when Campbell speaking, his eyes were fixed To d a y g a v e h i m h o n o r a b l e Dame.”
“He’d have the biological tag,
w a s 1 2 y e a r s o l d . B u t on the rear doors to the audi- mention All-American status.
So Campbell drove two hours but he wouldn’t be my father.”
Campbell wasn’t so accepting torium, waiting for his father He was his high school football east on the Indiana Toll Road
It took Campbell a while, but
of his new stepfather at first. to walk in. He never did.
team’s MVP for three years, to visit Notre Dame. There, he he found plenty others who
McGee couldn’t understand
While Campbell inexplicably qualified for the state track got the royal treatment — see- want to fill that role.
how important Campbell Sr. w a i t e d f o r h i s t r u e f a t h e r, meet, played basketball, wres- ing his name on an Irish uniw a s t o h i s s t e p s o n , a n d McGee unwaveringly waited tled and even played baseball form, wined and dined by a
Contact Andrew Soukup at
Campbell Jr. couldn’t under- for Campbell.
coaching staff begging for his
for a year.
[email protected]
page 4
The Observer ◆ IRISH
Friday, October 17, 2003
INSIDER
Notre Dame
HEAD TO
Fighting Irish
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Name
Pos.
Ht.
Jared Clark
TE
6-4
Freddie Parrish
DB
6-1
Ryan Grant
RB
6-1
Rhema McKnight
WR
6-2
Carlos Campbell
CB
5-11
Carlyle Holiday
QB
6-3
Matt Krueger
QB
5-10
Quentin Burrell
FS
6-0
Jason Beckstrom
CB
5-10
Pat Dillingham
QB
6-1
Brady Quinn
QB
6-4
Marcus Wilson
RB
5-11
Josh Schmidt
FB
6-1
Nicholas Setta
K/P
5-11
Gary Godsey
TE
6-6
Preston Jackson
CB
5-9
Rashon Powers-Neal FB
6-2
Stan Revelle
QB
5-11
Geoffrey Price
P
6-3
Ronnie Rodamer
WR
6-4
Glenn Earl
FS
6-1
D.J. Fitzpatrick
K/P
6-1
Travis Thomas
RB
6-1
Maurice Stovall
WR
6-5
Julius Jones
RB
5-10
Chase Anastasio
WR
6-2
Dwight Ellick
CB
5-10
Nate Schiccatano
RB
6-3
Garron Bible
FS
5-10
Lionel Bolen
SS
6-0
Mike Profeta
TB
5-11
Cole Laux
FB
5-10
Tom Zbikowski
DB
6-0
LaBrose Hedgemon DB
5-10
Mike Richardson
DB
6-1
Jake Carney
DB
6-0
Jeff Jenkins
RB
6-0
Courtney Watson
ILB
6-1
Vontez Duff
CB
5-11
Ashley McConnell
FB
6-0
Isaiah Gardner
DB/RB
5-10
Matt Mitchell
DB
5-9
Brandon Hoyte
ILB
6-0
David Bemenderfer SS
5-11
Nate Schomas
WR
5-10
Mike Goolsby
LB
6-3
Ambrose Wooden
WR
6-1
Anthony Salvador
LB
6-2
Justin Tuck
DE
6-5
Carl Gioia
P
5-11
Corey Mays
ILB
6-1
Mitchell Thomas
LB
6-2
Jerome Collins
OLB
6-4
Derek Curry
ILB
6-3
Cedric Hilliard
NG
6-2
Jamie Ryan
OT
6-5
Joe Brockington
LB
6-1
David Fitzgerald
OL
6-4
Zachary Giles
C
6-3
Nick Borseti
LB
6-1
Dwight Stephenson LB
6-3
Paul Jancha
LS
6-1
James Bent
OL
6-2
Darrell Campbell
DT
6-4
Scott Raridon
OT
6-7
Casey Dunn
OT/OG 6-4
Sean Milligan
OG
6-4
Derek Landri
NG
6-2
Ryan Harris
OL
6-5
Darin Mitchell
OL
6-4
Jim Molinaro
OT
6-6
David Kowalski
OG
6-2
James Bonelli
OG/OT 6-6
Jeff Thompson
C/OG 6-4
Mark LeVoir
TE
6-7
Dan Stevenson
OG
6-5
Chris Frome
DE
6-5
Bob Morton
C
6-4
Greg Pauly
DT
6-6
John Sullivan
OL
6-4
Brian Mattes
OT
6-6
Omar Jenkins
WR
6-2
Chinedum Ndukwe WR
6-3
Matt Shelton
WR
6-1
Jeff Samardzija
WR
6-4
Mike O’Hara
WR
5-10
Rob Woods
WR
6-2
Billy Palmer
TE
6-3
Marcus Freeman
TE
6-4
Patrick Nally
TE
6-3
Anthony Fasano
TE
6-4
John Carlson
TE
6-6
Brian Beidatsch
DL
6-4
Craig Cardillo
K
6-0
Kyle Budinscak
DE
6-4
Dan Santucci
DE
6-5
Victor Abiamiri
DL
6-5
Travis Leitko
DE
6-6
Trevor Laws
DL
6-2
Jason Sapp
DE
6-3
Wt.
230
195
211
207
194
214
180
180
186
209
210
199
220
184
259
177
227
183
180
211
205
192
200
221
210
190
177
224
197
206
208
229
185
180
188
180
211
234
194
240
190
184
226
195
165
243
190
226
246
165
238
210
250
228
295
290
215
271
281
205
237
245
253
288
300
255
291
265
270
280
301
249
282
287
309
297
264
299
291
280
250
204
190
172
190
174
205
251
242
243
253
230
283
165
270
270
245
264
290
256
YR
SR
FR
JR
SO
JR
SR
SR
JR
SR
JR
FR
JR
JR
SR
SR
SR
JR
JR
FR
SR
SR
JR
FR
SO
SR
FR
JR
SO
SR
JR
SR
SR
FR
FR
SO
SO
SO
SR
SR
FR
FR
SO
JR
SR
SR
SR
FR
SO
JR
FR
JR
FR
SR
SR
SR
SO
FR
SO
JR
FR
FR
SO
SO
SR
SO
JR
SR
SO
FR
JR
SR
SR
SO
JR
JR
JR
SO
SO
SR
FR
SO
SR
FR
JR
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SO
SR
SO
SR
SO
FR
JR
SO
SR
SO
FR
SO
FR
SR
NOTRE DAME
WIDE RECEIVER
80-Jenkins
21-Stovall
OFFENSE
Sept. 13
at Michigan - L
Sept. 20
MICHIGAN ST. - L
Sept. 27
at Purdue - L
Oct. 11
USC
Oct. 25
at Boston College
Nov. 1
TAILBACK
4-Grant
22-Jones
FULLBACK
16-Powers-Neal QUARTERBACK
10-Quinn
12-Schmidt
7-Holiday
OUTSIDE
LINEBACKER
51-Simmons
36-Otani
LEFT GUARD
73-LeVoir
69-Mitchell
RIGHT END
56-Nazel
90-Rucker
DEFENSIVE
TACKLE
84-Cody
52-Ramsey
at Pittsburgh - W
Oct. 18
CORNERBACK
8-Allmond
23-Nunn
LEFT TACKLE
70-Molinaro
79-Mattes
Sept. 6 WASHINGTON ST. - W
RIGHT GUARD
74-Stevenson
51-Ryan
MIDDLE
LINEBACKER
58-Tatupu
53-Urquhart
CENTER
76-Morton
55-Giles
RIGHT TACKLE
68-Harris
74-Stevenson
STRONG SAFETY
20-Bing
42-Sartz
FLORIDA STATE
WIDE RECEIVER
5-McKnight
83-Samardzija
NAVY
Nov. 8
Nov. 15
BYU
Nov. 29
at Stanford
Dec. 6
at Syracuse
COACHING
FREE SAFETY
27-Leach
42-Sartz
DEFENSIVE
TACKLE
99-Patterson
52-Ramsey
OUTSIDE
LINEBACKER
6-Grootegoed
42-Sartz
TIGHT END
1-Clark
85-Palmer
LEFT END
94-Udeze
91-Brown
QUARTERBACKS
CORNERBACK
28-Poole
23-Nunn
IRISH RUSHING
USC
DEFENSE
IRISH PASSING
NOTRE DAME
Roster
NOTRE DAME
2003 Schedule
Willingham got the Irish
up last weekend to pull
off
the
upset
in
Pittsburgh. Until that
point, however, the year
had been a disappointment. Again, Willingham
will need to get everything from his players if
they are to have a chance
against USC.
Quinn didn’t throw the
ball very well against the
Panthers, but he didn’t
need to, as the Irish had
352 yards rushing. Still,
he took a step or two
back last week in his
progress as the Irish
starter. But at Purdue,
Quinn threw for 297
yards.
The Irish rushing game
was hitting on all cylinders for the first time last
week as they amassed
352 yards on the ground.
Jones had a recordbreaking day, and the
offensive line dominated
the line of scrimmage
against the Panthers.
Notre Dame’s rushing
attack kept pressure off
Quinn
against
the
Panthers. Even though
they didn’t throw the ball
much last week, the Irish
will need the running
game again against USC
to set up the pass. Quinn
had trouble last week
finding his receivers.
USC
Tyrone Willingham
head coach
Tyrone Willingham
second season at
Notre Dame
career record:
56-42-1
at Notre Dame:
12-6
against
USC: 4-4
Carroll has resurrected
the USC program. Last
year he took the
Trojans to the Orange
Bowl
and
had
a
Heisman Trophy winner. Offensive coordinator Norm Chow is considered one of the best
offensive minds in the
game.
Leinart has done a
remarkable job in stepping into the spotlight
and filling in for
Heisman Trophy winner
Carson Palmer. The
sophomore has a 146.9
passing efficiency rating
this season with 13
touchdowns and seven
interceptions.
The Trojan defensive
front is one of the most
formidable units in college football. It ranks
fifth in the nation in
rushing defense, allowing only 73.7 yards a
game. The Trojans have
allowed only three rushing touchdowns in 2003.
The Trojan pass defense
has ben susceptible to
attack this year, yielding
270 yards a game
through the air. The
Trojans rank 104th in the
country in pass defense,
but they play in the passhappy Pac-10. USC has
allowed 10 touchdowns
through the air.
ANALYSIS
Cyan Magenta
Cyan
Record: 2-3
AP: NR
Coaches: NR
Carroll is one of the
hottest coaches in college
football today. He has the
Trojans in contention for
a
national
title.
Willingham’s team has
struggled to a 2-3 record
this year, but got a big
win last week against the
Panthers.
For the second straight
week, the Irish will face a
quarterback in Leinart
hyped as one of the best
in the nation. He has the
edge over the rookie
Quinn. Leinart has completed 59 percent of his
passes this season and
ranks 18th in the nation
in passing efficiency.
The Irish rushing attack
finally came together last
week
against
the
Panthers, but the Trojans
should offer a much bigger challenge up front.
The Irish offensive line
will not be able to push
around guys like Cody
and Udeze as they did
against the Panthers.
Notre Dame isn’t as skilled as USC and should be
big underdogs. But the Irish have been waiting for
this game for a year and the players will be more
hyped than usual. The defense will build off of last
week’s domination, while the offense must find a
way to rush the ball. If the Irish can run the ball,
they’ll have a chance to score some points and
pull off the huge upset.
Upset? No way. USC is too good on offense and
too dominant on defense for the Irish to knock
them off. While the Irish will probably unveil a
few wrinkles in their offense to keep the
Trojans off-balance, they won’t be able to
duplicate their offensive firepower of its last
two games. Notre Dame will come out fired
up, but emotion can only carry a team so far.
Irish
experts
Andrew Soukup
Editor in Chief
FINAL SCORE: USC 27
Notre Dame 17
EVEN
Notre Dame’s success on
the ground last week
may give it some help in
the passing game as the
Trojans may elect to
bring extra defenders up
to stop the run. Quinn
will have to be more
effective than he was
against Pittsburgh.
Joe Hettler
Sports Editor
FINAL SCORE: Notre Dame 24
USC 23
Friday, October 17, 2003
The Observer ◆ IRISH
page 5
INSIDER
USC
Cyan Magenta
Yellow
Black
O HEAD
Trojans
Record: 5-1
AP: No. 5
Coaches: No. 4
USC
2003 Schedule
WIDE RECIEVER
1-Williams
24-Wyatt
USC
OFFENSE
CORNERBACK
24-Ellick
15-Jackson
LEFT TACKLE
77-Rogers
73-Drake
TAILBACK
34-Dennis
21-White
FULLBACK
40-Hancock
35-Webb
QUARTERBACK
11-Leinart
17-Booty
RIGHT END
92-Budinscak
97-Leitko
NOSE
GUARD
50-Hilliard
77-Pauly
RIGHT GUARD
57-Matua
73-Drake
FREE
SAFETY
8-Burrell
26-Bible
INSIDE
LINEBACKER
33-Watson
46-Mays
CENTER
62-Katnik
67-Kalil
RIGHT TACKLE
74-Justice
73-Drake
TIGHT END
44-Guenther
85-Katnik
DEFENSIVE
TACKLE
60-Campbell
90-Beidatsch
WIDE RECIEVER
83-Colbert
2-Smith
LEFT END
44-Tuck
95-Abiamiri
STRONG
SAFETY
19-Earl
27-Bolen
OUTSIDE
LINEBACKER
49-Curry
48-Collins
CORNERBACK
34-Duff
9-Beckstrom
at Auburn - W
Sept. 6
INSIDE
LINEBACKER
39-Hoyte
46-Mays
LEFT GUARD
78-Vandermade
63-Watkins
Aug. 30
NOTRE DAME
DEFENSE
BYU - W
Sept. 13
HAWAII - W
Sept. 27
at California - L
Oct. 4
at Arizona State - W
Oct. 11
STANFORD - W
Oct. 18
at Notre Dame
Oct. 25
at Washington
Nov. 1
WASHINGTON ST.
Nov. 15
at Arizona
Nov. 22
UCLA
Dec. 6
OREGON STATE
TROJAN RUSHING
TROJAN PASSING
SPECIAL TEAMS
INTANGIBLES
The Trojans have three
talented backs that can
run the ball in sophomore Dennis and freshmen White and Bush.
Each of the three average over four yards a
carry. White leads the
squad with seven touchdowns on the ground.
Leinart and the talented
Trojan receiving corps of
Williams and Colbert have
had success throwing the
ball this year. The Trojans
have passed for 260 yards
a game with 13 touchdowns and seven interceptions. Williams has 39
catches for 631 yards on
the season.
The absence of Setta will
hurt the Irish kicking
game this week. Setta is
9-for-10 on the season
on
field
goals.
Fitzpatrick was only 2for-4 last week. For the
second time this season,
the Irish yielded a long
punt return that lead to
a touchdown.
Notre Dame has a lot of
things on its side heading into the matchup
with USC. The Irish
want revenge for a 4413 drubbing at the
hands of the Trojans
last year. They have a
chance to upset a topfive team at Notre
Dame Stadium.
NOTRE DAME
Because of the play of the
Irish defensive line and
linebackers, the Panther
rushing game was almost
non-existant last week.
Notre Dame ranks 25th
in the nation in rushing
defensive this season,
yielding only 105.6 yards
a game and 2.75 yards
per carry.
Duff and the Irish
defense shut down Larry
Fitzgerald last week, and
they will have their work
cut out for them this
week with Williams. But
the Trojans’ trump card
this week is Colbert, their
No. 2 receiver. It will be a
tough task for the Irish to
stop both.
Malone is the top punter
in the nation, averaging
49 yards per kick. He
has had a punt blocked.
Killeen is 11-for-13 on
field goals and one of
the nation’s leaders.
Both Allmond and Bush
average over 20 yards
per kick return.
The Trojans have very little to gain in their
matchup with the Irish,
but just about everything
to lose. With a 5-1
record, the Trojans will
be a heavy favorite. They
are in the running for a
national title this year,
but the Irish could end
that with a win.
USC
The Irish have shown
that they can stop the
run. With the exception
of Chris Perry and
Michigan, Notre Dame
has had little trouble in
stopping
opposing
backs. The Trojans are
talented, but the Irish
should be able to keep
them at bay.
Last year, the Trojans
threw all over a talented
Irish secondary for 425
yards. If Notre Dame is
not careful, USC could
have that same type of
day. Leinart is not Carson
Palmer yet, but he is a
very good quarterback.
Williams is one of the
nation’s best.
Without Setta, there are
some questions with the
Irish kicking and punting
games. Fitzpatrick may
not have the experience
or leg strength to deal
with a potential gamewinning
kick.
The
Trojans have an outstanding kicking game
with Killeen and Malone.
While the Irish may not
have the better record
this year, they have
almost all the intangibles
on their side. They get a
home game with a highlyranked rival and a chance
to make a statement to
the world. They will also
be hungry for revenge
after last year’s loss.
ANALYSIS
The Irish offense can’t be one-dimensional
against the Trojans. Tyrone Willingham
put it best when he said he needs the
passing yards against Purdue and the
rushing dominance from Pittsburgh. It’ll
be close like always at Notre Dame
Stadium, but the Trojans have too much
talent and will pull out a heated contest.
Matt Lozar
FINAL SCORE: USC 23
Associate Sports Editor
Notre Dame 20
Pete Carroll
third season at
USC
career record:
23-9
at USC:
23-9
against Notre
Dame: 1-1
Roster
No.
1
2
4
5
6
7
8
8
9
9
10
11
13
14
15
15
16
16
17
17
18
18
19
19
20
21
21
22
23
24
25
25
26
27
27
28
29
29
30
31
34
35
36
37
38
39
40
41
41
42
43
44
44
45
46
46
47
48
48
49
49
50
51
52
53
56
57
58
59
60
62
63
64
65
66
67
69
70
70
72
73
74
75
76
77
78
79
80
81
82
83
84
85
85/61
86
87
88
89
90
91
92
94
95
96
97
98
99
The Irish finally played to their potential
last week against Pittsburgh and had their
best game of the year. But the Irish will
need to play even better and get some lucky
breaks to beat USC this week. The Trojan
defensive line will provide a bigger challenge for the Irish than the Panthers did last
week.
Chris Federico
Sports Writer
FINAL SCORE: USC 24
Notre Dame 17
Pete Carroll
head coach
Name
Pos.
Mike Williams
WR
Steve Smith
WR
Whitney Lewis
WR
Reggie Bush
RB
Matt Grootegoed
LB
Sandy Fletcher
WR
Branden Hance
QB
Marcell Allmond
CB
Chris Barrett
DE
Andre Woodert
RB/S
Matt Cassel
QB
Matt Leinart
QB
Billy Hart
QB
Tom Malone
P
Zach Sherwood
P
Jason Mitchell
WR
Michael McDonald
QB
Ryan Killeen
PK
Chris Bocage
S
John David Booty
QB
John Walker
CB
Morgan Craig
FB
Greig Carlson
WR
Mario Danelo
PK
Darnell Bing
S
LenDale White
RB
Justin Tolliver
CB
Desmond Reed
CB/S
Ronald Nunn
CB
Justin Wyatt
WR
Chauncey WashingtonRB
Alex Gomez
CB
Greg Farr
S
Jason Leach
S
John Zilka
WR
Will Poole
CB
John Griffin
RB
Terrell Thomas
S
Kevin Arbet
CB
William Buchanon
CB
Hershel Dennis
RB
Lee Webb
FB
Bobby Otani
LB
David Kirtman
FB
Brandon Ting
CB/S
Ryan Ting
CB
Brandon Hancock
FB
Jody Adewale
RB
Thomas Williams
LB
Dallas Sartz
LB/S
Mike Ross
S
Matt Lemos
S
Gregg Guenther, Jr.
TE
Oscar Lua
LB
Eric Wright
CB
Salo Faraimo
LB
Sean Kelly
RB
Kyle Matthews
S
Tommy Huff
P
Sedrick Ellis
DT
Mike Brittingham
FB
Matt Hayward
SNP
Melvin Simmons
LB
LaJuan Ramsey
DT
Daniel Urquhart
LB
Omar Nazel
DE
Fred Matua
OG
Lofa Tatupu
LB
Collin Ashton
LB
Drew Radovich
OG/OT
Norm Katnik
C
Travis Watkins
OG
Joe Boskovich
SNP
Jay Bottom
DE
Eric Torres
OT
Ryan Kalil
C
Matt Spanos
OG
Will Collins
SNP
Spencer Torgan
C
John Lanza
C/OG
John Drake
OT
Winston Justice
OT
Kyle Williams
OG?OT
Nate Steinbacher
OT
Jacob Rogers
OT
Lenny Vandermade OG
Sam Baker
OG
Steve Levario, Jr.
WR
Alex Holmes
TE
D J. Hale
WR
Keary Colbert
WR
Shaun Cody
DT
Marco Chavez
LB
Kurt Katnik
TE/C
Dominique Byrd
TE
Nick Vanderboom
TE
Owen Hanson
TE
Chris McFoy
WR
Frostee Rucker
DE
Van Brown
DE
Manuel Wright
DT
Kenechi Udeze
DE
Travis Toff
DT
Lawrence Jackson
DE
Alex Morrow
DE
Ryan Watson
DT
Mike Patterson
DT
Ht.
6-5
6-1
6-1
6-0
5-11
6-1
6-1
6-0
6-5
6-0
6-5
6-5
6-2
6-0
6-4
6-1
6-1
5-11
5-10
6-3
6-2
6-2
5-10
5-10
6-2
6-2
5-8
5-9
5-11
5-10
6-1
5-10
6-0
5-11
6-4
6-0
6-0
6-2
5-11
6-3
5-11
6-0
6-0
6-0
5-10
5-10
6-1
6-0
6-3
6-5
6-0
5-10
6-8
6-2
6-0
6-0
6-0
6-1
6-2
6-2
6-1
6-1
6-1
6-3
6-2
6-5
6-2
6-0
6-1
6-5
6-4
6-3
6-4
6-3
6-5
6-4
6-5
6-2
6-1
6-3
6-4
6-6
6-6
6-5
6-6
6-3
6-5
5-9
6-3
6-1
6-2
6-4
6-3
6-4
6-3
6-4
6-2
6-1
6-4
6-5
6-5
6-4
6-4
6-5
6-5
6-3
6-0
Wt.
230
190
225
190
215
195
195
200
250
210
220
220
200
190
195
200
180
200
190
200
200
205
195
200
220
225
160
180
180
180
205
175
195
210
195
190
195
180
190
180
190
240
240
220
190
190
235
210
225
220
175
180
245
245
180
210
200
200
230
280
205
225
220
270
250
245
300
225
215
280
280
305
240
225
300
270
285
225
275
255
350
300
290
305
305
275
315
170
270
185
210
285
245
255
255
220
225
190
240
265
285
285
255
250
265
285
285
YR
SO
FR
FR
FR
JR
SR
JR
SR
FR
SO
JR
SO
SO
SO
SO
JR
FR
JR
JR
FR
SO
FR
SO
FR
FR
FR
SO
FR
JR
SO
FR
SO
SR
JR
FR
SR
FR
FR
SR
SO
SO
JR
JR
SO
FR
FR
SO
FR
FR
SO
SO
JR
JR
SO
FR
FR
FR
JR
SR
FR
FR
SR
SR
SO
JR
SR
FR
JR
SO
FR
SR
JR
SR
JR
SR
FR
FR
FR
JR
FR
JR
SO
FR
SR
SR
SR
FR
JR
SR
SR
SR
JR
JR
FR
SO
FR
JR
FR
SO
JR
FR
JR
FR
FR
FR
FR
JR
Sizing up the Irish and the Trojans
page 6
The Observer ◆ IRISH
NOTRE DAME’S OFFENSE
VS
USC’S DEFENSE
AVERAGE PER GAME
total yards gained
total yards allowed
rushing yards gained
rushing yards allowed
105.6
154.4
260.3
187.6
56.8
turnovers lost
turnovers recovered
37.8
19.8
12.5
43.8
40.4
14
21
by the numbers
13
number of yards USC gained last season
against Notre Dame — the most in one
game by any opponent ever
11
57
63.2
55.5
57.3
15
38.5
20.3
24.6
USC has one of the best defensive line units in
the nation, allowing just over 73 yards per
game. Notre Dame’s offensive line and running
backs helped ignite last week’s victory over
Pittsburgh.
If the Irish can have success running the football, Notre Dame will have a good chance of success against the Trojans defense. But if USC can
shut down the Irish rush, it could be tough for
Notre Dame to score points.
47.2
0
yards penalized
yards penalized
points scored
points allowed
51.3
47
93.7
0
DEFENSIVE LINE
NOTRE DAME
OFFENSIVE LINE
145.8
270
punt return yards gained
punt return yards allowed
USC
293.2
73.7
kick return yards gained
kick return yards allowed
KEY MATCHUP
406.2
143.4
passing yards gained
passing yards allowed
yards per punt
punts blocked
USC’S OFFENSE
VS
NOTRE DAME’S DEFENSE
297.8
343.7
Friday, October 17, 2003
INSIDER
109
610
number of yards gained Notre Dame in
the 2002 game. The Irish lost 44-13 on
national television.
number of Notre Dame wins in the last 10
games at Notre Dame Stadium against USC
Irish Crossings
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9
Ellick works his way into starting lineup
Friday, October 17, 2003
The Observer ◆ IRISH
INSIDER
page 7
Consistency combined with speed is the key
defense, the playbook at Notre Dame was a
lot thicker than Ellick usually saw.
Associate Sports Editor
But Walton kept telling Ellick to stay dedicated to the game and continue to learn the
Dwight Ellick has something you can’t playbook, because Ellick’s speed would take
teach — and he’s not afraid to tell anyone care of the rest.
about it.
“My freshman year I was just trying to
“I don’t think anybody in the country’s learn the playbook as much as the other
faster than me,” the Irish cornerback said. “I guys. [Walton, Duff and Beckstrom] helped
feel I’m the fastest man in the country.”
me a lot and taught me some tricks of the
As a senior at Wharton High School in trade to help me as I go,” Ellick said. “When
Tampa, Fla., Ellick won the
Shane left, he told me, to go
Class 4A state title in the 100
out there and work hard. If
and 200-meter dash. Ellick’s
you do everything you got to
“I don’t think
speed has helped him as memdo, with my speed and
anybody in the
ber of the Notre Dame special
everything I got going for
teams units in all three of his
me, eventually I’m going to
country’s faster than
years with the Irish.
start. I kept that in mind.”
me. I feel I’m the
This year, Ellick started in a
The hard work in practice
fastest man in
reserve role for the Irish, but
finally paid off for Ellick
worked his way into starting
the country.”
with his first start last
lineup last weekend at
week, which saw the Irish
Pittsburgh. While the coaching
secondary contain AllDwight Ellick
staff always knew about his
American candidate Larry
Irish cornerback
speed, Ellick needed to show
Fitzgerald and shut down
more than that in practice to
the Pittsburgh passing
become a starter.
attack in the second half.
“I think the biggest thing was consistency.
The best passing offense the Irish have seen
He was able to play the coverage and not this year invades South Bend Saturday. Ellick
have mental blows and just be consistent in and the other cornerbacks know it and are
what we were asking him to do,” Notre Dame ready for the challenge Trojans receiver Mike
secondary coach Trent Walters said. “You can Williams and company bring to the table.
always use speed, but you have to use speed
“They are pretty good. Mike Williams isn’t
that is under control. He has been able to the fastest guy in the world. But he is big,
control his speed and play with consistency.”
strong and physical. Keary Colbert is a little
Ellick came to Notre Dame in 2001 with blazer,” Ellick said. “We can go out there and
hopes of jumping right into the starting line- match up with them. If they want to get physup, but that changed pretty quickly. Former ical, we’ll be physical. If they want to jump
All-American Shane Walton and current and fight it out, we’ll fight it out. Whatever
teammates Jason Beckstrom and Vontez Duff they want to do, we’ll match it.
taught him a lot about what it takes to be a
“Whatever they bring to the table, we’ll
collegiate cornerback on the field. Coming bring that and then some.”
from a high school that had two simple zone
coverage packages and a man-to-man Contact Matt Lozar [email protected]
By MATT LOZAR
ANDY KENNA/The Observer
Another week, another top receiver for Duff
Cornerback Dwight Ellick (front left) gets ready to block on a Notre
Dame kick return last week at Pittsburgh.
Irish ready for next big test in Williams
Braylon Edwards — has worn the number
one.
Sports Writer
But according to Irish defensive coordinator Kent Baer, the number on their jerseys is
where the similarity ends for Fitzgerald and
There is no rest for the weary.
Nobody knows that better than Notre Dame Williams. While both are big, physical
receivers, the two have different styles of
cornerback Vontez Duff.
Last week, Duff matched up nearly all play and operate in vastly different offenses.
“It’s a whole different offense,” Baer said.
game with one of the nation’s best receivers
in Pittsburgh’s Larry Fitzgerald. The under- “They’re still different guys. About the only
sized Duff, who gave up two inches and 31 similarity is they wear number one.”
One thing Williams has that
pounds to Fitzgerald, more than
Fitzgerald did not is many
held his own, preventing the
other weapons on offense.
Panther receiver from getting
For instance, Williams has
even a single reception in the
“It’s just another
the benefit of a speedy and
second half of Notre Dame’s 20No. 1 to me.”
dangerous receiver on the
14 win.
other side of the field in senior
This week, the task doesn’t get
Vontez Duff
Keary Colbert to take some of
any easier against Southern
the defensive pressure off the
California’s Mike Williams, who
Irish cornerback
sophomore.
brings speed and size in his 6The Trojans also have three
foot-5, 230-pound frame.
running backs in Hershel
“I think Vontez has done a
great job all year,” Irish head coach Tyrone Dennis, LenDale White and Reggie Bush that
Willingham said. “We’ve matched him up each average over four yards a carry and
against some of the better players in the have 11 touchdowns between them.
“They have great receivers,” Baer said.
country to date, and he’s stood the test very
“Keary Colbert is as good as there is. He’s
well.”
Like Fitzgerald, Williams is one of the best fast, and he’s really their go-to guy as much
in the business. Last year, he burned the as No. 1 [Williams]. That’s their offense —
Irish — and Duff — for 10 catches and 169 good speed, and they spread the field. It’s
yards with two touchdowns. But for Duff, what they do.”
Like last week, Willingham believes that
guarding such a talented receiver is nothing
new, having defended players like Fitzgerald, the onus of stopping the Trojan passing game
Washington State’s Devard Darling or lies not just on Duff and his coverage of the
big receiver, but on the entire defense.
Michigan’s Braylon Edwards.
“It’s not just a test of one individual,
“Whether it’s Michigan or Michigan State
or Washington State, whoever it is, I just because if any offense has all day to throw
have to play my game and have confidence in the ball, then their receivers are going to get
myself and our team that we’ll get the job open regardless of how good your coverage
is,” Willingham said. “So it has to be a total
done,” Duff said.
“It’s just another No. 1 to me,” he added, team effort, and I think we’ve done a good
commenting on the fact that almost every job of playing good team defense so far.”
great receiver he’s seen this year — including Fitzgerald, Williams and Michigan’s Contact Chris Federico at [email protected]
By CHRIS FEDERICO
Icon Sports
USC wide receiver Mike Williams has 39 catches for 631 yards and
seven touchdowns so far this season.
Cyan Magenta
Yellow
Black
page 8
The Observer ◆ PAID
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