Author: John Vannie

Desperate Irish Host Spartans

Notre Dame returns home in search of its first win as the Fighting Irish face 2-0 Michigan State on Saturday. These teams battled to the last play in the past two seasons with the Spartans winning in overtime last year and Notre Dame coming out on top in 2009. Coach Mark Dantonio, now in his…

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Stunning Collapse

Notre Dame followed an impressive start with a familiar horrowshow of turnovers and inexplicable defensive breakdowns to hand Michigan a 35-31 victory on Saturday evening. The Irish had retaken the lead with 30 seconds remaining on a pass from Tommy Rees to Theo Riddick, but Denard Robinson moved his team 80 yards in three plays…

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Confidence Game

Notre Dame travels to Michigan this week for an early season test that has become a must win game for Brian Kelly and his squad. The Irish have managed to lose to the Wolverines in each of the past two seasons despite having a more talented group of players. First-year Michigan Coach Brady Hoke would…

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Bumbling Irish Drop Opener

Notre Dame outgained South Florida by a two to one margin on Saturday but could not overcome five turnovers in a painful 23-20 loss. The Irish trailed 16-0 at the half after a poor performance by the offense, but a rally led by Tommy Rees also fizzled due to costly miscues. A touchdown with 21 seconds remaining made…

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Bulls to Test Irish in Opener

Notre Dame opens the 2011 football season amid a wave of optimism and high expectations in Brian Kelly’s second year as head coach. The Irish finished strong in 2010 with victories over Miami and arch rival USC, and return most of their key players. The visitors from South Florida are coached by Skip Holtz, who…

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