Author: John Vannie

Irish Host Pesky Eagles

With an eighth consecutive loss to USC fresh in the minds of Notre Dame, Boston College rolls into town seeking its seventh consecutive win in the series between these Catholic institutions. The Eagles are coached by former defensive coordinator Frank Spaziani, who took the job in January and led the team to a victory over…

Full Notre Dame Column

Irish Rally Falls Short

Freshman quarterback Matt Barkley and his receivers torched Notre Dame’s porous defense for 380 yards as USC won its eighth straight over the Irish by 34-27. A furious fourth quarter rally led by Jimmy Clausen and Golden Tate fell a few yards shorts of a tying touchdown as the clock ran out. The Trojans were…

Full Notre Dame Column

Stewing Irish Await USC

The USC Trojans invade Notre Dame Stadium on Saturday in pursuit of their eighth consecutive victory over the Irish. Both teams are 4-1 with last minute road losses against opponents they should have beaten, and both are coming off a bye week in their schedules. Several key players on each side are returning from injury…

Full Notre Dame Column

Irish Stand Up to Huskies

Notre Dame’s defense rose up late in the game to give Jimmy Clausen and the offense a chance to come back in a 37-30 overtime victory against the Washington Huskies. The Irish stonewalled quarterback Jake Locker in three goal line series to rescue the team from certain defeat, while Robert Hughes’ touchdown in overtime finally…

Full Notre Dame Column

Irish Battle Improved Dawgs

The rejuvenated Washington Huskies invade Notre Dame on Saturday in the hopes of recording a victory against the Irish for the first time in history. The visitors are 2-2 this season, which is already a marked improvement over last year’s 0-12 squad coached by Tyrone Willingham. Former USC assistant Steve Sarkisian, 35, has taken the…

Full Notre Dame Column