Blue & Gold Illustrated: America's Foremost Authority on Notre Dame Football
Issue link: https://comanpub.uberflip.com/i/109499
three straight since the eight in a row from 1987-94, but won 20-3 last year and 31-13 in 2011. Summary: Seven starters return for a defense that finished in the nation's top 10 in all four major categories, including scoring. But the offense with QB Andrew Maxwell must significantly upgrade its 108th ranking in scoring (20.0 points per game) and 114th in passing efficiency. 8. Brigham Young (8-5) Top Offseason Note: Linebacker Kyle Van Noy (22 tackles for loss and 13 sacks), who was projected to go in the first two NFL rounds, and receiver Cody Hoffman (100 catches and 11 TD) opted to return for their senior years. Notable: BYU will be the first team to make trips to Notre Dame Stadium in consecutive years since Navy (1994-95) and Air Force (1983-84). Summary: This program used to be known for prolific offenses, but in eight years with head coach Bronco Mendenhall (74-29) it has built a defensive identity. The Cougars finished behind only Alabama and Notre Dame in scoring defense (14.0 points per game) and were second against the run. Nine starters return on offense. Heavy Underdogs 9. Purdue (6-7) Top Offseason Note: Darrell Hazell, who led Kent State to an 11-3 record in 2012, replaced Danny Hope as head coach. Notable: The defensive coordinator is Greg Hudson, a linebacker at Notre Dame from 1986-89, who was assistant head coach and linebackers coach at Florida State the past three years. Former Ohio State head coach Jim Tressel's offensive line coach, Jim Bollman, also is on board. Summary: Ross-Ade Stadium usually offers a strong challenge to Notre Dame, and it can again with eight returning starters on defense, led by linemen Ryan Russell. Can Rob Henry, who passed for 996 yards and rushed for 547 way back in 2010, emerge at QB? 10. Navy (8-5) Top Offseason Note: Receiver Matt Aiken and linebacker Cody Peterson were named 2013 captains. Notable: Notre Dame has defeated Navy 56-10 and 50-10 the past two years. It has never scored at least 50 points in three straight meetings against one foe. Summary: Keenan Reynolds had an impact freshman year at quarterback in 2012, passing for 898 yards and nine scores while adding 649 yards rushing. Junior fullback Noah Copeland provides a strong complement with 738 yards … but can the defense neutralize BCS teams? Navy finished with a 62-28 bowl loss to Arizona State. 11. Air Force (6-7) Top Offseason Note: Falcons athletics director Hans Mueh indicated that although no formal discussions have begun, Denver, Chicago and Dallas are possibilities for a Notre Dame-Air Force Shamrock Series game in 2015. Notable: The 33-14 loss to Rice in the Armed Forces Bowl gave Air Force its first losing season since 2006. Summary: Notre Dame will conveniently face tripleoption teams in back-to-back weeks with Air Force (Oct. 26) and Navy (Nov. 2). The Falcons must replace three of their top four rushers, including 1,248-yard rusher Cody Getz and QB Connor Dietz. 12. Temple (4-7) Top Offseason Note: After two seasons, head coach Steve Addazio (an Irish offensive line coach in 19992001) took the head coaching position at Boston College. New head coach Matt Rhule was an assistant at Temple from 2006-11 before going to the NFL for one season. Notable: Just like USC, Stanford and Michigan State, the Owls return eight starters on offense and seven on defense. Summary: Temple lost its last five games in the Big East by an average of 25 points (none by less than 18). ✦