Issue link: https://comanpub.uberflip.com/i/140903
UNDER THE DOME TALE OF THE TURNOVER In its most elementary form, turnovers were a prime difference between Notre Dame's 8-5 record in 2011 and 12-1 mark in 2012. In 2011, the Fighting Irish committed 29 turnovers, 19 of them in their five losses. Conversely, the 2012 Notre Dame team had 15 the entire season. Thanks to a dominant defense, the offense was able to play more conservatively, limit risks and emphasize protecting the football, especially with two senior running backs (Theo Riddick and Cierre Wood) who lost only two fumbles between them. Also, after a trio of Notre Dame quarterbacks tossed 17 interceptions in 2011, that number was whittled to eight in 2012. A turnover at the wrong time in four games last season easily could have dropped the Notre Dame record to the 8-5 level again. Can the Notre Dame offense limit the turnovers to 15 again this fall? In the program's history, that has been achieved only seven times, all since 1993. Prior to that year, rare was the season where Notre Dame committed less than 20 turnovers. Here are the top five, including bowl games: 1. 1993 (10) — The 11-1 Irish did not commit a turnover in five of their last six games. 2. 2000 (11) — Notre Dame tied an NCAA record with only eight during an 11-game regular season, but the 9-2 Irish had three in the 41-9 loss to Oregon State in the Fiesta Bowl. 3t. 1997, 2005 & 2009 (14) — All these teams were steered by quarterbacks in at least their third season as starters: fifth-year senior Ron Powlus for the 7-6 team in '97, junior Brady Quinn for the 9-3 unit that finished No. 9 in '05 and junior Jimmy Clausen for the 6-6 edition in '09. Note: The only other two Notre Dame teams to have 15 turnovers were last year's squad and the 10-3 team in 2006. Protecting the football will be key for projected starting quarterback Tommy Rees, who accounted for 19 turnovers in 11 games in 2011. PHOTO BY BILL PANZICA Be a part of Notre Dame's climb back to the top of college football! Access to the Ultimate Irish Tailgater at Notre Dame's Official Hospitality Village allows you to experience the fanfare and tradition of Notre Dame Football, with all of the amenities of first class hospitality. Passes for the 2013 football season are now available and include a full buffet and open bar, keepsakes, entertainment and more in a 3-hour all inclusive pre-game event. www.und.com/store/hospitality Questions: hospitality@ndsportsproperties.com 8 ! BLUE & GOLD ILLUSTRATED 2013 FOOTBALL PREVIEW 4-6,8,10-17.Under The Dome.indd 8 6/25/13 4:50 PM