Blue & Gold Illustrated: America's Foremost Authority on Notre Dame Football
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Under the Dome Anniversaries In Notre Dame Athletics History: August 25 Years: Aug, 13, 1988 On media day, third-year Notre Dame head coach Lou Holtz echoes a sentiment most of the nation has about the Fighting Irish following 5-6 and 8-4 finishes his first two seasons. "We have a chance to be better than a year ago," Holtz said, "but we have to have so many good things happen to us. This football team may be a year away." The "year away" theme is popular for numerous reasons: • Notre Dame's 1987 and 1988 recruiting classes were both ranked No. 1, but are too young to make a top-five-caliber impact. • The 1987 Heisman Trophy winner, Tim Brown, graduated. • The offensive line graduated four fifth-year senior starters, and the fifth starter, Jeff Pearson, transferred to Michigan State. Junior Tim Grunhard's four career starts are the most along the line. • The projected starting defensive line is green with sophomores Chris Zorich (zero playing time) and George Williams (8:16 career playing time) and another first-time starter in junior Jeff Alm (31:23 the previous year). Rush backer Frank Stams hasn't started since he was a fullback back in 1985. • The program is licking its wounds after finishing 1987 with consecutive losses to Penn State (21-20), at national champ Miami (24-0) and in the Cotton Bowl to Texas A&M (35-10). • Junior quarterback Tony Rice might be the biggest question mark of all after completing only 42.7 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