Blue & Gold Illustrated: America's Foremost Authority on Notre Dame Football
Issue link: https://comanpub.uberflip.com/i/259072
UNDER THE DOME RANK & FILE With Notre Dame's No. 20 finish in the Associated Press poll and No. 24 in the USA Today coaches' poll, it was only the second time in the last 20 years it had back-to-back years with placement in the final top 25. Last year it was No. 4 in the AP and this year 20th. The other occasion since 1993 was head coach Charlie Weis' first two seasons in 2005 (No. 9 in AP) and 2006 (No. 17 in AP). Next year, the Fighting Irish will attempt to make it three in a row for the first time since the seven straight from 1987-93 under head coach Lou Holtz. The 2013 season was only the fourth time Notre Dame placed in the final ballot with more than three defeats — and the first in 26 years. • Head coach Terry Brennan's 1958 team finished No. 17 with a 6-4 record, but it resulted in his ouster after his fifth season. • The second time was the following year, when head coach Joe Kuharich's 5-5 debut remarkably also resulted in a No. 17 final ranking. Because Notre Dame closed that season with victories at No. 16 Iowa (20-19) and No. 7 USC (16-6), it zoomed all the way up to No. 17 in the last poll. • And despite losing their final three games in 1987, the Irish finished No. 17 again with an 8-4 ledger. Now, if 2014 can follow up the way the 1988 team did … "Man Cave" ND Mats Available in four sizes! Starter (19"x30") $23.95 All Star (34"x45") $48.95 Tailgater (5'x6') $139.95 UltiMat (5'x8') $179.95 Plus S&H and Sales Tax: NC, MI, IN 1-800-421-7751 • www.BlueGoldOnline.com NOTRE DAME MAN CAVE MATs "Man Cave" ND Mats Available in four sizes! Starter (19"x30") $23.95 All Star (34"x45") $48.95 Tailgater (5'x6') $139.95 UltiMat (5'x8') $179.95 Plus S&H and Sales Tax: NC, MI, IN 1-800-421-7751 • www.BlueGoldOnline.com NOTRE DAME MAN CAVE MATs