Blue & Gold Illustrated: America's Foremost Authority on Notre Dame Football
Issue link: https://comanpub.uberflip.com/i/377020
OFFENSE: AMIR CARLISLE We probably will rename this the Everett Golson Offensive Player of the Game Award, because he is the catalyst who would probably be the simple choice every week. This week, we'll go with the much improved senior slot receiver Amir Carlisle, who ran precise routes in the quick three-step drops, improvised and made several impressive stabs of Golson's laser passes. Highlighting his seven catches for 61 yards were one- and 12-yard scores. DEFENSE: SHELDON DAY The junior captain dominated the line of scrimmage. He bull-rushed past the offensive interior repeatedly and his explosion off the line had him tak- ing up residence in the Michigan back- field on many occasions. Day was responsible for four of Notre Dame's nine QB hurries (no one else had more than one), so crucial against a mobile quarterback such as Devin Gardner. Listed with five tack- les, Day consistently disrupted plays. SPECIAL TEAMS: KYLE BRINDZA He has put on a clinic with his kick- offs this season, with 12 of 15 resulting in touchbacks, including five of six against the Wolverines. The one that wasn't a touchback was deep enough where the tackle was made at the Michigan 16. He converted his lone field goal attempt, from 43 yards, and placed two punts inside the 10, one that hit perfectly at the 2-yard line. Honorable mention to sophomore linebacker James Onwualu for recov- ering a Cody Riggs fumble on a punt return at the Irish 14. TOP PLAYERS OF THE GAME BY TOM LOY Junior defensive lineman Sheldon Day was a disruptive force, compiling five tackles and four quarterback hurries. PHOTO BY BILL PANZICA