BY ANDREW OWENS
L
ooking to preserve the first
shutout of Michigan by any pro-
gram since 1984, Notre Dame
trotted its first-team defense
onto the field in the final seconds of a
blowout victory in South Bend Sept. 6.
When Wolverines quarterback Devin
Gardner threw a last-second pass to
freshman Freddy Canteen, safety Eli-
jah Shumate saw his opportunity.
The junior, who replaced captain Aus-
tin Collinsworth in the starting lineup
while the fifth-year senior recovered
from an MCL strain, stepped in front of
Canteen and sprinted down the side-
lines for what appeared to be a touch-
down as time expired to cap off a 37-0
romp of Michigan.
During the 62-yard return, however,
Shumate's partner at safety, sophomore
Max Redfield, unleashed a hit on Gard-
ner that drew a controversial personal
foul flag. The interception stood, but the
penalty nullified the score.
Perhaps no play could better repre-
sent the jolt of enthusiasm — and inex-
perience — the duo has provided early
this season.
PLAYING FAST
After their initial performances left
Brian Kelly wanting more, safeties
Max Redfield and Elijah Shumate
rose to the occasion
Shumate stepped into the starting lineup after
fifth-year senior Austin Collinsworth suffered a
grade two MCL strain Aug. 28.
PHOTO BY BILL PANZICA
