Blue & Gold Illustrated: America's Foremost Authority on Notre Dame Football
Issue link: https://comanpub.uberflip.com/i/424772
0 Carries former Notre Dame running back Jonas Gray (2008-11) had Nov. 23 — the week after he rushed 37 times for 201 yards and four touchdowns for the New England Patriots and made the cover of Sports Illustrated. That's because he arrived late to Friday practice after his phone alarm supposedly did not go off, and the Patriots recently resigned veteran running back LeGarrette Blount. Chalk up another SI cover jinx. The last time Notre Dame was on the cover was prior to the 42-14 loss to Alabama in the BCS National Championship Game in January 2013. 3 Players on defense that started all 12 games for Notre Dame this season —and all three were sophomores: cornerback Cole Luke, Will linebacker Jaylon Smith and defensive lineman Isaac Rochell. The 2014 defense has had 18 different starters. In comparison, the 2012 unit that led the run to the BCS National Championship Game had eight players start all 13 games (including co-starting Will linebackers Dan Fox and Carlo Calabrese). Outside linebacker Danny Spond started each of the last 11, safety Matthias Farley each of the last 10, and nose guard Louis Nix played in all 13 but did not start in two. 4 Notre Dame football players ejected from a game since the targeting rule was implemented by the NCAA in 2013: outside linebacker Ben Councell (2013, Oklahoma), defensive lineman Stephon Tuitt (2013, Pitt), safety Max Redfield (2014, Purdue) and linebacker Nyles Morgan (2014, Louisville). All but the Purdue game this year resulted in defeat. 5 Finalists named Nov. 24 for the Butkus Award that honors the nation's top linebacker, including Notre Dame sophomore Jaylon Smith. The others were UCLA fifth-year senior Eric Kendricks, Wash- ington fifth-year senior Hau'oli Kikaha, Miami senior Denzel Perryman and Michigan fifth-year senior Jake Ryan. During the first 11 games, Smith led the Irish in tackles (89) and tackles for loss (7.5). Notre Dame head coach Brian Kelly believes Smith will remain at inside linebacker next season after playing on the outside as a freshman. 32 Rhodes Scholars who will begin their studies at Oxford in October 2015, including former Irish fencer and Notre Dame student body president Alex Coccia. He is the first Rhodes Scholar from the University since 2002. UNDER THE DOME BY THE NUMBERS BLUE & GOLD ILLUSTRATED P.O. Box 2331 Durham, NC 27702 www.BlueGoldOnline.com 800-421-7751 Notre Dame Hitch Covers & Emblems Hitches $38.95 Choice of Chrome or Black Background FREE SHIPPING IN CONTINENTAL U.S. Please Add Sales Tax For Items Shipping To: (NC 7.5%, IN 7%, MI 6%) Item #6602 • Choice of four styles! Emblems $16.95 Leprechaun ND-Logo ND-Color Logo ND-Shamrock ND Logo Item #6600 Leprechaun Logo Item #6601