Blue & Gold Illustrated: America's Foremost Authority on Notre Dame Football
Issue link: https://comanpub.uberflip.com/i/440225
years ago was revitalizing the Irish defense and no longer having the ND acronym derisively be known as "No Defense." It was achieved from 2010-13 under coordinator Bob Diaco, who in 2014 became the head coach at UConn. In those four seasons, the Irish never fin- ished lower than 27th nationally in scoring defense, a first over a four-year period since 1974-77. This was high- lighted by the 2012 unit finishing No. 2 in scoring defense with an average of 12.77 points allowed per game. Over the final seven games this sea- son, the Irish surrendered an astound- ing 41.6 points per contest, yielding a minimum of 31 points each game. Other than cornerback Cody Riggs, most everyone on the two-deep re- turns in 2015. Meanwhile, 26-game starter KeiVarae Russell, who served an academic exile in 2014, could re- place Riggs. Looking Ahead: 2015 Schedule The record in parentheses includes bowl games played up to Dec. 29. Sept. 5 Texas (6‑7) — After a year one housecleaning, head coach Charlie Strong is eager to make a splash; the Irish hold an amazing 8‑2 lead in the series. Sept. 12 at Virginia (5‑7) — Head coach Mike London is only 23‑38 in six seasons and faces a crucial make‑or‑break campaign. Sept. 19 Georgia Tech (10‑3) — The nation's No. 2 rushing offense (333.6 yards per game) returns quarterback Justin Thomas in the triple option. Sept. 26 Massachusetts (3‑9) — The Minutemen completed their third sea‑ son in the Football Bowl Subdivision as a Mid‑American Conference member. Oct. 3 at Clemson (10‑3) — The Tigers' offense is loaded with young play‑ makers, but the defense must replace its four‑man front led by sack artist Vic Beasley. Oct. 10 Navy (8‑5) — Quarterback Keenan Reynolds returns to give the Irish all they can handle for a third straight year with the nation's No. 1 rushing offense. Oct. 17 USC (9‑4) — The return of signal‑caller Cody Kessler for young, ex‑ plosive offense should make Trojans potent again, but the defense loses a lot. Oct. 31 at Temple (6‑6) — The Owls finished fifth nationally in scoring de‑ fense (17.5 points per game) under Tom Coughlin disciple Matt Rhule. Nov. 7 at Pitt (6‑6) — New head coach Pat Narduzzi, 2007‑14 defensive coor‑ dinator at Michigan State, inherits four straight 6‑6 regular seasons. Nov. 14 Wake Forest (3‑9) — Highlight of 2014 was a 6‑3 double‑overtime win over Virginia Tech. The Demon Deacons ranked second to last nationally in scoring average (14.8 points per game). Nov. 21 vs. Boston College (7‑6) at Fenway Park — Physical Eagles have a proclivity to bring their "A" game versus the Irish. Nov. 28 at Stanford (7‑5) — Notre Dame will be looking to win on Cardinal sod for the first time since 2007. The next edition of Blue & Gold Illustrated will have a more in‑depth overview of the 2015 foes. — Lou Somogyi Redshirt sophomore quar‑ terback Justin Thomas rushed for 965 yards and five touchdowns while passing for 1,594 yards and 17 scores in leading Georgia Tech (10‑3) to a berth in the Orange Bowl. PHOTO BY DANNY KARNIK/ GEORGIA TECH ATHLETICS