Blue & Gold Illustrated: America's Foremost Authority on Notre Dame Football
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giving Florida State a 31-27 lead with 7:29 to play. The two teams exchanged punts before Notre Dame regained pos- session at the FSU 49-yard line with 2:53 to play — an Irish drive that eventually ended scoreless and handed FSU the win, but not without controversy. On fourth-and-goal from the 2-yard line, Notre Dame quarterback Everett Gol- son completed a touchdown pass to wide receiver Corey Robinson, but an offensive pass interference call negated the score and backed the Irish up to a fourth-and-18. Golson's next pass was intercepted in the end zone, and FSU took a knee to end the game. The flag was thrown because an Irish receiver blocked a Seminole defender from covering Robinson, in a way simi- lar to what's usually referred to as a "pick" play. "We execute that play every day," Notre Dame head coach Brian Kelly said. "And we do it legally and that's the way we coach it. We don't coach illegal plays." The Irish would go on to lose four of their remaining five regular-season contests. Student-Athletes Face Tough Choices About Going Pro Notre Dame starting tackle Ronnie Stanley was projected by some to be a first-round pick in the 2015 NFL Draft — but instead of leaving school early, he announced in January that he'd re- turn for his senior season. It was a pivotal momentum boost for the team at the start of the calendar year, and defensive tackle Sheldon Day also an- nounced a decision to return to school. The duo felt there was unfinished business to take care of with the Irish before launching their professional careers, and the choices were easier knowing they were unified together. "We've got a chance to have a spe- cial season next year," Stanley said. "Many of my teammates are returning and I've made strong bonds with lots of them. If all of them weren't coming back this year it would've made it an easier decision to leave. All this, the opportunity to graduate, and much more, led to my decision to stay." Junior All-American guard Jew- ell Loyd — the leading scorer on the women's basketball national runner- up team — could have returned to school like Stanley and Day, but in- stead opted to turn pro. She eventually became the first No. 1 overall draft pick in program history. "We appreciate all that Jewell has done for our program and the Univer- sity of Notre Dame during her time here," head coach Muffet McGraw said. "We understand this was not an easy decision. We wish her nothing but happiness and success at the next level." Irish Sign 11th-Ranked Recruiting Class In February, the Notre Dame football program added 24 names to its roster (although defensive end Bo Wallace eventually had to transfer to Arizona State) with its signing class that was rated No. 11 nationally by Rivals.com. Some of the headliners included Jer- sey City (N.J.) St. Peter 's Prep quar- terback Brandon Wimbush, Palm Beach Gardens (Fla.) High linebacker