The defense also was in a rebuilding
stage minus top linemen such as Louis
Nix and Stephon Tuitt, the ineligibil-
ity of top corner KeiVarae Russell, and
a plethora of injuries that led to Notre
Dame allowing a stunning 41.6 points
per game — although some of that also
was about interception returns by the
opposing defenses — during a 1-5 finish
to the regular season.
Last year was supposed to see a sig-
nificant turnaround with upperclass-
A front four anchored by senior defensive end Isaac Rochell — who is entering his third season as a
starter — is expected to be the strength of the Irish defense.
PHOTO BY BILL PANZICA
