California native and sophomore tight end Troy Niklas celebrated No. 1 Notre Dame's 12-0 finish in the regular season and spot in the Jan. 7 national title game in Miami.
PHOTO BY BILL PANZICA
wasn't capable of earlier in the season. He con- nected with seniors John Goodman and Robby Toma on long passing plays before time, not the Trojans, forced Brin- dza on to the field. USC redshirt freshman
quarterback Max Wittek, making his first colle- giate start in place of the injured Matt Barkley, fol-
lowed up his first career interception by plant- ing his next pass firmly in the shoulder pads of Irish senior linebacker Manti Te'o to start the second half. The pick again opened the door for Notre Dame to pull away from the Trojans, but the Irish weren't able to convert golden field position into any points.
nior tight end Tyler Eif- ert failed on the ensuing third down, and Brindza pulled a 34-yard attempt to the right for his lone miss of the night. He rebounded — as he has done is just about every previous close game this season —with two more successful kicks to end the night 5 of 6 on his
A fade attempt to se-
