2006 Outlook. Jeff Samardzija. returns for his. senior season in A consensus. first-team. All-American. in 2005, Samardzija.

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1 2006 Outlook Jeff Samardzija returns for his senior season in A consensus first-team All-American in 2005, Samardzija balances his football duties during the spring with his work as a pitching ace for the Irish baseball team. (photo by Matt Cashore)

2 Weis, Irish Look to Build on Success that Marked 05 Debut 17 starters, 36 lettermen return as Notre Dame begins work on the 06 season with spring drills Quarterback Brady Quinn, fourth in the Heisman Trophy voting in 05, returns for his fourth season as the starting signalcaller for the Irish. Quinn owns 30 Notre Dame school records. When Charlie Weis was introduced as Notre Dame s head football coach in December of 2004, one of his first stated goals was to raise the expectations of the football program both internally and externally. After an impressive debut season in 2005 that saw the Irish return to the nation s top 10 with a 9-3 record and a berth in the Tostitos Fiesta Bowl, one could make a strong argument that Weis has accomplished that. But that would be an incorrect assumption. Weis and the Irish enter the spring of 2006 with a simple mantra that refutes that assumption in Weis world, 9-3 isn t good enough. It s just a start. True to his word, Weis and his coaching staff produced a team in 2005 that was tough, intelligent and gave maximum effort. And, yes, these Irish were even a little nasty at times. That mix of moxie, intelligence and effort produced a noticeably improved squad last season. But the Irish were not satisfied with a season where they came within an overtime loss to Michigan State and a last-second loss to reigning national champ USC from an appearance in the national title game. And that dissatisfaction may say more than anything about the change in outlook for the Irish football program. The challenge in 2006 is to build on that success and take the next step up the ladder. 36 lettermen, 16 position starters and one starter in the kicking game return for the Irish. Nine starters and 20 lettermen return to the defense while the offense returns seven starters and 15 lettermen, including consensus All-America receiver Jeff Samardzija and Heisman Trophy candidate Brady Quinn at quarterback (he was fourth in the Heisman voting in 05). Based on the returning experience from the most explosive offense in Irish history, the unit appears primed to carry the team again this season. Losing veteran starters at right tackle, right guard, receiver and tight end is significant, but plenty of veteran experience returns at every spot but tackle. The spring will be used to develop cohesion among the returnees and improve depth across the board. The entire starting backfield returns as tailback Darius Walker and fullback Asaph Schwapp join Quinn, as well as veteran reserve tailback Travis Thomas. The receivers corps lost ace Maurice Stovall and veteran Matt Shelton, along with tight end Anthony Fasano, but plenty of talent and experience returns with fifth-year wideout Rhema McKnight returning to action after missing much of 05 with an injury. He will join Samardzija to comprise as solid a veteran unit of receivers as can be found in college football. Quarterbacks + Gillett, Justin Jr Gorski, Dan So. --- *** Quinn, Brady Sr. 355:42 Sharpley, Evan So. --- Wolke, David Jr. 21:56 The return of 05 consensus All-American Jeff Samardzija to the receivers corps gives the Irish a valuable base of leadership and experience at a position hit hard by graduation. The success of the offense will largely depend on the prowess of an experienced offensive line. Three starters from 05 return: LT Ryan Harris, C John Sullivan and LG Dan Santucci. They will be joined by veteran guard/center Bob Morton, who has started at both guard and center in his career. This group has started a combined total of 91 games in their careers. Special teams will remain a point of emphasis for the Irish. The kicking and punting duties will see new players manning the starting jobs after the graduation of D.J. Fitzpatrick, who handled both the placement and punting duties the last three seasons. J.J. Jansen returns to handle the snapping duties, and the return game, which improved dramatically last season, returns veterans Tom Zbikowski (punt returns), David Grimes (kickoffs) and D.J. Hord (kickoffs). Fullbacks + Augustyn, Matt Sr. --- McConnell, Ashley Sr. 9:25 * Schwapp, Asaph So. 111: NOTRE DAME SPRING FOOTBALL

3 2006 Notre Dame Spring Outlook Running back Darius Walker rushed for 1,196 yards and nine touchdowns in 05, in addition to setting an Irish single-season record for catches by a running back. Defensively, the Irish return nine starters and a host of reserves. Returning for the Irish in 06 are eight of the top 10 tacklers from last season led by cornerback Ambrose Wooden and safety Tom Zbikowski. All four starters return in the line as ends Victor Abiamiri and Ronald Talley join veteran tackles Derek Landri and Trevor Laws. The secondary returns intact as cornerback Mike Richardson and safety Chinedum Ndukwe join Wooden and Zbikowski. Junior Maurice Crum, Jr., is the lone returning starter in the linebacker corps. Six of Notre Dame s opponents (Michigan, Michigan State, Purdue, Stanford, Navy and USC) were on the 05 schedule and six Wide Receivers ** Anastasio, Chase Sr. 5:54 Bragg, Darrin Jr Cardillo, Craig Sr Erickson, Brandon Jr. --- * Grimes, David So. 26:06 Hord, D.J So. 3:47 **** McKnight, Rhema Sr. 28:12 + Possley, Nick Jr. --- *** Samardzija, Jeff Sr. 332:01 West, George Fr. --- The Irish offensive line faces the task of replacing its entire starting right side this spring, but plenty of experience returns including left guard Dan Santucci (50) and center John Sullivan (78). of the opponents played in bowl games last season (Georgia Tech, Penn State, Michigan, UCLA, Navy and USC) with three of them (Penn State, Navy and UCLA) emerging victorious in those post-season encounters. The schedule includes seven home games for the Irish and a neutral site visit to Baltimore to take on the Midshipmen of Navy. As spring football dawns in South Bend, the second year of the Weis Era brings with it high hopes and expectations. It s just what Weis had in mind when he promised to raise the expectations of the program upon his arrival. Here s a position-by-position look at the 06 Irish entering spring practice: QUARTERBACK: Senior Brady Quinn (292 of 450 for 3,919 yards, 32 TDs, 7 interceptions) enters his fourth season as the Irish starter after a record-shattering season in 05 in which he placed fourth in voting for the Heisman Trophy. Quinn thrived in Weis s offense, showing poise, maturity and consistent improvement as the season progresses. Quinn enters his final season with the Irish as the owner of virtually every Notre Dame passing record for a season or a career and he figures to enter the year as the Centers *** Morton, Bob Sr. 172:52+ ** Sullivan, John Sr. 273:30 +played both center and guard frontrunner for national honors and All-America status. He was a third-team All-America selection by the Associated Press last year. There is little playing experience behind Quinn. Junior David Wolke (has played 23:56 in his career) and sophomore Evan Sharpley (did not play in 05) will get a chance to stake their claim to the backup role during spring practice. RUNNING BACK: Junior Darius Walker (1,196 yards on 253 carries, 9 TDs) surpassed 100 yards rushing in seven games in 05 and cemented his status as an every down back by setting an Irish mark for receptions by a back with 43 for 351 yards and two TDs. Senior Travis Thomas became a reliable and explosive complement to Walker as the backup, rushing for 248 yards and five TDs while making significant contributions in several games. Freshman James Aldridge, one of a trio of January enrollees (the first in Notre Dame football history), will get a look during the 9

4 2006 Notre Dame Spring Outlook spring. Junior Justin Hoskins could contribute this season but he will be very limited during the spring due to an injury. The arrival of freshman Munir Prince in the fall will add even more depth to the tailback position. FULLBACK: Sophomore Asaph Schwapp returns as the starter after taking over that job midway through the 05 season. He showed ability as a strong short-yardage runner, proved to be a solid blocker and can help in the passing game. Senior Ashley McConnell was a seldom-used backup in 05 who will look for an expanded role this spring. Freshman Luke Schmidt will arrive in the fall and could make a bid for playing time this fall. WIDE RECEIVER: The Irish return a consensus first team All-American in senior Jeff Samardzija (77 catches for 1,249 yards and 15 TDs), who set school single-season marks for catches (tied the mark set by Tom Gatewood in 1970), yards and TDs in 05. He will be limited this spring due to his baseball commitments, as he is the ace of the Irish pitching staff. Fifth-year senior Rhema McKnight missed the final 10 games of 05 due to an injury and was granted a medical redshirt, creating the opportunity for Tight Ends ** Carlson, John Sr. 165:32 *** Freeman, Marcus Sr. 63:23 + Gritzman, Tim Jr Talerico, Mike Jr. --- Samardzija to shine. McKnight, the team s leading receiver in 03 and 04, gives the Irish what is perhaps the most proven starting receivers duo in college football. Other returnees include senior Chase Anastasio (one career catch) and sophomores David Grimes (two catches for 19 yards in 05) and D.J. Hord (no catches in 05). That trio will be looked to for more action this spring. TIGHT END: The departure of starter Anthony Fasano (47 for 576, 2 TDs in 05) creates an opportunity for both senior John Carlson and fifth-year senior Marcus Freeman. Carlson (seven for 56 and one TD in 05) was the primary backup to Fasano the last two seasons and could have the skills to take on that primary role this fall. Freeman has been primarily a blocking tight end the last two seasons, but enters the spring off an impressive winter conditioning performance and appears ready to battle for the starting job. Two touted recruits Konrad Reuland and Will Yeatman will join the team in the fall and could compete for a significant role at tight end. CENTER: The Irish return an established starter in senior John Sullivan (20 career starts over the last two seasons) who provides the Irish with a strong foundation up front. Sullivan, the full-time starter in 04, re-established that role over the last eight games of the 05 season and enters his third season of action (he did not see action as a rookie in 03) but he will be limited to non-contact work this spring. Guard Bob Morton can slide over to help and figures to do so for most of the spring. Morton, who started the season s first four games of the 05 season at center, has the experience and skill to handle the job if the need arises. OFFENSIVE GUARD: The Irish lost starting right guard Dan Stevenson (35 career starts) but return experienced veterans in a pair of fifth-year men, left guard Dan Santucci (13 career starts, started all 12 in 05) and right guard Bob Morton (26 career starts including 11 at guard in 04). Offensive Tackles *** Harris, Ryan Sr. 358:10 * Mattes, Brian Sr. 21:06 Turkovich, Michael So. 23:45 Both players have all-star potential, but Morton s anticipated extensive work at center in the spring (due to the limited Irish personnel along the line) could affect things. Sophomore Paul Duncan (played in five games in 05) will see action here in the spring and has a chance to make a role for himself. Freshman Chris Stewart has a chance this spring to work into the rotation as a swing guard and would be a valuable addition. OFFENSIVE TACKLE: Veteran LT Ryan Harris figures to make a push for All-American recognition this fall, his fourth season as a starter. The talented Harris (32 career starts) has anchored the line since early in his freshman campaign and should develop as a leader this season. The loss of RT Mark LeVoir (36 starts over three seasons) provides a chance for fifth-year senior Brian Mattes to battle for a starting role. The versatile Mattes, who will be limited this spring due to injury concerns, has been a capable substitute at both guard and tackle throughout his career. Sophomore Michael Turkovich (played in six games in 05) also will get an extensive look at the right tackle spot. A quintet of players in the freshman class could contribute in the line when they arrive this fall: Matt Carufel, Eric Olsen, Bartley Webb, Dan Wenger and Sam Young. DEFENSIVE END: Starters return at all four positions. At left end, senior Victor Abiamiri (48 tackles, eight sacks, 15 tackles for loss in 05) returns after an unheralded but excellent performance in 05. Abiamiri could be ready for allstar acclaim in his fourth season with the Irish. He ranks among the all-time Notre Dame leaders in sacks and tackles for loss, but is looking for more consistency this season. Senior Dwight Stephenson, Jr., provides position flexibility at tackle or end and will try to find a home at either spot this spring. At right end, juniors Ronald Talley (23 tackles, one sack in 05) and Justin Brown (12 tackles in 05) return along with sen- Senior left tackle Ryan Harris returns for his fourth season as a starter. The Minnesota native has 32 career starts and could make a run for All-America honors in his final season with the Irish. Offensive Guards + Chervanick, Dan :40 Duncan, Paul So. 23:45 *** Morton, Bob Sr. 172:52 *** Santucci, Dan Sr. 288:22 Stewart, Chris Fr Tisak, Jeff So. --- Defensive End *** Abiamiri, Victor Sr. 261:57 * Brown, Justin Jr. 75:38 * Cullen, Casey Sr. 5:14 * Frome, Chris Sr. 97:55 Stephenson, Dwight Jr Sr. 10:30 * Talley, Ronald Jr. 162: NOTRE DAME SPRING FOOTBALL

5 2006 Notre Dame Spring Outlook Junior linebacker Maurice Crum, Jr., is the lone returning starter from last season s linebacker corps. ior Chris Frome (six tackles, one sack in 05). Talley will hold the starting role this spring ahead of Brown while Frome will not see action during spring drills. Senior Casey Cullen also will line up as a reserve end this spring. Two freshmen will be added to the mix in the fall, John Ryan and Kallen Wade. DEFENSIVE TACKLE/NOSE GUARD: The Irish figure to have one of the nation s toughest and most experienced defensive tackle duos with the return of fifth-year senior starter Derek Landri (43 tackles, eight TFL, three sacks in 05 and senior starter Trevor Laws (33 tackles, 1.5 sacks, three TFL in 05). Landri is a legitimate all-star candidate entering his third season as starter while Laws could justify similar acclaim. Landri and Laws forged perhaps the unheralded core of a sturdy Irish defense last season. Two Defensive Tackles Hand, Derrell Kennedy, Neil Kuntz, Pat So. 11:49 *** Landri, Derek Sr. 246:46 ** Laws, Trevor Sr. 235:05 Linebackers Banda, Abdel Jr. --- Borseti, Nick Sr. 10:51 ** Brockington, Joe Sr. 11:29 * Crum, Maurice Jr Jr. 262:56 * Quinn, Steve So. 108 app. Smith, Scott So. 5:57 * Thomas, Mitchell Sr. 84 app. Vernaglia, Anthony Jr. 14:59 Washington, Kevin So. --- sophomores Derrell Hand and Pat Kuntz will be the primary backups to Landri and Laws this spring. Hand did not see game action in 05 but Kuntz played nine games (four tackles in 05). Some help will arrive in the fall with freshman Paddy Mullen joining the rotation. LINEBACKER: Starter Maurice Crum, Jr., returns at strongside linebacker, but he will be limited in activity this spring due to injury. That creates a situation in which six players, none with significant game experience, will vie for a role. The loss of veteran starter Brandon Hoyte (92 tackles in 05) creates a huge void at weakside linebacker where junior veteran Joe Brockington (23 games played) has a chance to earn a starting role this spring, but Brockington also will be limited in activity due to injury. His competition for the job could come from senior Mitchell Thomas, who has been a special teams stalwart to this point in his Irish career. Another player to watch is sophomore Steve Quinn (four tackles in 10 games played in 05), who has the tools to be a factor at weak or strongside linebacker. Senior Nick Borseti is another special teams veteran who could see significant action this spring, as could junior Anthony Vernaglia. A pair of sophomores, Scott Smith (eight games, three tackles in 05) and Kevin Washington (did not play in 05), figure to get a long look this spring. The impending fall arrival of freshmen Morrice Richardson and Toryan Smith could alter the landscape across the board at the linebacker positions. Junior Abdel Banda will miss the spring after sitting out the 05 season with an injury. CORNERBACK: Both 05 starters return at the cornerback slots as fifth-year senior Michael Richardson (66 tackles, seven pass breakups, three interceptions, three sacks In 05) and senior Ambrose Wooden (74 tackles, five PBUs, two INTs in 05) return. Wooden is the leading returning tackler for the Irish after emerging Cornerbacks * Ferrine, Leo Jr. 102:34 + Iams, Wade Jr Kenney, Tim Sr. --- * Lambert, Terrail Jr. 27:02 + Reynolds, Alvin Jr Jr. --- *** Richardson, Mike Sr. 286:25 + Williams, Will. D Jr. --- * Wooden, Ambrose Sr. 284:26 A standout as both a safety and a punt return man, Tom Zbikowski earned third-team All-America honors in 05 as he scored four touchdowns (two via interceptions, two via punt returns). 11

6 2006 Notre Dame Spring Outlook Safeties * Bruton, David So. 43:55 * Herring, Ray So. 5:23 McCarthy, Kyle So. --- *** Ndukwe, Chinedum Sr. 298:38 * Zbikowski, Tom Sr. 298:38 from obscurity in 05 to become what head coach Charlie Weis described as the team s best surprise. Richardson has shown a knack for big plays and figures to improve his overall game in his final year with the Irish. Primary reserves at the corners will be junior Leo Ferrine (22 tackles, one INT, two PBUs in 05) and Terrail Lambert (eight tackles, one PBU in 05). Both players will see plenty of action this spring. Two heralded freshmen could make waves this fall at corner: Darrin Walls and Raeshon McNeil. SAFETY: The Irish return both starters in free safety Tom Zbikowski, a third-team All-America by AP in 05, and boundary safety Chinedum Ndukwe. Zbikowski (71 tackles, five INTs, four PBUs in 05) has a deserved reputation as a ball Kickers/Punters Name Ht. Wt. Cl. App. Gioia, Carl (K) Sr. 21 app. + Nava, Pablo (P/K) So. --- Price, Geoff (P) Sr Renkes, Bobby (K) Sr. --- hawk in the secondary after making several big plays on defense and in the punt game the last two seasons. He could push for higher acclaim nationally this fall. Ndukwe (52 tackles in 05) showed a remarkable sense for the football last season, producing four fumble recoveries, causing another fumble and intercepting two passes. The coaches will look for improvement from sophomores David Bruton (a special teams standout on coverage in 05) and Ray Herring. When freshmen Sergio Brown, Jashaad Gaines and Leonard Gordon arrive in the fall they could provide more depth at safety or strongside/ apache linebacker. KICKER/PUNTER: Notre Dame starts over in the kicking game as punter/kicker D.J. Fitzpatrick has graduated after handling both Long/Short Snappers Name Ht. Wt. Cl. App. * Jansen, J.J Jr. 71 app. jobs the last three seasons. Senior Geoff Price (44.5 avg. on two punts in 04 but no action in 05) is a strong-legged veteran who could compete for the punting job, but he needs to show more consistency. Carl Gioia and Bobby Renkes have experience handling the kickoff duties, if needed, but the race for the placement job will not be settled until the fall when freshman signee Ryan Burkhart arrives to compete with the veterans. Tom Zbikowski was among the nation s best punt return men in 05, averaging 14 yards per return and taking two back for touchdowns. David Grimes and D.J. Hord handled the kickoff return duties in 05 and both could return to their spots this fall. Long snapper J.J. Jansen took over the snapping duties for both kicks and punts midway through the 05 season and handled the job flawlessly. He returns for his junior season in 06 and figures to handle all of the snaps again. Notre Dame Sports Information Staff John Heisler Sr. Associate Athletic Director Media Relations/Broadcast Properties Bernadette Cafarelli Sports Information Director Doug Walker Associate SID/Football SID Tim Connor Assistant SID Pete LaFleur Assistant SID Chris Masters Assistant SID Bo Rottenborn Assistant SID Alan Wasielewski Assistant SID Sean Carroll Sports Information Assistant NOTRE DAME SPRING FOOTBALL

7 2006 Notre Dame Football Facts Coaching Staff Head Coach: Charlie Weis (Notre Dame 78) Record at Notre Dame: 9-3 (.750, 2nd Season) Career Record: 9-3 (.750, one season) Assistant Coaches: John Latina (Virginia Tech 79), offensive line/assistant head coach (offense); Bill Lewis (East Stroudsburg State 63), assistant head coach (defense)/defensive backs; Rick Minter (Henderson State 77), defensive coordinator/linebackers; Mike Haywood (Notre Dame 86), offensive coordinator/running backs; Rob Ianello (Catholic University of America 87), receivers/recruiting coordinator; Jappy Oliver (Purdue 78), defensive line; Bernie Parmalee (Ball State 91), tight ends/special teams; Brian Polian (John Carroll 97), special teams coordinator/assistant linebackers; Peter Vaas (Holy Cross 74). Director of Football Operations: Chad Klunder (Wartburg 95). Director of Football Personnel Development: Ron Powlus (Notre Dame 97). Coordinator of Football Personnel Development: David Peloquin (Notre Dame 03). Graduate Assistant Coaches: Jeff Burrow (Cincinnati 99), defense (defensive backs); Shane Waldron (Tufts 02), offense (offensive line). Coordinator of Quality Control: Tim McDonnell (Holy Cross 05) Outlook Offense: Multiple Defense: Record: Won 9, Lost 3 (Home 4-2, Away 5-0, Neutral 0-1) Lettermen Lost: 23 overall: 12 offense, 9 defense, 2 specialists. Lettermen Returning: 36 overall: 15 offense, 20 defense, 1 specialist. Starters Lost: 7; OFFENSE (4): TE Anthony Fasano, RT Mark LeVoir, RG Dan Stevenson, WR Maurice Stovall. DEFENSE (2): LB Brandon Hoyte, LB Corey Mays. SPECIALISTS (1): K/P D.J. Fitzpatrick. Starters Returning: 15; OFFENSE (7): QB Brady Quinn, WR Jeff Samardzija, LT Ryan Harris, LG Dan Santucci, C John Sullivan, RB Darius Walker, FB Asaph Schwapp. DEFENSE (9): DE Victor Abiamiri, DT Derek Landri, DT Trevor Laws, DE Ronald Talley, LB Maurice Crum, Jr., CB Mike Richardson, CB Ambrose Wooden, S Chinedum Ndukwe, S Tom Zbikowski. SPECIALISTS (1): SNP J.J. Jansen. Top Losses TE Anthony Fasano (Leadership Committee in catches for 576 yards in 05 two-year starter... played in 34 games in career... second-most catches in career for a ND tight end with 92 for 1,112 yards Mackey Award finalist shared 2005 Nick Pietrosante Award.) LB Brandon Hoyte (Team captain in three-year starter... led team in tackles in 05 (92)... started 27 games, playing in 49 games in career winner of the 2005 Knute Rockne Student-Athlete Award.) RT Mark LeVoir (Three-year starter played in 44 games in career, star ed 36 played 360:45 in 05 (most on team) and 1,047:37 in his career. LB Corey Mays (Leadership Committee in played in 46 games in career... made 125 tackles in career shared 2005 Nick Pietrosante Award.) WR Matt Shelton (Played in 46 games in career 11th in Notre Dame history with 7 career TD catches set Irish record for yards per catch at 25.8 in 04 career totals: 52 catches for 942 yards and 7 TDs.) RG Dan Stevenson (Three-year starter played in 45 games in career, started 35 played 331:20 in 05 and 969:01 in his career won the 2005 Guardian Life Insurance Guardian of the Year Award). WR Maurice Stovall (Three-year starter played in 46 games in career, started catches for 1,149 yards and 11 TDs in 05 third-most catches in a season in Irish history in 05 with 69 his 1,149 yards receiving in 05 ranks second in Irish history his 11 TD catches in 05 ranks second in Irish history ranks fourth in ND history for career catches (130) and receiving yards (2,195) ranks third in Irish history for career TD catches with 18 shared 2005 Nick Pietrosante Award.) Top Returnees QB Brady Quinn (Three-year starter has started 33 games in career fourth in 05 Heisman Trophy voting Third-Team All-American by Associated Press in of 450 for 3,919 yards and 32 TDs with 7 INTs in broke every single-season Irish passing record in 05 holds 31 season or career Notre Dame records... has started NDs last 33 games at QB shared 05 Irish Most Valuable Player Award with WR Jeff Samardzija.) WR Jeff Samardzija ( 05 Consensus First-Team All-American Biletnikoff Award finalist tied Irish single-season record with 77 catches in 05 set Notre Dame record with 1,249 yards and 15 TDs in 05 ranks ninth in Irish history for career receptions (101) and receiving yards (1,576) tied for fifth in school history in TD catches (15) shared 05 Irish Most Valuable Player Award with QB Brady Quinn.) RB Darius Walker (Rushed for 1,196 yards and nine TDs in has rushed for 1,982 yards and 16 TDs in his career has played in 23 games, starting 14.) WR Rhema McKnight (has played in 38 games in career, 20 starts... led ND in catches in 03 and 04 has 103 career catches, 10th in Irish history has 1,370 receiving yards, 11th in ND history.) LT Ryan Harris (Three-year monogram winner... has started 32 games in career... played 358:10 in 05.) DE Victor Abiamiri (Started 12 games in 05 has played in 36 games in career three-year monogram winner 48 tackles, eight sacks 15 TFLs in 05 ranks 11th in Irish history for career sacks with 11 winner of the 2005 Lineman of the Year Award from the Moose Krause Chapter of the National Football Foundation and Hall of Fame. DT Derek Landri (34 games played in career 25 games started 43 tackles, eight TFLs, three sacks in 05.) DT Trevor Laws (24 games played in career 12 games started, all in tackles, three TFLs and 1.5 sacks in 05 blocked two field goals in 05 shared with OL Dan Santucci the 2005 Westwood One/State Farm Student Athlete of the Year Award. SS Tom Zbikowski (Third-Team All-American by the Associated Press in 05 fourth on Irish in 05 with 71 tackles 42 solos, five interceptions, one forced fumble scored four TDs in 05 (two via interception, two via punt)... shared the 2005 Nick Pietrosante Award.) 13

8 2006 Notre Dame Football Notes 2006: Year Two of the Charlie Weis Era The 118th season of Notre Dame football is the second in the tenure of head coach Charlie Weis, who started his career with a 9-3 record in 2005, including wins over three ranked opponents, and a berth in the Tostitos Fiesta Bowl (Notre Dame s first Bowl Championship Series appearance since 2000). The winner of the 2005 FWAA/Eddie Robinson Coach of the Year Award, Weis turned around Notre Dame s football fortunes in astonishing fashion. He took most of the same talent of a 6-6 team in 04, installed his offensive system, and produced a team that came within four points of a perfect regular season record. One of the Fighting Irish losses was a last-second defeat to defending national champion USC. There was a little doubt from the beginning of the 2005 season things would be different under Weis. With victories at Pittsburgh and Michigan to open the season, Weis became the first Irish head coach to win his first two career games on opponents' home fields since Knute Rockne in Weis made the Fighting Irish the most prolific scoring team in modern school history (36.7 ppg) and qualified the Irish as the most improved offensive team in the country. Weis was named the 28th head football coach in Notre Dame history on Sunday, Dec. 12, A 1978 Notre Dame graduate, Weis took the reins of the Irish program after a highly successful career as an assistant coach in the National Football League. The owner of four Super Bowl champion rings as products of a stellar 15-season career as an NFL assistant, Weis is a widely respected disciple of professional coaching standouts Bill Parcells and Bill Belichick. He came to Notre Dame after excelling as offensive coordinator of the New England Patriots, where he played an integral role in New England s victories in three Super Bowls. Weis is the first Notre Dame graduate to hold the football head coaching position at his alma mater since Hugh Devore (a 34 graduate) served as interim coach in 1963 and is the first Notre Dame graduate to serve as the Irish football coach on a full-fledged basis since Joe Kuharich (a 38 graduate who coached at Notre Dame from 1959 through 62). Entering his 28th season in coaching in 2006, Weis coached nine seasons with the Patriots, including five as offensive coordinator. He helped produce four Super Bowl championships (New York Giants following the 1990 season, Patriots following 01, 03 and 04 seasons), five conference titles and seven division crowns. 06 Spring Practice Schedule The University of Notre Dame will open spring football drills for 2006 on Wednesday, March 22. All practices will be closed to the public and media may view for a limited period. The complete schedule of 15 workout dates follows with spring practice concluding April 22 with the annual Blue-Gold game in Notre Dame Stadium. Wednesday, March p.m. Friday, March p.m. Saturday, March :30 a.m. Monday, March p.m. Wednesday, March p.m. Friday, March p.m. Saturday, April :30 a.m. Wednesday, April :30 p.m. Friday, April :30 p.m. Saturday, April :30 p.m. Monday, April a.m. Wednesday, April :30 p.m. Wednesday, April :30 p.m. Friday, April :30 p.m. Saturday, April 22 (Blue-Gold Game).....1:35 p.m. Charlie Weis and the Irish coaching staff will host coaches from around the nation at the annual Notre Dame Football Coaches Clinic this spring. Notre Dame Football Coaches Clinic The 2006 University of Notre Dame Football Coaches' Clinic will take place on Friday and Saturday, April 7-8, on the Notre Dame campus. Among the featured events at this year's clinic will be several offensive and defensive presentations by members of the Irish coaching staff, including head coach Charlie Weis. The clinic registration fee is $60 in advance ($50 for groups of eight or more), $75 on the day of the event, and can be paid in advance or on the day of the event, beginning at 8 a.m. on Friday, April 7. All prepaid registration fees must be postmarked by March 27, The registration fee includes admission into practice, a lunch, a Friday night dinner, coaches social, chalk talks by the Notre Dame coaches and a tour of the Irish locker room at Notre Dame stadium. In addition, vendors will have displays at the clinic. For more information on the 2006 Notre Dame Football Coaches Clinic, go to on the Internet, call the Irish football office at (574) or contact the office via at fbclinic@nd.edu NOTRE DAME SPRING FOOTBALL

9 2006 Notre Dame Football Notes 2006 Notre Dame Football Schedule Kickoff times have been set for all Notre Dame home games in Here is the complete 2006 schedule: Date Opponent Time Television Sept. 2 at Georgia Tech TBA TBA Sept. 9 PENN STATE 3:30 p.m. EDT NBC Sept. 16 MICHIGAN 3:30 p.m. EDT NBC Sept. 23 at Michigan State TBA TBA Sept. 30 PURDUE 3:30 p.m. EDT NBC Oct. 7 STANFORD 3:30 p.m. EDT NBC Oct. 21 UCLA 2:30 p.m. EDT NBC Oct. 28 vs. Navy (at Baltimore, Md.) TBA TBA Nov. 4 NORTH CAROLINA 2:30 p.m. EST NBC Nov. 11 at Air Force TBA TBA Nov. 18 ARMY 2:30 p.m. EST NBC Nov. 25 at USC TBA TBA 2005 Season in Review Notre Dame completed a 9-3 season in 2005 playing a schedule that included four ranked teams (according to the AP ranking) in the season s first six games. Notre Dame won three of the games, taking down #23 Pittsburgh, #3 Michigan and #22 Purdue - all on the road before a narrow loss to #1 USC at home on Oct. 15. The season culminated with Notre Dame s appearance in the Tostitos Fiesta Bowl, a loss to Ohio State. The game was the Irish s second appearance in a Bowl Championship Series bowl game and Notre Dame s first since The bowl game marked Notre Dame s 27th bowl appearance (13-14) and the 15th in 19 years. Notre Dame s 9-3 record marked a drastic improvement over the previous season s 6-6 mark. The Irish lost their three games by a total of 20 points and narrowly missed a perfect regular season, losing two games by a total of six points (one in overtime, the other with :03 on the clock). Conversely, Notre Dame s victories came by an average of 18.7 points per contest. Notre Dame had a 2-1 record against bowl teams during the regular season, including an 0-1 mark against BCS teams (wins over Michigan and Navy; loss to BCS participant USC). The three Irish opponents in bowls: Michigan (lost to Nebraska in Alamo), Navy (defeated Georgia Tech in Emerald) and USC (lost to Texas in Rose Bowl for the National Championship). The Notre Dame offense scored at a feverish pace in 2005, eclipsing 40 points six times, matching the school record set by both the 1991 and 1992 teams. The Irish scored 30 or more points in 10 of 12 games, setting a school record for 30-point performances (old record: nine in 91). The Irish scored 30+ points in nine straight games to end the regular season, the first Notre Dame team to do so. Notre Dame ended the season with 440 points scored to set a new Irish standard (old record: 426 in 91). With the impressive scoring pace, the Irish also put up yardage totals previously unprecedented in Notre Dame history. The 2005 Irish were the first Notre Dame team to have a 3,000-yard passer (Brady Quinn, 3,633 yards), 1,000-yard rusher (Darius Walker, 1,106 yards) and 1,000-yard receiver (Jeff Samardzija, 1,190 yards and Maurice Stovall, 1,023 yards) on the same roster. Numerous Irish Records Fell in 05 Notre Dame s prolific offense in 2005 enabled the Irish to score more points (440) than any football team in Notre Dame history and in the process set 11 team records, nine career individual records, 14 season individual records, seven single-game individual records, plus six miscellaneous records. The 11 team records set by the Irish in 05: Previous 2005 Record Record (Year) Team Total Pass Attempts 411 (2003) 454 Pass Attempts Per Game 31.6 (2003) 37.8 Pass Completions 195 (2003) 294 Pass Completions Per Game 16.2 (1970) 24.5 Completion Percentage.638 (1993).648 Passing Yards 2,858 (1999) 3,963 Passing Yards Per Game (1970) Touchdown Passes 21 (1994) 32 Total Offense Attempts 924 (1970) 945 Total Offense Yards 5,467 (1991) 5,728 Total Points 426 (1991) 440 Quarterback Brady Quinn led a 2005 Notre Dame offense that set 11 team records, nine career individual records, 14 season individual records, seven single-game individual records, plus six miscellaneous records. 15

10 2006 Notre Dame Football Notes The nine individual career marks set in '05: - Career passing yardage - 8,336, Brady Quinn - Career total yards gained - 8,447, Brady Quinn - Career 400-plus passing games - 5, Brady Quinn vs. Purdue (2004), vs. Michigan State (2005), Purdue (2005), BYU (2005), Stanford (2005) - Career four-touchdown passing games - 4, Brady Quinn vs. Washington (2004), vs. Michigan State (2005), BYU (2005), Navy (2005) - Career games passing for 250-plus yards - 16, Brady Quinn - Career passing attempts - 1,135, Brady Quinn - Career pass completions - 640, Brady Quinn - Career touchdown passes - 58, Brady Quinn - Career Total Plays - 1,307, Brady Quinn The 14 individual season records set in '05: - Season touchdown passes - 32, Brady Quinn - Season pass completions - 292, Brady Quinn - Season pass attempts - 450, Brady Quinn - Season completion percentage , Brady Quinn - Season touchdown receptions - 15, Jeff Samardzija - Season 300-plus passing games - 5, Brady Quinn - vs. Michigan State, Washington, Purdue, BYU, Stanford - Season 400-plus passing games - 4, Brady Quinn vs. Michigan State, Purdue, BYU, Stanford - Season passing yardage - 3,919, Brady Quinn - Season passing yards per game , Brady Quinn - Season total yards gained - 4,009, Brady Quinn - Season receiving yards - 1,249, Jeff Samardzija - Season receptions - 77 (tied), Jeff Samardzija - Season receptions by a running back - 43, Darius Walker - Season PATs - 52, D.J. Fitzpatrick The seven individual single-game marks set in '05: - Single-game touchdown passes - 6, Brady Quinn vs. BYU - Single-game touchdown receptions - 4, Maurice Stovall vs. BYU - Single-game receptions - 14, Maurice Stovall vs. BYU - Single-game, two players with 10 or more receptions - Maurice Stovall (14) and Jeff Samardzija (10) vs. BYU - Pass completions, game - 33 (tied), Brady Quinn vs. Michigan State - Passes without an interception, game - 41, Brady Quinn vs. BYU - Passing yards, first half - 287, Brady Quinn vs. BYU The six miscellaneous records set in '05: - Consecutive games with a touchdown pass - 16, Brady Quinn - Consecutive games with a touchdown reception - 8, Jeff Samardzija (first eight games of the season, ended vs. Navy) - Consecutive games with a touchdown reception to begin a season - 8, Jeff Samardzija - Consecutive 100-yard rushing games to begin season - 4, Darius Walker vs. Pittsburgh, Michigan, Michigan State, Washington - Consecutive games throwing for over 300 yards - 3, Brady Quinn vs. Michigan State, Washington, Purdue - Consecutive passes without an interception - 130, Brady Quinn Brady Quinn now holds 30 career, season, single-game and miscellaneous offensive records: - Touchdown Passes, Single Game vs. BYU (2005), breaking his previous mark of five posted earlier in 2005 against Michigan State - Touchdown Passes, Season - 32 (2005) - the Notre Dame single-season record, breaking Powlus' mark of 19 from 1994 Tom Zbikowski (shown above returning a punt for a score against USC in 2005) scored four touchdowns via returns last season. - Touchdown Passes, Career first on the all-time list ahead of Ron Powlus (52 from ) - Pass Completions, Single Game vs. Michigan State (2005), matching Joe Theismann's record from the 1970 game at USC - Pass Completions, Season (2005) - breaking his own mark of 195 from Pass Completions Per Game, Season (2005) - breaking Terry Hanratty's 16.6 from Pass Completions, Career passing Powlus (558) - Pass Completions Per Game, Career breaking Powlus' record of Consecutive Pass Completions vs. Ohio State (2005), tied for first on the all-time list with Powlus' 14 straight vs. Michigan State in Consecutive Passes Without an Interception compiled vs. USC, BYU, Tennessee and Navy in 2005, breaking the record of 127 by Carlyle Holiday during the 2002 season - Completion Percentage, Season (2005) - breaking Kevin McDougal's record of 61.6 from Passing Yards, First Half vs. BYU (2005), breaking his own record of 283 against Purdue in Passing Yards, Season - 3,919 (2005) - besting Jarious Jackson's record 2,753 from Average Passing Yards Per Game, Season (2005) - far ahead of Theismann's from Passing Yards, Career - 8,336 - breaking Powlus' mark of 7,602 - Pass Attempts Per Game, Season (2005) - breaking his own record of 29.4 from NOTRE DAME SPRING FOOTBALL

11 2006 Notre Dame Football Notes - Pass Attempts, Season (2005) - breaking his own mark of 332 from Pass Attempts Per Game, Career breaking Powlus' record of Pass Attempts, Career - 1,135 - passing Powlus (969) - Pass Efficiency Rating, Season (2005) - ahead of John Huarte's from Games with Four or More Touchdown Passes Washington (2004), Michigan State (2005), BYU (2005) and Navy (2005) - surpassing Powlus' mark of three - Consecutive Games with a Touchdown Pass from 2004 vs. Boston College to 2006 Fiesta Bowl vs. Ohio State - Touchdown Passes in Notre Dame Stadium, Season - 21 in breaking the record of 11 held by Powlus (1994) and Jackson (1999) - Games with 250-plus Passing Yards breaking Jackson's record of nine from Games with 300-plus Passing Yards - 7 (Quinn is the only Irish quarterback to throw for over 300 yards more than twice -- Jackson posted two 300-yard performances during his career) - Games with 400-plus Passing Yards - 5 (Quinn is the only Irish quarterback to throw for over 400 yards multiple times -- Theismann accomplished the feat once with his Notre Dame-record 526 yards vs. USC in 1970) - Passes Without An Interception, Game - 41 vs. BYU (2005), breaking Steve Beuerlein's record of 39 vs. Penn State in Total Yards From Scrimmage, Season - 4,009 (2005) - breaking Jackson's mark of 3,217 from Total Yards From Scrimmage, Career - 8,447 - breaking Powlus' mark of 7,479 - Total Plays, Career - 1,307 - breaking Powlus' record of 1,201 Notre Dame Back Atop All-Time Winning Percentage List Notre Dame s 2005 season record put the Irish back in the top spot in college football s all-time winning percentage list. Notre Dame will enter the 2006 season leading the all-time winning percentage list, just ahead of Michigan. The Irish are second on the all-time wins list behind Michigan. The Irish are all-time for a winning percentage of Michigan enters the 06 season all-time for a winning percentage of The two-game difference in win-loss records in 05 with Notre Dame finishing 9-3 and Michigan going 7-5 was enough to push the Irish past the Wolverines on the all-time list. Quinn and the Notre Dame Record Book Quarterback Brady Quinn returns for his fourth season as the starter in 2006, but he already has made a lasting mark on the Irish football record book owning 30 school records. Since 1950, a Notre Dame quarterback has thrown for 300 yards or more 16 times. Quinn is responsible for seven of those performances - the most for any single Notre Dame quarterback. Quinn has thrown for 350 (vs. Boston College, 2003), 432 (vs. Purdue, 2004), 487 (vs. Michigan State, 2005), 327 (at Washington, 2005), 440 (at Purdue, 2005), 467 (vs. BYU, 2005) and 432 (at Stanford, 2005). Quinn is the only Notre Dame quarterback to throw for over 400 yards five times in a career (in fact, he is the only one to do it twice) - and in Notre Dame s road game at Purdue in 05 he became the first to throw for more than 300 yards in three consecutive games. He also is the first Irish quarterback to throw for 300 or more yards four times in a season. Quinn s 2005 season game by game: Opponent Att. Comp. Pct. Int. Yards TD Long at Pittsburgh at Michigan Michigan State at Washington at Purdue USC BYU * 44 Tennessee Navy Syracuse at Stanford Ohio State TOTAL 454* 295* * 32* 80 Per Game Pass Efficiency: *Notre Dame record Quinn s TD Passes Streak Brady Quinn tossed at least one touchdown pass in 16 games in a row for the Irish before the skein ended in the Tostitos Fiesta Bowl, breaking John Huarte s record of 10 set in The Dublin, Ohio, native totaled 40 scoring tosses during the run (2.5 per game). Quinn s touchdown passes over the 16-game streak: 2005: 3 at Stanford, 2 vs. Syracuse, 4 vs. Navy 3 vs. Tennessee, 6 vs. BYU, 1 vs. USC, 3 at Purdue, 1 at Washington, 5 vs. Michigan State, 2 at Michigan, 2 at Pittsburgh 2004: 2 vs. Oregon State (Insight Bowl), 1 at USC, 3 vs. Pittsburgh, 1 at Tennessee, 1 vs. Boston College Defensive end Victor Abiamiri is among nine starters returning to the Irish defense this season. 17

12 2006 Notre Dame Football Notes Six TD Passes in a Game Brady Quinn became the first Notre Dame quarterback to throw six touchdown passes in a single game against BYU, finishing the game 32 of 41 for 467 yards, six touchdowns and no interceptions. It ranks as possibly the greatest single-game performance by a Notre Dame quarterback and earned Quinn the ABC Sports/Cingular All-American Player of the Week award for the second time in 2005 (he also earned the award after his stellar performance at Purdue). Quinn broke his own school record of five touchdown passes set earlier in 05 against Michigan State. Quinn Threw 21 TDs in Notre Dame Stadium in 05 Brady Quinn shattered the Notre Dame record for touchdown passes at Notre Dame Stadium in a season, exploding for 21 scoring tosses in 05 (5 vs. Michigan State, 1 vs. USC, 6 vs. BYU, 3 vs. Tennessee, 4 vs. Navy, 2 vs. Syracuse). The previous record for touchdown passes in Notre Dame Stadium in a single-season was 11 by Ron Powlus (1994) and Jarious Jackson (1999). Quinn s performance was so dominant that his total home field touchdown passes would have broken the previous single-season record, regardless of venue, of 19 held by Ron Powlus (1994). Quinn threw 11 touchdown passes away from Notre Dame Stadium (32 total). Quinn: A Touchdown Machine Brady Quinn accounted for two or more touchdowns in 10 of Notre Dame s 12 games last season and had an eight-game streak of multiple touchdown performances snapped in the Fiesta Bowl - three (passing) at Purdue, two (one run, one pass) vs. USC, six (passing) vs. BYU, three (passing) vs. Tennessee, four (passing) vs. Navy, two (passing) vs. Syracuse and three (passing) at Stanford. Samardzija s Record Season Earned All-America Honors Wide receiver Jeff Samardzija returns for his senior season in 06 after earning consensus first-team All-America honors in 2005 when he led the team with 77 catches for 1,249 yards and 15 touchdowns. He became Notre Dame s first 1,000-yard receiver since 1970 on an 80-yard touchdown pass against Stanford on Nov. 26. Samardzija eventually broke Tom Gatewood s single-season receiving yardage record against Stanford, pushing his season total to 1,190 yards and tied Gatewood s single-season receptions mark. He also surpassed the single-season touchdown total as his 15 scoring receptions led the nation and bested Derrick Mayes previous record of 11 from 1994 Samardzija Opened with TD Catches in 8 Straight Games Jeff Samardzija entered the 2005 campaign without a touchdown catch in his career, then proceeded to catch a touchdown pass in each of Notre Dame s first eight games. The two-sport athlete (also a top-line starting pitcher for the Irish baseball team) became the first Irish receiver to begin the season with eight consecutive games with a touchdown catch - which made him the Notre Dame record holder for consecutive games with a touchdown reception. He surpassed Malcolm Johnson s six-game run from 1998 against BYU. Samardzija, who also served as the team s holder on field-goal attempts, tied a Notre Dame record with three touchdown receptions versus Michigan State (later broken by teammate Maurice Stovall, who posted four touchdown receptions against BYU). Samardzija was the seventh player to catch three touchdown passes in a game and the first since Tom Gatewood versus Purdue in Zbikowski s Rapid Returns Safety Tom Zbikowski, a senior in 06 who has seen action the last two seasons for the Irish, has already made a name for himself in the Notre Dame record books. In a three-game stretch against USC, BYU and Tennessee, he returned a punt or interception for a touchdown four times - the first Irish defensive player to accomplish such a feat. Zbikowski has scored five touchdowns in his career overall, having returned a fumble 75 yards for a TD against Michigan State in With his interception and punt return for a touchdown against Tennessee on Nov. 5, Zbikowski became the first Irish player to accomplish that feat (interception return and punt return in the same game) since Nick Rassas against Northwestern in Rassas returned an interception 92 yards for a touchdown and a punt 72 yards for a score in Notre Dame s 38-7 victory. With his five career TD returns (two interceptions, two punts, one fumble), Zbikowski already has established himself among the best big-play return specialists in Notre Dame history. Walker Rushed 1,000 Yards in Dramatic Fashion Running back Darius Walker became the ninth Irish player to rush for over 1,000 yards in a season with 1,196 yards on 253 carries and seven touchdowns. Walker surpassed the 1,000-yard barrier during a career-best 35-carry, 186-yard outing at Stanford during which he scored the winning touchdown and added a two-point conversion for the final score. Walker also cemented his status as an every down back in 05, setting an Irish mark for receptions by a back with 43 for 351 yards and two scores. Walker s big day against Stanford pushed him into the top-10 all-time on the single-season rushing yardage list as well - Notre Dame Single-Season Rushing Yardage Top Vagas Ferguson, , Allen Pinkett, , Reggie Brooks, , Julius Jones, ,268 Autry Denson, , Darius Walker, , Vagas Ferguson, , Autry Denson, , Allen Pinkett, , Ryan Grant, ,085 Walker s 100-Yard Games Darius Walker rushed for 100 yards seven times last season, marking the first time since 1993 that an Irish player posted seven or more 100-yard rushing performances in a season. Lee Becton ended the 93 campaign with seven consecutive 100-yard performances. 100-Yard Rushing Games in a Single Season (Since 1950) 1. Allen Pinkett Phil Carter Autry Denson Darius Walker Lee Becton Nine Veteran Starters Return to Lead Irish Defense A solid group of returning veterans returns to lead the Irish defense in 06, led by nine starters from last season including four players entering their third season on the starting unit. Cornerback Ambrose Wooden (74 tackles in 05) and safety Tom Zbikowski (71 stops in 05) are the leading returning tacklers of the unit. While both figure to provide valuable leadership, other key returnees figure to be just as vital to the unit s continued NOTRE DAME SPRING FOOTBALL

13 2006 Notre Dame Football Notes improvement. Chief among those returnees are senior defensive end Victor Abiamiri (eight sacks in 05), senior tackles Derek Landri (eight tackles for loss in 05) and Trevor Laws (33 tackles and two blocked field goals last season) and linebacker Maurice Crum, Jr. (57 tackles in 05). The 05 Irish defense s statistical totals may not have been impressive, but their performances over the balance of the season were drastically improved from the previous season. Even a marginal improvement this fall figures to go a long way toward helping the team take the next step up the ladder of success. 05 Irish Football Team Produced Outstanding Grades The 2005 Irish football team returned to the ranks of the nation's elite programs under head coach Charlie Weis, and led by Associated Press All- Americans Jeff Samardzija at wide receiver, Brady Quinn at quarterback and Tom Zbikowski at safety, the Notre Dame football team achieved unprecedented results in the classroom during the 2005 fall semester. The Irish football players combined for a 3.04 team grade-point average during the '05 fall semester, marking the highest semester average ever achieved by the football squad. That figure includes 56 of 97 players achieving a 3.0 average or higher. Notre Dame Student-Athletes Lead the Way in National Graduate Rate The graduation rate for student-athletes at the University of Notre Dame is the highest in the nation among Division I-A colleges and universities in an annual federal report for the Department of Education, and is the second highest in a new survey developed by the NCAA. Notre Dame's federal graduation rate is 90.4 percent, according to statistics released in January by the NCAA, slightly ahead of Duke University at 89.6 percent as the best among the major football-playing schools of Division I-A. The federal rate is based on the raw percentage of student-athletes who entered an institution and graduated with six years. Students who leave or transfer, regardless of academic standing, are considered non-graduates. Notre Dame ranks second among Division I-A schools on another scale, called the Graduation Success Rate (GSR), which was developed last year by the NCAA. The University's 98 percent GSR is second only to the 99 percent of the U.S. Naval Academy, which, like all the military academies, is exempt from the federal survey because it does not offer grants-in-aid to studentathletes. The Graduation Success Rate was created to more accurately reflect actual graduation rates by including transfer data in the calculation. College and university presidents asked the NCAA to develop a new methodology that takes into account the mobility among students in today's higher education environment. Research indicates that approximately 60 percent of all new bachelor's degree recipients are attending more than one undergraduate institution during their collegiate careers. The remainder of the top five after Notre Dame and Duke among I-A universities in the federal survey are Stanford at 88 percent, Northwestern at 86 percent, and Rice at 83 percent. On the GSR, the rest of the top five I-A schools following Navy and Notre Dame are Clemson and Northwestern, both at 97 percent, and Duke at 93 percent. The data for both surveys is based upon the entering classes from 1995 to The two graduation rate reports should not be confused with another new NCAA initiative, the Academic Progress Rate, which uses a series of formulas related to student-athlete retention and eligibility to measure the academic performance of all participants who receive a grantin-aid on every team at every NCAA Division I college and university. Historic Notre Dame Stadium The 2006 football season marks the 76th year of Irish football in fabled Notre Dame Stadium. The Irish have played 386 games in the facility to date and own a (.760) record in the House that Rockne Built. The Irish were 3-3 in Notre Dame Stadium in 04, but rebounded to finish 4-2 at home in 05 and push the team s record at home to (.748) over the last 21 years. The most wins in a season by the Irish at home is seven by the 88 national championship team and the longest home winning streak in Notre Dame football history is 28 games (from 11/21/42 through 9/30/50). In Front of a Full House Notre Dame will enter the 06 season having played in front of sellout crowds in 181 of its previous 207 games, including 56 of its last 61 contests dating back to the end of the Tostitos Fiesta Bowl at the end of the 2000 season (the 01, 03 and 05 games at Stanford, the 04 game vs. Navy at the Meadowlands and the 05 game at Washington were not sellouts). At Michigan in 03, the Irish and Wolverines attracted the largest crowd in NCAA history (111,726), marking the third time in the history of the series that an NCAA attendance record was set. It also represented the seventh time in the last four seasons that Notre Dame has been part of establishing a new stadium attendance record (at Nebraska and Texas A&M in 01; at Air Force and Florida State, home vs. Boston College in 02, vs. Oregon State in the Insight Bowl in 04 - the game set a Bank One Ballpark record for football configuration). Notre Dame and Michigan played before an overcapacity 111,386 at Michigan Stadium in September of 05. The 05 Washington game was played before less than a capacity crowd as 71,473 witnessed the Irish defeat the Huskies, 36-17, at Husky Stadium (capacity: 72,500) in Seattle. At Purdue, the Irish and Boilermakers played before 65,491 football fans, a Ross-Ade Stadium record (since the renovation of the facility in 2003). The Irish have played before sellout crowds in 185 consecutive games at Notre Dame Stadium (the first 130 coming at the old 59,075 capacity). Notre Dame has played before capacity crowds at home in 233 of the last 234 games (dating back to 1964). Overall, the Irish have played before sellout crowds in 180 of the last 206 Irish games and in 55 of the last 60 games involving Notre Dame, dating back to the end of the 2000 season. 19