NCAA: Power of Mighty Quinn

Photo: Brady Quinn passing to Anthony Fasano

Credit: Notre Dame Fighting Irish

With week four of NCAA Division I football now in the books, a team that many thought would have severe problems this season, is VERY MUCH alive and VERY MUCH in a drivers seat.

The Notre Dame Fighting Irish after defeating Tyrone Willingham’s Washington Huskies last night now have an overall record of three and one with the only loss coming against Michigan State who along with Purdue are the only teams to have five consecutive wins against the Irish in South Bend.

One of the huge keys for the Irish has been the intense play style from Dublin, Ohio native Junior Quarterback, 6'4", 231lbs. Brady Quinn. Including yesterdays game, Quinn has complied an efficiency rating of 145 along with 1,181 yards passing, 10 touchdowns in the air, and he is averaging 295 yards passing per game. If you’ve been watching Quinn this season, you will see that the addition of Charlie Weis as Head Coach really has rubbed off on this already talented Quarterback and he is playing with a big “I AM THE LEADER, type of mentality.

Notre Dame has also outscored their opponents 136 to 92 in four games and averages 34 points opposed to their opponents 23 points per game.

Defensively, the Irish are led by Senior Linebacker Brandon Hoyte who has 37 tackles with 28 solo tackles, and 4 sacks this season. Hoyte is one of those players who doesn’t have the size but will use his speed to get around and takedown the opposing players. One of his big attributes his is ability to see the field and be a “PLAYMAKER.”

IRISH OUTLOOK

I said before the season on many Sports Radio Talk Shows around the country that the Irish would finish this season with an overall record of 7 and 4 and that their first loss would be to Michigan State. I still believe that they will finish 7 and 4 or better.

Fighting Irish Remaining Games

*All times are EST UNLESS NOTED

10/01: @ Purdue - 6:45 - ESPN

10/15: Host USC - 2:30 - NBC

10/22: Host Byu - 1:30 - NBC

11/05: Host Tenn - 2:30 - NBC

11/12: Host Navy - 1 - NBC

11/19: Host Syracuse - 2:30 - NBC

11/26: @ Stanford - 12:30 or 5 (PST)