Associated Press
The college football notebook …
SOUTH BEND, Ind.ó For the first night game at Notre Dame Stadium in 21 years, the Fighting Irish will wear sparkly new helmets and perhaps green jerseys, all to spice up a rivalry that has seldom needed it.
It’s Southern Cal coming to town to continue a remarkable series that began in 1926 when Knute Rockne took the Irish to the West Coast and came away with a 13-12 win.
Notre Dame (4-2) ended an eight-game losing streak to the Trojans (5-1) last season. Today’s 83rd meeting between the one-time college powers will mark only the 10th time ó and second straight season óthat both schools enter the game unranked.
COASTAL TO REBOUND?
In Conway, Coastal Carolina (4-2, 1-1 Big South) will try to get back on track against Gardner-Webb (1-5, 0-2).
The Chanticleers beat them their second season in existence and hasn’t lost since, a winning streak of eight games.
Coastal Carolina coach David Bennett said Gardner-Webb is a dangerous team despite injuries and some other misfortune.
“Gardner-Webb has a lot better football team than people think they do. Their record is not an indication of the team they have,” Bennett said. “Our guys better get their lip up and get ready to play this week.”
MACK OPTIMISTIC
AUSTIN, Texasó The Texas Longhorns are halfway through their rebuilding project and sitting at 4-2, the same record they had at this point last season.
They are unranked after two losses in a row, start five freshmen on an offense that barely averaged two touchdowns the last two games and haven’t won a Big 12 home game since 2009. The only quarterback with any experience was benched, had shoulder surgery and announced he will transfer.
So why does coach Mack Brown believe things are getting better?
“Their attitude,” Brown said. “This team understands we have to fight for everything we get and that is what a 5-7 season does to you.î
WOFFORD HOT
COLUMBIA, S.C. ó In a state full of football tradition, perhaps no team has recently forged its own identity more than Wofford.
Despite a 3-8 season two years ago, the Terriers kept running the triple option and fielding a relentless defense. It paid off with a Football Championship Subdivision quarterfinal appearance last season and a No. 4 ranking in the FCS coaches’ poll this year.
The Terriers take on a Furman team today.