FIRST FIRST DOWN?

The most compelling reason to still be watching this game is to see whether or not the Irish earn a first down (even if only by penalty) this evening. I mean, can you imagine not getting one first down an entire game?

I'm not attempting to be negative here, only stating facts: Notre Dame scored 35 points in its very first half with Charlie Weis as coach. Tonight they are in danger of being shut out both on the scoreboard and in the first down category.

Lou Holtz was shut out once in eleven seasons (by that year's national champion, at Miami). Ara Parseghian was shut out once in eleven seasons, and that game actually ended in a 0-0 tie (and again, it was at Miami). Charlie Weis is in grave danger of being shut out for the second time in the past four games.

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USC has now scored 69 unanswered points versus the Irish dating back to the 4th quarter of 2006.