2014 Notre Dame Fighting Irish football team

American college football season

2014 Notre Dame Fighting Irish football

Music City Bowl champion
Music City Bowl, W 31–28 vs. LSU
Conference	Independent
Record	8–5
Head coach	Brian Kelly (5th season)
Offensive coordinator	Mike Denbrock (1st season)
Offensive scheme	Spread
Defensive coordinator	Brian VanGorder (1st season)
Base defense	3–4 multiple
Captains	Cam McDaniel Nick Martin Austin Collinsworth Sheldon Day
Home stadium	Notre Dame Stadium
Seasons ← 2013 2015 →

2014 NCAA Division I FBS independents football records
v t e
Team	W		L	W		L
BYU		–		8	–	5
Notre Dame		–		8	–	5
Navy		–		8	–	5
Army		–		4	–	8

Rankings from AP Poll

The 2014 Notre Dame Fighting Irish football team represented the University of Notre Dame in the 2014 NCAA Division I FBS football season. The team was coached by Brian Kelly and played its home games at Notre Dame Stadium in South Bend, Indiana. They compete as an independent.

The Irish started the season with a 6–0 record, ranked as high as No. 5 in both the AP Poll and the Coaches Poll, but had a collapse in the second half of the season, losing five of their last six games to finish the regular season at 7–5. Notre Dame's defense suffered significant injuries and yielded over 41 points per game over those six games. For the first time in school history, the Irish gave up thirty points or more in seven consecutive contests.

Despite the disappointing season the Irish finished on a high note, upsetting the heavily favored LSU Tigers (8 point favorites) in the Music City Bowl, 31–28. Kicker Kyle Brindza kicked the game-winning field goal as time expired. This was the first win by Notre Dame over a Southeastern Conference (SEC) team since beating the University of Tennessee Volunteers in 2005. This is also Notre Dame's first win over a ranked opponent in a bowl game since 1993, where they defeated No. 6 Texas A&M.

Before the season

2014 NFL Draft

The following former Notre Dame players were selected in the 2014 NFL Draft:

Round	Selection	Player	Position	Team
1	16	Zack Martin	Offensive tackle	Dallas Cowboys
2	46	Stephon Tuitt	Defensive end	Pittsburgh Steelers
2	52	Troy Niklas	Tight end	Arizona Cardinals
3	83	Louis Nix	Defensive tackle	Houston Texans
3	89	Chris Watt	Offensive Guard	San Diego Chargers
4	139	Prince Shembo	Outside linebacker	Atlanta Falcons
6	188	Bennett Jackson	Cornerback	New York Giants
6	189	T. J. Jones	Wide receiver	Detroit Lions

Transfers out / departures

Stephon Tuitt, Louis Nix, Troy Niklas and George Atkinson III all chose to forgo their final year of eligibility and enter the 2014 NFL Draft. On April 4, 2014, sophomore cornerback Rashad Kinlaw was dismissed from the team due to violation of team rules. He subsequently left the university following his dismissal from the football program.^[1]

Transfers in

Cody Riggs, a defensive back at Florida, announced he would transfer to Notre Dame in June after he received his degree in May 2014. He would be enrolled in a graduate studies program while exhausting his final season of eligibility.^[2]

Coaching changes

Chuck Martin left to become the head coach of the Miami RedHawks.^[3] Bob Diaco departed to become the head coach of the Connecticut Huskies.^[4] Brian VanGorder, formerly the linebackers coach of the NFL's New York Jets, was hired to be the new defensive coordinator and linebackers coach.^[5] Matt LaFleur, formerly the quarterbacks coach of the NFL's Washington Redskins, was hired to be the new quarterbacks coach.^[6] Mike Denbrock was promoted to offensive coordinator, filling the void left by Martin.^[7]

Recruiting class

Brian Kelly received 23 commitments in his fourth full recruiting class including two five-stars: linebacker Nyles Morgan and offensive tackle Quenton Nelson. The class included student-athletes from 14 states.

US college sports recruiting information for 2014 recruits
Name	Hometown	High school / college	Height	Weight	40^‡	Commit date
Alex Bars OT	Nashville, TN	Montgomery Bell Academy	6 ft 6 in (1.98 m)	290 lb (130 kg)	–	May 7, 2013
Alex Bars OT	Recruiting star ratings: Scout: Rivals: 247Sports: N/A ESPN grade: 84
Grant Blankenship DE	The Colony, TX	The Colony HS	6 ft 6 in (1.98 m)	252 lb (114 kg)	4.75	Jul 5, 2013
Grant Blankenship DE	Recruiting star ratings: Scout: Rivals: 247Sports: N/A ESPN grade: 79
Jonathan Bonner DE	Chesterfield, MO	Parkway Central HS	6 ft 4 in (1.93 m)	250 lb (110 kg)	4.8	Jun 26, 2013
Jonathan Bonner DE	Recruiting star ratings: Scout: Rivals: 247Sports: N/A ESPN grade: 79
Justin Brent WR	Speedway, IN	Speedway HS	6 ft 1 in (1.85 m)	197 lb (89 kg)	4.52	Jul 9, 2012
Justin Brent WR	Recruiting star ratings: Scout: Rivals: 247Sports: N/A ESPN grade: 82
Jimmy Byrne OG	Parma Heights, OH	St. Ignatius HS	6 ft 4 in (1.93 m)	295 lb (134 kg)	5.1	Dec 8, 2012
Jimmy Byrne OG	Recruiting star ratings: Scout: Rivals: 247Sports: N/A ESPN grade: 78
Daniel Cage DT	Cincinnati, OH	Winton Woods HS	6 ft 3 in (1.91 m)	295 lb (134 kg)	4.9	Feb 5, 2014
Daniel Cage DT	Recruiting star ratings: Scout: Rivals: 247Sports: N/A ESPN grade: 80
Jay Hayes DT	Brooklyn, NY	Poly Prep HS	6 ft 5 in (1.96 m)	270 lb (120 kg)	4.8	Nov 7, 2012
Jay Hayes DT	Recruiting star ratings: Scout: Rivals: 247Sports: N/A ESPN grade: 80
Kolin Hill DE/OLB	Schertz, TX	Samuel Clemens HS	6 ft 2 in (1.88 m)	225 lb (102 kg)	4.56	Dec 15, 2013
Kolin Hill DE/OLB	Recruiting star ratings: Scout: Rivals: 247Sports: N/A ESPN grade: 77
Corey Holmes WR	Pembroke Pines, FL	St. Thomas Aquinas HS	6 ft 2 in (1.88 m)	175 lb (79 kg)	4.48	Jul 17, 2013
Corey Holmes WR	Recruiting star ratings: Scout: Rivals: 247Sports: N/A ESPN grade: 83
DeShone Kizer QB	Toledo, OH	Central Catholic HS	6 ft 5 in (1.96 m)	215 lb (98 kg)	4.81	Jun 11, 2013
DeShone Kizer QB	Recruiting star ratings: Scout: Rivals: 247Sports: N/A ESPN grade: 80
Tyler Lautua TE	Paramount, CA	La Mirada HS	6 ft 4 in (1.93 m)	240 lb (110 kg)	4.9	Dec 16, 2013
Tyler Lautua TE	Recruiting star ratings: Scout: Rivals: 247Sports: N/A ESPN grade: 83
Greer Martini LB	Raleigh, NC	Woodberry Forest School	6 ft 3 in (1.91 m)	230 lb (100 kg)	4.7	Jul 3, 2012
Greer Martini LB	Recruiting star ratings: Scout: Rivals: 247Sports: N/A ESPN grade: 82
Pete Mokwuah DT	Staten Island, NY	St. Joseph HS	6 ft 4 in (1.93 m)	315 lb (143 kg)	–-	Jan 24, 2014
Pete Mokwuah DT	Recruiting star ratings: Scout: Rivals: 247Sports: N/A ESPN grade: 77
Nyles Morgan LB	Crete, IL	Crete-Monee HS	6 ft 3 in (1.91 m)	225 lb (102 kg)	4.8	Jan 4, 2014
Nyles Morgan LB	Recruiting star ratings: Scout: Rivals: 247Sports: N/A ESPN grade: 84
Sam Mustipher OG	Owings Mills, MD	Good Counsel HS	6 ft 3 in (1.91 m)	295 lb (134 kg)	5.1	Apr 15, 2013
Sam Mustipher OG	Recruiting star ratings: Scout: Rivals: 247Sports: N/A ESPN grade: 81
Quenton Nelson OT	Holmdel, NJ	Red Bank HS	6 ft 5 in (1.96 m)	300 lb (140 kg)	5.2	May 1, 2013
Quenton Nelson OT	Recruiting star ratings: Scout: Rivals: 247Sports: N/A ESPN grade: 83
Tyler Newsome K/P	Carrollton, GA	Carrollton HS	6 ft 2 in (1.88 m)	175 lb (79 kg)	5.0	Jun 21, 2013
Tyler Newsome K/P	Recruiting star ratings: Scout: Rivals: 247Sports: N/A ESPN grade: 77
Nile Sykes LB	Oak Park, IL	Montini Catholic HS	6 ft 2 in (1.88 m)	220 lb (100 kg)	4.6	Dec 15, 2013
Nile Sykes LB	Recruiting star ratings: Scout: Rivals: 247Sports: N/A ESPN grade: 80
Drue Tranquill ATH	Huntertown, IN	Carroll HS	6 ft 3 in (1.91 m)	220 lb (100 kg)	4.49	Nov 19, 2013
Drue Tranquill ATH	Recruiting star ratings: Scout: Rivals: 247Sports: N/A ESPN grade: 78
Andrew Trumbetti DE	Demarest, NJ	Northern Valley Regional HS	6 ft 5 in (1.96 m)	250 lb (110 kg)	4.69	Mar 23, 2013
Andrew Trumbetti DE	Recruiting star ratings: Scout: Rivals: 247Sports: N/A ESPN grade: 83
Nick Watkins CB	Desoto, TX	Bishop Dunne HS	6 ft 1 in (1.85 m)	185 lb (84 kg)	4.47	Nov 1, 2013
Nick Watkins CB	Recruiting star ratings: Scout: Rivals: 247Sports: N/A ESPN grade: 83
Nic Weishar TE	Midlothian, IL	Marist HS	6 ft 5 in (1.96 m)	235 lb (107 kg)	–	Apr 23, 2013
Nic Weishar TE	Recruiting star ratings: Scout: Rivals: 247Sports: N/A ESPN grade: 82
Jhonathon Williams DE	Benton Harbor, MI	Berrien Springs HS	6 ft 5 in (1.96 m)	235 lb (107 kg)	4.5	Nov 27, 2013
Jhonathon Williams DE	Recruiting star ratings: Scout: Rivals: 247Sports: N/A ESPN grade: 77
Overall recruiting rankings: Scout: 6 Rivals: 11 ESPN: 11
‡ Refers to 40 yard dash Note: In many cases, Scout, Rivals, 247Sports, and ESPN may conflict in their listings of height, weight and 40 time. In these cases, the average was taken. ESPN grades are on a 100-point scale. Sources: "2014 Notre Dame Football Commitment List". Rivals.com. Retrieved January 30, 2014. "Scout.com Football Recruiting: Notre Dame". Scout.com. Retrieved January 30, 2014. "2014 Player Commitments – Notre Dame". ESPN.com. Retrieved January 30, 2014. "Scout.com Team Recruiting Rankings". Scout.com. Retrieved January 30, 2014. "2014 Team Ranking". Rivals.com. Retrieved January 30, 2014.

Personnel

Coaching staff

Name	Position	Year at Notre Dame	Alma mater (Year)
Brian Kelly	Head coach	5th	Assumption (1982)
Mike Denbrock	Offensive coordinator/wide receivers	5th	Grand Valley State (1987)
Brian VanGorder	Defensive coordinator/inside linebackers	1st	Wayne State (1980)
Harry Hiestand	Offensive line/run game coordinator	3rd	East Stroudsburg (1983)
Scott Booker	Tight ends/special teams coordinator	3rd	Kent State (2003)
Tony Alford	Running backs/recruiting coordinator	6th	Colorado State (1992)
Kerry Cooks	Defensive backs	5th	Iowa (2000)
Mike Elston	Defensive line	5th	Michigan (1998)
Bob Elliott	Outside linebackers	3rd	Iowa (1976)
Matt LaFleur	Quarterbacks	1st	Saginaw Valley State (2002)
Paul Longo	Director of football strength and conditioning	5th	Wayne State (1981)

Roster

The roster is current as of October 8, 2014.

2014 Notre Dame Fighting Irish Football Roster - und.com
Quarterbacks 6 Charlie Fiessinger – Senior 5 Everett Golson – Senior 14 DeShone Kizer – Freshman 19 Montgomery Van Gorder – Freshman 8 Malik Zaire – Sophomore Running backs 46 Josh Anderson – Junior 1 Greg Bryant – Sophomore 25 Tarean Folston – Sophomore 33 Cam McDaniel – Senior Wide receivers 11 Justin Brent – Freshman 2 Chris Brown – Junior 35 Cam Bryan – Junior 3 Amir Carlisle – Senior 87 Keenan Centlivre – Freshman 10 DaVaris Daniels – Senior 7 Will Fuller – Sophomore 39 Luke Hamel – Freshman 15 Corey Holmes – Freshman 81 Omar Hunter – Sophomore 16 Torii Hunter, Jr. – Sophomore 37 Eric Lee – Senior 20 C. J. Prosise – Junior 88 Corey Robinson – Sophomore 86 Buster Sheridan – Sophomore 83 Austin Webster – Freshman Tight ends 9 Mike Heuerman – Sophomore 18 Ben Koyack – Senior 13 Tyler Luatua – Freshman 80 Durham Smythe – Sophomore 84 Ben Suttman – Sophomore 82 Nic Weishar – Freshman		Offensive Lineman 71 Alex Bars – Freshman 70 Hunter Bivin – Sophomore 63 Sam Bush – Freshman 67 Jimmy Byrne – Freshman 79 Steve Elmer – Sophomore 65 Conor Hanratty – Senior 75 Mark Harrell – Junior 74 Christian Lombard – Graduate Student 68 Mike McGlinchey – Sophomore 62 Colin McGovern – Sophomore 60 John Montelus – Sophomore 53 Sam Mustipher – Freshman 56 Quenton Nelson – Freshman 78 Ronnie Stanley – Junior Centers 77 Matt Hegarty – Senior 72 Nick Martin – Senior Defensive Lineman 92 Grant Blankenship – Freshman 55 Jonathan Bonner – Freshman 75 Daniel Cage – Freshman 91 Sheldon Day – Junior 95 Marquis Dickerson – Sophomore 93 Jay Hayes – Freshman 50 Chase Hounshell – Senior 94 Jarron Jones – Junior 64 Ryan Kilander – Freshman 73 Scott Kingsley – Sophomore 89 Jacob Matuska – Sophomore 97 Patrick Mazza – Sophomore 96 Peter Mokwuah – Freshman 45 Romeo Okwara – Junior 56 Anthony Rabasa – Senior 90 Isaac Rochell – Sophomore 98 Andrew Trumbetti – Freshman 53 Justin Utupo – Graduate Student 11 Ishaq Williams – Senior 33 Jhonny Williams – Freshman		Linebackers 30 Ben Councell – Senior 42 Michael Deeb – Sophomore 59 Jarrett Grace – Senior 43 Kolin Hill – Freshman 52 Austin Larkin – Sophomore 48 Greer Martini – Freshman 8 Kendall Moore – Graduate Student 5 Nyles Morgan – Freshman 17 James Onwualu – Sophomore 44 Doug Randolph – Sophomore 38 Joe Schmidt – Senior 9 Jaylon Smith – Sophomore 31 John Turner – Junior Cornerbacks 43 Josh Atkinson – Senior 34 Jesse Bongiovi – Sophomore 21 Jalen Brown – Senior 12 Devin Butler – Sophomore 40 Connor Cavalaris – Senior 41 Matthias Farley – Senior 35 Grant Hammann – Freshman 36 Cole Luke – Sophomore 2 Cody Riggs – Graduate Student 6 KeiVarae Russell – Junior 19 Nick Watkins – Freshman Safeties 29 Nicky Baratti – Junior 28 Austin Collinsworth – Graduate Student 4 Eilar Hardy – Senior 46 Eamon McOsker – Junior 36 Tyler Price – Sophomore 39 Drew Recker – Sophomore 10 Max Redfield – Sophomore 22 Elijah Shumate – Junior 42 Ernie Soto – Senior 23 Drue Tranquill – Freshman		Kickers/Punters 27 Kyle Brindza – Senior 43 John Chereson – Sophomore 85 Tyler Newsome – Freshman Long snappers 61 Scott Daly – Junior 99 Hunter Smith – Junior

2014 Notre Dame Fighting Irish Football Roster - und.com

Quarterbacks

6 Charlie Fiessinger – Senior
5 Everett Golson – Senior
14 DeShone Kizer – Freshman
19 Montgomery Van Gorder – Freshman
8 Malik Zaire – Sophomore

Running backs

46 Josh Anderson – Junior
1 Greg Bryant – Sophomore
25 Tarean Folston – Sophomore
33 Cam McDaniel – Senior

Wide receivers

11 Justin Brent – Freshman
2 Chris Brown – Junior
35 Cam Bryan – Junior
3 Amir Carlisle – Senior
87 Keenan Centlivre – Freshman
10 DaVaris Daniels – Senior
7 Will Fuller – Sophomore
39 Luke Hamel – Freshman
15 Corey Holmes – Freshman
81 Omar Hunter – Sophomore
16 Torii Hunter, Jr. – Sophomore
37 Eric Lee – Senior
20 C. J. Prosise – Junior
88 Corey Robinson – Sophomore
86 Buster Sheridan – Sophomore
83 Austin Webster – Freshman

Tight ends

9 Mike Heuerman – Sophomore
18 Ben Koyack – Senior
13 Tyler Luatua – Freshman
80 Durham Smythe – Sophomore
84 Ben Suttman – Sophomore
82 Nic Weishar – Freshman

Offensive Lineman

71 Alex Bars – Freshman
70 Hunter Bivin – Sophomore
63 Sam Bush – Freshman
67 Jimmy Byrne – Freshman
79 Steve Elmer – Sophomore
65 Conor Hanratty – Senior
75 Mark Harrell – Junior
74 Christian Lombard – Graduate Student
68 Mike McGlinchey – Sophomore
62 Colin McGovern – Sophomore
60 John Montelus – Sophomore
53 Sam Mustipher – Freshman
56 Quenton Nelson – Freshman
78 Ronnie Stanley – Junior

Centers

77 Matt Hegarty – Senior
72 Nick Martin – Senior

Defensive Lineman

92 Grant Blankenship – Freshman
55 Jonathan Bonner – Freshman
75 Daniel Cage – Freshman
91 Sheldon Day – Junior
95 Marquis Dickerson – Sophomore
93 Jay Hayes – Freshman
50 Chase Hounshell – Senior
94 Jarron Jones – Junior
64 Ryan Kilander – Freshman
73 Scott Kingsley – Sophomore
89 Jacob Matuska – Sophomore
97 Patrick Mazza – Sophomore
96 Peter Mokwuah – Freshman
45 Romeo Okwara – Junior
56 Anthony Rabasa – Senior
90 Isaac Rochell – Sophomore
98 Andrew Trumbetti – Freshman
53 Justin Utupo – Graduate Student
11 Ishaq Williams – Senior
33 Jhonny Williams – Freshman

Linebackers

30 Ben Councell – Senior
42 Michael Deeb – Sophomore
59 Jarrett Grace – Senior
43 Kolin Hill – Freshman
52 Austin Larkin – Sophomore
48 Greer Martini – Freshman
8 Kendall Moore – Graduate Student
5 Nyles Morgan – Freshman
17 James Onwualu – Sophomore
44 Doug Randolph – Sophomore
38 Joe Schmidt – Senior
9 Jaylon Smith – Sophomore
31 John Turner – Junior

Cornerbacks

43 Josh Atkinson – Senior
34 Jesse Bongiovi – Sophomore
21 Jalen Brown – Senior
12 Devin Butler – Sophomore
40 Connor Cavalaris – Senior
41 Matthias Farley – Senior
35 Grant Hammann – Freshman
36 Cole Luke – Sophomore
2 Cody Riggs – Graduate Student
6 KeiVarae Russell – Junior
19 Nick Watkins – Freshman

Safeties

29 Nicky Baratti – Junior
28 Austin Collinsworth – Graduate Student
4 Eilar Hardy – Senior
46 Eamon McOsker – Junior
36 Tyler Price – Sophomore
39 Drew Recker – Sophomore
10 Max Redfield – Sophomore
22 Elijah Shumate – Junior
42 Ernie Soto – Senior
23 Drue Tranquill – Freshman

Kickers/Punters

27 Kyle Brindza – Senior
43 John Chereson – Sophomore
85 Tyler Newsome – Freshman

Long snappers

61 Scott Daly – Junior
99 Hunter Smith – Junior

Schedule

Date	Time	Opponent	Rank	Site	TV	Result	Attendance
August 30	3:30 p.m.	Rice	No. 17	Notre Dame Stadium Notre Dame, IN	NBC	W 48–17	80,795
September 6	7:30 p.m.	Michigan	No. 16	Notre Dame Stadium Notre Dame, IN (rivalry)	NBC	W 31–0	80,795
September 13	7:30 p.m.	vs. Purdue	No. 11	Lucas Oil Stadium Indianapolis, IN (Shamrock Series, rivalry)	NBC	W 30–14	56,832
September 27	8:00 p.m.	vs. Syracuse	No. 8	MetLife Stadium East Rutherford, NJ	ABC	W 31–15	76,802
October 4	3:30 p.m.	No. 14 Stanford	No. 9	Notre Dame Stadium Notre Dame, IN (rivalry)	NBC	W 17–14	80,795
October 11	3:30 p.m.	North Carolina	No. 6	Notre Dame Stadium Notre Dame, IN (rivalry)	NBC	W 50–43	80,795
October 18	8:00 p.m.	at No. 2 Florida State	No. 5	Doak Campbell Stadium Tallahassee, FL (rivalry, College Gameday)	ABC	L 27–31	82,431
November 1	8:00 p.m.	vs. Navy	No. 10	FedExField Landover, MD (rivalry)	CBS	W 49–39	36,807
November 8	3:30 p.m.	at No. 9 Arizona State	No. 10	Sun Devil Stadium Tempe, AZ	ABC	L 31–55	65,870
November 15	3:30 p.m.	Northwestern	No. 18	Notre Dame Stadium Notre Dame, IN (rivalry)	NBC	L 40–43 ^OT	80,795
November 22	3:30 p.m.	No. 24 Louisville		Notre Dame Stadium Notre Dame, IN	NBC	L 28–31	80,795
November 29	3:30 p.m.	at USC		Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum Los Angeles, CA (rivalry)	FOX	L 14–49	79,586
December 30	3:00 p.m.	vs. No. 23 LSU		LP Field Nashville, TN (Music City Bowl)	ESPN	W 31–28	60,149
Rankings from AP Poll and CFP Rankings after October 28 released prior to game All times are in Eastern time

Game summaries

Rice

Rice at Notre Dame

	1	2	3	4	Total
Owls	7	3	0	7	17
• No. 17 Fighting Irish	14	14	10	10	48

Date: August 30, 2014
Location: Notre Dame Stadium
South Bend, IN
Game start: 3:42 p.m. EDT
Elapsed time: 3 hours and 7 minutes
Game attendance: 80,795
Game weather: Temperature: 82 °F (28 °C) • Weather: Cloudy and Possible Rain • Wind: SW 17 MPH
Referee: Jeff Heaser
TV announcers (NBC): Dan Hicks, Mike Mayock, Kathryn Tappen (sideline) and Doug Flutie (sideline)

Scoring summary

1	6:02	ND	Everett Golson 11-yard touchdown run, Kyle Brindza kick good	ND 7–0

1	2:13	Rice	Zach Wright 26-yard touchdown reception from Driphus Jackson, James Hairston kick good	Tied 7–7

1	2:01	ND	William Fuller 75-yard touchdown reception from Golson, Brindza kick good	ND 14–7

2	5:51	Rice	33-yard field goal by Hairston	ND 14–10

2	2:33	ND	Golson 14-yard touchdown run, Brindza kick good	ND 21–10

2	0:05	ND	C. J. Prosise 53-yard touchdown reception from Golson, Brindza kick good	ND 28–10

3	4:07	ND	36-yard field goal by Brindza	ND 31–10

3	0:17	ND	Golson 4-yard touchdown run, Brindza kick good	ND 38–10

4	7:47	ND	29-yard field goal by Brindza	ND 41–10

4	4:57	Rice	James Mayden 53-yard touchdown reception from Tyler Stehling, Hairston kick good	ND 41–17

4	3:32	ND	Greg Bryant 17-yard touchdown run, Brindza kick good	ND 48–17

Michigan

Michigan at Notre Dame
(rivalry)

	1	2	3	4	Total
Wolverines	0	0	0	0	0
• No. 16 Fighting Irish	7	14	7	3	31

Date: September 6, 2014
Location: Notre Dame Stadium
South Bend, IN
Game start: 7:42 p.m. EDT
Elapsed time: 3 hours and 17 minutes
Game attendance: 80,795
Game weather: Temperature: 70 °F (21 °C) • Weather: Clear Skies • Wind: NNW 10 MPH
Referee: John O'Neill
TV announcers (NBC): Dan Hicks, Mike Mayock, Kathryn Tappen (sideline) and Doug Flutie (sideline)

Scoring summary

1	1:50	ND	Cam McDaniel 1-yard touchdown run, Kyle Brindza kick good	ND 7–0

2	3:58	ND	Amir Carlisle 1-yard touchdown reception from Everett Golson, Brindza kick good	ND 14–0

2	0:34	ND	William Fuller 24-yard touchdown reception from Golson, Brindza kick good	ND 21–0

3	3:02	ND	Carlisle 12-yard touchdown reception from Golson, Brindza kick good	ND 28–0

4	12:03	ND	43-yard field goal by Brindza	ND 31–0

In what looks to be the final meeting between Notre Dame and Michigan,^{[citation needed]} Notre Dame defeated Michigan, 31–0, giving the Irish their most lopsided win against the Wolverines. The game ended Michigan's NCAA record of consecutive games without being shut out. (The Wolverines were last shut out in 1984 versus Iowa). Michigan turned the ball over four times, while Notre Dame had no turnovers. Michigan never reached the red zone in this game. Everett Golson went 23 for 34, throwing for 226 yards and three touchdowns for the Irish. Notre Dame went to 2–0 on the year.

Purdue

Notre Dame vs Purdue
(Shillelagh Trophy / Shamrock Series)

	1	2	3	4	Total
Boilermakers	7	7	0	0	14
• No. 11 Fighting Irish	7	10	7	6	30

Date: September 13, 2014
Location: Lucas Oil Stadium
Indianapolis, IN
Game start: 7:41 p.m. EDT
Elapsed time: 3 hours and 28 minutes
Game attendance: 56,832
Game weather: Temperature: 61 °F (16 °C) • Weather: Partly Cloudy • Wind: N 6 MPH
Referee: Jerry McGinn
TV announcers (NBC): Tom Hammond, Mike Mayock, Kathryn Tappen (sideline) and Doug Flutie (sideline)

Scoring summary

1	12:23	ND	Will Fuller 16-yard touchdown reception from Everett Golson, Kyle Brindza kick good	ND 7–0

1	1:50	PUR	Brandon Cottom 7-yard touchdown reception from Danny Etling, Paul Griggs kick good	Tied 7–7

2	11:57	ND	19-yard field goal by Brindza	ND 10–7

2	3:00	PUR	DeAngelo Yancey 19-yard touchdown reception from Etling, Griggs kick good	PUR 14–10

2	0:13	ND	Golson 15-yard touchdown run, Brindza kick good	ND 17–14

3	4:05	ND	Corey Robinson 15-yard touchdown reception from Golson, Brindza kick good	ND 24–14

4	9:31	ND	48-yard field goal by Brindza	ND 27–14

4	5:30	ND	39-yard field goal by Brindza	ND 30–14

Syracuse

Notre Dame vs Syracuse

	1	2	3	4	Total
• No. 8 Fighting Irish	0	14	7	10	31
Orange	0	3	0	12	15

Date: September 27, 2014
Location: MetLife Stadium
East Rutherford, NJ
Game start: 8:00 p.m. EDT
Elapsed time: 3 hours and 45 minutes
Game attendance: 76,802
Game weather: Temperature: 70 °F (21 °C) • Weather: Sunny • Wind: Mild
Referee: Jerry Magallanes
TV announcers (ABC): Chris Fowler, Kirk Herbstreit and Heather Cox (sideline)

Scoring summary

2	10:56	ND	Will Fuller 23-yard touchdown reception from Everett Golson, Kyle Brindza kick good	ND 7–0

2	8:31	ND	Fuller 72-yard touchdown reception from Golson, Brindza kick good	ND 14–0

2	3:07	SU	38-yard field goal by Cole Murphy	ND 14–3

3	9:39	ND	Corey Robinson 8-yard touchdown reception from Golson, Brindza kick good	ND 21–3

4	14:54	SU	Terrel Hunt 7-yard touchdown run, Murphy kick blocked	ND 21–9

4	10:19	ND	Torri Hunter Jr. 13-yard touchdown reception from Golson, Brindza kick good	ND 28–9

4	5:09	SU	Durell Eskridge 29-yard touchdown interception return, Hunt pass failed	ND 28–15

4	1:57	ND	37-yard field goal by Brindza	ND 31–15

Stanford

Stanford at Notre Dame
(Legends Trophy)

	1	2	3	4	Total
No. 14 Cardinal	7	0	0	7	14
• No. 9 Fighting Irish	0	7	0	10	17

Date: October 4, 2014
Location: Notre Dame Stadium
South Bend, IN
Game start: 3:40 p.m. EDT
Elapsed time: 3 hours and 28 minutes
Game attendance: 80,795
Game weather: Temperature: 41 °F (5 °C) • Weather: Cloudy and Rain Likely • Wind: SW 15 MPH
Referee: Terry Leyden
TV announcers (NBC): Dan Hicks, Mike Mayock, Kathryn Tappen (sideline) and Doug Flutie (sideline)

Scoring summary

1	3:50	Stanford	Kevin Hogan 10-yard touchdown run, Jordan Williamson kick good	Stanford 7–0

2	3:06	ND	Chris Brown 17-yard touchdown reception from Everett Golson, Kyle Brindza kick good	Tied 7–7

4	7:32	ND	45-yard field goal by Brindza	ND 10–7

4	3:01	Stanford	Remound Wright 11-yard touchdown run, Williamson kick good	Stanford 14–10

4	1:01	ND	Ben Koyack 23-yard touchdown reception from Golson, Brindza kick good	ND 17–14

With 1:09 left in the game and Notre Dame facing a 4th and 11 from Stanford's 23 yard line, Everett Golson finds a wide open Ben Koyack in the corner of the endzone to lift Notre Dame over Stanford 17–14. Stanford, the country's number one defense, had been giving up just 198 total yards of offense a game, but Notre Dame piled up 370 yards. Despite the Irish offense moving the ball, multiple mistakes including botched field goal snaps and turnovers in the red zone kept the game close throughout. Notre Dame's defense was dominant, giving up just 204 total yards and had two interceptions. Further, the Irish defense held Stanford to 47 yards rushing – Stanford's fewest rush yards in a game since 2007. With the win, Notre Dame moves to 5–0.

North Carolina

North Carolina at Notre Dame

	1	2	3	4	Total
Tar Heels	14	12	10	7	43
• No. 6 Fighting Irish	7	21	7	15	50

Date: October 11, 2014
Location: Notre Dame Stadium
South Bend, IN
Game start: 3:40 p.m. EDT
Elapsed time: 3 hours and 44 minutes
Game attendance: 80,795
Game weather: Temperature: 59 °F (15 °C) • Weather: Sunny • Wind: NNW 4 MPH
Referee: Jeff Flanagan
TV announcers (NBC): Dan Hicks, Mike Mayock, Kathryn Tappen (sideline) and Doug Flutie (sideline)

Scoring summary

1	13:28	NC	Elijah Hood 6-yard touchdown run, Nick Weiler kick good	NC 7–0

1	8:48	NC	Jeff Schoettmer 29-yard touchdown interception return, Weiler kick good	NC 14–0

1	7:09	ND	William Fuller 13-yard touchdown reception from Everett Golson, Kyle Brindza kick good	NC 14–7

2	14:57	ND	Cam McDaniel 1-yard touchdown run, Brindza kick good	Tied 14–14

2	9:56	ND	Greg Bryant 7-yard touchdown run, Brindza kick good	ND 21–14

2	4:16	NC	Marquise Williams 3-yard touchdown run, Weiler kick blocked	ND 21–20

2	2:25	ND	Tarean Folston 6-yard run, Brindza kick good	ND 28–20

2	1:20	NC	Quinshad Davis 20-yard touchdown reception from Williams, Williams pass failed	ND 28–26

3	11:52	ND	Folston 9-yard touchdown reception by Golson, Brindza kick good	ND 35–26

3	3:37	NC	19-yard field goal by Weiler	ND 35–29

3	3:11	NC	Williams 23-yard touchdown reception from Davis, Weiler kick good	NC 36–35

4	10:39	ND	Folston 9-yard touchdown reception from Golson, Golson pass to Ben Koyack	ND 43–36

4	2:19	ND	Folston 6-yard touchdown run, Brindza kick good	ND 50–36

4	0:47	NC	Mack Hollins 18-yard touchdown reception from Williams, Weiler kick good	ND 50–43

The 6th ranked Irish held off the North Carolina Tar Heels to win in a shootout 50–43. After trailing 14–0 in the 1st, the Irish found some rhythm to score 21 points in a row to take a 21–14 lead. The win marked the first time the Irish put up 50 points against a non-academy team since beating Stanford 57–7 in 2003.

Florida State

Notre Dame at Florida State
(rivalry)

	1	2	3	4	Total
No. 5 Fighting Irish	7	10	7	3	27
• No. 2 Seminoles	7	3	14	7	31

Date: October 18, 2014
Location: Doak Campbell Stadium
Tallahassee, FL
Game start: 8:24 p.m. EDT
Elapsed time: 3 hours and 27 minutes
Game attendance: 82,431
Game weather: Temperature: 72 °F (22 °C) • Weather: Clear and 68% Humidity • Wind: WNW 3 MPH
Referee: David Epperley
TV announcers (ABC): Chris Fowler, Kirk Herbstreit, Heather Cox (sideline) and Tom Rinaldi (sideline)

The Irish, who were double digit underdogs, looked to score the game-winning touchdown with :13 left after Everett Golson found a wide open Corey Robinson in the endzone. But the Irish were flagged for a pass interference penalty which took the touchdown away and pushed Notre Dame back 10 yards. Irish turned the ball over on the next play. The penalty was considered controversial by some^[8] in a game many consider the game of the year between two top 5 teams. Everett Golson showed why many consider him a Heisman candidate by completing 31 of 52 passes for 313 yards and throwing for 3 touchdowns.

Navy

Notre Dame vs Navy
(Rip Miller Trophy)

	1	2	3	4	Total
• No. 6 Fighting Irish	14	14	0	21	49
Midshipmen	7	10	14	8	39

Date: November 1, 2014
Location: FedExField
Landover, MD
Game start: 8:10 p.m. EDT
Elapsed time: 3 hours and 25 minutes
Game attendance: 36,807
Game weather: Temperature: 48 °F (9 °C) • Weather: Cloudy • Wind: SW 12 MPH
Referee: Ron Cherry
TV announcers (CBS): Andrew Catalon, Aaron Taylor and Jamie Erdahl (sideline)

Arizona State

Notre Dame at Arizona State

	1	2	3	4	Total
No. 8 Fighting Irish	3	7	7	14	31
• No. 11 Sun Devils	17	17	0	21	55

Date: November 8, 2014
Location: Sun Devil Stadium
Tempe, AZ
Game start: 1:30 p.m. MST
Elapsed time: 3 hours and 35 minutes
Game attendance: 65,870
Game weather: Temperature: 85 °F (29 °C) • Weather: Sunny and Clear Skies • Wind: Calm
Referee: Jeff Heaser
TV announcers (ABC): Sean McDonough, Chris Spielman and Todd McShay (sideline)

1st quarter scoring: ND – Kyle Brindza 46-yard field goal; ASU – Zane Gonzalez, 47-yard field goal; ASU – Jaelen Strong 13-yard pass from Taylor Kelly (Gonzalez kick); ASU – Demario Richard 1-yard run (Gonzalez kick)

2nd quarter scoring: ASU – Damarious Randall 59-yard interception (Gonzalez kick); ASU – Cameron Smith 43-yard pass from Kelly (Gonzalez kick); ASU – Gonzalez, 28-yard field goal; ND – Will Fuller 9-yard pass from Everett Golden (Brindza kick)

3rd quarter scoring:

Northwestern

Northwestern at Notre Dame
(rivalry)

	1	2	3	4	OT	Total
• Wildcats	9	14	3	14	3	43
No. 15 Fighting Irish	20	7	7	6	0	40

Date: November 15, 2014
Location: Notre Dame Stadium
South Bend, IN
Game start: 3:39 p.m. EST
Elapsed time: 4 hours and 12 minutes
Game attendance: 80,795
Game weather: Temperature: 29 °F (−2 °C) • Weather: Cloudy and Cold • Wind: SSW 9 MPH
Referee: Mike Cannon
TV announcers (NBC): Dan Hicks, Doug Flutie, Mike Mayock and Kathryn Tappen (sideline)

Louisville

Louisville at Notre Dame

	1	2	3	4	Total
• Cardinals	14	3	7	7	31
Fighting Irish	3	3	14	8	28

Date: November 22, 2014
Location: Notre Dame Stadium
South Bend, IN
Game start: 3:40 p.m. EST
Elapsed time: 3 hours and 19 minutes
Game attendance: 80,795
Game weather: Temperature: 45 °F (7 °C) • Weather: Showers • Wind: SSW 17 MPH
Referee: Gary Patterson
TV announcers (NBC): Dan Hicks, Doug Flutie, Mike Mayock and Kathryn Tappen (sideline)

For the first time in the history of Notre Dame football, the Irish have given up 30 points or more in six straight game. And for the second week in a row, a missed field goal by kicker Kyle Brindza late in the game dooms the Irish. Notre Dame is now 1–4 in the last 5 games after starting 6–0.

USC

Notre Dame at USC
(Jeweled Shillelagh)

	1	2	3	4	Total
Fighting Irish	0	7	7	0	14
• Trojans	21	14	14	0	49

Date: November 29, 2014
Location: Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum
Los Angeles, CA
Game start: 12:37 p.m. PST
Elapsed time: 3 hours and 14 minutes
Game attendance: 79,586
Game weather: Temperature: 69 °F (21 °C) • Weather: Hazy and Sunny • Wind: ESE 6 MPH
Referee: Dennis Hennigan
TV announcers (Fox): Gus Johnson, Charles Davis and Molly McGrath (sideline)

LSU (Music City Bowl)

Notre Dame vs LSU
(Music City Bowl)

	1	2	3	4	Total
• Fighting Irish	7	14	7	3	31
No. 23 Tigers	7	7	14	0	28

Date: December 30, 2014
Location: LP Field
Nashville, TN
Game start: 2:03 p.m. CST
Elapsed time: 3 hours and 5 minutes
Game attendance: 60,419
Game weather: Temperature: 42 °F (6 °C) • Weather: Scattered Clouds • Wind: N 5 MPH
Referee: Mike Batlan
TV announcers (ESPN): Mark Jones, Rod Gilmore and Jessica Mendoza (sideline)

Rankings

Ranking movements
**Legend:** ██ Increase in ranking ██ Decrease in ranking
— = Not ranked RV = Received votes
	Week
Poll	Pre	1	2	3	4	5	6	7	8	9	10	11	12	13	14	15	Final
AP	17	16	11	9	8	9	6	5	7	6	8	15	RV	—	—	—	RV
Coaches	17	15	11	9	8	8	5	5	8	7	8	16	RV	RV	—	—	RV
CFP	Not released									10	10	18	—	—	—	—	Not released

Postseason

Awards

All-Americans

Name	AP	Athlon	SI.com
Will Fuller, RE			HM
Jaylon Smith, LB	2	3
†denotes unanimous selection. NCAA recognizes a selection to all five of the AP, AFCA, FWAA, SN and WCFF 1st teams for unanimous selections and three of five for consensus selections

References

^ Rashad Kinlaw dismissed from Notre Dame football program
^ "University of Florida transfer will join the Irish program in June". Archived from the original on December 14, 2014. Retrieved February 19, 2014.
^ Miami hires Notre Dame OC Chuck Martin
^ Bob Diaco agrees to take UCONN Huskies job
^ Irish officially hire Jets' VanGorder
^ LaFleur To Notre Dame Archived 2014-01-27 at the Wayback Machine
^ "Mike Denbrock Named Notre Dame Offensive Coordinator". Archived from the original on December 14, 2014. Retrieved January 31, 2014.
^ Controversial Pass Interference Penalty cost ND Game

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