Texan Jadarian Price is ready to prove his worth
By Ben Hicks Associate Sports Editor
Last year’s week one heavyweight slugfest between Notre Dame and Texas A&M was devoid of all offensive life until offensive coordinator Mike Denbrock decided to feed his running backs. While Jeremiyah Love often receives much of the credit for his 91 yards and gamewinning fourth-quarter score on the ground, it was actually Jadarian Price who first broke through the Aggie defense.
Price, now a redshirt junior hailing from Denison, Texas, took a Riley Leonard handoff 47 yards down the Kyle Field sideline, igniting the Irish faithful into a frenzy on that warm College Station evening last August. The score gave Notre Dame a third-quarter lead which they would never relinquish en route to a critical 23-13 win over the Aggies to kick off 2024.
Love and Price combined for 22 carries, 135 yards and two scores in last year’s opener, yet the pair was stymied to just 77 yards and no touchdowns on 16 carries in 2025’s opening week defeat to Miami. So what will the offensive game plan be on Saturday night, during another seismic opportunity against yet another talented defensive unit?
Will Denbrock and head coach Marcus Freeman continue to initiate redshirt freshman
quarterback CJ Carr, or will they revert to what dominated Texas A&M and 12 other teams last season by releasing the horsemen?
Being a backup running back is not a flashy gig. You don’t always know how many touches you’ll get or how many series you’ll be featured in. And when the game is on the line, the ball is almost certainly going to the starter.
Although Price played in all 16 games last year, scurrying for 746 yards and seven touchdowns, it was Leonard and Love who garnered much of the praise for Notre Dame’s potent rushing attack. With both running backs returning this season, it was Love who received offseason Heisman Trophy hype. Even Penn State’s running back duo, which Notre Dame running backs coach Ja’Juan Seider left to come teach Love and Price, was widely viewed as the nation’s best backfield.
But Price has always been doubted. When he committed to Notre Dame in 2021 as the nation’s 20th-best running back prospect, Texas A&M never even bothered to recruit him. His small town of Denison sits just 250 miles due north of College Station, but the Aggies never called.
Even now, after fighting through injuries and rallying Notre Dame through countless barriers on the road to a National Championship
Game, Price still isn’t atop the depth chart in his fourth year in South Bend. But he, like the rest of his position group, understands his role. “Every opportunity we get to run the ball we have to make it count. Whether it’s me or Jeremiyah, we don’t take those reps for granted. It doesn’t matter how many reps we get with the ball or without the ball, we’re going to make something happen,” he said.
Despite being handed just six carries in the loss to Miami, Price led the team with 45 rushing yards. Being from Texas, he recognizes that the Aggies present a whole new challenge defensively. “A&M has always had a good front seven, especially their defensive linemen and their edge rushers. They’re good every year and that’s a challenge for us, just as we had a challenge against Miami. We love to go against NFL-caliber guys because that makes us better all throughout the season,” Price added.
His 44 yards at Kyle Field a year ago came against a front that included first-round pick Shemar Stewart and secondround pick Shemar Turner. Texas A&M has replenished its talent, but their 4-2-5 base nickel defense remains the same. “It’s always nice to be able to play the same defense multiple times. You get used to the same defense even on different teams with different
personnel,” Price added. He continued to say, “We’ll get different things thrown at us based on different types of talent, so we’re prepared for anything.”
Price also knows his plan will be the same as it always is, saying, “We just gotta be able to get the dirty, gritty yards, and attack.”
Even though he was born and raised in the Lone Star state, Price has found a home at Notre Dame. When he missed all of his freshman campaign after suffering a gruesome ruptured Achilles tendon, he trusted the Irish staff to not only recover, but strengthen his game.
He made an immediate impact as a redshirt freshman in 2023, collecting over 300 scrimmage yards and five touchdowns. In the October upset over No. 10 USC, he returned a key kickoff 99 yards to put the game out of reach, earning him Special Teams Player of the Game.
Last season, he had his first multi-score game in the Shamrock Series domination of Army. He followed that up by running all over the Trojans again, scampering for 111 yards on just 12 carries, as the Irish cemented their spot in the inaugural 12team College Football Playoff. Price could have transferred out during his low points, or he could have accepted some of the outbound offers that
flew his way after last year’s breakout stretch. But through it all, ups and downs, the Texas kid decided to stay put, because he loves Notre Dame. Price also recognizes how important Notre Dame’s fanbase will be for Saturday’s clash. The Irish received a heap of praise for how they handled the deafening noise of 103,000 Aggies last year, just to fall flat in front of their own fans a week later. That won’t happen again according to Price, who said, “Every time we have an opportunity to play in Notre Dame Stadium it means a lot, no matter who the opponent is.”
“The goal is to be 1-0 this week. That’s been our mindset, as it should be, every single week,” Price would go on to say. He isn’t dwelling on the concerns from South Beach, nor is he stuck reliving the glory of last year’s Texassized triumph. Just like he always has, Price is focused on the present. Taking things one play, one rush and one yard at a time. Notre Dame can’t afford to look past Texas A&M as they try to regain their 2024 swagger, just as Price couldn’t skip through all of life’s setbacks as he rose to Notre Dame stardom. “There’s no shortcuts to this. We just gotta trust the process.”
Contact Ben Hicks at bhicks2@nd.edu
PRICE FEATURE
KEIRA JONES | The Observer
Senior running back Jadarian Price takes the handoff in Notre Dame’s 27-24 loss to Miami at Hard Rock Stadium on Aug. 31, 2025. Price carried the ball six times for 45 yards, all in the second quarter, but did not see the ball for the remainder of the game, something that will need to change if the Irish want to unlock the full potential of their rushing attack on Saturday.
THE INDEPENDENT NEWSPAPER SERVING NOTRE DAME, SAINT MARY’S AND HOLY CROSS
FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 12, 2025 |
Students honor 9/11 first responders at annual ND110 Impeachment moves forward
By Megan Cornell Associate News Editor
On Wednesday evening, a thousand Notre Dame students and community members each climbed 110 flights of stairs in Notre Dame Stadium to honor the first-responders who
sacrificed their lives on 9/11.
ND110 is Duncan Hall’s signature philanthropy event, with proceeds benefitting HEART 9/11.
“HEART 9/11 is a charity run by survivors and first responders from 9/11 who use their platform and their experience to help and respond in cases of tragedy and
natural disasters,” Duncan Hall signature event coordinator Patrick Teson said. Students and community members paid a $15 registration fee to participate and support the charity. This year, the event received 1,050 pre-registrations.
Representatives from HEART 9/11 were able to travel to Notre Dame for the event this year, which was meaningful for the students who planned the event. “For the first time this year, we had representatives from Heart 9/11 here to witness the event in person, so it was amazing to have them here able to appreciate the entire event firsthand,” Duncan Hall signature event coordinator
see “ND110” on page 3
By David Murphy Associate News Editor
At Wednesday’s student senate meeting, senators introduced and voted with a majority to advance impeachment proceedings against St. Edward’s Hall senator Michael Heffernan. An impeachment hearing against the senator will be held Sept. 17.
Student government’s Ethics Council accused Heffernan of violating section 4.4 of the student senate bylaws, which state, in part, “attendance at meetings of the full Senate is mandatory for Senate members.”
The bylaws also note that permission for an absence must be obtained from the chairperson, and that voting members may have no more than six absences during their term.
According to judicial council president Elijah Jones, Heffernan has missed seven senate meetings during this term.
To Heffernan, whose appearance at Wednesday’s meeting was the first of his term, his lackluster attendance record was a deliberate part of the pledge he made to St. Edward’s Hall residents.
“I ran on a campaign of not attending any senate meetings. That was my campaign, and I’ve had zero negative comments from anyone in my dorm. Everyone expressed full satisfaction,” Heffernan told The Observer prior to the proceedings. “I was just giving them the choice. I think in any free democratic society, people get to choose who governs them. I just
see “Senate” on page 4
Notre Dame cuts ties with China-backed scholarship Editorial: An Afirst year for Dowd
By Jessica Mayor News Writer
At the urging of Republican members of the House of Representatives, Notre Dame has cut ties with a Chinabacked scholarship program.
At the beginning of July, the House urged Notre Dame and other universities such as Dartmouth College to cut ties with the China Scholarship Council before July 22. This request came after President Donald Trump’s release of Proclamation 10043, which emphasized conducting research for the betterment of American interests and national security and suspended the entry of certain Chinese graduate students and researchers into the country.
The House alleged at the time that the Scholarship Council was a scheme to help the Chinese government in stealing technology. Other allegations against the program have included it being funded by the
NEWS | PAGE 3
New KinderCare opens
The new childcare facility will serve the children of Notre Dame faculty, students and staff.
Chinese Communist Party as well as reports that students in the program were signing “loyalty pledges” to the Chinese Communist Party.
In July, the University told WNDU that they’d begun to sever ties with the program earlier in the year. The University included in their statement to WNDU that they would respond to the house’s inquiry and work with the committee on the “important matter.”
Notre Dame was first contacted with instructions to cut ties with the program by chairman John Moolenaar of the House Select Committee on the CCP.
“We write to express our concern regarding the University of Notre Dame’s (UND) ongoing joint scholarship program with the CSC, which sponsors up to 40 visiting Ph.D. students from the People’s Republic of China (PRC) annually to conduct research at UND for periods ranging from 6 to 24 months,” Moolenaar wrote in the letter.
OPINION | PAGE 6
Charlie Kirk’s legacy
Editor-in-chief Liam Kelly writes on the importance of free speech after the tragic shooting.
When asked why the University ultimately cut ties with the program, University spokesperson Erin Blasko wrote, “After careful review, we made the decision to end our relationship with the scholarship program earlier this year. Our international students and scholars are important and vital members of the campus community, and we will continue working to ensure they are welcomed and supported at Notre Dame.”
Yongping Zhu, associate professor of and director of undergraduate studies for the Department of East Asian Languages and Cultures, reflected on the impact the program had in the department.
“Usually we ask teachers from this sponsor program and invite them to come here and usually we want them to be involved in our Chinese program. We ask them to
see “Scholarship” on page 2
SCENE | PAGE 7 Lights, camera, Irish
Read Scene writer Harry Penne’s in-depth guide to the film sets of Notre Dame.
By Observer Editorial Board
A year ago this weekend, Notre Dame President Fr. Robert Dowd was inaugurated, ushering in a new era for the University after 19 years of Fr. John Jenkins as president. Upon his inauguration, Dowd outlined a clear vision for his presidency and announced key priorities for his administration. As Dowd himself referred to his first year as his freshman year, we thought it fitting to look back and give him a report card for the first year of his presidency.
One of the key initiatives Dowd introduced during his inaugural address was Pathways to Notre Dame, a commitment to go loan-free and need-blind for both domestic and international students. He also committed to giving healthcare coverage to graduate students and their families.
On this point, despite a tax
SPORTS | PAGE 8
Irish home openers
Notre Dame football has had many memorable first home games over the years.
increase on the University’s endowment, Dowd has seen these efforts through to their successful conclusion. According to vice president for undergraduate enrollment Micki Kidder, the class of 2029 has greater socioeconomic diversity than all prior classes. Over half of the class is receiving need-based financial aid.
Although made possible in part by efforts preceding the Dowd presidency, his key initiative has shown definitive results and reflects the University’s Catholic values. As Dowd himself said in his inauguration speech, increasing opportunities for less financially well-off students to attend Notre Dame is a “great way to serve the Church.”
What Dowd likely did not foresee upon assuming office was the turmoil that would engulf higher education under President Donald Trump.
see “Editorial” on page 5
SPORTS | PAGE 8
ND Women’s soccer
The Irish defeated NC State 2-1 to extend their winning streak to five in a row.
Courtesy of Owen Augustine
Firefighters from Notre Dame and the surrounding areas joined students in climbing stadium stairs in honor of 9/11 first responders.
ndsmcobserver.com
“TO UNCOVER THE TRUTH AND REPORT IT ACCURATELY”
900 Hesburgh Library, Notre Dame, IN 46556
Editor-in-Chief
Liam Kelly
Managing Editor Gray Nocjar
Asst. Managing Editor: Aynslee Dellacca
Asst. Managing Editor: Grace Tadajweski
Asst. Managing Editor: Henry Jagodzinski
Notre Dame News Editor: Sophie Hanawalt
SMC News Editor: Berhan Hagezom
Opinion Editor: Redmond Bernhold
Sports Editor: Noah Cahill
Scene Editor: Peter Mikulski
Photo Editor: Mariella Taddonio
Graphics Editor: Isabelle Rutland
Social Media Editor: Duncan Stangel
Ad Design Manager: Isabelle Rutland
Business Manager: Zack Pohlman
Systems Administrator: Jack MapelLentz
Advertising advertising@ndsmcobserver.com
Editor-in-Chief lkelly8@nd.edu
Managing Editor gnocjar@nd.edu
Assistant Managing Editors adellacca01@saintmarys.edu, gtadajwe@nd.edu, hjagodzi@nd.edu
Business Manager zpohlma2@nd.edu
Notre Dame News Desk shanawal@nd.edu
Saint Mary’s News Desk bhagezom01@saintmarys.edu
Opinion Desk rbernho2@nd.edu
Sports Desk ncahill2@nd.edu
Scene Desk pmikulsk@nd.edu
Photo Desk mtaddonio01@saintmarys.edu
Systems & Web Administrators webmaster@ndsmcobserver.com
Policies The Observer is the independent, daily newspaper published in print and online by the students of the University of Notre Dame du Lac, Saint Mary’s College and Holy Cross College. Editorial content, including advertisements, is not governed by policies of the administration of any institution. The Observer reserves the right to refuse advertisements based on content.
The news is
Saint Mary’s hosts memorial for Lizzy Seeberg
By Berhan Hagezom
Saint Mary’s News Editor
For the second consecutive year, the Belles Against Violence Office (BAVO) at Saint Mary’s College, a confidential resource group for students to report interpersonal violence, hosted “Honoring Lizzy Seeberg.”
Students and faculty came together Monday evening for this memorial service at the Lizzy Seeberg Memorial Garden to honor the fifteenth anniversary of Seeberg’s passing in 2010.
A few weeks into her freshman year, Seeberg was allegedly sexually assaulted by a Notre Dame football player, Prince Shembo, and committed suicide four days after reporting to incident the Notre Dame Police Department.
Programming later moved to the basement of the Student Center for a showing of “The Hunting Ground,” a documentary which came out ten years ago and features Seeberg’s story alongside stories of other victims of sexual assault on college campuses.
In attendance were College President Katie Conboy, Liz Baumann, director for harassment education and response, Student Government
Scholarship
Continued from page 1
10 hours per week,” he said. “They come here to help us grade students’ homework and sometimes to have individual sections with our students so students can practice Chinese with real Chinese people”.
He also claimed that the University had begun
Association president Ivory Muñoz, BAVO coordinator Mallory Lipps and seven other students and staff members. A moment of silence was held for Seeberg, and attendees were able to visit the gated garden afterwards.
Junior Ally Krause, a student advisory committee member of the BAVO team, shared that the purpose of the event was to spread awareness of Seeberg’s story and showcase her humanity.
Though a memorial event has been conducted annually since her passing, this is the second official year that BAVO has held it on campus and made it open to anyone in the community, though still emphasizing Saint Mary’s students.
“[The memorial was made official] last year because there were a lot of stories going around, particularly among first years and sophomores about ‘Lizzy’s tale’ and it was represented as a fairy tale or a ghost story. That really hurts us because she was a real person, she has family members, there are people in our Saint Mary’s and Notre Dame community who went to school with her, who knew her, who loved her,” Krause said.
The event coincides with The Red Zone, the time from the start of the year until Thanksgiving Break, during which the majority of college campus sexual assaults
to cut off any relations to Beijing. The University continues to admit students from China and offers several study abroad programs in the country as well.
Asked how he believes the termination of the program will impact Notre Dame’s relations with China in the future, Zhu said, “If we cut ties we might not have this kind of influence in the future. Also the other bad thing is that they don’t learn our
occur.
Krause explained how the documentary made Seeberg’s story transparent to students.
“It’s really important since this documentary features not only Lizzy’s story but stories of so many other individuals who have been survivors of sexual assault and interpersonal violence. It’s really important to get the word out about college sexual violence, since it is the time where most individuals are sexually assaulted,” Krause said.
The event also occurred during National Suicide Prevention Week, and flyers can be seen throughout Saint Mary’s campus, advertising the 988 number and encouraging students to seek out professional help.
“The fact that this anniversary falls during National Suicide Prevention Week makes her story even more poignant. It reminds us that suicide is not an isolated act — it is deeply connected to trauma and stigma. It highlights so many of the goals BAVO is committed to — raising awareness of suicide prevention and bystander intervention, working to lower barriers that prevent students from speaking openly about mental health, believing and supporting survivors, and creating safe, accessible
American culture, because we are the humanities.”
He went on to explain the Chinese movement of 1919 during which Chinese students located in China wanted to learn Western culture. He explained that this was important because “we can influence them with democracy, and they can come here to learn about democracy,” claiming that without this relationship a cultural barrier exists.
spaces for those in need,” Lipps wrote in a statement to The Observer.
To help keep students safe and support survivors, events are frequently held within the Saint Mary’s community on the matter of prevention and reporting. On Tuesday, Saint Mary’s held their annual safety tailgate, handing out nightcap lids for drink safety. In the near future, BAVO will be hosting a Callisto 101 workshop to help students understand the app for survivors of sexual assault, along with a survivor support group near Halloween.
Lipps wrote that she hopes the service empowers more students to take action and understand Seeberg as a person, whose life was taken too soon.
“I hope those who came left feeling connected to Lizzy’s story and inspired to take action — whether through raising awareness, education, or advocacy. The phrase ‘Once a Belle, Always a Belle,’ which is inscribed on Lizzy’s memorial plaque in the garden, beautifully captures the significance of this annual remembrance: though Lizzy is no longer with us, she is never forgotten,” Lipps wrote in an email.
Contact Berhan Hagezom at bhagezom01@saintmarys.edu
A 2020 analysis by Georgetown University’s Center for Security and Emerging Technology found that roughly 7% of Chinese citizens studying abroad, an estimated 65,000 students, were sponsored by the China Scholarship Council.
Notre Dame began their relationship with the program in 2011.”
Contact Jessica Mayor at jmayor@nd.edu
Today’s Staff
Corrections
The Observer regards itself as a professional publication and strives for the highest standards of journalism at all times. We do, however, recognize that we will make mistakes. If we have made a mistake, please contact us at editor@ ndsmcobserver.com so we can correct our error.
New KinderCare facility opens to support Notre Dame families
By Isabella Ponciroli News Writer
Notre Dame has partnered with KinderCare, the nation’s largest childcare and early education provider, to open a new location on campus which serves the families of Notre Dame faculty, staff and students.
The new facility was opened to work in tandem with the Early Childhood Development Center (ECDC), which has been providing childcare for Notre Dame families for over 50 years.
Previously, the ECDC program provided care for children that were over the age of two. The addition of this new KinderCare center provides for children as young as six
weeks old.
The collaboration of both of these centers is meant to serve a larger range of children and extend more support to the teachers, staff and students of the university.
Jack Lyons, communications and project specialist for the office of the executive vice president, explained the making of this new facility and the process of working to support Notre Dame families in a statement he wrote to The Observer.
“In 2020, the University established a task force called the Child Care Resources Working Group to research and assess the need for child care among Notre Dame faculty, staff, and students,” Lyons
wrote. “This group found that, while the University’s Early Childhood Development Center (ECDC) served families starting at two years of age, many parents experienced difficulties finding programs in our region that accepted children ages 0 to 2.”
The new KinderCare facility fills this gap by admitting children as young as six weeks old. In total, the facility can accommodate up to 150 children.
“It’s one of the many ways Notre Dame is working to ensure that our faculty, staff, and students can thrive, both professionally and personally,” John McGreevy, University provost, wrote in a statement. “Investing in our people,
investing in our community, and working together as an institution to make it all happen is exactly the kind of work Notre Dame’s Strategic Framework calls us to do.”
“In addition to the support it offers parenting students, this facility enables the University to provide faculty and staff with either paid leave or access to on-campus child care from their child’s birth all the way to kindergarten,” Lyons wrote.
The new KinderCare opened in late August and is currently open from 6:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. Monday through Friday.
“As of last month, there are already more than 100 families enrolled at our KinderCare location, with space for even more.
Fall 2025
Importantly, the new KinderCare facility does not negate the role of the ECDC in Notre Dame’s child care
ND110
Continued from page 1
offerings, since it will primarily cater to families with children who are not yet eligible to attend an ECDC location,” Lyons wrote.
Heather Christophersen, vice president for human resources, emphasized the support that this facility offers to the Notre Dame community.
“We are thrilled to have opened the new KinderCare facility this August as a way to support our campus community. We know how important it is for our faculty, staff, and students to have access to quality, reliable childcare,” Christophersen wrote in a statement to the Observer.
“This space was created with our Notre Dame families in mind, because being part of this community means knowing your family matters too.”
Contact Isabella Ponciroli at iponciro@nd.edu
Hank McCourtney wrote in a statement to The Observer.
In the 24 hours leading up to the event, Duncan residents took turns running through campus with the American flag.
“This year, we added a police and fire escort to the last stretch of the run leading into the stadium,” Teson said.
of climbing 110 flights of stairs. “Students came in excited and with a good attitude. This continued throughout the event and I really enjoyed watching students from Duncan and all other dorms cheering each other on during the run.”
Planning for the event begins several months prior and involves coordinating with the University and HEART 9/11.
“The planning process started towards the end of last year,” Duncan Hall signature event coordinator Andrew Yacoub wrote in a statement to The Observer. “During the summer we started working with Heart 9/11 and their VP John Moran to begin promoting the event.”
Years after 9/11, the ND110 is a tangible way for students to remember the victims and their families. “A lot of us college students weren’t around for the attacks because we were too young. You see a lot of people posting about it and wanting to remember it, but there’s a difference between posting and going out and doing [something] hard. 110 flights of stairs is not easy … but it’s in remembrance,” Teson said.
“We then started to sort out the details of the event, getting shirts, bandannas, and reaching out to sports teams, NDFD, and other campus and South Bend organizations. Our rector Nic Schoppe helped with the university side but the rest was mostly the student commissioners,” Yacoub wrote.
Yacoub said his favorite part of the event was seeing the excitement students had for it, despite the physical challenge
Duncan Hall signature event commissioner Nico Cavalluzzi echoed Teson’s message. “The fact that so many students, most of whom weren’t alive when the attacks happened, are coming to commemorate all those who died and support a great charity, really makes ND110 my favorite event on campus,” he wrote in a statement to The Observer.
The total amount of money raised for HEART 9/11 at the event will be announced later this week.
Contact Megan Cornell at
Room B01, McKenna Hall
Room 304, Bond Hall
Bond Hall Quad
Decio Theatre, DPAC
Raclin Murphy Museum of Art Scholars Lounge, 315 Bond
at 3:30 pm Scholars Lounge, 315 Bond
10/10 at 11:00 am Panel in Hesburgh Center
Pachanga
Kick of f Hispanic Herita ge Month with the ILS Family Poets & Ar t: Brenda Cárdenas Talk and Reading on Ekphrastic Writing
Sonorous Present: Songs of Border Crossings, Sunrises, and Mour nings
Jour neys of Hispanic Alumni of Notre Dame Professional Panel
Sonorous Present: Dialogues in Sound, Ar tivism, and Multi-Modal Scholar ship
Research Colloquium: Mar yam Parhizkar, ILS Post-Doctoral Fellow. RSVP Required.
Explore Latino Studies with Faculty from Various Disciplines
October 12 - 13 Scholars Lounge, 315 Bond
Ofrenda Making by your club or campus organization Sign up!
Audacious Compassion: Poetr y from Summer 2025
Senate
Continued from page 1
wanted to present the option that, you know, maybe you don’t want anyone to go to the senate meetings.”
Jones shared details from an earlier Ethics Council hearing with Heffernan at the senate meeting, including that Heffernan told him he had decided not to attend senate meetings after pitching the idea in a GroupMe message to his constituents, which received what the Ethics Council report claimed to be 25 to 30 upvotes from St. Edward’s Hall residents.
He then made a lack of attendance part of his official platform while running for senate, a race he ultimately won. Heffernan defended his decision to fulfill what he considered a core campaign promise.
“There were other people running. It wasn’t a singleparty race. I was just giving people the option, and they chose me,” Heffernan told The Observer. “So I’ve been living by my promises until today, because today I wanted to ask the Senate to respect the right of St. Edward’s Hall to govern itself and choose its own leaders.”
As the session began, confusion circled among senators surrounding appropriate parliamentary procedure. Multiple times throughout the meeting, Senate Parliamentarian Sam Robinson had to reiterate the purpose of the meeting.
“So to clarify… we’re not considering the question of removal from the Senate,” Robinson said. “Today, we’re only considering whether the evidence presented by the Student Union Ethics Council, and their reasoning, is sufficient to advance to [an impeachment] hearing, which would take place at the next meeting this upcoming Wednesday.”
Despite Robinson’s clarification, several senators were still frustrated with their inability to question Heffernan directly during questioning or debate periods, as such action would have been against parliamentary procedure.
Max Barton, proxying for Carroll Hall senator Charlie Bacon, expressed his belief that it would be “catastrophic” if “vital information was not given to [the Senate] before coming to a decision.”
Robinson responded that if an impeachment hearing were to take place, it would offer ample opportunity for Heffernan to share his side of the story and provide a defense. He also acknowledged the senators’ shared concerns, emphasizing that his commitment to procedure was not meant to suppress valuable information.
“Again, Michael would be
more than welcome if this proceeds next week to talk about any evidence or clarify his own views,” Robinson said. “This is by no means a way of silencing anyone or anything like that.”
After a reading of the ethics council report and time for questions from senators regarding the report, the senate body entered into debate. Typically, accused senators exit the chamber during this period, but Heffernan elected to remain.
Throughout the debate period, senators expressed conflicting opinions on whether to move forward with an impeachment hearing.
With her time, Welsh Family Hall senator Z Zavala urged the chamber to move forward with the proceedings. “I think it’s very clear to remember that senator Heffernan has missed up to seven senate meetings already without a genuine reason,” Zavala said. “We’ve made a sacrifice to be here every single Wednesday on time. The evidence is, indeed, that he hasn’t been here, which is against our bylaws and constitution. He missed the days; we should go into actual impeachment proceedings to discuss why this happened.”
Debate also arose over whether Heffernan was truly representing the will of the majority of his constituents.
St. Edward’s Hall is home to 170 students, and several senators argued that 25 to 30 upvotes on a GroupMe message does not adequately represent the interests of the dorm as a whole. Based on the justification Heffernan provided to the Ethics Council, this would indicate less than a fifth of the St. Edward’s Hall residents openly approve of Heffernan’s continued absence from senate meetings. Heffernan responded to these allegations during the meeting, defending his popular mandate.
“Just to clarify, the 25 to 30 number, I don’t believe is fully accurate. I haven’t met a single person who told me to go to the meetings. I made it well known that my intention was not to go to the meetings,” Heffernan said. “That was my campaign promise, and I won. [My constituents] made it clear they don’t want me to go, and I’m just a servant
of their will.”
It was at this point that Barton stood up and addressed the chamber. Though only a proxy, Barton gave a speech defending Heffernan’s actions, claiming that the Ethics Council report was “one-sided” and “not enough evidence to go to a hearing whatsoever.” Barton argued that Heffernan could not abide by the senate bylaws while also fulfilling the campaign promises made to his constituents, concluding that he “did not see anything fundamentally wrong with [Heffernan’s absence].”
Raising his arms into the air as he spoke, Barton implored the senate to vote down the motion for an impeachment hearing, describing it as “frivolous,” “pointless” and “entirely unnecessary.”
“The Ethics Council wants to put in place somebody who would attend senate meetings,
even when the majority of the constituents would rather he not. Is that the will of democracy?” Barton asked the chamber. “Is it the will of democracy to tear somebody down for the sake of putting somebody into place — a puppet? Of course that is not democracy. That is not the spirit of this student union. The spirit of this student union is the democracy that also makes up this nation.”
The senate then moved into a formal vote. Despite Barton’s efforts, they ultimately voted to proceed with an impeachment hearing, considering the evidence presented by the ethics council against senator Heffernan as sufficient to warrant further inquiry.
As the senate adjourned, student body vice president Sonia Lumley provided her thoughts on the day’s proceedings. “We definitely did
a good job today in the questioning portion and debate,” Lumley said. “Everybody, every senator, did a pretty good job going off the evidence. I really appreciate everybody coming in today. Next week should be interesting.”
When asked about Heffernan’s stance on senate attendance, Lumley was critical, stressing its importance in properly representing constituents.
“As a senator, he’s supposed to represent his hall,” Lumley said. “So what I can say is, whatever his constituency wanted, then that’s what they wanted. That’s okay, but if not, it’s the opposite way. It’s up to the senators to decipher that in themselves, and that will be done at the hearing next week.”
Contact David Murphy at dmurphy@nd.edu
Pragmatism Over Polarization: A Conversation with US Governors
Friday, Sept. 19 1:00-2:30 p.m. Dahnke Ballroom
Open to the public.
Learn about how Western state pragmatism can serve as a model for the country to overcome polarization. University President Robert A. Dowd, C.S.C., will give opening remarks.
FEATURING: IN CONVERSATION WITH:
more at go.nd.edu/democracy
Dowd
Continued from page 1 w his inaugutation, elite institutions of higher education have faced reduced federal funding, barriers to enrolling international students and fines for allegedly permitting antisemitism on campuses. In this hostile environment, while not entirely avoiding the ire of state and federal governments, Dowd has proven a competent crisis manager. When the Trump administration has taken particularly egregious actions, Dowd has joined other colleges in denouncing them. Ultimately, Dowd has chosen to act pragmatically, as when the University
By Abby Hernan
Last Saturday, in another orientation activity, our groups walked around different parts of London, guided by a professor. As we walked through the East End, looking at street markets, old insane asylums and the apartments of Jack the Ripper’s victims, it became clear that London has faced great unrest and struggles. In the past, London has encountered devastating fires, plagues and wars. Now, the latest battles of the past week are a Tube strike and a human rights demonstration, giving everyone a taste of London’s rich culture of protest.
The London Underground staff have begun a five-day walkout, resulting in the shutdown of most major tube lines. While my walk to Fischer Hall will not be affected by this strike, many people will be unable to make their daily commute. The streets have become littered with people, classes have been cancelled and every commute has doubled in length.
Members of the Rail, Maritime and Transport (RMT) union are demanding better pay and working conditions, such as a 32-hour workweek. However, the city has deemed these requests unaffordable, and they have engaged in negotiations with the union. Transport for London has offered the workers a 3.4% pay raise, which the union did not accept. While I usually support strikes and unions, the Tube strike is holding the city for ransom. To satisfy their conditions, the London
urged lawmakers to provide an exemption to religious institutions from the endowment tax. While that exception was ultimately removed from the bill by the Senate parliamentarian, we commend Dowd for standing up to attacks on higher education, while putting Notre Dame’s interests first and avoiding drawing unnecessary attention to the University. While some of the University’s initiatives benefit from keeping a low profile, others were realized all too silently. This is most evident with renaming the Center for Diversity, Equity and Inclusion without any immediate explanation or press release. While perhaps an understandable choice as the University
is investigated for its diversity programs, the change should have been explained upfront to students and faculty. If the University is really moving away from its diversity initiatives, then Dowd ought to take responsibility for that decision and explain why. If, however, the University’s priorities are unchanged, then the move represents a sly slight of hand. Either way, Dowd ought to stand for greater transparency in decision making.
Similarly, Dowd could do better on his promise to foster political discourse on campus, which he articulated in his inaugural address, where he declared that Notre Dame must not be afraid “to tackle the contested issues of the day.” In April, an abrupt
disinvitation of Eman Abdelhadi, a pro-Palestine speaker slated to deliver the keynote address at the Kroc Institute’s annual studentled peace conference, sparked allegations of censorship from Abdelhadi as well as students and faculty who signed a letter calling for Abdelhadi to be allowed to speak. Provost John McGreevy and Keough School dean Mary Gallagher cited security concerns as the reason for the disinvitation. While security concerns are valid, a school with the endowment the size of Notre Dame should have the resources to ensure proper security at events like this, even on short notice. And although Dowd may not have made the decision himself, he should take accountability for decisions
London’s protest plague
Underground would have to raise fares, which (for travel between Zones 1-2) already cost Londoners about £140 a month.
As a result, the average Londoner is the one who is feeling the effects of this protest.
On Monday, Lime bikes saw a 58% increase in the number of trips taken. Others opted to take a £22 boat ride across the River Thames or just accepted the hour-long walk. Commutes have become not only more difficult but also more expensive.
While the RMT union seems to be holding all the cards in this strike, other recent protests in London have reared a vastly different outcome.
On the Saturday of my orientation walk, around 1,500 people gathered in Parliament Square in Westminster to peacefully protest the ban
on Palestinian Action, which was labeled as a terrorist organization. During the demonstration, 857 people were arrested under the Terrorism Act.
The British government cites Palestinian Action as the source of millions of pounds worth of damage. Human rights organizations have criticized the government’s decision, claiming it limits the free expression of peaceful protestors.
This week, multiple protests have occurred, and while some have been successful, others have led to catastrophic results. The clear difference between the two demonstrations is that one is from a legally viable union, while the other is in defense of a “terrorist” organization. However, it does not seem fair to categorize these two groups as simply “legal”
LETTER TO THE EDITOR
of this magnitude made by others. An honest commitment to free discussion necessitates allowing controversial figures to speak and have their ideas heard. Ultimately, despite some shortcomings, Dowd’s first year in office has been a strong one, especially given the circumstances. He has guided the University through a time of financial and political crisis with a steady hand, focusing first and foremost on the interests of the institution and its students. While more could be done on the issues of transparency and free speech, the University appears to be in good hands with Dowd at the helm. Overall, we give him a letter grade of an A- for his first year.
and “illegal.” Protests are not meant to be in accordance with the government. They are meant to give citizens a voice when they feel there is injustice.
Being unionized does not give union members the right to hold the city hostage for absurd demands or to threaten to disrupt every citizen’s life. It is also not right for the police to brutally shut down another protest, which drew in great nonviolent support, because they do not have the law behind them. Freedom of expression is not when it complies with the government’s standards; it is for when the people feel they have been misrepresented. Famous street artist Banksy responded to the Palestinian Action protest by painting a mural of a judge beating a protester with a gavel on a wall of
the Royal Courts of Justice. While the mural was covered up shortly after it was painted, it mocked the British justice system for suppressing its citizens’ demonstrations. The British government might paint over the blood on the walls and handcuff ordinary citizens as if they were Taliban members, but they will never be able to strip people of their voices. Protests will continue to happen until people feel like their demands are met. It does not feel fair to throw money at a union just to get them to start doing their job, while innocent people are marked as criminals. Will the British government continue to cower at some people’s requests and just arrest the others who dissent? Or, will they take the difficult, but needed action to reform justice and uphold their duty as a democratic government?
As I walked through the East End, I saw that London is not just Buckingham Palace or Westminster Abbey, but it is also a place where civil unrest is evident and inevitable. You can either let it infect you like the plague or slaughter you like Jack the Ripper, or you can let it push you forward, like the tide of a £22 boat ride across the River Thames.
The views expressed in this column are those of the author and not necessarily those of The Observer.
Contact Abby Hernan at ahernan@nd.edu
An ode to the Irish and the Aggies
As a kid, fall Saturdays meant one thing: Notre Dame football. I have vivid memories of watching games with my dad and brothers and the yearly pilgrimage to South Bend to watch the Irish in person. We’d criss-cross campus, tossing a football on the quads, with my dad inevitably introducing us to someone he went to school with while he was there during his undergrad or law school years. Notre Dame is truly in my blood; I’m from a large
Midwest Catholic family and my grandparents sent five of their six children to either Saint Mary’s or Notre Dame. It was an unspoken family rule that the grandchildren had to apply to ND. It’s a school that has always felt like family and home to me. Going to Notre Dame was the fulfillment of my childhood dreams. I grew up in so many ways there. I learned how important my faith was to me and made incredible friends who supported me through thick and thin, with memories that will remain forever. It was absolutely everything I could have wanted from my college experience. I started my engineering see “Ode” on page 6
Columnist, “Letters from London”
ABBY HERNAN | The Observer
The author frequently uses the Waterloo Underground Station, located near Conway Hall in London, UK. Fares have been increasing to nearly £140 a month for many Londoners.
Continued from page 5
job soon after graduating in May 2022. That job included graduate school after my first year, and as I started my search, one school stood out: Texas A&M University. Come August 2023, I found myself driving cross-country to College Station, Texas to start my master’s in aerospace engineering, having never set foot on campus and not knowing a soul. I was awed by the sheer size of the school, with over 75,000 students. The graduate school
alone is larger than Notre Dame’s entire student population. I was concerned about the difficulty of graduate engineering classes as well as not knowing any professors or other students. And yet, there was a familiarity about it that I couldn’t put my finger on.
On my first full day in Aggieland, I went to Mass at St. Mary’s Catholic Church and felt a sense of God’s peace telling me that I was exactly where I was supposed to be. And boy was he right! Again I found myself in a place that pushed me toward excellence, forming deep friendships
OPINION
with some of the coolest people, and I fully immersed myself in the Aggie culture. And I came to understand why a massive public university in central Texas felt so similar to a mid-sized Catholic school in northern Indiana. Both A&M and ND are institutions that place priority on the mission of forming students in both academics and as better people. The Aggie core values and the Notre Dame mission both speak of service, loyalty, striving to be the best you can be and putting others before yourself. These values seep into the fabric of both schools
and encourage students to be a part of something bigger than themselves. Both schools boast impressive alumni networks, keeping their former students connected long after leaving College Station or South Bend. There’s the traditions that don’t make sense to anyone on the outside looking in (midnight yell or drummer’s circle, anyone?). And of course, there’s the football aspect. This weekend, just as I did last year at Kyle Field, I get to celebrate the two schools that made me who I am as they meet on the gridiron. I get to introduce family
and friends from all over the country to each other and show my Aggies around the house that Knute built. Don’t worry, Irish fans — I’ll be in my blue and gold, of course! But I’ll also be proudly wearing my Aggie Ring. Because whether I was welcomed as a long-awaited friend or as a complete stranger, both Notre Dame and Texas A&M changed me for the better, and I will be forever grateful.
Anna Burger Class of 2022
Sept. 8
The threat to free speech on college campuses
By Liam Kelly Editor-in-Chief
On Wednesday afternoon at 12:23 p.m., conservative political activist and organizer Charlie Kirk was shot dead at Utah Valley University. The shock and senselessness of the event naturally moved the country to horror. This man was struck down in the prime of his political career at the young age of 31, leaving behind a loving wife and two young children. Love him or hate him, Kirk had been a driving force of a political and cultural revolution which saw young people shift dramatically to the right in the past 10 years. His organization, Turning Point USA, and his own outspoken style were credited by many in bringing over this crucial young vote to President Donald Trump in the last election. In his short life, never having held elected office, Kirk had accomplished more than many elder
By Jonah Tran
Comedian Shane Gillis’ opening act before Zach Bryan received mixed reviews. On the one hand, there are those who deem his performance inappropriate for the family setting of a concert at a Catholic university. On the other hand, there are those who absolutely loved the set, thankful for the opportunity to see one of their favorite comedians in action. The most amusing contingent, in my opinion, are those who defend Shane Gillis’ performance as a championing of the First Amendment’s right to speech: a testament of American exceptionalism. As the title suggests, I have constructed and will propose a defense of Shane Gillis’ performance.
Objection 1. It was clear that the majority of Gillis’ jokes were highly offensive and crossed “the boundary” of what ought to be joked about.
Objection 2. Further, the offensive nature of the jokes are simply inappropriate for the setting of a family-oriented concert at a Catholic university.
Objection 3. Further, Gillis
statesmen do in their entire careers.
The media fervor in the coming days will inevitably focus on the killer, who is still at large. Regardless of what specific madness drove that monster to pull the trigger on Wednesday afternoon in Utah, his goal, accomplished in such a brutal manner, was to stop Kirk from speaking. It was not merely an attack on Kirk’s political beliefs — it was an attack on the basic conviction that citizens in a democracy should settle their differences through debate and not through violence.
The killing is all the more shocking in that it took place on a college campus. While he may have been a prolific campaign fundraiser, Kirk’s primary mission was to affirm the principle of open debate and free expression on college campuses. He recognized that while many institutions may claim to espouse liberal principles, in reality, there is widespread opposition to free speech at many colleges. The Foundation for
Individual Rights and Expression’s (FIRE) 2026 College Free Speech
Rankings report similarly noted a “chilling” atmosphere for free speech on campuses in which students and administrations are increasingly eager to cancel speaking engagements of those whose views they deem too controversial. Kirk stood against this dogmatic opposition to free speech, arriving on college campuses across the country to face hostile crowds and try to convince them of his views. Although sometimes fiery in his rhetoric, he endeavored to treat all who debated him with respect, forcing them to engage with his ideas seriously, instead of belittling or shunning them.
As Kirk himself said, “When people stop talking, really bad stuff starts … When you stop having a human connection with the people you disagree with, it becomes a lot easier to want to commit violence against that group.”
While the nation has rightly been horrified at Kirk’s killing, and political leaders on both sides of the aisle have denounced the tragedy, support for political violence in America is unfortunately much higher than it ought to be. FIRE’s report shockingly found that 34% of college students support the use of violence to stop a campus speech they disagree with, up from 20% in 2022.
The ideal of free speech that Kirk fought for, so essential to the democratic process, is in real danger. To lose this norm is to jettison a basic premise of democracy — that citizens should settle their differences with the ballot, not the bullet.
This virtue of tolerance for views we disagree with or even abhor, like all virtues in democracy, requires constant maintenance by a nation’s citizens. As a university, Notre Dame should strive harder to uphold the ideal of free speech that Kirk fought for, especially given that the University was given an
In defense of Shane Gillis
should not have been allowed to perform at such an event.
On the contrary, comedy is meant to entertain. It is supposed to subvert social norms: that is what makes something funny. I answer that, Shane Gillis is hilarious. Full stop. No question. For one, the critics can point out the sensitive or offensive subject matter of the jokes, not the effect of the jokes. It is indisputable that Gillis’ timing, mannerisms and overall execution facilitated widespread laughter, even among those who suppressed their laughs or reacted with a timid “ooh” or “boo”. Even then, Gillis used the discomfort he created by his initial joke to segue into another joke about the audience’s discomfort. Though Gillis himself claimed that it was “impossible” to perform a comedy set at a stadium, he was still able to “work the crowd”, as it were.
The vast majority of critics hold one or more of these objections I have put forth. By responding to the objections, I implore the critics to reevaluate their assessment of Gillis.
Reply to Objection 1. This is the most common objection to Gillis’s performance: it was offensive. First,
let us consider the alternatives. Would you rather have Gillis, arguably one of the most popular comedians right now, to do a G-rated set? Would you prefer knock-knock jokes? Magic tricks? Juggling? Or would you prefer Dermot Kennedy to play more songs, so that people would have more ambient noise while they play Clash Royale on their phone or stagger up stairs or stand in lines? Consider the popular topics of comedy, namely sex and politics. It is no coincidence that these topics are both the most popular topics of jokes and also highly sensitive, polarizing topics, which affect us all. People ascribe far too high a value to sex and politics: It is a disservice to one’s human dignity for a gender/ sex ideology or a political ideology to be the core identity of what makes a person a human. Moreover, comedy seeks to break down the seriousness of these topics to, in my opinion, the benefit of everyone. And, it is reasonable to assume that the majority of people who laugh about these issues are not some maligned, evil-spirited people who hold different marginalized communities in contempt. Finally, “the boundary” of what
ought to be joked about is ever elusive to pinpoint. The limits of comedy, like much of social discourse, are unfortunately subjected to people’s competing ideologies about what must be protected at all cost. It diminishes the purpose of comedy, that is, entertainment, if comedians cannot say things that are genuinely funny. Reply to Objection 2. The internet as we know it has been around since the 1990s, so to claim that you could not have anticipated what Shane Gillis could joke about is simply ridiculous. You do not even have to open up a website to give an AIcreated summary about what he is about. And even if you did open a website, it was probably about how he got fired from SNL for being offensive. Even Gillis himself claimed during his set that it was inappropriate for children to be there. I argue that this objection is akin to the “chicken or the egg” conundrum: Was it Gillis’ fault or is there some culpability in parents or the university itself?
On the other hand, people say that the jokes are not in keeping with the Catholic character of the University. It can easily be argued
“F” ranking and placed at No. 238 in FIRE’s ranking. And as a student newspaper, we should be dedicated to the same belief that college campuses ought to be a place where reasonable students of good will can share their opinions and debate the most controversial topics of their day. To let free speech wither on college campuses is to let the shooter who took Kirk’s life have the final word. It is to lose a virtue essential to the functioning of democracy. Instead, let Kirk’s life and death remind us that we should defend free speech, even and especially when it is difficult or uncomfortable.
The views expressed in this column are those of the author and not necessarily those of The Observer.
Contact Liam Kelly at lkelly8@nd.edu
there are plenty of things that go on at Notre Dame that are not in keeping with its Catholic identity. There are bigger fish to fry, as it were, than raising a clenched-fist in protest of about 30-minutes of offensive jokes.
Reply to Objection 3. Your disapproval should not be targeted at Shane Gillis, whose job it is to do exactly what he did on Saturday: entertain. We may never know what kind of conversations went on behind the scenes about whether the University approved of the set or whether he went off script from the agreed-upon knock-knock jokes. Chances are, Gillis won’t be invited back to perform at a University-sponsored event. The damage, which I can scarcely call it, is done. Whatever the case, I am exceptionally pleased with Notre Dame’s decisions here: They made for a truly spectacular night.
The views expressed in this column are those of the author and not necessarily those of The Observer.
Contact Jonah Tran at jtran5@nd.edu
Columnist, “Amate et Odite Deo”
Lights, camera, Irish: The film sets of Notre Dame
By Harry Penne Scene Copy Editor
Despite being 2,000 miles from Hollywood, Notre Dame is no stranger to filmmaking, with University administration granting campus access for two movies: “Knute Rockne, All American” (1940) and “Rudy” (1993). These films are beloved by students and Irish fans alike, but where on campus did the camera roll?
The theatrical trailer for “Knute Rockne, All American” proudly proclaims being “Authentically filmed at the scene of the ‘Rock’s’ mightiest triumphs!” On-campus filming occurred in fall 1939 and crews were careful to show only buildings around in Rockne’s day. Campus’s film debut is a wide shot of God Quad, capturing the Main Building, the Basilica and Washington Hall. Much of the quad is similar to how it looks today, excluding slight sidewalk and foliage changes. Rockne’s (Pat O’Brien) first on-screen campus appearance is at the Fr. Sorin statue at the end of God Quad.
During a montage showing his student career, Rockne studies in front of the St. Edward statue on the quad between Cavanaugh, Zahm and St. Ed’s. This spot still proves
to be a popular study locale for students living in these dorms.
Interestingly, the statue’s orientation has changed from looking west in 1940 to now facing south.
In addition to being a football coach, Rockne was trained in chemistry. Crowley Hall gets a quick feature in the film during an establishing shot as the building where Rockne gives a chemistry lecture.
The final shot of “Rockne” showcases the Knute Rockne Memorial Gymnasium at the end of South Quad. Dubbed by students “The Rock,” the gymnasium’s exterior has barely changed since 1939. Inside is a bronze bust of Rockne; his nose is traditionally rubbed by students for good luck before an exam or, during football weekends, by fans for victory.
“Rudy” is a football season staple: It is shown in the football stadium yearly and the sounds of Jerry Goldsmith’s score continually fill campus. When Rudy (Sean Astin) leaves Joliet for Notre Dame, he enters campus via a peculiar route: around St. Mary’s Lake. It’s understandable why the filmmakers chose this: for a brilliant view and a reveal of the Dome. To recreate this shot, place a camera on Holy Cross Hill. Now, if you are looking for the gate he enters
through, it is worth noting that the gatehouse and sign he passes were a set created for the movie. In the film, Rudy studies at Holy Cross College, but the sequences set there were filmed in Notre Dame’s O’Shaughnessy Hall. The lecture scene where Rudy meets TA and friend D-Bob (Jon Favreau) was shot in classroom 118. The hallways today look fairly similar to how they do in the film with one major exception: the mailroom where Rudy gets his acceptance letter has been removed.
Lyons Hall, the only dorm featured in “Rudy,” and its arch are the backdrop for several clips of Rudy trying to find D-Bob a date. Campus legend says a couple who walks around the lakes holding hands and kisses under the arch will get married. Hesburgh Library is shown in the film several times, but a replicable shot is when Rudy, during the montage, sits at the bottom left corner of the reflecting pool wall talking to classmates. In one scene, Rudy and D-Bob eat in the west dining room of South Dining Hall and D-Bob meets his soon-to-begirlfriend. For those wanting to sit at their table, begin at the high table, go three rows back and find the center column of tables.
If you ever wondered what
dorm Rudy lives in during the film, it’s Moreau Seminary, just off St. Joseph’s Lake. The famous scene when Rudy opens his acceptance letter happens on a bench in front of Moreau. While the bench does not exist today, one fairly close in location can be found immediately west of the flagpole next to the seminary.
Several locations are shared between both films, most notably Notre Dame Stadium. “Rudy” spends significant time on the field and provides glimpses of the locker room and the “Play Like a Champion Today” sign. The game where Rudy plays (Notre Dame against Georgia Tech) was shot during the Boston College game at halftime on November 7, 1992. “Rockne,” however, shows actual archival game-play footage. The stadium has changed significantly since both films, featuring new additions from the Campus Crossroads project, but the field and spirit are still the same.
Both movies filmed at old Corby Hall, which was demolished in 2018. Rockne historically lived in Corby while studying at Notre Dame. In the film, Rockne, on his first day, is seen entering the building via the front porch and stairs. 53 years later, Rudy, upon his own
campus arrival, followed in the coach’s footsteps, walking up the steps to Corby for his meeting with Fr. Cavanaugh.
The Basilica of the Sacred Heart is the spiritual heart of Notre Dame, so it fits that both filmed inside. Across the movies, it’s fascinating to see the changes over the years. Coach Rockne’s funeral occurred in the Basilica (then Sacred Heart Church) on April 4, 1931, and the film recreates this. In “Rudy,” Rudy prays in the Basilica for his acceptance to Notre Dame. Fr. Cavanaugh, who talks with Fr. Hesburgh in a cameo appearance, notices Rudy and sits with him, providing comforting words. Should you want to sit in Rudy’s pew for Mass, he sat on the east side of the main nave, second row from the front, two seats in. Another faith-related moment is Rudy at the Grotto: he prays just to the right of the plaque at the center of the kneeler.
It is worth mentioning that a third film, “The Spirit of Notre Dame” (1931), is set at the University; however, it was made on replica sets in Hollywood and no photography, except for b-roll, was filmed on campus.
Contact Harry Penne at hpenne@nd.edu
TRISTAR Productions
Rudy attempts to secure a date for his TA at the foot of Touchdown Jesus. Rudy was portrayed by Sean Astin, who was later cast as Sam Gamgee in “The Lord of the Rings.”
HARRY PENNE | The Observer
Notice how little has changed here since the filming of “Rudy” in the early 90s: Even the broken stones at the corner of the reflecting pool are still yet to be entirely repaired.
Warner Bros. Entertainment Inc.
The theatrical trailer for “Knute Rockne, All American” boasted that the 1940 movie had been “authentically filmed at the scene of the ‘Rock’s’ mightiest triumphs!”
HARRY PENNE | The Observer
The black-and-white cinematography of “Knute Rockne, All American” obviously fails to capture the verdant splendor of God Quad in the early fall, before the leaves turn aflame.
TRISTAR Productions
Rudy sits in the nave of the Basilica of the Sacred Heart, praying after he submits his final application to Notre Dame. Fr. John Cavanaugh, in the background, aids his effort.
HARRY PENNE | The Observer
Rudy is depicted underneath the 13th and 14th Stations of the Cross (“Jesus dies on the cross” and “Jesus is taken down from the cross”). Ours were painted by Luigi Gregori.
Notre Dame’s most memorable home openers
By Tyler Reidy Associate Sports Editor
This weekend, No. 8 Notre Dame hosts No. 16 Texas A&M in one of the most anticipated Irish football home openers in recent memory. And while Marcus Freeman’s teams have generally produced forgettable results in their first impressions at home, this year’s squad can set the tone for the season at Notre Dame Stadium in a massive spot.
Heading into Saturday’s prime-time contest, let’s take a look back at some of Notre Dame’s most iconic football home openers.
No Leahy, no problem
Eight months after the resignation of four-time national champion head coach Frank Leahy, Notre Dame took the field to begin the 1954 season under Terry Brennan, who had graduated from the University only five years prior. The second-ranked Irish had not lost since November 1952, levying plenty of pressure on the program’s new leader. Furthermore, they opened the 1954 campaign against No. 4 Texas, who defeated the Irish the last time they had lost a season opener in 1934. The Longhorns marched down the field right away, reaching the Irish 7-yard line within the first two minutes of the game. There, however, they committed their first of seven turnovers on the day, fumbling in the backfield to shut down the drive. Two more recovered fumbles, four interceptions, and 21 points later, Notre Dame walked away with a shutout in its first post-Leahy
game.
Ara Parseghian’s Irish won additional marquee home openers in the late 1960s, first kicking off a national championship year with a 26-14 defeat of No. 7 Purdue in 1966. In that game, rookie quarterback Terry Hanratty bested Pro Football Hall of Famer Bob Griese by leaning on Jim Seymour, who set a Notre Dame record with 276 receiving yards. Two years later, Hanratty and Seymour led the way again in a 45-21 rout of No. 5 Oklahoma.
Milestones and Michigan
Notre Dame’s 1982 home opener centered around honoring tradition — and welcoming a new one. The Irish were set to host No. 10 Michigan in Notre Dame Stadium’s first night game, providing a grand stage to right the wrongs of the 1981 season. Early in ‘81, Notre Dame lost to Michigan as the No. 1 team in the country, beginning a tumultuous 5-6 season. Entering the 1982 Michigan game, their season opener, the Irish felt embarrassed and sought a restoration of their program’s legendary status.
Head coach Gerry Faust knew just what to do. A few hours before the game, he arranged a team viewing of “Wake Up the Echoes,” a recently-released documentary on the achievements of Notre Dame football. The film moved Faust, and it apparently struck a chord with the team as well. Against Michigan, the Irish played inspired football, recording eight sacks in a 23-17 victory. At the end of the decade, with Lou Holtz at the helm, the
Wolverines returned for two more season-opening showdowns. In 1988, Notre Dame began its most recent championship season with its first of 12 wins, topping No. 9 Michigan by a 19-17 score on four made field goals from walk-on kicker Reggie Ho. Two years later, topranked Notre Dame again got the better of Michigan in a No. 1 against No. 4 matchup, overcoming a late 24-14 deficit to win 28-24.
To start the next season, Notre Dame took part in another historic game, playing its first of many games on NBC. Against in-state foe Indiana, the Irish rolled to a 49-27 victory with Dick Enberg and Bill Walsh on the broadcast call. Tight end Irv Smith provided the highlight play on a 58-yard touchdown in the third quarter, dragging a Hoosier defender with him for more than 20 yards to reach the end zone.
Crazy contests in the mid-2000s
If you’re a student reading this, Notre Dame probably played a wild home opener in the year you were born. In 2002, the Irish knocked off Purdue while scoring zero points on offense. All three of their touchdowns originated from the defense, including a game-winning interception return from Vontez Duff in the fourth quarter of a 24-17 win.
The 2003 and 2005 home openers each featured a remarkable Irish comeback, and, in between, an upset of No. 8 Michigan in 2004. The 2003 game brought Washington State to town, and the Cougars came ready to play, opening up a 19-0
lead in the second quarter. Notre Dame didn’t waver, though, rattling off 26 consecutive points (including 20 within the first 12 minutes of the fourth quarter) to take the lead. Washington State answered on Sammy Moore’s one-handed catch to force overtime in the final minute, but the Cougars missed their field goal in the extra period, allowing Nicholas Setta to win the game for the Irish with a 40-yard kick.
Although 2005 is known far better for a later Irish loss, Notre Dame’s first setback of that season was also one for the books.
After starting 2-0 with road wins at No. 23 Pittsburgh and No. 3 Michigan, the Irish came home to unranked Michigan State and struggled badly, falling behind 38-17 with two minutes remaining in the third quarter. That’s when quarterback Brady Quinn yanked out his Superman cape, slinging his third, fourth and fifth touchdown passes of the night to complete a 21-point comeback and force overtime. Michigan State prevailed, though, walking off the Irish on a Jason Teague rushing touchdown.
Quinn and the gang avoided any dramatics in 2006, blowing the doors off of No. 19 Penn State in a 41-17 smackdown, one of Notre Dame’s most impressive home-opener performances in the 21st century.
Quarterbacks coming up big
Teams want to lean on their leaders early in the season, and Notre Dame has done just that in many of its recent home openers, riding phenomenal
quarterback play. In 2009’s 35-0 shutout, Jimmy Clausen made a mockery of worthy opponent Colin Kaepernick and Nevada, racking up 315 passing yards and four touchdowns, three of them going to 189-yard wide receiver Michael Floyd. Malik Zaire delivered a similar passing performance in a 38-3 toppling of Texas, completing 19 of his 22 passes for 313 yards and a trio of scores.
In other moments, the Irish required late heroics from their signal-callers. When Notre Dame struggled with Purdue and the undefeated regular season of 2012 hung in the balance only two games in, the Irish benched Everett Golson for junior backup Tommy Rees. Inheriting a 17-17 tie game with two minutes remaining, Rees drove the Irish to the Purdue 10, setting up Kyle Brindza’s game-winning field goal.
Jack Coan put together a decisive drive of his own in 2021, saving the Irish from a disastrous loss against Toledo in his home debut. After the Rockets took the lead with less than 90 seconds remaining, Coan led the Irish deep into opposing territory but dislocated the middle finger of his throwing hand in the process. In between plays, he sprinted to the sideline and had it popped back into place, then raced back to the line of scrimmage. On the very next snap, he found tight end Michael Mayer for the gamewinning touchdown, securing a 32-29 escape.
Contact Tyler Reidy at treidy3@nd.edu
Irish women’s soccer extends five-game streak
By Nikki Stachurski Sports Writer
The No. 6 Fighting Irish opened Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC) play tonight as they traveled to Raleigh to face longtime opponent NC State. Notre Dame defeated NC State 2-1, with the game-winning goal scored by sophomore forward Annabelle Chukwu.
The Wolfpack’s season is off to a similar start as last year, with only one win and two draws heading into tonight’s matchup. Despite their record, NC State has proven they should not be counted out against ranked opponents based on their draw when they faced the Irish last season. Tensions were high heading into tonight’s game, the Irish with a record to protect and the Wolfpack with something to prove.
The Irish have been hot, with tonight’s victory marking five consecutive wins against tough opponents across conferences, defeating Cincinnati, Michigan, Oakland and
Michigan State before adding NC State to the list.
The Wolfpack opened scoring eight minutes in with a goal by midfielder Emily Wong, despite the Irish dominating the minutes prior with four shots on goal. The goal ignited the Wolfpack, marking the start of their offensive efforts.
The Wolfpack was halted with two back-to-back fouls by midfielder Mary Frances Symmes, giving the Irish the change in pace necessary to secure their offensive position. 21 minutes in, Notre Dame made a substitution which placed sophomore forward Lily Joseph in, where she generated two shots on goal for the Irish.
Not even a yellow card on senior midfielder Laney Matriano stopped the Irish’s scoring efforts, utilizing previous chemistry with corner kicks to make Wolfpack goalkeeper Olivia Pratapas work even harder to stop the Irish’s attacks on net. Notre Dame’s continued attack paid off at the 38 minute mark with the tying goal by sophomore midfielder Izzy
Engle, assisted by Matriano. The Irish continued to maintain possession and a superior offense until the end of the half, with NC State giving up a foul and a yellow card they could not afford.
When the buzzer rang, signaling the end of the half, both teams left the field frustrated but for different reasons. NC State was making small fundamental mistakes they should not have, from simple turnovers to aggressive plays that did not correct their efforts on offense. Despite tying the game, Notre Dame was unable to maintain a lead however, this season Notre Dame has had a knack for performing their best in the second half, especially against tougher opponents like Michigan and Michigan State.
The second half was defined by intense defensive rushes and an emphasis on scoring drives, with both teams giving up four fouls each. The Irish continued their attack with corner kicks to penetrate Pratapas’ weak side. Both teams
seemed less hesitant to take shots, the Irish with 14 and the Wolfpack with six. Goalkeepers Pratapas for NC State and sophomore goalkeeper Sonoma Kasica for the Irish were put to the test by making creative saves despite the score still remaining tied.
At the 85 minute mark, the named Top Drawer Scorer of the Week, Chukwu landed a stunning goal to give the Irish the lead for the first time in tonight’s match. Chukwu was assisted by junior midfielder Morgan Roy. The Irish maintained their lead within the remaining four minutes of the game, delivering NC State their sixth loss of the season.
Tonight’s victory proved the Irish were not afraid to create unorthodox offensive plays, suggesting the possibility Notre Dame’s coaches used tonight as an opportunity to test their team’s chemistry in a game that would not make or break their season. Although emerging victorious, the Irish did not emerge with the score they anticipated.
Notre Dame’s early excellence has been aided greatly by Kasica, who has only allowed two goals since the 2-2 draw against Arkansas in mid-August. The Irish have a strong core of goalkeepers who have provided the steady presence the Irish need in the net.
The No. 6 Notre Dame Fighting Irish take the field next against the No. 2 Duke Blue Devils at home Sept. 18, a game that will test the offensive chemistry of Notre Dame. The Irish will go into the game with a sense of pressure to maintain their win-streak and must use their home-field advantage to generate offense as soon as possible. If the Irish wait until the second half to score most of their goals, as their season trend has shown, the Blue Devils offense may get an early lead. But the Irish consistency has proven itself dependable this season, a core facet of their play Notre Dame hope to continue.
Contact Nikki Stachurski at mstachu2@nd.edu
QUESTION OF THE DAY:
What do you think about The Shirt?
Claiborne Lineberry freshman Dunne Hall
“It is gorgeous.”
Sarah Bredican junior Cavanaugh Hall
“I’ve seen better.”
Hilary Brett junior McGlinn Hall
“I like the shirt but dislike the color.”
CROSSWORD | WILL SHORTZ
Rian Gallagher grad student Fischer Graduate
“Fairly average.”
Robyn Kell grad student Fischer Graduate
“I think it’s ugly but like the sentiment.”
SOCIAL MEDIA POLL
Have an idea for a poll? Email dstangel@nd.edu
Do you have the freshman flu?
A recent poll conducted by The Observer via Instagram asked students if they are currently experiencing the freshman flu. The freshman flu normally displays symptoms of a fever, sore throat, runny nose, cough, headache, body aches, and/or fatigue. The majority of respondents, 58.3%, say that they do not have the freshman flu, yet never say never. The remaining 41.7% say they have been brought down by the freshman flu. It has been said that a football win can bring improvements in students’ immune systems; hopefully Saturday proves this to be true.
THE NEXT FIVE DAYS
Want your event included here? Email news@ndsmcobserver.com
Friday
“A Conversation with Supreme Court Justice Amy Coney Barrett” DeBartolo Performing Arts Center 4 p.m. - 5:15 p.m.
Saturday
Notre Dame football vs. Texas A&M Notre Dame Stadium 7:30 p.m.
Sunday
Film and panel discussion: “The Swimmers” (2022) DeBartolo Performing Arts Center 4 p.m. - 6:15 p.m.
Monday
2025 Carrier Medal Ceremony and Lecture Jordan Hall of Science 5:30 p.m. - 8 p.m.
Tuesday
Lecture: “Apex Corruption Erodes Democratic Values” Hesburgh Center, room C103 12:30 p.m. - 2 p.m.
PHOTO OF THE DAY
MARIELLA TADDONIO | The Observer
FujiSan, an Asian-inspired restaurant, serving fresh sushi, finally opened Thursday on the first floor of LaFortune Student Center, taking the spot of the former Flip Kitchen which closed at the end of last year.
By Claire Watson Associate Sports Editor
A football comeback: Eli Raridon
In 2025, Notre Dame is looking for offensive production from their new upperclassman tight end after Mitchell Evans was drafted by the Carolina Panthers. The senior tight end from Des Moines, Iowa, Eli Raridon, looks prepared to fill that position and should not go unnoticed in this iteration of the Irish offense.
It was not always easy for Raridon, especially in the early years of his Irish career. In 2022, Raridon started in five games before suffering two ACL tears in 10 months that would keep him on the sidelines for the rest of that season and early into his sophomore season. Even while enduring this injury, the freshman refused to quit. After committing to rehab for both tears, he is now entering his fourth season in blue and gold with something to prove.
After fully recovering, Raridon returned to the field looking for a fresh start to his football career. He made his first appearance midway through his sophomore year, taking the field in a week seven matchup against thenNo. 25 ranked Louisville on Oct. 7, 2023. He rounded out the 2023 season, appearing in seven games and starting the final three. Raridon finished the year with a total of five receptions (10.2 yards per reception) and 51 yards (7.3 yards per game).
After making a full recovery heading into the 2024 season, Raridon had the preparation of a full offseason behind him. While not being the starter in every one, Raridon competed in all 16 games for the Irish as a junior, starting in three of them. He finished the season tallying up 90 yards (5.6 yards per game), 11 receptions (8.2 receptions per game) and a pair of touchdowns.
Now a senior, Raridon has outdone his production from past years with the Irish in only one contest. In the season opener against Miami, sophomore quarterback and first-time starter C.J. Carr relied on Raridon most among his many pass-catchers, targeting the senior a team-high nine times. He used those targets to lead all Irish players in production, managing 97 yards on five receptions, including his longest reception so far in his career of 65 yards. Despite struggling early with some drops, he flashed his big-play ability in the pass game.
Raridon is at the top of the depth chart once again for the home opener against Texas A&M. He will expect to play in a key role for much of the
season, as no other tight end saw the field against Miami, barring a single snap for junior transfer Ty Washington. He will be joined by a plethora of offensive options, some of whom will contribute as returners to the team, while others will play in only their second game in an Irish uniform.
Being one of the older and more experienced players, even with his early career injuries, it is important that Raridon helps to guide the younger players who have stepped into greater roles this season. He did not feature heavily in last year’s game against Texas A&M but this year he will need to contribute significantly to ensure
that the Irish come out victorious in the rematch. An efficient pass game is vital for establishing the run, something Notre Dame failed to do two Sundays ago. If Raridon continues to emerge as the receiving option he was against the Hurricanes, this Irish offense could reach a new level, especially through the air.
Excitement surrounds the Notre Dame campus as they prepare for the first home game of 2025 and what should be considered a must-win against Texas A&M on Sept. 13. Raridon will see if he can answer the call in Notre Dame Stadium at 7:30 p.m.
Contact Claire Watson at cwatson7@nd.edu
KEIRA JONES | The Observer
Senior tight end Eli Raridon led the Irish offense with 97 yards in Notre Dame’s 27-24 loss to Miami at Hard Rock Stadium on Aug 31, 2025.
Cahill: Irish ready to make a statement Saturday
By Noah Cahill Sports Editor
There’s no mistaking how important this game is. Opening up on the road against a top-10 team in Miami before a rematch with Texas A&M meant starting 0-2 was a real possibility. The Irish will undoubtedly be a much different team by the end of 2025. However, the committee will not care about that if they see two losses to what could end up being the only ranked opponents on their schedule. Keeping a 10-2 Notre Dame team riding a 10-game win streak out of the College Football Playoff (CFP) feels unlikely, but it is definitely a possibility. Nonetheless, even if their playoff hopes remain alive, the Irish have no margin for error with a loss on Saturday. A win, however, could change the trajectory of the season and remind the country why they belong in the inner circle of contenders. They will need a similar blueprint to last season’s victory over the Aggies to do it.
Notre Dame did not play poorly by any means against Miami two Sundays ago. C.J. Carr exceeded expectations in his first start, doing what should have been enough to eke out a win. Pair his game with the performance of last season’s supporting cast on the road against A&M, and the Irish start 1-0. But Carr did not get the same support
that Riley Leonard did in his first start a year ago. An unproven offensive line held its own then. This time, they were dominated. The defense generated turnovers. This year, they created none. The entire team excelled in both the middle eight and during crunch time. This year, they lost the former by two touchdowns and couldn’t come up with a stop in the latter. The loss left Irish fans asking the question – who was to blame? Was it the coordinators? Was it the line play? Was it the game plan on offense? The answer: All of the above.
Who will be Notre Dame’s starting quarterback? The question that dominated offseason headlines up until Carr won the job over Kenny Minchey. And yet the question of quarterback play did not feature in headlines after week one. Head coach Marcus Freeman and his staff can take solace in that. They made the right decision and they have their guy. However, an offensive line touted among the favorites for the Joe Moore Award in the preseason looked in disarray. An elite Miami defensive line unit definitely has something to do with that, but the A&M line has no slouches either.
“Sometimes you can get paralyzed because of movement … at times, I thought we did get a little bit lateral,” Freeman said. Despite these struggles, he remained relatively unconcerned. “I am as
confident in that group as anybody on our team. They’ll be fine.”
They will have an opportunity to prove themselves against another strong defensive unit. There remain unanswered questions, chief among them being a battle for the starting right guard spot between Sullivan Absher and Guerby Lambert. Absher rotated throughout the line against Miami, while Lambert never seemed to settle in fully. But Freeman’s confidence in the group speaks volumes. The talent is still the talent. Expect a statement performance on Saturday.
On the other side of the ball, a talented defensive line was unable to produce, specifically with the four-man rush. The likes of Boubacar Traore and Bryce Young, joining veterans Joshua Burnham and Jordan Botelho, promised to wreak havoc in opposing backfields. However, the group failed to meet those expectations against a stout Miami offensive line, which had a strong case for being the best unit on the field that game. Sending four on 17 occasions, the Irish got pressure on Carson Beck only once. He threw a 28-yard touchdown on that play. Perhaps more concerning was the failure to generate takeaways, something that Notre Dame did better than any team in the nation a season ago. Beyond forcing zero turnovers to Miami’s two, they missed
FOOTBALL
several opportunities to make plays on the football in big moments. The leaping, onehanded touchdown grab by C.J. Daniels in front of Adon Shuler comes to mind. Across the board, the defense didn’t make the plays Irish fans have become accustomed to seeing them make.
“The execution is still what matters,” Freeman said. “We can’t be displaced out of our gaps, we gotta make plays on balls that are in the air, we gotta be aggressive when we need to be aggressive.”
They failed to do enough of each. Defensive coordinator Chris Ash was conservative with his play call, often opting for a four-man rush before the blitz. What made Al Golden so special as a defensive mind was his ability to create pressure on the biggest downs. Ash will need to find ways to do the same. No matter what, though, he will need a higher level from his players to do so.
The most pervasive question following the loss was directed at offensive coordinator Mike Denbrock. Why did Jeremiyah Love and Jadarian Price not see more of the ball? The star backfield duo combined for a mere 16 carries and 78 yards. Freeman chalked up the lack of touches to the reads C.J. Carr was making. Insisting on giving the young quarterback easy throws to make, especially early, the staff drew up several run-pass options
that saw Carr pass instead of hand off. That will need to change this weekend, but not just for the sake of the run game. Carr proved on Sunday that he is ready for the moment. When he was unleashed to push the ball downfield, he did so with great success. The game plan should not be as simple as giving the ball to your best player (though that does need to happen more). Carr’s arm talent can unlock a new layer for this offense that even Leonard, for all of his many strengths, could not. Denbrock will need to lean into it for this team to become a true contender.
Only a year removed from their first meeting, this A&M game feels like another program-defining one. I said a week ago that I don’t view the Miami loss as a reason for alarm bells. That assertion only holds if the Irish come to play. Everything is still in front of this group. Unlike in seasons past, there is reason to believe Freeman will maximize their potential. Notre Dame only needs to win the game on Saturday, even if that is by a point. But if they play to that immense potential, backed by a home crowd riding the high of a national championship run, it should be a much more dominant victory, one that sends a message to the college football world.
Contact Noah Cahill at ncahill2@nd.edu
Notre Dame’s keys to victory against Texas A&M
By Chris Dailey Sports Writer
Saturday’s home opener against Texas A&M carries a “win or go home” feel for Notre Dame. A second loss on the season would more than likely eradicate any hopes the Irish had of making the playoffs. Historically, Marcus Freeman has struggled in home openers. He now has perhaps the biggest test of his young coaching career on Saturday night.
A win against the Aggies would be a huge momentum shift for Freeman’s squad and likely serve as their only ranked win of the season, barring any major surprises. It seems as if it was just yesterday that Notre Dame was largely unproven under Freeman, in search of their first big win in a new era for the program. Now the Irish are a national championship contender and the expectation to win is steadfast. Here’s how Notre Dame can get the job done in their biggest game of the season.
Limit Marcel Reed
Texas A&M fans have marveled at Marcel Reed’s dynamic playmaking ability over the last year. The Irish were perhaps lucky not to have to deal with Reed in 2024. However, they will now need to make a strong game plan to stop the Aggies’ do-it-all quarterback.
Reed rushed for 543 yards and seven touchdowns through 11 games last year, good for just shy of 50 yards gained on the ground per game. This season, he’s already accumulated 105 yards in addition to 509 in the air. Granted, Texas A&M has played UTSA and Utah State through the first two weeks, but great players don’t let up against weak competition. For Reed, he has hit the ground running.
One of Notre Dame’s biggest issues in their 27-24 loss to Miami was the inability to provide sufficient pressure in the box. At times, it appeared Notre Dame was off rhythm, Freeman noted in his weekly press conference. “Most of our missed tackles probably
weren’t in space. They were more in the box and the ability to make sure we’re driving our feet, we’re wrapping up,” he said.
As Reed uses his legs, Notre Dame must go back to the basics, make their tackles and force the mobile quarterback to make quick decisions. Overall, Notre Dame registered only one sack, down from their average of 2.5 sacks per game a season ago.
Mentality
Notre Dame’s biggest strength during the Marcus Freeman era has not been any tangible statistic that can be easily proven in the box score. Rather, it’s the team’s hard-nosed mentality. While the Irish had stars last year, many of their best moments came from an unprecedented willpower spread out across the squad. For instance, junior running back Jeremiyah Love’s iconic run against Penn State or Riley Leonard’s opening drive against Ohio State were just as much about mentality as they were about talent.
Although the technical side of
the game was not up to the standard Notre Dame was hoping for in week one, the mindset of last year’s team shone through as the game progressed. With their backs planted against the wall, Notre Dame will need to lean on that internal strength all the more.
Protect Carr
This subtitle may be misleading. Redshirt freshman C.J. Carr showed amazing poise against Miami. His first touchdown pass was all the buzz on social media. In fact, Carr played so well that Freeman and his staff can confidently take the reins off and open the playbook to the young quarterback. Rather, Notre Dame’s offensive line unit was shaky against Miami. After losing fan-favorite Pat Coogan, Sam Pendleton, Rocco Spindler and Ty Chan to the transfer portal this offseason, the Irish’s big men were not expected to be perfect. However, given the successes Notre Dame has had at developing offensive linemen and the caliber of recruits they bring
in, stronger performances will be needed against Texas A&M.
Sophomore offensive lineman
Anthonie Knapp showed flashes of his dominant self, but was guilty of a few errors when protecting Carr in the pocket. Right tackle Aamil Wagner also had a tough time fending off the vicious attack of Rueben Bain and Akheem Mesidor. Overall, pass protection was inconsistent among the unit, and while the Irish didn’t use the ground game as much as many were expecting, the run protection was of equal concern.
The offensive line is undoubtedly young and inexperienced. With the number of players they lost and the unfortunate injury to Charles Jagusah, it will take time for them to fully develop. For Notre Dame, time is of the essence as they prepare for a season-defining game. The Irish need their offensive line to step up and provide Carr the protection he needs if they want to stay in the playoff picture.
Contact Chris Dailey at cdailey2@nd.edu
Football beat picks: Notre Dame vs. Texas A&M
By Observer Sports Staff Football Beat
Noah Cahill
Notre Dame played a B game against Miami. Both lines were outplayed in the trenches. The team lost the turnover battle and the middle eight. The play call was too conservative on both sides of the ball. At their best, this Irish team is talented enough to win this game comfortably. Their biggest question mark entering the season, whether CJ Carr was the right choice, was all but answered. The first-time starter met the moment in a tough environment against a top-10 team. The rest of his team and coaching staff needed to do more. Love and Price need more touches. The line needs to generate more pressure, both through the four-man rush and with more frequent blitzes. The secondary needs to take the ball away. There are reasons to believe these things will happen.
Despite being relatively untested in their 2-0 start, Texas A&M comes in with momentum to start the season. Bolstered by the transfer portal, the Aggie wide receiver corps and second-year starter Marcel Reed present a far greater offensive threat than last season. They will look to continue doing what they’ve done in games one and two with the ball in their hands. On defense, they will need to slow down the run game, which proved to be a struggle in their opener, allowing a 203yard output to the University
of Texas at San Antonio. Notre Dame’s strengths pair well against the Aggies’. If they play to their full potential, they should win this top20 matchup comfortably.
Prediction: Notre Dame: 31, Texas A&M: 17
Chris Dailey
Fortune favors the bold. The Irish will need to take risks to shut down this explosive Aggies attack. Led by shifty quarterback Marcel Reed, Texas A&M will rely on its ground game rather than testing the highly touted Irish secondary. With that in mind, defensive coordinator Chris Ash has to find a way to apply more pressure to the box. On the other side of the ball, there is no question that Jeremiyah Love needs to receive more touches of the rock. A legitimate Heisman candidate should not be given the ball only 10 times, as he was in the season opener against Miami. His right-hand man, Jadarian Price, only received six, all on one drive in the second quarter. Head coach Marcus Freeman and his staff must find ways to unleash their playmakers and disrupt the Aggies’ biggest threats. If Freeman proved anything last season, it is that adjustments are his bread and butter. Expect the Irish to come out with a renewed edge, knowing they can’t take any snap for granted. Let’s also not forget that Notre Dame only lost by three to a ranked team on the road. It will be close, but they’ll win by a touchdown at home.
Prediction: Notre Dame: 24, Texas A&M: 17
Ben Hicks
Notre Dame is just 1-2 in home openers under head coach Marcus Freeman, with losses to Marshall and Northern Illinois and the lone win coming against the FCS school Tennessee State. Texas A&M’s physicality up front and skill on the outside will present a completely different challenge, but there is reason to believe the Irish can bounce back from the week one defeat. Notre Dame is 7-1 following losses during Freeman’s tenure, and there were plenty of bright spots to build upon from the Miami loss.
While Saturday’s showdown with Texas A&M should provide more offense than last year’s meeting in College Station, the Irish can still incorporate some of the same game plan. That starts with establishing the run — Jeremiyah Love and Jadarian Price combined for 22 carries, 135 yards and two touchdowns a year ago against an Aggie defensive front that produced a first and secondround NFL draft pick. Notre Dame’s own defensive front will need to be better than it was two weeks ago in Miami Gardens, but with Texas A&M quarterback Marcel Reed laboring from an injury, Chris Ash’s unit can dial in on controlling the passing attack. I see this game developing very similarly to last year’s, meaning that if Notre Dame can win the turnover battle and outduel Texas A&M on special
teams, they will be well on their way to a crucial top-20 home victory.
Prediction: Notre Dame: 31, Texas A&M: 21
Tyler Reidy
As far as the matchup goes, I’m asking two questions for Saturday night. First, what kind of a start can Notre Dame’s offense get out to?
In Miami, it took a while for CJ Carr and company to find a rhythm, allowing the Hurricanes to control the game. However, that same Irish offense left us with quite the final impression, tallying 17 points in the fourth quarter. If Notre Dame comes out on Saturday and continues that performance from the opening kickoff, I can see them leading from wire to wire, especially against an Aggie defense that hasn’t looked great against low-level opponents.
I also wonder the extent to which Notre Dame’s defense can dictate the game. Against Miami, we didn’t see that at all from the Irish, who played plenty of soft zone coverage and hardly dirtied the uniform of quarterback Carson Beck. Notre Dame Stadium will be loud come Saturday, playing to the defense’s advantage, but Texas A&M has the playmakers across the board to make the Irish pay for another lackluster performance.
Ultimately, I believe Notre Dame’s sense of urgency will be the difference maker in this game. We saw what happened when the Irish lost an early one last year; they didn’t lose again for more than four
months. In a game similar to last year’s against Louisville, Notre Dame takes command early and hangs on down the stretch.
Prediction: Notre Dame: 30, Texas A&M: 24
Claire Watson
Texas A&M brings in more experience to the Irish home opener than they did a season ago, but so does Notre Dame. While many people are questioning the Irish based on the loss against Miami, head coach Marcus Freeman looked to settle the doubts in his post-game press conference.
“As we evaluate that game, we did not think we had a personnel problem. There were plays in that game where Notre Dame beat Notre Dame. That’s unacceptable,” Freeman said.
Recognizing these mistakes from the first game and dialing in during practices is what is going to make the Irish football team stronger as a whole and a better competitor going forward this season. That starts on Saturday. The biggest questions remain with the offensive line. Still a relatively young group with constantly changing personnel, communication issues arose in a hostile environment. These little things had a big impact, especially in the rushing attack. However, having seen and worked through those mistakes before, Notre Dame should be well-prepared to do so again. The Irish come out on top over the Aggies in week three.
Prediction: Notre Dame: 21, Texas A&M: 14
KEIRA JONES | The Observer
The Notre Dame offensive line prepares to snap the ball in Notre Dame’s 27-24 loss to Miami at Hard Rock Stadium on Aug. 31, 2025. Coming into the season on the short list of contenders for the Joe Moore Award, the group will look to play closer to their talent level than they did two Sundays ago, where the Hurricane defensive line overwhelmed them at times.