We're starting to think the Playstation either is demented or really, really doesn't like Notre Dame. It picked wrong again last week -- although if real-life Brady Quinn-to-Jeff Samardzija hadn't happened, it'd have been the smartest videogame system in the land.
Well, this week it's taking an even bigger chance.
With Lee Corso and Kirk Herbstreit picking Notre Dame again, the Irish appeared to be easy winners in this game, especially after Quinn found Samardzija for 15 yards on Notre Dame's first offensive play. Quarterback and receiver found each other again for a 56-yard score on the opening drive of the game. For No. 21 Notre Dame, it was as good as it would get. Navy scored 23 of the next 26 points and shut the Irish out in the second half. The Midshipmen knocked Quinn out of the game and controlled the ball on offense to keep Notre Dame's offense off the field.
The final score, 23-10 Navy, snapping a 42-game losing streak and shocking everyone in South Bend.
Statistical Leaders:
Notre Dame: Passing -- Quinn 10-13-1-137, 1 TD. Rushing -- Walker 4-26. Receiving -- Samardzija 5-98, 1 TD; McKnight 3-40. Defensive -- Abiamiri 4 tkl, TFL, Sack.
Navy: Passing -- Bryant 5-9-0-81. Rushing -- Ballard 19-95; Hines 3-49, 1 TD; Campbell 4-11; Bryant 10-1, 1 TD. Receiving -- Campbell 2-39. Defensive -- Thrasher 3 tkl., INT; McGown 3 tkl., INT.
After Week 9:
Notre Dame 4-4, unranked.
Polls: BCS: 1. Oklahoma; 2. West Virginia; 3. California; 4. Louisville; 5. Virginia Tech. Coaches: 1. Oklahoma; 2. West Virginia; 3. Louisville, 4. California; 5. Virginia Tech. Media: 1. Oklahoma; 2. West Virginia; 3. Louisville; 4. California; 5. Virginia Tech.
Heisman: 1. Troy Smith, Sr., QB, Ohio State; 2. Adrian Peterson, Jr., RB, Oklahoma; 3. DeSean Jackson, So., WR, California; 4. Reggie Ball, Sr., QB, Georgia Tech; 5. Chris Leak, Sr., QB, Florida.
-By Michael Rothstein of The Journal Gazette
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