2014 Notre Dame Fighting Irish football team
American college football season
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The 2014 Notre Dame Fighting Irish football team was an American football team that represented the University of Notre Dame as an independent during the 2014 NCAA Division I FBS football season. In their fifth year under head coach Brian Kelly, the Irish compiled an 8–5 record and outscored opponents 427 to 379. They began the season 6–0 and were ranked as high as No. 5 in the AP and Coaches Polls, but went 1–5 in the second half of the regular season.[1] Notre Dame's defense suffered significant injuries and yielded more than 41 points per game in those six games. For the first time in school history, the Irish gave up 30 or more points in seven consecutive contests.
- Brian Kelly (5th season)
| 2014 Notre Dame Fighting Irish football | |
|---|---|
| |
Music City Bowl champion | |
| Conference | Independent |
| Record | 8–5 |
| Head coach |
|
| Offensive coordinator | Mike Denbrock (1st season) |
| Offensive scheme | Spread |
| Defensive coordinator | Brian VanGorder (1st season) |
| Base defense | 3–4 multiple |
| MVP | Joe Schmidt |
| Captains |
|
| Home stadium | Notre Dame Stadium |
| Conf. | Overall | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| Team | W | L | W | L | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| BYU | – | 8 | – | 5 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Notre Dame | – | 8 | – | 5 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Navy | – | 8 | – | 5 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Army | – | 4 | – | 8 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Rankings from AP Poll | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
The Irish finished on a high note, upsetting No. 22 LSU in the Music City Bowl, 31–28, as Kyle Brindza kicked a game-winning field goal as time expired. This was Notre Dame's first win over a ranked opponent in a bowl game since 1993.
The team's statistical leaders included quarterback Everett Golson (3,445 passing yards), running back Tarean Folston (889 rushing yards), wide receiver William Fuller (76 receptions for 1,094 yards), linebacker Jaylon Smith (112 total tackles), and kicker Kyle Brindza (93 points scored).[2] Middle linebacker Joe Schmidt was selected as the team's most valuable player.[3]
The team played its home games at Notre Dame Stadium in Notre Dame, Indiana.
Schedule
| Date | Time | Opponent | Rank | Site | TV | Result | Attendance |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| August 30 | 3:30 p.m. | Rice | No. 17 | NBC | W 48–17 | 80,795 | |
| September 6 | 7:30 p.m. | Michigan | No. 16 |
| NBC | W 31–0 | 80,795 |
| September 13 | 7:30 p.m. | vs. Purdue | No. 11 | NBC | W 30–14 | 56,832 | |
| September 27 | 8:00 p.m. | vs. Syracuse | No. 8 | ABC | W 31–15 | 76,802 | |
| October 4 | 3:30 p.m. | No. 14 Stanford | No. 9 |
| NBC | W 17–14 | 80,795 |
| October 11 | 3:30 p.m. | North Carolina | No. 6 |
| NBC | W 50–43 | 80,795 |
| October 18 | 8:00 p.m. | at No. 2 Florida State | No. 5 | ABC | L 27–31 | 82,431 | |
| November 1 | 8:00 p.m. | vs. Navy | No. 10 | CBS | W 49–39 | 36,807 | |
| November 8 | 3:30 p.m. | at No. 9 Arizona State | No. 10 | ABC | L 31–55 | 65,870 | |
| November 15 | 3:30 p.m. | Northwestern | No. 18 |
| NBC | L 40–43 OT | 80,795 |
| November 22 | 3:30 p.m. | No. 24 Louisville |
| NBC | L 28–31 | 80,795 | |
| November 29 | 3:30 p.m. | at USC | FOX | L 14–49 | 79,586 | ||
| December 30 | 3:00 p.m. | vs. No. 23 LSU | ESPN | W 31–28 | 60,149 | ||
| |||||||
Before the season
From the 2013 team that won nine games, the Irish lost offensive tackle Zack Martin || Offensive tackle, defensiv end Stephon Tuitt, tight end Troy Niklas, defensive tackle Louis Nix, offensive guard Chris Watt, and linebacker Prince Shembo in the first four rounds of the 2014 NFL draft.
Florida defensive back Cody Riggs transferred to Notre Dame for his final season of eligibility.[4]
There were also several changes to the coaching staff. Assistant coach Chuck Martin left to become the head coach of the Miami RedHawks.[5] Bob Diaco departed to become the head coach of the Connecticut Huskies.[6] Brian VanGorder, formerly the linebackers coach of the NFL's New York Jets, was hired to be the new defensive coordinator and linebackers coach.[7] Matt LaFleur, formerly the quarterbacks coach of the NFL's Washington Redskins, was hired to be the new quarterbacks coach.[8] Mike Denbrock was promoted to offensive coordinator, filling the void left by Martin.[9]
Rankings
Game summaries
Rice
| Team | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Owls | 7 | 3 | 0 | 7 | 17 |
| • No. 17 Fighting Irish | 14 | 14 | 10 | 10 | 48 |
- Date: August 30, 2014
- Location: Notre Dame Stadium
South Bend, IN - Game start: 3:42 p.m. EDT
- Elapsed time: 3 hours and 7 minutes
- Game attendance: 80,795
- Game weather: Temperature: 82 °F (28 °C) • Weather: Cloudy and Possible Rain • Wind: SW 17 MPH
- Referee: Jeff Heaser
- TV announcers (NBC): Dan Hicks, Mike Mayock, Kathryn Tappen, and Doug Flutie (sidelines)
| 1 | 6:02 | ND | Everett Golson 11-yard touchdown run, Kyle Brindza kick good | ND 7–0 |
| 1 | 2:13 | Rice | Zach Wright 26-yard touchdown reception from Driphus Jackson, James Hairston kick good | Tied 7–7 |
| 1 | 2:01 | ND | William Fuller 75-yard touchdown reception from Golson, Brindza kick good | ND 14–7 |
| 2 | 5:51 | Rice | 33-yard field goal by Hairston | ND 14–10 |
| 2 | 2:33 | ND | Golson 14-yard touchdown run, Brindza kick good | ND 21–10 |
| 2 | 0:05 | ND | C. J. Prosise 53-yard touchdown reception from Golson, Brindza kick good | ND 28–10 |
| 3 | 4:07 | ND | 36-yard field goal by Brindza | ND 31–10 |
| 3 | 0:17 | ND | Golson 4-yard touchdown run, Brindza kick good | ND 38–10 |
| 4 | 7:47 | ND | 29-yard field goal by Brindza | ND 41–10 |
| 4 | 4:57 | Rice | James Mayden 53-yard touchdown reception from Tyler Stehling, Hairston kick good | ND 41–17 |
| 4 | 3:32 | ND | Greg Bryant 17-yard touchdown run, Brindza kick good | ND 48–17 |
Michigan
(rivalry)
| Team | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Wolverines | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| • No. 16 Fighting Irish | 7 | 14 | 7 | 3 | 31 |
- Date: September 6, 2014
- Location: Notre Dame Stadium
South Bend, IN - Game start: 7:42 p.m. EDT
- Elapsed time: 3 hours and 17 minutes
- Game attendance: 80,795
- Game weather: Temperature: 70 °F (21 °C) • Weather: Clear Skies • Wind: NNW 10 MPH
- Referee: John O'Neill
- TV announcers (NBC): Dan Hicks, Mike Mayock, Kathryn Tappen, and Doug Flutie (sidelines)
| 1 | 1:50 | ND | Cam McDaniel 1-yard touchdown run, Kyle Brindza kick good | ND 7–0 |
| 2 | 3:58 | ND | Amir Carlisle 1-yard touchdown reception from Everett Golson, Brindza kick good | ND 14–0 |
| 2 | 0:34 | ND | William Fuller 24-yard touchdown reception from Golson, Brindza kick good | ND 21–0 |
| 3 | 3:02 | ND | Carlisle 12-yard touchdown reception from Golson, Brindza kick good | ND 28–0 |
| 4 | 12:03 | ND | 43-yard field goal by Brindza | ND 31–0 |
In what looks to be the final meeting between Notre Dame and Michigan,[citation needed] Notre Dame defeated Michigan, 31–0, giving the Irish their most lopsided win against the Wolverines. The game ended Michigan's NCAA record of consecutive games without being shut out. (The Wolverines were last shut out in 1984 versus Iowa). Michigan turned the ball over four times, while Notre Dame had no turnovers. Michigan never reached the red zone in this game. Everett Golson went 23 for 34, throwing for 226 yards and three touchdowns for the Irish. Notre Dame went to 2–0 on the year.
Purdue
| Team | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Boilermakers | 7 | 7 | 0 | 0 | 14 |
| • No. 11 Fighting Irish | 7 | 10 | 7 | 6 | 30 |
- Date: September 13, 2014
- Location: Lucas Oil Stadium
Indianapolis, IN - Game start: 7:41 p.m. EDT
- Elapsed time: 3 hours and 28 minutes
- Game attendance: 56,832
- Game weather: Temperature: 61 °F (16 °C) • Weather: Partly Cloudy • Wind: N 6 MPH
- Referee: Jerry McGinn
- TV announcers (NBC): Tom Hammond, Mike Mayock, Kathryn Tappen, and Doug Flutie (sidelines)
| 1 | 12:23 | ND | Will Fuller 16-yard touchdown reception from Everett Golson, Kyle Brindza kick good | ND 7–0 |
| 1 | 1:50 | PUR | Brandon Cottom 7-yard touchdown reception from Danny Etling, Paul Griggs kick good | Tied 7–7 |
| 2 | 11:57 | ND | 19-yard field goal by Brindza | ND 10–7 |
| 2 | 3:00 | PUR | DeAngelo Yancey 19-yard touchdown reception from Etling, Griggs kick good | PUR 14–10 |
| 2 | 0:13 | ND | Golson 15-yard touchdown run, Brindza kick good | ND 17–14 |
| 3 | 4:05 | ND | Corey Robinson 15-yard touchdown reception from Golson, Brindza kick good | ND 24–14 |
| 4 | 9:31 | ND | 48-yard field goal by Brindza | ND 27–14 |
| 4 | 5:30 | ND | 39-yard field goal by Brindza | ND 30–14 |
Syracuse
| Team | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| • No. 8 Fighting Irish | 0 | 14 | 7 | 10 | 31 |
| Orange | 0 | 3 | 0 | 12 | 15 |
- Date: September 27, 2014
- Location: MetLife Stadium
East Rutherford, NJ - Game start: 8:00 p.m. EDT
- Elapsed time: 3 hours and 45 minutes
- Game attendance: 76,802
- Game weather: Temperature: 70 °F (21 °C) • Weather: Sunny • Wind: Mild
- Referee: Jerry Magallanes
- TV announcers (ABC): Chris Fowler, Kirk Herbstreit, and Heather Cox (sideline)
| 2 | 10:56 | ND | Will Fuller 23-yard touchdown reception from Everett Golson, Kyle Brindza kick good | ND 7–0 |
| 2 | 8:31 | ND | Fuller 72-yard touchdown reception from Golson, Brindza kick good | ND 14–0 |
| 2 | 3:07 | SU | 38-yard field goal by Cole Murphy | ND 14–3 |
| 3 | 9:39 | ND | Corey Robinson 8-yard touchdown reception from Golson, Brindza kick good | ND 21–3 |
| 4 | 14:54 | SU | Terrel Hunt 7-yard touchdown run, Murphy kick blocked | ND 21–9 |
| 4 | 10:19 | ND | Torri Hunter Jr. 13-yard touchdown reception from Golson, Brindza kick good | ND 28–9 |
| 4 | 5:09 | SU | Durell Eskridge 29-yard touchdown interception return, Hunt pass failed | ND 28–15 |
| 4 | 1:57 | ND | 37-yard field goal by Brindza | ND 31–15 |
Stanford
(Legends Trophy)
| Team | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| No. 14 Cardinal | 7 | 0 | 0 | 7 | 14 |
| • No. 9 Fighting Irish | 0 | 7 | 0 | 10 | 17 |
- Date: October 4, 2014
- Location: Notre Dame Stadium
South Bend, IN - Game start: 3:40 p.m. EDT
- Elapsed time: 3 hours and 28 minutes
- Game attendance: 80,795
- Game weather: Temperature: 41 °F (5 °C) • Weather: Cloudy and Rain Likely • Wind: SW 15 MPH
- Referee: Terry Leyden
- TV announcers (NBC): Dan Hicks, Mike Mayock, Kathryn Tappen, and Doug Flutie (sidelines)
| 1 | 3:50 | Stanford | Kevin Hogan 10-yard touchdown run, Jordan Williamson kick good | Stanford 7–0 |
| 2 | 3:06 | ND | Chris Brown 17-yard touchdown reception from Everett Golson, Kyle Brindza kick good | Tied 7–7 |
| 4 | 7:32 | ND | 45-yard field goal by Brindza | ND 10–7 |
| 4 | 3:01 | Stanford | Remound Wright 11-yard touchdown run, Williamson kick good | Stanford 14–10 |
| 4 | 1:01 | ND | Ben Koyack 23-yard touchdown reception from Golson, Brindza kick good | ND 17–14 |
With 1:09 left in the game and Notre Dame facing a 4th and 11 from Stanford's 23 yard line, Everett Golson finds a wide open Ben Koyack in the corner of the endzone to lift Notre Dame over Stanford 17–14. Stanford, the country's number one defense, had been giving up just 198 total yards of offense a game, but Notre Dame piled up 370 yards. Despite the Irish offense moving the ball, multiple mistakes including botched field goal snaps and turnovers in the red zone kept the game close throughout. Notre Dame's defense was dominant, giving up just 204 total yards and had two interceptions. Further, the Irish defense held Stanford to 47 yards rushing – Stanford's fewest rush yards in a game since 2007. With the win, Notre Dame moves to 5–0.
North Carolina
| Team | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tar Heels | 14 | 12 | 10 | 7 | 43 |
| • No. 6 Fighting Irish | 7 | 21 | 7 | 15 | 50 |
- Date: October 11, 2014
- Location: Notre Dame Stadium
South Bend, IN - Game start: 3:40 p.m. EDT
- Elapsed time: 3 hours and 44 minutes
- Game attendance: 80,795
- Game weather: Temperature: 59 °F (15 °C) • Weather: Sunny • Wind: NNW 4 MPH
- Referee: Jeff Flanagan
- TV announcers (NBC): Dan Hicks, Mike Mayock, Kathryn Tappen, and Doug Flutie (sidelines)
| 1 | 13:28 | NC | Elijah Hood 6-yard touchdown run, Nick Weiler kick good | NC 7–0 |
| 1 | 8:48 | NC | Jeff Schoettmer 29-yard touchdown interception return, Weiler kick good | NC 14–0 |
| 1 | 7:09 | ND | William Fuller 13-yard touchdown reception from Everett Golson, Kyle Brindza kick good | NC 14–7 |
| 2 | 14:57 | ND | Cam McDaniel 1-yard touchdown run, Brindza kick good | Tied 14–14 |
| 2 | 9:56 | ND | Greg Bryant 7-yard touchdown run, Brindza kick good | ND 21–14 |
| 2 | 4:16 | NC | Marquise Williams 3-yard touchdown run, Weiler kick blocked | ND 21–20 |
| 2 | 2:25 | ND | Tarean Folston 6-yard run, Brindza kick good | ND 28–20 |
| 2 | 1:20 | NC | Quinshad Davis 20-yard touchdown reception from Williams, Williams pass failed | ND 28–26 |
| 3 | 11:52 | ND | Folston 9-yard touchdown reception by Golson, Brindza kick good | ND 35–26 |
| 3 | 3:37 | NC | 19-yard field goal by Weiler | ND 35–29 |
| 3 | 3:11 | NC | Williams 23-yard touchdown reception from Davis, Weiler kick good | NC 36–35 |
| 4 | 10:39 | ND | Folston 9-yard touchdown reception from Golson, Golson pass to Ben Koyack | ND 43–36 |
| 4 | 2:19 | ND | Folston 6-yard touchdown run, Brindza kick good | ND 50–36 |
| 4 | 0:47 | NC | Mack Hollins 18-yard touchdown reception from Williams, Weiler kick good | ND 50–43 |
The 6th ranked Irish held off the North Carolina Tar Heels to win in a shootout 50–43. After trailing 14–0 in the 1st, the Irish found some rhythm to score 21 points in a row to take a 21–14 lead. The win marked the first time the Irish put up 50 points against a non-academy team since beating Stanford 57–7 in 2003.
Florida State
(rivalry)
| Team | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| No. 5 Fighting Irish | 7 | 10 | 7 | 3 | 27 |
| • No. 2 Seminoles | 7 | 3 | 14 | 7 | 31 |
- Date: October 18, 2014
- Location: Doak Campbell Stadium
Tallahassee, FL - Game start: 8:24 p.m. EDT
- Elapsed time: 3 hours and 27 minutes
- Game attendance: 82,431
- Game weather: Temperature: 72 °F (22 °C) • Weather: Clear and 68% Humidity • Wind: WNW 3 MPH
- Referee: David Epperley
- TV announcers (ABC): Chris Fowler, Kirk Herbstreit, Heather Cox, and Tom Rinaldi (sidelines)
The Irish, who were double digit underdogs, looked to score the game-winning touchdown with :13 left after Everett Golson found a wide open Corey Robinson in the endzone. But the Irish were flagged for a pass interference penalty which took the touchdown away and pushed Notre Dame back 10 yards. Irish turned the ball over on the next play. The penalty was considered controversial by some[10] in a game many consider the game of the year between two top 5 teams. Everett Golson showed why many consider him a Heisman candidate by completing 31 of 52 passes for 313 yards and throwing for 3 touchdowns.
Navy
(Rip Miller Trophy)
| Team | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| • No. 6 Fighting Irish | 14 | 14 | 0 | 21 | 49 |
| Midshipmen | 7 | 10 | 14 | 8 | 39 |
- Date: November 1, 2014
- Location: FedExField
Landover, MD - Game start: 8:10 p.m. EDT
- Elapsed time: 3 hours and 25 minutes
- Game attendance: 36,807
- Game weather: Temperature: 48 °F (9 °C) • Weather: Cloudy • Wind: SW 12 MPH
- Referee: Ron Cherry
- TV announcers (CBS): Andrew Catalon, Aaron Taylor, and Jamie Erdahl (sideline)
Arizona State
| Team | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| No. 8 Fighting Irish | 3 | 7 | 7 | 14 | 31 |
| • No. 11 Sun Devils | 17 | 17 | 0 | 21 | 55 |
- Date: November 8, 2014
- Location: Sun Devil Stadium
Tempe, AZ - Game start: 1:30 p.m. MST
- Elapsed time: 3 hours and 35 minutes
- Game attendance: 65,870
- Game weather: Temperature: 85 °F (29 °C) • Weather: Sunny and Clear Skies • Wind: Calm
- Referee: Jeff Heaser
- TV announcers (ABC): Sean McDonough, Chris Spielman, and Todd McShay (sideline)
1st quarter scoring: ND – Kyle Brindza 46-yard field goal; ASU – Zane Gonzalez, 47-yard field goal; ASU – Jaelen Strong 13-yard pass from Taylor Kelly (Gonzalez kick); ASU – Demario Richard 1-yard run (Gonzalez kick)
2nd quarter scoring: ASU – Damarious Randall 59-yard interception (Gonzalez kick); ASU – Cameron Smith 43-yard pass from Kelly (Gonzalez kick); ASU – Gonzalez, 28-yard field goal; ND – Will Fuller 9-yard pass from Everett Golden (Brindza kick)
3rd quarter scoring:
Northwestern
(rivalry)
| Team | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | OT | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| • Wildcats | 9 | 14 | 3 | 14 | 3 | 43 |
| No. 15 Fighting Irish | 20 | 7 | 7 | 6 | 0 | 40 |
- Date: November 15, 2014
- Location: Notre Dame Stadium
South Bend, IN - Game start: 3:39 p.m. EST
- Elapsed time: 4 hours and 12 minutes
- Game attendance: 80,795
- Game weather: Temperature: 29 °F (−2 °C) • Weather: Cloudy and Cold • Wind: SSW 9 MPH
- Referee: Mike Cannon
- TV announcers (NBC): Dan Hicks, Doug Flutie, Mike Mayock, and Kathryn Tappen (sideline)
Louisville
| Team | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| • Cardinals | 14 | 3 | 7 | 7 | 31 |
| Fighting Irish | 3 | 3 | 14 | 8 | 28 |
- Date: November 22, 2014
- Location: Notre Dame Stadium
South Bend, IN - Game start: 3:40 p.m. EST
- Elapsed time: 3 hours and 19 minutes
- Game attendance: 80,795
- Game weather: Temperature: 45 °F (7 °C) • Weather: Showers • Wind: SSW 17 MPH
- Referee: Gary Patterson
- TV announcers (NBC): Dan Hicks, Doug Flutie, Mike Mayock, and Kathryn Tappen (sideline)
For the first time in the history of Notre Dame football, the Irish gave up 30 or more points in six straight games. And for the second week in a row, a missed field goal by kicker Kyle Brindza late in the game doomed the Irish. Notre Dame was 1–4 in the last 5 games after starting the season 6–0.
USC
(Jeweled Shillelagh)
| Team | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fighting Irish | 0 | 7 | 7 | 0 | 14 |
| • Trojans | 21 | 14 | 14 | 0 | 49 |
- Date: November 29, 2014
- Location: Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum
Los Angeles, CA - Game start: 12:37 p.m. PST
- Elapsed time: 3 hours and 14 minutes
- Game attendance: 79,586
- Game weather: Temperature: 69 °F (21 °C) • Weather: Hazy and Sunny • Wind: ESE 6 MPH
- Referee: Dennis Hennigan
- TV announcers (Fox): Gus Johnson, Charles Davis, and Molly McGrath (sideline)
LSU (Music City Bowl)
(Music City Bowl)
| Team | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| • Fighting Irish | 7 | 14 | 7 | 3 | 31 |
| No. 23 Tigers | 7 | 7 | 14 | 0 | 28 |
- Date: December 30, 2014
- Location: LP Field
Nashville, TN - Game start: 2:03 p.m. CST
- Elapsed time: 3 hours and 5 minutes
- Game attendance: 60,419
- Game weather: Temperature: 42 °F (6 °C) • Weather: Scattered Clouds • Wind: N 5 MPH
- Referee: Mike Batlan
- TV announcers (ESPN/ESPN Radio): Mark Jones, Rod Gilmore and Jessica Mendoza (sideline)/Mark Neely, David Diaz-Infante, and Dawn Davenport (sideline)
Personnel
Players
The roster is current as of October 8, 2014.
| 2014 Notre Dame Fighting Irish Football Roster - und.com | ||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Quarterbacks
Running backs
Wide receivers
Tight ends
|
Offensive Lineman
Centers
Defensive Lineman
|
Linebackers
Cornerbacks
Safeties
|
Kickers/Punters
Long snappers
| |||||
Coaching staff
| Name | Position | Year at Notre Dame | Alma mater (Year) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Brian Kelly | Head coach | 5th | Assumption (1982) |
| Mike Denbrock | Offensive coordinator/wide receivers | 5th | Grand Valley State (1987) |
| Brian VanGorder | Defensive coordinator/inside linebackers | 1st | Wayne State (1980) |
| Harry Hiestand | Offensive line/run game coordinator | 3rd | East Stroudsburg (1983) |
| Scott Booker | Tight ends/special teams coordinator | 3rd | Kent State (2003) |
| Tony Alford | Running backs/recruiting coordinator | 6th | Colorado State (1992) |
| Kerry Cooks | Defensive backs | 5th | Iowa (2000) |
| Mike Elston | Defensive line | 5th | Michigan (1998) |
| Bob Elliott | Outside linebackers | 3rd | Iowa (1976) |
| Matt LaFleur | Quarterbacks | 1st | Saginaw Valley State (2002) |
| Paul Longo | Director of football strength and conditioning | 5th | Wayne State (1981) |
| Ryan Mahaffey | Graduate assistant | 1st | Northern Iowa (2011) |
Recruiting class
Brian Kelly received 23 commitments in his fourth full recruiting class including two five-stars: linebacker Nyles Morgan and offensive tackle Quenton Nelson. The class included student-athletes from 14 states.
| College recruiting (2014) | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Name | Hometown | School | Height | Weight | 40‡ | Commit date |
| Alex Bars OT |
Nashville, TN | Montgomery Bell Academy | 6 ft 6 in (1.98 m) | 290 lb (130 kg) | – | May 7, 2013 |
Recruit ratings: Scout:  Rivals: (84) | ||||||
| Grant Blankenship DE |
The Colony, TX | The Colony HS | 6 ft 6 in (1.98 m) | 252 lb (114 kg) | 4.75 | Jul 5, 2013 |
Recruit ratings: Scout: Rivals:  (79) | ||||||
| Jonathan Bonner DE |
Chesterfield, MO | Parkway Central HS | 6 ft 4 in (1.93 m) | 250 lb (110 kg) | 4.8 | Jun 26, 2013 |
| Recruit ratings: Scout: Rivals: (79) | ||||||
| Justin Brent WR |
Speedway, IN | Speedway HS | 6 ft 1 in (1.85 m) | 197 lb (89 kg) | 4.52 | Jul 9, 2012 |
| Recruit ratings: Scout: Rivals: (82) | ||||||
| Jimmy Byrne OG |
Parma Heights, OH | St. Ignatius HS | 6 ft 4 in (1.93 m) | 295 lb (134 kg) | 5.1 | Dec 8, 2012 |
| Recruit ratings: Scout: Rivals: (78) | ||||||
| Daniel Cage DT |
Cincinnati, OH | Winton Woods HS | 6 ft 3 in (1.91 m) | 295 lb (134 kg) | 4.9 | Feb 5, 2014 |
| Recruit ratings: Scout: Rivals: (80) | ||||||
| Jay Hayes DT |
Brooklyn, NY | Poly Prep HS | 6 ft 5 in (1.96 m) | 270 lb (120 kg) | 4.8 | Nov 7, 2012 |
| Recruit ratings: Scout: Rivals: (80) | ||||||
| Kolin Hill DE/OLB |
Schertz, TX | Samuel Clemens HS | 6 ft 2 in (1.88 m) | 225 lb (102 kg) | 4.56 | Dec 15, 2013 |
| Recruit ratings: Scout: Rivals: (77) | ||||||
| Corey Holmes WR |
Pembroke Pines, FL | St. Thomas Aquinas HS | 6 ft 2 in (1.88 m) | 175 lb (79 kg) | 4.48 | Jul 17, 2013 |
| Recruit ratings: Scout: Rivals: (83) | ||||||
| DeShone Kizer QB |
Toledo, OH | Central Catholic HS | 6 ft 5 in (1.96 m) | 215 lb (98 kg) | 4.81 | Jun 11, 2013 |
| Recruit ratings: Scout: Rivals: (80) | ||||||
| Tyler Lautua TE |
Paramount, CA | La Mirada HS | 6 ft 4 in (1.93 m) | 240 lb (110 kg) | 4.9 | Dec 16, 2013 |
| Recruit ratings: Scout: Rivals: (83) | ||||||
| Greer Martini LB |
Raleigh, NC | Woodberry Forest School | 6 ft 3 in (1.91 m) | 230 lb (100 kg) | 4.7 | Jul 3, 2012 |
| Recruit ratings: Scout: Rivals: (82) | ||||||
| Pete Mokwuah DT |
Staten Island, NY | St. Joseph HS | 6 ft 4 in (1.93 m) | 315 lb (143 kg) | –- | Jan 24, 2014 |
| Recruit ratings: Scout: Rivals: (77) | ||||||
| Nyles Morgan LB |
Crete, IL | Crete-Monee HS | 6 ft 3 in (1.91 m) | 225 lb (102 kg) | 4.8 | Jan 4, 2014 |
Recruit ratings: Scout:  Rivals: (84) | ||||||
| Sam Mustipher OG |
Owings Mills, MD | Good Counsel HS | 6 ft 3 in (1.91 m) | 295 lb (134 kg) | 5.1 | Apr 15, 2013 |
| Recruit ratings: Scout: Rivals: (81) | ||||||
| Quenton Nelson OT |
Holmdel, NJ | Red Bank HS | 6 ft 5 in (1.96 m) | 300 lb (140 kg) | 5.2 | May 1, 2013 |
| Recruit ratings: Scout: Rivals: (83) | ||||||
| Tyler Newsome K/P |
Carrollton, GA | Carrollton HS | 6 ft 2 in (1.88 m) | 175 lb (79 kg) | 5.0 | Jun 21, 2013 |
| Recruit ratings: Scout: Rivals: (77) | ||||||
| Nile Sykes LB |
Oak Park, IL | Montini Catholic HS | 6 ft 2 in (1.88 m) | 220 lb (100 kg) | 4.6 | Dec 15, 2013 |
| Recruit ratings: Scout: Rivals: (80) | ||||||
| Drue Tranquill ATH |
Huntertown, IN | Carroll HS | 6 ft 3 in (1.91 m) | 220 lb (100 kg) | 4.49 | Nov 19, 2013 |
| Recruit ratings: Scout: Rivals: (78) | ||||||
| Andrew Trumbetti DE |
Demarest, NJ | Northern Valley Regional HS | 6 ft 5 in (1.96 m) | 250 lb (110 kg) | 4.69 | Mar 23, 2013 |
| Recruit ratings: Scout: Rivals: (83) | ||||||
| Nick Watkins CB |
Desoto, TX | Bishop Dunne HS | 6 ft 1 in (1.85 m) | 185 lb (84 kg) | 4.47 | Nov 1, 2013 |
| Recruit ratings: Scout: Rivals: (83) | ||||||
| Nic Weishar TE |
Midlothian, IL | Marist HS | 6 ft 5 in (1.96 m) | 235 lb (107 kg) | – | Apr 23, 2013 |
| Recruit ratings: Scout: Rivals: (82) | ||||||
| Jhonathon Williams DE |
Benton Harbor, MI | Berrien Springs HS | 6 ft 5 in (1.96 m) | 235 lb (107 kg) | 4.5 | Nov 27, 2013 |
| Recruit ratings: Scout: Rivals: (77) | ||||||
| Overall recruit ranking: Scout: 6 Rivals: 11 ESPN: 11 | ||||||
Sources:
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Statistics
Passing
- Everett Golson - 256 of 427 (60.0%) for 3,445 yards, 29 touchdowns, 14 interceptions and a 143.6 passer rating.
- Malik Zaire - 21 of 35 (60.0%) for 266 yards, 1 touchdown, 0 interceptions, 133.3 passer rating
Rushing
- Tarean Folston - 889 yards on 175 carries, 5.1-yard average, 6 touchdowns
- Greg Bryant, 289 yards on 54 carries, 5.4-yard average, 3 touchdowns
- Everett Golson - 289 yards, 2.4-yard average, 8 touchdowns
- Cam McDaniel - 278 yards on 77 carries, 3.6-yard average, 4 touchdowns
- Malik Zaire - 187 yards on 33 carries, 5.7-yard average, 2 touchdowns
- C.J. Prosise - 126 yards on 10 carries, 12.6-yard average, 1 touchdown
Receiving
- William Fuller - 76 receptions for 1,094 yards, 14.4 yards per catch, 15 touchdowns
- Chris Brown - 39 receptions for 548 yards, 14.1 yards per catch, 1 touchdown
- Corey Robinson - 40 receptions for 539 yards, 13.5 yards per catch, 5 touchdowns
- C.J. Prosise - 29 receptions for 516 yards, 17.8 yards per catch, 2 touchdowns
- Ben Koyack - 30 receptions for 317 yards, 10.6 yards per catch, 2 touchdowns
- Amir Carlisle - 23 receptions for 309 yards, 13.4 yards per catch, 3 touchdowns
- Tarean Folston - 18 receptions for 190 yards, 10.6 yards per catch, 1 touchdown
Scoring
- Kyle Brindza (K) - 93 points, 51 of 52 PAT, 14 of 24 field goals
- William Fuller (WR) - 90 points, 15 touchdowns
- Everett Golson (QB) - 50 points, 8 touchdowns, 1 two-point conversion
- Tarean Folston (RB) - 42 points, 7 touchdowns
- Corey Robinson (WR) - 30 points, 5 touchdowns
- Cam McDaniel - 24 points, 4 touchdowns
Awards and honors
No Notre Dame players received first-team honors on the 2014 All-America college football team. Linebacker Jaylon Smith received second-team All-America honors from the Associated Press.
Middle linebacker Joe Schmidt, a former walk-on player, was selected as the team's most valuable player.[11]