Jimmy Clausen set Notre Dame bowl records with 406 yards passing and five touchdowns to lead the Irish to their first postseason victory in 15 years, 49-21 over Hawaii on Wednesday night in the Hawaii Bowl in Honolulu.
Golden Tate had six catches for 177 yards and three touchdowns, also Notre Dame bowl records, including a 69-yarder that sparked a 28-point outburst to help the Fighting Irish (7-6) end their NCAA-record bowl losing steak at nine.
With coach Charlie Weis calling the plays from the coaches box for the first time because of knee problems that require him to walk with crutches, the Irish were unstoppable.
The offense scored at will. The blitzing defense shut down Hawaii’s run-and-shoot. And the special teams play wasn’t too shabby, either.
STLToday.com
12/25/08
