Oct. 4, 2000
NOTRE DAME, Ind. – Following Wednesday’s practice, Coach Davie stated that Matt LoVecchio would be handling the Notre Dame offense on Saturday against Stanford.
“We are going to start Matt LoVecchio,” Davie said. “I think he gives us the best opportunity right now.”
The two weeks off have given all of Notre Dame’s quarterbacks a chance to showcase their talents. In the end, it was LoVecchio who walked away first choice.
“Matt LoVecchio has won the job and we look for him to play the whole football game on Saturday,” Davie said. “He is really a confident guy who doesn’t get rattled. I think our players respect that and they appreciate what he is all about.”
With the first start of his career, LoVecchio will have a different mindset entering the Stanford game then he had against Michigan State.
“Anytime you start a new quarterback it is the unexpected you worry about,” Davie said. “Coming into the Michigan State as the backup is certainly different than going into the Stanford game as starter”
“As the backup there is not as much pressure on you and the expectations may not be so high,” Davie said. “This week the handcuffs are off. He has to know the whole package from A to Z and just the responsibility of starting enters into it.”
“He is no longer a freshman now,” Davie said. “We have been in this situation for about four weeks now knowing that Arnaz Battle would not be out there, so it is time to go.”
GODSEY WAITING IN WINGS
Gary Godsey will be in a familiar position on Saturday as he is relegated to the secondary spot on the depth chart at quarterback.
“We are not going into (the Stanford game) with a preconceived plan to play Gary Godsey,” Davie said. “A lot depends on how the game goes. Gary will be ready to play, and so will Jared Clark.”
MURRAY TO START AT FULLBACK
With Tom Lopienski out with an injury, Jason Murray will get the call to create holes for Julius Jones and company.
“I think Jason Murray will start with Mike McNair playing some also,” Davie said. “Lopienski is definitely out (for Saturday).”