We're trying to improve Conversations.
Please take a brief survey and help us out.

A look at Notre Dame, Navy

By Adam Rittenberg
Special to ESPN.com

Monday, December 6, 2004

The unexpected firing of coach Tyrone Willingham served as the most jolting air pocket in a turbulent 2004 flight for Notre Dame. Willingham's dismissal capped a season of surprises in South Bend. The Irish struggled against beatable foes (BYU, Boston College, Pitt) but pulled upsets (Michigan and Tennessee) when their backs were to the wall. Willingham's offense started to take shape under sophomore QB Brady Quinn, who broadened the passing attack (2,372 yards) and cut down his mistakes. But ...

Read full story | Create Your Profile

Activate your ESPN Profile!

Sort comments by: Most Recent | First Posted

Comments that include profanity, or personal attacks, or antisocial behavior such as "spamming" or "trolling," or other inappropriate comments or material will be removed from the site. We will take steps to block users who violate any of our terms of use. You are fully responsible for the content that you post.


Conversations in Real-Time

CONTESTS & PROMOTIONS

ESPN Fantasy Salary Cap
Create your own fantasy game day living room and win BIG!
Heisman Vote 2009
Vote for the next Heisman winner and enter for a chance to win a trip to the awards show. Mor
Engineered to Win Challenge
Test your football smarts by playing NFL trivia and enter each week for a chance to win a 2010 GMC Sierra.