Hopes are rising in South Bend, but '07 might not be so golden

USA TODAY, August, 2007 by Marlen Garcia

SOUTH BEND, Ind. -- All the pieces are coming together for Notre Dame. But probably not for this season.

Less than a year removed from the departure of star quarterback Brady Quinn to the NFL, the storied college football program is loading up on young talent. But it could have a bumpy ride this year with an inexperienced quarterback and a schedule that could give the Irish fits, starting with Saturday's opener here against Georgia Tech.

"Who says that?" third-year Irish coach Charlie Weis says playfully, feigning ignorance.

For the third time in four years, Notre Dame begins the season unranked in the USA TODAY Coaches' Poll. The Irish have not won a bowl game in nine tries since the 1993 season, holding the NCAA record for consecutive losses in bowl games. If the Irish lose Saturday, there will be talk of a 0-3 start, with games at No. ...