On The Hot Seat

Sporting News, The, Sept 20, 1999

Notre Dame coach Bob Davie

Although most thought the Irish were a year from challenging for the national title, few expected a 1-2 start. It's the second time in three seasons Davie has gotten off to a 1-2 beginning. Things don't figure to get any easier with Michigan State, which has beaten Notre Dame each of the past two years, coming Saturday to South Bend. Visits from Arizona State and USC, as well as a trip to Tennessee, offer more tests. Davie is 2-6 vs. the Big Ten, which may explain why the Irish declined joining the league. In consecutive losses to Michigan and Purdue this season, Notre Dame has been plagued by poor clock management. This talented team deserves better.