Senior linebacker Maurice Crum Jr. was named one of 10 finalists for the Lowe's Senior CLASS Award. CLASS, which stands for Celebrating Loyalty and Achievement for Staying in School, focuses on student-athletes who use their status to position to help their surroundings.
Crum, a fifth-year season, graduated with a degree in Sociology last May and is currently enrolled in graduate studies. He is serving his second year as Notre Dame's defensive captain.
Robinson filling in
Freshman guard Trevor Robinson, who usually spells right guard Chris Stewart, switched sides to fill in for left guard Eric Olsen after Olsen left the game because of an ankle injury. Olsen later returned to the game.
"Olsen was fine," Irish coach Charlie Weis said. "That ankle he rolled a few other times."
Linebacker Brian Smith also left the game in the second half after a hard hit. Smith did not return to action but Weis said he was fine and was held out because the game was no longer in doubt.
Rewriting the record books
Michael Floyd's touchdown catch in the first quarter, his fifth on the season, set the freshman school record for most touchdown receptions. The 51-yard catch was also his longest of the season.
Floyd, with 31 catches, is also one catch away from the freshman reception record. Duval Kamara had 32 in 2007. Kamara also previously held the freshman touchdown record with four scores last season.
"Everyone looks at [Floyd] and they say, I don't know how fast he is, but you throw a quick slant to him and see him slip past," Weis said.
Getting in good position
The Irish ran 30 of their 42 plays (71 percent) in the first half in Washington territory. Washington, conversely, did not run one of its 26 first-half plays in Notre Dame territory. The Huskies did not cross midfield until there was 5:50 remaining.
Career Day
Running back James Aldridge set season-highs in carries (13), yards (84) and touchdowns (2). He now has three touchdowns this season.
Washington Ty's
Former Notre Dame head coach lost for the second time in two tries to his old team.
Willingham's Huskies lost to Notre Dame 36-17 in 2005, his first season in Washington.
Weis said any rivalry that existed between the two coaches was taken care of in 2005.
"I don't think anyone thought about it at all. That was put to rest last time," Weis siad.
Staying perfect
The Irish moved to 7-0 all time against Washington with Saturday's win.
The two teams first met in 1948 when the No.2-ranked Irish won 46-0. Five of Notre Dame's seven wins have been by 20 points or more.
