Sports

Staff Predictions: Notre Dame vs. Purdue

Allan Joseph, Editor-in-Chief

Gastelum: Bellissimo (Sept. 7)

Oh, you ain't seen nothing yet.

Short to challenge Irish offense, special teams

It won't be difficult for Irish sophomore quarterback Everett Golson to spot his biggest challenge in Saturday's home opener against Purdue. It'll be lined up right in front of him in the form of Boilermaker defensive tackle Kawann Short.

Head-to-Head: Notre Dame vs. Purdue

PURDUE PASSING Fifth-year senior Caleb TerBush returns from his one-game suspension for violating team rules and will certainly look to make an impression in one of the Boilermakers' biggest games. TerBush poses more of a rushing threat than sixth-year senior Robert Marve Last season, TerBush threw for 101 yards and a touchdown on 10-for-15 passing and poses a much bigger running threat than Marve, who started in last week's 48-6 romp over Eastern Kentucky. Meanhwhile, Purdue is young at the wide receiver position, but returns junior receiver Antavian Edison, who totaled 584 yards and three touchdowns last year. The Irish will also have to wary of the dynamic playmaking abilities of sophomore receiver Raheem Mostert. Last week, two Boilermaker receivers set career highs in receptions as Purdue threw for 392 yards. The young Irish secondary gave up 192 yards to a pass-wary Navy last week. Senior safeties Zeke Motta and Jamoris Slaughter constantly appeared out of position while freshman KeiVarae Russell is still looking to find his bearings after Saturday. TerBush could have an opportunity to put up some big passing numbers if the Irish don't get to him fast enough. EDGE: PURDUE

ND Cross Country: Small senior class leads Irish squad

Men's Soccer: Irish rely on forwards to carry team

Monaco: Squad needs to build off fast start (Sept. 6)

It's a common cliché in sports: it's not how you start; it's how you finish.

In Godsey We Trust'

Editor's note: This is the second of a new Observer feature. The "Waking the Echoes" series intends to inform fans about some former players and will feature weekly stories profiling them and their lives since Notre Dame.

Allen: Nationals should not sit Strasburg (Sept. 6)

Monardo: NFL should not limit kickoffs (Sept. 5)

I am not a scientist or doctor. I do not specialize in head trauma or concussions. But I can sense something wrong in the attempt, spearheaded by the NFL last season and adopted by the NCAA this season, to reduce the risk of injury on kickoffs.

SMC Volleyball: Belles fall to Trine in straight sets

Saint Mary's started off its conference season on a sour note, losing at Trine in three straight sets.

Football: Backup battle

After starting 12 games last year and serving a one-game suspension Saturday, junior quarterback Tommy Rees will now battle for the No. 2 spot behind sophomore quarterback Everett Golson.

ND Volleyball: Alugbue earns Big East honors

For the second consecutive week, a member of the Irish was named to the Big East Weekly Honor Roll.

SMC Soccer: Belles dominate Holy Cross

Saint Mary's posted their third straight shutout of the season and fourth overall when it defeated Holy Cross 6-0 on Tuesday.

ND Cross Country: Irish teams take second to Purdue

Despite giving their best runners the weekend off, the Irish performed admirably Friday night in the Crusader Open against their opponents' top athletes.

SMC Volleyball: Belles out to perfect start

For the first time in coach Toni Kuschel's four-year tenure at Saint Mary's, the Belles sit at 4-0 to start the season. This past weekend, the team traveled to North Park for the North Park Classic, where they collected four wins in dominant fashion, scoring three 3-1 victories and a 3-0 victory over IU Northwest.

SMC Golf: Belles take second in rainy match

Despite stormy conditions on the final day of competition Sunday, No. 15 Saint Mary's finished second place at the rain-shortened Anderson University Invitational at Killbuck Golf Course in Anderson, Ind.

SMC Soccer: Win marks promising start

Saint Mary's came out on top of a local rivalry this weekend when they earned a 1-0 victory against Bethel College. The promising win, marked by superior defense, gives the team a solid basis to build on as the season progresses.

Hefferon: Young team relies on upperclassmen for guidance (Sept. 4)

I don't know if you've heard, but the Irish are a pretty young team.

SMC Volleyball: Belles excited for first conference match

After an impressive showing in the North Park Classic championship, the Belles will bring an undefeated record to Trine University on Tuesday for their first conference matchup.