2009 Week 4

When Coach Taylor replaced Ball State, a D1-AA/FCS school, and 2 other lower ranked schools with Alabama, Oregon, West Virginia, and Notre Dame, many were skeptical of the rigors he was putting his young team through. Scheduling 2 ranked teams and 2 other's in the top 40, predictions were coming through at 1-3, maybe 2-2. However, going into Saturday's showdown at the #13 ranked Fighting Irish of Notre Dame, Taylor was out to prove to his kids that they could do anything.

And they did.

The Wildcats put up 13 points in the second quarter following a scoreless first to place the Irish faithful in dire straights going into the second half. Another Field Goal about half-way through the third quarter increased the tension even more at Notre Dame Stadium.

Jimmy Clausen would finally find the endzone on a pass to his runningback, Justin Cochran, a top 5 recruit from 2 years ago. However, after giving up a touchdown, the Wildcat defense did not back down and submit to the Luck of the Irish.

"Our kids really showed the country something today. They played fantastically well in an unfriendly stadium against a great football team, and hung on for the win." Coach Taylor added after the game.