Michigan 2010

The Painting of the Helmets

A Notre Dame student manager applies a coat of gold paint to the helmets the night before the game.

The Dust

Gold dust, seen here, is added to each batch of paint before application.

The Cheering Thousands Shout Their Battle Cry

Notre Dame avenue was closed Friday evening so the student body could gather at Main Circle and march en masse to the Irish Green for the traditional Friday Night Pep Rally, led by the Band of the Fighting Irish.

Thunder Sticks

The Athletic Department supplied the student body with Thunder Sticks for the march down Notre Dame Avenue and the Rally at the Green.

The Long View

Irish Green, scene of the Friday Night Pep Rally, as seen from the roof of Eddy Street Commons, a new business and residential development just south of Campus. In the background stands the formidable DeBartolo Performing Arts Center.

A Really Large Banner

Carroll Hall unfurls in dorm-size “GO IRISH” banner during the rally.

Eddy Street

Eddy Street Commons, just south of campus hosts a block party with live music and food on Friday evening.

The Band

A detail shot of the game day uniform proudly worn by all members of the Band of the Fighting Irish.

Pre-Game

Continuing with Coach Kelly’s tradition, the team once again took the field for pre-game warm ups by way of Section 31 in the heart of the Student Section.

A Moment of Silence

Saturday was the ninth anniversary of September 11. Here, members of the Notre Dame Student Body participate in a pre-game moment of silence in honor of the occasion. University President Rev. John I. Jenkins, C.S.C. followed the moment of silence with a special memorial prayer, and former Secretary of Homeland Security Tom Ridge was among those who presented the flag during the National Anthem.

The Team Pays Tribute

Each helmet was affixed with a special red, white and blue version of the monogram in honor of the occasion.

The Coach Leads Them Out

Head Coach Brian Kelly, sporting a special visor with the 9/11 version of the monogram, leads the team onto the field.

Rudy

Tight End Kyle Rudolph caps a 95 yard completion from Irish Quarterback Dayne Crist to take the lead late in the fourth quarter. Minutes later, Michigan Quarterback Denard Robinson would respond with what would become the winning score.

Win or Lose

The team joins with the student body in singing the Alma Mater, Notre Dame Our Mother.