Oct. 3, 2009: Notre Dame 37, Washington 30 (OT)

To the Field

As it has been for each home game this season, the tunnel at historic Notre Dame Stadium was open to the public on Friday.

Hallowed Ground

Standing on the end line at the mouth of the tunnel in the heart of the House that Rockne Built, it’s hard not to feel the goosebumps rise.

Under the Dome

Campus guests visit the Main Building Rotunda. On football Fridays and Saturdays, the trumpet section of the Notre Dame bands rings this balcony on the second level for a performance of Notre Dame Our Mother, and The Notre Dame Victory March.

Rock’s Return

Knute Rockne, arguably the greatest coach in the history of college football was immortalized in bronze on Friday afternoon. Members of the Rockne family were joined by University President John I. Jenkins, C.S.C., and Athletic Director Jack Swarbrick for the ceremony. The Rockne Statue is located on the east side of the Stadium near the ticket windows facing the Joyce Center. Rockne joins the existing statue of legendary coaches Frank Leahy (positioned nearby) and Ara Parseghian and Lou Holtz, who are located inside the Stadium at Gate D.

Braving the Elements

The weather couldn’t stop loyal fans from gathering to watch the statue dedication on Friday afternoon.

Rally on the Green

For the second game in a row, the traditional pep rally was held outside under a proverbial blue gray October sky on Friday evening. Notre Dame football players James Aldridge, Mike Anello, Kerry Neal and Coach Brian Polian addressed the crowd.

Sun!

For a brief moment, the skies parted and the golden sun shone down on…well…Golden Tate (left) during the traditional player walk from the Basilica to the Stadium.

Game Time

The North end of the stadium is the main entrance for both team’s locker rooms and the field tunnel.

The Guard Approaches

The kilted Irish Guard makes the turn from Moose Krause Circle on their way to the stadium under the watchful eye of Touchdown Jesus.

“Ladies and Gentlemen, Heeeeeeeere Come the Irish!”

Notre Dame takes the field, gold helmets shining.

The Cardiac Kid

Even with a sore foot, Junior quarterback Jimmy Clausen was 23 for 31 for 422 yards and two touchdowns against one interception as he led the Irish to their second straight fourth quarter come-from-behind win.

Tchaikovsky

“It’s the sound of a victory…like today! And it traditonally galvanizes the Notre Dame student body. It’s the very familiar ending to Tchaikovsky’s 1812 Overture” – Band Announcer John Thompson

Golden

Junior Receiver Golden Tate is upended on the first play from scrimmage in overtime. Tate’s reception put the Irish in position to score on the next play. Golden had a career day with 275 all purpose yards and a touchdown and, naturally, bounced right back up after this play.

Not to be Outdone…

Senior safety Sergio Brown does his best Golden Tate impression to set the mood for the post-game student section celebration.

Final

The Irish improve to 4-1 on the season and extend their all-time record against Washington to 8-0. Go Irish, Beat Trojans.