2011 Notre Dame Fighting Irish football team

2011 Notre Dame Fighting Irish football
2011 Notre Dame Fighting Irish football
Champs Sports Bowl, L 14–18 vs. Florida State
Conference	Independent
Record	8–5
Head coach	Brian Kelly (2nd season);
Offensive coordinator	Charley Molnar (2nd season)
Offensive scheme	Spread
Defensive coordinator	Bob Diaco (2nd season)
Base defense	3–4
MVP	Michael Floyd
Captain	Harrison Smith
Home stadium	Notre Dame Stadium

2011 NCAA Division I FBS independents football records

Team	W		L	W		L
BYU		–		10	–	3
Notre Dame		–		8	–	5
Navy		–		5	–	7
Army		–		3	–	9

Rankings from AP Poll

The 2011 Notre Dame Fighting Irish football team was an American football team that represented the University of Notre Dame as an independent during the 2011 NCAA Division I FBS football season. In their second year under head coach Brian Kelly, the Irish compiled an 8–5 record, outscored opponents by a total of 380 to 269, and were unranked in the final AP and Coaches Polls. They lost the two opening games against unranked South Florida and unranked Michigan, the rivalry game with USC, and the two final games against No. 4 Stanford and No. 25 Florida State, the latter in the Champs Sports Bowl.^[1]

Wide receiver Michael Floyd led the team with 100 receptins for 1,147 yard and was selected as the team's most valuable player for the second consecutive year. The team's other statistical leaders included quarterback Tommy Rees (2,871 passing yards), running back Cierre Wood (1,102 rushing yards), linebacker Manti Te'o (128 total tackles), and kicker David Ruffer (77 points scored, 47 of 47 extra points, 10 of 16 field goals).^[2]

The team played its home games at Notre Dame Stadium in Notre Dame, Indiana.

Schedule

Date	Time	Opponent	Rank	Site	TV	Result	Attendance	Source
September 3	3:30 p.m.	South Florida	No. 16	Notre Dame Stadium Notre Dame, IN	NBC	L 20–23	80,795
September 10	8:00 p.m.	at Michigan		Michigan Stadium Ann Arbor, MI (rivalry)	ESPN	L 31–35	114,804
September 17	3:30 p.m.	No. 15 Michigan State		Notre Dame Stadium Notre Dame, IN (rivalry)	NBC	W 31–13	80,795
September 24	12:00 p.m.	at Pittsburgh		Heinz Field Pittsburgh, PA (rivalry)	ABC	W 15–12	65,050
October 1	8:00 p.m.	at Purdue		Ross–Ade Stadium West Lafayette, IN (rivalry)	ESPN	W 38–10	61,555
October 8	3:30 p.m.	Air Force		Notre Dame Stadium Notre Dame, IN (rivalry)	NBC	W 59–33	80,795
October 22	7:30 p.m.	USC		Notre Dame Stadium South Bend, IN (rivalry)	NBC	L 17–31	80,795
October 29	3:30 p.m.	Navy		Notre Dame Stadium Notre Dame, IN (rivalry)	NBC	W 56–14	80,795
November 5	8:00 p.m.	at Wake Forest		BB&T Field Winston-Salem, NC	ABC	W 24–17	36,307
November 12	7:30 p.m.	vs. Maryland		FedExField Landover, MD (Shamrock Series)	NBC	W 45–21	70,251
November 19	4:00 p.m.	Boston College	No. 24	Notre Dame Stadium Notre Dame, IN (Holy War)	NBC	W 16–14	80,795
November 26	8:00 p.m.	at No. 4 Stanford	No. 22	Stanford Stadium Stanford, CA (rivalry)	ABC	L 14–28	50,360	^[3]
December 29	5:30 p.m.	vs. No. 25 Florida State		Florida Citrus Bowl Orlando, FL (Champs Sports Bowl) (rivalry)	ESPN, ESPN 3D	L 14–18	68,305
Rankings from AP Poll released prior to the game All times are in Eastern time

^[4]

Preseason

Before the season started, Kerry Cooks took over as cornerback coach after coaching the outside linebackers the previous season. Defensive coordinator Bob Diaco, who also coached the inside linebackers, became coach of the entire linebacking corps. Chuck Martin was assigned responsibility for the safeties and as recruiting coordinator.

Also prior to the season, tight end Kyle Rudolph chose to forgo his final year of eligibility and entered the 2011 NFL draft. Other players lost to graduation included defensive lineman Ian Williams, cornerback Darrin Walls, and running backs Robert Hughes and Armando Allen. Redshirt junior quarterback Nate Montana left the program in early February 2011, and transferred to the University of Montana.^[5]

Also prior to the season, the following players were named to award watch lists:

Braxston Cave – Rimington Trophy^[6]
Dayne Crist – Davey O'Brien Award,^[6] Maxwell Award^[7]
Tyler Eifert – Mackey Award^[8]
Michael Floyd – Biletnikoff Award,^[9] Maxwell Award ^[7]
Zack Martin – Outland Trophy^[9]
David ruffer – Groza Award^[9]
Harrison Smith – Nagurski Award,^[9] Thorpe Award^[6]
Manti Te'o – Bednarik Award,^[7] Butkus Award,^[6] Lombardi Award,^[6] Nagurski Award,^[9]
Cierre Wood – Doak Walker Award^[6]

Game summaries

South Florida

Game Captains: Trevor Robinson, Robert Blanton

^[10]

South Florida at Notre Dame

Team	1	2	3	4	Total
• Bulls	13	3	0	7	23
Fighting Irish	0	0	7	13	20

Date: September 3
Location: Notre Dame Stadium
South Bend, IN
Game start: 3:30 EST
Elapsed time: 5:59
Game attendance: 80,795
Game weather: 93 degrees, W 6 MPH, 2 Severe Weather Delays
Referee: Dennis Hennigan Big East
TV announcers (NBC): Dan Hicks, Mike Mayock & Alex Flanagan

Michigan

Game Captain: Zach Martin

Notre Dame at Michigan "Under The Lights"
(Michigan – Notre Dame rivalry game)

Team	1	2	3	4	Total
Fighting Irish	14	3	7	7	31
• Wolverines	0	7	0	28	35

Date: September 10
Location: Michigan Stadium
Ann Arbor, MI
Game start: 8:00 p.m. EST
Elapsed time: 3:30
Game attendance: 114,804
Game weather: High 60s, ESE 4 MPH
Referee: Tom Tomczyk Big East
TV announcers (ESPN): Brent Musburger, Kirk Herbstreit & Erin Andrews

Michigan State

Game Captain: Ethan Johnson

Michigan State at Notre Dame
(Megaphone Trophy)

Team	1	2	3	4	Total
Spartans	3	7	0	3	13
• Fighting Irish	14	7	7	3	31

Date: September 17
Location: Notre Dame Stadium
South Bend, IN
Game start: 3:30 p.m. EST
Elapsed time: 3:19
Game attendance: 80,795
Game weather: 68 Degrees, SE 8 MPH
Referee: John O'Neill Big 10
TV announcers (NBC): Tom Hammond, Mike Mayock & Alex Flanagan

Pittsburgh

Game Captain: Taylor Dever

Notre Dame at Pittsburgh

Team	1	2	3	4	Total
• Fighting Irish	0	7	0	8	15
Panthers	3	3	6	0	12

Date: September 24
Location: Heinz Field
Pittsburgh, PA
Game start: 12:00 p.m. EST
Elapsed time: 3:17
Game attendance: 65,050
Game weather: 64 Degrees, NE 2 MPH
Referee: John McDade Big East
TV announcers (ABC): Dave Pasch, Chris Spielman, Urban Meyer & Quint Kessenich

Purdue

Game Captain: Tyler Eifert

Notre Dame at Purdue

Team	1	2	3	4	Total
• Notre Dame	14	7	14	3	38
Purdue	0	3	0	7	10

Date: October 1
Location: Ross-Ade Stadium
West Lafayette, IN
Game start: 8:00 p.m. EST EST
Elapsed time: 3:21
Game attendance: 61,555
Game weather: 50 Degrees, NNW 4 MPH
Referee: Jerry McGinn Big East
TV announcers (ESPN): Brad Nessler, Todd Blackledge & Holly Rowe

^[11]

Air Force

Game Captain: Jonas Gray

Air Force at Notre Dame

Team	1	2	3	4	Total
Falcons	3	13	0	17	33
• Fighting Irish	21	21	7	10	59

Date: October 8
Location: Notre Dame Stadium
South Bend, IN
Game start: 3:30 EST
Elapsed time: 3:23
Game attendance: 80,795
Game weather: 81 degrees, S 9 MPH
Referee: Greg Burks Mountain West Conference
TV announcers (NBC): Tom Hammond, Mike Mayock & Alex Flanagan

USC

Game Captain: Manti Te'o, Cierre Wood

USC at Notre Dame

Team	1	2	3	4	Total
• Trojans	14	3	7	7	31
Fighting Irish	0	10	0	7	17

Date: October 22
Location: Notre Dame Stadium
South Bend, IN
Game start: 7:30 EST
Elapsed time: 3:10
Game attendance: 80,795
Game weather: 36 degrees
Referee: Land Clark Pac-12
TV announcers (NBC): Tom Hammond, Mike Mayock & Alex Flanagan

Navy

Game Captain: Chris Salvi

Navy at Notre Dame

Team	1	2	3	4	Total
Midshipmen	0	7	0	7	14
• Fighting Irish	14	21	7	14	56

Date: October 29
Location: Notre Dame Stadium
South Bend, IN
Game start: 3:30 EST
Elapsed time: 3:06
Game attendance: 80,795
Game weather: 54 Degrees
Referee: Ron Cherry
TV announcers (NBC): Tom Hammond, Mike Mayock & Alex Flanagan

Source:

Wake Forest

Game Captain: Robert Blanton

Notre Dame at Wake Forest

Team	1	2	3	4	Total
• Fighting Irish	10	0	14	0	24
Demon Deacons	10	7	0	0	17

Date: November 5
Location: BB&T Field
Winston-Salem, NC
Game start: 8:00 p.m. EST
Game attendance: 36,307
Referee: Dennis Hennigan Big East
Television network: ABC/ESPN2

Maryland

Game Captain: Darius Fleming

Notre Dame vs Maryland
(Shamrock Series)

Team	1	2	3	4	Total
Terrapins	0	7	0	14	21
• Fighting Irish	10	14	14	7	45

Date: November 12
Location: Fed Ex Field
Landover, MD
Game start: 7:30 p.m. EST
Elapsed time: 3:03
Game attendance: 70,251
Game weather: 51 Degrees
Referee: Tom Tomczyk Big East
TV announcers (NBC): Tom Hammond, Mike Mayock & Alex Flanagan

Despite the game being played only 12 miles from the Maryland campus, both end zones read "Notre Dame" and the majority of the fans in attendance were supporting the Fighting Irish. Notre Dame wore their green jerseys along with large green shamrocks on their side of their gold helmets.^[12]

Boston College

Notre Dame vs Boston College

Team	1	2	3	4	Total
Eagles	0	7	0	7	14
• Fighting Irish	10	3	0	3	16

Date: November 19
Location: Notre Dame Stadium
South Bend, IN
Game start: 4:00 p.m. EST
Elapsed time: 3:22
Game attendance: 80,795
Game weather: 51
Referee: Brad Allen ACC
TV announcers (NBC): Tom Hammond, Mike Mayock & Alex Flanagan

Stanford

Game Captain: Taylor Dever

Notre Dame vs Stanford

Team	1	2	3	4	Total
Fighting Irish	0	0	7	7	14
• Cardinal	7	14	0	7	28

Date: November 26
Location: Stanford Stadium
Stanford, CA
Game start: 8:00 p.m. EST
Elapsed time: 3:23
Game attendance: 50,360
Game weather: 58 Degrees
Referee: John Mcdaid Big East
TV announcers (ABC): Brent Musburger, Kirk Herbstreit

Florida State

Game Captain: Michael Floyd

Notre Dame vs Florida State

Team	1	2	3	4	Total
• Seminoles	0	0	3	15	18
Fighting Irish	7	0	7	0	14

Date: December 29
Location: Citrus Bowl
Orlando, FL
Game start: 5:30 EST
Referee: Reggie Smith Big 12 Conference
TV announcers (ESPN): Joe Tessitore (Play-by-Play)
Rod Gilmore (Color Analyst)
Holly Rowe (Sideline)

Rankings

Ranking movements
**Legend:** ██ Increase in ranking ██ Decrease in ranking
— = Not ranked RV = Received votes
	Week
Poll	Pre	1	2	3	4	5	6	7	8	9	10	11	12	13	14	Final
AP	16	—	—	RV	RV	RV	RV	RV	RV	—	RV	RV	24	22	RV
Coaches	18	—	—	RV	—	RV	RV	RV	RV	RV	RV	RV	25	24	RV
Harris	Not released						RV	RV	RV	—	RV	RV	RV	23	RV	Not released
BCS	Not released							—	—	—	—	—	—	22	—	Not released

Personnel

Players

2011 Notre Dame Fighting Irish

2011 Notre Dame Fighting Irish roster from the University of Notre Dame Athletic Site

Quarterbacks

10 Dayne Crist – senior
5 Everett Golson – freshman
12 Andrew Hendrix – sophomore
17 Matthew Mulevy – senior
11 Tommy Rees – sophomore

Running backs

34 George Atkinson III – freshman
29 Patrick Coughlin – 5th Year Senior
25 Jonas Gray – senior
33 Cam McDaniel – freshman
31 Cameron Roberson – sophomore
20 Cierre Wood – junior

Wide receivers

14 Luke Massa – sophomore
16 DaVaris Daniels – freshman
41 Matthias Farley – freshman
38 Nick Fitzpatrick – junior
3 Michael Floyd – senior
81 John Goodman – senior
7 T. J. Jones – sophomore
37 Eric Lee – freshman
39 Ryan Liebscher – sophomore
6 Theo Riddick – junior
85 Ryan Sharpley – senior
87 Daniel Smith – sophomore
9 Robby Toma – junior
1 Deion Walker – senior

Tight ends

80 Tyler Eifert – junior
88 Jake Golic – junior
18 Ben Koyack – freshman
86 Arturo Martinez – sophomore
83 Mike Ragone – 5th Year Senior
82 Alex Welch – sophomore

Offensive line

56 Brad Carrico – freshman
51 Bruce Heggie – sophomore
72 Nick Martin – freshman
62 Matt Tansey – junior

Offensive tackles

73 Lane Clelland – senior
75 Taylor Dever – 5th Year Senior
77 Matt Hegarty – freshman
74 Christian Lombard – sophomore
71 Dennis Mahoney – senior
70 Zack Martin – junior
64 Tate Nichols – sophomore
79 Jordan Prestwood – freshman #

Offensive guards

65 Conor Hanratty – freshman
76 Andrew Nuss – 5th Year Senior
78 Trevor Robinson – senior
66 Chris Watt – junior

Centers

52 Braxston Cave – senior
57 Mike Golic, Jr. – senior

Defensive ends

50 Chase Hounshell – freshman
90 Ethan Johnson – senior
89 Kapron Lewis-Moore – senior
19 Aaron Lynch – freshman
96 Kona Schwenke – sophomore
69 Tony Springmann – freshman
7 Stephon Tuitt – freshman

Defensive tackles

98 Sean Cwynar – junior

Nose guards

99 Brandon Newman – senior
9 Louis Nix III – sophomore
92 Tyler Stockton – junior
94 Hafis Williams – senior

Linebackers

93 Connor Little – freshman

Inside linebackers

44 Carlo Calabrese – junior
48 Dan Fox – junior
59 Jarrett Grace – freshman
54 Anthony McDonald – senior
8 Kendall Moore – sophomore
50 Sean Oxley – senior
36 David Posluszny – senior
56 Anthony Rabasa – freshman
38 Joe Schmidt – freshman
55 Prince Shembo – sophomore
5 Manti Te'o – junior
53 Justin Utupo – sophomore

Outside Linebackers

30 Ben Councell – freshman
46 Steve Filer – senior
45 Darius Fleming – senior
47 Jonathan Frantz – senior
58 Troy Niklas – freshman
13 Danny Spond – sophomore
1 Ishaq Williams – freshman

Defensive backs

35 Joe Romano – sophomore

Cornerbacks

43 Josh Atkinson – freshman
12 Robert Blanton – senior
21 Jalen Brown – freshman
4 Gary Gray – 5th Year Senior
2 Bennett Jackson – sophomore
42 Nick Lezynski – 5th Year Senior
32 Andrew Plaska – senior
39 Ryan Sheehan – senior
23 Lo Wood – sophomore

Safeties

49 Blake Breslau – junior
40 Connor Cavalaris – freshman
28 Austin Collinsworth – sophomore
34 Eilar Hardy – freshman
15 Dan McCarthy – senior
17 Zeke Motta – junior
24 Chris Salvi – senior
26 Jamoris Slaughter – senior
22 Harrison Smith – 5th Year Senior

Kickers/Punters

27 Kyle Brindza – freshman
37 Mike Greico – senior
97 David Ruffer – 5th Year Senior
40 Nick Tausch – junior
35 Ben Turk – junior

Long snappers

60 Jordan Cowart – junior
50 Ryan Kavanagh – senior

# Incoming Transfer, Must sit out a year

Coaching staff

Name	Position	Year at Notre Dame	Alma mater (Year)
Brian Kelly	Head coach	2nd	Assumption (1982)
Bob Diaco	Defensive coordinator/linebackers	2nd	Iowa (1995)
Charley Molnar	Offensive coordinator/quarterbacks	2nd	Lock Haven (1984)
Chuck Martin	Safeties /recruiting coordinator	2nd	Millikin (1990)
Mike Elston	Defensive line / special teams coordinator	2nd	Michigan (1998)
Ed Warinner	Offensive line	2nd	Mount Union (1984)
Mike Denbrock	Tight ends	2nd (second stint)	Grand Valley State (1987)
Tony Alford	Wide receivers	3rd	Colorado State (1992)
Tim Hinton	Running backs	2nd	Wilmington (1982)
Kerry Cooks	Cornerbacks	2nd	Iowa (2000)
Paul Longo	Strength and conditioning	2nd	Wayne State University (1981)

Recruiting

With his first full recruiting class, Brian Kelly added 23 prospects to the football team, including the addition of five early-enrollees: defensive end Aaron Lynch, outside linebacker Ishaq Williams, offensive lineman Brad Carrico, quarterback Everett Golson, and kicker Kyle Brindza.

College recruiting (2011)
Name	Hometown	School	Height	Weight	40^‡	Commit date
George Atkinson III WR/RB	Livermore, CA	Granada HS	6 ft 2 in (1.88 m)	195 lb (88 kg)	4.5	Sep 12, 2010
George Atkinson III WR/RB	Recruit ratings: Scout: Rivals: (79)
Josh Atkinson DB	Livermore, CA	Granada HS	6 ft 0 in (1.83 m)	180 lb (82 kg)	4.4	Sep 12, 2010
Josh Atkinson DB	Recruit ratings: Scout: Rivals: (78)
Kyle Brindza K	Canton, OH	Plymouth Canton HS	6 ft 2 in (1.88 m)	195 lb (88 kg)	–	Apr 15, 2010
Kyle Brindza K	Recruit ratings: Scout: Rivals: (79)
Jalen Brown DB	Irving, TX	Irving MacArthur HS	6 ft 0 in (1.83 m)	173 lb (78 kg)	4.4	Jul 31, 2010
Jalen Brown DB	Recruit ratings: Scout: Rivals: (78)
Brad Carrico DE	Dublin, OH	Dublin Coffman HS	6 ft 6 in (1.98 m)	270 lb (120 kg)	4.8	Mar 20, 2010
Brad Carrico DE	Recruit ratings: Scout: Rivals: (77)
Ben Councell LB	Asheville, NC	A.C. Reynolds HS	6 ft 5 in (1.96 m)	225 lb (102 kg)	4.4	Jun 27, 2010
Ben Councell LB	Recruit ratings: Scout: Rivals: (79)
DaVaris Daniels WR	Vernon Hills, IL	Vernon Hills HS	6 ft 3 in (1.91 m)	190 lb (86 kg)	4.5	Sep 28, 2010
DaVaris Daniels WR	Recruit ratings: Scout: Rivals: (81)
Matthias Farley ATH/CB	Charlotte, NC	Charlotte Christian HS	6 ft 0 in (1.83 m)	194 lb (88 kg)	4.5	Apr 21, 2010
Matthias Farley ATH/CB	Recruit ratings: Scout: Rivals: (77)
Everett Golson QB/ATH	Myrtle Beach, SC	Myrtle Beach HS	6 ft 0 in (1.83 m)	170 lb (77 kg)	–	Dec 2, 2010
Everett Golson QB/ATH	Recruit ratings: Scout: Rivals: (80)
Jarrett Grace LB	Cincinnati, OH	Colerain HS	6 ft 4 in (1.93 m)	240 lb (110 kg)	4.6	Apr 24, 2010
Jarrett Grace LB	Recruit ratings: Scout: Rivals: (78)
Conor Hanratty OL	New Canaan, CT	New Canaan HS	6 ft 4 in (1.93 m)	305 lb (138 kg)	5.8	Apr 24, 2010
Conor Hanratty OL	Recruit ratings: Scout: Rivals: (76)
Eilar Hardy DB	Pickerington, OH	Central HS	6 ft 1 in (1.85 m)	175 lb (79 kg)	4.5	Jun 25, 2010
Eilar Hardy DB	Recruit ratings: Scout: Rivals: (79)
Matthew Hegarty OL	Aztec, NM	Aztec HS	6 ft 5 in (1.96 m)	265 lb (120 kg)	5.0	Apr 28, 2010
Matthew Hegarty OL	Recruit ratings: Scout: Rivals: (82)
Chase Hounshell OL	Kirtland, OH	Lake Catholic HS	6 ft 5 in (1.96 m)	242 lb (110 kg)	4.8	Jan 17, 2011
Chase Hounshell OL	Recruit ratings: Scout: Rivals: (76)
Ben Koyack TE	Oil City, PA	Oil City Senior HS	6 ft 5 in (1.96 m)	230 lb (100 kg)	4.6	Apr 27, 2010
Ben Koyack TE	Recruit ratings: Scout: Rivals: (81)
Aaron Lynch DE	Cape Coral, FL	Island Coast HS	6 ft 6 in (1.98 m)	245 lb (111 kg)	4.7	Jan 18, 2011
Aaron Lynch DE	Recruit ratings: Scout: Rivals: (84)
Nick Martin OL	Indianapolis, IN	Bishop Chatard HS	6 ft 5 in (1.96 m)	260 lb (120 kg)	–	Jan 11, 2011
Nick Martin OL	Recruit ratings: Scout: Rivals: (78)
Cam McDaniel RB	Coppell, TX	Coppell HS	5 ft 11 in (1.80 m)	192 lb (87 kg)	4.5	Nov 29, 2010
Cam McDaniel RB	Recruit ratings: Rivals: (77)
Troy Niklas OL	Anaheim, CA	Servite HS	6 ft 7 in (2.01 m)	243 lb (110 kg)	4.7	Feb 2, 2011
Troy Niklas OL	Recruit ratings: Scout: Rivals: (79)
Anthony Rabasa DE	Miami, FL	Columbus HS	6 ft 3 in (1.91 m)	220 lb (100 kg)	–	Jul 30, 2010
Anthony Rabasa DE	Recruit ratings: Scout: Rivals: (80)
Tony Springmann DE	Fort Wayne, IN	Bishop Dwenger HS	6 ft 6 in (1.98 m)	257 lb (117 kg)	4.8	Apr 24, 2010
Tony Springmann DE	Recruit ratings: Scout: Rivals: (78)
Stephon Tuitt DE	Monroe, GA	Monroe Area HS	6 ft 5 in (1.96 m)	260 lb (120 kg)	–	Jan 19, 2011
Stephon Tuitt DE	Recruit ratings: Scout: Rivals: (81)
Ishaq Williams DE	Brooklyn, NY	Abraham Lincoln HS	6 ft 6 in (1.98 m)	230 lb (100 kg)	4.7	Jan 14, 2011
Ishaq Williams DE	Recruit ratings: Scout: Rivals: (82)
Overall recruit ranking: Scout: 11 Rivals: 10 ESPN: 9
‡ Refers to 40-yard dash Note: In many cases, Scout, Rivals, 247Sports, On3, and ESPN may conflict in their listings of height, weight and 40 time. In these cases, the average was taken. ESPN grades are on a 100-point scale. Sources: "Notre Dame Commit List 2011". Rivals. Retrieved July 8, 2011. "Scout.com Football Recruiting: Notre Dame". Scout. Retrieved July 8, 2011. "2011 Player Commitments – Notre Dame". ESPN. Retrieved July 8, 2011. "Scout.com Team Recruiting Rankings". Scout. Retrieved July 8, 2011. "2011 Team Ranking". Rivals.com. Retrieved July 8, 2011.

Statistics

Passing

Tommy Rees - 269 of 411 (65.5%) for 2,871 yards, 20 touchdowns, 14 interceptions, and a 133.4 passer rating.
Andrew Hendrix - 18 of 37 (48.6%) for 249 yards, 1 touchdown, 2 interceptions, and a 133.4 passer rating.
Dayne Crist - 15 of 24 (62.5%) for 164 yards, 0 touchdowns, 1 interception, 111.7 passer rating

^[2]

Rushing

Cierre Wood - 1,102 yards on 217 carries, 5.1-yard average, 9 touchdowns
Jonas Gray - 791 yards on 114 carries, 6.9-yard average, 12 touchdowns
Andrew Hendrix - 162 yards on 25 carries, 6.5-yard average, 1 touchdown

^[2]

Receptions

Michael Floyd (WR) - 100 reeptions for 1,147 yards, 11.5-yard average, 9 touchdowns
Tyler Eifert (TE) - 68 receptions for 803 yards, 12.7-yard average, 5 touchdowns
Theo Riddick (WR) - 38 receptions for 436 yards, 11.5-yard average, 3 touchdowns
T.J. Jones (WR) - 19 receptions for 207 yards, 10.9-yard average, 3 touchdowns
Robby Toma (WR) - 19 receptions for 207 yards, 10.9-yard average, 1 touchdown
Cierre Wood (RB) - 27 receptions for 189 yards, 7.0-yard average, 0 touchdowns

^[2]

Scoring

David Ruffer (K) - 77 points, 47 of 47 PAT, 10 of 16 field goals
Jonas Gray (RB) - 72 points, 12 touchdowns
Michael Floyd (WR) - 60 points, 10 touchdowns
Cierre Wood (RB) - 54 points, 9 touchdowns
Tyler Eifert (TE) - 30 points, 5 touchdowns
George Atkinson III (RB) - 24 points, 4 touchdowns

^[2]

Tackles

Manti Te'o (LB) - 128 total tackles, 62 solo tackles, 13.5 tackles for loss, 5.0 sacks
Harrison Smith (DB) - 90 total tackles, 53 solo tackles
Robert Blanton (DB) - 70 total tackles, 48 solo tackles, 8.0 tackles for loss, 1.0 sack
Gary Gray (DB) - 67 total tackles, 48 solo tackles
Darius Fleming (LB) - 55 total tackles, 24 solo tackles, 7.0 tackles for loss, 3.5 sacks

^[2]

Awards and honors

Wide receiver Michael Floyd was selected by his teammates as the team's most valuable player. It was Floyd's second consecutive year with the honor.^[13] Floyd was also a semifinalist for the Biletnikoff Award.^[14]

Tight end Tyler Eifert was a finalist for the John Mackey Award.^[15]

All-Americans

Name	AP	WCFF	PFW	Rivals	Scout	SI	Yahoo
George Atkinson III, KR						Hon. Mention
Tyler Eifert, TE	2	2	Hon. Mention	3	1	Hon. Mention	3
Michael Floyd, WR			Hon. Mention			Hon. Mention
Manti Te'o, LB	2	2		2	2	2	2
†denotes consensus selection. NCAA recognizes AP, AFCA, FWAA, SN and WCFF 1st teams for consensus selections

Source:

References

↑ "2011 Notre Dame Fighting Irish Schedule and Results". SR/College Football. Sports Reference LLC. Retrieved August 9, 2026.
1 2 3 4 5 6 "2011 Notre Dame Fighting Irish Stats". SR/College Football. Sports Reference LLC. Retrieved August 8, 2026.
↑ "Notre Dame Fighting Irish vs. Stanford Cardinal Box Score". ESPN.com. November 26, 2011.
↑ "Notre Dame Football Official Schedule :: Notre Dame Football :: UND.COM :: The Official Site of Notre Dame Athletics". Archived from the original on September 5, 2015. Retrieved April 19, 2011.
↑ "Nate Montana to transfer from Notre Dame to Montana". usatoday.com. February 15, 2011. Retrieved August 7, 2008.
1 2 3 4 5 6 "More Notre Dame Football Players Selected To Preseason Watch Lists". UND.cstv.com. July 15, 2011. Retrieved August 7, 2008.
1 2 3 "Trio Of Irish Players Make Maxwell, Bednarik Watch Lists". UND.cstv.com. July 5, 2011. Retrieved August 7, 2008.
↑ "Tyler Eifert Named To John Mackey Award Watch List". UND.cstv.com. July 6, 2011. Retrieved August 7, 2008.
1 2 3 4 5 "Notre Dame Players Littered On Preseason Watch Lists". UND.cstv.com. July 8, 2011. Retrieved August 7, 2008.
↑ "No. 16 Irish Drop Season Opener To USF, 23–20." UND.com. Retrieved 2011-10-21.
↑ "Notre Dame vs. Purdue - Game Recap - October 1, 2011 - ESPN". Archived from the original on October 5, 2011.
↑ "Maryland vs. Notre Dame - Game Recap - November 12, 2011 - ESPN". Archived from the original on November 14, 2011.
↑ "Michael Floyd Named Notre Dame Football MVP For Second Year In A Row". FightingIrish.com. December 10, 2011. Retrieved August 9, 2026.
↑ "Floyd named Biletnikoff semifinalist". ESPN.com. November 15, 2011. Retrieved December 11, 2012.
↑ "Tyler Eifert Named Finalist For John Mackey Award". und.com. Retrieved December 11, 2012.
↑ "Athlon's 2011 College Football All-America Team". athlonsports.com. Retrieved December 11, 2012.

External links

Media related to 2011 Notre Dame Fighting Irish football team at Wikimedia Commons

[SR-1] "2011 Notre Dame Fighting Irish Schedule and Results". SR/College Football. Sports Reference LLC. Retrieved August 9, 2026.

[stat-2] 1 2 3 4 5 6 "2011 Notre Dame Fighting Irish Stats". SR/College Football. Sports Reference LLC. Retrieved August 8, 2026.

[3] "Notre Dame Fighting Irish vs. Stanford Cardinal Box Score". ESPN.com. November 26, 2011.

[4] "Notre Dame Football Official Schedule :: Notre Dame Football :: UND.COM :: The Official Site of Notre Dame Athletics". Archived from the original on September 5, 2015. Retrieved April 19, 2011.

[Montana-5] "Nate Montana to transfer from Notre Dame to Montana". usatoday.com. February 15, 2011. Retrieved August 7, 2008.

[Multiple_2-6] 1 2 3 4 5 6 "More Notre Dame Football Players Selected To Preseason Watch Lists". UND.cstv.com. July 15, 2011. Retrieved August 7, 2008.

[Maxwell-7] 1 2 3 "Trio Of Irish Players Make Maxwell, Bednarik Watch Lists". UND.cstv.com. July 5, 2011. Retrieved August 7, 2008.

[Mackey-8] "Tyler Eifert Named To John Mackey Award Watch List". UND.cstv.com. July 6, 2011. Retrieved August 7, 2008.

[Multiple-9] 1 2 3 4 5 "Notre Dame Players Littered On Preseason Watch Lists". UND.cstv.com. July 8, 2011. Retrieved August 7, 2008.

[10] "No. 16 Irish Drop Season Opener To USF, 23–20." UND.com. Retrieved 2011-10-21.

[11] "Notre Dame vs. Purdue - Game Recap - October 1, 2011 - ESPN". Archived from the original on October 5, 2011.

[12] "Maryland vs. Notre Dame - Game Recap - November 12, 2011 - ESPN". Archived from the original on November 14, 2011.

[13] "Michael Floyd Named Notre Dame Football MVP For Second Year In A Row". FightingIrish.com. December 10, 2011. Retrieved August 9, 2026.

[14] "Floyd named Biletnikoff semifinalist". ESPN.com. November 15, 2011. Retrieved December 11, 2012.

[15] "Tyler Eifert Named Finalist For John Mackey Award". und.com. Retrieved December 11, 2012.

[16] "Athlon's 2011 College Football All-America Team". athlonsports.com. Retrieved December 11, 2012.

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1	11:00	USF	Kayvon Webster 96-yard fumble return (Maikon Bonani kick)	USF 7–0

1	4:45	USF	Maikon Bonani 49-yard field goal	USF 10–0

1	1:08	USF	Maikon Bonani 17-yard field goal	USF 13–0

2	4:04	USF	Maikon Bonani 16-yard field goal	USF 16–0

3	7:12	ND	Michael Floyd 24-yard pass from Tommy Rees (David Ruffer kick)	USF 16–7

4	11:05	USF	Evan Landi 2-yard pass from B. J. Daniels (Maikon Bonani kick)	USF 23–7

4	7:35	ND	Cierre Wood 1-yard run (pass failed)	USF 23–13

4	0:21	ND	Michael Floyd 8-yard pass from Tommy Rees (David Ruffer kick)	USF 23–20


1	10:41	ND	Cierre Wood 22-yard run (David Ruffer kick)	ND 7–0

1	1:32	MSU	Dan Conroy 40-yard field goal	ND 7–3

1	1:20	ND	George Atkinson III 89-yard kickoff return (David Ruffer kick)	ND 14–3

2	11:57	MSU	Dion Sims 6-yard pass from Kirk Cousins (Dan Conroy kick)	ND 14–10

2	3:36	ND	Cierre Wood 6-yard run (David Ruffer kick)	ND 21–10

3	9:30	ND	TJ Jones 26-yard pass from Tommy Rees (David Ruffer kick)	ND 28–10

4	10:56	MSU	Dan Conroy 35-yard field goal	ND 28–13

4	3:11	ND	David Ruffer 33-yard field goal	ND 31–13


1	14:36	ND	Michael Floyd 35-yard pass from Tommy Rees (David Ruffer kick)	ND 7–0

1	0:03	ND	Jonas Gray 3-yard run (David Ruffer kick)	ND 14–0

2	9:06	ND	Cierre Wood 55-yard run (David Ruffer kick)	ND 21–0

2	3:39	PUR	Carson Wiggs 27-yard field goal	ND 21–3

3	12:00	ND	Tyler Eifert 6-yard pass from Tommy Rees (David Ruffer kick)	ND 28–3

3	2:07	ND	TJ Jones 11-yard pass from Tommy Rees (David Ruffer kick)	ND 35–3

4	8:06	ND	David Ruffer 21-yard field goal	ND 38–3

4	0:21	PUR	Antavian Edison 13-yard pass from Caleb TerBush (Carson Wiggs kick)	ND 38–10


1	12:13	ND	Michael Floyd 34-yard pass from Tommy Rees (David Ruffer kick)	ND 7–0

1	8:21	ND	Tyler Eifert 5-yard pass from Tommy Rees (David Ruffer kick)	ND 14–0

1	5:48	AF	Parker Herrington 34-yard field goal	ND 14–3

1	4:07	ND	Robby Toma 10-yard pass from Tommy Rees (David Ruffer kick)	ND 21–3

2	13:41	AF	Tim Jefferson 3-yard run (kick blocked)	ND 21–9

2	11:39	ND	Jonas Gray 5-yard run (David Ruffer kick)	ND 28–9

2	6:10	ND	Cierre Wood 8-yard run (David Ruffer kick)	ND 35–9

2	1:41	AF	Ty MacArthur 6-yard pass from Tim Jefferson (Parker Herrington kick)	ND 35–16

2	0:32	ND	Theo Riddick 24-yard run (David Ruffer kick)	ND 42–16

3	6:49	ND	Jonas Gray 6-yard run (David Ruffer kick)	ND 49–16

4	14:56	AF	Parker Herrington 32-yard field goal	ND 49–19

4	10:12	ND	David Ruffer 39-yard field goal	ND 52–19

4	6:22	ND	George Atkinson III 1-yard run (Mike Grieco kick)	ND 59–19

4	4:32	AF	Drew Coleman 36-yard pass from Connor Dietz (Anthony Lacoste run)	ND 59–27

4	0:33	AF	Jonathan Lee 8-yard run (run failed)	ND 59–33


1	4:52	ND	Jonas Gray 1-yard run (David Ruffer kick)	Notre Dame 7–0

1	0:31	ND	Cierre Wood 1-yard run (David Ruffer kick)	Notre Dame 14–0

2	11:06	NAVY	Gee Gee Greene 9-yard pass from Trey Miller (Jon Teague kick)	Notre Dame 14–7

2	10:51	ND	Michael Floyd 56-yard pass from Tommy Rees (David Ruffer kick)	Notre Dame 21–7

2	9:07	ND	Jonas Gray 2-yard run (David Ruffer kick)	Notre Dame 28–7

2	3:37	ND	Cierre Wood 1-yard run (David Ruffer kick)	Notre Dame 35–7

3	2:59	ND	Michael Floyd 10-yard run (David Ruffer kick)	Notre Dame 42–7

4	13:38	ND	Jonas Gray 5-yard run (David Ruffer kick)	Notre Dame 49–7

4	9:25	NAVY	Jarvis Cummings 12-yard run (Jon Teague kick)	Notre Dame 49–14

4	3:49	ND	George Atkinson III 1-yard run (David Ruffer kick)	Notre Dame 56–14

Scoring summary

1	9:16	STAN	Levine Toilolo 3-yard pass from Andrew Luck (Jordan Williamson kick)	STAN 7–0

2	4:45	STAN	Coby Fleener 28-yard pass from Andrew Luck (Jordan Williamson kick)	STAN 14–0

2	0:10	STAN	Ty Montgomery 11-yard pass from Andrew Luck (Jordan Williamson kick)	STAN 21–0

3	6:21	ND	Michael Floyd 6-yard pass from Andrew Hendrix (David Ruffer kick)	STAN 21–7

4	5:40	STAN	Coby Fleener 55-yard pass from Andrew Luck (Jordan Williamson kick)	STAN 28–7

4	0:23	ND	Andrew Hendrix 2-yard run (David Ruffer kick)	STAN 28–14

Scoring summary

1	11:25	ND	Zeke Motta 29-yard fumble return (David Ruffer kick)	ND 7–0

3	9:04	ND	Michael Floyd 5-yard pass from Tommy Rees (David Ruffer kick)	ND 14–0

3	11:24	FSU	Dustin Hopkins 42-yard field goal	ND 14–3

4	14:54	FSU	Bert Reed 18-yard pass from EJ Manuel (Two-point conversion failed)	ND 14–9

4	13:18	FSU	Rashad Greene 15-yard pass from E.J. Manuel (Two-point conversion failed)	FSU 15–14

4	8:05	FSU	Dustin Hopkins 29-yard field goal	FSU 18–14