Darrin Walls (2) and Jamoris Slaughter (26) bring down Montel Harris in the second half against Boston College at Notre Dame Stadium Saturday, October 24, 2009. Notre Dame defeated Boston College 20-16.
Tribune Photo/MARCUS MARTER
Story Created:
Oct 26, 2009 at 1:46 AM EDT
Story Updated:
Oct 26, 2009 at 1:46 AM EDT
SOUTH BEND — Third time the charm?
The Notre Dame football team is back in the Top 25 for the third time this season, cracking both the Associated Press writers poll and coaches poll at No. 25 on Sunday.
This is the first time this season that a victory coaxed the Irish (5-2) into the rankings. Their first appearance, in the preseason poll, was courtesy of positive offseason speculation. They dropped out after a game 2 loss to Michigan.
Notre Dame re-entered two weeks ago following an open date, but slipped out after a close 34-27 loss to heavily favored USC on Oct. 17. ND defeated Boston College, 20-16, Saturday, breaking asix-game losing streak to the Eagles (5-3).
The Irish are No. 20 in the lastest Sagarin computer ratings — No. 23 in the version used for the Bowl Championship Series standings that strips out the final margins of games.
In the lastest national statistics, Irish junior quarterback Jimmy Clausen remained No. 2 in passing efficiency (161.30 rating), behind only Kellen Moore of Boise State. He is ninth in passing yards per game (292.86).
ND junior wide receiver Golden Tate is fourth in receiving yards per game (121.0) and 10th in receptions per game (7.43). Sophomore Darius Fleming is 11th in tackles for loss (1.58 per game). Senior Kyle McCarthy is tied for third in interceptions (0.71 per game), and freshman Nick Tausch is tied for 10th in field goals (1.71 per game).
As a team, ND is tied for second in turnovers lost, with five this season. Boston College had that many alone in Saturday’s loss to the Irish.
Staff writer Eric Hansen: ehansen@sbtinfo.com (574) 235-6470
