Live updates from Notre Dame Stadium

by Pete Byrne (pmbyrne@wsbt.com)

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Notre Dame wide receiver Duval Kamara, right, reaches for a pass while San Diego State cornerback Vonnie Holmes defends during first quarter action in an NCAA college football game in South Bend, Ind. on Saturday, Sept. 6, 2008. The pass was incomplete. (AP Photo/Joe Raymond)

By Beth Boehne

Story Created: Sep 5, 2008 at 3:13 PM EST

Story Updated: Sep 6, 2008 at 6:33 PM EST

NOTRE DAME — Get ready for another season of Fighting Irish football! Notre Dame opened up the season against San Diego State. WSBT Sports Reporter Pete Byrne was in Notre Dame Stadium and kept us updated throughout the game.

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Notre Dame struggled at times and San Diego State fought to the end, but the Irish pulled out a victory in their season opener by a final score of 21-13.

Watch WSBT News at 11 p.m. for a full analysis of the game from WSBT Sports' Greg Carroll, Pete Byrne and Carolyn Manno.

Clausen hit David Grimes on a fade to the corner of the endzone and the extra point put the Irish up 21-13 with only a few minutes left to play.

A turnover allowed Notre Dame to turn over the game, back into their favor. Captain David Bruton forced a San Diego State fumble on the goal line, preventing the Aztecs from taking a two touchdown lead in the 4th quarter.

Jimmy Clausen led the Irish on a 6-play, 80-yard drive, capped off by a 38-yard touchdown strike to Golden Tate. The extra point puts the Irish up 14-13, with under 10 minutes to play.

For the first three quarters, turnovers plagued Notre Dame, as they struggled in their home opener. Through three quarters, Notre Dame lost two fumbles, and thrown two interceptions.

A Jimmy Clausen interception, with the Irish driving for a potential go-ahead score, prevented the Irish from scoring for the 3rd time in the game.

San Diego State responded with an 80-yard drive, capped off by Ryan Lindley's touchdown pass to Darren Mougey. The Aztecs missed the extra point, and lead 13-7 with 15 minutes to play.

It took 28 minutes and 46 seconds, but Notre Dame found the endzone right before halftime. Jimmy Clausen's pass was hauled in by freshman Mike Floyd, for a 22 yard touchdown to tie the score. It's the first reception of Floyd's college career.

The 21-yard touchdown drive was set up by a blocked punt by Notre Dame's Sergio Brown. The game was tied at 7 at halftime.

Turnovers plagued the Irish in the 1st half of their season opener.

After a scoreless 1st quarter, Notre Dame appeared poised to take the lead early in the 2nd quarter. However, a 73-yard drive stalled on the two yard line, when Robert Hughes fumbled on 2nd and goal.

The defense held San Diego State and got the ball back for the offense. Jimmy Clausen's pass intended for Duval Kamara went in and out of Kamara's hands, and was intercepted. On the very next play, San Diego State completed a 43-yard pass, setting up a one-yard touchdown run by QB Ryan Lindley.

Notre Dame also had a short field goal attempt foiled by a botched hold.

Charlie Weis preached the necessity of a fast start to the 2008 season. While the Irish haven't done just that on the offensive side of the ball against San Diego State, the defense has been fun to watch, to say the least.

The new-look Irish defense, under the influence of assistant head coach Jon Tenuta, has been disruptive to the Aztecs attack. San Diego State has sustained only one drive of more than 45 yards.

Kerry Neal has an interception, Mo Crum has a sack, and the Irish have hurried SDSU quarterback Ryan Lindley on several occasions.

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