GAME OF THE YEAR
Notre Dame 20, UCLA 6 -- None of Notre Dame's wins was great, and only the overtime loss to Navy was a close defeat. That kind of leaves the victory at UCLA on Oct. 6, when the Irish took advantage of the Bruins' injuries at quarterback, stifling untested third-stringer McLeod Bethel-Thompson, who threw four interceptions. It was Notre Dame's first victory after an 0-5 start.

PLAYER OF THE YEAR
DE Trevor Laws -- For his production and unwavering energy through a tough season, Laws was Notre Dame's best player from start to finish. Laws finished with 112 tackles, one behind Steve Niehaus (1975) for the most ever in a season by a Notre Dame lineman. Laws had four sacks and blocked three kicks.

FAST FORWARD
Next season should be the year in which Charlie Weis' recruiting efforts really kick in, as many of his talented young players now have a taste of experience. A winning season should be attainable, as the program begins to build momentum again. There will be six home games, including the season opener against San Diego State on Sept. 6.

QUOTE TO NOTE
"I think we all have some stepping up to do. Our offseason training, it's going to be intense, it's going to be more competitive than it ever has been." -- Notre Dame CB Darrin Walls.

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