--One of the key defensive players against San Diego State was Sergio Brown, a junior nickel back who saw a lot of playing time because of the Aztecs' passing offense. Most notably, he blocked a punt late in the first half that led to a quick Irish touchdown. He also made six tackles and broke up two passes.

"I was itching to get in," he told the South Bend Tribune. "We had a bad season last year, and I was real down in the dumps. I stuck it out due to good advice from good people. A lot of ideas crossed my mind, but I knew I was here for a reason."

--SS Kyle McCarthy, taking over for departed Tom Zbikowski, had a game-high 14 tackles, including 10 solo stops.

GAME BALL GOES TO
FS David Bruton -- It might be premature to say this, but Bruton's fourth-quarter forced fumble and recovery at the goal line might have saved the season. Instead of San Diego State's Brandon Sullivan going in for a score and a 20-7 lead, the Irish took over and drove 80 yards for a 14-13 lead. Bruton, the team's best overall player, also had seven tackles and one pass breakup.

KEEP AN EYE ON
QB Jimmy Clausen -- The sophomore completed 21-of-34 passes for 237 yards, with three touchdowns and two interceptions against San Diego State. He had plenty of zip on his passes, and the two fourth-quarter TD drives were encouraging. But the offense was stagnant for much of the game, finishing with 342 yards. The whole unit is going to have to make big improvement from Week One to Week Two because Michigan is next.

QUOTE TO NOTE
"It's the first game of the year. You can't always expect to come out right away clicking on all cylinders. I thought we came together well at the end. Once we started clicking, it showed in our performance on the field." -- Notre Dame DE Pat Kuntz.

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