When asked what specific areas the Notre Dame defense had to improve on, linebacker Derek Curry replied, “There’s little things. One thing is shutting down the run more.”
Against Brigham Young, Notre Dame gave up 22 yards rushing; against Michigan, 56; and against Michigan State on Saturday, 165.
And Saturday, the Irish will face another tough test against Washington, which ran for 219 yards in its 37-31 loss Saturday to UCLA. Sophomore Kenny James had 133 of those yards on 27 carries. …
Irish sophomore safety Tom Zbikowski, who forced two fumbles against Michigan State, returning one for a touchdown, and snagged an interception, was named the Walter Camp national defensive player of the week.
Zbikowski was a first-team All-State player for Buffalo Grove High School.
