Big East: NFL-like offense puts Notre Dame past Pitt
By Associated Press
Published September 4, 2005
PITTSBURGH - Notre Dame hired Charlie Weis exactly for this. The innovative and imaginative offense. The confused looks on the faces of the opposing defense. And, yes, all those points on the scoreboard.
Brady Quinn ran Weis' Patriots-perfect offense like a college version of Tom Brady, leading touchdown drives on five of underdog Notre Dame's first six possessions Saturday in a 42-21 rout of No. 23 Pitt that was put out of reach by halftime.
The anticipated matchup of two former NFL coaches turned college coaches - Weis, the former New England offensive wizard, vs. Dave Wannstedt, a one-time defensive coordinator and the former coach of the Bears and Dolphins - was as big a mismatch as the final score.
Pitt's defense, effectively the same as that which allowed nearly 420 yards per game even while going 8-4 last season, had no answer for Quinn's Weis-designed five-receiver sets, screen passes to running backs and throws to big tight ends isolated against small cornerbacks.
Except for one interception, Quinn couldn't have run the Irish offense much better while going 18-of-27 for 233 yards and two touchdowns, one to running back Darius Walker for 51 yards on Notre Dame's first score and another to Jeff Samardzija for 19 yards. Notre Dame outgained Pitt 502-323, helped by a 275-103 edge in rushing largely accumulated after building a big lead.
Walker, coming off a strong freshman season in which he rushed for 821 yards, carried 20 times for 100 yards and a 2-yard touchdown that started Notre Dame's decisive 28-point second quarter that made it 35-13 at halftime.
Hired by alma mater Notre Dame before New England's third Super Bowl victory in four seasons, Weis promised to bring a pro-style offense filled with creativity that isn't always seen in college football. At least for one night, he certainly delivered.
