Notre Dame linebacker Brandon Hoyte came into Saturday night’s game at Brigham Young with a sore right shoulder but came out with another outstanding performance.
Hoyte, who finished 2003 second on the team with 74 tackles, had 5 1/2 tackles in the 20-17 loss, including two for losses and a sack.
“We definitely have areas on the defense to get better at,” said Hoyte, who with his teammates will face Michigan on Saturday. “The bottom line is if we go back home and win this game, we’re right back in the mix. So there’s no reason to hang our heads.” . . .
Overly optimistic as the Irish (0-1) prepare for No. 8 Michigan (1-0)? Maybe, maybe not.
When the Irish and the Wolverines meet, records become irrelevant. Since 1942 the lower-ranked team is 11-10-1 and has won four of the last seven meetings.