In his first start at linebacker, the Irish’s Travis Thomas, a running back who had been Darius Walker’s backup, had four tackles–two for losses.
But Thomas also showed he still had his knack as a runner, spelling Walker in the fourth quarter and finishing as the team’s second-leading rusher with 19 yards on six carries.
“He surprised our whole staff” with his stamina, coach Charlie Weis said. “This is the first time in a while Travis has played this many plays. He’s still in a learning curve because it’s new to be out there and playing at this level.” . . .
Because of the anticipated interest in their home opener against Penn State, the Irish will hold Friday night’s pep rally at Notre Dame Stadium rather than at the Joyce Center.
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Next: Saturday vs. Penn State, 2:30, WMAQ-Ch. 5