2002 Notre Dame Fighting Irish football team
American college football season
The 2002 Notre Dame Fighting Irish football team was an American football team that represented the University of Notre Dame as an independent during the 2002 NCAA Division I-A football season. In their first year under head coach Tyrone Willingham, the Irish compiled a 10–3 record, outscored opponents by a total of 290 to 217, and were ranked No. 17 in the final AP and Coaches Polls. They won the first eight games of the season and were at that point ranked No. 4 in the AP poll. The winning streak led to claims to a "Return to Glory", with the phrase appearing on t-shirts that created a "Sea of Green" in the stands, and on the September 30 cover of Sports Illustrated. However, the Irish lost three of their last five games, including a 44–13 loss to USC and a 28–6 loss to NC State in the Gator Bowl.
The team's statistical leaders included quarterback Carlyle Holiday (1,788 passing yards), running back Ryan Grant (1,085 rushing yards), wide receiver Arnaz Battle (58 receptions for 786 yards), and kicker Nicholas Setta (74 points, 32 of 32 PAT, 14 of 25 field goals). Defensive back Shane Walton tallied seven interceptions (two returned for touchdowns) and seven pass breakups, and was a unanimous first-team pick on the 2002 All-America college football team. Center Jeff Faine and linebacker Courtney Watson also received first-team All-America honors from at least one selector.
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