One of the oldest and most storied college football teams is Notre Dame, located in South Bend, Indiana. Wearing a leprechaun logo with colors of blue, green, and gold, Notre Dame boasts national championships and Heisman trophy winners.

Coach Charlie Weis was hired at Notre Dame in 2005 directly from pro football, the New England Patriots.

Quarterback Jimmy Clausen came to Notre Dame with numerous awards amassed as quarterback of a California high school team with a record of 42-0. Jimmy Clausen never lost a game. He earned the Hall Trophy as outstanding player nationally, USA Today Offensive Player of the Year, and National High School Offensive Player of the Year. He was a starter while a freshman and his talent grew into his sophomore year, where he throws more than 350 yards per game.

The quarterbacks' coach is Ron Powlus, also a high school national offensive player award winner who attended Notre Dame as their quarterback for four years.

Clausen has a group of top-notch receivers and splits his throws among all of them. One with great hands is Michael Floyd, a freshman. An outstanding receiver is Golden Tate, with the perfect name for a member of the Golden Domers.

Two players bring family history with them. The website Rivals.com rated Mike Golic Jr. the 8th best center in the nation. His father (Mike & Mike in the Morning on ESPN) and two uncles played Notre Dame football. Nate Montana is the son of the great quarterback Joe Montana, who made a name for himself at Notre Dame and San Francisco '49ers. Nate became a freshman member of the team as a walk on.

ND is growing together, displaying maturity and ability over last season. With most players in their early college years, fans are hopeful that the days of glory will return.