Ryan Day had just issued a “thank you” to the media for its patience while he dealt with his emotions regarding Lou Holtz’s comments on his team’s physicality and was turning to leave the lectern when a single word from a reporter pulled him back in.
“Defense?”
Day stopped in his tracks and returned to his spot.
“Yeah, I’ve got to talk about the defense,” Day said excitedly, as the press room erupted in laughter. “I thought the defense hung in there. (Notre Dame) had the ball for 35 minutes and they were out there for what seemed like forever.