Hawai'i Bowl: Hawaii vs. Notre Dame

By J.J. PESAVENTO

December 24 * 8:00 PM * ESPN

Quarterback Jimmy Clausen will look to lead the Fighting Irish to their first bowl victory since 1994. Clausen has seen his numbers improve in 2008 after spending most of last season as a mugging victim at the hands of opposing defenses. With freshman sensation Michael Floyd out, his primary targets will be receivers Golden Tate, David Grimes and Kyle Rudolph. Notre Dame doesn't run the ball very well, but when they do look for Armando Allen to get the bulk of the carries. The defense has left something to be desired for much of the season even with standouts like linebacker Maurice Crum Jr. and safety David Bruton and that will hurt them against Hawaii. Hawaii got off to a mediocre 3-4 start in 2008, but quarterback Greg Alexander has been hot the last six games, leading the Warriors to a 4-2 finish. The Notre Dame defense will have to concern themselves with a number of receivers in Greg Salas, Michael Washington, Malcolm Lane and Aaron Bain. On the rare occasions Hawaii does run the ball, Dan Libre will get the call. However, if Kealoha Pilares is healthy, he will be a big factor, lining up at both receiver and running back. Senior defensive back Keao Monteilh, defensive lineman David Veikune and linebacker Solomon Elimimian will be the key players on the Hawaii defense.

Inside the Numbers – Pass, Run & Catch:

Hawaii Warriors (7-6, 5-3)

Pass: Greg Alexander – 1,634 yards, 12 TDs
Run: Daniel Libre – 431 yards, 6 TDs
Catch: Greg Salas – 50-755-3 TDs

Notre Dame Fighting Irish (6-6)

Pass: Jimmy Clausen – 2,771 yards, 20 TDs
Run: Armando Allen – 576 yards, 3 TDs
Catch: Golden Tate – 52-903-7 TDs