The 1956 Notre Dame Fighting Irish football team was an American football team that represented the University of Notre Dame as an independent during the 1956 college football season. In their third year under head coach Terry Brennan, the Fighting Irish compiled a 2–8 record and were outscored by a total of 289 to 130. It was Notre Dame's first losing season since 1933 and is tied with the 1960 season as the worst winning percentage in program history.
Senior halfback Paul Hornung played on offense, defense, and special teams, leading the team in rushing (420 yards, 4.5-yard average), passing (917 yards, .532 percentage), scoring (56 points, 7 touchdowns, 14 PAT), punting (33 punts, 37.6-yard average), kickoff returns (16 returns for 496 yards), and passes broken up (7).1956 Notre Dame Football Review, p. 35. He won the Heisman Trophy and is the only player to receive the trophy while playing on a losing team. Back Jim Morse led the team in receiving (20 catches for 442 yards) and was the team captain.
The team played its home games at Notre Dame Stadium in Notre Dame, Indiana.
Schedule
Awards and honors Paul Hornung, Heisman Trophy
1957 NFL draft The following Notre Dame players were selected in the 1957 NFL draft. Paul HornungHB11Green Bay PackersEd SullivanC12135Green Bay PackersJim MorseHB13148Green Bay PackersByron BeamsT20232Los Angeles Rams
, ==Personnel== Players Byron Beams, tackle Kevin Burke, center Larry Cooke, quarterback Al Ecuyer, guard Bob Gaydos, guard Frank Geremia, tackle Gene Hedrick, guard Paul Hornung, left halfback Jim Just, fullbackk Aubrey Lewis, halfback Chuck Lima, back Jim Morse, right halfback Angelo Mosca, guard Bronko Nagurski Jr., tackle Nick Pietrosante Dick Royer, end Jim Schaaf, guard Ed Sullivan, center Bob Ward, right halfback Bob Wetoska, end Bob Williams, quarterback
Coaching staff Head coach: Terry Brennan Assistant coaches: Jim Finks, Jack Zilly, Bill Fischer, Bernie Witucki Freshman coach: John Warren "Jack" Landry Athletic director: Edward W. "Moose" Krause Head trainer: Gene Paszkiet Equipment manager: Jack McAllister 1956 Notre Dame Football Review, pp. 28-29, 32-34.
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