The 2016 Notre Dame Fighting Irish football team was an American football team that represented the University of Notre Dame as an independent during the 2016 NCAA Division I FBS football season. In their seventh year under head coach Brian Kelly, the Irish compiled a 4–8 record and outscored opponents by a total of 371 to 334. They were ranked No. 10 in the preseason AP poll, but dropped out of the poll after losing two of the first three games. They played two games against ranked opponents, losing to No. 12 Michigan State and No. 12 USC. Despite the disappointing season, athletic director Jack Swarbrick found the 2016 team to be a remarkable bunch, citing the team's "enthusiasm" and "willingness to practice".
The team's statistical leaders included quarterback DeShone Kizer (2,925 passing yards, 26 passing touchdowns), running back Josh Adams (933 rushing yards), wide receiver Equanimeous St. Brown (58 receptions for 961 yards), kicker Justin Yoon (83 points scored), and linebacker Nyles Morgan (93 total tackles).
The team played its home games at Notre Dame Stadium in Notre Dame, Indiana.
Schedule
Before the season Before the season began, several Notre Dame players were selected in the 2016 NFL draft, including offensive tackle Ronnie Stanley, wide receiver Will Fuller, linebacker Jaylon Smith, center Nick Martin, cornerback KeiVarae Russell, running back C. J. Prosise, and defensive tackle Sheldon Day. The Irish also lost free safety Max Redfield and cornerback Devin Butler in the offseason for violating team policies.
Also, Brian VanGorder was relieved of his duties as the team's defensive coordinator and replaced by Greg Hudson. Kelly said, "I have the utmost respect for Brian as both a person and football coach, but our defense simply isn't where it should be and I believe this change is necessary for the best interest of our program and our student-athletes."
Rankings
Game summaries At Texas
Statistics NDTEX First downs 22 26 Total yards 444 517 Rushing yards 206 237 Passing yards 238 280 Turnovers 0 1 Time of possession 32:42 27:18 Team Category Player StatisticsNotre Dame Passing DeShone Kizer 15/24, 215 yards, 5 TD Rushing Tarean Folston 18 rushes, 88 yards Receiving Equanimeous St. Brown 5 receptions, 75 yards, 2 TDTexas Passing Shane Buechele 16/26, 280 yards, 2 TD, INT Rushing D'Onta Foreman 24 rushes, 131 yards, TD Receiving John Burt 6 receptions, 111 yards, TD
Nevada
Statistics NEVND First downs 16 21 Total yards 300 444 Rushing yards 99 239 Passing yards 201 205 Turnovers 1 1 Time of possession 26:28 33:32 Team Category Player StatisticsNevada Passing Tyler Stewart 10/23, 113 yards, INT Rushing James Butler 17 rushes, 50 yards Receiving Andrew Celis 1 reception, 68 yardsNotre Dame Passing DeShone Kizer 15/18, 156 yards, 2 TD, INT Rushing Josh Adams 10 rushes, 106 yards Receiving Equanimeous St. Brown 6 receptions, 85 yards
No. 12 Michigan State
Statistics MSUND First downs 22 19 Total yards 501 401 Rushing yards 260 57 Passing yards 241 344 Turnovers 1 3 Time of possession 37:57 22:03 Team Category Player StatisticsMichigan State Passing Tyler O'Connor 19/26, 241 yards, 2 TD, INT Rushing Gerald Holmes 13 rushes, 100 yards, 2 TD Receiving Donnie Corley 4 receptions, 88 yards, TDNotre Dame Passing DeShone Kizer 20/37, 344 yards, 2 TD, INT Rushing Josh Adams 12 rushes, 29 yards Receiving Torii Hunter Jr. 5 receptions, 95 yards
Duke
Statistics DUKEND First downs 24 24 Total yards 498 534 Rushing yards 208 153 Passing yards 290 381 Turnovers 1 3 Time of possession 30:35 29:25 Team Category Player StatisticsDuke Passing Daniel Jones 24/32, 290 yards, 3 TD, INT Rushing Jela Duncan 21 rushes, 121 yards, TD Receiving Anthony Nash 6 receptions, 123 yards, 2 TDNotre Dame Passing DeShone Kizer 22/37, 381 yards, 2 TD, INT Rushing DeShone Kizer 11 rushes, 60 yards, TD Receiving Equanimeous St. Brown 6 receptions, 116 yards, TD
Vs. Syracuse
At NC State
Statistics NDNCST First downs 10 14 Total yards 113 198 Rushing yards 59 157 Passing yards 54 41 Turnovers 3 2 Time of possession 27:41 32:19 Team Category Player StatisticsNotre Dame Passing DeShone Kizer 9/26, 54 yards, INT Rushing Josh Adams 14 rushes, 51 yards Receiving Equanimeous St. Brown 3 receptions, 30 yardsNC State Passing Ryan Finley 5/12, 27 yards Rushing Matt Dayes 23 rushes, 126 yards Receiving Matt Dayes 3 receptions, 14 yards
The Notre Dame vs NC State game was played during Hurricane Matthew where the two teams combined for only 311 total yards. The only touchdown of the game was scored by NC State on a blocked punt leading NC State to win it 10–3.
Stanford
Statistics STANND First downs 18 16 Total yards 296 307 Rushing yards 176 153 Passing yards 120 154 Turnovers 3 2 Time of possession 32:51 27:09 Team Category Player StatisticsStanford Passing Ryan Burns 10/19, 120 yards, INT Rushing Bryce Love 23 rushes, 129 yards, TD Receiving Michael Rector 3 receptions, 34 yardsNotre Dame Passing DeShone Kizer 14/26, 154 yards, 2 INT Rushing DeShone Kizer 11 rushes, 83 yards, TD Receiving Torii Hunter Jr. 4 receptions, 70 yards
Miami (FL)
Statistics MIAND First downs 20 20 Total yards 306 411 Rushing yards 18 148 Passing yards 288 263 Turnovers 1 2 Time of possession 33:25 26:35 Team Category Player StatisticsMiami Passing Brad Kaaya 26/42, 288 yards, TD, INT Rushing Mark Walton 18 rushes, 45 yards, TD Receiving Stacy Coley 7 receptions, 81 yardsNotre Dame Passing DeShone Kizer 25/38, 263 yards, 2 TD Rushing Josh Adams 12 rushes, 94 yards, TD Receiving Kevin Stepherson 2 receptions, 78 yards
Vs. Navy
Statistics NDNAVY First downs 21 21 Total yards 370 368 Rushing yards 147 320 Passing yards 223 48 Turnovers 0 0 Time of possession 26:07 33:53 Team Category Player StatisticsNotre Dame Passing DeShone Kizer 19/27, 223 yards, 3 TD Rushing Josh Adams 12 rushes, 73 yards Receiving Torii Hunter Jr. 8 receptions, 104 yards, TDNavy Passing Will Worth 5/8, 48 yards Rushing Will Worth 28 rushes, 175 yards, 2 TD Receiving Jamir Tillman 4 receptions, 41 yards
Vs. Army
Statistics ARMYND First downs 10 31 Total yards 242 476 Rushing yards 229 261 Passing yards 13 215 Turnovers 1 1 Time of possession 25:38 34:22 Team Category Player StatisticsArmy Passing Malik McGue 2/3, 13 yards, INT Rushing Darnell Woolfolk 11 rushes, 95 yards Receiving Christian Poe 1 reception, 9 yardsNotre Dame Passing DeShone Kizer 17/28, 209 yards, 3 TD, INT Rushing Tarean Holston 13 rushes, 84 yards, TD Receiving Kevin Stepherson 5 receptions, 75 yards, TD
Virginia Tech
Statistics VTND First downs 25 22 Total yards 419 449 Rushing yards 152 200 Passing yards 267 249 Turnovers 2 0 Time of possession 32:45 27:15 Team Category Player StatisticsVirginia Tech Passing Jerod Evans 22/29, 267 yards, 2 TD, INT Rushing Jerod Evans 18 rushes, 67 yards, TD Receiving Isaiah Ford 7 receptions, 86 yardsNotre Dame Passing DeShone Kizer 16/33, 235 yards, 2 TD Rushing Josh Adams 13 rushes, 100 yards, 2 TD Receiving Equanimeous St. Brown 6 receptions, 90 yards
At No. 12 USC
Statistics NDUSC First downs 23 23 Total yards 408 412 Rushing yards 154 207 Passing yards 254 205 Turnovers 2 1 Time of possession 28:57 31:03 Team Category Player StatisticsNotre Dame Passing DeShone Kizer 17/32, 220 yards, 2 TD, INT Rushing Josh Adams 17 rushes, 180 yards Receiving Equanimeous St. Brown 7 receptions, 94 yards, TDUSC Passing Sam Darnold 19/29, 205 yards, 2 TD Rushing Ronald Jones II 16 rushes, 134 yards, TD Receiving Adoree' Jackson 1 reception, 52 yards, TD
Personnel
Roster 2016 Notre Dame Fighting Irish football team rosterQuarterbacks 4 Montgomery VanGorder – junior (6'5, 215) 7 Brandon Wimbush – sophomore (6'1, 216) 9 Malik Zaire – senior (6'0, 225) 12 Ian Book – freshman 14 DeShone Kizer – junior (6'4, 230) 17 Nolan Henry – sophomore (6'1, 195)
Running backs 2 Dexter Williams – sophomore (5'11, 210) 11 Justin Brent – junior (6'1, 220) 25 Tarean Folston – senior (5'9, 214) 28 Austin Ross – senior (5'10, 206) 33 Josh Adams – sophomore (6'1, 219) 34 Tony Jones Jr. – freshman 38 Deon McIntosh – freshman 46 Josh Anderson – graduate student (5'9, 205) 49 Bailey Ross – senior (5'10, 202)
Wide receivers 3 C. J. Sanders – sophomore (5'8, 185) 6 Equanimeous St. Brown – sophomore (6'4, 205) 15 Corey Holmes – junior (6'0, 190) 16 Torii Hunter Jr. – senior (6'0, 195) 26 Austin Webster – junior (5'11, 195) 27 Chris Finke – sophomore (5'9, 175) 29 Kevin Stepherson – freshman (6'0, 181) 35 Grant Hammann – junior (6'0, 192) 37 Omar Hunter – senior (5'9, 195) 81 Miles Boykin – sophomore (6'3, 225) 83 Chase Claypool – freshman 86 Javon McKinley – freshman 87 Keenan Centlivre – junior (6'5, 225) 89 Buster Sheridan – senior (6'3, 200)
Tight ends 10 Alize Jones – sophomore (6'4, 240) 80 Durham Smythe – senior (6'4, 245) 82 Nic Weishar – junior (6'4, 245) 84 Ben Suttman – senior (6'2, 240) 89 Jacob Matuska – senior (6'4, 275)
Punters 80 Tyler Newsome – junior (6'2, 210) (+K) Offensive Lineman 50 Parker Boudreaux – freshman 53 Sam Mustipher – junior (6'2, 305) 56 Quenton Nelson – junior (6'5, 325) 57 Trevor Ruhland – sophomore (6'3, 300) 62 Colin McGovern – senior (6'4, 315) 63 Sam Bush – junior (6'3, 305) 66 Tristen Hoge – sophomore (6'4, 300) 67 Jimmy Byrne – junior (6'4, 300) 68 Mike McGlinchey – senior (6'7, 310) 69 Logan Plantz – sophomore (6'2, 310) 70 Hunter Bivin – senior (6'5, 308) 71 Alex Bars – junior (6'6, 320) 74 Liam Eichenberg – freshman 75 Mark Harrell – graduate student (6'4, 306) 78 Tommy Kraemer – freshman
Defensive Lineman 9 Daelin Hayes – freshman (6'3, 257) 42 Julian Okwara – freshman 53 Khalid Kareem – freshman (6'3, 270) 54 Lincoln Feist – sophomore (6'2, 315) 55 Jonathan Bonner – junior (6'3, 286) 58 Elijah Taylor – sophomore (6'3, 285) 60 John Montelus – senior (6'4, 310) 64 Ryan Kilander – junior (6'0, 310) 75 Daniel Cage – junior (6'1, 315) 77 Brandon Tiassum – sophomore (6'3, 302) 90 Isaac Rochell – senior (6'3, 290) 92 Grant Blankenship – junior (6'5, 278) 93 Jay Hayes – junior (6'3, 285) 94 Jarron Jones – graduate student (6'5, 315) 95 Marquis Dickerson – senior (6'1, 285) 96 Peter Mokwuah – junior (6'3, 317) 97 Micah Dew-Treadway – sophomore (6'4, 300) 98 Andrew Trumbetti – junior (6'3, 260) 99 Jerry Tillery – sophomore (6'6, 310) 91 Adetokunbo Ogundeji – freshman
Kickers 19 Justin Yoon – sophomore (5'9, 190) 29 Sam Kohler – junior (6'0, 175) 42 Jeff Riney – sophomore (5'10, 175) (+P) 43 John Chereson – senior (5'9, 178)
Linebackers 4 Te'von Coney – sophomore (6'1, 235) 5 Nyles Morgan – junior (6'1, 245) 17 James Onwualu – senior (6'1, 232) 22 Asmar Bilal – sophomore (6'2, 230) 30 Josh Barajas – sophomore (6'1, 240) 40 Kier Murphy – sophomore (6'0, 230) 42 Jimmy Thompson – sophomore (6'0, 215) 44 Jamir Jones – freshman 45 Jonathan Jones – freshman 48 Greer Martini – junior (6'2, 245) 49 Brandon Hutson – sophomore (6'2, 230) 51 Devyn Spruell – sophomore (6'1, 240)
Cornerbacks 7 Nick Watkins – junior (6'0, 200) 12 Devin Butler – senior (6'0, 200) 25 Brian Ball – sophomore (5'11, 185) 26 Ashton White – sophomore (5'11, 190) 34 Jesse Bongiovi – senior (5'9, 194) 36 Cole Luke – senior (5'11, 193)
Safeties 4 Avery Sebastian – graduate student (5'10, 200) 13 Devin Studstill – freshman (6'0, 190) 23 Drue Tranquill – junior (6'1, 225) 31 Spencer Perry – freshman (6'2, 204) 38 Robert Regan – sophomore (6'2, 200) 39 Drew Recker – senior (5'11, 205)
Defensive backs 18 Troy Pride – freshman 20 Shaun Crawford – sophomore (5'8, 189) 24 Nick Coleman – sophomore (5'11, 190) 21 Jalen Elliott – freshman 27 Julian Love – freshman 32 D.J. Morgan – freshman 35 Donte Vaughn – freshman
Long snappers 54 John Shannon – freshman 61 Scott Daly – graduate student (6'1, 250)
Coaching staff