By By SCOTT NOVAK / Niles Daily Star
NOTRE DAME, Ind. – Irish eyes were smiling Saturday night as Notre Dame put the finishing touches on a 28-7 victory over Duke in the final home game of the 2007 campaign.
Notre Dame (2-9) were able to send its seniors out with a win and can wrap up the season on a high note this Saturday with a victory at Stanford.
While the day belonged to the Fighting Irish seniors, it was the youngsters who did most of the damage.
Freshman quarterback Jimmy Clausen had his best day as he threw three touchdown passes.
Clausen connected with David Grimes, Duval Kamara and John Carlson.
Notre Dame's other touchdown came on a 13-yard Robert Hughes run.
The Irish led 28-0 before Duke scored a meaningless touchdown in the fourth quarter on a 6-yard run by Zack Asack.
Clausen finished the day 16-of-32 for 194 yards.
Notre Dame finished with 414 yards in total offense, including 220 yards rushing.
Hughes led the way on the ground with 110 yards on 17 carries.
The Notre Dame defense played well on Saturday, limiting Duke to just 232 yards in total offense.
The Blue Devils managed just 94 yards rushing.
The victory on Saturday kept Notre Dame from going winless at home in 2007 and gave its seniors something to remember.
Duke 0 0 0 7 – 7
Notre Dame 0 14 7 7 – 28
ND – Grimes, David 25 pass from Clausen, Jimmy (Walker, Brandon kick)
ND – Kamara, Duval 25 pass from Clausen (Walker kick)
ND – Hughes, Robert 13 run (Walker kick)
ND – Carlson, John 9 pass from Clausen (Walker kick)
DU – Zack Asack 6 run (Nick Maggio kick)