The Irish may still be fighting, but they've been coming up on the short end much too often since the latter stages of the Lou Holtz era. Notre Dame hasn't won a bowl game or finished in the Top 10 of the polls since the 1993 season, and that can be attributed to a decline in talent. Only two NFL first-round draft picks have been produced over the last eight years -- both linemen. Top-notch skill players have practically disappeared from the roster.

Now, Tyrone Willingham gets a chance to turn this proud program back in the right direction. Much has been made about him being the first African-American head coach in Notre Dame history, which is certainly significant, but it almost shortchanges Willingham's credentials. He was successful both in recruiting and on the sideline at Stanford -- a school with even tougher academic standards than Notre Dame. It's tough to imagine anyone more qualified for this job, but the bottom line is simple: Can he make the Irish a national power once again?

Notre Dame Fighting Irish

2001 overall record: 5-6

Returning starters
Offense: 7
Defense: 6
Specialists: 2

2001 statistical leaders (* - returners)
Rushing: Julius Jones* (718 yds)
Passing: Carlyle Holiday* (784 yds)
Receiving: Javin Hunter (387 yds)
Tackles: Tyreo Harrison (97)
Sacks: Anthony Weaver (7)
Interceptions: Vontez Duff* (3)

	Tyrone Willingham will try to lead Notre Dame back to national prominence.

What's new
In addition to Willingham, there are eight new assistants. Only Greg Mattison was kept from the previous staff to coach the defensive line. One noticeable change in the spring was Willingham's involvement in all aspects of practice. Bob Davie had a defensive coaching background and had become more involved in the coordination of that unit during practice over the last couple of years. Now, the head coach is overseeing all angles of the operation.

There might not be many noticeable changes in the defense this season, but a new offensive scheme will be obvious. Willingham wants offensive balance, and along with that comes a passing game that will attract QB and WR recruits that have been choosing other schools in recent years.

Battling it out
Willingham certainly does not WANT to run any more option, but he needs to develop a quarterback with good passing skills. The primary competitors for the job are the starters from the last two seasons. Carlyle Holiday and Matt LoVecchio both completed 50 percent of their passes last season with more interceptions than touchdowns. Neither separated himself in the spring, but LoVecchio has decided to transfer to another school.

Jared Clark (6-4, 228) competed for the starting QB job last spring, and many thought he was the best passer of the bunch this year, but he requested a move to another position halfway through spring drills. He ended up at tight end and showed great hands and athleticism, putting himself in position to compete with another former QB, Gary Godsey, for the starting job there.

Eye catcher: WR Arnaz Battle
Battle was moved from QB to receiver last spring, but his development at the position was hindered by an injury that cost him valuable playing time during the season. He fractured a bone in his leg against Michigan State, missed the next four games and was unable to generate any momentum upon his return. He was bothered by injuries again in the spring, but caught five passes for 73 yards in the spring game, matching his total number of receptions from last year (5 for 40 yards). Though he is still limited in experience, Battle will be counted on for production after the Irish lost both starting receivers from 2001.

Budding star: DB Vontez Duff
Duff made a big impact as a sophomore last year, starting the final eight games at cornerback and making three interceptions. He was also given a chance to display his athleticism as a return man, and he took a kickoff back 96 yards for a score in the season finale against Purdue. Duff can change a game on either defense or special teams and is the kind of playmaker the Irish needs to have at several more positions. The only question is whether he will see many balls thrown his way now that two probable starters in the secondary have been expelled by the university for alleged sexual misconduct.

Brad Edwards researches college football for ESPN and is a contributor to ESPN.com throughout the year.