Quinn Looks To Go Out On Top

Quarterback Brady Quinn will leave Notre Dame with enough honors and records for five players, but one thing he hasn’t done is win a bowl game and, yes, that burns at him.

In his two previous bowl opportunities, the Irish lost 38-21 to Oregon State in the Insight Bowl and 34-20 to Ohio State in the Fiesta Bowl.

Quinn played solid in both games -– totaling 500 passing yards, two touchdowns and one interception –- but it wasn’t nearly enough to overcome shaky defense.

Now comes next Wednesday’s final opportunity -– Louisiana State and the Sugar Bowl -– and Quinn hopes to make the most of it.

“I’ve had a great time at Notre Dame, and things obviously never go as well as you’d like them to. But I’m hoping with a win in this bowl game you could put somewhat of a happy ending to my career here.”

The two other co-captains –- linebacker-running back Travis Thomas and safety Tom Zbikowski –- also could be playing in last final Notre Dame game, although both have a final year of eligibility and could return. Neither has made a final decision.

“It would be something to cap off my career,” Thomas said, “and it would end the season on a positive note, considering we lost our last regular season game.

“That's all we're working for is to win. There's no point in going down there if there's any doubt in your mind you're not going to be able to win. It would definitely be the icing on the cake.”

Added Zbikowski: “I don't think in my years we've finished with a win in the last game. It always makes the off-season a little easier and you've always got that momentum when you finish with a win, especially in a BCS game.”

You figure Notre Dame’s eight bowl losing streak has to end sometime. Why not next week?