Where: Honolulu
When: 6 p.m., today
TV: ESPN
Series record: Notre Dame leads 2-0.
Last meeting: 1997, Notre Dame 23-22.
What’s at stake: Notre Dame is trying to end its NCAA-record nine-game bowl losing streak and avoid back-to-back losing seasons. . . . The Warriors, still stinging from their blowout loss to Georgia in the Sugar Bowl to finish last season 12-1, are seeking their fourth straight Hawaii Bowl victory.
Key matchup: Hawaii DE David Veikune vs. Notre Dame RT Sam Young. The speedy and athletic Veikune will be challenged by the strength and size of Young, who is 6-feet-8, 330 pounds. Veikune, who was named the Warriors’ MVP, has 71 tackles and leads the team with 16 tackles for loss, nine sacks and four forced fumbles. Young has started all 37 games in his three-year career and is the most experienced player on the much-improved line that has surrendered 20 sacks after giving up 58 last year.
Players to watch: Notre Dame — QB Jimmy Clausen, WR Golden Tate. Hawaii — QB Greg Alexander, LB Solomon Elimimian.
Facts and figures: Notre Dame is making its 29th bowl appearance, dating to the 1925 Rose Bowl. After winning 13 of its first 19 bowls, Notre Dame has lost its past nine. . . . The Warriors have played seven bowl-bound teams this season and have a 3-4 record against those schools.
The Associated Press
