Irish fans might want to peek at past performances before getting too giddy about a season-opening victory over Maryland under new coach Tyrone Willingham.

        Second games haven't been kind to Notre Dame, especially under first-year coaches.

        Of the past seven Irish coaches - who went a combined 6-1 in opening games - only Ara Parseghian and Dan Devine won the second games of their rookie seasons.

        Terry Brennan lost to Purdue in 1954. Joe Kuharich lost to Purdue in 1959. Gerry Faust lost to Michigan and Lou Holtz lost to Michigan State, but Bob Davie also lost to Purdue, which happens to be No. 23 Notre Dame's opponent at home Saturday.

        Asked whether those statistics have him worried, Willingham said, “They do now. ... I'll make sure I talk to Ara.”

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