NEW ORLEANS - Darius Walker averaged nearly 100 yards a game on 4.9 yards per attempt this season, but that didn't earn him any free passes during Notre Dame's practice in the Superdome Saturday.
Irish offensive coordinator and running backs coach Michael Haywood constantly hounded and nit-picked at Walker during drills.
Notre Dame's tailbacks and fullbacks worked on sustained lateral movement, quick shifts, ball protection, foot speed and receiving during the portion of practice open to the media. Haywood made the group repeat its first two drills because of poor ball protection and footwork.
*While Notre Dame's quarterbacks wore the standard red jerseys in practice to indicate "hands-off" for the defense, LSU's signal-callers wore green, which is standard for the Tigers. Irish coach Charlie Weis said the Irish brought their green jerseys but wearing them in the game was unlikely.
*Weis was in a joking mood with players as they stretched. In particular, he shared a few laughs with freshman quarterback Demetrius Jones about the New Orleans nightlife. Jones was stretching with fellow freshman QB Zach Fraser.
*Notre Dame and LSU both closed the rest of their practices to the media before the game. However, Notre Dame offensive players and coaches will meet with the media Sunday morning and LSU defensive players and coaches will have news conferences in the afternoon.
*LSU will visit Children's Hospital in New Orleans Sunday.
Check back regularly for mid-day and nightly updates from New Orleans through game day.
Contact Ken Fowler at kfowler1@nd.edu
