Notre Dame coach Charlie Weis said he intends to “pound” the ball this season, and injuries have left SDSU's defensive line paper-thin. Whether the Irish have the capability of pounding anyone, however, remains to be seen. Last year, Notre Dame ranked last (119th) among the nation's Football Bowl Subdivision teams in total offense and 115th in rush offense. The Irish, who opened the 2007 season with a loss to Georgia Tech, have not lost consecutive season openers since 1985-86.

PLAYMAKERS: NOTRE DAME

As a freshman last season, quarterback Jimmy Clausen's best performance came against Mountain West Conference member Air Force, a game in which he completed 22-of-40 passes for 246 yards and three touchdowns. It mattered little, however, as the Falcons pounded the host Irish 41-24. Free safety David Burton is the team's top returning tackler.

PLAYMAKERS: AZTECS

Quarterback Ryan Lindley was impressive in his debut last week against Cal Poly, establishing school records by a freshman quarterback for completions (27), yards (352) and touchdowns (three). In addition to finishing as the Aztecs' leading rusher (15 carries, 43 yards), sophomore running back Brandon Sullivan caught a team-high nine passes for 64 yards.