On September 24, 2005, the Notre Dame Fighting Irish faced off against the Washington Huskies in a highly anticipated game dubbed the “Ty Bowl.” This matchup held significant emotional weight, as it marked the first meeting between the two teams since former Notre Dame head coach Tyrone Willingham was dismissed less than a year prior and subsequently took the helm at Washington.
As the team prepared for the game, head coach Charlie Weis aimed to keep distractions at bay, focusing his players on executing their game plan rather than dwelling on the past. Despite the surrounding narratives, the Irish were determined to secure a victory and put the controversy behind them.
The match began with Washington displaying urgency, but their opening drive faltered when wide receiver Craig Chambers fumbled the ball on the Notre Dame 1-yard line. This mistake set the tone for the Huskies, who struggled with turnovers throughout the game.
Notre Dame”s first offensive play came from their own end zone, as quarterback Brady Quinn rolled out and connected with tight end Anthony Fasano for a crucial 13-yard gain. This play held special significance as it was a promise made by Weis to a young fan, Montana Mazurkiewicz, who tragically passed away before witnessing it.
Despite a slow start, the Irish managed to lead 12-3 at halftime, with running back Darius Walker contributing a 17-yard touchdown run, ultimately finishing the game with 128 rushing yards. Kicker D.J. Fitzpatrick added two field goals to bolster Notre Dame”s lead.
In the third quarter, Washington had a chance to shift momentum with a 69-yard pass from quarterback Isaiah Stanback to wide receiver Marlon Wood. However, the opportunity was squandered when Stanback was intercepted by Irish cornerback Ambrose Wooden just two plays later.
Late in the third quarter, Notre Dame began to assert their dominance, with fullback Rashon Powers-Neal scoring a 2-yard touchdown. This was followed by a spectacular 52-yard touchdown pass from Quinn to wide receiver Jeff Samardzija, extending the Irish”s lead to 29-3. Running back Travis Thomas later added an 11-yard touchdown run in the fourth quarter.
Although Washington managed to score two touchdowns in the final quarter, it was not enough to change the outcome, as Notre Dame secured a decisive 36-17 victory. The game ended with a moment of sportsmanship as players from both teams exchanged handshakes at midfield.
As the clock ran down, Weis expressed relief, noting the importance of this victory for the team”s psychological state moving forward. For the Irish players, especially those recruited by Willingham, this game was a necessary step towards closure and moving on from the past.
The “Ty Bowl” was not merely a game; it was a significant moment for both teams, filled with emotions and a sense of resolution. Notre Dame left Seattle not only with a win but also with the burden of past controversies finally lifted.
