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Notre Dame defensive end Aaron Lynch has left the football team and will transfer to another school following the spring semester, the school announced Friday morning.

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Notre Dame coach Mike Brey likes the loose approach. That's how he prefers to coach and it's also the way he wants -- and expects -- his team to play Friday when it opens NCAA tournament play against Xavier.

"I think it's kind of ingrained in then. We got nothing to lose," Brey said Sunday when the Irish were given a No. 7 seed in the South Regional.

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EVANSTON, Ill. -- Northwestern coach Bill Carmody said Friday his team was close to facing a must-win scenario when it hosts Minnesota on Saturday.

The Wildcats are 15-10 overall and tied with Minnesota, Illinois and Iowa with a 5-8 record in the Big Ten.
ESPN bracketologist Joe Lunardi has Northwestern among the last four teams out of his NCAA tournament bracket on Friday. The Wildcats have never appeared in the tournament.

“Is it a “must” game? It’s probably as close to it as you can say a game is,” Carmody said. “We have five games left and to get to .500 you have to win four of them. I think you got to win four out of five. Three out of five, I still think you’re in the mix, but I think four out of five would solidify it.”

Northwestern’s situation became more dire in the last week after the Wildcats lost at Purdue and at Indiana. The Wildcats have left themselves little room for error.

“You can say every game is a “must” game from here on out, especially late in February in Big Ten play, but especially going against a team we’re tied with in conference,” Northwestern senior John Shurna said. “Every game is a dogfight, especially defending home court. This is an important game for us.”

Minnesota had no trouble with Northwestern in their first meeting in Minneapolis on Jan. 22. The Golden Gophers jumped out to an early lead, were up 41-24 at halftime and won 75-52. Minnesota outrebounded Northwestern 35-20.

“I thought they really outplayed us,” Carmody said. “I think in all aspects we have to do a better job. I didn’t think we were as prepared as I thought going in. I think everything – offensively, defensively, backboards, just a lot of different things.”

After Saturday’s game with Minnesota, Northwestern still has home games against Michigan and Ohio State and road games with Penn State and Iowa.

“I think every game has had a feel of a must-win game for a while now,” Shurna said. “I think we just go out there with the mentality you have to leave it all on the floor.”

Scott Daly began long snapping out of necessity.

Daly was the only one capable of snapping the ball out of his fifth-grade peers, so he automatically was given the role.

What Daly didn’t know then was his unique skill would become his ticket to a college football scholarship and lead him to sign with Notre Dame, which he will sign with on Wednesday morning.

“I didn’t really think much of it,” Daly said on Tuesday. “I was a baseball player. I thought I would play baseball in college.”

Baseball was Daly’s targeted sport until his sophomore year at Downers Grove South. He had shown a knack for long snapping, and he was encouraged to attend a camp run by long-snapping guru Chris Rubio.

Rubio also noticed Daly’s skill and pulled him aside to tell him so. From there on, Daly devoted himself to the craft.

“He said I had a lot of potential,” Daly said of Rubio. “It really lit a fire under me. I started working my tail off.”

Daly quickly learned what it took become an elite long snapper. He had to spend six days a week snapping 40-50 balls. He needed to lift weights to build muscle. He had to do yoga to be flexible. There was also speed training involved.

Daly continued to flourish at the position, and he understood what had to happen next. It wasn’t easy, but he decided to quit playing baseball and give closure to his childhood dream.

“It was a little tough,” Daly said. “I was very committed in my life to baseball. I thought I would be playing baseball. Once I found the hidden talent of long snapping, I put all my focus into it.”

Being a snapper is a lot being a kicker. It’s not an easy role. Perfection is what it’s expected every time out. Daly understands that, too.

“The only time you hear about a long snapper is when they mess up,” Daly said. “You only go out there a few times. You have to be on every time or you hurt your team.

“There is some pressure out there, but Chris Rubio always talks about concentration, and concentration comes with working hard, snapping and preparing yourself to be in place to be successful. I take that seriously.”

Rubio works with some of the nation’s best long snappers, and he included Daly in that category. Daly is currently ranked the No. 3 long snapper by ESPN.

“He has a great combination of skills,” Rubio said. “He has great size, got incredible smoothness and speed and a great work ethic. He’s a good all-around kid, too.”

Daly arrived on Notre Dame’s radar when he attended a special teams’ camp in South Bend, Ind. He and the Irish’s coaches kept him touch from then on. When he offered a scholarship prior to the spring game in April, he committed on the spot.

“It’s unbelievable,” Daly said. “I still can’t believe it. I never thought I would get a full-ride scholarship to the best school in the country, let alone to play for one of the best football teams in the country.”

In his senior season, Daly helped Downers Grove South to a 10-2 record as a tight end and long snapper.

“It’s something he’s worked at,” Downers Grove South coach John Belskis said. “He found a niche. There are certain skills that come natural to people and snapping came natural to him.”

Gunner Kiel enrolled at Notre Dame on Tuesday, ending a recruiting saga that saw the highly touted quarterback from Indiana choose two other schools, then change his mind.

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KANSAS CITY, Mo. -- Kansas coach Charlie Weis landed a pair of high-profile quarterbacks Thursday.

Former top recruit Dayne Crist announced on Twitter that he would join the Jayhawks for his senior season after a checkered career at Notre Dame, shortly before news broke that BYU quarterback Jake Heaps was also transferring to Kansas.

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Notre Dame forward Tim Abromaitis will miss the rest of the season after tearing the anterior cruciate ligament in his right knee during practice Friday.

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No. 14 Michigan State (9-2) at Northwestern (6-5)

When, where: 11 a.m. Saturday at Ryan Field in Evanston, Ill.
TV: Big Ten Network
Radio: WGN-720 AM
Web: NUSports.com
What you need to know: Northwestern is one of the hottest teams in the Big Ten. The Wildcats have won their past four games and became bowl eligible with last week’s win over Minnesota. Michigan State has already secured a spot in the Big Ten championship game, but the Spartans could improve their BCS ranking with another victory. Michigan State has won its past three games since losing to Nebraska. This is the final home for Northwestern’s senior class, which is the program’s all-time winning class.
Scott Powers’ prediction: Northwestern 31, Michigan State 28

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Illinois (6-5) at Minnesota (2-9)

When, where: 2:40 p.m. at TCF Bank Stadium in Minneapolis, Minn.
TV: Big Ten Network
Radio: WIND-560 AM
Web: FightingIllini.com
What you need to know: Last week was more of the same for Illinois. It played well in the first half, but crumbled in the second half against Wisconsin to drop its fifth straight game. The Illini should be able to break their slump against Minnesota this week. The Golden Gophers have just two wins, and their offense has often struggled. Illinois’ defense should be able to contain them again. The question is whether a win and another bowl appearance can save Illinois coach Ron Zook’s job.
Powers’ prediction: Illinois 31, Minnesota 17

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No. 22 Notre Dame (8-3) at No. 6 Stanford (10-1)

When, where: 3 p.m. Saturday at Stanford Stadium in Stanford, Calif.
TV: ABC
Radio: WLS-890 AM
Web: UND.com
What you need to know: Notre Dame’s defense has been the main reason for the Irish’s success as of late. The Irish have won four consecutive games after pulling out a 16-14 win over Boston College last week. Stanford’s offense will be a different sort of test for Notre Dame. Stanford and quarterback Andrew Luck have scored at least 30 points in every game this season. Stanford’s defense has struggled at times, especially against Oregon and USC. Notre Dame will need a better performance offensively than last week. The Irish scored just one touchdown against Boston College.
Powers’ prediction: Stanford 38, Notre Dame 27

Rice (3-6) at Northwestern (4-5)

When, where: 11 a.m. Saturday at Ryan Field in Evanston, Ill.
TV: Big Ten Network
Radio: WGN-720 AM
Web: NUSports.com
What you need to know: Northwestern never lost confidence throughout its five-game losing streak. The Wildcats believed they weren’t that far from turning it around, and it appears they were right. They’ve won their past two games, including last week’s 28-25 upset at Nebraska. Their defense especially came through against the Cornhuskers. It was the first time it had allowed less than 30 points since Sept. 17. Rice shouldn’t present a huge challenge for Northwestern. Rice’s defense has had its struggles this season, giving up 73 points to Houston two weeks ago.
Powers’ prediction: Northwestern 45, Rice 24

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No. 24 Michigan (7-2) at Illinois (6-3)

When, where: 2:30 p.m. Saturday at Memorial Stadium in Champaign, Ill.
TV: ABC
Radio: WIND-560 AM
Web: ESPN3.com
What you need to know: Illinois hasn’t been losing by much, but it has been losing, and that’s what’s important right now. Just as Illinois coach Ron Zook stated, a win was a win after a narrow victory over Western Michigan, a loss is still a loss. The Illini have dropped their past three games and are on the verge of seeing their season slip by. After starting 6-0, they’re now 6-3 and still have games against Michigan and Wisconsin. Last year’s Michigan game was a shootout with the Wolverines pulling out a 67-65 victory in triple overtime. Illinois’ defense should be better than that. The question is whether its offense can get going. The Illini haven’t scored more than 14 points in their last three games. They are coming off a bye last week.
Powers’ prediction: Michigan 24, Illinois 21

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Notre Dame (6-3) at Maryland (2-7)

When, where: 6:30 p.m. Saturday at FedEx Field in Landover, Md.
TV: NBC
Radio: WLS-890 AM
Web: ESPN3.com
What you need to know: Notre Dame is amidst the easier portion of its schedule with Navy, Wake Forest and Maryland in consecutive games. Last week’s win over Wake Forest wasn’t as cushy as the Irish would have liked. Notre Dame needed to score 14 points in the third quarter and shut out Wake Forest in the second half to pull out a 24-17 win. Quarterback Tommy Rees is still searching for consistency. He threw two interceptions last week. Maryland enters this game on a five-game losing streak, but it has had some close contests. Its offense hasn’t put up more than 17 points in the last three weeks.
Scott Powers’ prediction: Notre Dame 34, Maryland 17

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Ball State (6-4) at Northern Illinois (7-3)

When, where: 7 p.m. Tuesday at Huskie Stadium in DeKalb, Ill.
TV: ESPNU
Radio: WSCR-670 AM
Web: ESPN3.com
What you need to know: Northern Illinois, which has won five straight, is in first place in the MAC West, but it still likely needs to win out to remain atop the league. Their offense was its usual stellar self in Tuesday’s win over Bowling Green. What was different in the win was the defense also came to play. After allowing a touchdown on the opening play, Northern Illinois only gave up one more score the entire game. Ball State, one game behind the Huskies, has given up its share of points this year. In its four losses, it allowed 37 points or more.
Powers’ prediction: Northern Illinois 45, Ball State 27

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Eastern Illinois (2-8) at Southern Illinois (2-7)

When, where: 2 p.m. Saturday at Saluki Stadium in Carbondale, Ill.
TV: None
Radio: None
Web: EIUPanthers.com, SIUSalukis.com
What you need to know: Neither team’s season has gone as it hoped. Eastern Illinois looked like it had some potential at the beginning of the season, but have fallen on the wrong side of close games. The Panthers have lost four games by seven points or less, and two of those were by one point. Southern Illinois was 2-1 early in the year, but has lost its last six games. The Salukis’ offense struggled at first, but their defense has been the cause of defeat the last few weeks. They lost to South Dakota State 45-34 last week. This will be the final game for Eastern Illinois coach Bob Spoo, who is retiring.
Powers’ prediction: Eastern Illinois 38, Southern Illinois 31

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South Dakota State (4-6) at Western Illinois (2-7)

When, where: 1 p.m. Saturday at Hanson Stadium in Macomb, Ill.
TV: None
Radio: None
Web: GoLeathernecks.com
What you need to know: Western Illinois has dropped its past four games. The Leathernecks’ offense has struggled the last three weeks, failing to score more than 17 points in any of those games. South Dakota State’s problem this season has been stopping opponents from scoring. The Jackrabbits have given up 30-plus points in seven games. Something will have to give in this one.
Powers’ prediction: South Dakota State 34, Western Illinois 24

No. 23 Illinois (6-1) at Purdue (3-3) on Saturday
When, where: 11 a.m. at Ross-Ade Stadium in West Lafayette, Ind.
TV: ESPN2
Radio: WIND-560 AM
Web: ESPN3.com
What you need to know: Illinois is facing its first adversity of the season following last week’s 17-7 loss to Ohio State. The Illini’s defense was impressive again in the loss, but their offense faltered a number of times with turnovers and miscommunications. The return of sophomore wide receiver Darius Millines from injury should bolster the offense. Purdue isn’t to be overlooked. The Boilermakers nearly upset Penn State last week and a have strong mixture of running and passing. This is Illinois’ second road game of the season.
Scott Powers’ prediction: Illinois 38, Purdue 24

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USC (5-1) at Notre Dame (4-2) on Saturday
When, where: 6:30 p.m. at Notre Dame Stadium in South Bend, Ind.
TV: NBC
Radio: WLS-890 AM
Web: UND.com
What you need to know: Notre Dame is coming off its bye week and has won four consecutive games. The Irish snapped an eight-game losing streak to USC with a 20-16 win last year. Notre Dame quarterback Tommy Rees has been precise with his passes in the last two games, throwing for eight touchdowns and no interceptions. USC quarterback Matt Barkley has thrown 16 touchdowns and four interceptions this season. USC running back Marc Tyler and wide receiver Marqis Lee were banged up in last week’s win over Cal, but are likely to play against Notre Dame. The Irish play four of our their last six games at home.
Scott Powers’ prediction: Notre Dame 41, USC 27

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No. 21 Penn State (6-1) at Northwestern (2-4) on Saturday
When, where: 6 p.m. at Ryan Field in Evanston, Ill.
TV: Big Ten Network
Radio: WIND-560 AM
Web: NUSports.com
What you need to know: Northwestern’s season is slipping by it. The Wildcats have lost four in a row and have opened their Big Ten schedule 0-3. They’ve haven’t lost five consecutive games since 2006. The big plays have especially cost Northwestern this season. It allowed three touchdown passes of 35 or more yards in last week’s loss to Iowa. Penn State’s offense hasn’t been stellar this season. Its passing game has been limited, and it has mostly relied on sophomore running back Silas Redd. The Nittany Lions’ defense has allowed only one opponent more than 18 points.
Powers’ prediction: Penn State 27, Northwestern 24

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Northern Illinois (4-3) at Buffalo (2-5) on Saturday
When, where: 11 a.m. at UB Stadium in Buffalo, N.Y.
TV: ESPN Regional
Radio: WSCR-670 AM
Web: NIUHuskies.com
What you need to know: Northern Illinois appears to have reignited its season with its 51-22 win over Western Michigan last week. The Huskies went off for 24 points in the third quarter alone. Quarterback Chandler Harnish rushed for 229 yards on 14 carries. Northern Illinois’ offense should be able to put up plenty of points on Buffalo, too. The Bulls have allowed 112 points in their last three games. It’s the first of three consecutive road games for Northern Illinois.
Powers’ prediction: Northern Illinois 41, Buffalo 20

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Indiana State (5-2) at Illinois State (4-3) on Saturday
When, where: 3 p.m. at Hancock Stadium in Normal, Ill.
TV: None
Radio: None
Web: ESPN3.com
What you need to know: Illinois State has looked impressive in its last two games. The Redbirds were dominant on both sides of the ball in last week’s 28-3 win over South Dakota. Running back Ashton Leggett ran for 100-plus yards again in the win. Indiana State will provide another test for them. Indiana State is coming off a 46-24 win over Western Illinois. Its losses have been to Northern Iowa and Penn State this season.
Powers’ prediction: Illinois State 34, Indiana State 30

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Tennessee-Martin (3-3) at Eastern Illinois (1-6) on Saturday
When, where: 1:30 p.m. at O’Brien Field in Charleston, Ill.
TV: None
Radio: None
Web: EIUPanthers.com
What you need to know: Eastern Illinois dropped its fifth consecutive game with last week’s 36-27 loss to Murray State. The Panthers actually led 27-17 to start the fourth quarter, but surrendered 19 points in the final quarter. Chris Wright had five receptions for 130 yards and two touchdowns in the loss. Tennessee-Martin should be another tough game for the Panthers. The Skyhawks have lost their three games by a combined seven points this season.
Powers’ prediction: Tennessee-Martin 41, Eastern Illinois 31

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Missouri State (0-7) at Western Illinois (2-4) on Saturday
When, where: 6 p.m. at Hanson Field in Macomb, Ill.
TV: None
Radio: None
Web: GoLeathernecks.com
What you need to know: Western Illinois’ defense couldn’t match Indiana State’s offense last week, and the Leathernecks lost 46-24. Terriun Crump had eight receptions for 111 yards in the loss. Missouri State should be an easier games for Western Illinois. The Bears are winless this season. Missouri State did defeat Western Illinois 31-28 last season.
Powers’ prediction: Western Illinois 28, Missouri State 20

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Southern Illinois (2-4) at Northern Iowa (5-1) on Saturday
When, where: 3 p.m. at UNI-Dome in Cedar Fall, Iowa
TV: None
Radio: None
Web: SIUSalukis.com
What you need to know: Southern Illinois is on a three-game losing streak, and that is likely to extend to four with the Salukis traveling to Northern Iowa. Southern Illinois allowed 21 points in the third quarter last week and lost 35-23 to Youngstown State. Northern Iowa is ranked No. 2 in the FBC. Its only loss has been to Iowa State.
Powers’ prediction: Northern Iowa 34, Southern Illinois 17

Robert Smith breaks down the keys to victory for USC and Notre Dame.

SOUTH BEND, Ind. -- Notre Dame tight end Mike Ragone will undergo surgery to repair a torn anterior cruciate ligament and miss the rest of the season.

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Jemele Hill and Skip Bayless debate the epic contest between Notre Dame and Michigan at the Big House.

Former Notre Dame defensive coordinator Corwin Brown was booked into St. Joseph County jail on Friday and will be arraigned Monday afternoon in St. Joseph Superior Court, according to the South Bend Tribune.

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Erin Andrews and David Pollack preview the first night game at the Big House and if Notre Dame can bounce back from a disappointing loss.