The Syracuse football team will visit Notre Dame on Saturday for the first time since 1961, but don’t expect SU head coach Greg Robinson to be impressed when the Orange steps on campus.

In his first time ever at Notre Dame Stadium, Robinson said he is going to win, not sight-see at one of the most historic venues in the country.

‘It’s kind of like when we talked about Florida State; it’s about winning the game,’ he said. ‘Getting there and taking it all in initially will be interesting, but from the time pregame warm-ups begin, it’s all about football.’

Syracuse is 2-2 lifetime against Notre Dame. Most recently, it defeated the Irish, 38-12, in the Carrier Dome in 2003. The last time SU traveled to South Bend, it lost, 17-15. In the game, Ernie Davis ran for 95 yards on his way to becoming the first black Heisman Trophy winner in history.

Robinson said his father passed on the love of the Irish to him when he was growing up. All seven of Robinson’s brothers and sisters have seen a game in South Bend, Ind. – but not him.

Robinson said he remembered watching Knute Rockne and Frank Leahy play at the Los Angeles Coliseum and the Notre Dame fight song was one of the first he learned. His father considered himself one of the Irish’s ‘Subway alumni,’ a term for Notre Dame fans who never attended the school.

But come Saturday, when Robinson looks across the sideline at former New England Patriots offensive coordinator Charlie Weis, it will be all business.

‘This is not a history class,’ Robinson said.

Signal caller

Robinson said he is undecided on which quarterback will start on Saturday.

Sophomore Joe Fields has started SU’s last two games but struggled Saturday in a 27-0 loss to South Florida.

Fields was 3-of-9 for 18 yards. On his first pass attempt, he threw an interception that led to a USF score.

‘(Fields is) sick about the first throw on the bootleg,’ Robinson said. ‘He’s a tough-minded guy, and he’ll fight his way through it.’

Backup Perry Patterson was 5-of-16 for 27 yards with an interception as well.

Keeping it cool

Robinson was his normal self Tuesday, joking with reporters during his weekly press conference. When he stepped to the lectern, he looked at former Syracuse head coach Dick MacPherson, who was sitting in front of him, and said, ‘Go ahead, Mac.’

Robinson said it’s important he keeps a sense of humor despite SU’s 1-8 record. He’s hopeful his positive attitude will rub off on his players.

‘Football is a tough, demanding game and if you can’t laugh it a little, it can wear on you,’ Robinson said. ‘It’s hard work so whenever you find a moment to lighten up a little bit, it’s good. I’ve talked to the players about flipping the switch. When you go out to practice, it’s time to flip the switch. I think they’ve done a good job of it.’

Robinson said he’ll give his players an opportunity to soak in the historic atmosphere in South Bend. On Friday, the Orange will also visit the College Football Hall of Fame. But come game time, Robinson wants to win.

‘We’re gonna be competitive in this ballgame, darn right we are,’ he said. ‘I want to be more than competitive. You gotta go in with the mindset that we’re gonna find a way.’

Published on November 14, 2005 at 12:00 pm