Jackson, Has Irish Rolling

SOUTH BEND, Ind. —  Notre Dame just wasn’t Notre Dame the first few games this season. Mental mistakes. A nonexistent rushing game. Poor clock management.

The Irish just seemed unorganized and lethargic as they opened 1-3, but now it looks like they’re back. And they have Jarious Jackson to thank for it.

Jackson threw for four touchdowns, tying a school record, and ran for a career-best 48 yards to score another as Notre Dame beat Arizona State, 48-17, Saturday.

“This is the Notre Dame team I expected at the beginning of the year,” Jackson said. “I am glad to see it finally turned around.”

Jackson was uncharacteristically erratic as the Irish (3-3) lost three straight, throwing three touchdowns and six interceptions in his first four games. The Notre Dame captain and fifth-year senior even took to hiding from reporters in the locker room after losses to Purdue and Michigan State.

But Saturday he completed 10 of 17 passes for 223 yards and rushed nine times for 93 yards before sitting out Notre Dame’s final possession.

“Jarious steps up and makes big plays,” Notre Dame Coach Bob Davie said. “I think right now that he’s playing the best football of his career.”