The Notre Dame football that Jim Morse remembers best was when he played in the mid 1950s.
“My best memories were against USC,” recalled Morse. “I gained 179 yards on 18 carries and I ran a 72 yard touchdown to win the game so that was fun.”
Morse, a Muskegon native, played halfback for the Irish. He was a starter for Notre Dame in 1954, 55 and was team captain in 1956. Morse was recruited by Frank Leahy and played under Terry Brennan.
Morse already has his tickets when Notre Dame meets Alabama in the 2013 BCS National Championship, but is hoping to be in Tempe, Arizona in late December when Michigan State plays TCU in the Buffalo Wild Wings Bowl. Morse’s grandson is MSU linebacker, Max Bullough.
As for the Irish? Morse says he was surprised by their success this season, but thinks the matchup against Alabama will be a great one.
“People will say Notre Dame was lucky to get to where they are but Alabama was lucky to beat LSU too,” said Morse. “I didn’t think (Notre Dame) would be 12-0 this season. Maybe 8-4, 9-3 but they’re a good football team.”
Morse is hoping Notre Dame has a good appearance in the National Championship game with maybe a little extra Irish luck on its side.
“If Everett Golson has a good game, Notre Dame has a good chance to win.”
