NEWS » ns, capped by Odums pick-six with 53 seconds left for

SOUTH BEND, Ind. -- The Notre Dame defense is about to find out just how much it has improved since its dismal start.Statistically, the Irish look much better since Brian VanGorder was fired as defensive coordinator on Sept. 25, the day after 38-35 loss to Duke. The Irish were ranked 103rd out of 128 teams in total defense, giving up 456 yards a game, when they fell to 1-3.Heading into their final two games against Virginia Tech (7-3) and USC, Notre Dame (4-6) ranks 39th in the nation in total defense, giving up an average of 371 yards a game. Take away those first four games and the Irish are surrendering 315 yards a game, which would place them 14th in the nation in total defense.The Irish, though, are about to face two of the three best offenses theyve faced all season. The Hokies rank 43rd in the nation in total offense at 444 yards a game and USC (7-3) ranks No. 29 at 469 yards a game.The only team the Irish have faced with a higher-rated offense is Texas at No. 14 at 503 yards a game. The Longhorns beat the Irish 50-47 in double overtime in the season opener.Coach Brian Kelly said while the Irish could become bowl eligible with two victories and improve their image with wins over Virginia Tech, which was ranked No. 18 before being upset by Georgia Tech last week, and No. 15 Southern California, which has won six straight after a 1/3 start, his focus is building on Notre Dames best all-around performance in a 44-6 win over Army on Saturday.You want all of the things that you worked so hard on all year to come together in these last two games, he said. That is, for us, finishing games, playing the game for us with a mental and physical toughness that at times was not at its best. Its now coming together. And I think that regardless of how were perceived, I think the most important thing is to play the way were capable of playing. Thats what Im looking at more than anything else.Kelly said hes not losing sleep over whether the Irish will get to a bowl. Kelly was asked whether he would want to play in a bowl with a 5-7 record. Last season three 5-7 teams went to bowl games because there werent enough teams with records above .500.I havent given it much thought, to be honest with you. I think those scenarios I would address at the end of the year, he said.---More AP college football at www.collegefootball.ap.org Phil Foden Manchester City Jersey . President of baseball operations Larry Beinfest was fired Friday after 12 years with the Marlins. The move came as the team neared the end of its third consecutive last-place season in the NL East. Daniel Grimshaw Manchester City Jersey .S District Court against Major League Baseball, the Office of the Commissioner and his own union, the MLBPA. http://www.authenticmanchestercityshop.com/Authentic-Gabriel-Jesus-Manchester-City-Jersey/ . Pettersen, winner of last years Evian Championships, had nine birdies and three bogeys, holding off a series of challengers led by Marion Ricordeau of France. The second-ranked Norwegian made her season debut after missing the LPGA Tours opening event last month in the Bahamas because of a shoulder injury. Fabian Delph Jersey . Nathan MacKinnon, Jamie McGinn and Jan Hejda also scored for the Avalanche, who won despite being outshot 38-23. MacKinnons goal, also on the power play, came with just over a minute remaining. Bernardo Silva Jersey .ca looks back at the stories and moments that made the year memorable. ABILENE, Texas -- Keshawn Ledet ran for two touchdowns and George Odum returned an interception 18 yards for another score as Central Arkansas beat Abilene Christian 58-27 on Saturday.The Bears led 9-7 after one quarter and scored four second-quarter touchdowns, capped by Odums pick-six with 53 seconds left for a 37-13 lead at the intermission. Hayden Hildebrand sparked the second-quarter scoring with an 80-yard touchdown run.Ledet finished with 80 yards rushing and two touchdowns to lead Central Arkansas (4-1, 3-0 SSouthland) and Hildebrand matched his total on three carries and was 15 of 23 through the air for 173 yards and another score.dddddddddddd The Bears amassed 329 yards on the ground.Parker McKenzie was 14 of 31 passing for the Wildcats (0-5, 0-3), amassing 155 yards and a touchdown, but threw a pair of interceptions.Abilene Christian had just 55 yards rushing and 253 yards of total offense. ' ' '