The Notre Dame offense came alive last week to completely dominate Air Force and roll to a 59-33 victory, one of the highest point totals for an Irish team in many years. In fact, it was the highest point total since Lou Holtz's last game in 1993 when ND scored 62 against Rutgers.

Air Force was no match for the bigger, stronger Irish offense from the linemen to the many fine receivers the Irish have on the team.Head coach Brian Kelly's game plan was also to get Theo Riddick back in the mix and running back Jonas Gray continues to become a major factor in the run offense. Another key was quarterback Tommy Rees who eliminated his turnovers with some pinpoint passing.Kelly also added something new to the offense by inserting backup QB sophomore Andrew Hendrix into the game. Hendrix's debut was a smash as he not only showed he could handle the offense but his speed and strong arm makes him a real threat. Hendrix finished as the game's leading rusher with 111 yards on six carries, with 78 of them coming on one play. He also completed all four of his passes for 33 yards. Rees was impressive in completing 23 of 32 passes for 261 yards and four touchdowns, all in the first half.The Falcons appeared not ready to cope with the Irish spread offense and struggled for the entire game until Kelly cleared his bench in the fourth quarter which allowed Air Force to score some quick TDs.But all was not rosey for the Irish. The defense gave up a season-high 565 yards, 32 first downs and the first TDs by a running back since last Oct. 23.The Irish are off this weekend and return to action next week to face long-time rival Southern California in Notre Dame Stadium. The game will be a night contest and will be televised nationally by NBC-TV with a 7:40 p.m. kickoff.Next week's column will zero in on the Trojans and the long history of this cross-country match.IRISH NOTES: Hendrix was excited about the opportunity to play. "It definitely felt awesome to be able to give back to the university and be able to give back to all the people who have supported me throughout this entire season. It just felt really good," Hendrix told the South Bend media. His 111 yards made him the first Irish QB to hit triple digits in rushing in a decade. The last QB to do it was Carlyle Holiday, before he was shifted to a wide receiver position ..... Two true freshmen gave up their redshirt opportunity by playing last week. Defensive end Chase Hounshell and cornerback Josh Atkinson played in the game. Atkinson joines his twin brother, George III, as getting playing time this year. George Atkinson has been a starter since the opening game and is among the leaders in the nation in kickoff returns .... Kelly tried Michael Floyd in punt returns but he did not get any opportunities to return any. Others getting chances at different positions included former QB Luke Massa on punt block, former defensive end Bruce Heggie at center and third-string punter Mike Grieco kicking an extra point .... For the second straight week ND didn't commit a turnover. On the other hand Air Force had two to increase their season total to 10 .... Prior to last week's game, Air Force had allowed a total of 41 points in the first half in four games with ND getting 42 in the first half .... In the four prior games AF gave up a total of 24 points in the first quarter and 17 in the second .... Some more game stats. Gray finished with 69 yards on seven carries and two TDs, and Cierre Wood 66 on 10 and one score. In the receiving department Riddick caught eight for 83 yards, and a score. Tyler Eifert eight for 81 and a score, and Floyd six for 78 and a score. Defensively, Harrison Smith had 12 tackles, Robert Blanton and Manti Te'o 10 each ..... A member of ND's family died last Tuesday from complications from leukemia. Xavier Murphy, a 2011 ND grad who was working with the football team as an intern this fall while he attended graduate school passed away. He was a senior manager with the program last season. Kelly said four weeks ago Murphy complained of back pain and was checked out by the team trainers. They recommended a MRI and it was learned he had leukemia. Kelly said, "He lost his battle. He was a high-energy, fun guy, got real close to a lot of the staff, because, as a senior manager, you're on the road with us." Kelly added, "The cancer traveled aggressively.".... Kelly said senior QB Dayne Crist, the starter when the season opened, hasn't spoken about his future beyond 2011 - neither has Kelly .... Kelly said George Atkiinson's future is at running back, not as a wide receiver, the position he was recruited to play .... Senior nose guard Sean Cwynar returned to practice this week for the first time since early September when he broke his hand .... Kelly gave the team off from Thursday to Monday, Oct. 17 .... Enjoy the weekend and relax as Irish prepare for USC. This will be a big test for Kelly. Can he win a "really big game" when he faces the Trojans next Saturday? Next week's game will be a real telling experience for Kelly and his staff.