sentences:  Despite having a new coach, the Irish had high expectations before the 1997 season, and were ranked eleventh in the pre-season polls.Led by fifth–year senior quarterback Ron Powlus, a running back crew of Autry Denson, Tony Driver, and Joey Goodspeed, a wide receiving corps of Joey Getherall, Bobby Brown, and Malcolm Johnson, and on defense by cornerback Allen Rossum, the Irish looked to have a good enough team to challenge to be in the top-10.The Irish began the Davie era at home, playing Georgia Tech in the newly renovated Notre Dame Stadium.