sentences:  After losing ten players to the NFL, the Irish began the 2000 season signing 17 recruits Having to replace two-year starter, Jarious Jackson, Davie chose Arnaz Battle, who looked to have a rough road ahead with the Irish playing four ranked teams in a row to begin the season, including a game against the favorite to win the national championship, Nebraska.Battle, however, did have some help with three veterans named to pre-season award watchlists.The Irish started the season playing the 25th ranked Texas A&M Aggies.