Notre Dame safety Hardy cleared to play after academic investigation

SOUTH BEND, Ind. (AP) -- Notre Dame safety Eilar Hardy has been cleared by the NCAA to play after being held out of games since August while the university investigated five players for possible academic dishonesty.

The school announced Friday that Hardy was the only player allowed to return to the team this season after it investigated whether homework and papers the five turned in had been completed by others. Coach Brian Kelly says Hardy returned to practice two weeks ago and had been cleared by the school to play.

Notre Dame spokesman Michael Bertsch says Hardy will travel with the eighth-ranked Irish (7-1) to face No. 11 Arizona State on Saturday. The senior had 26 tackles in 10 games last season, starting twice.