Glimmer of Hope?

As we approach another glorious Notre Dame football Saturday, I can't help but to keep memories of the first two brutal games already played this year. But as I think of the games as individual games, is there reason to smile going into Ann Arbor this weekend?

The first couple of things that came into my mind was the QB controversy. Notre Dame played all three prospected signal callers in the game and Weiss was able to elect a starter for the Penn State game. There was also an early sign that our defense could be really, really stingy when Georgia Tech was able to start most drives in or near Notre Dame territory. The offense struggled, in every aspect.

Then we came into the past Saturday in Happy Valley and saw a very poised Jimmy Clausen come out of the blocks and lead the Notre Dame offense right down the field with a string of quick hitting passes that kept moving the chains towards the Penn State end zone. We missed the 50 yard field goal but hey, I didn't know we had a kicker that could even line up for that kick. The defense once again showed up to play and they started with a chip on their shoulder. They put the Irish in position to build a quick lead and hold momentum on their sideline as well as erase the white-out that took place in Beaver Stadium. The defense held their own for as long as they could until a very tired unit began to crack. Even towards the end of the game, we saw Clausen able to lead his troops down field again with determination and poise. The best thing I saw from him during the whole game, was not making mistakes but as the team drew closer to finally scoring, he did everything possible to put points on the board and give his team confidence. The fad pass to Kamara will be there later in the season as both players develop more timing, as well as the pass that Kamara could have caught in the back of the end zone. The best thing was Clausen's scramble where he was able to find an open Robby Paris in the end zone, but while throwing as he was being taken down, was just a little off on his throw. Maybe Paris should have made that catch anyways, but Clausen was able to see him and was able to put his receiver in position to possibly make the play. That's what I want to see. Don't make stupid decisions but put your team in position to make plays.

The offense will come around. I have no doubts about that. We are going into a game in Ann Arbor with a team that has more question marks than the Notre Dame football team that is getting better. Michigan is getting worse. What do you tell a offensive unit in Michigan that had all of it's big time players come back; Henne, Hart, Long, and Manningham is still there? The showed up to play against Appalachian State (who was a better team that day) and then they disappeared against Oregon.

I am very eager to play against Michigan this year and play against a true freshman in Mallett. Henne is not going to play in this game and Hart is still hurting from his deep thigh bruise. But he needs to be on the field to fulfill his guarantee for the Michigan victory.

I see this game as their stepping stone. Notre Dame is slowly putting the pieces together and with the defense playing at the level that is, they can only go up. The offensive line is still struggling but I have a feeling that they will put together a decent game and some of the starters can get their names back!

I feel good about this week. Do I believe that Notre Dame is going to go into Ann Arbor and beat a quivering Michigan team? I don't know. But win is not what I need to see. I need to see a team that shows up with all units working and playing out a full game where they have the opportunity to win. I see progress, some units more than others, but there is progress. The coaches will take this team as far as they can.

Remember, the last time Michigan started a true freshman (Henne) Notre Dame won 28-20 in South Bend!