Clausen Drops Back, He's Looking Deep...

A difference maker; Notre Dame has been looking for one for the past two years. After we lost the Brady to Jeff combination we have been lacking the “spark” that can change the outcome of the game. Many of us have hoped that it would be Armando Allen, or Golden Tate. Both showed signs of being the play maker they were brought in to be, but it never really happened (maybe 2008?).

Considering what we all saw in the Army All-American Game, Notre Dame might have another difference maker in the waiting. Michael Floyd put on quite the performance in the Army All-American game. He had two TD catches (one from classmate Danye Crist) and was a constant deep threat. He had a very impressive senior campaign too. He had 43 rushes for 497 yards (12 ypc) and 3 touchdowns, 59 catches for 1,247 yards (21 ypc) and 17 touchdowns, and let’s not forget 16 returns for 373 yards and 4 touchdowns. If you are counting that is over 20 touchdowns for a receiver. I will take it!



Coach Weiss has been very high on Floyd, and has mentions numerous times that he does NOT look like a freshmen. After announcing the depth chart on Monday we found out that Floyd is in the 2 deep along with Golden Tate. That alone is a match up nightmare; I cannot wait to see a four wide set with Grimes, Kamara, Tate, and Floyd out there. For good measure we can even put Armando Allen in the backfield. I get goose bumps just thinking about it.

What really impresses me is Floyd’s work ethic. It has been mentioned how he has stayed after practice to work on route running and how he has worked very hard in the weight room. For a freshman, this kid has come to play. Just looking at him you have to be impressed. He is all of 6’3” 215 pounds; he was only 195 pounds while in high school. For someone to gain 20 pounds in such a short time he had to work hard and put the time in. In Floyd’s case he put the time in before he even got to Notre Dame.



Just ten more days until we find out though, and I cannot wait. I really want to see at least three plays over 30 yards. If it happens to go to Floyd don’t say I didn’t tell you so. Keep your fingers crossed and your mugs filled.