I am speechless. I really have nothing to say. Both teams played hard. Both teams brought everything they had to offer. Both teams played their hearts out. It is to bad that only one team could win. It is to bad that three calls (bad calls, good calls, no difference) change the outcome of this game.
The first call that I was unhappy with is the screen pass to Allen. He was in bounds, there is no proof that he was out. Every angle showed him in, there was not angle that "clearly without a doubt" showed him out. If that is the case, the call on the field must stand, TOUCHDOWN.
There is the holding call on Sam Young. Young is allowed to have his hands inside, and on the replay they were. The Michigan d-linemen was blocked by another ND linemen and put sideways. I can understand why the ref called this if he did not see the other linemen, but it was NOT the correct call. We would have been down to the four yard line, and I think we would have had another TOUCHDOWN.
The whistle on Allen on his touchdown run. ESPN counted and there was seventeen NCAA players that "quieted the crowd" on Saturday. Only Allen was given the flag. The rule reads that you can NOT make gestures to the crowd that are unsportsman. Such as pointing to the crowd in a show of disrespect. The Michigan QB sure pointed to the crowd on two different occasions, but no flag was thrown. And there is no doubt that on one occasion he pointed to the ND fan section. SO NO 15 YARD FLAG.
Did you know that Michigan will NOT allow any other refs but BIG TEN refs in their stadium for games? Typically you are allowed to bring refs from you conference on away games, and ND (yes they are independent but they use Big East refs) allows outside conference refs. Again, things that make you go HMM..
CHEERS!!!
Wednesday, September 16, 2009
Saturday, September 12, 2009
Out of the Gate
Notre Dame needs to come of the gates on fire. Attack from the opening kick off and once again, throw Michigan off their game plan. I know they want to run the ball, actually my dog knows they want to run the ball. So take away their ability to do that, and make these freshman go up and down the field through the air.
I know it's easy to just say, "Hey, score lots of points. And do it quickly!" but with this team, they can actualy do that. Once again, put this game out of reach by at least 2 scores by the end of the 1st quarter and watch this Michigan team, that has no depth, struggle to make up the difference.
Jimmy has a good day, Rudolph has a career day, and Allen does just enough to keep the defense honest. 38-13 is what I"m gonna predict for this game as Michigan gets exposed in the secondary and the lack of depth, and Notre Dame's special teams make 2 huge plays to put this out of reach. Clausen throws for 250 and 2 TDS with Allen getting 70 and 70 with 2 TDs.
'Nough Said!
I know it's easy to just say, "Hey, score lots of points. And do it quickly!" but with this team, they can actualy do that. Once again, put this game out of reach by at least 2 scores by the end of the 1st quarter and watch this Michigan team, that has no depth, struggle to make up the difference.
Jimmy has a good day, Rudolph has a career day, and Allen does just enough to keep the defense honest. 38-13 is what I"m gonna predict for this game as Michigan gets exposed in the secondary and the lack of depth, and Notre Dame's special teams make 2 huge plays to put this out of reach. Clausen throws for 250 and 2 TDS with Allen getting 70 and 70 with 2 TDs.
'Nough Said!
Saturday, September 5, 2009
First Ten Minutes...
I want the Wolkpack to get the ball first. I want a three and out, and then I want a score in 30 seconds. I want Clausen to walk off the field shaking his head again, and for the entire Nevada team to see it.
We need to be unstoppable. It has to be Jimmy's time. Lots of three and outs today by the D, and lots of 10+ yard plays by the O. I need Armando to create problems for Nevada to loosen up that D. I need Duncan to hold down the backside, and I need Young to plow the road for our backs. That being said, Jimmy just has to be Jimmy.
Explosion plays are one thing, knowing you can not stop someone in the first 30 seconds of a game, well, thats just hell. I would love the score to be 28 to nothing after the first quarter. I want to shut everyone up. I want the critics to be quieted. LETS GO IRISH! Cheers!
We need to be unstoppable. It has to be Jimmy's time. Lots of three and outs today by the D, and lots of 10+ yard plays by the O. I need Armando to create problems for Nevada to loosen up that D. I need Duncan to hold down the backside, and I need Young to plow the road for our backs. That being said, Jimmy just has to be Jimmy.
Explosion plays are one thing, knowing you can not stop someone in the first 30 seconds of a game, well, thats just hell. I would love the score to be 28 to nothing after the first quarter. I want to shut everyone up. I want the critics to be quieted. LETS GO IRISH! Cheers!
Thursday, September 3, 2009
Explosion Plays!
This game needs to be uptempo and determined entirely by the Notre Dame offense. Nevada runs the ball. And even though they do it well, it's hard to game plan a 50/50 run to pass offense when you're down 3 scores.
Notre Dame needs to have explosion every possession. Whether it's Allen exploding for a 20 yard run, Tate exploding for a 40 yard catch, or an explosive screen play (that we all know is coming). Explosive plays helps to damage the defense's will. Don't get me wrong, I'll take the grind it out game if we can continually move the ball, but I feel with Nevada's ability to run the ball and create offense themselves, we need to explode out to a big lead and kill their game plan.
'Nough said.
Notre Dame needs to have explosion every possession. Whether it's Allen exploding for a 20 yard run, Tate exploding for a 40 yard catch, or an explosive screen play (that we all know is coming). Explosive plays helps to damage the defense's will. Don't get me wrong, I'll take the grind it out game if we can continually move the ball, but I feel with Nevada's ability to run the ball and create offense themselves, we need to explode out to a big lead and kill their game plan.
'Nough said.
Tuesday, September 1, 2009
Wolfpack Presents Problems...
So I agree and I do not agree with Martinez (as usual). I think this is going to be an even tighter game, and I see us coming from behind.
This is a team that is led by a very good dual threat quarterback in C. Karpernick. The kid rushed 161 times for over 1,200 yards. That's more than any Irish running back has done in two years, hell he averaged 7.0 yards a carry. And if that is not scary enough he also had over 2,800 yards passing. He was almost a 20/20 quarterback, I think that has only been a handful of times. I think this QB is for real and we have to contain him every snap.
Oh I am not done there. The Wolf Pack's running back is just as scary. Via Taua is on the Doak Walker watch list and for good reason. He rushed for 1500 yards last year and scored 15 touchdowns. This is what makes this team tough to defend against.
Their defense returns a lot of people as well. I do not care what they were ranked last year. That was last year. I can not go and say anything about how they are still going to be bad when I am preaching how Notre Dame will be good this year after last years performances. I am a firm believer that the more people you return, the better your team is going to be.
We are going to need a great game from our D-Line. I think the linebackers are going to be really busy making reads against the Nevada playmakers, and our secondary CANNOT cheat up. I think if the D-Line can blow plays up it will give our linebackers a chance to make some plays. I think Harrison Smith will be all over the field, but I would rather not have him lead the team in tackles. I want our ends to be monsters. I am curious to see Kapron Lewis-Moore, remember that name for the game.
We are going to have to score as well.....Jimmy and the Gang should be able to take care of that. I am looking for a HUGE game from Kyle "Santa's Little Helper" Rudolph! Nevada is going to be all over Tate and Floyd, that should leave Kyle in the open. Jimmy will have 250 passing. Armando will have a decent day, nothing to special. I think he will get 190 yards and 2 touchdowns.
Final Score ND 49 Wolf Pack 31
Cheers!
This is a team that is led by a very good dual threat quarterback in C. Karpernick. The kid rushed 161 times for over 1,200 yards. That's more than any Irish running back has done in two years, hell he averaged 7.0 yards a carry. And if that is not scary enough he also had over 2,800 yards passing. He was almost a 20/20 quarterback, I think that has only been a handful of times. I think this QB is for real and we have to contain him every snap.
Oh I am not done there. The Wolf Pack's running back is just as scary. Via Taua is on the Doak Walker watch list and for good reason. He rushed for 1500 yards last year and scored 15 touchdowns. This is what makes this team tough to defend against.
Their defense returns a lot of people as well. I do not care what they were ranked last year. That was last year. I can not go and say anything about how they are still going to be bad when I am preaching how Notre Dame will be good this year after last years performances. I am a firm believer that the more people you return, the better your team is going to be.
We are going to need a great game from our D-Line. I think the linebackers are going to be really busy making reads against the Nevada playmakers, and our secondary CANNOT cheat up. I think if the D-Line can blow plays up it will give our linebackers a chance to make some plays. I think Harrison Smith will be all over the field, but I would rather not have him lead the team in tackles. I want our ends to be monsters. I am curious to see Kapron Lewis-Moore, remember that name for the game.
We are going to have to score as well.....Jimmy and the Gang should be able to take care of that. I am looking for a HUGE game from Kyle "Santa's Little Helper" Rudolph! Nevada is going to be all over Tate and Floyd, that should leave Kyle in the open. Jimmy will have 250 passing. Armando will have a decent day, nothing to special. I think he will get 190 yards and 2 touchdowns.
Final Score ND 49 Wolf Pack 31
Cheers!
Thursday, August 20, 2009
Tough game early!
Had to put this down early so that I can take credit for being accurate later. I can see the game against Nevada being close early, just because Nevada will be pumped up big time, but out of it's element in Notre Dame Stadium.
21-7 halftime lead will turn into a a 35-10 third quarter burst. The defense will shine against last year's number one run offense. I don't want to downplay the offense for the Irish though. 550 yard of total offense. 250 yards on the ground (Nevada has a horrible run defense) and 300 yards through the air.
45-24 as Nevada will score some garbage points. I wouldn't be surprised to see some kind of special teams excitement either. Harrison Smith will be ALL OVER THE PLACE!
Whew, had to get that out!
21-7 halftime lead will turn into a a 35-10 third quarter burst. The defense will shine against last year's number one run offense. I don't want to downplay the offense for the Irish though. 550 yard of total offense. 250 yards on the ground (Nevada has a horrible run defense) and 300 yards through the air.
45-24 as Nevada will score some garbage points. I wouldn't be surprised to see some kind of special teams excitement either. Harrison Smith will be ALL OVER THE PLACE!
Whew, had to get that out!
Wednesday, August 12, 2009
Lou Holtz Said WHAT?
Looking back at some of the great Notre Dame teams you see one thing that our team is lacking. A great team has that "tough cockiness" about them. The last national championship team had that. I found this clip on youtube and just had to post it. You want to see TOUGH COCKY..this is it.. Be sure to watch the whole clip. I remember reading that Lou said this but I forgot about it. Its a great line before a HUGE game.
Thursday, July 30, 2009
Really... Really...
You have got to watch the last play of this clip. Ambrose Wooden running quarterback, and Brandon Hoyte at running back. OPTION, TOSS, FIRST DOWN. If you would have told me five years ago that this could ever really have happened, I might have died from laughing. Turns out, they are actually pretty damn good at it. Hotye can move!
Tuesday, July 21, 2009
State of Mind
If you think you are beaten, your are
If you think you dare not, you won't,
If you like to win, but don't think you can
It's almost a cinch you won't
If you think you'll lose, you're lost
For out in the world you find,
Success begins with a fellow's will
It's all in a state of mind
For many a game is lost
Ere even a play is run,
And many a coward fails
Ere even his work is begun
Think big and your deeds will grow
Think small and you'll fall behind
Think that you can and you will
It's all a state of mind
If you think you are out-classed, your are
You've got to think high to rise
You've got to be sure of yourself before
You can ever win a prize
Life battles don't always go
To the stronger or faster man
But sooner or later, the man who wins
Is the fella who thinks he can
That's all there is to this season. Printed in every last word of that poem. 2 years ago there was a team that lost every bit of offensive production. A team that just wanted to go out and not get killed (although about a dozen freshman did come close). We all remember that season. Or if you're like me, don't want to remember that season.
Then we had last season. A team that oozed with confidence. A team that knew they had a fighters chance of winning every game the played in, but they didn't have the mindset to actually make it happen (i.e. Syracuse, North Carolina, Pittsburgh).
And what do we have this year. Hopefully, a team that knows that once they step foot on the field, they are going to dominate. Not put up a fight, not out guess the other team, not make the proper adjustments at half time, but simply out play and out class the opponent. This is the team that I need to take the field this year. It's all in a State of Mind!
Bottoms Up!
If you think you dare not, you won't,
If you like to win, but don't think you can
It's almost a cinch you won't
If you think you'll lose, you're lost
For out in the world you find,
Success begins with a fellow's will
It's all in a state of mind
For many a game is lost
Ere even a play is run,
And many a coward fails
Ere even his work is begun
Think big and your deeds will grow
Think small and you'll fall behind
Think that you can and you will
It's all a state of mind
If you think you are out-classed, your are
You've got to think high to rise
You've got to be sure of yourself before
You can ever win a prize
Life battles don't always go
To the stronger or faster man
But sooner or later, the man who wins
Is the fella who thinks he can
That's all there is to this season. Printed in every last word of that poem. 2 years ago there was a team that lost every bit of offensive production. A team that just wanted to go out and not get killed (although about a dozen freshman did come close). We all remember that season. Or if you're like me, don't want to remember that season.
Then we had last season. A team that oozed with confidence. A team that knew they had a fighters chance of winning every game the played in, but they didn't have the mindset to actually make it happen (i.e. Syracuse, North Carolina, Pittsburgh).
And what do we have this year. Hopefully, a team that knows that once they step foot on the field, they are going to dominate. Not put up a fight, not out guess the other team, not make the proper adjustments at half time, but simply out play and out class the opponent. This is the team that I need to take the field this year. It's all in a State of Mind!
Bottoms Up!
Fate..
Second and goal from the seven. Notre Dame decides to pass. The play is broken, and the quarterback is sacked for a loss of nine. Now they are looking at third and goal from the sixteen. Most teams would look to set up the field goal, the great ones already have three or four plays that they are confident will work and will put six on the board. Fate benefits those that are willing, those that know they will not lose.
Florida knows they can win every game they play in.
USC knows they are the best.
Ohio State knows they are the best in the Big Ten (lol, damn the SEC is fast).
Notre Dame needs to come to this conclusion. They need to believe that they can score on every drive. We have the fire power to score with everytone. They need to know that there is no difference between third and one, and third and eight. It should make no difference to them. They can score from anywhere on the field at anytime. Anytime....
Fate, as it has it, comes to the other side of the ball. The defense has to be able to take over games this year. Can we stop USC, can the D walk out on the field and KNOW they can hold the other team to a three and out with time running out. I think that the defensive backs are up to the challenge. I think that the ends can get after the quaterback. The linebackers are actually skilled this year, and they have some speed this year as well. Don't believe me? Ha ha ha, run a toss strong side.
The FATE of this years team could be on the defense...what say you...CHEERS!
Florida knows they can win every game they play in.
USC knows they are the best.
Ohio State knows they are the best in the Big Ten (lol, damn the SEC is fast).
Notre Dame needs to come to this conclusion. They need to believe that they can score on every drive. We have the fire power to score with everytone. They need to know that there is no difference between third and one, and third and eight. It should make no difference to them. They can score from anywhere on the field at anytime. Anytime....
Fate, as it has it, comes to the other side of the ball. The defense has to be able to take over games this year. Can we stop USC, can the D walk out on the field and KNOW they can hold the other team to a three and out with time running out. I think that the defensive backs are up to the challenge. I think that the ends can get after the quaterback. The linebackers are actually skilled this year, and they have some speed this year as well. Don't believe me? Ha ha ha, run a toss strong side.
The FATE of this years team could be on the defense...what say you...CHEERS!
Friday, July 17, 2009
50 Days and Counting
Down to fifty days... So close yet so far away. 4 and 0 in September? Can we compete with USC this year? Are we capable of a runing game? Can we stop the run? Will we give up double digit leads again this year (we did three times last year)? These are some of the questions I hope to have answered during our "4-0" September.
There are just so many questions I need answered. I do not even know where to begin.
Can Clausen live up to his Hawaii performance (22/26 401 yards 5 TD's)? Only missed four passes that game, and those were drops. He hit his hot routes, and threw strikes when he had to. He deep throws were on the money. It sure was fun to watch.
Will Brian Smith be an animal at linebacker (54 tackles last year), and change opposing teams game plans. I am a firm believer that in order to have a great defense you have to have an incredible linebacker. Manti's time will come, but this is Smith's D.
How good is our secondary (14 INT's last year, McCarthy 110 tackles)? Are they as good as I think they are? They could be one of the best.
Where you been Sam Young. He has started every game since he arrived at Notre Dame. He was the best tackle in his recruiting class. Is this the year he shows up?
Can we make FG's when we need to (Walker was 14 of 24 last season)? I do not want to really even write about this but it has to be said. When called upon, our kickers need to come through.
Like I said, I have alot of questoins. Let the fun begin. For now, all I can do is play NCAA 2010 and speculate. Cheers!
There are just so many questions I need answered. I do not even know where to begin.
Can Clausen live up to his Hawaii performance (22/26 401 yards 5 TD's)? Only missed four passes that game, and those were drops. He hit his hot routes, and threw strikes when he had to. He deep throws were on the money. It sure was fun to watch.
Will Brian Smith be an animal at linebacker (54 tackles last year), and change opposing teams game plans. I am a firm believer that in order to have a great defense you have to have an incredible linebacker. Manti's time will come, but this is Smith's D.
How good is our secondary (14 INT's last year, McCarthy 110 tackles)? Are they as good as I think they are? They could be one of the best.
Where you been Sam Young. He has started every game since he arrived at Notre Dame. He was the best tackle in his recruiting class. Is this the year he shows up?
Can we make FG's when we need to (Walker was 14 of 24 last season)? I do not want to really even write about this but it has to be said. When called upon, our kickers need to come through.
Like I said, I have alot of questoins. Let the fun begin. For now, all I can do is play NCAA 2010 and speculate. Cheers!
Tuesday, July 14, 2009
You gotta think....WHAT IF...
I posted a song by Linkin Park before this... I beg you that you listen to it and think about ND while you are listening to it. This could be a great year. We have a two year starter at QB. We have a stable at running back (Armando will be our stud) this year. Our WIDEOUTS may be the best in the country. Our tightend is the BEST in the country. This could be an exciting year. You are either up for it or you are not. I am up for it. You will have to out score us this year! Bring It!
We might be undefeated when we play USC this year!!! There comes a time when enought is enough. I do NOT think that they are as good as they think they are. This could be the year that we bring them down... We are BCS bound, BRING IT!
HOMEGAMEHOTSPOTS.COM.....WHAT WHAT
We might be undefeated when we play USC this year!!! There comes a time when enought is enough. I do NOT think that they are as good as they think they are. This could be the year that we bring them down... We are BCS bound, BRING IT!
HOMEGAMEHOTSPOTS.COM.....WHAT WHAT
Wednesday, June 24, 2009
How Excited Are You?
How excited are you to have a "veteran" team that will be taking the field this year? A team with all pieces in place. Dear god I'm excited to see what this team is capable of! It's actually scary to think of the all-americans this team could produce. I'm so looking forward to September and making the trip to Iowa (maybe) to watch the game with Johanathan as we always watch the first game together. I know, it's kinda fruity, but it's a cool thing to look forward every fall. So get excited and be excited for a SWEET season!
Monday, May 18, 2009
Gotta Run
This will be a quick post, but I think it has to be said.
After watching College Football Live I have to ask the question.... IS Cierre Wood that good. There has been alot of talking about him, but I have to wonder. I think, and I have said this before, that Armando Allen is our boy. I will stick with that and I do not think that Wood should see much of the field this year.
After watching College Football Live I have to ask the question.... IS Cierre Wood that good. There has been alot of talking about him, but I have to wonder. I think, and I have said this before, that Armando Allen is our boy. I will stick with that and I do not think that Wood should see much of the field this year.
Sunday, May 10, 2009
Saturday, May 9, 2009
Quinn to work with Football Team?
Quinn to come back and work with defensive back? No, not Brady Quinn. I am talking about Chris Quinn the former Notre Dame basketball player. ESPN reportered earlier that during Chris's season ending discussion with Coach Riley, Coach Riley suggested that Chris go back to Notre Dame to help with his defense.
From ESPN Hyde's blog:
"What do I need to do to get better, coach?" Quinn asked.
"Go back to Notre Dame, talk to the football coach and go work out with the cornerbacks,'' Riley said.
"Why?" Quinn asked.
"Because what I read in the press, and if the press is right and knows anything, you have a major weakness. What is it? What have you been reading in the media?"
"I can't keep anyone in front of me (on defense)," Quinn asked.
"Right,'' Riley said. "Well, go work out with the cornerbacks."
Tuesday, May 5, 2009
Remember Us??
Let the count down begin. Let the trash talking begin. Let the BCS arguments being. Let the Heisman talk begin. LET COLLEGE FOOTBALL BEGIN.
It seems that baseball season gets longer every year. I have been waiting for Notre Dame football forever it seems like. Spring football is just a tease. The Blue and Gold game is a huge tease. There is a lot to talk about and think about concerning this up coming season and I want to start now, I can not wait any longer. Where to begin though, I think I will start at the bottom today and work my way up through the week.
So I am going to start with Quarterback.
We have one, and everyone knows his name. Jimmy Clausen could have a life changing season this year. And by that I mean he could catch the eye of some pro teams this year, and increase his draft day stock. Lets be honest, right now the kid is not a draftee, but he could be. He has all the tools and a solid line in front of him. He just needs to lead the charge. He needs to take control of them team. Remember the BSC championship game last year. Florida was down and Tebow brought them back. That man walked up and down his whole sideline screaming and pushing. Remember when Florida lost to Ole Miss. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=96vAbtpakLg Who took charge then, once again it was Tebow. I want that from Clausen, I want that kid to become a man on the field. His numbers were not all that bad last year. He played well, but we need better. We need "Hawaii" every week.
Jimmy Clausen
It seems that baseball season gets longer every year. I have been waiting for Notre Dame football forever it seems like. Spring football is just a tease. The Blue and Gold game is a huge tease. There is a lot to talk about and think about concerning this up coming season and I want to start now, I can not wait any longer. Where to begin though, I think I will start at the bottom today and work my way up through the week.
So I am going to start with Quarterback.
We have one, and everyone knows his name. Jimmy Clausen could have a life changing season this year. And by that I mean he could catch the eye of some pro teams this year, and increase his draft day stock. Lets be honest, right now the kid is not a draftee, but he could be. He has all the tools and a solid line in front of him. He just needs to lead the charge. He needs to take control of them team. Remember the BSC championship game last year. Florida was down and Tebow brought them back. That man walked up and down his whole sideline screaming and pushing. Remember when Florida lost to Ole Miss. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=96vAbtpakLg Who took charge then, once again it was Tebow. I want that from Clausen, I want that kid to become a man on the field. His numbers were not all that bad last year. He played well, but we need better. We need "Hawaii" every week.
Jimmy Clausen
- 268 Completion out of 440 Attempts
- 3172 Passing Yards
- 25 Touchdown, 17 Interceptions
- 60.9% Completion Percentage
Those are not bad numbers. We just need more of him. I want him to not lose his composure when we are up, and I want him to never back down when we are losing. He needs to be our champion. Most great quaterbacks are know for winning, legends are known for how they came back.
A good season for Clausen is getting us to a BCS game. Putting us back on the map as a possible contender. His numbers will have to better this year than last year for that to happen. I think these are reasonable numbers:
- 300 Completions out of 450 Attempts
- 3,400 Yards Throwing
- 30 Touchdowns to 10 Interceptions
- 66% Competion Percentage
- Play well enough to get Dayne Crist in the ball game, Mop Up Duty.
- Leadership
I do not think this is to much to ask for. Lets get after it. We are going to have an improved running game this year, and that could open up the doors for some huge passing games. You can not man up on our receivers, but you are going to have to put more men in the box to stop our running game. This is where match up problems occur, and this is what we need to accomplish. If we can achieve this level of play, Jimmy should have some huge games, and be able to work his magic.
The last two bullets are important for the program. We need to get Crist so that he has experience. Mr. Clausen needs to put together some scoring drives, get us a head in games, and let Crist come in later part of the fourth quater. This will do nothing but better our team.
The last bullet is what I want from Jimmy. I want him to want to lead, to want to lead the charge. No one else on that team should want it as bad as Clausen. He came to Notre Dame promising 4 national titles. I just want to be in the hunt again. We can talk titles in November. Clausen has to "will" this team to get over the hump and strive for perfection. It is time for Clausen to shine.
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