My coach can eat your coach! - University of Kansas
At least we didn't lost to Appalachian State! - Michigan State University
Ann Arbor is a whore! - Pretty much universal
Iowa, not as depressing as Idaho! - Iowa State University
East Lansing, a drinking school with a football problem! - University of Michigan
Monday, November 26, 2007
Friday, November 16, 2007
There can be only one....
Duke vs Notre Dame. A couple of years ago we would have chalked this one up as a 'W'. This year Notre Dame and Duke are both 1-9, and last in most NCAA categories. So lets do an overview real fast before I have to go to class.
There can only be one quaterback at Notre Dame. Jimmy Clausen needs to finish out the season and finish strong. A strong finish is a great building block for next season. Last week against Air Force Clausen took charge in the second half, and it was a thing of beauty. Don't get me wrong, he still needs a lot of work, but I was happy with what I saw. Jimmy was 22 of 40 for 246 years and THREE touchdowns. He was sacked 6 times....six more times....Give credit to Air Forces blitz packages, they were impressive.
There can only be one turnover. What would have happened Schwapp would NOT have fumbled away that ball. Another 'what if' to add to the list for the year. I had a hunch that was the play call however. The RB went in motion, there was not a lot of recievers on the field, 2+2=4....yeah. We have to protect the ball.
One big play from Allen. Armando has shown very little of what was promised. Granted, his catch and run for the touchdown against Air Force was nice. Allen was suppose to be a game changer and I have not seen it yet. I have no doubt that he is MORE than capable of changing a game, I just want to see it. I think we need something big from him this week. Keep in mind, that Navy only beat Duke by a last minute field goal. For the year Allen has played strong with 71 rushes for 309 yard, and NO touchdowns.
There can only be one winner in the trenches. Our O-line has to overpower Dukes, and allow us to rush the ball efficiently. Our D-line has to take over the game. Duke only averages about 55 yards rushing a game. They are going to throw some, and if our line can get some pressure we should be in good shape.
There can only be one team that comes out of this game 1-9. It is senoir day at Notre Dame. Jimmy is coming off his best game. It is Zibby's last game at home. I think Notre Dame wins this one 31-21. Game balls go to John Carlson for bailing out Jimmy in the passing game, and David Bruton for coming up big on defense.
GO IRISH!!!
There can only be one quaterback at Notre Dame. Jimmy Clausen needs to finish out the season and finish strong. A strong finish is a great building block for next season. Last week against Air Force Clausen took charge in the second half, and it was a thing of beauty. Don't get me wrong, he still needs a lot of work, but I was happy with what I saw. Jimmy was 22 of 40 for 246 years and THREE touchdowns. He was sacked 6 times....six more times....Give credit to Air Forces blitz packages, they were impressive.
There can only be one turnover. What would have happened Schwapp would NOT have fumbled away that ball. Another 'what if' to add to the list for the year. I had a hunch that was the play call however. The RB went in motion, there was not a lot of recievers on the field, 2+2=4....yeah. We have to protect the ball.
One big play from Allen. Armando has shown very little of what was promised. Granted, his catch and run for the touchdown against Air Force was nice. Allen was suppose to be a game changer and I have not seen it yet. I have no doubt that he is MORE than capable of changing a game, I just want to see it. I think we need something big from him this week. Keep in mind, that Navy only beat Duke by a last minute field goal. For the year Allen has played strong with 71 rushes for 309 yard, and NO touchdowns.
There can only be one winner in the trenches. Our O-line has to overpower Dukes, and allow us to rush the ball efficiently. Our D-line has to take over the game. Duke only averages about 55 yards rushing a game. They are going to throw some, and if our line can get some pressure we should be in good shape.
There can only be one team that comes out of this game 1-9. It is senoir day at Notre Dame. Jimmy is coming off his best game. It is Zibby's last game at home. I think Notre Dame wins this one 31-21. Game balls go to John Carlson for bailing out Jimmy in the passing game, and David Bruton for coming up big on defense.
GO IRISH!!!
Saturday, November 10, 2007
Kuntz Update
As if we were not having enough trouble...Kuntz will be a game time decision today after being kneed in the back last week against Navy. This could be a key injury for the Irish. If Kuntz can not go look for Ian Williams to fill in. Williams was a three star D-Linemen from the 07 recruiting class. He is 6'2" and just under 300 pounds. He saw significant playing time last week.
Keys to an Irish Win
Sometimes the small things can help you win a game. This is not one of those times. We need some of the bigger things to come together for a victory against Air Force.
1. Where you at 'D'! The defense needs to play well. The line needs to be productive once again. Kuntz, Laws, and the rest of the gang need to get pressure up front.
2. The linebackers need to be on 'search and destroy' mode, make some plays.
3. DB's, you keep on doing what you are doing. Just let Navy be a lesson to you, just because they run alot does not mean they will NOT pass.
4. Clausen...Jimmy Jimmy Jimmy. Let the game come to you. Relax! Make the short passes, put the ball deep when it is there. You don't have to force anything. Our recievers are proven, they will make some plays for you, give them a chance.
5. Aldridge....enough said.
6. Armando Allen needs a big play. He has been close, and if we are going to win today he has to come up big.
7. HERE IS LUCKY NUMBER SEVEN....Coach has to get us some points, lets make some field goals if we get the chance, what do you say. Special teams could be the key to victory?!
LETS GO IRISH!!
1. Where you at 'D'! The defense needs to play well. The line needs to be productive once again. Kuntz, Laws, and the rest of the gang need to get pressure up front.
2. The linebackers need to be on 'search and destroy' mode, make some plays.
3. DB's, you keep on doing what you are doing. Just let Navy be a lesson to you, just because they run alot does not mean they will NOT pass.
4. Clausen...Jimmy Jimmy Jimmy. Let the game come to you. Relax! Make the short passes, put the ball deep when it is there. You don't have to force anything. Our recievers are proven, they will make some plays for you, give them a chance.
5. Aldridge....enough said.
6. Armando Allen needs a big play. He has been close, and if we are going to win today he has to come up big.
7. HERE IS LUCKY NUMBER SEVEN....Coach has to get us some points, lets make some field goals if we get the chance, what do you say. Special teams could be the key to victory?!
LETS GO IRISH!!
Wednesday, November 7, 2007
Jimmy "Santa" Clausen
It is time to announce our starting quarterback, well who it should be. Jimmy should be our quarterback. He was the gift of our recriuting class. This was the number one recruit in the country and he came to ND. Sharpley is not the accurate, and has happy feet in the pocket. Jimmy is a winner, and he more importantly, he came to Notre Dame to win.
Many people look at his stats and say he is no good...LOOK WHO HE PLAYED AGAINST! We are having a down year, and we have a tough schedule. Those are two statement every coach has nightmares about.
For the year Jimmy is 81-of-141 passing for 618 yards, one touchdown and five interceptions. He completed 57.4 percent of his passes and has an 89.5 quarterback rating. Believe it or not, that is not a bad QB rating.
He came here to play, and he came here to win. Let him take his beating now, and hand them out later. He has sat and watched from the sidelines long enough.
Maybe, just maybe, he will give us all something to remember and talk about over Christmas dinner.
Many people look at his stats and say he is no good...LOOK WHO HE PLAYED AGAINST! We are having a down year, and we have a tough schedule. Those are two statement every coach has nightmares about.
For the year Jimmy is 81-of-141 passing for 618 yards, one touchdown and five interceptions. He completed 57.4 percent of his passes and has an 89.5 quarterback rating. Believe it or not, that is not a bad QB rating.
He came here to play, and he came here to win. Let him take his beating now, and hand them out later. He has sat and watched from the sidelines long enough.
Maybe, just maybe, he will give us all something to remember and talk about over Christmas dinner.
Sunday, November 4, 2007
Just kicking it....
Pride can get the best of all of us....kick it coach. We have two kickers, and I think one of the could have made that kick.
Thursday, October 25, 2007
Information
Thanks to the jack ass that said somthing about looking into mirrors at 12 year old boys with his loser man love like rah, all comments must now be approved before posted. Thank you so much! Go Cubs!
Relaxed the Rest of the Way
Remember all the analysts saying that the Irish were going to start 0-8 this year, well get your feet out of your mouth because they are 1-7. Yeah, yeah it's nothing to cheer about but I have had to curve my expectations for this year just a bit since the season started.
The best thing about the remaining schedule is that we now have 4 very winnable games ahead and a bye week this week to get things ironed out. Ending this season 5-7 would be as good as playing in a bowl game (considering how the season started out) and undoubtedly give a huge boost of confidence to those players that are going to be returning for their sophomore seasons. Ooops, I mean returning for another season. You know, seniors (haha), juniors (?), and sophomores.
To put the rest of the season in perspective, I no longer have to worry about being nervous about games, getting pumped up to be let down, or even yell at the TV as to why this play or that play was run. I get to cheer when a first down is made or when a pass is completed for more than 10 yards. And I'm ok with that.
The best thing about the remaining schedule is that we now have 4 very winnable games ahead and a bye week this week to get things ironed out. Ending this season 5-7 would be as good as playing in a bowl game (considering how the season started out) and undoubtedly give a huge boost of confidence to those players that are going to be returning for their sophomore seasons. Ooops, I mean returning for another season. You know, seniors (haha), juniors (?), and sophomores.
To put the rest of the season in perspective, I no longer have to worry about being nervous about games, getting pumped up to be let down, or even yell at the TV as to why this play or that play was run. I get to cheer when a first down is made or when a pass is completed for more than 10 yards. And I'm ok with that.
Tuesday, October 23, 2007
Trial by fire...
Sometimes I read the paper and I think to myself that some people are just pretenders. I dare say I read more about Notre Dame than most. I can't stand reading about how much we 'suck'. I can't think of another team that has so many underclassmen playing key roles. I can not think of another team that has so many recruits coming in that will play key roles next year.
We all thought that our offense would be okay this year. We all know that isn't true. Our offense is a huge disappointment. I think our line is going to be great in a couple seasons. I think out running backs our going to be exceptional. The wide outs are already beyond what I thought they ever could have been. We are getting there, and with what we have coming in....we are getting there FAST!
Defense is a nice surprise. Our line is starting to come around. Laws is an animal, Kuntz plays twice his size. Neal and Smith are making plays. I can't say enough about our secondary.
Yesterday Notre Dame dared to struggle. Tomorrow they dare to win.
We all thought that our offense would be okay this year. We all know that isn't true. Our offense is a huge disappointment. I think our line is going to be great in a couple seasons. I think out running backs our going to be exceptional. The wide outs are already beyond what I thought they ever could have been. We are getting there, and with what we have coming in....we are getting there FAST!
Defense is a nice surprise. Our line is starting to come around. Laws is an animal, Kuntz plays twice his size. Neal and Smith are making plays. I can't say enough about our secondary.
Yesterday Notre Dame dared to struggle. Tomorrow they dare to win.
Thursday, October 11, 2007
Like A Breath of Fresh Air
So the Irish got their first win of the season last weekend. I'll speak on behalf of 99% of the ND followers in the country when I say, "Thank God!" Like I mentioned on my last post, a win is a win no matter how many ways you don't move the ball.
But let me tell you how happy I am to see some of the things that this team is starting to do. Let's start with the offensive line! I know that these guys could do the job but the last couple of weeks you have played as good as I could have ever hoped. I mean Purdue only got to the QB twice and UCLA is a monster on pass rush and they only got to Clausen a few times. I'll take it. You are starting to gel and form yourself as a unit. Not individual blockers trying to do your job, but one cohesive unit that makes each and every play a success or a failure.
Next is the aggressive play of the defense. Now looking at the defensive unit the first couple of weeks you could definitely say that they were always put in impossible situations and played as well as they could have given the cards they were dealt. I will agree to a certain extent, but there were so many things that were not going the way it should have, running backs getting to the corner often and for lots of yards, no pressure on the opposing QB, and not coming up with the big stops. The last couple of weeks (I know we lost to Purdue but they came to life) this defense has come to play. With the emergence of Neal and Richardson on the outside putting pressure on the QB, Kuntz learning his role better at nose and getting lots of penetration, Torrain Smith looking to punish whomever comes into his site, these guys are getting pressure with the 4 that are rushing every play. Not to mention that when they've brought pressure, they are actually getting to the QB and causing turnovers and disrupting plays. Painter only threw 1 interception coming into that game and tossed two of them in the game, and I don't even have to tell you how this defense and it's uptempo play disrupted the Bruins last week. POTW Crum can tell you about that.
Overall, I'm glad to see these things are finally happening. Aldridge is going to be our battering ram hitting the defense over and over again and when you finally get personnel in to defend him, you throw the ball right over their heads. Clausen has got nothing but confidence right now believing that he's finally lead his team to a victory. A victory that is going to propel this team forward for the rest of the season. I'd be careful right now BC, this team has it's first win and then it's coming home to play in front of a rejuvenated home crowd, on my birthday, and are going to slap you in the mouth all day long.
But let me tell you how happy I am to see some of the things that this team is starting to do. Let's start with the offensive line! I know that these guys could do the job but the last couple of weeks you have played as good as I could have ever hoped. I mean Purdue only got to the QB twice and UCLA is a monster on pass rush and they only got to Clausen a few times. I'll take it. You are starting to gel and form yourself as a unit. Not individual blockers trying to do your job, but one cohesive unit that makes each and every play a success or a failure.
Next is the aggressive play of the defense. Now looking at the defensive unit the first couple of weeks you could definitely say that they were always put in impossible situations and played as well as they could have given the cards they were dealt. I will agree to a certain extent, but there were so many things that were not going the way it should have, running backs getting to the corner often and for lots of yards, no pressure on the opposing QB, and not coming up with the big stops. The last couple of weeks (I know we lost to Purdue but they came to life) this defense has come to play. With the emergence of Neal and Richardson on the outside putting pressure on the QB, Kuntz learning his role better at nose and getting lots of penetration, Torrain Smith looking to punish whomever comes into his site, these guys are getting pressure with the 4 that are rushing every play. Not to mention that when they've brought pressure, they are actually getting to the QB and causing turnovers and disrupting plays. Painter only threw 1 interception coming into that game and tossed two of them in the game, and I don't even have to tell you how this defense and it's uptempo play disrupted the Bruins last week. POTW Crum can tell you about that.
Overall, I'm glad to see these things are finally happening. Aldridge is going to be our battering ram hitting the defense over and over again and when you finally get personnel in to defend him, you throw the ball right over their heads. Clausen has got nothing but confidence right now believing that he's finally lead his team to a victory. A victory that is going to propel this team forward for the rest of the season. I'd be careful right now BC, this team has it's first win and then it's coming home to play in front of a rejuvenated home crowd, on my birthday, and are going to slap you in the mouth all day long.
Sunday, October 7, 2007
The First One Is Always The Hardest....
Its about time things started going our way. Hats off to the defense! Mr. Crum you are truly my hero. Martinez is correct in saying that this win is a win, I too will take it. This win, in my eyes is very important to this team. It is their first win, and the first one can be the hardest to get. Now they know what it feels like to raise those gold helmets in victory.
The offense played conservative throughout the game. I am not a fan! I felt like I was watching UofM out there. They did however, not turn the ball over, and that is vital.
Aldridge ran the ball well (22 rushes, 52 yards, long 9). The stats really do not tell the truth. James hit the holes hard, pushed, and never fumbled! Armando Allen contributed, and again, we saw flashes of what is to come (Armando Allen 3-19).
Passing was....well.....we completed more than we dropped..lol...hows that. Jimmy was given a conservative package to work with and he did what he was told. For the day he went: 17 completions, 27 attempts, 84 yards, 0 touchdowns, 0 interceptions, long 15. I did like the fact that we went deep a couple times. I think we need to work on it some, but it was encouraging to see. I think we need to get a couple more recievers running deep too, maybe Kamara, or Jackson. Just a thought, what do I know.
Defense! Defense! Defense! Last night was the first time I think I have seen what the 3-4 is suppose to be capable of, and I like it! We put pressure on when we had to. Lets keep in mind that UCLA's offensive line was very experienced, hell they beat USC last year. Our 'D' came to play. I don't know if anyone notice, but our leading tackler was none of other than Pat Kuntz with 8, followed by Crum with 7. Finally a game where our line did their thing. I love it.
Enough can not be said about Crum's performance. 7 tackles, 2FR, 2FF, 2 interceptions, and that touchdown of course. I am thinking POTW honors maybe?
Oh, I almost forgot, did we kick a 48 yard field goal?
A win is a win, and this was a good one. I slept well last night. This was not just a win though. It was the first. Now we know what it is like, and I think we all want some more. Get hungry Irish, there are more games to be played, and I want another victory.
The offense played conservative throughout the game. I am not a fan! I felt like I was watching UofM out there. They did however, not turn the ball over, and that is vital.
Aldridge ran the ball well (22 rushes, 52 yards, long 9). The stats really do not tell the truth. James hit the holes hard, pushed, and never fumbled! Armando Allen contributed, and again, we saw flashes of what is to come (Armando Allen 3-19).
Passing was....well.....we completed more than we dropped..lol...hows that. Jimmy was given a conservative package to work with and he did what he was told. For the day he went: 17 completions, 27 attempts, 84 yards, 0 touchdowns, 0 interceptions, long 15. I did like the fact that we went deep a couple times. I think we need to work on it some, but it was encouraging to see. I think we need to get a couple more recievers running deep too, maybe Kamara, or Jackson. Just a thought, what do I know.
Defense! Defense! Defense! Last night was the first time I think I have seen what the 3-4 is suppose to be capable of, and I like it! We put pressure on when we had to. Lets keep in mind that UCLA's offensive line was very experienced, hell they beat USC last year. Our 'D' came to play. I don't know if anyone notice, but our leading tackler was none of other than Pat Kuntz with 8, followed by Crum with 7. Finally a game where our line did their thing. I love it.
Enough can not be said about Crum's performance. 7 tackles, 2FR, 2FF, 2 interceptions, and that touchdown of course. I am thinking POTW honors maybe?
Oh, I almost forgot, did we kick a 48 yard field goal?
A win is a win, and this was a good one. I slept well last night. This was not just a win though. It was the first. Now we know what it is like, and I think we all want some more. Get hungry Irish, there are more games to be played, and I want another victory.
A Win is a Win
A win is a win as a win is a win along with a win being a win!
I'm just waiting for the people to start in on the win today. I'm waiting for the writers to say, "Yah, they won, BUT. . ." I know the critics (whom all predicted an 0-8 start) are not going to give ND any kind of credit for this win, but you know what, a win is a win.
I woke up this morning looking for headlines that Notre Dame finally wins and lots of talk about how they finally ended the losing streak, but you know what, nothing was on. I've been up for about an hour now and haven't as much as seen a single highlight about the game. It's amazing that if the Irish would have lost, they would have been a major topic of discussion, but they win and win by 2 touchdowns (even though they were 20 point underdogs) and nobody talks about them anymore.
I'll take this win and I'll take this win with a smile. Since I made my girlfriend drive to Wayside Bar in Kalamazoo to watch the game, and we didn't even have a drink or food for the entire second half. She didn't want to be there and she let me stay and watch since ABC didn't carry the game in my viewing area at home. This win was for Aubrie!
Let's take this win and come home to put Boston College to the test this weekend. Relax for a day boys, you got one on the board. And remember, a win is a win, regardless of how it happened.
I'm just waiting for the people to start in on the win today. I'm waiting for the writers to say, "Yah, they won, BUT. . ." I know the critics (whom all predicted an 0-8 start) are not going to give ND any kind of credit for this win, but you know what, a win is a win.
I woke up this morning looking for headlines that Notre Dame finally wins and lots of talk about how they finally ended the losing streak, but you know what, nothing was on. I've been up for about an hour now and haven't as much as seen a single highlight about the game. It's amazing that if the Irish would have lost, they would have been a major topic of discussion, but they win and win by 2 touchdowns (even though they were 20 point underdogs) and nobody talks about them anymore.
I'll take this win and I'll take this win with a smile. Since I made my girlfriend drive to Wayside Bar in Kalamazoo to watch the game, and we didn't even have a drink or food for the entire second half. She didn't want to be there and she let me stay and watch since ABC didn't carry the game in my viewing area at home. This win was for Aubrie!
Let's take this win and come home to put Boston College to the test this weekend. Relax for a day boys, you got one on the board. And remember, a win is a win, regardless of how it happened.
Saturday, October 6, 2007
Win or Lose
The only game Notre Dame has really come close to winning this year is "Who can be talked about the most on ESPN". This is a given really. We have lost every game by double digits points. Our offense can count their touchdowns on one hand. Our defense can count to thirty- eight pretty well by now.
That sums up our year to this point don't ya think?
Well.....to be honest I think everyone is missing the bigger picture. After everything that has occured so far our boys will not quit. They have heart and courage beyond their age. Jimmy Clausen does not have to get up after being nailed for the tenth time but he does. Armando Allen could run out of bounds after he gets the ball, but he won't. Duval Kamara could just slide to the ground after a catch but he drops his shoulder and gets more. The offensive line has taken the blame for everything, but they keep fighting in the trenches.
The Irish are young, and are fighting to make an identity for themselves. I think heart and courage are a good base for any team, and we have more than most. Its not the size of the dog in the fight, its the size of the fight in the dog! GO IRISH!
And on a side note, UCLA should be scared, what does Notre Dame have to lose that they have not lost already.....
That sums up our year to this point don't ya think?
Well.....to be honest I think everyone is missing the bigger picture. After everything that has occured so far our boys will not quit. They have heart and courage beyond their age. Jimmy Clausen does not have to get up after being nailed for the tenth time but he does. Armando Allen could run out of bounds after he gets the ball, but he won't. Duval Kamara could just slide to the ground after a catch but he drops his shoulder and gets more. The offensive line has taken the blame for everything, but they keep fighting in the trenches.
The Irish are young, and are fighting to make an identity for themselves. I think heart and courage are a good base for any team, and we have more than most. Its not the size of the dog in the fight, its the size of the fight in the dog! GO IRISH!
And on a side note, UCLA should be scared, what does Notre Dame have to lose that they have not lost already.....
Friday, October 5, 2007
No more excuses
Is this the game where they put it all together? The game we've been waiting for through the first 5 weeks of the season. Personnel is in place, the true players are on the field, and the coaching staff has a full range of plays that it knows and knows when to use. There are no more excuses.
It doesn't even matter if Notre Dame wins this game. They need to come out with an attitude that they are the better team and that they are going to win this game. We will be able to tell right away by how the players play if they are in this to win it. For the seniors, it's your turn to turn the season around. These younger players are ready to go now and are running at full speed.
Just a side note, I'm going to be very upset if this game is not nationally televised. I know that ABC is picking it up, but it's going to be more regionalized. I do not want to get stuck having to go to my local pub to watch. I need the comfort of my home!
It doesn't even matter if Notre Dame wins this game. They need to come out with an attitude that they are the better team and that they are going to win this game. We will be able to tell right away by how the players play if they are in this to win it. For the seniors, it's your turn to turn the season around. These younger players are ready to go now and are running at full speed.
Just a side note, I'm going to be very upset if this game is not nationally televised. I know that ABC is picking it up, but it's going to be more regionalized. I do not want to get stuck having to go to my local pub to watch. I need the comfort of my home!
Tuesday, October 2, 2007
Clausen QB, I'll take the TD
There is no doubt in my mind that, barring injury, Jimmy Clausen will remain as the starting QB for Notre Dame so far this season.
Let's think about this. This team has pulled almost a complete 180 from how they played 4 weeks ago. Jimmy had time to throw the ball against Purdue and show an absolute cannon of an arm and a confidence to throw the different passes down the field. This was finally a game that we could see him make some freshman mistakes (the throw back across his body that resulted in an INT). But you know what, it's ok, he was checking down receivers, fled the pocket and was trying to make something happen. It wasn't like he didn't have time to throw and just threw a junk ball. I'll take that kind of INT.
Now, this has to be told, regardless of how excited I was about scoring more TD's this past weekend, they almost should not have happened. I mean look at the 4th down catch by Carlson in the endzone. I know, I know, he's an all-american caliber TE and has better than excellent hands, but come on. We all said the same thing when they lined up with 7 TEs and then Jimmy tossed a ball towards 4 defenders and Carlson. But the points went on the board. I can accept that. But my god did it have to be that freekin' close of a pass!!!???!!! And the other pass to Tate (Trust the Midas Touch) on the other 4th down (I'm sorry, this might not have been 4th down but I was knee deep in the keg I was drinking from by then) was another pass that made me grasp when the ball was released. "No, No, No, we don't need that many yaar. . . .wooooohoooo yeeeeeeaaaaahhh. . great catch!!" was the reacting in the room full of fans I was watching with.
Like I said, this is what I wanted to see, the excitement of a comeback. We just need to figure out now how to put a whole game together and implement both a running game and passing game. I know that that's the goal every week, but it seemed to be heavily directed towards the passing game this week because we got down early. I definitely don't want to be UCLA this weekend and playing this team that is just dying for an offensive/defenseive explosion!
Oh, and just because it wasn't on the kick-offs, Golden Tate was the difference maker.
Let's think about this. This team has pulled almost a complete 180 from how they played 4 weeks ago. Jimmy had time to throw the ball against Purdue and show an absolute cannon of an arm and a confidence to throw the different passes down the field. This was finally a game that we could see him make some freshman mistakes (the throw back across his body that resulted in an INT). But you know what, it's ok, he was checking down receivers, fled the pocket and was trying to make something happen. It wasn't like he didn't have time to throw and just threw a junk ball. I'll take that kind of INT.
Now, this has to be told, regardless of how excited I was about scoring more TD's this past weekend, they almost should not have happened. I mean look at the 4th down catch by Carlson in the endzone. I know, I know, he's an all-american caliber TE and has better than excellent hands, but come on. We all said the same thing when they lined up with 7 TEs and then Jimmy tossed a ball towards 4 defenders and Carlson. But the points went on the board. I can accept that. But my god did it have to be that freekin' close of a pass!!!???!!! And the other pass to Tate (Trust the Midas Touch) on the other 4th down (I'm sorry, this might not have been 4th down but I was knee deep in the keg I was drinking from by then) was another pass that made me grasp when the ball was released. "No, No, No, we don't need that many yaar. . . .wooooohoooo yeeeeeeaaaaahhh. . great catch!!" was the reacting in the room full of fans I was watching with.
Like I said, this is what I wanted to see, the excitement of a comeback. We just need to figure out now how to put a whole game together and implement both a running game and passing game. I know that that's the goal every week, but it seemed to be heavily directed towards the passing game this week because we got down early. I definitely don't want to be UCLA this weekend and playing this team that is just dying for an offensive/defenseive explosion!
Oh, and just because it wasn't on the kick-offs, Golden Tate was the difference maker.
Friday, September 28, 2007
The Midas Touch
We can all speculate on what team is going to show up this weekend, but for those of us who have been watching, we already know what team will be there; The Fighting Irish. Not the Irish, not Notre Dame, not the team we've seen the past few weeks. This time, we've got the game changer on our side, Golden Tate.
We've been waiting for an explosive playmaker, someone who can give this Irish team a spark from anywhere on the field. He has arrived and when the sunlight hits him just right, he looks Golden. Imagine the field position we are going go be getting now that we have a Golden Tate as our main return threat on kick-offs. There has been a renewed interest in the Irish special teams the past few weeks and you can bet who the focus was on.
I remember when we had the most dangerous special teams in the country with J. Jones returning kickoffs to the 50 yard line and J. Getherall making punter's legs wobble in the wind. Those days are long gone and this team needs to get back this side of the game, special teams.
Now based on what Weiss has mentioned, he has been putting J. Jabbie back as the lead blocker instead of two return men, great idea. We just need Tate to keep his legs moving instead of trying to slow down and pick lanes. We all know Golden Tate has great lateral movement, but on a kickoff I need to see him explode with a purpose, a purpose of putting the Irish in great field position.
I do believe that this weekend is the weekend that special teams makes the difference. And our helmets are not going to be the only gold that shines!
We've been waiting for an explosive playmaker, someone who can give this Irish team a spark from anywhere on the field. He has arrived and when the sunlight hits him just right, he looks Golden. Imagine the field position we are going go be getting now that we have a Golden Tate as our main return threat on kick-offs. There has been a renewed interest in the Irish special teams the past few weeks and you can bet who the focus was on.
I remember when we had the most dangerous special teams in the country with J. Jones returning kickoffs to the 50 yard line and J. Getherall making punter's legs wobble in the wind. Those days are long gone and this team needs to get back this side of the game, special teams.
Now based on what Weiss has mentioned, he has been putting J. Jabbie back as the lead blocker instead of two return men, great idea. We just need Tate to keep his legs moving instead of trying to slow down and pick lanes. We all know Golden Tate has great lateral movement, but on a kickoff I need to see him explode with a purpose, a purpose of putting the Irish in great field position.
I do believe that this weekend is the weekend that special teams makes the difference. And our helmets are not going to be the only gold that shines!
Wednesday, September 26, 2007
Time To Air It Out
After a death in the family, I'm back for the week. And what a good week to return to, Purdue!
For those who quickly forget, Purdue is the game where Brady Quinn (as a true freshman) through 59 passes in a loss for the Irish! I know he only completed 29 of those passes, but it excites me because for the first time this season, we will see young Jimmy Clausen sling the ball all over the field.
I doubt that Purdue has played against a secondary as good as Notre Dame's secondary is turning out to be. I do know they are going to test them though, the entire game. But whether or not how successful they are, I know one thing, Notre Dame needs to put points on the board. I know how badly Weiss wants the running game to formulate into the offensive identitiy, but this game is not the time, because this Purdue team is one that is capable of putting up 28 points in a 15 minutes span and we need to prove that we can keep pace if need be.
I'm excited! We played a very solid 1st half of football last weekend against a very good team and now there's momentum to build upon. Weiss can feel it, the team can feel it, the offensive line flat out knows it!
And one quick note to add, as if anybody really needs to know about how much Notre Dame football means to EVERYONE across the country, but can anybody remember Notre Dame having this much publicity after starting the season 4-0? I can't. This just proves that you love to hate them, but you still think about them! You can't ignore the impact Notre Dame football has on everyone and I hope you still talk about them, because these kids keep getting more and more national exposure and are dealing with more issues that will only help them prepare for their future NFL careers. And while a team like Purdue or even Boston College are 4-0, you don't see them getting national attention do you?!?!
For those who quickly forget, Purdue is the game where Brady Quinn (as a true freshman) through 59 passes in a loss for the Irish! I know he only completed 29 of those passes, but it excites me because for the first time this season, we will see young Jimmy Clausen sling the ball all over the field.
I doubt that Purdue has played against a secondary as good as Notre Dame's secondary is turning out to be. I do know they are going to test them though, the entire game. But whether or not how successful they are, I know one thing, Notre Dame needs to put points on the board. I know how badly Weiss wants the running game to formulate into the offensive identitiy, but this game is not the time, because this Purdue team is one that is capable of putting up 28 points in a 15 minutes span and we need to prove that we can keep pace if need be.
I'm excited! We played a very solid 1st half of football last weekend against a very good team and now there's momentum to build upon. Weiss can feel it, the team can feel it, the offensive line flat out knows it!
And one quick note to add, as if anybody really needs to know about how much Notre Dame football means to EVERYONE across the country, but can anybody remember Notre Dame having this much publicity after starting the season 4-0? I can't. This just proves that you love to hate them, but you still think about them! You can't ignore the impact Notre Dame football has on everyone and I hope you still talk about them, because these kids keep getting more and more national exposure and are dealing with more issues that will only help them prepare for their future NFL careers. And while a team like Purdue or even Boston College are 4-0, you don't see them getting national attention do you?!?!
Monday, September 24, 2007
Forever Notre Dame
Notre Dame is 0-4 for the first time in school history. Notre Dame has give up thirty or more points in all of their games. Notre Dame gives up the most sacks in the country. Notre Dame might not win a game this year. Charlie Weis should be fired.
Let me address all of these statement very quickly...SHUT UP! I am a fan, and I always will be. I will always back my team, through the good and the bad. Yes we are having a down year, so what. I have never seen so much promise on the field. Everywhere I look I see players that are going to play their guts out, and soon, be winners.
At running back we have depth that we have not had in years. We have speed, we have strength, and we have youth. Youth and speed might be the most obvious right now. Soon, however, experience is going to come into the factor and that is a scary thought for oposing defenses when you start to think about Allen and Hughes.
At wideout we have play makers waiting to make the plays they have dreamed about their whole lives. Kamara, Parris, Tate are all going to be threats in the near future. Again we have speed, hands, ability in this position. Again, we have inexperience. Give it time, give it time.
The O-line has had a rough start, but four of the five starters could be back. Not to mention the underclassmen that are rotating in right now. Young is going to be a god, and after watching the MSU game, Carufel is going to be very very good.
D-line is coming together. We are very young at the stage, and we just switched to the 3-4. We have recriuts coming in to phil the holes. Ian Williams is progressing nicely and we are starting to see him in more and more plays. Hunter, Williams, and Newman will get immediate playing next year.
Linebackers! We are bleeding youth at the position. Kerry Neal had an excellent game versus State, and Brian Smith stuck his nose into some plays too. Again, we just switched to the 3-4, give it time, give it time.
DB's are the best they have looked in years. We are not there yet, but we are not out of postion every other play either. Darrin Walls is a soon to be stud, and we all saw the catch the Bruton made.
QUARTERBACK, shhhhhhhhh! I am so tired of hearing people yell at Jimmy. The kid is doing what is asked of him. I can see that we are not throwing the ball down the field, I can see that he is holding it to long every now and then, I can see that he needs to throw it away. I can see all those things too. Heres what I have to say about that, could YOU DO IT???? Could you do any better? Were you offered a scholarship to play for Notre Dame? No you weren't. The kid is really good, and he is having some growing pains, get off his back about it. And you would bring up Ryan Mallet from Michigan wouldn't you! That offense had all their returning starters back, nuf said!
Notre Dame football is alive and well. Everyone needs to take a deep breath and relax. You are witnessing the building of a dyNASTY. Things always get worse before they get better. Soon, very soon we are going to be NASTY GOOD!!!
Let me address all of these statement very quickly...SHUT UP! I am a fan, and I always will be. I will always back my team, through the good and the bad. Yes we are having a down year, so what. I have never seen so much promise on the field. Everywhere I look I see players that are going to play their guts out, and soon, be winners.
At running back we have depth that we have not had in years. We have speed, we have strength, and we have youth. Youth and speed might be the most obvious right now. Soon, however, experience is going to come into the factor and that is a scary thought for oposing defenses when you start to think about Allen and Hughes.
At wideout we have play makers waiting to make the plays they have dreamed about their whole lives. Kamara, Parris, Tate are all going to be threats in the near future. Again we have speed, hands, ability in this position. Again, we have inexperience. Give it time, give it time.
The O-line has had a rough start, but four of the five starters could be back. Not to mention the underclassmen that are rotating in right now. Young is going to be a god, and after watching the MSU game, Carufel is going to be very very good.
D-line is coming together. We are very young at the stage, and we just switched to the 3-4. We have recriuts coming in to phil the holes. Ian Williams is progressing nicely and we are starting to see him in more and more plays. Hunter, Williams, and Newman will get immediate playing next year.
Linebackers! We are bleeding youth at the position. Kerry Neal had an excellent game versus State, and Brian Smith stuck his nose into some plays too. Again, we just switched to the 3-4, give it time, give it time.
DB's are the best they have looked in years. We are not there yet, but we are not out of postion every other play either. Darrin Walls is a soon to be stud, and we all saw the catch the Bruton made.
QUARTERBACK, shhhhhhhhh! I am so tired of hearing people yell at Jimmy. The kid is doing what is asked of him. I can see that we are not throwing the ball down the field, I can see that he is holding it to long every now and then, I can see that he needs to throw it away. I can see all those things too. Heres what I have to say about that, could YOU DO IT???? Could you do any better? Were you offered a scholarship to play for Notre Dame? No you weren't. The kid is really good, and he is having some growing pains, get off his back about it. And you would bring up Ryan Mallet from Michigan wouldn't you! That offense had all their returning starters back, nuf said!
Notre Dame football is alive and well. Everyone needs to take a deep breath and relax. You are witnessing the building of a dyNASTY. Things always get worse before they get better. Soon, very soon we are going to be NASTY GOOD!!!
Tuesday, September 18, 2007
I've Seen The Light
Can't you see it? Can't you see the sun rising over the horizon? I can.
After all the anger and all the excuse making, I've come to realize something, Notre Dame has got to get better. There is no choice. Statistically speaking, they can't do any worse than they have. They have the players to make the changes, they just need to work together.
I can see this team getting together on their own, blocking out this Demetrius Jones issue, blocking out all the talk of Notre Dame not winning a single game, and telling one another that what they are doing on the field, in practice, in the classroom, with their girlfriends is not enough. They aren't doing enough of whatever it is that's keeping them from getting better.
I see the light. I see a very determined Michigan State (my alma mater) team coming to town this weekend who for some reason, isn't looking at this game as a challenge anymore. They may say, "One game at a time" but who's kidding, they are looking right past the Irish and are looking at their trip to Madison to play the Badgers.
I see the sunshine coming through. This is a team that is no longer lead by the 5th year seniors. Clausen this is your team now. Allen, Aldridge, Tate, Paris, Yeatman, this is your team now. Get your guys motivated, get your team energized and ready to play football. Not for me, not for Johanathan, not for your mother or father, but for yourselves. Because you love to play this game and you are damn good at it! Now go prove that to the Spartans!
After all the anger and all the excuse making, I've come to realize something, Notre Dame has got to get better. There is no choice. Statistically speaking, they can't do any worse than they have. They have the players to make the changes, they just need to work together.
I can see this team getting together on their own, blocking out this Demetrius Jones issue, blocking out all the talk of Notre Dame not winning a single game, and telling one another that what they are doing on the field, in practice, in the classroom, with their girlfriends is not enough. They aren't doing enough of whatever it is that's keeping them from getting better.
I see the light. I see a very determined Michigan State (my alma mater) team coming to town this weekend who for some reason, isn't looking at this game as a challenge anymore. They may say, "One game at a time" but who's kidding, they are looking right past the Irish and are looking at their trip to Madison to play the Badgers.
I see the sunshine coming through. This is a team that is no longer lead by the 5th year seniors. Clausen this is your team now. Allen, Aldridge, Tate, Paris, Yeatman, this is your team now. Get your guys motivated, get your team energized and ready to play football. Not for me, not for Johanathan, not for your mother or father, but for yourselves. Because you love to play this game and you are damn good at it! Now go prove that to the Spartans!
Monday, September 17, 2007
Not Ashamed!
This is where you will see a drop off in the amount of Notre Dame fans out there. At the beginning of the season you couldn't get a ticket to one of there games. Now you can get them by the 3s and 4s.
Am I disappointed? Yes! Am I confused about whether I am watching a Pee-Wee football practice or an actual college football game? Yes! Am I confused about what team I am loyal to and will continue to talk about and watch and support regardless of how this season turns out? Absolutely Not!
So come on fans give me what you got so I can cross you off the list of band-wagon fans that show up when we win 10 games. And those who are the true fans, I'll comment on this weeks game with my alma mater, The Spartans of Michigan State, tomorrow. And don't expect a single word about he Michigan game this past weekend. I am done with that and there is absolutely no reason to comment on it.
Am I disappointed? Yes! Am I confused about whether I am watching a Pee-Wee football practice or an actual college football game? Yes! Am I confused about what team I am loyal to and will continue to talk about and watch and support regardless of how this season turns out? Absolutely Not!
So come on fans give me what you got so I can cross you off the list of band-wagon fans that show up when we win 10 games. And those who are the true fans, I'll comment on this weeks game with my alma mater, The Spartans of Michigan State, tomorrow. And don't expect a single word about he Michigan game this past weekend. I am done with that and there is absolutely no reason to comment on it.
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