Everything About Notre Dame Football

That's two down...

2007-04-14T10:32:00.000-07:00

The 6'3" 220 pound inside linebacker from Sherman Oaks, California committed to Notre Dame on Wednesday this week as the second linebacker in the Class of '08. Anthony McDonald's father Mike played football at USC and in the NFL, yet Anthony got rid of his USC blood and said, "I have Notre Dame blood in me now."

McDonald plays inside linebacker at Notre Dame High School, and has so far been quite successful from that position. As a junior, he recorded 101 tackles, 30 tackles for a loss, 10 sacks, and forced five fumbles. He runs in the 4.5-4.55 range in the forty yard dash, benches 350 pounds, and squats 450 pounds. McDonald also holds a 3.4 GPA in the classroom and is clearly Notre Dame material. Well at Notre Dame High School, I guess you could say anyone is "Notre Dame material!"

Poz is Irish!

2007-04-06T11:28:00.000-07:00

The Irish picked up linebacker David Posluszny, who stands at 6'2", 206 pounds, shortly after he finished his visit to Notre Dame yesterday. Although he may seem rather light at 206 pounds, don't let the size of the brother of All-American Paul Posluszny fool you. He is a standout linebacker who runs a 4.6 forty, benches 300 pounds, squats 360, and power cleans 205.

"I like to think of myself as a leader. I think that's my biggest strength on the field. My teammates can feel off of my intensity. I'm very smart on the field too." Posluszny is also a leader in the classroom, currently holding a 3.5 core GPA.

Posluszny is the sixth commitment of this year's class, which is already looking like it will be one of the best classes in the nation for the third straight year.

Mid-Term Grades

2007-04-01T17:02:00.000-07:00

By Sir John

The main concern of ND fans is of course the quarterback position. That apparently won't be resolved till about sometime in May. The other positions as well are mainly up in the air. The 3-4 is being slowly implemented by design to prevent information overload.

What is striking to me is the overall situation. If the players are the working parts the coaches are quite satisfied with their attitude and learning curve. Coach Weis did say that at least he's not out their saying "My God what are we going to do?" So in that aspect he seems confident with HIS team against what some call a very bad opening schedule. Some and that may have included me at one time before now, felt perhaps he is doing a media confidence thing for the public. I have discarded that because if anything he is blunt in his analysis.

I noticed 'fun' popped up in relation to football in statements by Weis and Brown. Weis has given Brown full reign to talk to media. Handed the defense over to him whereas with Minter he constantly had to worry about that side of the ball. Weis' comfort level has increased these now are his kids, he's got more coming in late summer and no one knows what the hell we are going to do on the field.

As one blogger said the stadium should be half filled with scouts for our opponents. Completely new offensive schemes, four of the best quarterbacks in the land if things should go bump in the night, and of course the not widely used in college 3-4 defense.

Quinn's stock falls, Weis's stock rises

2007-03-05T10:58:00.000-07:00

By Sir John

100 NFL Coaches, owners, and scouts turned out for Notre Dame's pro day. Like you, I have been reading the accounts of Brady Quinn's work out. It would be redundant to repeat here all that you have read about the first pro day in many other articles and sites.

Coach Weis has become more settled in as a college level coach. I'm not saying he never was before, but he admits to having discussions with other Division 1 coaches on how to approach a bowl. As well earlier this year made changes in how he approaches recruiting.

What I am seeing now from this pro day is how he is marketing Notre Dame and himself as head coach in this the first of two. If you noticed HE ran it. HE did it as if he were still one of those 100 pros. Not too long ago in print someone named Zook rolled his eyes that "a college coach could get an NFL guy on the telephone and influence him." That was a Zook and media smack in the mouth to coach Weis who has also said in print that he could pick up the phone and call any NFL guy.

Media specifically mentioned that the Vikings coach and Romeo, Weis's friend, drooled over Brady and the number of passes thrown which was "more than a combine." To me this is nothing more than Weis marketing Notre Dame and himself as doing more for his kids than the NFL expects or any other college coach can do. Also notice that the second NFL pro day comes the day after Notre Dame opens spring practice. Do you need a picture to see that not just the normal Notre Dame media followers will be on campus for this, but 100 NFL owners, coaches, and scouts?

Weis just told those future college recruiters who will whisper in some kids ear, "Notre Dame and Weis can't do anything for you"; to simply, go suck a prune.

Doomed Quarterbacks

2007-01-23T18:57:00.000-07:00

By Sir John

Ahh, to be a Notre Dame fan in 2007.

Practically every fan has an opinion as to who will be our starting quarterback this year. The votes have been counted from many websites and the results are in.

#1 Jimmy Clausen. #2 Demetrius Jones. #3 Zach Frazer. #4 Evan Sharpley. I have been a Zach Frazer guy since he verballed to Notre Dame and those arguments started before Jimmy Clausen climbed aboard. Yes indeed I have heard all the arguments. Sharpley had the actual game time but did he really? Handing off is a chore almost anyone can do.

The 2006 team never lived up to anyones expectations. I said early on that the team seemed to lack that burning desire to win. It was as if they believed in 2005 and grew doubtful in 2006 or got the 'big head' as they say. While all are grateful for what the seniors did in amassing the wins we had I have to fault the senior leadership. When you get behind a coach can do only so much and it is up to the leaders to pull the team out of a defeated mode or that losing body language I saw so often. Collectively, as a group the repeatedly had a breakdown and never came together, twice Weis had to simplify his playbook for them.

Many fans were disgruntled that Brady came in so low on the Heisman. To be honest there were games last year that I would have benched Brady if we had another QB. For some reason Coach Weis never jerked Brady. Now that is history and we move on to four quarterbacks. Take your pick from above one to four I feel it doesn't matter who starts as most likely Weis will pull him if things are going slow. Nine 5th year return, 5 & 4 on each side of the ball but otherwise we are young, green and immature. An untried quarterback is going to make mistakes and he's behind or grouped with other unknowns.

If there is a bright spot in all this it means for at least the first few games not one opponent will know what we are going to do. On both sides of the ball anything we ran last year on film is worthless. There will be some old pet plays but Charlie can experiment now a luxury we never had. As well face it expectations with a young new group will be low but exciting to see develop and very important I hope these younger bring fire and enthusiasm back.

On the D side the new Coach says "And if the offense calls for you to put more pressure on them, then maybe you should put more pressure on them. If it calls for you to play more coverage and then you gotta play more coverage. If they're an offense that says that maybe you should gear up on the run, then you gotta gear up on the run." But that is almost Rick Minter's talk of fly to the ball.

Darius Walker to enter NFL Draft

2007-01-13T22:32:00.000-07:00

After a great season, Darius Walker shocked many Notre Dame fans by passing up his senior year to enter the NFL Draft. I for one would have loved D-Walk to stay for his last year in an ND uniform, because of his leadership and his recent speed and great performance that he showed in the Sugar Bowl against LSU. Unfortunately, that is not the case, and I wish the very best of luck to Darius in the NFL.

Here are some fun facts and stats from Darius's time as a Notre Dame running back:

Walker set the freshman rushing record in 2004, gaining 786 yards on 185 carries (4.2 average)
The first touchdown of the Weis era was a 51-yard screen pass to Walker against Pitt last year
Scored the game-winning touchdown last year against Stanford to seal a BCS berth and about 14.5 million dollars
Led the team in all-purpose yards this year with 1,658 total yards
Rushed for a career-high 186 yards on 35 carries against Stanford last year
Scored all three of Notre Dame's touchdowns in last year's Fiesta Bowl against Ohio State, a career-high, while averaging 5.6 yards per carry with a long of 20 yards
Led the team in rushing yards and touchdowns this year with 1,267 net yards on 255 carries and seven touchdowns
Fourth on the team in receiving yards this year behind Jeff Samardzija, Rhema McKnight, and John Carlson, with 391 yards off of 56 receptions and one touchdown
Averaged five yards per carry with a long of 39 yards this year
Career-long run was on a 40-yard run against Pitt in 2004
Full name is Darius A'Dunte Walker

Darius Walker Moments

2006 Highlight Video

2007-01-11T18:44:00.000-07:00

Enjoy the highlights of a great 10-3 season!

Happy 2007!!!

2006-12-31T22:44:00.000-07:00

Hope you all have a very safe and fun celebration, and GO IRISH!!!!!!

Luke Schmidt possibilities

2006-12-28T10:32:00.000-07:00

With Asaph Schwapp staying at ND for three more years if he redshirts, here are some possible roles Irish running back Luke Schmidt could play in.

Here are a couple formations from last season that Schmidt and Schwapp could have playing time in:

Goal line
Here, Schmidt could play as an H-back, and Schwapp could be the fullback. "The ultimate goal line formation"

Two tight ends
Here is another formation, with the same format as goal line, except with a wide receiver. This could be used when in the redzone, or if we ever are back in our own territory and need to get upfield.

Schmidt could also play a role in this formation:

The goal line formation worked very well for the Irish last year, as you can see here...

and here...

Unfortunately, last year, Rashon Powers-Neal was arrested sometime of the week after the Purdue for a DUI, and was suspended for the rest of the season. Hopefully this won't happen again with any of our players.

Luke Schmidt should be a great running back and I can't wait to see him play a major role in the next couple of years. With Schwapp, Reuland, Yeatman, Ragone, and all of the O-line blocking for him in the next few years, look for him to be a monster in the redzone.

Credits to Blue Gray Sky for the screen captures

We will beat LSU

2006-12-27T20:23:00.000-07:00

By Sir John

A strange thing happened to this fan after our last loss in the regular season. I became negative, pointed some fingers, bitched and sulked. I sit in an armchair and never get smacked by a 245 pound linebacker.

"Whadda I know?" as coach Weis says about the experts at Scout, Rivals, on recruiting and offering views of analysis. If you read The New Gold Standard by Tim Prister, in the introduction by Lou Holtz on page 79, he calls those 'experts' guys who are "mailmen, cops, or insurance agents by day" Meaning their opinion is as good as yours, it still is America.

Toss in a few has been players and over the hill old coaches giving commentary and that's what ya get 2006. The games evolved since the donned a uniform and they sure are not in the game are they?

They are watching on TV like you and I. Seems to me these jocks resent a kid sitting at home or in the stands that never played football to confront them.
HEY! Didn't Charlie Weis sit in the stands, not play football, and sort of leave you guys far, far behind?

That being said we got killed by Ohio State. I don't care about all the bowl losses. Charlie Weis will NOT tolerate another loss. I predict a win.

Merry Christmas everybody

2006-12-25T22:47:00.000-07:00

And Hunter would also like to bring the pot of gold to Ron Zook so he can use it for the recruits... Wait no, that's the Illini gold the Zooker wants I think... My bad. (One TV for the living room, the parents' room, the kids' room(s), the bathroom, and outside- all for ND football--I wish)
Merry Christmas!

Brady wins the Maxwell Award

2006-12-07T19:24:00.000-07:00

You deserve it, Brady.

The Shark

2006-12-05T21:38:00.000-07:00

And no, I don't own this poster. I want it.

Turn on the afterburners, baby!!!

2006-12-01T21:06:00.000-07:00

Armando Allen, welcome to the Notre Dame family! This guy is fast.

How fast? 4.31 Fast.

Ya Gotta Believe

2006-11-24T21:05:00.000-07:00

BEAT S.C.

2006-11-23T20:58:00.000-07:00

Army Highlight Video

2006-11-21T17:05:00.000-07:00

Nevin's videos at their best!!!
Enjoy!

This just in: The guys at Irish Roundtable are requiring that all ND fans watch this every day this week, and twice on Saturday.

Air Force Highlight Video

2006-11-20T17:32:00.000-07:00

Sorry it's late everyone, Nevin has been sick the past couple of weeks and unable to make a video for the AF game; I can tell he has been working hard to get these videos done. Notice the music from Ferris Bueller's Day Off? Ohhh yeaahh.
Enjoy!!!

Notre Dame 41, Army 9

2006-11-19T18:22:00.000-07:00

Brady Quinn and the Irish came out of the tunnel with their green jerseys for the second straight year, but this time they came out with a win, beating Army 41-9.

Derek Landri blocked his fourth kick this season-he is a plow!!! (Special teams note-Carl Gioia also missed another PAT. What else is new???)

Darius Walker had a big game, scoring two touchdowns. (He should've had three, but fumbled the ball prior to the goal line, and it was recovered by David Grimes)

Victory Lap for the Seniors

"Beat SC!!! Beat SC!!! Beat SC!!!"

Notre Dame 39, Air Force 17

2006-11-12T20:19:00.000-07:00

Free safety Chinedum Ndukwe finished the game with a career high 22 tackles, which places third in the Notre Dame record books for most tackles in a single game. Linebacker Bob Crable holds the record, as he tallied 26 tackles in 1979 against Clemson.

Rhema McKnight had a record breaking day, too. He now has passed Tom Gatewood for the school record in career receptions; Rhema now has 158 career receptions.
He also passed Jim Seymour for the school record in single season receptions and is now tied with Jeff Samardzija; Rhema has 55 receptions this season.
Rhema is now tied for third place in career receiving touchdowns; he has 19 receiving touchdowns now.

Terrail Lambert had a huge 76-yard return off a blocked field goal, thanks to Trevor Laws. Notre Dame has been great this season by means of blocking kicks; Trevor Laws and Derek Landri are an awesome pair on the field goal block team. Obey the Laws.

This is a picture of the "Jolly Green Feet" decal that the Irish wore on their helmets to honor DB coach Bill Lewis's son, Gregg, who was killed in a helicopter training mission accident in 1988. The logo with the feet is a tribute to him because he was on his high school's track team, and was elected as a team captain his senior year.

This Beast Is Our Beast

2006-11-08T17:03:00.000-07:00

Yesterday, the monster offensive tackle Emeka Nwankwo called up Charlie Weis and told him he was committing to Notre Dame. He is 6-5, 270, and is the #23 ranked offensive tackle in the nation on Scout.com. Great news for the Irish. Keep it up, Rob Ianello (ND's recruiting coordinator)!!!

North Carolina Highlight Video

2006-11-06T17:15:00.000-07:00

Enjoy!!!

Photo(s) of the Week

2006-11-05T17:37:00.000-07:00

Two great coaches; two great sweatshirts.

Notre Dame 45, North Carolina 26

2006-11-04T21:27:00.000-07:00

The Shark breaks the record for career touchdown catches with this touchdown, his 23rd touchdown catch in his career at Notre Dame. Hard to believe this when he started for the first time last season, racking up 15 touchdowns, and so far, 8 this season.

Zibby returns a punt 52 yards to the house.

Surprise, surprise, John L. is almost done

2006-11-02T16:07:00.001-07:00

By Paul Costanzo @ The Daily Forecast

I guess the only surprising part of today's announcement was that John L. Smith will be keeping his job for the remainder of the season.

I mean, let's be honest, the Spartans have been really bad over the last few weeks, and as faithful forecast reader Jay Dubs pointed out, the decline of Drew Stanton has been painful to watch.

So what's next for MSU?

Well, you can start with a giddy Mike Valenti tomorrow on the radio. His famous rant will forever live in the annals of sports radio greatness, and I get the feeling he wasn't the biggest fan of Smith and his staff (Teddy Ruxpin anyone?).

But really, let's start in the present, as in the next three games, which JLS will be coaching.

Don't be at all surprised if Sparty comes out fired up and puts on a show for its embattled coach over the next three weeks. Now I realize that he's kind of lost control of his team, but I think that the players do like him.

Up first is a home date with Purdue, which isn't any good, then Minnesota, also not any good.

The one road game is at Penn State, which is always a tough place to play, but the Nittanies are definitely beatable.

So my prediction is the Spartans finish 7-5 and make it to the Motor City Bowl where they will play ...

The next coach.

Brian Kelly.

Yup.

First of all, CMU has a GREAT chance of winning the MAC this year, and I'm guessing that the Chippewas at least make it to the MAC Championship game, likely putting them in a bowl game. But that's beside the point.

Kelly is definitely looking for a step up, it was clear when he came from Grand Valley that was the case. Well, this is it.

For those of you who say Kelly isn't ready for Big Ten football, you're probably right, but he wasn't ready for MAC football either in his first season. Now, in his third, he's working on his second winning season and possibly a MAC title. Believe me, three years ago, those two phrases were part of a strange foreign language in Mt. Pleasant.

And I realize that the learning curve is steeper in the Big Ten than it is in the MAC, but if you can coach, you can coach.

Now there a few reasons that I think Kelly is better for this job than say Mooch. The main reason is that his offense is run much like the current MSU offense, and when run efficiently with the right parts, it's pretty hard to stop. Mooch on the other hand would bog down the MSU offense with his incredibly stagnant play-calling.

What about Mooch's name and recruiting? Well, that might not be a bad thing, but with offensive guys like Charlie Weis and the draw of Michigan already in the area, Mooch's name won't mean much. Plus, you have to remember that most of the kids he'll be recruiting will mostly remember his Detroit days.

Kelly, on the other hand, has been a very good recruiter considering where he's been. At Grand Valley he convinced every kid that didn't have D-I grades (and some that did) to come play for a D-II National Title. At CMU, he's brought in his own guys in a matter of three years and made it one of the MAC's top teams.

Look, I am by no means a Spartan fan, but if they want to succeed, I think Kelly would be an excellent choice.

Photo of the Week

2006-10-30T17:58:00.001-07:00

If you don't double-team Victor Abiamiri, you're in trouble!!!

Navy Highlight Video

2006-10-30T17:56:00.000-07:00

Enjoy!!!

Notre Dame 38, Navy 14

2006-10-30T17:00:00.000-07:00

Bad John L.!!!

2006-10-17T21:05:00.001-07:00

Off topic and a little old, but here is a little treat for all you readers:

Will you still respect me in the morning? Part Two

2006-10-15T20:55:00.000-07:00

With the bye week there isn't a whole bunch of ND news out there. It seems hits are down at all ND sites while fans too rest and do other things on a Saturday. Charlie’s already explained about the seven coaches being on the road and the type practices for those during this bye. Some of the coaches will come off the road and he will tag team them with others.

Monday of course it's UCLA.

We know Charlie is on the road doing book interviews for the Hannah and Friends Foundation. I really don’t need to go into this charity explanation wise because all of us know what it means to Maura, he and others affected with this medical problem. Those are book interviews, radio and television appearances. Yes the purpose is for the Hannah foundation. As a Fan I am aware of the issue that this brings Charlie Weis and Notre Dame into a segment of society that never even thought of Notre Dame.

I have to smile at some Fans remarks like from Colorado, Nevada, Arizona and even my self, from Kentucky when we do say “It’s lonely being an ND fan here.” I think Lucky Us. I’ve mentioned Weis is ‘Invading the South’ as an article about recruiting. He and the others are back into Chicago, Cincinnati, Florida, California and Texas. Since you can’t separate the Charlie Weis and Notre Dame from the father of Hannah, these tours help ND invade all corners of the country.

I am really stunned with the amount of ND and Coach Weis publicity. We went from ignored and seldom thought of to every State in the union. Think of that. I’d say next to JoePa he is the most recognized face in the country all in 22 months. Sure some of the publicity has been ugly sort of what he calls his own face.
Sniping by talking heads like Mark Mays et al. I was once myself quick on the trigger to defend him and Notre Dame. I will continue to do so but these attacks no longer upset me or even bring out anger. I suppose it is like all say about comparing ND to the Yankees. You love em or hate em.

I probably couldn’t convert a hater into a lover no matter what I say here. I started realizing all the hate chatter was bringing ND free publicity. I once saw an article “People you love to hate.” The Top 10 heavy’s in the movie industry. If you realize it those are the meaty roles. You might not recognize the names but you can’t forget their faces. It included a few names you know, Lee Van Cleef, Skip Homier, Lee Marvin when they were heavy’s. Not to sound UN Christian but you wanted them to be shot or beat up by the ‘good guy.’ So there is something to be said about being the hated and having a Coach who gets along with just four hours sleep a day.

Will you still respect me in the morning?

2006-10-15T20:51:00.000-07:00

By Sir John

That's an old cliché line from a girl who did or is about to give in to a persistent pursuer.

The girl in this case? Notre Dame. The pursuer? None other than the media. Although with them we can't do anything right. Win them like last year and all opponent were
unranked. Go 5-1 this year and we won't make a bowl.

While scanning the news I came across this by John Walters at MSNBC
http://www.nbcsports.com/jdub/blog/. Basically he seemed to be bored to be at the game and was nit picking on Weis and the injury issue. He seemed to crave attention and is whining that our coach, the one others call arrogant doesn't feed him the ole "inside info.”

For what it's worth MSNBC Walters, everybody had to wait till after the game to see about Zibby. I have these concerns why MSNBC is sending you to the game anyway. Mr. Walters of MSNBC you see our Coach believes in a sort of Omerta. Now injury wise he had already spelled out what players were doubtful. As he said more or less Zibby is the kind of guy who would lie to him about an injury. Zibby's a gung ho guy who wants to play. Zibby’s a boxer. Since you seem not to know too much about football let alone boxing let me explain a few things. In boxing, a corner will patch up a guy and send him in no
matter what shape he is in. Only the referee can stop him. Coach in this instance stopped Zibby.

So, Coach Weis didn't personally call your cell phone and relay this information to you. I want to weep. Now I have to let you in on a deep dark football secret. It's kind of rough to break this to you. Coaches don't like to
reveal a whole bunch about injuries. You see like in this instance Stanford practiced all week, perhaps expecting Zibby to play. Now not playing him made them toss out a few plans and have to reshuffle who was plying in his place. It's sort of a chess game isn't rocket science and if it will get you a bit of an edge use it.

Now in so far as the fickle media attendance. I sure wish that at any game if the National Media doesn't bother to show up and there is room in the press box let me know. Issue me some Press Credentials.
A sell out again, National TV audience and there's millions of fans or even smaller media markets that would like to go. That left over Chili would be welcome.Notre Dame got to 5-1 midway in the season. If major media wants to count us out of a bowl this early it's OK by me. Go chase the current flavor of the month team. Skip South Bend and a game and attend a Louisville game. More girls, booze and parties beat Chili and South Bend, after all Louisville is Derby Party City. None of us have that crystal ball as to what happens next and which teams get to go bowling.

Basically 22 months ago we were evil because we fired a coach. All the way
up to the Pitt game we were irrelevant. ABC’s ancient, now retired, talking
head dissed Weis for not granting an interview on National TV. When we re
did the Weis contract SI's Phil Taylor called us Notre Dumb. Somehow just
being Notre Dame we won. As we won we sure got more attractive to you guys.
Now? Seems somehow we didn't perform up to your expectations on this 2006 date.
The press box is devoid of major media as you chase another.

You’re a "player". I'm kind of Old Time and didn't know what the word meant till a daughter explained that term to me. You see just as I would protect my daughter I would protect Our Lady of Notre Dame from jaded suitors.

Nothing we can do will please you as you always want more. I assure you we can live without you. A book by the Coach is out and 60 minutes will do an interview October 29th. I am laughing here as I wonder if they will ever do one on Urban.

You see we don't really need you in the press box you guys need us. The BCS
needs us and the millions that will watch whomever we play.

You’re not going to respect us in the morning or at any point in the future.
You used us so we can use you as well.

The Rant: Part Two

2006-10-11T17:35:00.000-07:00

The Rant: Part One

2006-10-11T17:25:00.000-07:00

The Notre Dame Victory March: Featuring the Chipmunks!

2006-10-10T18:35:00.000-07:00

ND-Stanford Highlight Video

2006-10-10T16:49:00.000-07:00

Enjoy!

Notre Dame 31, the Trees 10

2006-10-10T10:18:00.000-07:00

No recap yet, but enjoy staring at John Carlson's catch for now, and watch Nevin's video, which I will post.

Notre Dame 35, Purwho 21

2006-10-01T15:59:00.000-07:00

By Sir John

This is the day we all take stock of yesterdays game. That's after checking the other boards to see what's going on with other posters then hitting Google and Yahoo, It's a glut of information that's overwhelming. ND Nation had 43 news items alone although some are duplicates.

As I do this article it's almost noon and soon Moses will come down from the Mount and give us the 10 commandments in his Presser. A written transcript Presser should be out after 5PM.

Somehow, you have to take what YOU saw in the game played, all the various other opinions from places or people mentioned above then the official word and arrive at your own conclusions after analysis.

First of all I missed all of the first quarter and into 3 minutes of the second so missed some due to a situation my oldest daughter is in. As well, in what I did see later was distracted by same. All this while watching the game, glancing at the roster of players on my computer and juggling a quick game day post here.

It's one of those situations where "You never bother Daddy when he's on the toilet or watching a Notre Dame game unless it's an emergency." Those with kids understand this.
I used to say "Don't bother Daddy if he's on the toilet but you can if the Ty led team is in the toilet. Sorry to go potty mouth.

Today we can forget Purdue and go the Stanford game. This will be the last game of Weis (Split the season) and chances are we can get to 5-1.

We have a bye week coming up after the Stanford game. No game is scheduled for October 14th. This will mean a chance for the guys to rest any dings they have gotten and for the Coaches to install some tweaks and new schemes in preparation for UCLA and other opponents. As well eyeball the players and of course send the maximum Coaches the Magnificent Seven Coaches on the road to continue our recruiting success.

My main concerns today are to track down as many FRESH newbies we may have used in the game. I won't go into what others term the soft part of our schedule. We seemed to have used some new guys in the Purdue game. Now that the first 4 tough teams are out of the way it is imperative we have as many newbies play as is possible. Coach Tiller seemed proud of his Purdue team and termed them "Young Guys."

Come 2007 our veterans leave and our Trench fighters melt like a glacier from global warming. We seem to be OK in those skilled positions. Fans drool that Clausen is coming to save the day but I want to know who saves him from getting sacked on his butt? Meaningful time so that we can say as Tiller did, we are young but have a lot of experience and playing time.

Translation? I expect the grumbles over Minter, especially to continue. Were just going to have to insert some underclassmen for playing time and let them get burned as long as we are ahead. If not kiss even a so-so 2007 away.

Caption Contest!!!

2006-09-25T17:11:00.000-07:00

Beginning: NOW!!!
(Post your captions in the comments section.)

Photo Of The Week

2006-09-25T17:01:00.002-07:00

Gotta work on that spiral, John!

IRISH 40, SPARTANS 37

2006-09-23T22:22:00.000-07:00

VICTORY!!!!!! This is a very, very key turning point in this season. This team has a ton of heart. DO NOT STOP BELIEVING!!!!!!

LET'S TEACH THEM SOME FIELD MANNERS!!!

2006-09-23T12:21:00.000-07:00

Coach Weis: "There's one incident in particular that I'll use for motivation."

Gary Gray Is Irish!!!!!!

2006-09-18T17:15:00.000-07:00

Woohoo! It's about time for a break from all the bad news. Yesterday, cornerback Gary Gray commited to Notre Dame. This is a major feat for the Irish, as they already are building a stellar defensive recruiting class. Let's take another look at the 2007 defensive recruiting class so far (In order of commitment date) :

#1. Kerry Neal, DE/LB, 6-1, 220
#2. Aaron Nagel, LB, RB, 6-1, 215
#4. Steve Paskorz, RB, LB, 6-2, 220
#5. Justin Trattou, DE, 6-4, 250
#6. Gary Gray, CB, 5-11, 165

Great job, Charlie, now, let's make this class even better with some more commitments!!!

What Went Wrong? Lack of Burning Desire

2006-09-17T21:23:00.000-07:00

By Sir John

This really is one day I do not have to read the sports pages by experts to know what went wrong. 47-21.

I found the answer in what Coach Weis stated. "I was surprised that we collectively, from me on down laid an egg. I expected us to have a better performance."

Coach is saying that no one stepped up to the plate. "Let Joe do it." It was someone else's job to come out of mediocrity and be a star. Collectively means everybody, but that itself starts with each individual having the burning desire to win not being flat or lacking enthusiasm. Burning desire. Burning desire is an expression a wise coach once used to make undersized, overlooked nobodies manhandle teams better then they were.

There have been times I have said we don the blue and gold and simply show up saying 'We are Notre Dame and you're not.'

We often live in a rarefied atmosphere of we are the best. This fails to see that the other team usually wants us worse then we want them. It fails to see if we beat them we simply beat Michigan. If they beat us they beat Notre Dame and humiliated millions. That's incentive, that's burning desire.

It's having something go wrong once, then again and again until it is an unstoppable drumbeat. Collectively means waiting for someone else to do something.

That's an assistant coach even saying hold up, I have a better idea, or a player thinking 'I need to hit that sucker harder next time' or 'I need to run my route faster'.

The drumbeat of no 1st downs until minutes in the second quarter, 3 interceptions, 4 yards rushing and 11 penalties.

I got to thinking again about "Burning Desire", a limited edition book about my old high school, Flaget and it's coach, Paulie Miller. Paul Hornung came out of that school along with Howard Schellenberger.

There's a wide range of things coaches can do at halftime in a game if behind, whether it is deciding on personnel changes, schemes or chewing out a team. Important things and this is 2006 with complex offenses and defenses.

I'm reminded of an incident when Flaget got pounded in the first half and were trailing badly. Everyone trudged to the locker room except there were no coaches. The players sat around in silence waiting for the coaches to come and chew them out. Nobody appeared until a couple minutes before the half ended. The door opened and coach popped his head in and said, "Oh excuse me, girls, I was looking for the Flaget locker room."

One can't say that about 'girls' in politically correct 2006. But the team stormed out angrily and won that damned game. Sure, it was psychology in action. No schemes, no adjustments, just a mental change and the burning desire to win.

Penn State At Notre Dame Game Report

2006-09-14T17:03:00.000-07:00

Sorry everyone the game recap is so late. I've had a busy week at school and haven't had a chance to do a recap. John Imre made a recap, and he gave me permission to post it on here. Enjoy!

By John Imre from ND Irish Fans

Fourteen years in the making and it finally comes to a close. Since the great "Snow Bowl" of 1992, both the Fighting Irish and Nittany Lions have gone through strong turbulence in their programs. Just as great teams of college football do, they both have managed to muster a comeback in their respective manner. The place? What greater place than when they last met, Notre Dame Stadium. No snowfall and no sleet this time around, just great early season weather.

After an outstanding 11-1 last season and a victory over Akron in last week's opener, the Penn State Nittany Lions visited the Fighting Irish of Notre Dame. The Irish marched downfield on the opening drive and cashed in on a field goal to give them an early three point lead. Clock management was one of the key Irish successes coming off of last season and it seems that some thing won't change. After consuming nearly 19 minutes in the first half, the Irish managed to put up a score of 20 -0. Brady Quinn threw 12 for 16 and 150 yards in the first half. The defense, after considerable questioning by the experts, kept the Nittany Lions at bay allowing their offense to do their magic. Make no mistake, Penn State quarterback, Anthony Morelli, put together some eye opening drives, but the Irish defense pulled together at critical plays and stopped Morelli and company from scoring until the third quarter. Morelli, who went 21 of 33 passing with one interception and a fumble, learned what it's like to play in a big game environment and learning wasn't easy to swallow. The Nittany Lion second half opening drive was quickly ended when Tom Zbikowski picked up a Maurice Crum, Jr. forced fumble on Morelli for touchdown. The day began to get longer for the Nittany Lions and they never seem to overcome their mistakes. The Irish, however, capitalized on these mistakes and closed the game as the fourth quarter neared. Brady Quinn ended the game at 25-36 passes, 288 yards and 3 touchdowns to Jeff Samardzija, Rhema McKnight and Darius Walker. Coach Weis, as always, took advantage of the overlooked tight end position as John Carlson racked up big numbers, 6 receptions for 98 yards. Travis Thomas put the nail in the coffin during a punt fake play and darted down field for 43 yards, setting up his own 1-yard touchdown run.

Penn State moved the ball frequently, but never finished their drives until late in the forth quarter against a second team defense.

A botched field goal attempt, an interception and fumbles proved too much for the Nittany Lions to recover from and the Notre Dame faithful canned any questions lingering in their minds.“Notre Dame played very well and they did a great job coaching,” said Joe Paterno after the game. “They outplayed us and their coaching staff did a great job." Although the Irish didn't play #1 Ohio State or #2 Texas, they did knock off a ranked Nittany Lion team with a sound well-rounded game to include offense, defense and special teams.

After missing 2 field goal attempts last week against Georgia Tech, Carl Gioia redeemed himself by splitting the uprights early in the first quarter. Travis Thomas if finding out just how intelligent of a staff he's dealing with. Travis is making his presence known on both sides of the ball and followed up with a touchdown. Something he probably didn't expect as he is listed as a starting linebacker. Statistically, today, Brady Quinn has lived up to expectations. While his supporting cast dropped a couple balls, he is well ahead of where he was in the second week of last season. "I thought Brady Quinn was a great player coming in and he didn’t do anything to change my mind,” Paterno said. Darius Walker was fairly quiet today in the running game, but came through with a Brady Quinn pass for touchdown.

Side Notes:
Penn State is a tough competitor and they should have enough in them to make waves in the Big 10 conference again. While the score may show the opposite, Anthony Morelli put together some great passes and lead his team very well. An early season showdown with another team such as the Irish should be a learning experience for the young quarterback and I don't suspect he'll lose any confidence. The famed and respected Coach Joe Paterno is putting together another young team that should not be overlooked. (Following information obtained from www.gopsusports.com). Today Tony Hunt became the 16th Nittany Lion to surpass 2,000 yards rushing for his career. Hunt surpasses Franco Harris (2,002) and Jon Williams (2,042) to move into 14th place on the Penn State all-time rushing chart.

And Notre Dame Wins 30 to 29. Notre Dame Wins 30 to 27...

2006-09-14T16:24:00.000-07:00

AAAHHHH!!! I'M TOO PATHETIC TO FIND WHAT THE REAL FINAL SCORE IS RIGHT NOW BECAUSE I'M TRYING TO HOLD IN MY SOBBBING!!!

Getting To Know Ambrose Wooden

2006-09-08T15:20:00.000-07:00

Sept. 8, 2006

Senior corner back Ambrose Wooden enters the 2006 season looking to build on a strong junior campaign that saw him start all 12 games for the Irish at corner back. One of the team's most improved players in 2005, Wooden finished third in tackles with 61 solos and 13 assists for 74 on the year. He picked off a pair of passes and recovered a fumble while being credited with five pass break ups. Wooden led the Irish with a career-high 12 tackles (10 solo, two assists) in the opening win versus Pittsburgh. He had interceptions versus Washington and Tennessee and had a big fumble recovery in the Fiesta Bowl against Ohio State. GameDay's Brian Lasky gives Irish fans a chance to get to know Ambrose Wooden.

Lasky: What is your major and how did you get interested in that area of study?

Wooden: I am finance major here at Notre Dame. I have always been interested in numbers and the stock market.

Lasky: What has been your hardest class and why?

Wooden: My most difficult classes have been Managing Financial Institutions or Business Forecasting.

Lasky: What is your favorite class and why?

Wooden: My favorite class is U.S. Latino Spirituality. It's a class where I can broaden my perspective on spirituality, especially from the point of view of another culture.

Lasky: What made you pick Notre Dame over the other schools you were interested in? What were the other schools?

Wooden: As soon as I got to Notre Dame, I figured this was the place for me. I thought the atmosphere was amazing. The other schools I looked at were Stanford, Boston College and Maryland.

Lasky: To date, what has been the highlight of your Notre Dame career?

Wooden: The highlight for me has just been going out everyday and playing. From practice to the games, it's all been exciting. To be able to experience this atmosphere is just amazing.

Lasky: Who were your sports idols as a kid and why?

Wooden: My sports idols growing up were Deion Sanders, Chris McAlister, Michael Vick, and Adam Wall.

Lasky: As a football player, is there any one player you modeled your game after?

Wooden: The players that I try to be more like are Chris McAlister of the Baltimore Ravens and Deion Sanders even though no one can be like Deion.

Lasky: Who has been your biggest non-sports role model and why?

Wooden: My biggest non-sports role models would be my mom, dad, brother and sister. They have all had different experiences that I have learned from and have helped guide me through my life.

Lasky: What is one thing in your life that you cannot live without?

Wooden: I can not live without my family. They are my backbone. They keep me going. Whenever I have a tough time, I can call them and they make it that much better.

Lasky: Do you have any pre-game rituals?

Wooden: My pre-game ritual is that I have to drink red Gatorade. I am superstitious about that. I also write, "one play at a time," on my wristband.

Lasky: How do you think you've grown as a person since coming to Notre Dame?

Wooden: When I came to Notre Dame, I came in as a young man. I am beginning to develop and understand how there are positives and negatives in life. You are going to experience bad things in life. It just depends on how you respond.

Lasky: How and what do you do to balance your schoolwork and football?

Wooden: I try to stay focused on what needs to be done and stay ahead as much as you can. That can be impossible here, but you just have to do what you can.

Lasky: If you were stranded on an island and could only eat one meal, only listen to one song, and spend you time with only one person; what would you eat, what would you listen to and who would you pick?

Wooden: I would eat my mom's fried chicken, listen to Earth, Wind, & Fire and bring a family member.

Lasky: What CD do you have in your collection that would surprise people?

Wooden: I have Gavin McGraw, and Aerosmith, among other CDs.

Lasky: What would a movie about your life be titled and who would star as you?

Wooden: A movie about my life would be called, "The Long Run," since it has been such a long road in my life. Will Smith would probably play me.

Lasky: Who is the best athlete that you have ever competed against?

Wooden: Reggie Bush is the best athlete that I've ever played against. He is a great player.

Lasky: If you had the chance to play golf with anyone in history, besides you, who else would be in your foursome and why would you pick those three people?

Wooden: My foursome would include Tiger Woods because he is the best at the game, Martin Luther King since he was a great African-American leader and Michael Vick because of his athletic ability.

Lasky: When your football career is over, what do you see yourself doing?

Wooden: I see myself doing as much as I can for the community. Giving other kids the opportunities that I had to attend a great high school and come to a place like Notre Dame even if it is not Notre Dame. I want to just try to get them a college education.

Lasky: What is your favorite thing about playing for Notre Dame?

Wooden: I like everything about playing football at Notre Dame especially the camaraderie on the team. You cannot simulate a game here. There is nothing you don't like about game day from the walk to coming out of the tunnel.

Lasky: Describe what it feels like on game day and playing Notre Dame stadium?

Wooden: Game day at Notre Dame Stadium is a feeling that you can't describe. You get chills down your neck when you come down that tunnel. Once you run out on that field, you have all the screaming fans which is something you can't match anywhere.

Fear the Mohawk

2006-09-06T16:05:00.000-07:00

Ya look good, ya feel good, ya play good.

Poll Time!!!

2006-09-04T22:13:00.000-07:00

Irish Narrowly Escape Yellowjackets, 14-10

2006-09-03T17:36:00.000-07:00

Saturday night was a tense one for Notre Dame fans around the country. The Irish came into Bobby Dodd Stadium ranked #2. Georgia Tech came into this game expecting to win and pull off an upset, as you could see by the energy the whole team had. The stingy Georgia Tech run defense blitzed all night, performing stunts all around, pressuring top Heisman Trophy candidate Brady Quinn for most of the first half. The Notre Dame offense stalled for most of the first quarter, resulting in three punts. Georgia Tech was pressuring inside Notre Dame's five yard line when Georgia Tech quarterback Reggie Ball dropped back a few steps and threw a jump ball to stud wide receiver Calvin Johnson. With a 6-inch height difference between him and Notre Dame cornerback Mike Richardson, Johnson easily nabbed the ball for a touchdown. After two Notre Dame drives in the second quarter, Notre Dame lined up on Georgia Tech's 5-yard line with sixteen seconds to go in the first half. With an empty backfield, Quinn took the snap, dropped back, and ran the ball in for a touchdown. It was a perfectly executed draw play that caught the whole Georgia Tech defense off guard. The Irish trailed 7-10 at halftime.

The whole second half was an entirely different atmosphere. The crowd was not into the game as much. The whole Georgia Tech team was fatigued. The Notre Dame offense was finally back on track. The Notre Dame offensive line was blocking the blitz, Darius Walker was getting yards, and Brady Quinn was completing his throws to the receivers. After the first Notre Dame drive of the second half, Darius Walker scored on a 13-yard run, stretching his body to break the plane of the goal line with the ball. After the Irish touchdown, it remained scoreless for the remaining time of the game. The Irish defense stepped up and held the Georgia Tech offense to 52 total yards, and allowing them to score no points. After Georgia Tech punted on 4th down late in the 4th quarter, Notre Dame has it's final drive as the Irish celebrated their 14-10 victory over the Yellowjackets.

Grades:
Offense:
Quarterback: Brady Quinn had a good night, not great. He had some trouble in the first half handling all of the pressure from the Georgia Tech defense, but came up with a rushing touchdown in the final seconds of the first half. He finally calmed down and led Notre Dame down the field in the second half, which led to a Darius Walker touchdown. He finished 23-38, with 246 passing yards, and one rushing touchdown.
Overall Grade: B

Running Backs: Darius Walker had a great night with 104 rushing yards, one rushing touchdown, and 18 receiving yards. Walker scored on a 13-yard touchdown run in the third quarter. Travis Thomas also got some time at runningback, rushing for 19 yards. Asaph Schwapp had a great night himself as a fullback, rushing three times for 13 yards, while blocking for the other runningbacks and Quinn.
Overall Grade: B+

Receivers: Rhema McKnight was making some impact on his first start since last year against Michigan, getting eight receptions for 108 yards, including a long reception on a 44 yard pass. He almost came down with a spectacular diving, one-handed grab, but it was ruled incomplete after an official review. Samardzija did not do so well, though, getting only six receptions for 74 yards. Him and McKnight were being thrown to a lot on little receiver bubble screens, which did work well, except for one that got called back on a completely horrible call in which Rhema McKnight was called for holding, which was clearly NOT A HOLD. New starter John Carlson at tight end showed his ability to catch, with four receptions, 36 yards, and a long of 14 yards. He showed great hands on a pass that was tipped by him, then tipped by his defender, and caught it on the ground. The only question is will he be a consistent blocker?
Overall Grade: B+

Offensive Line: The offensive line had some trouble in the first half picking up Georgia Tech's heavy blitzing and handling the crowd noise of Bobby Dodd Stadium, but regrouped and played well for the rest of the game. True freshman Sam Young had some early troubles also, making some small mistakes any other freshman would in his first game as a starter. Ryan Harris had a huge pancake block later in the game, and the rest of the line was great.
Overall Grade: B-

Defense:
Defensive Line: The defensive line had an average night, getting a tackle here and there, but did not bring much pressure. Still, Abiamiri and the line should have a great season bringing pressure on opposing quarterbacks and runningbacks.
Overall Grade: C

Linebackers: Travis Thomas had a decent night for his first game starting at linebacker, tallying four tackles, two of them for losses. We got whipped on Georgia Tech's rush offense, though, allowing 146 yards from them. Reggie Ball whooped us, gaining 75 yards, more than the runningback. Some of that yardage came from big third down plays. If we want to get the ball back in games against mobile quarterbacks like Reggie Ball, our defensive line and linebackers will need to step it up and stop them from getting big runs, especially on third down.
Overall Grade: C

Secondary: If you watched this game and the Fiesta Bowl, you wil see there is a huge difference in the secondaries. You might even not know that the secondary from the Georgia Tech game was Notre Dame's secondary. Remember the air raids that Ohio State quarterback Troy Smith gave us in the Fiesta Bowl? Not the case this time versus Georgia Tech. This secondary has greatly changed. We know this because this new and improved secondary held Georgia Tech to only 140 total passing yards. Those numbers are foreign compared to the 342 passing yards given up by the secondary in the Fiesta Bowl. Although there was a long 45-yard completion to Calvin Johnson and a 4-yard touchdown to Calvin Johnson on a jump-ball drill, the secondary played great. This is step #1 to our national champinoship run.
Overall Grade: A

Special Teams:
Kickoffs: Bobby Renkes was solid on kickoffs, averaging 64.7 yards on three kicks, and had one touchback.
Overall Grade: A

Field Goals: Carl Gioia: 0/2, missed from 42 yards and 36 yards. Either Gioia needs to fix his inconsistency NOW, or we will need to start a new field goal/PAT kicker. Coach Weis: "Carl, you've missed two field goals. You're going to make the next one."
Overall Grade: F

Punting: Geoff Price had a terrific night for his first career start at punter, finishing with 252 yards punting, averaging 50.4 per punt, and a long of 61 yards, on five punts. He also had one punt inside the 20 yard line. A great start for our new punter, who has a booming leg and great accuracy.
Overall Grade: A+

Returns: We had a pretty good returning game, especially on kickoff returns, considering we only returned two kickoffs. David Grimes returned one kickoff for 46 yards, while freshman George West returned one kickoff for 33 yards. Georgia Tech punted away from Tom Zbikowski for most of the game, but he did manage to get 30 yards with a long of 17 yards.
Overall Grade: A-

Final Analysis:
The offense had trouble advancing the ball in the first half, until the final few minutes. Partly this is because of all of the pressure of the blitzing Georgia Tech defense, pressuring Brady Quinn. The defense was very much improved, holding Georgia Tech to 259 total offensive yards. They contained Georgia Tech standout receiver Calvin Johnson well, holding him to 111 yards and one touchdown. Darius Walker had a great night, rushing for 104 yards and one touchdown, and receiving for 18 yards. Rhema McKnight was back in action, catching eight passes for 108 yards. Brady Quinn finished 23-38, 246 passing yards, and one rushing touchdown.

The special teams played superbly. Geoff Price had a huge night, starting for the first time at punter. He punted for 252 yards, averaging 50.4 yards per punt, and a booming 61-yard punt. The kickoff return team was great, also, with David Grimes returning one kick for 46 yards, and speedy freshman George West returning one kick for 33 yards. Tom Zbikowski finished with 30 punt return yards. Bobby Renkes was solid at kickoffs for the Irish, averaging 64.7 yards per kickoff on three kicks.

Now, the bad part. Carl Gioia. Gioia missed two field goals, one from 42 yards and another from 36 yards. This is pretty bad, considering our high school's kicker easily made a 31-yarder and Nick Folk of the University of Arizona nailed a 48-yard field goal with the wind against him, to win the game 16-13 against BYU. If Gioia does not improve right now, and fix his inconsistencies, Coach Weis may be forced to either go for it on 4th downs outside the 20, or put in freshman Ryan Burkhart or senior Bobby Renkes. Nice win, Irish!!!

LET'S GET IT ON!!!!!!!!!!

2006-09-02T13:49:00.000-07:00

GO IRISH!!!!!!!!!! BEAT GT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

2 More Days

2006-08-30T18:15:00.000-07:00

Clemson Recruiting Video

2006-08-15T15:48:00.000-07:00

Clemson has its recruiting tactics, too, I guess.

Weis's Temper

2006-08-07T13:29:00.000-07:00

This is just another example of poor research combined with frustration of ND. Sir John states exactly what I believe, when he writes...

First I am 100% behind freedom of the press, after all I am here posting right? I've written on this under "Thank God Almighty Free At Last." The writer here is trying to defend a journalist that published pure crap about Notre Dame. It was his right to publish pure crap and Coach Weis right to deny him any more access. It's been down to the "We live in a Democracy I don't have to have one here." By Coach Weis. Which in fact is not true anyway we don't have a Democracy in the USA, it's a Republic.

Al your a jerk:

It's his place, his home he can set the rules. When I visit my sister, I am a smoker, the rule simply is I can't smoke in her home. I have to go outside, 20 below or rainstorm. Her right my stupidity for a smoking habit.

Now, looking at this defense of one reporter by another in public print he said.

QUOTE:
"Notre Dame's Football Media Day was Sunday morning, not Saturday, if you can believe that. The media turnout could've been better. We have a Catholic university, on a church day, a traditional family day, basically forcing some to work."

Pardon, I am a good Catholic and live within a Catholic community but WHAT THE HELL?

Coach Dan a good friend recently switched jobs and works every third Sunday. I'm sorry, but doesn't the NFL force people to work on Sunday? I presume the writer is moaning over working on Sunday when Coach did say they can have time with their significant others. I presume, police, firemen and medical personnel and hospitals should close on Sunday? I have to presume no gas stations should be open and all at church so you can't drive anywhere. Close the Metro busses, subways and Taxi's.

This reporter is border line stupid and criminal.

QUOTE: "It didn't take Charlie long to flex some muscle. Former Times Sports Writer Jeff Carroll, now working for the Irish Sports Report, was informed by school officials that he could not ask questions of Weis, his staff or players during the three-hour session. It seems Weis and senior associate athletics director John Heisler weren't happy with some of Carroll's reporting endeavors.

"Here's an idea: Have someone ask the questions for you."

"Personally, I think the intention was to embarrass Carroll, publicly."

PERSONALLY another stupid quote by a stupid reporter. I didn't know about this incident till this stupid reporter mentioned it. No one else did. Can't you follow logic? Embarrass Carroll PUBLICLY? "informed by school officials"

What did Notre Dame do? Get on a PA system and shout Carroll is not welcome to the entire universe? Hey, funny paper news reporter YOU publicly stated this matter.

Here's a thought. Go to the Presser, write it all down, and then give it to your Pal.

Player Profile: Brady Quinn

2006-08-06T15:22:00.000-07:00

Quarterback Brady Quinn
Born: October 27, 1984
Height: 6-4
Weight: 228
Hometown: Dublin, Ohio
Year: Senior

Career Statistics

2003: 157-332 (47.3%) for 1,831 Yards, 9 Touchdowns and 15 Interceptions
2004: 191-353 (54.1%) for 2,586 Yards, 17 Touchdowns and 10 Interceptions
2005: 292-450 (64.9%) for 3,919 Yards, 32 Touchdowns and 7 Interceptions
Totals: 640-1135 (56.4%) for 8,336 Yards, 58 Touchdowns and 32 Interceptions

Quinn Notables

-Holds 30 Notre Dame records
-Finished 4th in Heisman Trophy Balloting in 2005
-Voted as Co-MVP with Jeff Samardzija in ‘05
-Four games of at least 400 yards passing and averaged 326.6 Yards Per Game in ‘05
-Rated as the 7th best player in College Football by collegefootballnews.com in 2005

Outlook for ‘06

Quinn is a top candidate for Heisman Trophy and All-American honors. Expect a monster year once again, with one of the top receiving corps in the nation and Head Coach Charlie Weis tailoring the game plan to his star quarterback’s abilities each week. Quinn is one of the most seasoned quarterbacks in the country, starting nine games as a Freshman. This experience should help him improve over his fabulous 2005 campaign in which he seemed to set a new record every week. If Quinn leads the Irish to a sparkling record during the season and puts up similar or better numbers than ’05, expect him to bring home Notre Dame’s 8th Heisman Trophy.

Multimedia of the Week

2006-08-06T14:41:00.000-07:00

It's Media Day for Notre Dame! You can watch the press conferences here: Charlie Weis press conference: Watch, Brady Quinn press conference: Watch.

Q. "Can you tell me what sets Notre Dame apart, makes it so unique like from any place you've ever coached at before in football?"

COACH WEIS: "Well, I think that we were talking about that independent nature of Notre Dame before. I think that good or bad, we are judged because we're independent, like we almost have an attitude, like we are holier than thou, which we certainly are not. But because we're independent, sometimes we're labeled that way.

I think the bottom line is when you're isolated and you stand by yourself, you then can get put on a pedestal where people can either support you or take shots at you. I try to use the analogy, and people may agree or disagree, growing up a Yankee fan, I always found the National League no matter where you went, people had an opinion on the Yankees. They either liked them or disliked them. I think that's very similar in its own way to what we have to deal with.

We just try to do things right. I would like to think that people would respect us for the way we run the program, whether you like us or not is really not that relevant. You know, we are just looking for respect, not to be liked or disliked."

Oklahoma quarterback Rhett Bomar and offensive lineman J.D. Quinn were dismissed from the team for violating NCAA rules by taking "payment over an extended period of time in excess of time actually worked." "Both parties were aware that their actions were in violation of NCAA rules. They did it over a long and extended period of time," Stoops said. "That's conduct that we won't tolerate here at the University of Oklahoma."

"In the end, again if somebody understands the rules and knowingly breaks them, then everybody suffers the consequences of it and they do for sure. In the end, players need to be accountable.

"We can't spend every minute with them, our compliance staff cannot spend every minute with them. When are they held accountable?" Sports Illustrated has the story here.

The Pro Football Hall of Fame Class of 2006 was enshrined into the Pro Football Hall of Fame on Aug. 5. Congratulations, Troy Aikman, John Madden, Reggie White, Harry Carson, Warren Moon, and Rayfield Right, you are the Pro Football Hall of Fame Class of 2006!

Videos

And that'll do it for Multimedia of the Week!

Profile of the Week and Videos of the Week

2006-08-05T16:28:00.000-07:00

We will have a new feature called Profile of the Week and Videos of the week, which are weekly profiles of Notre Dame football players and coaches, and videos that can be highlights of a game that week, or anything else, and if there are no videos from that week that are interesting, we will scour the internet to find a video that is. Profile of the Week will be posted on Saturdays and Videos of Week will be posted on Sundays. Coming Up: The first Profile of the Week and Videos of the Week!

Update: I am changing Videos of the Week to Multimedia of the Week, which is not just videos, but photos, interviews, news, and scores.

Free At Last!!!

2006-08-05T16:21:00.000-07:00

Written by Sir John
Last year I knew that there was a change coming at Notre Dame under Coach Weis. Oh, not what usual fan hype you expect here. I stated then Coach Weis was giving "pay sites" problems they never had before. He went on record about these pay sites and in general the major media and "talking heads." "Whadda they know?" He's the Head Coach after all of Notre Dame, not they.

I expected at the time major changes over night with Notre Dame news, Charlie masterminding it and no more "INSIDE INFORMATION." I was wrong. It wasn't the blitz overnight I expected it was a gradual change.

Look at it yesterday. You want exclusive hot ND news? Well, by Jiminey my pay site has "exclusive premium" videos and interviews that will only cost you $99.99 a year and I add what have you been missing by not being a member, besides my soaking your bank account for inside information? Or you can be a cheap dork and if it's a Noon Presser by 3:00 P.M. major media and the South Bend Tribune experts will be on line to tell you what happened at ND.

Wondering now why the stars drop when a kid verbs to Notre Dame early? Wondering why the SBT grinds out some anti Jimmy Clausen series so close to start of season?

Notre Dame FREE ACCESS on line from the University.

Get that word? FREE! This is as inside as you can get. No more pay site dope by dopes. You will get it as it happens and as fast as any fan on a keyboard can type it out. They are all left in the dust. That made enemies, as you can see.

It's Official: We Have Our Staff Members

2006-08-05T15:46:00.000-07:00

I now announce the six members of my blog, Everything About Notre Dame Football. First we have myself, Sean, aka GoIrish24. You can check out my profile on the right side of the blog, it is the second down. Check out the other members' profiles, too. Our second member is Derek, our third is The Real KG, our fourth is irish4life, our fifth is Sir John, and last but not least, our sixth member is NickIrnsd. Sir John, NickIrnsd, Irish4Life, The Real KG, and I are all members of DomerDomain.com. Derek was a member on Blogger.com when I found his profile, and I have been instant messaging him ever since. We are all diehard Notre Dame fans. We will post here throughout the year about Notre Dame football or anything else sports or non-sports related. This is your Everything About Notre Dame Football crew. Talk to all of us as much as you want, and bleed Blue and Gold!!!

This Year's Biggest Suspensions

2006-08-04T14:19:00.000-07:00

Sports Illustrated has a nice photo gallery with this year's biggest suspensions:

#1: Rhett Bomar, QB, Oklahoma, Dismissed from schoolSlated to be the Sooners' starting quarterback after setting a team freshman record with 2,018 passing yards last season, Bomar was given the boot in August for violating NCAA rules by taking "payment over an extended period of time in excess of time actually worked." But he's not the first projected starter to be sacked before the season's opening kickoff. Take a look at some others.

#2: Gary Russell, RB, Minnesota, Dismissed from school
Laurence Maroney, the first-round pick of the three-time Super Bowl-champion New England Patriots, wasn't the only 1,000-yard rusher at Minnesota last fall. His backup, Russell, gained 1,130 yards but missed spring practice while trying to raise his grades at a junior college. The would-be junior fell short and has been dismissed from the university.

#3: Ryan Moore, WR, and Tyrone Moss, RB, Miami, Suspended
Senior starting running back Moss (right), who rushed for 701 yards and 12 touchdowns before going down with a knee injury after eight games, will miss the pivotal season opener against archrival Florida State, while Moore, a senior wideout who averaged 16.5 yards per catch a year ago, will miss that game and the next, both for violating undisclosed team rules.

#4: Fred Rouse, WR, Florida State, Dismissed from school

One of the most sought-after wide receivers in the nation two years ago and a speedster who played five games for the Seminoles last season, Rouse was kicked off the team in January for conduct that coach Bobby Bowden described as "detrimental to the welfare of the team."

#5: Marcus Vick, QB, Virginia Tech, Dismissed from school
Stomping on the leg of Louisville defensive back Elvis Dumervil during last season's Gator Bowl was only one of the reasons the Hokies showed Michael's brother the door at the end of his junior season.

#6: Kevin Sears, LB, Auburn, Suspended for at least three games
A senior linebacker who has started 15 games for the Tigers over the last three seasons, Sears (40) was found guilty in July of DUI and of leaving the scene of an accident, among other charges. Teammate Tray Blackmon, a highly regarded redshirt freshman, also has been suspended indefinitely for alcohol-related offenses.

#7: Marvin Mitchell, LB, Tennessee, Suspended indefinitelyA fifth-year senior who could start at middle linebacker, Mitchell (40) was suspended after being arrested and charged in May for disorderly conduct. He is one of four Volunteers who have been arrested in the last four months, including freshman Marsalous Johnson, who was charged with aggravated assault in July after waving a plastic pellet gun at a slow-moving driver who turned out to be an off-duty policeman.

#8: Daniel Inman, OT, Georgia, Suspended for season opener
A North Carolina native who grew up 2 1/2 hours from Columbia, S.C., Inman (72) was looking forward to finally starting in a game against the Gamecocks near his home turf. Unfortunately, the Bulldogs' senior starting offensive tackle will miss the game because he broke undisclosed team rules.

#9: Avery Atkins, CB, Florida, Dismissed from school

In a conference loaded with stud wideouts, Florida had the perfect antidote in Atkins, a 5-foot-11, 189-pound shutdown cornerback. But his scholarship was voided this summer after he was charged with assault.

#10: Ramonce Taylor, RB, Texas, Transferred out of Div. I-A

One of the most versatile players on Texas' national-championship squad last year (12 rushing TDs, three receiving, almost 30 yards per kick return), Taylor missed spring ball with academic troubles and was arrested in May for possession of marijuana. While the Longhorns didn't throw him out of the program, they certainly didn't stop him from walking out the door.

OU's Bomar Dismissed From Team

2006-08-04T13:30:00.000-07:00

When it comes to universities like Miami, Oklahoma, USC, and Ohio State, you may have a few suspensions on your football team over the years. I am not saying these four teams are the only teams who have players that violate NCAA rules and face jail time and/or fines, I am saying that they have had recent players with violations, earning them suspensions and jail time. Another thing you may consider is the city where they are located. Players at the University of Miami, USC and other universities located near highly populated cities are prone to get in trouble because of the high crime rate. Oklahoma quarterback Rhett Bomar was accused of working in a private business and taking "payment over an extended period of time in excess of time actually worked." This is not the first, not the second, not the third, but the fourth time that Bomar has been stirring up trouble. He has been twice cited for alchohol possesion by a minor and has also been cited for hosting a nuisance party near the OU campus. Other scandals like this include the infamous Maurice Clarett suspension and the Brian Bosworth steroid scandal. Look for the Sooners running the ball a bit more than usual this season with Bomar gone.

SBT, I Hate Thee

2006-07-27T13:23:00.000-07:00

Well now, for some reason the South Bend Tribune hates ND, as evident by the quote,

"A Google search for the phrases "Notre Dame" and "Just like everyone else" finds 11,700 matches.

Another search, for "tarnished dome", returns 5,310 matches."

This is ridiculous logic, and horrible statistics. They may think these statistics look good, but they aren't, because "Notre Dame" and "one of a kind" in the same search yields nearly 100,000 results. And when you input only Notre Dame, you get 82,300,000 results. That means the amount of websites regarding how Notre Dame is just like everyone else represent merely 1/7034 of the websites about Notre Dame.

I used to enjoy SBT, but now they only like to bash Notre Dame and their recruits.

But then again, it's not like Notre Dame has ever helped out South Bend by attracting guests, general interest among alumni, being a strong reason the College Football Hall of Fame is there, or even putting it on the map.

Scheduling the Season

2006-07-26T23:42:00.000-07:00

Sat	09/02/06	Georgia Tech	Atlanta, GA	8:00 PM
Sat	09/09/06	Penn State	Notre Dame Stadium	3:30 PM
Sat	09/16/06	Michigan	Notre Dame Stadium	3:30 PM
Sat	09/23/06	Michigan State	East Lansing, MI	8:00 PM
Sat	09/30/06	Purdue	Notre Dame Stadium	2:30 PM
Sat	10/07/06	Stanford	Notre Dame Stadium	2:30 PM
Sat	10/21/06	UCLA	Notre Dame Stadium	2:30 PM
Sat	10/28/06	Navy	Baltimore, MD	12:00 PM
Sat	11/04/06	North Carolina	Notre Dame Stadium	2:30 PM
Sat	11/11/06	Air Force	Colorado Springs, CO	2:00 PM
Sat	11/18/06	Army	Notre Dame Stadium	2:30 PM
Sat	11/25/06	USC	Los Angeles, CA	5:00 PM

Army-Senior Day

Notre Dame's Brady Quinn Wins the Heisman

2006-07-25T16:25:00.000-07:00

And the 2007 Heisman Trophy goes to..............BRADY QUINN!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Finishing second is Jeff Samardzija, third Tom Zbikowski, fourth Rhema McKnight, and fifth Darius Walker.

Hello Notre Dame Fans

2006-03-26T16:06:00.000-07:00

Hi, my name is Sean and myself and a few others will be posting on this Notre Dame football blog. Comment as much as you like and enjoy! Go Irish!!!