Okay, so I've been a little MIA lately. Quitting your job to start your own law practice will do that to you. But now that the dust has settled somewhat, I thought I'd put in my two cents on the much-ballyhooed recruiting class that Kelly and Co. just inked on Feb. 2.
I've spent the last week absorbing a lot of what's out there about this year's class, and my general impression is that this will in fact be the class that brings about the oft-mentioned "Return to Glory." I've tried my best to find fault with the class, and there are some misses, including an elite running back.
But it's what this staff did at the top of the class that has everyone excited.
If you've followed Irish recruiting for any amount of time, you will remember miss after miss on elite recruits on the defensive line. Elite defensive line recruits like Justin Trattou, Omar Hunter and Gerald McCoy haunt Irish memories. And those misses have led to year after year of mediocre performance by the defensive line. There were bright spots - Victor Abiamiri and Trevor Laws come to mind - but we didn't have the talent and depth we needed to control the line of scrimmage on defense.
Which is what makes the recruiting haul this year so impressive. We didn't just land one or two elite recruits up front. We landed arguable the strongest pass-rushing class anywhere in at least a decade. Perhaps longer. Maybe ever.
Aaron Lynch - Scout: #10 overall, #2 DE, Rivals: #28 overall, #3 strongside DE
Ishaq Williams - Scout: #20 overall, #4 DE, Rivals: #16 overall, #2 weakside DE
Stephon Tuitt - Scout: #44 overall, #10 DE, Rivals: #22 overall, #2 strongside DE
Ben Councell - Scout: Not ranked overall, #32 OLB, Rivals: #91 overall, #5 weakside DE
Plus, three other talented defensive end prospects in Carrico, Rabasa and Springmann.
That's a great recruiting haul over a 4-year period, much less a single year. Depending on how these guys develop, one or more could move outside to the linebacker or inside to the nose. Regardless, we have significantly upgraded the pass-rushing talent, and that will make it difficult for teams to pass against us with that much depth coming off the corners.
With the way that Manti Te'o plays, and what we've seen from 2010 defense towards the end of the year, there is certainly plenty of reason to get excited.
This recruiting class suddenly makes next year's team a legit contender as long as one of the quarterbacks step up. This recruiting class conjures up memories of 1973, when Notre Dame signed bookends at defensive end in Browner and Fry. They won a title as freshmen.
Indeed, it's not out of the realm of possibility for this team to win them all next year. I'm not going to go so far as to actually predict such a finish, but a quick look at the schedule makes it look like a definite possibility:
South Florida - I wouldn't take Skip Holtz and the Bulls for granted - this team beat Clemson in a bowl game last season. But, the talent differential and being unlucky enough to be the first opponent of the season means this should be a W for the Irish.
Michigan - The Rich Rodriguez era crashed and burned, and the Wolverines were repeatedly spurned by their anointed Michigan men Jim Harbaugh and Les Miles. The stumbled onto some unproven potential in Brady Hoke, but there are still too many holes in recruiting, particularly at the skill positions, to expect that the Irish will lose this one.
Michigan State - It took them a trick play in overtime after the play clock had expired to beat us at the beginning of the season, before we hit our stride. Michigan State is a stable program and will certainly challenge us, but an improved team should be able to win over Sparty.
Pittsburgh - The Pitt team we beat last year took a beating this offseason when they hired and fired Mike Haywood then turned at the last second to Todd Graham, of the prolific Tulsa offense. That confusion, however, has killed their recruiting class, dropping them out of the top 50 classes. That high flying offense is dangerous, but I have trouble believing that we'll lose this game.
Purdue - It's Purdue - count it as a win. They couldn't even beat my Hoosiers last year. Their recruiting class was disappointing at best, and none of their classes have ranked in the top 50. Win.
Air Force - How much hype have you heard about the 2011 Falcons? Bueller? Bueller? We should be able to handle this team, as long as we don't get caught looking ahead to USC.
Southern Cal - We took care of the USC monkey this year, and they are on probation. They will still be talented, but I don't think they'll be better next year (most likely worse), and I'm positive we will be better. Should win.
Navy - Navy has had our number lately, and they destroyed us last season. However, the loss of Ricky Dobbs, a healthy Michael Floyd and the defensive upgrade should lead to a return to form next year with the Irish beating the Middies.
Wake Forest - 3-9 last year. And coach Grobe has already said he wants to redshirt his whole freshman class if possible. Win.
Maryland - Maryland won a bowl game in impressive fashion, but they will be yet another team trotting out a new coach in Randy Edsall. Coach Edsall has shown that he can build a program, but it should take some time. Some big losses on both sides of the ball, and a recruiting class in the bottom half of the ACC.
Boston College - A young team that will improve each year, but we beat them soundly last year, and they are coming to Notre Dame stadium. New offensive coordinator could mean some struggles on that side of the ball. I'm always worried about BC, especially when we could be very highly rated and they thrive on being the spoiler. But we should win this game.
Stanford - Stanford was great last year, and kicked the crap out of us. Most of the team will be back, including Andrew Luck. But, they have a new head coach in promoted offensive coordinator David Shaw. They should still be a very good team, but come the end of the season, I'm betting that Notre Dame will have more to play for, and will be clickiing on all cylinders.
A lot can happen between this early in the spring and the season - young players will step up and become household names and there are plenty of examples of new head coaches having immediate success. However, it's hard to look at the schedule right now and believe that we won't have a chance to win every game.
Other recruits to watch:
Everett Golson, QB A true dual threat quarterback who fits Kelly's system perfectly.
George Atkinson III, WR A great athlete being recruited as a wide receiver, it will be hard to keep his speed and athleticism off of the field.
Matt Hegarty, OL Consensus top 10 offensive tackle recruit - won't play early as he needs to bulk up, but has a great frame and technique.
Troy Niklas, OL/DL Not sure where he'll end up, but he has the frame to play tackle or nose. If he plays on defense, could be the middle of an epic defensive line. Snatched him from the clutches of USC on signing day,
Thursday, February 10, 2011
Thursday, December 30, 2010
2010 Sun Bowl Preview
77th annual Sun Bowl
Date: December 31, 2010
Time: 12pm MST (2pm EST)
Location: Sun Bowl Stadium
Date: December 31, 2010
Time: 12pm MST (2pm EST)
Location: Sun Bowl Stadium
El Paso, Texas
Broadcast on CBS
Matchup:
University of Notre Dame
Nickname:
Fightin' Irish
Mascot:
The Leprechaun
Record
(2010):
7-5
Record
(all-time):
844-296-41
Record
(vs. Miami):
15-7-1
v.
University of Miami
Nickname:
Hurricanes
Mascot:
Sebastian the Ibis
Record
(2010):
7-5
(5-3 ACC)
Record
(all-time):
560-319-19
Record
(vs. Notre Dame):
7-15-1
One of history's great rivalries, lain dormant for 20 years, will be rekindled on New Year's Eve. Should auld acquaintance be forgot, this rivalry should take you back to the 1980's. So put on some Ray-Ban sunglasses, tease out that hair, and lets take that Miami-Vice jacket and pastel T-shirt into the way-back machine...
The Notre Dame Fightin' Irish under Lou Holtz were a perennial powerhouse and proud representatives of history's greatest team, the pinnacle of amateur sport. 10 national titles, 6 Heisman trophy winners, more All-Americans than any other school, and a decades long history of being able to balance excellence on the athletic fields with excellence in the classroom and a commitment to religion and faith that never wavered. The Irish under Holtz would add another Heisman and another National Title before he left the school. Indeed, they could have added 3 of each.
However, "Da U," as they like to call themselves (likely due in part due to their inability to spell the word University), was the nouveau riche of the college football world. Having spent most of their existence as a doormat in college football, they actually considered dropping the sport. But then Howard Schnellenberger came along and changed the course of history. Unable to recruit with the Notre Dames, Michigans and Texases of the world, Schnellenberger decided to try and attract a new element to his team: the thug. Turning to the Florida ghettoes, the results were instantaneous and powerful. In his final year at Miami, they won their first national title in '83. Then, Jimmy Johnson showed up. Otherwise known as pig-faced Satan, Jimmy Johnson added fuel to the fire of the thug culture in South Beach, embracing it wholeheartedly. The hip-hop culture, racial tensions in Miami at the time, culture of criminality and unbridled success led to an intimidating swagger that da U brought with them wherever they went.
And it was under those circumstances that this bitter rivalry was born. During the late 80s, the Notre Dame - Miami game decided the national championship on a yearly basis. More than that, though, it was the quintessential matchup between good and evil. Catholics vs. Convicts South Beach arrogance, swagger, criminality, blatant disregard for recruiting rules, and a downright mean streak exemplified the Hurricanes. Class, honor, integrity, and winning the right way exemplified the Irish.
And now, nearly a quarter century after that rivalry burnt out in spectacular fashion, these two old bitter enemies square off again. This time, there are no National Titles on the line. Both programs are struggling to pull themselves out of an extended period of mediocrity, and the U is also trying to dig out from their inglorious reputation as college football's bad guys. (Thankfully, they now have USC, Florida and Ohio State fighting for the honors in that battle)
But both programs are on the verge of a new start.
The Irish, in their first year under new head Coach Brian Kelly, have fought through an extreme amount of adversity this season, but emerged in November as a stronger team for it, thoroughly dominating their final three opponents behind a vicious defense, a strengthening running game, and the slow development of a true freshman quarterback.
The 'Canes, having fired head coach Randy Shannon, are preparing for this bowl game under interim coach Jeff Stoutland. New head coach Al Golden is busy putting together a staff to build for next season. Miami has a lot of talent, and have been excellent pass defenders. However, they've struggled against the run. On offense, they are actually a little more run-heavy than Miami teams of the past, rushing for an average of 190 yards per game, while throwing for about 232 yds/gm. The lost a close game to Ohio State early in the season, and got blown out by Florida State and Virginia Tech. However, it was the loss at Virginia and at home against South Florida that cost Randy Shannon his job.
So here we are, two 7-5 football teams preparing to do battle in what should be a very emotional game for both teams. The needle appears to be pointing up for the Irish, who have been playing their best football in years down the stretch, while the Canes appear to have been backing their way into the bowl season.
On paper, I think Miami is better than Notre Dame. The Irish are without the services of their #1 QB, #1 TE, and #1 RB. They have a true freshman under center. Miami is relatively healthy, with Junior Jacory Harris leading the offense.
However, all of the intangibles point to the Irish. They are on a hot streak, and Kelly's system of conditioning and up-tempo practices have this team performing better than they have all season. The Canes are in a coaching transition, so the schemes they will be practicing will have limited value to them next season.
This game means more to the Irish. The Canes can lose, blame it on the transition, and then move forward with their new coach. If the Irish lose, a bitter taste is left in the mouths of the Notre Dame faithful, who still feel the sting of being demolished by Navy and losing an inexplicable game to Tulsa in the wake of the Sullivan tragedy.
Ultimately, I think the Irish get the edge here, as Coach Kelly's consistent approach to preparing his team, along with the weeks of preparation, make the Irish as well prepared for a football game as they've been in years. This team has steadily improved all season, and I expect them to come out and give a dominating performance. Miami's defense will keep them in the game, and Jacory Harris is plenty dangerous. But ultimately I don't think that Miami will have an answer for this defense, particularly on the ground. Standout sophomore Manti Te'o will be the player of the game in a contest marked by strong defenses.
Final Prediction
Notre Dame 24
Miami 17
Saturday, December 18, 2010
Domer Law's Bowl Special
It's the most wonderful time of the year - bowl season! Before the first bowl game kicks off at 2:00 pm EST today, I thought I'd get my bowl picks out into the ether. Here they are, in all their glory.
New Mexico Bowl
Albuquerque, NM
December 18, 2010 2:00 pm ET
Brigham Young University Cougars (6-6, 5-3 MWC)
v.
University of Texas at El Paso Miners (6-6, 3-5 C-USA)
My pick: BYU
New Mexico Bowl
Albuquerque, NM
December 18, 2010 2:00 pm ET
Brigham Young University Cougars (6-6, 5-3 MWC)
v.
University of Texas at El Paso Miners (6-6, 3-5 C-USA)
My pick: BYU
uDrove Humanitarian Bowl
Boise, ID
December 18, 2010 5:30 pm ET
Northern Illinois Huskies (10-3, 8-0 MAC)
v.
Fresno State Bulldogs (8-4, 5-3 WAC)
My pick: Northern Illinois
R+L Carriers New Orleans Bowl
New Orleans, LA
December 18, 2010 9:00 pm ET
Ohio University Bobcats (8-4, 6-2 MAC)
v.
Troy University Trojans (7-5, 6-2 Sun Belt)
My pick: Ohio
Beef O'Brady's St. Petersburg Bowl
St. Petersburg, FL
December 21, 2010 8:00 pm ET
University of Southern Mississippi Golden Eagles (8-4, 5-3 C-USA)
v.
University of Louisville Cardinals (6-6, 3-4 Big East)
My pick: Southern Miss
MAACO Bowl Las Vegas
Las Vegas, NV
December 22, 2010 8:00 pm ET
University of Utah Utes (10-2, 7-1 MWC)
v.
Boise State University Broncos (11-1, 7-1 WAC)
My pick: Boise State
San Diego County Credit Union Poinsettia Bowl
San Diego, CA
December 23, 2010 8:00 pm ET
United States Naval Academy Midshipmen (8-3)
v.
San Diego State University Aztecs (8-4, 5-3 MWC)
My pick: SDSU
Sheraton Hawaii Bowl
Honolulu, HI
December 24, 2010 8:00 pm ET
University of Hawai'i Warriors (10-3, 7-1 WAC)
v.
University of Tulsa Golden Hurricane (9-3, 6-2 C-USA)
My pick: Hawaii
Little Caesars Bowl
Detroit, MI
December 26, 2010 8:30 pm ET
Florida International University Golden Panthers (6-6, 6-2 Sun Belt)
v.
University of Toledo Rockets (8-4, 7-1 MAC)
My pick: FIU
Advocare V100 Independence Bowl
Shreveport, LA
December 27, 2010 5:00 pm ET
Air Force Academy Falcons (8-4, 5-3 MWC)
v.
Georgia Institute of Technology Yellow Jackets (6-6, 4-4 ACC)
My pick: Air Force
Champs Sports Bowl
Orlando, FL
December 28, 2010 6:30 pm ET
West Virginia University Mountaineers (9-3, 5-2 Big East)
v.
North Carolina State University Wolfpack (8-4, 5-3 ACC)
My pick: WVU
Insight Bowl
Tempe, AZ
December 28, 2010 10:00 pm ET
University of Missouri Tigers (10-2, 6-2 Big XII)
v.
University of Iowa Hawkeyes (7-5, 4-4 Big Ten)
My pick: Missouri
Military Bowl pres. by Northrupp-Grumman
Washington, D.C.
December 29, 2010 2:30 pm ET
East Carolina University Pirates (6-6, 5-3 C-USA)
v.
University of Maryland Terrapins (8-4, 5-3 ACC)
My pick: Maryland
Texas Bowl
Houston, TX
December 29, 2010 6:00 pm ET
University of Illinois Fighting Illini (6-6, 4-4 Big Ten)
v.
Baylor University Bears (7-5, 4-4 Big XII)
My pick: Illinois
Valero Alamo Bowl
San Antonio, TX
December 29, 2010 9:15 pm ET
Oklahoma State University Cowboys (10-2, 6-2 Big XII)
v.
University of Arizona Wildcats (7-5, 4-5 Pac-10)
My pick: Oklahoma State
Bell Helicopter Armed Forces Bowl
Dallas, TX
December 30, 2010 12:00 pm ET
United States Military Academy Black Knights (6-5)
v.
Southern Methodist University Mustangs (7-6, 6-2 C-USA)
My pick: Army
New Era Pinstripe Bowl
Bronx, NY
December 30, 2010 3:20 pm ET
Kansas State University Wildcats (7-5, 3-5 Big XII)
v.
Syracuse University Orange (7-5, 4-3 Big East)
My pick: K-State
Franklin American Mortgage Music City Bowl
Nashville, TN
December 30, 2010, 6:40 p.m. ET
University of North Carolina Tarheels (7-5, 4-4 ACC)
v.
University of Tennessee Volunteers (6-6, 3-5 SEC)
My pick: Tennessee
Bridgepoint Education Holiday Bowl
San Diego, CA
December 30, 2010, 10:00 p.m. ET
University of Nebraska Cornhuskers (10-3, 6-2 Big XII)
v.
University of Washington Huskies (6-6, 5-4 Pac-10)
My pick: Nebraska
Meineke Car Care Bowl
Charlotte, NC
December 31, 2010 12:00 pm ET
South Florida University Bulls (7-5, 3-4 Big East)
v.
University of Clemson Tigers (6-6, 4-4 ACC)
My pick: Clemson
AutoZone Liberty Bowl
Memphis, TN
December 31, 2010 3:30 p.m. ET
University of Georgia Bulldogs (6-6, 3-5 SEC)
v.
University of Central Florida Knights (10-3, 7-1 C-USA)
My pick: UCF
Chick-fil-A Bowl
Atlanta, GA
December 31, 2010 7:30 p.m. ET
University of South Carolina Gamecocks (9-4, 5-3 SEC)
v.
Florida State University Seminoles (9-4, 6-2 ACC)
My pick: FSU
TicketCity Bowl
Dallas, TX
January 1, 2011, 12:00 pm ET
Northwestern University Wildcats (7-5, 3-5 Big Ten)
v.
Texas Tech University Red Raiders (7-5, 3-5 Big XII)
My pick: Texas Tech
Outback Bowl
Tampa, FL
January 1, 2011 1:00 p.m. ET
University of Florida Gators (7-5, 4-4 SEC)
v.
The Pennsylvania State University Nittany Lions (7-5, 4-4 Big Ten)
My pick: Florida
Capital One Bowl
Orlando, FL
January 1, 2011 1:00 p.m. ET
University of Alabama Crimson Tide
v.
Michigan State University Spartans
My pick: 'Bama
Progressive Gator Bowl
Jacksonville, FL
January 1, 2011 1:30 p.m. ET
Mississippi State University Bulldogs (8-4, 4-4 SEC)
v.
University of Michigan Skunkbears (7-5, 3-5 Big Ten)
My pick: MSU
Rose Bowl game presented by VIZIO
Pasadena, CA
January 1, 2011 5:00 p.m. ET
University of Wisconsin Badgers (11-1, 7-1 Big Ten)
v.
Texas Christian University Horned Frogs (12-0, 8-0 MWC)
My pick: TCU
Tostitos Fiesta Bowl
Glendale, AZ
January 1, 2011 8:30 p.m. ET
University of Connecticut Huskies (8-4, 5-2 Big East)
v.
University of Oklahoma Sooners (11-2, 6-2 Big XII)
My pick: Oklahoma
Discover Orange Bowl
Miami, FL
January 1, 2011 8:30 p.m. ET
Leland Stanford Junior University Cardinal (11-1, 8-1 Pac-10)
v.
Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University Hokies (11-2, 8-0 ACC)
My pick: Stanford
Allstate Sugar Bowl
New Orleans, LA
January 4, 2011 8:30 p.m. ET
The Ohio State University Buckeyes (11-1, 7-1 Big Ten)
v.
University of Arkansas Razorbacks (10-2, 6-2 SEC)
My pick: OSU
GoDaddy.com Bowl
Mobile, AL
January 6, 2011 8:00 p.m. ET
Middle Tennessee State University Blue Raiders (6-6, 5-3 Sun Belt)
v.
Miami University RedHawks (9-4, 7-1 MAC)
My pick: MTSU
AT&T Cotton Bowl
Arlington, TX
January 7, 2011 8:00 p.m. ET
Louisiana State University and Agricultural and Mechanical College Tigers (10-2, 6-2 SEC)
v.
Texas A&M University Aggies (9-3, 6-2 Big XII)
My pick: Texas A&M
BBVA Compass Bowl
Birmingham, AL
January 8, 2011 12:00 p.m. ET
University of Pittsburgh Panthers (7-5, 5-2 Big East)
v.
University of Kentucky Wildcats (6-6, 2-6 SEC)
My pick: Pitt
Kraft Fight Hunger Bowl
San Francisco, CA
January 9, 2011 9:00 p.m. ET
University of Nevada, Reno Wolf Pack
v.
Boston College Eagles
My pick: Nevada
Tostitos BCS National Championship Game
Glendale, AZ
January 10, 2011 8:30 p.m. ET
University of Oregon Ducks (12-0, 9-0 Pac-10)
v.
Auburn University Tigers (13-0, 8-0 SEC)
My pick: Oregon
*****
And last, but certainly not least, my pick for the most important bowl game of the season:
Hyundai Sun Bowl
El Paso, TX
December 31, 2010 2:00 pm ET
University of Notre Dame Fightin' Irish
v.
University of Miami Hurricanes
My pick: Notre Dame
GO IRISH! BEAT CONVICTS!
Wednesday, November 24, 2010
Irish Blogger Gathering: BEAT S.C.
1. Notre Dame played perhaps its best game of the year in a win over the Utah Utes two weeks ago. Utah remains ranked at #23 in the Associated Press poll. Notre Dame likewise took Michigan State (AP #11) to overtime before losing on a fake field goal. Therefore the Irish should have no trouble with this unranked Trojan squad. Agree or disagree? Show your work.
Agree. And since you asked me to show my work, I'm going to engage in one of my favorite activities when it comes to Notre Dame football - being a Notre Dame homer and apologetic.
This is a good football team, that is getting better as time passes. Indeed, if we were even remotely healthy, this team would be extremely dangerous right now, and capable of beating damn near anybody. Here's why:
First game of the season, we were still clearly trying to figure out the new systems on offense and defense. Thankfully, we were playing a decidedly mediocre Purdue squad, who will get destroyed this weekend by my Hoosiers. (shameless alma mater plug, sorry)
Second game of the season we outplayed Michigan, but it was asking too much for this offense to be effective for half the game this early in the season with a walk-on or true freshman.
Third game of the season, we appeared to be starting to figure this thing out, and if not for an overtime fake field goal that took place after the play clock expired (and therefore should have been flagged), we win that game.
Fourth game of the season we were outmatched by an excellent Stanford team whose only loss is to an elite Oregon team that is ranked #1 in the country.
We then rolled through BC, Pitt and Western Michigan, with a steadily improving offense and what is starting to look like a very good defense. Against Western Michigan, we lost one of the most dangerous offensive weapons in the country in Kyle Rudolph, widely regarded as the best tight end in the country, for the season. We also lost our #2 wide receiver in Theo Riddick for all but the last game against USE. Oh, and our #1 offensive weapon in Michael Floyd for the week after as well.
Then, what had been an excellent defense had no answer for the nation's #5 rushing offense, who employs a triple option attack that is extremely difficult to prepare for. And early on, we lost Ian Williams, our nose tackle, for the year. And, our #1 running back as well in Armando Allen. Our offense struggled to find it's groove without it's top receiving and rushing targets, and we lose badly. Injuries happen, but when you lose that much firepower all at once, you are going to struggle.
Then, the bottom dropped out. Declan Sullivan's tragic death shook this team, and then while trying to muster the focus needed for Tulsa, we lose our #1 QB for the year in the first quarter. These kids had just watched one of their friends die a grisly death right in front of their eyes only days prior. And then they saw their team leader head to the locker room with a season-ending injury. That we were able to continue the game and keep it close under such adversity speaks volumes about the character of this football team.
And after that game, this team came together, stopped feeling sorry for themselves, and decided to remember that they are called the Fighting Irish for a reason. We fight.
And so, a bruised and battered team welcomed the vaunted Utah Utes, ranked in the top 5 only the week before. Nobody for nobody believed the Irish would win. Except for those guys that put on the gold helmets that morning. The result: a complete dismantling of the Utes.
Follow that up with a workmanlike destruction of Army, and you can see what this team is supposed to be.
And now you ask me whether this team will be able to beat a 7-4 USC team that has nothing to play for, when we are playing for a good bowl game and the chance to end the USC dominance over us for the past decade? You think any of the upperclassmen on this team have forgotten the 38-3 drubbing in 2008? This team is hungry, feeling disrespected, and they've learned to embrace Coach Kelly's vision. Rudolph out? Next man in. Riddick out? Next man in. Floyd out? Next man in. Williams out? Next man in. Allen out? Next man in. Crist out? Next man in.
We live as a team, we die as a team. But one thing has become clear - Kelly has transformed this talented bunch or primadonnas left over from the Weis era into a team. And this team will win on Saturday. Come hell or high water.
2. It is almost time for the OC Domer Player of the Year to be named. This award is intended to recognize the Notre Dame football player or players who played the best when it mattered the most. Suffice it to say that the primary criterion is a consistently high level of play, with significant bonus points awarded for exceeding expectations. Injuries have taken many of the pre-season favorites for this prestigious award out of the running. Who is your nominee for this award, and why?
David Ruffer, and this isn't even close. He's quite literally perfect this season, and his kicks have made the difference between winning and losing multiple games this year. He's set to run away with the Lou Groza Award this year. Oh, and did I mention that this kid is a walk-on?
3. With a delicate flavor similar to beef, though slightly sweeter than other meats, horse meat can be used to replace beef, pork, mutton, and any other meat in virtually any recipe, though most aficionados prefer it in marinated or spicy dishes. Nutritionally, horse meat has around 40 percent fewer calories than the leanest beef, while supplying 50 percent more protein and as much as 30 percent more iron; and horse fat is considered an excellent health-conscious deep-frying alternative, especially for delicately-flavored foods that are easily overpowered by heavier oils. What is your favorite horse meat recipe?
I call this dish "Irish Traveler"
As shown, will serve 6. One mascot will feed approximately 100 people.
21/4 pounds ground horse meat
1 Tbsp. olive oil
2-1/2 ounces ground cured lard (or pancetta)
2 onions, minced
1 glass dry white wine (though some Italian chefs prefer broth)
6 ripe tomatoes, blanched, peeled, seeded, chopped, and drained
2 bell peppers, ribbed and seeded, then diced
2 Tbsp. minced fresh herbs (basil, sage, and rosemary in proportions to taste)
1 clove garlic, minced
salt and freshly ground pepper
Heat the oil, lard, and onion in a skillet. Sauté until the onion has become golden but don’t let it get really brown. Add the horse meat and brown it, stirring frequently. When it has browned, sprinkle in the glass of wine and reduce the heat to a bare simmer. Cover it, and let it cook for at least an hour. Mix in the chopped tomatoes and diced peppers, and continue cooking for another half hour.
Ten minutes before removing the dish from the stove, sprinkle the minced herbs over everything. Serve it hot with salt and pepper to taste.
4. Do you miss Pat Haden, who left the Notre Dame television broadcasts to become athletic director at USC?
No, as his replacement is a far better broadcaster. Also, I have hope that Pat Haden will bring back some modicum of respect to this rivalry. His predecessor let cheating run rampant through the football and basketball programs, which damaged what was once a rivalry based in mutual respect. There isn't much respect for this program right now, who just had to forfeit a championship, return a Heisman trophy, and who is on a multi-year probation.
5. USC is the Notre Dame rival I love to hate. What Notre Dame rival do you most despise, and why?
Michigan. While they are an excellent school, the past and present of the football program consistently demonstrates everything that is wrong with college football. It goes way back to the days of Fielding Yost, and has continued through Bo Schembechler, Llloyd Carr and into the current regime under Rich Rodriguez. Their graduation rate for African-American football players is abysmal, most of their fans are the scum of the earth, and they have an arrogant history of wanting things their way, or else they'll take their ball and go home.
USC is a rival.
Michigan is a nemesis.
6. Reggie Bush got a car, his parents a house. Cam Newton's Dad was looking for $180,000 in straight cash homey. Can Notre Dame compete for athletic recruits in this environment? Or do you believe these incidents are the exceptions to an otherwise clean recruiting landscape?
I think that there are rampant recruiting violations that fly under the radar at programs all across the country. However, at the end of the day the most elite recruits know that the best way to fulfill their dream of the NFL is to go to a program that wins. And Notre Dame's recruiting hasn't exactly suffered since Weis started getting some of the elite athletes to believe. If we can get the program back to its rightful position among the elite by winning football games on Saturdays, the recruits will be kicking down our door.
I have never, and will never, espouse any movement towards reducing the standards of this University for a football player or anyone else. We are who we are because we don't just believe, but we KNOW, we can be the best football program in the land - while still standing as a beacon of all that is right and good in the world of amateur sport.
*****
Go Irish!
Beat S.C.
Agree. And since you asked me to show my work, I'm going to engage in one of my favorite activities when it comes to Notre Dame football - being a Notre Dame homer and apologetic.
This is a good football team, that is getting better as time passes. Indeed, if we were even remotely healthy, this team would be extremely dangerous right now, and capable of beating damn near anybody. Here's why:
First game of the season, we were still clearly trying to figure out the new systems on offense and defense. Thankfully, we were playing a decidedly mediocre Purdue squad, who will get destroyed this weekend by my Hoosiers. (shameless alma mater plug, sorry)
Second game of the season we outplayed Michigan, but it was asking too much for this offense to be effective for half the game this early in the season with a walk-on or true freshman.
Third game of the season, we appeared to be starting to figure this thing out, and if not for an overtime fake field goal that took place after the play clock expired (and therefore should have been flagged), we win that game.
Fourth game of the season we were outmatched by an excellent Stanford team whose only loss is to an elite Oregon team that is ranked #1 in the country.
We then rolled through BC, Pitt and Western Michigan, with a steadily improving offense and what is starting to look like a very good defense. Against Western Michigan, we lost one of the most dangerous offensive weapons in the country in Kyle Rudolph, widely regarded as the best tight end in the country, for the season. We also lost our #2 wide receiver in Theo Riddick for all but the last game against USE. Oh, and our #1 offensive weapon in Michael Floyd for the week after as well.
Then, what had been an excellent defense had no answer for the nation's #5 rushing offense, who employs a triple option attack that is extremely difficult to prepare for. And early on, we lost Ian Williams, our nose tackle, for the year. And, our #1 running back as well in Armando Allen. Our offense struggled to find it's groove without it's top receiving and rushing targets, and we lose badly. Injuries happen, but when you lose that much firepower all at once, you are going to struggle.
Then, the bottom dropped out. Declan Sullivan's tragic death shook this team, and then while trying to muster the focus needed for Tulsa, we lose our #1 QB for the year in the first quarter. These kids had just watched one of their friends die a grisly death right in front of their eyes only days prior. And then they saw their team leader head to the locker room with a season-ending injury. That we were able to continue the game and keep it close under such adversity speaks volumes about the character of this football team.
And after that game, this team came together, stopped feeling sorry for themselves, and decided to remember that they are called the Fighting Irish for a reason. We fight.
And so, a bruised and battered team welcomed the vaunted Utah Utes, ranked in the top 5 only the week before. Nobody for nobody believed the Irish would win. Except for those guys that put on the gold helmets that morning. The result: a complete dismantling of the Utes.
Follow that up with a workmanlike destruction of Army, and you can see what this team is supposed to be.
And now you ask me whether this team will be able to beat a 7-4 USC team that has nothing to play for, when we are playing for a good bowl game and the chance to end the USC dominance over us for the past decade? You think any of the upperclassmen on this team have forgotten the 38-3 drubbing in 2008? This team is hungry, feeling disrespected, and they've learned to embrace Coach Kelly's vision. Rudolph out? Next man in. Riddick out? Next man in. Floyd out? Next man in. Williams out? Next man in. Allen out? Next man in. Crist out? Next man in.
We live as a team, we die as a team. But one thing has become clear - Kelly has transformed this talented bunch or primadonnas left over from the Weis era into a team. And this team will win on Saturday. Come hell or high water.
2. It is almost time for the OC Domer Player of the Year to be named. This award is intended to recognize the Notre Dame football player or players who played the best when it mattered the most. Suffice it to say that the primary criterion is a consistently high level of play, with significant bonus points awarded for exceeding expectations. Injuries have taken many of the pre-season favorites for this prestigious award out of the running. Who is your nominee for this award, and why?
David Ruffer, and this isn't even close. He's quite literally perfect this season, and his kicks have made the difference between winning and losing multiple games this year. He's set to run away with the Lou Groza Award this year. Oh, and did I mention that this kid is a walk-on?
3. With a delicate flavor similar to beef, though slightly sweeter than other meats, horse meat can be used to replace beef, pork, mutton, and any other meat in virtually any recipe, though most aficionados prefer it in marinated or spicy dishes. Nutritionally, horse meat has around 40 percent fewer calories than the leanest beef, while supplying 50 percent more protein and as much as 30 percent more iron; and horse fat is considered an excellent health-conscious deep-frying alternative, especially for delicately-flavored foods that are easily overpowered by heavier oils. What is your favorite horse meat recipe?
I call this dish "Irish Traveler"
As shown, will serve 6. One mascot will feed approximately 100 people.
21/4 pounds ground horse meat
1 Tbsp. olive oil
2-1/2 ounces ground cured lard (or pancetta)
2 onions, minced
1 glass dry white wine (though some Italian chefs prefer broth)
6 ripe tomatoes, blanched, peeled, seeded, chopped, and drained
2 bell peppers, ribbed and seeded, then diced
2 Tbsp. minced fresh herbs (basil, sage, and rosemary in proportions to taste)
1 clove garlic, minced
salt and freshly ground pepper
Heat the oil, lard, and onion in a skillet. Sauté until the onion has become golden but don’t let it get really brown. Add the horse meat and brown it, stirring frequently. When it has browned, sprinkle in the glass of wine and reduce the heat to a bare simmer. Cover it, and let it cook for at least an hour. Mix in the chopped tomatoes and diced peppers, and continue cooking for another half hour.
Ten minutes before removing the dish from the stove, sprinkle the minced herbs over everything. Serve it hot with salt and pepper to taste.
4. Do you miss Pat Haden, who left the Notre Dame television broadcasts to become athletic director at USC?
No, as his replacement is a far better broadcaster. Also, I have hope that Pat Haden will bring back some modicum of respect to this rivalry. His predecessor let cheating run rampant through the football and basketball programs, which damaged what was once a rivalry based in mutual respect. There isn't much respect for this program right now, who just had to forfeit a championship, return a Heisman trophy, and who is on a multi-year probation.
5. USC is the Notre Dame rival I love to hate. What Notre Dame rival do you most despise, and why?
Michigan. While they are an excellent school, the past and present of the football program consistently demonstrates everything that is wrong with college football. It goes way back to the days of Fielding Yost, and has continued through Bo Schembechler, Llloyd Carr and into the current regime under Rich Rodriguez. Their graduation rate for African-American football players is abysmal, most of their fans are the scum of the earth, and they have an arrogant history of wanting things their way, or else they'll take their ball and go home.
USC is a rival.
Michigan is a nemesis.
6. Reggie Bush got a car, his parents a house. Cam Newton's Dad was looking for $180,000 in straight cash homey. Can Notre Dame compete for athletic recruits in this environment? Or do you believe these incidents are the exceptions to an otherwise clean recruiting landscape?
I think that there are rampant recruiting violations that fly under the radar at programs all across the country. However, at the end of the day the most elite recruits know that the best way to fulfill their dream of the NFL is to go to a program that wins. And Notre Dame's recruiting hasn't exactly suffered since Weis started getting some of the elite athletes to believe. If we can get the program back to its rightful position among the elite by winning football games on Saturdays, the recruits will be kicking down our door.
I have never, and will never, espouse any movement towards reducing the standards of this University for a football player or anyone else. We are who we are because we don't just believe, but we KNOW, we can be the best football program in the land - while still standing as a beacon of all that is right and good in the world of amateur sport.
*****
Go Irish!
Beat S.C.
Tuesday, November 23, 2010
Beat S.C.
IBG should hopefully be forthcoming, but it's game week, and the greatest intersectional rivalry in all of college football kicks off this weekend.
Those evil bastards at Southern Cal have earned their way onto probation, and don't have anything to play for.
We're coming off of back-to-back dominant wins, and appear to have righted the ship.
A win, and we get into the Champs Sports bowl to play a quality ACC team (Florida State, perhaps?) in preparation for next year.
We've lost 8 straight to the damn Trojans, and now that they've been knocked off their cheater's perch, it's time to use them as a stepping stone to greatness.
Bruised, battered and bloodied (quite literally in some cases - check Manti's nose if you don't believe it), we've managed to persevere through injury, heartache, a tragic death in the family, negativity, suspicion, and downright embarassment. Yet still we rise.
And this weekend, we have the chance to show that this team is ready to take the next step.
So enjoy your turkey and trimmings, and watching the Cowboys get their Thanksgiving day beatdown. Rest up on Friday - no need to wade into the holiday shopping frenzy. We need to maintain our focus. Forget all of the holiday distractions.
Because come Saturday, everyone in ND Nation needs to come together with one singular focus:
BEAT S.C.
Those evil bastards at Southern Cal have earned their way onto probation, and don't have anything to play for.
We're coming off of back-to-back dominant wins, and appear to have righted the ship.
A win, and we get into the Champs Sports bowl to play a quality ACC team (Florida State, perhaps?) in preparation for next year.
We've lost 8 straight to the damn Trojans, and now that they've been knocked off their cheater's perch, it's time to use them as a stepping stone to greatness.
Bruised, battered and bloodied (quite literally in some cases - check Manti's nose if you don't believe it), we've managed to persevere through injury, heartache, a tragic death in the family, negativity, suspicion, and downright embarassment. Yet still we rise.
And this weekend, we have the chance to show that this team is ready to take the next step.
So enjoy your turkey and trimmings, and watching the Cowboys get their Thanksgiving day beatdown. Rest up on Friday - no need to wade into the holiday shopping frenzy. We need to maintain our focus. Forget all of the holiday distractions.
Because come Saturday, everyone in ND Nation needs to come together with one singular focus:
BEAT S.C.
Monday, November 15, 2010
Irish Blogger Gathering: The Return
I've been on hiatus for a little while, feeling unmotivated to blog about what has been a very disappointing season prior to Saturday. Also, I've been working an insane amount lately. I apologize for the lack of posting, but as things settle back down at work, I should be able to get back on track. Here are this week's IBG questions and answers:
1) Saturday’s result against Utah was a very pleasant surprise, but an unexpected one, to say the least. What was the biggest positive you took from the win over the Utes, and what concerns you most as the Irish head into their final two games of the regular season?
I think that this Notre Dame team got up off the mat and came out swinging. The loss to Tulsa was a low point for our program. With the Declan Sullivan tragedy, the kids weren't emotionally prepared to play a football game. With the loss, the prospects of a bowl game and a winning season were on life support. Our All-American tight end was out for the season, along with our 3-year starting running back, one of our most dynamic wide receivers and our only seasoned quarterback. And, we had the #14 team in the country coming to town.
It is times like these when you learn about the character of a team.
They could have come out flat, let Utah roll over them and limped their way into the offseason to lick their wounds. But instead, they showed their pride and came out and destroyed Utah. This gives them some momentum with a very winnable game against Army before we travel out to Southern Cal to take on an underachieving Trojan squad. A win in the Coliseum would make this, in my eyes, a successful season.
There is always the chance for a let-down, however, and a loss to Army would put us right back down in the dumps. If we can maintain the focus and intensity we had against Utah, we will be a very dangerous team.
2) The Irish will have to take a completely different approach against the Army option than they did against the Navy attack a few weeks ago. Who do you see playing the biggest role in slowing down the Black Knight attack? Who will be the big performer on offense?
We need someone on the defensive front to get pressure up the middle and take away the dive. If we can do that, the team speed to the outside should do much better against Army than we did against Navy.
I'm expecting Michael Floyd to do the heavy lifting for this offense for the remainder of the season, so look for Tommy Rees to have a very big day.
3) Should Notre Dame win one of their final two games, they’ll likely be going bowling. There are a lot of tie-ins that may or may not be fulfilled from other conferences that will likely end up deciding their postseason fate, but what bowl do you see the Irish playing in?
If we win out, the last game against USC should give us enough momentum, along with our innate popularity, to put us in the Champs Sports Bowl.
4) This isn’t a question any of us thought would be an issue at the start of the season, but who do you see as Notre Dame’s starting quarterback against South Florida next year?
I think we'll see Dayne Crist. He'll have his hands full with the way Tommy Rees is playing, and Andrew Hendrix has arguably more potential than either of them. But, I think that Dayne's physical and mental maturity will put him under center come opening day next year.
5) We’re all very excited for Saturday night at Yankee Stadium, which is a nice turn towards some pretty exciting neutral site games (Miami at Soldier Field, Arizona State at Cowboys Stadium) after a rather lackluster start (Washington State in San Antonio). What are three neutral site games you’d like to see down the road?
Alabama in Nashville
Texas in St. Louis
Indiana in Indianapolis
1) Saturday’s result against Utah was a very pleasant surprise, but an unexpected one, to say the least. What was the biggest positive you took from the win over the Utes, and what concerns you most as the Irish head into their final two games of the regular season?
I think that this Notre Dame team got up off the mat and came out swinging. The loss to Tulsa was a low point for our program. With the Declan Sullivan tragedy, the kids weren't emotionally prepared to play a football game. With the loss, the prospects of a bowl game and a winning season were on life support. Our All-American tight end was out for the season, along with our 3-year starting running back, one of our most dynamic wide receivers and our only seasoned quarterback. And, we had the #14 team in the country coming to town.
It is times like these when you learn about the character of a team.
They could have come out flat, let Utah roll over them and limped their way into the offseason to lick their wounds. But instead, they showed their pride and came out and destroyed Utah. This gives them some momentum with a very winnable game against Army before we travel out to Southern Cal to take on an underachieving Trojan squad. A win in the Coliseum would make this, in my eyes, a successful season.
There is always the chance for a let-down, however, and a loss to Army would put us right back down in the dumps. If we can maintain the focus and intensity we had against Utah, we will be a very dangerous team.
2) The Irish will have to take a completely different approach against the Army option than they did against the Navy attack a few weeks ago. Who do you see playing the biggest role in slowing down the Black Knight attack? Who will be the big performer on offense?
We need someone on the defensive front to get pressure up the middle and take away the dive. If we can do that, the team speed to the outside should do much better against Army than we did against Navy.
I'm expecting Michael Floyd to do the heavy lifting for this offense for the remainder of the season, so look for Tommy Rees to have a very big day.
3) Should Notre Dame win one of their final two games, they’ll likely be going bowling. There are a lot of tie-ins that may or may not be fulfilled from other conferences that will likely end up deciding their postseason fate, but what bowl do you see the Irish playing in?
If we win out, the last game against USC should give us enough momentum, along with our innate popularity, to put us in the Champs Sports Bowl.
4) This isn’t a question any of us thought would be an issue at the start of the season, but who do you see as Notre Dame’s starting quarterback against South Florida next year?
I think we'll see Dayne Crist. He'll have his hands full with the way Tommy Rees is playing, and Andrew Hendrix has arguably more potential than either of them. But, I think that Dayne's physical and mental maturity will put him under center come opening day next year.
5) We’re all very excited for Saturday night at Yankee Stadium, which is a nice turn towards some pretty exciting neutral site games (Miami at Soldier Field, Arizona State at Cowboys Stadium) after a rather lackluster start (Washington State in San Antonio). What are three neutral site games you’d like to see down the road?
Alabama in Nashville
Texas in St. Louis
Indiana in Indianapolis
Thursday, October 28, 2010
Declan Sullivan: Rest in Peace
I was getting ready to post my weekly Irish blogger Gathering post this morning when I read the horribly tragic news about Declan Sullivan, a 20-year old student at Notre Dame, whose life was cut short when the scissor lift that he was in fell over, causing mortal injuries. He died later at Memorial Hospital. Declan was filming football practice.
I am deeply saddened by this tragedy, and as a member of the Notre Dame and South Bend community, my heart goes out to the friends and family of Declan Sullivan. There will be a mass on campus tonight at 10 o'clock p.m. at the Basilica of the Sacred Heart.
There will be no IBG post this week, as now football has taken a back seat to this tragedy. Indeed, I no longer care whether we win or lose against Tulsa, or even if we play the game.
Also, I am infuriated that this young man was even up in the lift yesterday. As I was walking down the street in South Bend yesterday, I literally had to lean into the wind to stay upright myself. It was the worst wind storm I've ever seen in my time living here. The person who was responsible for asking that young man to take a mobile scissor lift 60 feet into the air under such conditions should be held accountable for their gross negligence. This is an inexcusable tragedy that could have been prevented by a little application of common sense.
I cannot imagine the pain and suffering his family is going through right now. Please say a prayer for them in their time of need.
Eternal rest grant unto him, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon him. May the souls of Declan Sullivan and all the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace. Amen.
I am deeply saddened by this tragedy, and as a member of the Notre Dame and South Bend community, my heart goes out to the friends and family of Declan Sullivan. There will be a mass on campus tonight at 10 o'clock p.m. at the Basilica of the Sacred Heart.
There will be no IBG post this week, as now football has taken a back seat to this tragedy. Indeed, I no longer care whether we win or lose against Tulsa, or even if we play the game.
Also, I am infuriated that this young man was even up in the lift yesterday. As I was walking down the street in South Bend yesterday, I literally had to lean into the wind to stay upright myself. It was the worst wind storm I've ever seen in my time living here. The person who was responsible for asking that young man to take a mobile scissor lift 60 feet into the air under such conditions should be held accountable for their gross negligence. This is an inexcusable tragedy that could have been prevented by a little application of common sense.
I cannot imagine the pain and suffering his family is going through right now. Please say a prayer for them in their time of need.
Eternal rest grant unto him, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon him. May the souls of Declan Sullivan and all the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace. Amen.
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