Beat SC!

It's time for this team to wake up the echoes. More rides on the outcome of this game than any game in my memory, and all we have to do is rise up as one, and knock USC off of their lofty perch.

This game is the stuff of legend. Notre Dame beating the Black Knights of Army on the banks of the Hudson behind the strong arm of Gus Dorais and the soft hands of a young Knute Rockne. The Four Horsemen. The Irish walking into the Rose Bowl and beating Pop Warner's Stanford team. Win one for the Gipper. The 1945 tie of the vaunted black Knights of Army. Breaking Oklahoma's winning streak in 1952. Michigan State "Game of the Century" in '66. The Chicken Soup Game. The Trojan Horse game. Catholics vs. Convicts. '93 Florida State. 2005 USC.

This is the time for Notre Dame to rise again.

We have been through prugatory, and suffered through some of the darkest times in Notre Dame history. The greatest game in the last 25 years was arguably a loss to USC. It is time for this team to take its place back at the top of college football.

This is our greatest rival. Our arch enemy. Southern Cal is a team that once had a proud tradition, but has soiled its reputation by hiring Pete Carroll. The media wants to exalt him as a hero, but he is truly a villain. Growing evidence shows that USC has engaged in behavior that very likely could lead to NCAA sanctions. They willingly have associated themselves with a known pimp, drug dealer, and possibly murderer in Snoop Dogg, and indeed have asked him to actively recruit players to Southern Cal.

Where USC may have at one time been worthy of our respect, they are no longer. They have gone to the dark side, and are now truly our antithesis.

Through all of the pain and torment, Notre Dame still holds true to its basic ideals. We do it the right way. Our players are full members of the Notre Dame community. They go to class. They graduate. Often with honors. We recruit our players by the book. And further, we hold our players to a higher standard of behavior. Criminality and immorality will not be tolerated.

Yet still we rise.

This game may not have the glitz and glamour and hype of some of the classic #1 v. #2 matchups in the past. It may not even be the biggest game of the week. Gameday will be down at the Red River Shootout.

But this game represents a pivotal moment in Notre Dame history.

Win, and the critics are silenced. The Irish take their rightful place in the polls, and earn the right to be in the National Title Conversation at the end of the season. Clausen will take his place as the leading Heisman trophy candidate. Weis will keep his job. And, undoubtedly multiple players visiting this weekend will feel the Notre Dame Spirit and choose to suit up for Notre Dame.

We will be BACK.

Lose, and the Irish fade back into mediocrity once again. Clausen's Heisman hopes are dashed. Weis' job security becomes tenuous at best. The critics grow louder, to almost a fever pitch. And, although we now have the talent to compete, we will probably start anew with a different coach and another hope that the new savior will help us Return to Glory.

But we will not lose. We cannot.

We are Notre Dame.

Rise and Strike.



Rally sons of Notre Dame,
Sing her glory, and sound her fame
Raise her Gold and Blue,
And cheer with voices true,
Rah! Rah! For Notre Dame.

We will fight in every game
Strong of heart and true to her name.
We will ne'er forget her
And we'll cheer her ever,
Loyal to Notre Dame.

Cheer, cheer for Old Notre Dame
Wake up the echoes cheering her name,
Send the volley cheer on high,
Shake down the thunder from the sky,
What tho' the odds be great or small
Old Notre Dame will win over all,
While her loyal sons are marching
Onward to Victory!

Fall of Troy 10/17/09

Beat SC!

All In.

The closer we get to the game this weekend, the more that it feels like an epic turning point for the program.

A record number of recruits is coming for the game - more than anyone can recall, including 19 of the nation's top juniors.

We haven't beaten the boys from Southern Cal since Pete Carroll's first year.

Clausen's Heisman campaign is make or break in this game.

Our shot at the BCS Championship, in critical condition and not expected to pull through, could get a shot in the arm by a big win.

Certainly, our chances of playing in a BCS game probably hinge on this game.

Weis' career as head coach at the University of Notre Dame may be decided by the outcome of this game.

I know I speak for many Notre dame fans around the country when I say we've had enough.

This is the time, and this is the team. If ever there was a crystal clear moment where we are being given the opportunity to rise up and give glory to Notre Dame, the moment is now.

Remember Catholics vs. Convicts? I think this is bigger.

Sure, #1 vs. #2 is a sexier matchup. But this is a program that is on the verge of fading into mediocrity. Many people have already written the Irish off as a has-been program. We've developed a reputation for rolling over against elite competition.

This is the time, and this is the team.

If you want Notre Dame to regain it's place as an elite team, THIS is the game where we do so.

Respect? Recruiting? Coaching? National awards? Championships?

We've reached a turning point, the proverbial fork in the road.

It's time to go all in. Win, and your back at the top. Lose, and you're back to square one as a program.

I'm all in. Are you?

IBG: Quest for the Signature Win

1. The weather forecast for Saturday's game (as of this writing) has the high temperature in the mid 40's with some chance of rain (or snow?). What weather would give Notre Dame the best chance to beat USC? Why?

Let it snow. It's always bugged me that we don't take advantage of our biggest home field advantage against our biggest rival.

On paper, one would think that the strong running game of SC would do better in the snow than our pass-heavy offense.

But I don't care. Half of those pansies on the Trojans haven't ever played in snow.

And for those of you (like myself) that have, you remember how miserable it was the first time. You can't feel your fingers, you're miserable, and you wonder about the sanity of the people who told you to suck it up and go play.

We've been there, done that.

2. Irresistable Force or Immovable Object? Notre Dame's offense is ranked #10 in yards (470 per game) and #27 in points (32.6 per game). USC's defense is ranked #6 in yards allowed (238.6 per game) and #4 in scoring allowed (just 8.6 points per game). In 2008 Notre Dame had just 91 total yards against USC. Will the Notre Dame offense be able to move the ball on Saturday? If so, how?

SC's defense is legit. And I felt much better about our chances when we had Floyd in the lineup.

That said, I think that this game, more than any we've seen, will resemble the Patriots offense. Look for Weis to throw the book at 'em - 5 wide, goal line, Leprecat, spread, pro set, I formation, Double tight, bunched receivers. Hell, I wouldn't be shocked to see a play run from the A-11. By forcing the defense to react to a new formation on every play, this offense can take advantage of mental mistakes.

And that is how we beat them - by forcing mental mistakes. These guys can hang with our offense athletically, but if we can turn this into a chess match, I like our chances.

3. USC's offense is #22 in yards (430.6 per game) and #53 in scoring (28.8 points per game). Notre Dame's defense is #100 in total defense (403.2 yards per game) and #59 in scoring defense (allowing 23.8 points per game). Will the Notre Dame defense be able to slow down the USC offense? If so, how?

I excpect SC to score some points. They have some legitimate weapons, and will get a few TDs.

The key here is to finally create some disruption. SC has a great O-line, but we need to find a way, somehow, to land some of these blitzes. If we can blitz effectively, we'll eliminate the big play over the top and rely on their ground game. And I like our chances to slow down the run game.

4. In 2008, with Michael Floyd unable to play due to injury, Golden Tate had 2 catches against USC for a team-high 15 receiving yards. How do you expect Golden Tate to play against USC this year?

I think the Tate has proven that he can do a lot more than catch passes this year, and I expect to see us continue to be creative on offense in ways to put the ball in his hands.

That said, I think that the key receivers in this game will be sophomore Kyle Rudolph and tailback Armando Allen. With SC smartly rolling coverage to Golden Tate, these guys will be crucial as outlets for Clausen throughout the game. If Clausen can be patient, Golden will eventually break through the coverages.

5. Jimmy Clausen has started to get some Heisman buzz. In your opinion, which Notre Dame player is the most deserving of Heisman attention, Jimmy or Golden Tate? Why?

Golden Tate is far more exciting to watch than Clausen, and has that flash that would lead me to believe that he is the best non-quarterback candidate in the country. He's certainly most likely to have that "Heisman moment" that becomes indelible in the minds of voters. But, Clausen's numbers don't lie, and he's thrown game-winning passes to multiple players.

Long story short, Jimmy is most deserving of the attention, but Tate has a better chance of actually winning it thanks to his dramatics.

6. Overrated or Underrated. Notre Dame cracked into the AP Poll at #25 this week. Are they overrated or underrated at #25? Where would you put them in your poll?

The Irish are underrated at #25.

They should be ranked ahead of Houston (lost to UTEP) , Oklahoma (2 losses), , and Oklahoma State (lost to Houston). A last second loss in the Big House should put the Irish on par with South Carolina (lost to Georgia), BYU (lost to Oklahoma) and Utah (lost to Oregon) in the rankings, ahead of the previously mentioned teams.

Which would put them somewhere between 19 and 22.

7. USC Song Girls: Ambassadors of Collegiate Goodwill or Anachronism from a bygone era of oppressive sexist stereotypes?

Much like OC Domer, I'm gonna have to come down pretty firmly on the side of "Ambassadors of Collegiate Goodwill."




8. Green Jerseys? There's a lot of "green" talk coming from campus this week, and it raises the question of whether the team will be wearing green on Saturday. Do you want to see the green jerseys or not? Why?

I'm torn here.

And I think that the decision should be made in the locker room by Coach Weis and team leader Jimmy Clausen.

Because, if you're going to wear them again, you'd damn well better be pretty f#(%!@g sure that you're going to put a boot in SC's ass.

'Cause if you bust 'em out and lose, THAT will be their legacy.

And on that note, I hope they do have the confidence to pull them out again.

9. Name the next number in this sequence: -3, -20, -38, -35, _______. Explain.

+10

I think that the most impressive thing that the Irish could do this week, especially after the late game heroics required against their last 4 opponents, would be to have a 2-score lead late in the 4th quarter.

If we end up having a close win, we won't get the legitimacy we need from this game. We'll be stuck with the caveat that we play to the opponent.

Also, if there are any controversial calls (and there always are), a close win will give the Notre Dame haters in the media (I'm talking to you, John Saunders) something to use to discount the Irish victory.

And I want this game to leave NO doubt that the Irish are back.

I like the Irish 38-28.

SC Week!

Beat SC!

25 Greatest College Football Experiences

So, recently me and a couple of my friends decided that we are going to start traveling to one game each year, and we want to try to see the best that college football has to offer. So, we are trying to compile a list of the 25 greatest college football experiences. We'll hit at least 1 each year, and at the end of this epic undertaking, I intend to write a book about the experience.

So, I'm looking for nominations for the top college football experiences, and after reviewing all of the suggestions, I'll try to narrow down the list to 25.

To start, here are the ones that we've come up with so far. I'm trying to put together a list that hits as many of the great stadiums in the game, without going to the same stadium multiple times if possible, so we can get a breadth of experience. Therefore, while a game like Notre Dame vs. Michigan in the Big House or Notre Dame Stadium may be worthy of consideration, it would be trumped by Mich/OSU or ND/USC. Some of the rivalries (like Mich/OSU and ND/USC) are worthy enough to warrant a trip to both stadiums for that rivalry. Also, I'm not including actual bowl games or conference championships in the list - I'm looking for the best of regular season college football.

So, here's the list we've put together so far - it's already at 27 games, and I'm sure it will get bigger yet before I can pare it back down. Any feedback would be greatly appreciated.

For economy's sake (and my own sanity), if you are reading this syndicated elsewhere (ala Bleacher Report), please comment on my original posting at Domer Law Blog.

If you are a blogger/sportswriter and want in on the annual trip, please e-mail me at nwaechter@hotmail.com, and I'll put together a mailing once each year's destination is announced.

Notre Dame v. USC @ Notre Dame Stadium (South Bend, IN)

Notre Dame v. USC @ The Coliseum (Los Angeles, CA)

The Game (Michigan v. Ohio State) @ The Big House (Ann Arbor, MI)

The Game (Michigan v. Ohio State) @ The Horseshoe (Columbus, OH)

Army v. Navy @ West Point (West Point, NY)

The Red River Shootout (Oklahoma v. Texas) @ Cotton Bowl (Dallas, TX)

World's Largest Outdoor Cocktail Party (Florida v. Georgia) @ Jacksonville Stadium (Jacksonville, FL)

USC v. UCLA @ Rose Bowl (Pasadena, CA)

Iron Bowl (Alabama v. Auburn) @ Bryant-Denny Stadium (Tuscaloosa, AL)

Civil War (Oregon v. Oregon State) @ Autzen Stadium (Eugene, OR)

Old Oaken Bucket (Indiana v. Purdue) @ Memorial Stadium (Bloomington, IN)

Magnolia Bowl (LSU v. Ole Miss) OR Battle for the Rag (LSU v. Tulane) @ Death Valley (Baton Rouge, LA)

Magnolia Bowl (LSU v. Ole Miss) @ Vaught-Hemingway Stadium (Oxford, MS) "The Grove"

Battle for Governor's Cup (Florida v. Florida State @ The Swamp (Gainesville, FL)

Battle for Governor's Cup (Florida v. Florida State @ Doak-Campbell Stadium (Tallahassee, FL)

Lone Star Showdown (Texas v. Texas A&M) @ Kyle Field (College Station, TX)

Lone Star Showdown (Texas v. Texas A&M) @ Darrel K. Royal Stadium (Austin, TX)

Oklahoma v. Missouri @ Gaylord Family Oklahoma Memorial Stadium (Norman, OK)

Nebraska v. Missouri @ Memorial Stadium (Lincoln, NE)

The Game (Harvard v. Yale) @ Harvard Stadium (Boston, MA)

The Rivalry (Legigh v. Lafayette) @ Fisher Field (Easton, PA)

White Out (Penn State v. TBA) @ "Happy Valley" Beaver Stadium (University Park, PA)

Tennessee v. Alabama @ Neyland Stadium (Knoxville, TN)

Georgia v. Georgia Tech @ "Between the Hedges" Sanford Stadium (Athens, GA)

Battle for the Axe (Wisconsin v. Minnesota) @ Camp Randall (Madison, WI)

Commonwealth Cup (Virginia v. Virginia Tech) @ Lane Stadium (Blacksburg, VA)

Backyard Brawl (West Virginia v. Pittsburgh) @ Mountaineer Field (Morgantown, WV)

IBG: Quick Questions (aka Subway Domer nearly screwed the pooch on this one)

So, apparently Subway Domer did get around to posting some questions for this week, so here goes...


1. Describe your worst nightmare coming true on Saturday. Can that nightmare become a reality?

I'm assuming you mean related to Notre Dame football, as I'm guessing that the entire stadium being attacked by 1,000s of giant spiders wasn't what you were going for here.

Honestly, my worst nightmare is that we lose.

Think about this for a second.

We've all given Coach Weis a pass on rebuilding this team from the decimation that Tyrone wreaked on the program.

But his criminally reckless behavior in recruiting at Notre Dame pales in comparison to the intentional dismantling of the Huskies program that Tyrone tried.

And then Coach Weis, in year 5 of his rebuilding project inherited from Ty, LOSES to Sarkisian in year 1 of his?

It would be, psychologically, a death blow to everyone's confidence in Weis, and immediately render moot any argument put forward for retaining him as head coach.

2. Can we all agree that Jake Locker will be the best quarterback that we have/will face all season?

Yes. I stated this in the first IBG of the season, and I'll restate it again here.

Jake Locker is the best quarterback that we will face this season. He is a seasoned veteran with the athleticism to beat you on the ground and through the air. He reminds me of a cross between Antwaan Randle-El and Steve Young. In fact, although his stats will never bear it out because he plays on an otherwise atrocious team, he may well be the best QB in the country. Including JC and Jesus H. Tebow.

3. Replace two starters on both sides of the football for the Washington game. Who are they, who are they replacing, and why?

OFFENSE: Move 1: I'm going to cheat here, and simply change the way we do things for move #1, as (unless you're going to give me the fantasy of plugging Floyd back into the lineup), I don't want to replace any of our skill positions. So, instead of REPLACING anyone, I'm just going to tweak our formations. On any given snap, Armando Allen, Golden Tate, and Kyle Rudolph line up in variations of tailback, slot receiver, tight end, and fullback. And from that, we can shift into or out of any number of formations. Jimmy Clausen is of course optional here, as we move into and out of the Leprecat offense.

Rudolph could be a hell of a lead blocker, and the amount of speed coming out of an AA/Tate backfield is ridiculous. Also, I think Rudolph could be an interesting tailback with his size and deceptive speed, especially as you have to account for AA and Tate on the outside.

We've already experimented with varying forms of the "Leprecat" offense, so now I just want to add in the twist of using Kyle Rudolph in the backfield as well as TE and split out.

Move 2: Bench Sam Young for the first half. He may be our most experienced and most physically talented offensive lineman, but his mistakes have cost this team too many times, and I would send him a message that he had better shape up, or we'll leave him on the sidelines. Plug in whoever is next on the depth chart (Taylor Dever or Matt Romine, depending on how coach decides to play it).

DEFENSE: Move 1: Easy - Te'o for Toryan Smith. Toryan does not appear to have the fundamentals necessary for middle linebacker for his level of athletic ability. Te'o may be lacking the same fundamentals, but his athleticism makes up for mistakes.

Move 2: Tougher, but I'll go with Sergio Brown for Harrison Smith. I just get the sense that Harrison isn't quite getting it. Brown has made some mistakes, but he just always seems to be around the ball.

4. Ty Willingham enters the stadium in the second quarter. What happens?

*Shudder*

I think in this situation, the entire fanbase, en masse, rushes the field, picks up the Moulder of Men, marches him out to St. Joe River, and unceremoniously dumps him in.

Then they return to the stadium, everyone (ushers included) drinks a shot, and then they resume the pounding that the Irish are giving the Huskies, who are only 1 season removed from Ty's criminally reckless recruiting skills, compared to Notre Dame's 5.

5. Are you impressed with the improvement in the run game in 2009, or is it a figment of our imagination?

How could you not be? This team's running game is absolutely Holtz-esque. And that's AFTER the Big Ten portion of our schedule. Verducci is the next Joe Moore, and as far as I'm concerned, we need to make him a Notre Dame lifer.

After what Stanford did last week to Washington, you'd have to be drooling if you're Armando Allen.

6. Who's hotter, Wendi Nix or Erin Andrews? Why. It your hottie a defensive or offensive player?

Given the choice, I'd have to go with Erin Andrews. But, I'd much rather be my own person, and go with the write-in of


Alex Flanagan

I mean, come on guys. Wendi and Erin are so last season...

And Alex is totally a tight end. (Nudge, nudge. Wink, wink. Say no more.)

7. Predictions please...

This is the week that Washington remembers that they were 0-12 last year.

Jake Locker throws for 250 yards (150 of them to himself, incredibly enough) and 3 TDs (again, 2 of them to himself), and runs for 200 yards and 2 TDs, accounting for a total of 7 of the Huskies' 5 touchdowns.

IRISH 140-35

(all seriousness aside, I'll take the Irish, 38-10)