Crimson and Clover over and over

This is it… 

The two most storied programs in the history of college football (sorry, Michigan), will clash on January 7 when #1 Notre Dame takes on heavily favored defending champion #2 Alabama.

I’ve witnessed more than my fair share of ups and downs during my 7 years as a Notre Dame student, as the lofty expectations of my freshman year (pollsters had given us a #3 preseason ranking in anticipation of Brady Quinn’s senior campaign) gave way to the lowest of the lows during my sophomore year (try as I might, I can’t quite erase the scarring memories of a 3-9 season), eventually leading to the firing of Charlie Weis during my senior year when I served as the official Fightin’ Irish Leprechaun. 

I was amongst the first to welcome our new leader Brian Kelly to campus three Decembers ago, and when I asked him to return us to glory he responded with that now-familiar smirk of Kelly confidence. 

When I decided to attend law school and prolong my career as a Notre Dame student by three more years, I joked that the sole reason was to watch as Coach Kelly fulfilled the task I gave him of returning us to glory.  Many laughed at the idea of a team that had just lost 21 games in three seasons playing for a national championship within the next three years.  It is now year three.  Who’s laughing now? (Certainly not Mark May or Rick Reilly)

More impressive than our meteoric rise under Kelly has been the way we have done it.  As a representative of the athletics department during my time as the Leprechaun, and as an intern while in law school, I have seen just how seriously we take our values and our commitment to excellence, from the ADs at the top all the way down to the managers and cheerleaders.  Lots of schools have mission statements for their athletics departments.  Not every school stays true to its avowed values (see Florida State, Ohio State, Miami, Southern Cal, and even Penn State).

That’s where this game comes in.  We don’t do everything perfectly here at Notre Dame, but we strive to, and by holding ourselves to a higher standard we stand out.  That’s why we’re the most polarizing team in sports, period. 

Critics claimed Notre Dame would never again compete for a title.  They were wrong.  So-called "experts" discounted Kelly’s 2012 squad every step of the way, predicting defeat after defeat only to have the Fightin’ Irish prove them wrong again and again.  

Frankly, ESPN should be embarrassed by the quality of the talking heads they employ to spew nonsense week after week, and I wish there was someway to hold clowns like Jesse Palmer and David Pollack accountable for what they say one week prior to pretending they’ve held a completely opposite viewpoint all along the following week, but I’ll save that for another time.

Here we are, standing at the brink of a national title at a day and age when so many had given up hope in the ability to win without sacrificing standards.  By coming this far, we’ve already won in the sense that we’ve shown that it can be done.  By winning, and dethroning the mighty SEC, which ESPN would have you believe belongs in the NFL, we will force all those who see or hear about us to stop and ponder our success as a team, as an athletics department, and as the preeminent Catholic university in the world. 

Notre Dame is a global force for good, fighting for countless worthy causes.  Among those is inspiring a worldwide fan base to believe in the possibility of success with integrity. 

Here’s to hoping that, come January 7, the whole world will be talking about that game between Crimson and Clover over and over.

Taking Care of Business

Fightin' Irish fans have been hearing a lot about the lack of “style points” exhibited by the 2012 squad, and Saturday's seemingly routine 21-6 victory over Backup College did little to silence such noise.  

What some may have mistaken for a sluggish lack of energy probably should have been expected, though.  I mean... how many times can you beat up your little brother (BC) before doing so loses its excitement?  Once you've already established your unquestionable dominance, there's no longer any need to go any further than what is required to keep him in his place.  Am I right?

All joking aside... the "workmanlike" fashion with which the Fightin' Irish have amassed a perfect 10-0 record is not about to win them any beauty contests.  Most of the 10 wins have been anything but pretty... but who cares?  Kelly's lads have continued to bring their lunch pails to work each and every Saturday, and as their unblemished record shows, they haven't punched out early a single time in 10 games without taking care of business first.  

As long as we continue on in our "workmanlike" ways, we'll be fine.  We can't control who wins, who loses, and who “helps us out” in games that don’t feature the words “Notre Dame” on either side of the scoreboard… so all we can do is stick to Kelly’s master plan, take care of business, and let the chips fall where they may.  We'll leave the fussing, the whining, and the hapless prosthelyzing to the so-called "experts" at ESPN.  Why should we care what they have to say?  We don't have time for them.
We have business to take care of... 

Saturday is Senior Day in Notre Dame Stadium, where the Fightin’ Irish have struggled during their 2012 work schedule relative to their performances away from home.  It’s also the last game our captains Kap, Zach, Tyler, and Manti will ever play in the Cathedral of College Football.  Let’s honor them, along with all those playing in their final home game, by saluting the “workmanlike” mentality they've struggled so hard to instill in a program that lacked any real sense of direction prior to Kelly’s arrival.  

Let’s be “workmanlike” in fulfilling our own duties as fans.  Let's stay true to our unrelenting faith that, what though the odds be great or small, our team has the will to win overall.  Let’s take care of business by clocking in on Saturday, rolling up our sleeves, and going to work alongside our team as they march onward to victory.

5uperman 5aves 5eason!

What's that flying past defenders into the endzone?!  

It's a bird!  It's a plane!  No, it's Everett Golson!

After his late-game heroics this past Saturday, I'm not sure if that's a "5" or an "S" on his jersey.

What I do know is that Fightin' Irish fans had the good fortune of witnessing a 5uperstar in the making take his game to the next level, which will undoubtedly lead to plenty more daring feats of strength during his time at Notre Dame.

What does Golson's recent revealing of his secret 5uperman identity mean for the 2012 Fightin' Irish?

As Coach Kelly put it during his post game press conference, "…he competed his butt off" and provided "a shot in the arm" at a time when his teammates desperately needed someone to wake them up.  Not only did he step in to fill the leadership role on offense that his fellow #5 has assumed on the defensive side of the ball, but his developing 5uperhuman abilities are starting to allow Kelly to finally call the type of game that he wants to offensively.  Kelly hasn't been shy on this point, lauding Golson for bringing that added element he has been searching for in his offense by "spreading it out" and creating opportunities to "either throw the football, or keep it and run."  With this critical piece to the puzzle finally in place, the future looks bright and Irish eyes should be smiling as 5uperman continues to show up to save the day whenever the Fightin' Irish find themselves in need of a hero.

Fightin' Words: Stay Perfect.

With upcoming games against Pitt, Backup College, and Wake, just about everyone, myself included, seems to be looking ahead to the 2012 season finale against U$C in the LA Coliseum on Nov. 24.  

As fans, we have that luxury.  As a football team, Kelly's Fightin' Irish don't.  Notre Dame fans know all too well what it feels like to watch a team get caught looking ahead beyond their current opponent, and I assure you they'll agree that it doesn't feel good.

  

Luckily for us, Kelly won't let that happen.  He won't rest at 8-0, and last week's "signature win" won't make him complacent.  When he came to Notre Dame his stated purpose was to win National Championships (plural).  He keeps that goal in his sights through a week to week approach, and come Saturday his squad will remain focused on staying perfect.

Score Prediction:

Notre Dame: 34

Pittsburgh: 13

Anchors Aweigh for Fightin' Irish

After a short lived panic attack late last week leading up to the game against our historic rival, rumors of mutiny quickly turned out to be nothing that a little smash-mouth football couldn't fix.  In fact, the controversial comments made by Kelly and the even more controversial reactions made by several players may have provided exactly what this team needed to turn the corner.  It presented an opportunity for the players and coaches to sit down and clear the air that has tasted sour to some all season long.  With that behind them, they can cut the proverbial anchor loose and focus on winning football games.

Last Week's Win over Navy may have allowed the Fightin' Irish
 to Finally Cut the Anchor Loose

Speaking of focus, Kelly's teams have accumulated a 6-2 record on the road while playing without all the distractions that accompany football weekends at Notre Dame, compared to a 7-6 record at home.  Take that stat for what you will, but the only two games Kelly has lost away from Notre Dame Stadium were to MSU last year (they ended up with 11 wins) and the Skunkbears this year (in a game we literally gave away).  This bodes well for the remainder of the regular season, which includes games on the road at Wake Forest and Maryland prior to senior night at home against Backup College and the season finale at Stanford.  

While Wake and Maryland have both been dangerous at times this season, we drastically outmatch them.  In true fashion, a horrible BC squad poses no threat.  With a 4 game winning streak at our backs, we will have a real chance to take advantage of our newfound confidence and renewed focus in order to chop down the trees on Thanksgiving weekend.  Not convinced?  Let me remind you that Kelly's teams have not been beaten in the month of November for 3 years.  Luckily for us, Thanksgiving weekend falls in the month of November again this year.

And now to the game at hand, an interesting matchup against a traditionally basketball-centered Baptist school that has recently shown glimmers of potential on the football field.  Wake LB and leader of the Demon Deacon (which is a lame attempt at something as badass as the Fighting Irish, if you ask me) defense Nikita Whitlock had this to say about his first time playing against Notre Dame: "We're little Wake Forest... but don't expect us not to come out and try to punch them in their mouth.  That's what we do."  

There's no way we lose to a school
that such ugly "mascots" call home.

I like the fire of those fightin' words, and I'm expecting a well played game out of Wake.  That still doesn't change the fact that we should be able to dominate if we continue to emphasize our dangerous running attack as we did against Navy.  In his press conference following that steamrolling performance featuring 7 rushing TDs, Kelly admitted that he "put more of an emphasis on the run game in [the red zone], and I think that is the direction we want to keep moving."  I hope he stays true to those words so we can share in the joy of watching a consistently tough team that represents "...a brand of football that [Kelly is] starting to see."

Tonight's Score Prediction:

Fightin' Irish: 38

Demon Deacons: 20

Offensive MVP:  Jonas - The senior back will continue to play like he has something to prove.  Look for him to break a long TD to keep his scoring streak alive.

Jonas playing smash-mouth football against Navy

Defensive MVP: Manti - I've been waiting patiently for the leader of our defense to get his hands on a loose ball with running space ahead of him. Will this be the week?

Get this man the football!

Kelly visits Center of Universe

Coach Kelly ventured into the Center of the Universe last week to honor the Dawgs of Alumni Hall, who he thanked for setting the standard in terms of support and enthusiasm on football game weekends.  He commended the men of Alumni for playing such an integral role in the tradition, sense of family, and spirit that can only be found at Notre Dame, adding that he quickly learned to expect a lengthy delay while all the Dawgs in the house go berserk every time the word "Alumni" is uttered at a pep rally.  

Located on Main Circle at Notre Dame,
Alumni Hall is the "Center of the Universe"

Coach challenged the Dawgs to make a valid attempt to “at least make it to the game” on Saturday night despite the late 7:30 start.  Echoing the sentiments of Athletic Director Jack Swarbrick, who challenged the student body to tailgate responsibly and get loud once inside the stadium, Kelly asked the Dawgs to hydrate themselves thoroughly prior to bringing the ruckus come game time.

When asked about the typical game day atmosphere at Notre Dame, Coach again agreed with Swarbrick in admitting that Notre Dame Stadium is one of the quietest venues his team plays in from week to week.    While he commended the students for their commitment, he spoke out in full support of a jumbotron and piped-in music to make up for the small size of our student section, as well as the lack of noise coming from the rest of the stadium.  

Coach maintained that he understands the "tradition" argument against a jumbotron and/or "canned" music, but that he believes in our ability to make such improvements in a way that enhances the unique tradition and spirit of Notre Dame, rather than detract from it.  He pointed to the way music and classic footage were used at the first night game ever in the Big House in a way that added tremendously to the "strength of the collegiate atmosphere" of the game without the clutter of advertisements or any other unnecessary distractions.  He also made it clear that our fanbase should not expect to be held back by stubborn adherence to the status quo any more, citing the need for several changes which have already been made and will continue to take place in order to revive the most central of all our traditions... the tradition of winning football games.

While it seems as though a minority of Notre Dame alumni (small "a" alumni, not big "A" Alumni as in Dawgs) consistently makes the most noise in opposition of such changes, the unanimous consensus amongst the Dawgs stood in strong support of making such moves.  With our student body, Head Coach, and Athletic Ditrector on board, I wouldn't be surprised to see and hear an extra boost to our home field advantage in the near future (If you disagree, please prove that we do not need these additions by getting loud enough to make a difference in our stadium).

When asked which rivalry he considers to be most important to the Fighting Irish, Coach chose the "Greatest Intersectional Rivalry in College Football" over our series with the skunkbears, stating that Notre Dame vs. Southern Cal epitomizes everything that a rivalry should stand for.

The Dawgs told Coach that the students were planning to fill the student section with green on Saturday night before asking him whether the team would sport matching threads.  In response, he did not deny the possibility of green jerseys.  With a wink and a nudge, he said that he looks forward to continuing the tradition of green jerseys, but would not specify which game (read: we are wearing green on Saturday, and so should you!). 


Coach also explained that his newly implemented Hendrix package was here to stay, and that he plans to fully utilize this whole new side of the offense in order to prevent defenses from keying in on just a few playmakers the way Pitt was able to (we only scored 15 points in the win over Pitt).  By offering a variety of looks, our offense will remain efficient even when certain aspects aren't working against a specific defense.  Just when an opponent seems to have solved the puzzle, we now have the ability to play a wild card with potential to be game-breaking.


When one Dawg asked if his roommate, walk-on TE Arturo Martinez, will see the field this year, Coach said that by asking we pretty much guaranteed him some playing time. He also gave a shoutout to all of WOPU Nation, saying that walk-on players like Pat Coughlin and Chris Salvi have impacted the team tremendously this season.

Finally, the Dawgs gave Coach an ultimatum: whether he would rather be Johnny Depp or Will Smith.  He mulled the choices over for a minute, then decided that neither would be preferable to his current position as the head coach of the Fighting Irish.  Well played, Sir.  Well played, indeed.

Coach Kelly strikes a power stance on the sideline

Alumni Hall proudly granted "Honorary Dawg"status to Coach Kelly (who now joins Coach Brey as the only two active "Honorary Dawgs" at Notre Dame), by presenting him with a Wake Week shirt and two of our signature frosted pint glasses.  In response to the later, he happily declared, "I bet these look great filled with beer!” That they do, Coach. That they do.

Alumni Dawgs leading the charge at a football pep rally

The Blessed Men and Brothers of Alumni Hall would like to thank Coach Kelly for taking the time to pay us tribute, answer our questions, and for recognizing us as a leader and an icon amongst all halls.

Fall of Troy: Revisited

This is it.  

We've all been waiting for this game since it appeared on the official schedule.  

This Saturday, the Fighting Irish will host the once-mighty men of Troy for the first night game held at Notre Dame Stadium in over two decades.  As we prepare for the 83rd chapter of "The Greatest Intersectional Rivalry in College Football," Irish Creed takes a look back at last year's matchup, which saw our Boys in Blue and Gold emerge from the Coliseum victorious.

Fall of Troy: Revisited

Tommy Reese, the first Notre Dame quarterback to defeat the mighty men of Troy since Carlyl Holiday did so in 2001, described the win in the only way he could by saying "Words can not do it justice."

In words borrowed from Lou Holtz, Brian Kelly talked about taking pride in the fact that his lads "didn't flinch" against a rival that has tormented all of Notre Dame Nation over most of the past decade.  According to Kelly, "We put the fight back into the Fighting Irish today."

I’d love to say that a win over the Trojans has been a long time coming, but I personally can’t.  Even though it feels like an eternity, the misery only began for me in 2005 with the Bush Push (which, Ironically enough… never happened).

That legendary game between #9 Notre Dame and #1 U$C was the first college football game I watched after applying to college, and my first experience as a Notre Dame fan.  I’ll always remember exactly where I was and what I was doing during that game.  Actually, I was on a double-date at a bowling alley and I was attempting (unsuccessfully) to divide my attention between the amazing spectacle on TV and the not-quite-as-amazing spectacle that was my date.  I remember jumping up and down screaming when it appeared as though the Fighting Irish had won, since the students had begun to rush the field and there was no sound on the TV at the bowling alley.  I then watched in disbelief as the officials ushered fans back into their seats and added time back on to the expired clock.  Let’s just say what transpired next ruined the rest of the night not only for every Notre Dame fan watching, but for my date as well…

As a student at Notre Dame, I lived through 3 brutally embarrassing defeats before finally feeling the tide begin to change direction during my senior year.  The stars seemed like they just might align in 2009.  The entire campus breathed “BEAT SC,” and loyal students spent more time hanging up posters, writing on sidewalks, and building a Trojan Horse than they did studying for midterms.  At the Friday night rally, I burst out of the horse sporting a mohawk and Tommy Trojan’s sword (which I broke over my knee) and tens of thousands roared as Rocket Ismail delivered a gospel-like speech that none in attendance will ever forget.  I had never been more amped in my life, and the energy coming from the greened out student section during that game lifted our team to come soaring back within striking distance of our mighty foes late in the second half.  Alas, my dreams of standing atop the north-endzone goalpost as the students tore it down flew out the window when our fourth-and-goal pass fell incomplete.  At that moment, in agonizing pain, I vowed that I would one day witness the fall of Troy.

I did what any traumatized recently-retired leprechaun would do by deciding to live in Southern California with fellow Irish Creed writer FightingIrish1313 during the summer of 2010.  While living behind enemy lines, not only did I visit the soon-to-disappear Heisman trophy belonging to Reggie Bush, but I also left behind a small Irish charm somewhere on their campus, thus putting the dreaded Curse of the Leprechaun on the University of Spoiled Children (You can read about my SoCal adventure here).

Flash forward to this November, as I arrived in Huntington Beach for Thanksgiving by the ocean where the sign at my hotel read “The word of the day is: STOKED!”  Stoked I was, possibly even hella-stoked, to spend a few days soaking up some cosmic rays in the OC before venturing into a quaint neighborhood known as South Central LA for a rivalry showdown featuring backup quarterbacks starting on both sides.  Hella-stoked for a win… brah.

I must admit that I was impressed with the tailgating scene prior to Senior Night in the Coliseum (whoa… totally sorry for spoiling your big night… brah).  Some creative Californians even hanged an effigy of a leprechaun from a tree, which was lovely.

Once inside the Coliseum, I discovered that most Fighting Irish fans had been relegated to the cheap temporary bleacher style seats that are literally nowhere near the football field.  Not to worry, because the Trojans failed to fill their own house as expected.  It didn’t take long before we created a cheering section of our own in the corner of the endzone.  More than once, our celebratory cheers and jeers could be heard on the field over the lifeless din of the So Cal crowd.  While the Irish Tricolour flag upon which I had spray-painted “KILL SO CAL” did not amuse those around us, it did spark some energy when I joined the crowd-surfing students in the fourth quarter.  Our small band of faithful fans shared tremendous highs and lows throughout the game, and as the clock hit 00:00 an overwhelming sense of relief swept over us all.  An army of security guards surrounded us to make sure any attempts to rush the field would be thwarted, but we were perfectly content standing arm in arm singing our Alma Mater with smiles on our faces.  As we exited the friendly confines of the Coliseum, we thanked our gracious hosts for the win, and echoes of the Notre Dame Victory March reverberated throughout every hallway.

There's no use crying over spilled trojans...

In reference to the thousands of Cali brahs who showed us the real meaning of the term “fair-weather fan” when they left the game early in droves after finding the blustery 50 degree night far too frigid for their liking, I guess revenge actually is best when served cold (pun intended).  I do respect their loyal fans who stuck it out in a losing effort on Senior Night though, because I’ve been there and done that.  

I left the game excited for the future of the “Greatest Intersectional Rivalry” in college football.  It takes two to tango in a true rivalry, and we haven’t shown enough fight to even make the games interesting as of late.   As one of about 3 Notre Dame fans (and the only one decked out head to toe in bright green) at the 9-0 (the CJ’s of SoCal) after the game, I was a bit surprised at how many Trojan fans approached me with toasts “to the rivalry” (and even more surprised that I escaped with my life after half the SC football team showed up).  If Coach Kelly was right, and the Fall of Troy was a sign that we finally put the fight back into the Fighting Irish, then I’d like to join those Trojan fans by raising a glass “to the rivalry.”

All in all, my ND v SC experience has been an eventful journey, and I am hella-stoked for its continuance now that the drought is over and Kelly’s reign has begun (also hella-stoked to have the Jeweled Shillelagh back in the JACC... brah).

Kelly Quotes:

"It was a tough, blue-collar kind of day and that's what was required of everybody... that's what we got out of our team and it was enough to win and get out of here."

-Brian Kelly, following a 15-12 victory over Pitt

Kelly Quotes:

"...I didn't think we were loud enough on the last couple of drives in our stadium.  We really gotta get that cranked up, and that's a challenge to our all of our fans.  When we're at home we really need to crank it up and make it a loud place.  I think we can do better..."

Kelly quotes:

"Our recruiting has changed in that you are coming here to play for Our Lady."


"You know, it doesn't matter if I believe it. It's what our players believe in. We believe in them. As I said, our weaknesses are in depth. I'll put my 22 against anybody else. But the game's not played with 22. You got to have other guys right to go. We think we have some areas we need to address that give us more depth. But we're confident in our 22 against anybody in the country."

The 2011 Campaign: 1st Day in Full Pads

The weather gods smiled down upon our campus as God's Mom watched her favorite football team practice in full pads for the first time this year.

Highlights provided by UND.com

Notable moments of the day included the impressive play of a leaner, meaner Louis Nix (recently self-nicknamed Irish Chocolate), an intense pancake block by freshman TE Ben Koyack that fired up the whole squad (at 1:55), and the ferocity of freshman DE Aaron Lynch as he initiated contact with opposing offensive lineman to reach the ball carrier on multiple occasions (at 2:18 and 2:55).

Overall, today demonstrated how the focused energy and the all-in attitude shared by the squad's established leaders make this team stand out in comparison to those of the recent past.  

On Day 1 of Year 2 under the Kelly Regime, the Fighting Irish looked driven, locked in, and fueled by a fresh sense of confidence.  As an added bonus, the flashes of brilliance shown by Kelly's first class of recruits (though they are admittedly still very raw) stand as signs of good things to come for the future of Notre Dame Football.  I am known by many to be a slightly delusional optimist, but I do believe that our return to glory is looming just over the horizon.

Kelly quotes:

"I don't walk around with my "Top 25" t-shirt on."

Sun Bowl Awards

The 2010 Fighting Irish celebrate after defeating Miami 33-17
 in the Hyundai Sun Bowl (Louis Nix throws down an upside-down "U")

The Fighting Irish finished off 2010 with a 33-17 win over the Miami Hurricanes in the Hyundai Sun Bowl, completing a four-game winning streak during which they outscored opponents 108-39.  The offense jumped out to an early lead, and the defense completely shut down Miami's passing game en route to a dominating performance.

Top-Ten most valuable influences on the game:

1.  Brian Kelly –  It was evident from the outset that Kelly had his team motivated, focused, and ready to play despite the many distractions that go along with playing in a bowl game.  He obviously took advantage of the 15 bonus practices between the win over U$C and the Sun Bowl, coming up with a crisp game plan that utilized Notre Dame's strengths and took advantage of Miami's weaknesses perfectly.  It all starts at the top, and due to Kelly's coaching the Fighting Irish were worlds apart from a sloppy and flat Miami team who may have treated their trip to El Paso as nothing more than a vacation.  Unfortunately for them, their holiday was cut short with a rude awakening due to the lethal combination of sub-40 degree weather and an opponent that wanted it much more than they did.

2.  Bob Diaco –  Our defensive coordinator took a tremendous amount of heat after an embarrassing defensive performance against Navy followed by a loss to Tulsa.  Since then, he has engineered a total transformation by forming a defense that has been truly lights-out.  The trend began against the high-powered Utah offense, which could not find the endzone in Notre Dame Stadium, and it continued when U$C could not establish a run game on senior night in the Coliseum.  In the Sun Bowl, Miami's ground attack never had a chance to get going and Diaco's defensive scheme tormented the Hurricane quarterbacks from the outset.  For the first time in a while, defense has become a strength at Notre Dame thanks to Diaco.

3.  Tommy Rees – Kelly's choice for the game ball, the now 4-0 signal caller looked like anything but a true freshman against Miami.  He showed poise in the pocket as he methodically and systematically picked apart a defense that ranked #2 in pass efficiency during the regular season.  Not only did he connect on accurate throws all game long, but he easily recognized and exploited the mismatches that his receivers created.  Most importantly, he played within himself while executing Kelly's game plan brilliantly.

4.  Michael Floyd - Nobody was going to stop Mike from playing like Mike in what may turn out to be his last game for the Fighting Irish.  The superstar receiver broke the all-time record for touchdown receptions in the first quarter, going on to finish the game with 6 catches for 109 yards with 2 scores.  He earned the MVP accolades he was awarded at the end of the game by imposing his will on Miami's secondary, just as he did against U$C and throughout his career at Notre Dame.  He will be sorely missed if he does end up heading to the NFL in 2011, but his leadership and many clutch performances will not be forgotten.

5.  Harrison Smith – Harry became the definition of ball-hawk against Miami, flying all over the field on his way to 7 tackles and 3 interceptions.  Every time Miami looked like they might get a drive started while the game was still within reach, he snatched away all hope by coming up with a big play.  More than once, he came out of absolutely nowhere to jump a route and rip the ball away from a receiver.  Not only did he force Harris our of the game after picking him off for the second time, but he added one against Morris as well.  Needless to say, both quarterbacks are probably still having nightmares about #22.

6.  Theo Riddick – The Chronicles of Riddick continued as Theo returned to his true form by making Riddick-ulous plays in various roles within the Fighting Irish offense.  He helped establish the running game by presenting a dangerous threat every time he lined up in the wild-cat (or Leprechaun, as Kelly calls it) formation, and he showed off his natural ability by gaining positive yardage several times even when plays broke down.  Hopefully his Sun Bowl performance was just a glimpse of future greatness as Kelly continues to come up with creative ways to get him the ball.

7.  Robert Hughes – The only downside to Hughes' recent explosion is that it took this long for him to realize his full potential.  The big bruiser ran with authority in the Sun Bowl, leaving bruised and battered Hurricanes in his path.  His power provided the perfect compliment to Cierre Wood's speed and Theo Riddick's moves, and he even showed off some impressive speed when he caught up to his own fumble along the sideline.

8.  The Irish O-line: Zack Martin, Chris Stewart, Braxston Cave, Trevor Robinson, and Taylor Dever - These beasts gave Rees more than enough time to shred Miami's secondary, and they opened up holes for Hughes, Wood, and Riddick early and often against a defense that was ranked #1 in tackles-for-loss during the regular season.  Most importantly, they set the tone early on by smashing the Hurricane defense in the mouth and letting everyone know that the Fighting Irish came to play.

9.  David Ruffer – Can everyone please beg Brian Kelly to give this kid a scholarship?  (Ask him via twitter!)  Even though he had his first miss of the season, he accounted for 12 points, including an impressive 50 yarder that effectively put the game out of reach before halftime.  Notre Dame hasn't had a consistent kicker in years, and Mr. Dependable continued to prove himself worthy of a scholly with this latest performance.

10.  El Paso, Texas – The hometown crowd sent a volley cheer on high when the Fighting Irish took the field, and they continued to provide Notre Dame with the clear home-field advantage throughout the contest.  The 37 degree temperature coupled with a dusting of snow didn’t hurt either.  Even though the Miami quarterbacks probably won’t blame all those interceptions on their ridiculous neck-warmers (shouldn't the Convicts be well accustomed to wearing ski-masks?!) their discomfort was evident.  While almost all of the men from South Bend went sleeveless, the boys from South Beach looked eager to pack their bags and head back to warmer weather (ironically, chants of "Warm up the bus!" could be heard before the first half even ended).

South Bend v. South Beach: Sun Bowl Preview

Notre Dame WR John Goodman recently tweeted: "Yall could be kings but ya'll chose acamademics!" -quote from a Miami player. And yes, that's how he pronounced "academics." Hahahaha.

Those are bold words coming from a player on a team that has recently found it increasingly difficult to fill the seats of Sun Life Stadium, borrowed from the Miami Dolphins and Florida Marlins for home games.  The 2010 Miami Hurricanes finished with a 3-3 at home, including the first loss to USF in program history which swiftly prompted the firing of head coach Randy Shannnon.  That particular Miami player might need to reconsider his statement since his teammates don’t even seem to be kings of their own castle.  Needless to say, this currently coachless Miami squad is a far cry from the thug-filled teams of the late 80s and early 90s that gave rise to the thug-image associated with “The U” as featured on ESPN’s 30 for 30 series.

Not that Notre Dame coaches, players, or fans should be satisfied with the state of our program considering our own prolific past.  With losses to both Navy and Tulsa, head coach Brian Kelly came under fire from some of the more zealous, irrational, and impatient members of the Fighting Irish fan base during his first year at the helm.  Those same fans seem to be singing a different tune after November wins over Utah, Army, and U$C now that Kelly has his lads poised to ride a swelling wave of momentum to a bowl victory.  A win over Miami in the Hyundai Sun Bowl will be essential to maintaining that momentum throughout the offseason, spring practices, and into next year.

In a press conference on December 18, Kelly commented on the state of Notre Dame Football at the conclusion of his first regular season.  Despite all of the controversy and adversity, much of the same confidence he showed when he first appeared on campus remained.  The most admirable characteristic of his tenure so far has been the unwavering vision he has provided through focus on player development, winning in November, and “getting the defense right.”  In terms of player development, he pointed to the tremendously improved play of almost-forgotten seniors Robert Hughes, Brian Smith, and Duval Kamara.  With only one year under Kelly’s system, these players elevated their games out of the ruts they had previously been stuck in and all three have contributed significantly to our November winning streak.  Just imagine the type of players they could have developed into with four years under the Kelly system.  There is no limit to the potential that can be unlocked by our current players with 2, 3, or 4 more years of eligibility, as long as they come to play every day for the right reasons.

Kelly’s most telling quote during the press conference came during his discussion of offensive tackle Taylor Dever and his passion for the game:  “Let me put it this way, we have some guys that play because there’s 81,000 in that stadium.  Most of our guys would play if not one fan showed up for the game.  Those are the guys that I want… We had too many guys here that were interested in the walk from the Basilica, wearing the Notre Dame helmet, and running out before 81,000.  That can’t be your prime reason for being at the University of Notre Dame.  Now, we’ve changed a lot of that…”

If that quote, reminiscent of the “Irish Creed” that Kelly posted on the wall of the locker room when he arrived, serves as an indicator of where Notre Dame Football is headed, the Fighting Irish Faithful should start preparing now for one hell of a return to glory.

Even though the South Bend v. South Beach matchup on the last day of 2010 does not have the flare that it did during the height of the Catholics v. Convicts rivalry which peaked in 1988 with the “Brawl Miami” game in Notre Dame Stadium (brilliantly recalled by Rocket Ismail here) it represents a first-look at the rejuvenation of our program and a prelude to a reshaped rivalry.

The announcement that Notre Dame and Miami would begin a three-game series two years from now in Chicago’s Soldier Field brought much attention and excitement when it became official this past summer.  Not only does the Sun Bowl provide a prequel, but it also presents tremendous opportunities for both programs.  For one, both teams have been awarded with 15 bonus practices between the end of the regular season and the bowl.  For the Hurricanes, it’s a chance to show off a defense that ranks second nationally in pass efficiency and first in tackles-for-loss.  For the Fighting Irish, the prospect of building upon the confident play of our newfound defense and adding an impressive win to a schedule that was recently ranked by the NCAA as the toughest in the nation (with every opponent besides Purdue and U$C appearing in a bowl) has coaches, players, and fans more than excited.  For those who will be travelling to El Paso, and the millions more across the nation watching on CBS, hopefully it will offer a great way to welcome in the new year with a victory celebration.

The Fall of Troy: Revisited

Wow… They weren’t joking about that whole law school finals thing.  A lot has happened in the land of the Fighting Irish since I last had a chance to put together a real post, so before we jump into hype for the South Bend v South Beach matchup on New Year’s Eve (not exactly Catholics v Convicts anymore) I feel like I need to celebrate the fact that NOTRE DAME FINALLY BEAT U$C!

The October 2009 loss, agonizing as it was,
made the November 2010 win so much sweeter... brah.

Enough has already been written about “what this win means,” or how lucky we were (I prefer to think of it not as a dropped pass, but a pass deflected by God, who was finally sick of seeing his Mom’s team lose) so I will resort to sharing my own opinion on the matter as a fan and former leprechaun:

What does this win mean?

Tommy Reese, the first Notre Dame quarterback to defeat the mighty men of Troy since Carlyl Holiday did so in 2001, described the win in the only way he could by saying "Words can not do it justice."

In words borrowed from Lou Holtz, Brian Kelly talked about taking pride in the fact that his lads "didn't flinch" against a rival that has tormented all of Notre Dame Nation over most of the past decade.  According to Kelly, "We put the fight back into the Fighting Irish today."

I’d love to say that a win over the Trojans has been a long time coming, but I personally can’t.  Even though it feels like an eternity, the misery only began for me in 2005 with the Bush Push (which, Ironically enough… never happened). 

That legendary game between #9 Notre Dame and #1 U$C was the first college football game I watched after applying to college, and my first experience as a Notre Dame fan.  I’ll always remember exactly where I was and what I was doing during that game.  Actually, I was on a double-date at a bowling alley and I was attempting (unsuccessfully) to divide my attention between the amazing spectacle on TV and my date.  I remember jumping up and down screaming when it appeared as though the Fighting Irish had won, since the students had begun to rush the field and there was no sound on the TV at the bowling alley.  I then watched in disbelief as the officials ushered fans back into their seats and added time back on to the expired clock.  Let’s just say what transpired next ruined the rest of the night not only for every Notre Dame fan watching, but for my date as well…

As a student at Notre Dame, I lived through 3 brutally embarrassing defeats before finally feeling the tide begin to change direction during my senior year.  The stars seemed like they just might align in 2009.  The entire campus breathed “BEAT SC,” and loyal students spent more time hanging up posters, writing on sidewalks, and building a Trojan Horse than they did studying for midterms.  At the Friday night rally, I burst out of the horse sporting a mohawk and Tommy Trojan’s sword (which I broke over my knee) and tens of thousands roared as Rocket Ismail delivered a gospel-like speech that none in attendance will ever forget.  I had never been more amped in my life, and the energy coming from the greened out student section during that game lifted our team to come soaring back within striking distance of our mighty foes late in the second half.  Alas, my dreams of standing atop the north-endzone goalpost as the students tore it down flew out the window when our fourth-and-goal pass fell incomplete.  At that moment, in agonizing pain, I vowed that I would one day witness the fall of Troy.

I did what any traumatized recently-retired leprechaun would do when I decided to live in Southern California with fellow Irish Creed writer FightingIrish1313 during the summer of 2010.  While living behind enemy lines, not only did I visit the soon-to-disappear Heisman trophy belonging to Reggie Bush, but I also left behind a small Irish charm somewhere on their campus, thus putting the dreaded Curse of the Leprechaun on the University of Spoiled Children. (You can read about my SoCal adventure here).

Flash forward to this November, as I arrived in Huntington Beach for Thanksgiving by the ocean where the sign at my hotel read “The word of the day is: STOKED!”  Stoked I was, possibly even hella-stoked, to spend a few days soaking up some cosmic rays in the OC before venturing into a quaint neighborhood known as South Central LA for a rivalry showdown featuring backup quarterbacks starting on both sides.  Hella-stoked for a win… brah.

I must admit that I was impressed with the tailgating scene prior to Senior Night in the Coliseum (whoa… totally sorry for spoiling your big night… brah).  Some creative Californians even hanged an effigy of a leprechaun from a tree, which was lovely.

Once inside the Coliseum, I discovered that most Fighting Irish fans had been relegated to the cheap seats that are literally nowhere near the football field.  Not to worry, because the Trojans failed to fill their own house as expected.  It didn’t take long before we created a cheering section of our own in the corner of the endzone.  More than once, our celebratory cheers and jeers could be heard on the field over the lifeless din of the SoCal crowd.  While the Irish Tricolour flag upon which I had spray-painted “KILL SO CAL” did not amuse those around us, it did spark some energy when I joined the crowd-surfing students in the fourth quarter.  Our small band of faithful fans shared tremendous highs and lows throughout the game, and as the clock hit 00:00 an overwhelming sense of relief swept over us all.  An army of security guards surrounded us to make sure any attempts to rush the field would be thwarted, but we were perfectly content standing arm in arm singing our Alma Mater with smiles on our faces.  As we exited the friendly confines of the Coliseum, we thanked our gracious hosts for the win, and echoes of the Notre Dame Victory March reverberated throughout every hallway.

In reference to the thousands of Cali brahs who showed us the real meaning of the term “fair-weather fan” when they left the game early in droves after finding the blustery 50 degree night far too frigid for their liking, I guess revenge actually is best when served cold (pun intended).  I do respect their loyal fans who stuck it out in a losing effort on Senior Night though, because I’ve been there and done that.  


I left the game excited for the future of the “Greatest Intersectional Rivalry” in college football.  It takes two to tango in a true rivalry, and we haven’t shown enough fight to even make the games interesting as of late.   As one of about 3 Notre Dame fans (and the only one decked out head to toe in bright green) at the 9-0 (the CJ’s of SoCal) after the game, I was a bit surprised at how many Trojan fans approached me with toasts “to the rivalry” (and even more surprised that I escaped with my life after half the SC football team showed up).  If Coach Kelly was right, and the Fall of Troy was a sign that we finally put the fight back into the Fighting Irish, then I’d like to join those Trojan fans by raising a glass “to the rivalry.”

All in all, my ND v SC experience has been an eventful journey, and I am hella-stoked for its continuance now that the drought is over and Kelly’s reign has begun (also hella-stoked to have the Jeweled Shillelagh back in the JACC... brah).

Kelly’s Unwavering Vision

The only way last Saturday’s 35-17 loss to Navy could have ended worse would have been if Kelly, his team, and his staff adopted the doom-and-gloom outlook that much of Notre Dame Nation has exhibited in the days since.  Fortunately for our school, our football program, and all of us fans, Kelly’s refusal to be phased by the loss has his team looking in the right direction (hint: not backwards). 

Despite recent growing pains,
Kelly leads with an unwavering vision that will have
Notre Dame back on top in the years to come.

In his press conference immediately following our loss to Navy, Kelly acknowledged that he and his staff didn’t have an answer to their opponent’s strategy.  When that happens, as he so simply put it, “you get what you deserve.”  While Kelly did voice expectations of improved execution during the weeks to come, at no point did he throw his players under the proverbial bus or claim (as so many “critics” have without warrant) that his guys played without heart.  Interestingly enough, he made it clear that he approved of the way his team played with toughness throughout the game.

After four days of reflection, I finally agree with Kelly on these points.  The easy conclusion to jump to in reaction to such a loss is one claiming that our players just didn’t care, had no heart, or gave up.  After taking a step back, though, I can’t come up with any real evidence of that happening.  What I did see, however, was a team that appeared to be flat due to confusion and an inability to overcome gaping holes created by injuries.  Without the proper scheme, our defense was unable to step up and make stops when it needed to (or at all, for that matter).  Without Floyd, Rudy, Theo, or a 100% healthy Allen, our offense was unable to find its rhythm.  We simply aren’t talented enough (YET!) to be able to overcome such deficiencies. 

Enough about last week.  Our coaches and players know how hard they fought and they know what they must do during the remainder of the season, so last week no longer matters.  As Coach Kelly said in that same press conference, he likes his guys and trusts his coaches, the necessary changes are taking place, and no matter how viciously the team comes under fire from outside criticism, they “have each other’s backs.”

Rather than hang his head, Kelly is remaining steadfast in his confidence that Notre Dame is well on its way to returning to “where it should be.”  His current perspective stands as proof that he is exactly the type of leader we need to help us climb out of the basement back up to the top floor.  Right now, at this very moment, he is injecting strong leadership and a focused vision into a program that has seemed lost at sea lately (especially after 3 losses to navy… get it?!)

During his first press conference focusing on this Saturday’s matchup between the Fighting Irish and the Golden Hurricane, Kelly stayed true to the message he has been preaching all year.  He stressed player development, the need to remain “focused on the right things” no matter what, and continuing progress “as we move forward.”  Of his inherited senior class, he is proud of the way they are “building a foundation” for the resurgence of our program. 

In sharing all of this information, I hope to send a message to all the doubters and doomsday “analysts.”  I would advise that you hold your tongues for now, in hopes that no one is keeping your faithless statements on record to remind you of your disloyalty when we are finally back on top.  It will take a lot for us to get back “where we should be,” no doubt.  Not only must the team show sacrifice, resolve, and mental toughness, however, but every student, alumni, and fan must as well. 

We need to change our attitude, our mindset, and our overall culture as a community.  Disenchantment and submission to mediocrity must not be tolerated, this is true.  The road won’t be easy, though, and resolve will be a key factor in our return to glory.  In the words of the great prophet Steve Miller, sometimes “you know you got to go through Hell before you get to Heaven.”  I honestly believe that Coach Kelly’s vision for Notre Dame can help us find our way.  Here’s to hoping all you of little faith can find it within yourselves to believe as I do (and as Lou does).