ND takes DC

Notre Dame took over Washington D.C. both on and off the field during a weekend that featured a pep rally at the National Mall, a marching band concert on Capitol Hill, and a 45-21 win at FedEx Field that landed the Fightin' Irish back in the Top 25.

Prior to the game, Kelly stressed the need to start strong and display the mental edge that his program has been developing through the thick and thin of a season that has been eventful to say the least.  The Boys in Blue and Gold did just that, as Rees showed signs of finally coming into his own by calmly distributing the ball to the arsenal of lethal weapons at his disposal without succumbing to the "self-inflicted wounds" that have plagued much of his season.  

Throughout the game, Kelly's offense showed just how dangerous it can be when run with speed and efficiency.  As the second half wore on, it became more and more evident that Maryland just couldn't keep up.  If we maintain that tempo over the course of our final three games, there isn't a defense in the nation (besides maybe Alabama or LSU) that will be able to shut us down.

After the win, Kelly congratulated his team on the way they converted a tough week of practice into production on the field, adding: "... we're starting to get into that area of winning football games week after week, so the point I'm making to you is this: Don't change what you're doing.  Prepare during the week and make Saturdays easy..."  If Fightin' Irish fans can put impatience aside just long enough to read between the lines of such statements and take a look at where this team and this program is headed, they should be able to discern the light-years that separate our current regime from the last.  Needless to say, I like the charted course we're on, I'm confident in Kelly as our navigator, and I'm excited for the road ahead...

...The next stop on that road brings us back home as the seniors get a chance to go out in style by beating up on our little brother school.  Following that final tune-up game, they hit the westward trail to on a mission to chop down the no-longer-unbeaten trees.  Last stop?  It looks like we'll be popping bottles with Mickey and his gang on New Year's Eve as we celebrate a victory in the Champ Sports Bowl.

Irish to Invade Nation's Capitol

The Band of the Fightin' Irish will perform on the U.S. Capitol Lawn and Notre Dame Football will go GREEN on Saturday.

Notre Dame will be rocking an interesting look in what has been dubbed the
"Shamrock Series" against Maryland in Washington D.C. on Saturday

Before the Fightin' Irish took on the Demon Deacons in Winston Salem last Saturday, Coach Kelly delivered a pregame speech that described the season as a "journey" that every player and every coach must go through together in order to reach the level of championship-caliber football that is expected at Notre Dame.  After the hard-fought victory, one that the casual observer would have reason to call "ugly," Kelly congratulated his team on its "gritty, tough performance."  


While most fans would have rather witnessed a blowout victory than a 60 minute grind-fest, winning that type of game will prove to be valuable for our team down the road.  The total domination of Navy brought confidence back to our Boys in Blue and Gold, but thie far-from-sexy win over Wake may have taught them much more valuable lessons about maintaining a consistent approach after falling behind, and finishing strong once in the lead.  


Each time the players took the field against Wake, they rallied around the phrase "Count on me."  With two easy Ws coming up against Maryland and Backup College, we should all be tipping out hats to the Deacs for reminding our players how essential it is that they count on each other no matter how any particular game plays out.  


Speaking of Maryland, the Fightin' Irish will be invading our nation's capital for their third annual "Home away from Home" game, this time against the Terrapins at Fed Ex Field.  Prior to Saturday night's game, the Fightin' Irish Faithful will get a chance to show their support along with guest speakers Joe Theismann and Reggie Brooks as the Pep Rally on Friday night will be held at the National Mall.  On Saturday, Unviersity President Fr. John Jenkins will celebrate mass at 10:00am in St, Matthew's Cathedral, followed by a performance featuring the entire Band of the Fighting Irish on the U.S. Capitol Lawn at 12:00pm.  All of these events are free and open to the public, so go celebrate "God, Country, Notre Dame" if you are in the area.


Finally, the Fightin' Irish will take on the Terrapins in a battle of unconventional uniforms at 7:30pm.  After recently revealing our new Golden disco ball helmets with green face masks and shamrock accents, I wouldn't be surprised if we take the field in some sort of funky take on "throwbacks" that feature much more of my favorite color than usual.  Not to be outdone in terms of ridiculous attire, I'm sure that Maryland will come out with their latest Ninja-Turtle look while also incorporating their state flag in the least fashionable way possible per usual.  Regardless, it will be interesting to see what both sides come up with.  Oh yeah... they're going to play football too...


In all seriousness, this game should provide a nice confidence boost and an overall enjoyable experience for Kelly's banged up squad.  Hopefully it leaves them feeling refreshed prior to their final tune-up game against our little brother school from New England on Senior Night.  All in all, Saturday will bring us one step closer to the West Coast, where we hope to capture some Luck and harvest some timber over the Thanksgiving holiday.

Official Press Release Explaining New Changes to Uniforms:
This marks the first in a series of uniform features that will be utilized for Notre Dame's Shamrock Series contests. After the 2011 game at FedExField, the Shamrock Series in 2012 moves to Soldier Field in Chicago for a game against Miami. In 2013 the Shamrock Series matchup against Arizona State will be played at Cowboys Stadium in Arlington, Texas. The Irish will showcase uniform variations in their annual Shamrock Series games but otherwise will wear their standard uniforms the rest of the season. 


(For the record, I am 100% behind such efforts to inject new elements into the Notre Dame Football experience as long as they stay in line with our traditions of excellence, class, and honoring our rich heritage.  I look forward to the continuation of the "Shamrock Series" as well as alternate uniforms used specifically for those games, while keeping the traditional look intact for the remainder of each season).