20 Questions: ND 2010 Preview Edition

The 2010 college football season will kick-off in 52 days for the University of Notre Dame. So, I compiled a quick quiz, which should reveal the mass’s expectations for our Fighting Irish this season. Humor me. Answer yes or no.

In the upcoming 2010 football season will…
1. Michael Floyd account for at least 15 touchdowns?
2. Dayne Crist start every game?
3. Armando Allen rush for more than 1,000 yards?
4. the starting defensive ends, Ethan Johnson and Kapron Lewis-Moore, account for at least 10 sacks, total?
5. Kyle Rudolph receive at least 50 passes?
6. Manti Te’o accumulate at least 100 stops?
7. the outside linebackers—Brian Smith, Darius Fleming, Steve Filer, and Kerry Neal—account for at least 40 total tackles for a loss?
8. the first three cornerbacks – Darrin Walls, Gary Gray, and Robert Blanton – account for at least 15 pass break-ups?
9. the quarterbacks throw 12 interceptions, or less, total?
10. the offense score more than 20 rushing touchdowns?
11. the offense average better than 5.0 yards per carry?
12. the defense prevent opposing offenses from averaging 5.0 yards per carry, or better?
13. Harrison Smith and Jamoris Slaughter be directly responsible (INT, FF, or FR) for at least 8 turnovers?
14. Nick Tausch connect on at least 75% of his field goal attempts?
15. Ben Turk average better than 40.0 net yards per punt?
16. Notre Dame outscore opponents in the 4th quarter?
17. Notre Dame outscore opponents in the 1st quarter?
18. the third-leading receiver (as determined by number of receptions) have at least 50 receptions?
19. the defense keep opposing teams under 60% completion?
20. the defense keep opposing teams under 150.0 rushing yards per game?

Count your “yes’s”.

20: Delusional --> 2010-2011 National Champions

19- 17: Sippin’ the Kool-Aid --> BCS Bowl, Baybaaay

16-14: Firmly on the bandwagon --> can’t wait to proclaim “ND is Back, bitches!” on all of the message boards

13-11: Cautiously optimistic --> this season will neither make nor break your perception of Coach Kelly and his ability to resurrect our glorious program

10-8: I’ll believe it when I see it --> hardened, life-long ND fan numb to all things college football

7-5: This was the wrong hire or we just don’t have the talent --> you work for a major sports entertainment and news network

5 or less: ND is irrelevant --> hey Notre LAME, Rudy sucks

Please, post your results in the comment section below.

T's 2010 Man-Crush # 5

It’s back! It’s back! Oh, yes!!! It’s BACK! Yes, that’s right. T’s annual man-crush list extravaganza! And, I might actually finish the list this year!

Those who are familiar with T’s annual man-crush list have probably already moved on to another website, but for those who are new to T’s, keep reading for brief background on what is largely considered the most anticipated annual publication in the world [NOTE: All statistical research is performed courtesy of the University of Southern California’s elite fact-finding team].

So, prior to the 2009 season, after analyzing mountains of objective data I compiled a list of my 10 biggest Notre Dame Football Man-Crushes. Unfortunately, due to unforeseen circumstances (severe laziness and frustration) I was rendered physically unable to complete the list after only 3 entries. Therefore, the current version of “The List” will consist of 5 current ND Football players, for whom I maintain substantial professional adoration, ranked in order of sweetness.
Without further ado, allow me to introduce the first member of the List 2.0. At #5, Fighting Irish signal-caller Dayne “Jesus” Christ Crist. A highly coveted recruit, the junior QB arrived on campus one year after ND signed arguably the most highly-regarded high school quarterback in the history of Earth and the second most significant JC in ND history.

What’s not to like about ND’s latest California Golden Boy? He will instantly become your girlfriends’/wives’ favorite player for obvious reasons (see image above). By all accounts, Dayne is adored by his teammates. He became the figure-head of the 2008 recruiting class, which ranked as the best in the country, per rivals.com. Additionally, Crist possesses a super, laser rocket-arm, which only a few QBs can claim. Lastly, he’s truly a good guy and up-standing citizen. Dayne is actively involved with efforts to raise money for St. Baldrick’s, an organization that raises money for Pediatric Cancer Research. This past April Dayne, along with a handful of other teammates, recruited over 40 ND football players to participate in the “Bald and the Beautiful” fund-raising event.

Even though Clausen was arguably the most talented passer to play at ND, he left with a losing record. [NOTE: How did this guy slip to the second round? He’ll be the best QB from that draft class. You heard it here first.] So, the ND fan base is ripe for a leader to rise and lead Our Lady to national prominence, and I’m already on the bandwagon.