While it will be up to the IRISH defense to lead the charge on Friday against Miami, it will be up to offense to execute, particularly in capitalizing on turnovers and good field position. In addition, the IRISH offense will need to establish the run game and control the line of scrimmage, as well sustain drives through execution on 3rd down.
All of these key factors boil down to the play of the Irish offensive line. The men in trenches will need make room for the Wood and Hughes in order to get the offense flowing. The vaunted Miami Hurricane defense leads the nation in tackles for a loss. If the line can't block, the offense will sputter, pinning the whole game on the shoulders of the defense.
In addition, the Irish need the ground game to effectively open up the passing game. The Irish will need to stretch the field to keep the Miami defenders at bay and out of the backfield and off quarterback Tommy Rees. The Miami defense ranks 6th in the nation in sacks. If Miami starts to reek havoc across the line of scrimmage and disrupt the pass, the Irish will have no chance at victory.
Furthermore, the passing game might have a rough time getting started. With starting wide out Duval Kamara not playing, or even traveling to the game, due to personal reasons, it will be up to John Goodman and others to replace him. In addition, all eyes will be on stud receiver Michael Floyd, who will have a premier NFL match-up against talented Miami corner Brandon Harrison. Expect the fast and talented Miami linebacking corp led by Sean Spence to disrupt the Rees-Eifert connection down the middle as well.
Even though on paper it does not bode well for the Irish offense, it's hard to doubt freshman quarterback Tommy Rees. The Irish offense has already shown the ability to overcome four turnovers and still win the game (Thanks defense!). Not to mention, Rees is undefeated (3-0) as a starter, and there is no reason to believe that will change anytime soon.
GO IRISH!!! BEAT HURRICANES!!!
Thursday, December 30, 2010
Tuesday, December 28, 2010
IRISH Defense vs. Miami Offense
If the IRISH wish to have success against Miami on Friday, then it will no doubt start on defense, which has led the Irish to their last three victories. While Miami has yet to name a starting quarterback, both Jacory Harris and Stephen Morris are both dual-threat quarterbacks that will pose challenges to the ND defense. The Miami offense averages 232 yards in the air (49th in nation) and 190 yards on the ground (26th in the nation) for a total of 422 ypg and 27.1 ppg (58th).
With such a balanced offensive attack, Notre Dame will be forced into key individual match-ups that will no doubt influence the outcome of the game:
Kapron Lewis-Moore/Ethan Johnson vs. Seantrel Henderson/Brandon Linder
The starting freshman tackles for Miami (both heavily recruited by Notre Dame) are instrumental in protecting the Miami quarterback and for igniting the run game. It will be important to watch the pressure ND is able to put on Harris/Morris. With Ian Williams returning from injury to man the middle, the IRISH D line needs to get pressure on the quarterback. If they can contain Harris/Morris from big gains on the ground, and force some bad throws (Harris has 12 INTs on the season), the D will put the Irish in great position to win the game.
Manti T'eo/Brian Smith vs. Damien Berry/Lamar Miller
Miami's strength on offense is its run game. Therefore, it will be up to the Irish inside linebackers to put the squash on the two-headed rushing attack of the Hurricanes. If T'eo and Smith tackle well and play their assignments to stop the run, then it forces Miami into to rely on the passing game. At the same time, T'eo and Smith will have to play spy on both QBs, as they have the ability to stretch the field with their legs.
Harrison Smith vs. Leonard Hankerson
Hankerson is Miami's big play receiver and at 6'-6", he's a tough target to miss. Miami lines Hankerson up all over the field, but he is most effective at the slot/tight end spot. This creates one-on-one match-ups with slow linebackers and undersized safeties - i.e. Harrison Smith. It will be up to Smith to stop Hankerson's ability to stretch the field down the middle, as well as provide support to the corners on the outside islands.
It's no secret that as the IRISH defense goes, so does the ability to win the game. I expect the Irish D to rattle the Hurricanes early. If they can force a few turnovers, the IRISH will be in great position to win.
-DH
With such a balanced offensive attack, Notre Dame will be forced into key individual match-ups that will no doubt influence the outcome of the game:
Kapron Lewis-Moore/Ethan Johnson vs. Seantrel Henderson/Brandon Linder
The starting freshman tackles for Miami (both heavily recruited by Notre Dame) are instrumental in protecting the Miami quarterback and for igniting the run game. It will be important to watch the pressure ND is able to put on Harris/Morris. With Ian Williams returning from injury to man the middle, the IRISH D line needs to get pressure on the quarterback. If they can contain Harris/Morris from big gains on the ground, and force some bad throws (Harris has 12 INTs on the season), the D will put the Irish in great position to win the game.
Manti T'eo/Brian Smith vs. Damien Berry/Lamar Miller
Miami's strength on offense is its run game. Therefore, it will be up to the Irish inside linebackers to put the squash on the two-headed rushing attack of the Hurricanes. If T'eo and Smith tackle well and play their assignments to stop the run, then it forces Miami into to rely on the passing game. At the same time, T'eo and Smith will have to play spy on both QBs, as they have the ability to stretch the field with their legs.
Harrison Smith vs. Leonard Hankerson
Hankerson is Miami's big play receiver and at 6'-6", he's a tough target to miss. Miami lines Hankerson up all over the field, but he is most effective at the slot/tight end spot. This creates one-on-one match-ups with slow linebackers and undersized safeties - i.e. Harrison Smith. It will be up to Smith to stop Hankerson's ability to stretch the field down the middle, as well as provide support to the corners on the outside islands.
It's no secret that as the IRISH defense goes, so does the ability to win the game. I expect the Irish D to rattle the Hurricanes early. If they can force a few turnovers, the IRISH will be in great position to win.
-DH
Monday, December 27, 2010
Welcome to Bowl Week
Welcome to NDFB Sun Bowl coverage! On Friday at 2 PM, the IRISH will be taking on "the U" in the 77th annual Hyundai Sun Bowl in sunny El Paso, Texas. The IRISH are looking for their second straight bowl victory, but odds are currently set with Notre Dame as a three point underdog.
The coaching staff and team is in the process of traveling to El Paso today and tomorrow. The players were given releases to head home for Christmas and the winter blizzard along the east coast has delayed travel plans. The IRISH are set to practice Tuesday and Wednesday with a walk-thru on Thursday.
The bowl game captains will be Brian Smith and Robert Hughes. These are perfect selections for a game of such magnitude. Called "adversity captains," both players have been on and off starters for all four years at ND, with their sophomore seasons being arguably their best performances. But on Friday, both will close out their careers in an Irish uniform - hopefully in winning fashion.
Check out the official Sun Bowl media guide for stats, comparisons and official gameday information available here. Check back tomorrow for a break down of IRISH defense v. Miami offense.
Also, what happens down in Mexico, stays in Mexico. Disclaimer: You are hereby advised to not even go to Mexico.
The coaching staff and team is in the process of traveling to El Paso today and tomorrow. The players were given releases to head home for Christmas and the winter blizzard along the east coast has delayed travel plans. The IRISH are set to practice Tuesday and Wednesday with a walk-thru on Thursday.
The bowl game captains will be Brian Smith and Robert Hughes. These are perfect selections for a game of such magnitude. Called "adversity captains," both players have been on and off starters for all four years at ND, with their sophomore seasons being arguably their best performances. But on Friday, both will close out their careers in an Irish uniform - hopefully in winning fashion.
Check out the official Sun Bowl media guide for stats, comparisons and official gameday information available here. Check back tomorrow for a break down of IRISH defense v. Miami offense.
Also, what happens down in Mexico, stays in Mexico. Disclaimer: You are hereby advised to not even go to Mexico.
Friday, December 24, 2010
NDFB Hoopla - Christmas Edition
Welcome to the Christmas version of NDFB Hoopla:
MERRY CHRISTMAS to all our fans and readers! May God bless you and your families!
- Merry Christmas to Steve Addazio! Addazio is leaving his post as offensive coordinator at Florida to take the head coaching position at Temple. Addazio was the offensive line/special teams/tight ends coach at Notre Dame under Bob Davie from 1999-2001, where he worked with Urban Meyer.
- Merry Christmas to Bob Davie! Media outlets along the East Coast are reporting that Bob Davie interviewed multiple times for the Temple head coaching position. While Davie is not the best announcer, he is an even worse coach, and I, for one, cannot fathom Davie roaming the sidelines again.
- Merry Christmas to David Ruffer! Ruffer received First Team honors to the 2010 ESPN Academic All-American Team. 5th-year seniors Barry Gallup Jr. and Chris Stewart both received All-Region recognition for their work in the classroom.
- Merry Christmas to Mike Brey! The IRISH Basketball Squad has improved to 11-1 as they start Big East play on Tuesday in a televised match-up with Top 10 foe Georgetown.
- Coal in the stocking to the Chicago Tribune and avid ND hater David Haugh for their tireless smear campaign on Notre Dame as a university and a football program.
MERRY CHRISTMAS to all our fans and readers! May God bless you and your families!
Tuesday, December 21, 2010
2010 Coaching Trends
Maryland announced yesterday that they had fired head coach Ralph Friedgen, subsequently buying out the remainder of his contract for a the sum of $2 million. Friedgen went 74-49 (.600) in ten seasons at Maryland, finishing with a winning record in six of those seasons, and three seasons with ten or more wins. This past season, Maryland finished 8-4 - an incredible turnaround from 2-10 a season ago that led Friedgen to be named ACC Coach of the Year.
However, Maryland did not see Friedgen as the coach of the year, or the future. Rather, with the head-coach-in-waiting James Franklin departing to be head coach at Vanderbilt, the Maryland athletic director saw this as the perfect opportunity to perform his coup and oust Friedgen in favor of former Texas Tech coach Mike Leach (rumored). Sources state that Maryland wanted to perform this magic trick after last season, but had too much money on the table for Friedgen and Franklin.
This is but another example of two rising trends in college football. One, coaches can be fired for winning. Two, it does not pay to name a head-coach-in-waiting (HCIW).
Randy Shannon (7-5), Dave Wannstedt (7-5), and now Ralph Friedgen (8-4) were all fired after winning seasons. Both Shannon and Wannstedt had completed their third straight winning season, and all three teams are playing in a bowl game. Recall, Ty Willingham was fired after an unsuccessful 6-6 campaign, his second straight losing season, and all hell broke loose. Charlie Weis was fired after a 6-6 season, essentially his third straight losing season, and all hell broke loose.
The Willingham situation resulted in the infamous, "From Sunday through Friday our football program has exceeded all expectations, in every way," (Then Athletic Director Kevin White) said. "But on Saturday, we struggled. We've been up and down and sideways a little bit." It's ironic to think that Notre Dame fired their coach for on-field performance and all of sudden, it was showered with the chants of "Football Factory." Schools nowadays are firing coaches for great on-field performances, but just in front of too few people. All three schools mentioned above cited lack of attendance as reasons for making changes and not a word has been spoken about it!
Interesting enough, take a look at some of the big name coaching changes at the close of the 2004 season. Much like Maryland, Notre Dame had the opportunity to go after the guy they wanted in 2004, Urban Meyer, and thus set the wheels in motion to oust Ty. It was a program dedicated to getting the best coach possible at a time when the picking was ripe. In reality, one could say Notre Dame was doing it long before most other schools, except that Notre Dame took the most heat for it. (I could go on and on about media hatred for ND)
As to the second point, Will Muschamp threw away his HCIW position at Texas to become the head coach at Florida. James Franklin turned away from his HCIW position at Maryland to become the head coach at Vanderbilt. Dana Holgerson left his post as offensive coordinator at Oklahoma State to become HCIW at West Virginia. What is happening?!? Teams now not only need to hire head coaches, but also head-coaches-in-waiting, while spending an extra few million dollars to do it.
The situation of a HCIW is intended to create a smooth transition for the program during the coaching transition, thus facilitating recruiting and player development. In theory, it's also intended for major programs, already with high profile and successful coaches, to retain talented assistants for the future. However, these recent examples have shown that the almighty dollar can lure any coach away, or push them out the door. This begs the question, why even announce or designate a HCIW then?
Only time will tell whether these coaching trends are here to stay. As for Notre Dame, I do not anticipate the firing of Brian Kelly anytime soon. Most logical Notre Dame fans cannot help but be impressed with the 7-5 record compiled by the IRISH this season. Compared to Willingham's 10-3 start and Weis' 9-3 start, Kelly's 7-5 has produce some realistic expectations and hopes for the future of Notre Dame Football. As for the head-coach-in-waiting, there is no need to name one as I envision Kelly will be here as long as he likes.
-DH
However, Maryland did not see Friedgen as the coach of the year, or the future. Rather, with the head-coach-in-waiting James Franklin departing to be head coach at Vanderbilt, the Maryland athletic director saw this as the perfect opportunity to perform his coup and oust Friedgen in favor of former Texas Tech coach Mike Leach (rumored). Sources state that Maryland wanted to perform this magic trick after last season, but had too much money on the table for Friedgen and Franklin.
This is but another example of two rising trends in college football. One, coaches can be fired for winning. Two, it does not pay to name a head-coach-in-waiting (HCIW).
Randy Shannon (7-5), Dave Wannstedt (7-5), and now Ralph Friedgen (8-4) were all fired after winning seasons. Both Shannon and Wannstedt had completed their third straight winning season, and all three teams are playing in a bowl game. Recall, Ty Willingham was fired after an unsuccessful 6-6 campaign, his second straight losing season, and all hell broke loose. Charlie Weis was fired after a 6-6 season, essentially his third straight losing season, and all hell broke loose.
The Willingham situation resulted in the infamous, "From Sunday through Friday our football program has exceeded all expectations, in every way," (Then Athletic Director Kevin White) said. "But on Saturday, we struggled. We've been up and down and sideways a little bit." It's ironic to think that Notre Dame fired their coach for on-field performance and all of sudden, it was showered with the chants of "Football Factory." Schools nowadays are firing coaches for great on-field performances, but just in front of too few people. All three schools mentioned above cited lack of attendance as reasons for making changes and not a word has been spoken about it!
Interesting enough, take a look at some of the big name coaching changes at the close of the 2004 season. Much like Maryland, Notre Dame had the opportunity to go after the guy they wanted in 2004, Urban Meyer, and thus set the wheels in motion to oust Ty. It was a program dedicated to getting the best coach possible at a time when the picking was ripe. In reality, one could say Notre Dame was doing it long before most other schools, except that Notre Dame took the most heat for it. (I could go on and on about media hatred for ND)
As to the second point, Will Muschamp threw away his HCIW position at Texas to become the head coach at Florida. James Franklin turned away from his HCIW position at Maryland to become the head coach at Vanderbilt. Dana Holgerson left his post as offensive coordinator at Oklahoma State to become HCIW at West Virginia. What is happening?!? Teams now not only need to hire head coaches, but also head-coaches-in-waiting, while spending an extra few million dollars to do it.
The situation of a HCIW is intended to create a smooth transition for the program during the coaching transition, thus facilitating recruiting and player development. In theory, it's also intended for major programs, already with high profile and successful coaches, to retain talented assistants for the future. However, these recent examples have shown that the almighty dollar can lure any coach away, or push them out the door. This begs the question, why even announce or designate a HCIW then?
Only time will tell whether these coaching trends are here to stay. As for Notre Dame, I do not anticipate the firing of Brian Kelly anytime soon. Most logical Notre Dame fans cannot help but be impressed with the 7-5 record compiled by the IRISH this season. Compared to Willingham's 10-3 start and Weis' 9-3 start, Kelly's 7-5 has produce some realistic expectations and hopes for the future of Notre Dame Football. As for the head-coach-in-waiting, there is no need to name one as I envision Kelly will be here as long as he likes.
-DH
Friday, December 17, 2010
NDFB Hoopla
With much fanfare, this week's edition of NDFB Hoopla:
- Sports Illustrated announced their 2010 All-American teams. Irish linebacker Manti T'eo and kicker David Ruffer both were 2nd team selections. Both are very deserving of the honor and I for one, hope to see them both return next year.
- The Paul Hornung Award has been recently established and will be given annually to college football's most versatile player. Paul "Golden Boy" Hornung , a Notre Dame legend, was the 1956 Heisman Trophy Winner and was the No. 1 pick in the 1957 NFL Draft. While at Notre Dame, Hornung played quarterback, running back, halfback, defensive back, punted, kicked, and returned kicks. The 2o1o finalists are Owen Maracic (Stanford), Jeremy Kerley (TCU), and Randall Cobb (Kenucky). For more information visit the award website.
- Pittsburgh hired Miami (OH) head coach Mike Haywood to replace Dave Wannstadt as head coach. Haywood was a wide receiver at Notre Dame in the mid-80s and was offensive coordinator and running backs coach from 2005-2008 under head coach Charlie Weis. The Irish will face their old signal caller next year on September 24 at Pittsburgh.
- Bubba Cunningham, a '84 Notre Dame graduate, is rumored to become the next Athletic Director at Kansas. Cunningham held the same position at Tulsa and Ball State, but spent the first 15 years of his career in the Athletic Department at Notre Dame. Irish fans can expect future match-ups with Kansas on the football slate, much in the same way Tulsa appeared on the schedule.
- Domer Hunter "the Punter" Smith was recently released by the Washington Redskins after his botched extra point hold. Smith was in his 12th season in the NFL after being a 7th Round selection by the Indianapolis Colts in 1999.
Monday, December 13, 2010
The New Look of the Big Ten
With the additional of a twelfth school in Nebraska, the Big Ten is now forced to divide into two six conference teams, and thus a conference championship game. Recently, the two divisions were announced. The Leaders division consists of Illinois, Indiana, Ohio State, Purdue, Penn State, and Wisconsin. The Legends division consists of Michigan, Michigan State, Northwestern, Nebraska, Minnesota, and Iowa. However, what is even more intriguing is the plethora of new award titles for the league:
Now let's imagine Notre Dame joined the Big Ten in the off-season in lieu of Nebraska. I would keep the divisional breakdowns relatively the same, putting Notre Dame in the Legends division, while swapping out Michigan State for Purdue. That way, the Irish could keep traditional rivals in Michigan and Purdue, have an annual battle of Chicago with Northwestern, perennial strong foe in Iowa, and channel the recruiting pipeline in Minnesota. Not to mention, there would be occasional match-ups with Ohio State, Penn State, Wisconsin, and Michigan State. (I have no interest in Indiana or Illinois).
Furthermore, all the awards would have to be renamed to include all the Notre Dame legends. After all, certainly Notre Dame would have more influence than Nebraska's one inclusion. My best guess at the awards:
Raghib "Rocket" Ishmail Offensive Player of the Year Award
Leon Hart Defensive Player of the Year Award
Knute Rockne Coach of the Year Award
HM: Ara Parseghian, Dan Devine, Lou Holtz, Frank Leahy
George Connor Offensive Lineman of the Year Award
HM: Aaron Taylor, Jeff Faine
Ross Browner Defensive Lineman of the Year Award
HM: Alan Page, Chris Zorich, Bryant Young
Paul "Golden Boy" Hornung Quarterback of the Year Award
HM: Johnny Lujack, Harry Stuhldreher, John Huarte, Joe Theisman, Joe Montana, Terry Hanratty, Tony Rice
George "The Gipper" Gipp Running Back of the Year Award
HM: Jim Crowley, Leon Hart, Johnny Lattner, Elmer Layden, Nick Eddy, Vagas Ferguson, Allan Pinkett
Johnny Lujack Defensive Back of the Year Award
HM: Johnny Lattner
Jim Lynch Linebacker of the Year Award
HM: Nick Buoniconti
Tim Brown Wide Receiver of the Year Award
HM: Raghib Ishmail
Ken MacAfee Tight End of the Year Award
HM: Dave Casper, Mark Bavaro
John Carney Kicker of the Year Award
Hunter Smith Punter of the Year Award
The only award I could not figure out (because there's no way to really look it up) was the Freshman of the Year Award. Not to mention, I am sure there are names that I have forgotten, so feel free to comment below and remind me.
-DH
Now let's imagine Notre Dame joined the Big Ten in the off-season in lieu of Nebraska. I would keep the divisional breakdowns relatively the same, putting Notre Dame in the Legends division, while swapping out Michigan State for Purdue. That way, the Irish could keep traditional rivals in Michigan and Purdue, have an annual battle of Chicago with Northwestern, perennial strong foe in Iowa, and channel the recruiting pipeline in Minnesota. Not to mention, there would be occasional match-ups with Ohio State, Penn State, Wisconsin, and Michigan State. (I have no interest in Indiana or Illinois).
Furthermore, all the awards would have to be renamed to include all the Notre Dame legends. After all, certainly Notre Dame would have more influence than Nebraska's one inclusion. My best guess at the awards:
Raghib "Rocket" Ishmail Offensive Player of the Year Award
Leon Hart Defensive Player of the Year Award
Knute Rockne Coach of the Year Award
HM: Ara Parseghian, Dan Devine, Lou Holtz, Frank Leahy
George Connor Offensive Lineman of the Year Award
HM: Aaron Taylor, Jeff Faine
Ross Browner Defensive Lineman of the Year Award
HM: Alan Page, Chris Zorich, Bryant Young
Paul "Golden Boy" Hornung Quarterback of the Year Award
HM: Johnny Lujack, Harry Stuhldreher, John Huarte, Joe Theisman, Joe Montana, Terry Hanratty, Tony Rice
George "The Gipper" Gipp Running Back of the Year Award
HM: Jim Crowley, Leon Hart, Johnny Lattner, Elmer Layden, Nick Eddy, Vagas Ferguson, Allan Pinkett
Johnny Lujack Defensive Back of the Year Award
HM: Johnny Lattner
Jim Lynch Linebacker of the Year Award
HM: Nick Buoniconti
Tim Brown Wide Receiver of the Year Award
HM: Raghib Ishmail
Ken MacAfee Tight End of the Year Award
HM: Dave Casper, Mark Bavaro
John Carney Kicker of the Year Award
Hunter Smith Punter of the Year Award
The only award I could not figure out (because there's no way to really look it up) was the Freshman of the Year Award. Not to mention, I am sure there are names that I have forgotten, so feel free to comment below and remind me.
-DH
Friday, December 10, 2010
NDFB Hoopla
Welcome to the new NDFB Hoopla post! Check back every Friday for a weekly rundown on tidbits and information relevant to Notre Dame Football.
Bob Stoops - $4.4
Urban Meyer - $4
Jim Tressel - $3.9
Les Miles - $3.9
*All six won at least one National Championship in the 2000s
SALARY RANGE BREAKDOWN
+$3 million - 8 coaches
$2.9 - $2.0 - 16 coaches
$1.9 - $1.0 - 35 coaches
$.9 - $.5 - 18 coaches
-$500,000 - 31 coaches
MOST OVERPAID
Jim Grobe - Wake Forest - $3 million
June Jones - SMU - $2.1 million
BEST BARGAINS
Chris Ault - Nevada - $443,000
Mike Haywood - Miami (OH) - $300,000
2010 NC COACHES
Gene Chizik - Auburn - $2.1 million
Chip Kelly - Oregon - $2.4 million
- ESPN's Brian Bennett posted a great article here on Thursday about how Notre Dame played the toughest schedule in 2010 per NCAA. However, if you read ND From the Bleachers often, you would have already heard about this here.
- Kicker David Ruffer lost out on his bid for the Lou Groza Award on Thursday night at the Home Depot College Football Awards ceremony. Kicker Dan Bailey from Oklahoma State was the winner. This result will only further agonize Brian Kelly over his decision to throw for the endzone against Tulsa.
- USA Today recently released the 2010 compensation for FBS head coaches. Note: Not all schools reported including Notre Dame. Nonetheless, the highest paid coach in America is...Alabama's Nick Saban at $6 million a season. The next five are:
Bob Stoops - $4.4
Urban Meyer - $4
Jim Tressel - $3.9
Les Miles - $3.9
*All six won at least one National Championship in the 2000s
SALARY RANGE BREAKDOWN
+$3 million - 8 coaches
$2.9 - $2.0 - 16 coaches
$1.9 - $1.0 - 35 coaches
$.9 - $.5 - 18 coaches
-$500,000 - 31 coaches
MOST OVERPAID
Jim Grobe - Wake Forest - $3 million
June Jones - SMU - $2.1 million
BEST BARGAINS
Chris Ault - Nevada - $443,000
Mike Haywood - Miami (OH) - $300,000
2010 NC COACHES
Gene Chizik - Auburn - $2.1 million
Chip Kelly - Oregon - $2.4 million
- The least paid coach in America was Doug Martin at Kent State at the super clearance rate of $190,000. Since Martin's firing, a few replacement names have surfaced including Notre Dame Running Backs Coach Tony Alford and Notre Dame Defensive Backs Coach Chuck Martin.
Thursday, December 9, 2010
Recruiting Update Live from Cedar Rapids
ND From the Bleachers was in close proximity today for the announcement from 4-star athlete Christian French of John F. Kennedy high school. The 6'-6" recruit picked the Oregon Ducks over the Irish and in-state Iowa Hawkeyes.
Originally recruited as a LB or TE due to his massive size, French wanted to only play WR in college. By the time Kelly adjusted his recruitment, it was too late. While Notre Dame was in his top three schools, ND still appeared to be a long shot in third place.
Our exclusive source in Cedar Rapids commented, "I've seen (Christian French) play, and to be honest, I wasn't that impressed. It was obvious to me that he took plays off." Certainly not a RKG by Brian Kelly standards.
Nonetheless, the IRISH already have secured commitments from stud linebacker Jarrett Grace from Cincinnati, Ohio, as well as five defensive ends, some of whom will transition to the linebacker position.
Originally recruited as a LB or TE due to his massive size, French wanted to only play WR in college. By the time Kelly adjusted his recruitment, it was too late. While Notre Dame was in his top three schools, ND still appeared to be a long shot in third place.
Our exclusive source in Cedar Rapids commented, "I've seen (Christian French) play, and to be honest, I wasn't that impressed. It was obvious to me that he took plays off." Certainly not a RKG by Brian Kelly standards.
Nonetheless, the IRISH already have secured commitments from stud linebacker Jarrett Grace from Cincinnati, Ohio, as well as five defensive ends, some of whom will transition to the linebacker position.
Monday, December 6, 2010
Renewing a Rivalry
The Notre Dame-Miami rivalry is one of epic proportion. It was easily one of the best rivalries in the late 1980s, as it pitted two annual powerhouses with two legendary coaches in Lou Holtz and Jimmy Johnson.
The series climaxed in 1988 when #4 Notre Dame beat #1 Miami 31-30 at Notre Dame Stadium in the game known as "Catholics vs. Convicts." The win propelled the Irish to the 1988 National Championship, and kept Miami from what could have been three national titles in three years - Miami won the 1987 and 1989 National Championships.
Over twenty years since their last meeting, Notre Dame and Miami will renew this storied series at the Sun Bowl with their 24th meeting. Coincidentally, these two were already slated to renew the series in 2012 with a neutral site game at Soldier Field in Chicago. Nonetheless, a lot has changed since then. Notre Dame enters the bowl game with a 7-5 record, but are winners of the past three. It will be the first Irish bowl game under new head coach Brian Kelly - the 4th head coach for ND since Lou Holtz retired following the 1996 season. Miami enters the bowl game with a 7-5 record, but are losers of the their last two. That ultimately led to the firing of head coach Randy Shannon, Miami's 4th head coach since Jimmy Johnson left to become head coach of the Dallas Cowboys.
Two teams that were once on the top, are now struggling to gain momentum moving forward. Notre Dame could use a victory for a number of reasons. One, a final record of 8-5 looks much better than 7-6 (the Irish last reached eight wins in 2006). Two, a victory over a notorious Florida program would bolster ND's brand name in Florida. Kelly has already lost three Florida recruits to the likes of Florida and Florida State. Three, ending with a four game winning streak over quality opponents will bolster recruiting efforts, as well as motivate players in the off season. Four, the Irish could be ranked heading into next season.
Miami is looking at posting a victory for many of the same reasons, but also have the lame duck head coach factored against them. Interim head coach Jeff Southland is looking to make a splash in the coaching world not only for himself, but also his players and the future of the program. Need I remind Notre Dame fans of the strong output from Irish players (see Tuck, Justin) when Kent Baer led the Irish to the Insight.com bowl in 2004 following the firing of Ty Willingham. For this reason alone, the Irish should have the advantage heading into the game.
That being said, Miami remains a very talented and athletic squad. While they have questions at quarterback surrounding the health of QB Jacory Harris, Miami utilizes a balanced ground attack featuring Damien Berry (865 yds, 5 TDs) and Lamar Miller (633 yds, 6 TDs). Also, the Irish secondary might be up against the best receiver they've seen all year in big-target Leonard Hankerson (1085 yds, 12 TDs). The Miami D is 21st in the nation in points allowed at 19.7. The D is quick and athletic, stocked with 5-star talent, and led by LB Sean Spence.
If they want to win, the IRISH will have to stick to what they've been doing best - playing solid defense, running the ball, and converting on 3rd down. If they want to win big, Tommy Rees will have to avoid another multi-turnover day for the Irish. Here's to a new streak of consecutive bowl VICTORIES and the rebirth of an old rivalry.
-DH
The series climaxed in 1988 when #4 Notre Dame beat #1 Miami 31-30 at Notre Dame Stadium in the game known as "Catholics vs. Convicts." The win propelled the Irish to the 1988 National Championship, and kept Miami from what could have been three national titles in three years - Miami won the 1987 and 1989 National Championships.
Over twenty years since their last meeting, Notre Dame and Miami will renew this storied series at the Sun Bowl with their 24th meeting. Coincidentally, these two were already slated to renew the series in 2012 with a neutral site game at Soldier Field in Chicago. Nonetheless, a lot has changed since then. Notre Dame enters the bowl game with a 7-5 record, but are winners of the past three. It will be the first Irish bowl game under new head coach Brian Kelly - the 4th head coach for ND since Lou Holtz retired following the 1996 season. Miami enters the bowl game with a 7-5 record, but are losers of the their last two. That ultimately led to the firing of head coach Randy Shannon, Miami's 4th head coach since Jimmy Johnson left to become head coach of the Dallas Cowboys.
Two teams that were once on the top, are now struggling to gain momentum moving forward. Notre Dame could use a victory for a number of reasons. One, a final record of 8-5 looks much better than 7-6 (the Irish last reached eight wins in 2006). Two, a victory over a notorious Florida program would bolster ND's brand name in Florida. Kelly has already lost three Florida recruits to the likes of Florida and Florida State. Three, ending with a four game winning streak over quality opponents will bolster recruiting efforts, as well as motivate players in the off season. Four, the Irish could be ranked heading into next season.
Miami is looking at posting a victory for many of the same reasons, but also have the lame duck head coach factored against them. Interim head coach Jeff Southland is looking to make a splash in the coaching world not only for himself, but also his players and the future of the program. Need I remind Notre Dame fans of the strong output from Irish players (see Tuck, Justin) when Kent Baer led the Irish to the Insight.com bowl in 2004 following the firing of Ty Willingham. For this reason alone, the Irish should have the advantage heading into the game.
That being said, Miami remains a very talented and athletic squad. While they have questions at quarterback surrounding the health of QB Jacory Harris, Miami utilizes a balanced ground attack featuring Damien Berry (865 yds, 5 TDs) and Lamar Miller (633 yds, 6 TDs). Also, the Irish secondary might be up against the best receiver they've seen all year in big-target Leonard Hankerson (1085 yds, 12 TDs). The Miami D is 21st in the nation in points allowed at 19.7. The D is quick and athletic, stocked with 5-star talent, and led by LB Sean Spence.
If they want to win, the IRISH will have to stick to what they've been doing best - playing solid defense, running the ball, and converting on 3rd down. If they want to win big, Tommy Rees will have to avoid another multi-turnover day for the Irish. Here's to a new streak of consecutive bowl VICTORIES and the rebirth of an old rivalry.
-DH
Sunday, December 5, 2010
Going Bowling
Michael Floyd just called (via voice recording) to let me know the Irish are heading to the Sun Bowl where they will face the Miami Hurricanes (and their lame duck head coach). The game will be played in El Paso, Texas at 2 PM on December 31, 2010.
For more information: http://www.sunbowl.org/
Wednesday, December 1, 2010
Rainbows and Butterflies
In light of this 3-game push by the Irish, many fans and mid-season haters are beginning to pull an about face on the future of this team. The grass suddenly looks greener and the glass now appears that it very well could be half-full. Let me share a few reasons why I think our sudden delusion with Notre Dame football's potential is more like rainbows and butterflies than the tooth fairy and unicorns.
Manti Te'o.
Manti Te'o.This five-star recruit has done nothing but impress since he first came to South Bend at the start of the 2009 season. Te'o currently has (unofficially) 127 tackles on the year. He is on pace for 138 tackles by season's end, which would put him at 11th all-time for ND single season tackles. Te'o already has the most tackles in a given season of any Notre Dame defenseman in the last 16+ years. The obvious leader of this defense, Te'o has taken it upon himself to improve everyone's play, even that of a five-star linebacker.
Accurate QB.
Eight interceptions in four games. 18-years old. Weak arm. There, we got all the negatives out of the way. In spite of himself and his critics, freshman Tommy Rees is 3-0 as a starting quarterback at the University of Notre Dame. And don't look now (OK look now), but after the bowl game, Rees should plant himself firmly as #3 all-time in ND's record books as the most accurate passer in a season. Here are the top 3.
Highest completion percentage by a ND quarterback in a season (min: 100 attempts)
Jimmy Clausen, JR. (2009) - 68.00%
Brady Quinn, JR. (2005) - 64.89
Tommy Rees, FR. (2010) - 62.96
I guess you could say, when coupled with his 8 picks, that this means when Rees makes a mistake, he goes all out. But I'd view it as the ability to sustain drives. When he doesn't find himself throwing to the other colored jerseys, Rees has shown the ability to drive the Irish down the field and garner enough points to win the game.
Defending our End Zone.
A common problem from the Weis era was the inability to stop opposing teams from reaching our end zone (or kicking FGs -- but mostly it was the touchdowns that killed us). This season, and particularly the last three games, the Irish has proven that they can withstand the opposition's push for the goalline. Even in the Stanford game, the D was able to hold the Cardinal offense to FGs for the early part of the day. (OK OK Navy -- don't go there) This season, the Irish have given up an average of 20.5 points a game. In the past 16 seasons of Irish football, only three other ND defenses have held opponents to less:
Average points per game by ND opponents (1995-2010)
1996 - 15.08
2001 - 19.55
1997 - 20.38
2010 - 20.50
2001 - 19.55
1997 - 20.38
2010 - 20.50
Give credit where it is due, Bob Diaco has done a very good job with his squad this season, and has shown the ability to learn from his mistakes and become better. If this trend continues, and it is definitely a trend, and the offense starts to click, then the Irish could be dangerous come next fall.
Rushvember
Remember the days when Notre Dame would drop a delicate squat in November? The turn of the weather marked the hibernation of our fundamentals and discipline. Last year, we were 6-2 with high hopes for a money bowl bid. You know the history: lost four straight; head man now coaches the offense in Kansas City. This season, the team has gotten stronger, missed less tackles, held more blocks, and WON games as the weather got colder. Part of this evolution into a fundamentally sound and tough football team displayed itself in our run game.
Compare the yards per carry (YPC) and rushing yards per game (YPG) in November from this year to last:
2010
YPC -4.33
YPG - 143
2009
YPC - 3.39
YPG - 89
Kinda like comparing Kenny G to Jim Smiley. You can't mistake the two. The hope is that this statistic, as well as the others mentioned above, can carry over into next season. With a solid head man in place, who is the reason behind a lot of this, I don't have many doubts.
So throw away your game of CandyLand and put down that imaginary Harry Potter book. Our hopes for this team are real. And notice I did all of this without even mentioning Brian Kelly. Oops.
rabes
Scheduling
Our lead statistician pointed out yesterday that in the latest College Football RPI rankings (www.realtimerpi.com), Notre Dame is ranked #29. This ranking is bolstered by a #2 strength of schedule trailing only Texas A&M.
According to the Jeff Sagarin Power Rankings, the Irish are ranked #29, with a strength of schedule at #22 (his #1 is Washington). However, the Irish are 2-2 against teams in the top 30. Here's a look at Notre Dame's 2010 opponents according to these rankings:
2 - Stanford
21 - Michigan State
22 - Utah
23 - USC
29 - NOTRE DAME
46 - Michigan
48 - Pittsburgh
50 - Navy
52 - Tulsa
58 - Boston College
88 - Army
91 - Purdue
93 - Western Michigan
The Sagarin Power rankings are factored into the BCS formula, in which only three Irish opponents are ranked - #4 Stanford, #8 Michigan State, and #20 Utah. In addition, eleven of the twelve Irish opponents have six or more wins, but only ten are heading to bowl games since USC is on probation. Purdue is the only team on the Irish schedule that is not bowl eligible.
Scheduling is often a hot topic amongst Notre Dame fans as some believe it hinders ND's ability to play for the National Title. ESPN analysts love to annually downplay Notre Dame schedules, calling them soft or weak. I honestly believed this year to be one of the easier schedules to date, yet still 11 opponents are bowl eligible!
Considering the usual constants in the schedule - Purdue, Michigan, Michigan State, USC, Pittsburgh, Boston College, Navy, Stanford - it appears the Irish will always have a tough road to the top. Ironically, this year was the first time in over two decades that Notre Dame did not face an opponent ranked in the Top 10 at the time of their meeting. Although, Stanford, Michigan State, and Utah all visited the Top 10 this season.
Considering Notre Dame's stance on scheduling and the opponents on the future schedules (we add Oklahoma and Miami (FL) in 2012), changes will not come anytime soon. And considering the facts above - a 7-5 squad ranked #29 - it appears the Irish tend to garner respect for that scheduling approach where they need in most - the BCS polls.
According to the Jeff Sagarin Power Rankings, the Irish are ranked #29, with a strength of schedule at #22 (his #1 is Washington). However, the Irish are 2-2 against teams in the top 30. Here's a look at Notre Dame's 2010 opponents according to these rankings:
2 - Stanford
21 - Michigan State
22 - Utah
23 - USC
29 - NOTRE DAME
46 - Michigan
48 - Pittsburgh
50 - Navy
52 - Tulsa
58 - Boston College
88 - Army
91 - Purdue
93 - Western Michigan
The Sagarin Power rankings are factored into the BCS formula, in which only three Irish opponents are ranked - #4 Stanford, #8 Michigan State, and #20 Utah. In addition, eleven of the twelve Irish opponents have six or more wins, but only ten are heading to bowl games since USC is on probation. Purdue is the only team on the Irish schedule that is not bowl eligible.
Scheduling is often a hot topic amongst Notre Dame fans as some believe it hinders ND's ability to play for the National Title. ESPN analysts love to annually downplay Notre Dame schedules, calling them soft or weak. I honestly believed this year to be one of the easier schedules to date, yet still 11 opponents are bowl eligible!
Considering the usual constants in the schedule - Purdue, Michigan, Michigan State, USC, Pittsburgh, Boston College, Navy, Stanford - it appears the Irish will always have a tough road to the top. Ironically, this year was the first time in over two decades that Notre Dame did not face an opponent ranked in the Top 10 at the time of their meeting. Although, Stanford, Michigan State, and Utah all visited the Top 10 this season.
Considering Notre Dame's stance on scheduling and the opponents on the future schedules (we add Oklahoma and Miami (FL) in 2012), changes will not come anytime soon. And considering the facts above - a 7-5 squad ranked #29 - it appears the Irish tend to garner respect for that scheduling approach where they need in most - the BCS polls.
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