It's About Time

Finally! Watching the Irish dominate Utah in all facets 28-3 on Saturday was beyond refreshing. It was much needed, well deserved, and a true statement about the progression of the Irish program. I couldn't be happier for the senior players, Irish coaching staff, and true ND fans who have stuck with the team. Here's why:

- First win over a ranked opponent since 2006 when the Weis-led Irish dominated #19 Penn State 41-7. The Irish had lost the last eleven games against ranked foes, all during the tenure of the current senior class.

- Three points is the least points allowed by an Irish defense since the 2009 season opener, when the Irish shut out Nevada 35-0.

- Kelly picked up his first win in November, a month that has been historically disastrous for Notre Dame. The last November victory for the Irish dates back six games to November 15th, 2008 when the Irish held on to beat Navy 27-20. Weis finished with a 10-12 career record in November, including 0-4 in 2009 that ultimately sealed his fate.

- The win moves the Irish into bowl eligible status. While the bowl game might be played in mid-December in some no-name bowl, Kelly is pleased to receive the extra practice time.

While Tommy Rees put on a fine display in his first career start, it was the seniors who stole the show. Harrison Smith, Brian Smith, and Gary Gray in this edition of the Hackademy Awards:


HEISMAN BABY

MICHAEL FLOYD - 4 rec. for 39 yds - TD - Playing in what could be his final home game, Floyd's TD catch put the Irish up 14-3. Floyd has 59 receptions for 767 yards and 9 TDs on the year. He is only two touchdown receptions away from tying the school record for career TD receptions (27 - Jeff Samardzija). And by the way, Floyd has done this in 2.5 years.


ROCK SOLID

TOMMY REES - 13 for 20 for 129 yds - 3 TDs - Rees was impressive not because of his stats, but because of his efficiency. His TD passes were on the money and he didn't turn the ball over. Rees did a fantastic job for his first career start and victory. Dayne who?

GARY GRAY - 5 tackles - Gray proved why he is ND's #1 cornerback and one of the most valuable members on the defense. Gray's back to back pass break-ups to prevent a Utah touchdown proved Gray's value to the Irish D. Gray is arguably the best corner ND has produced since Vontez Duff or Shane Walton.

HARRISON SMITH - 7 tackles, INT - Where has that athletic ability been all his career? Harrison Smith arrived at ND to much fanfare about his athleticism. His INT on Saturday is one of the better picks to date. It was a big-time play from an athlete who has had an up and down career at ND, mostly because of position switches and defensive coordinator changes. Hopefully, it continues on the upswing.

BRIAN SMITH - 10 tackles - Brian Smith not only led the Irish D in tackles, but also in heart and hustle. Smith seemed to be all over the field making plays. It's great to see for a kid who deserves a little success considering his career. Smith catapulted to heroic status early in his career, even being named a captain last season, but was relegated to a reserve role this year.

DUVAL KAMARA - 2 rec for 38 yds - 2 TDs - Little used Kamara came up big in his final home game. Kamara's two touchdown receptions in one game equals his TD receptions over the past two seasons. Kamara was a starter his freshman year, but quickly fell out of favor with the arrival of Floyd, an injury setback, and questionable hands. Nonetheless, it was a great display Kamara will remember forever.


GET HIM OUTTA THERE

Amazing what happens when you play well and win.


WAIT WHAT?

A few weeks ago, OC, a fellow expert analyst on Notre Dame Football, sent me a gameday text frustrated as to why ND did not attempt to block more punts. After all, with John "Fair-Catch" Goodman fielding punts, there was no reason to block anyways. Well, the coaches finally watched the same film. The Robert Blanton blocked punt and housing was absolutely awesome! It swung the momentum for the game, and hopefully the rest of the season. The last time ND blocked a punt was. . .exactly, no one knows.



-DH