Sunday, November 30, 2014

Notre Dame's ACC Bowl Options This Morning


Now that Notre Dame is aligned with the ACC's post season bowl game package -- here's what the options look like for the Fighting Irish:
  • Orange Bowl has first selection
  • Russell Athletic Bowl has second selection
  • If the Orange Bowl picks a Big Ten Team to play opposite an ACC team -- then a spot opens up in the Capital One Bowl for an ACC Team
  • After those choices have been made -- the following Bowls could conceivably pick Notre Dame; Hyundai Sun Bowl, the Belk Bowl and New Era Pinstripe Bowl 
  • In addition, an ACC team or Notre Dame will have the option of appearing in the Gator Bowl (three times) or the Music City Bowl (two times) over the next five years

BOWL PAYOUTS -- PER TEAM (last year):
  • Orange Bowl:  $17 million
  • Russell Athletic Bowl:  $2.275 million
  • Capital One Bowl:  $4.55 million
  • Hyundai Sun Bowl:  $2 million
  • Belk Bowl:  $1.7 million
  • New Era Pinstripe Bowl:  $1.8 million
  • TaxSlayer.com Gator Bowl:  $3.5 million
  • Franklin American Mortgage Music City Bowl:  $1.837 million

If I was a betting man (and I'm not) I would bet we'll end up in Charlotte playing in the Belk Bowl -- since we've played in the Hyundai Sun Bowl and the New Era Pinstripe Bowl in Coach Kelly's previous four seasons at Notre Dame.

But, don't be surprised if the TaxSlayer.com Gator Bowl makes a run at a 7 - 5 Fighting Irish football team -- to sell tickets!  They took two 4 loss teams last year...

And, you just know the folks in El Paso, TX and the Bronx, NY will be making pitches to get the Fighting Irish back in their Bowls.  Jack Swarbrick's phone must be ringing off the hook this morning.

LINK:  BELK BOWL -- DECEMBER 30TH 

LINK:  CBS -- ND VS. TENN IN BELK BOWL

Notre Dame Football's "Fighting INJURED Irish"


Never seen anything like this -- especially on the defensive side of the football.

Four more Notre Dame defensive players were hurt against USC -- a fifth, Austin Collinsworth re-injured his shoulder...
  • 21 Notre Dame defensive players missed game action from injuries or academic suspensions this season

Here's a look at Notre Dame Football's injury / suspension list this season:

OFFENSE -- starters (or projected) in bold
  • Amir Carlisle -- missed a couple of games
  • Torii Hunter Jr. -- missed a couple of games
  • Tyler Luatua -- missed a few games
  • Davaris Daniels -- out for season

DEFENSE -- starters (or projected) in bold
  • Jarret Grace -- out for season
  • Ishaq Williams -- out for season
  • Keivarae Russell -- out for season
  • Tony Springman -- out for season
  • Sheldon Moore -- out for season
  • Eilar Hardy -- missed first 9 games
  • Joe Schmidt -- out for season (5 games)
  • Jarron Jones -- out for season (3 games)
  • Nicky Baratti -- out for season (10 games)
  • Sheldon Day -- missed 2 games / maybe 3
  • Andrew Trumbetti -- missed a game
  • Daniel Cage -- missed a game
  • Austin Collinsworth -- missed 9 games -- injured again in USC game
  • Drue Tranquill -- out for season (2 games)
  • Ben Councell -- missed 3 games
  • Cody Riggs -- missed 3 games / maybe out for season
  • Greer Martini -- injured in USC game
  • Jacob Matuska -- injured in USC game
  • Jay Hayes -- injured in USC game
  • Max Redfield -- injured in USC game

The Malik Zaire Era -- Video of First Three Plays


Here's a look at Malik Zaire's first three plays against USC...

LINK:  ZAIRE

Coach Kelly's Post Game Press Conference


Here's Coach Kelly's post game press conference after the humbling loss to USC.

LINK:  COACH KELLY