Where Are They Now? -- Kyle McAlarney

The former 2008 first-team Big East basketball stand-out, for Mike Brey's Fighting Irish of Notre Dame, is now playing professional basketball in Greece!  This past October, McAlarney signed a contract to play with the Ikaros Esperos in the Greek A-1 League.  

Prior to signing with Ikaros, McAlarney briefly played for a professional team in the Israeli Superior League before heading back to America to play in the NBA Development League for the Springfield "Armor" and then the  Fort Wayne "Mad Ants" (photo).  Kyle averaged 11 points per game in his 43 games in the NBADL.

The Ikaros Esperos play out of Kalithea -- which is a suburb of Athens, Greece.  Kyle scored 19 points in his debut with Ikaros -- and is currently averaging 13.9 points per game, seven games into the season (stats linked below).

This past year, Kyle was the subject of a controversial "Outside The Lines" segment on ESPN -- where they profiled the lack of "white" players in the NBA, see the link below.  And to give you a little flavor of what professional basketball is like in Greece -- take a look at the link below to the riots in their Championship game this past season.  Good Luck Kyle!

LINK:  ESPN "OUTSIDE THE LINES" -- KYLE McALARNEY

LINK:  McALARNEY SIGNS WITH IKAROS

LINK:  McALARNEY STATS WITH IKAROS

LINK:  RIOT AT GREEK PRO BASKETBALL GAME

Hyundai Sun Bowl -- Post Practice Interviews

Notre Dame's football team practiced today "inside" -- getting ready for their upcoming bowl game against Miami.  Here's a link to Notre Dame's Hyundai Sun Bowl Central -- where you'll find videos of interviews with a few players and an interview with Coach Brian Kelly:

LINK:  NOTRE DAME  -- HYUNDAI SUN BOWL

Irish Hoops on ESPN2 Tonight vs. Gonzaga!

Mike Brey's Fighting Irish of Notre Dame take on the Gonzaga Bulldogs tonight in a home game that will be televised on ESPN2 at 8:30 PM EST.  It's the first time these two schools have met in basketball -- and the Irish are 7 point favorites -- as they attempt to "bounce back" from Wednesday's loss to Kentucky.  Should be a very good game!  Here's a link to the South Bend Tribune story about tonight's game:

LINK:  IRISH HOST GONZAGA TONIGHT!

A Little Off Topic: Army - Navy Game Today!

I know this is a Notre Dame blog -- but, we did play both of these teams this year!  The "Army - Navy Game" has always been my favorite "non- Notre Dame" football game of the year.  I'll be glued to the TV set this afternoon at 2 PM EST (CBS) as they kick off the 111th game in the history of "America's Game" from Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia.

Navy leads the series over Army; with 54 wins, 49 losses and 7 ties.

One of the greatest spectacles in sport is the MARCH ON -- as the Army Corps of Cadets and the Navy Midshipmen take the field in Philadelphia (this takes place two hours before kick-off) -- I've posted some videos below of this.  And, here's a link to the official website for the game - when you get there, click on the RIVALRY tab.  You'll enjoy the stories.

LINK:  ARMY-NAVY GAME:  OFFICIAL WEBSITE

LINK:  "AMERICA'S GAME" -- SIGHTS AND SOUNDS FROM 2009

LINK:  MARCH ON -- TO THE STADIUM

LINK:  MARCH ON -- ARMY'S CORPS OF CADETS

LINK:  MARCH ON -- NAVY'S MIDSHIPMEN

A Notre Dame Christmas for Cancer Patients

Athletes from nineteen of the the University of Notre Dame's varsity athletic teams were represented at a Christmas Party in Notre Dame's Heritage Hall for 100 pediatric cancer patients and their familes from South Bend's Memorial Hospital.  Here's a link to the WNDU-TV news story along with a second link to an eleven minute video that UND.COM produced about the event.  I wasn't able to provide a direct link to the UND.COM video -- so you'll need to click on it when you get to the page!

LINK:  WNDU-TV STORY 

LINK:  UND.COM COVERAGE

Henderson -- Finalist for Player of the Year!

Notre Dame junior soccer star, Melissa Henderson -- was named as one of the three finalists for the Missouri Athletic Club Hermann Award yesterday by the National Soccer Coaches Association of America.  This award is given annually to the top player in women's soccer -- and the winner will be announced on January 7th at a news conference in downtown St. Louis at the Missouri Athletic Club followed by an awards dinner that evening at the M.A.C.  Henderson was named a first team All-American, Most Valuable Offensive Player in the NCAA Tournament, Big East Offensive Player of the Year and 1st Team all-Big East -- as she led the Irish to their third National Championship.  One "fun fact" about Henderson's career at Notre Dame -- the Irish are undefeated in the 45 games that Melissa has an assist -- including the National Championship game where her assist led to the winning goal!  Henderson is the third Notre Dame women's soccer player to be a finalist for the Hermann Award; Katie Thorlakson in 2005 and two-time Hermann Trophy Award winner -- Kerri Hanks who won the award in 2006 and 2008.  The other two finalists this year are;  Alex Morgan (California) and Christen Press (Stanford).  This next week -- Henderson and her Irish teammate Lauren Fowlkes are off to train with the United States's U23 Team from December 12th to the 19th at the Home Depot Center in Carson, CA.  Congratulations Melissa!!!  A ND GO IRISH BLOG "thank you" goes out to Dr. Jim Clancy for alerting us to this story.  Here's a link to the story at UND.COM.

LINK:  HENDERSON A FINALIST FOR NATIONAL POY

PHOTO OF THE DAY: New York's Times Square

The Notre Dame Women's Soccer Team just "tweeted" this photo taken in New York's Times Square -- that celebrates their recent National Championship!  Pretty awesome!

A JBL Sound System Installed @ Notre Dame?

The final touches of the recently completed renovation of the Purcell Pavillion at the University of Notre Dame included a state-of-the-art SOUND SYSTEM!  Here's a link to what was installed inside the arena:

LINK:  SOUND? -- NOT A PROBLEM AT NOTRE DAME

#1 Catholic University in the World!

Knowing the great pride that the University of Notre Dame takes in its "rankings" amongst its peer institutions -- I'm not quite sure how some will react to The World University Rankings that were just released by a group out of the United Kingdom.

Notre Dame was ranked as the #1 Catholic university in the world -- was that ever in question?!

However, the overall ranking of #63 in the world may not sit to well on the Golden Dome's 4th Floor -- and I see that as a great thing!!! 

168 years ago, in a letter that Fr. Sorin sent (December 5, 1842) to the Very Reverend Basil Moreau, CSC -- Founder of the Congregation of Holy Cross -- Sorin, made the following claim about the founding of Notre Dame du Lac:  

"Before long, it will develop on a large scale.... 

It will be one of the most powerful means for good in this country."

Well, Fr. Sorin -- your vision for Notre Dame has come true.  I'm sure if you could have a "do-over" 168 years later -- you would have substituted the word "world" for country.  No worries -- your associates have done just that for you!

Kind of puts this all into perspective -- doesn't it...

Here's the criteria and weighting the Times Higher Education used in their rankings of the Top 200 Universities in the World:

• Teaching — the learning environment (worth 30 per cent of the overall ranking score)
• Research — volume, income and reputation (worth 30 per cent)
• Citations — research influence (worth 32.5 per cent)
• Industry income — innovation (worth 2.5 per cent)
• International mix — staff and students (worth 5 per cent).

LINK:  THE TOP 200 UNIVERSITIES IN THE WORLD

NFL Draft Evaluations -- Floyd & Rudolph

Notre Dame Head Football Coach Brian Kelly announced earlier this week that his two "prized" juniors; Michael Floyd and Kyle Rudolph have petitioned the NFL for a "draft evaluation."  What this means is a panel of "pro football scouting experts" (NFL Draft Advisory Board) will determine the draft status of both players -- telling Floyd and Rudolph where they believe they'll go in the 2011 NFL Draft.   

You can bet that both players and their families are also talking with Charlie Weis about their draft status. 

The "wrinkle" this year is the negotiation of the Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) between the NFL and NFLPA.  College underclassmen (Juniors and redshirt Sophomores) must declare for the NFL Draft by the second week of January and it's expected that the CBA will not be settled at that point.

It appears very likely that there will be a "lockout" this year -- delaying the start of the NFL season and impacting the "incomes" of the NFL players -- as the CBA is negotiated.  College players, thinking about coming out early, will have to determine if they want to risk the chance that there could be a prolonged delay to the start of the NFL season or even no season at all.  (the latter is highly unlikely)

You'll recall that twelve months ago -- the impending NFL/NFLPA CBA negotiation was one of the motivating factors for a number of underclassmen to declare early last year.  One of the issues on the negotiation table, is the pay scale for rookies.  It was widely assumed that the 2010 NFL Draft would be the "last time" NFL teams would pay out large sums of money to rookies in their first NFL contract.  Thus, players like Clausen and Tate had even more reason to believe leaving early last year was the right thing to do.  The college underclassmen this year have much different circumstances to assess. 

The good news is we will know one way or another by January 15th -- as to whether we'll have #3 and #9 back in gold helmets next season.  The bad news is the ND GO IRISH BLOG predicts -- they both will enter the 2011 NFL Draft.  

Here's some links to what's being said about Floyd and Rudolph's NFL Draft status along with a look back at Jimmy Clausen's evaluation process last year:
 
LINK:  KYLE RUDOLPH -- DRAFT STORY 

LINK:  MICHAEL FLOYD -- DRAFT STORY

LINK:  SCOUT INC'S TOP 32 FOR 2011 NFL DRAFT

LINK:  JIMMY CLAUSEN'S DRAFT EVALUATION

Sun Bowl Coaches Press Conference -- REPLAY

The Hyundai Sun Bowl Coaches Press Conference -- took place this afternoon -- in El Paso, TX with Notre Dame Head Football Coach, Brian Kelly and Miami's Interim Head Coach, Jeff Stoutland.  Here's a link to a replay of the press conference:

LINK:  PRESS CONFERENCE REPLAY

PHOTO OF THE DAY: Main Building in Snow!

Notre Dame student Amy Holsinger (@amyholsinger) just "tweeted" this photo of a "snow replica" -- of Notre Dame's Main Building.  Only at Notre Dame!

Irish Beat Providence In Front of 179 Fans...

Can you believe it -- Muffet McGraw's Fighting Irish played a Big East road game last night against Providence in front of an "announced" crowd of 179 fans.  WHAT???!!!  Here's a team (Notre Dame) that averages more than 8,000 in attendance for its home games -- 4th best in the country -- playing in front of 179 fans on the road...  C'MON PROVIDENCE!!!   Oh, by the way -- the 18th ranked Irish won the game 79-43.  Fun Fact of the Day:  Notre Dame is now 19-0 all time against Providence in women's basketball.  A ND GO IRISH BLOG Thank you to Dr. Jim Clancy for alerting us to this story.  Here's a link to the South Bend Tribune game story:

LINK:  IRISH ROLL OVER PROVIDENCE

"Domer" Hesse '75: Sprint's TV Pitchman!

Dan Hesse '75, the CEO of Sprint Nextel and a Notre Dame grad -- was appointed by President Obama yesterday to the President's National Security Telecommunications Advisory Committee.  Hesse is best known for his "starring" role in Sprint's TV commercials -- here's a link:

LINK:  NOTRE DAME ALUM -- COMMERCIAL PITCHMAN!

College Football "Rudy Awards" -- Vote Today!

University of Notre Dame "walk on" David Ruffer is one of 55 college football players up for the Rudy Award -- named after former Irish movie legend, Daniel "Rudy" Ruettiger.  Voting takes place online -- and it ends on December 13th.  So, please vote for Ruffer today!  A big thank-you to Cappy Gagnon '66 -- for bringing this story to the attention of the ND GO IRISH BLOG.  Here's the link:

LINK:  COLLEGE FOOTBALL'S "RUDY AWARD"

College Football Awards Show -- Tonight...

The annual ESPN Home Depot College Football Awards Show airs tonight on ESPN at 7 PM EST.  Notre Dame's David Ruffer is the only member of the Fighting Irish up for an award -- as he's one of the three finalists for the Lou Groza Award for college football's top kicker.  The "red carpet" show begins at 6 PM EST on ESPNU.  Good Luck David!!!!  Here's a link to a the winners of all of the awards -- over the years:

LINK:  PREVIOUS COLLEGE FOOTBALL AWARD WINNERS

2010 - 2011 Bowl Games -- Graduation Rates

Here's a look at every one of the 35 bowl games this season and the Graduation Success Rates (GSR) for each of the teams.   The GSR is the NCAA's calculation of the graduation rate of student athletes, over a six year period, after initial college enrollment.  It's an eye-opener.

Here's a ranking of the bowls by the "fewest graduated" amongst both teams:

1. Meinke Car Care Bowl:  South Florida (44 GSR) vs. Clemson (60 GSR)
2. Valero Alamo Bowl:  Oklahoma State (59 GSR) vs. Arizona (48 GSR)
3. Little Caesars Bowl:  Toledo (65 GSR) vs. Florida International (46 GSR)

Here's a ranking of the bowl games by the "most graduated" amongst both teams:

1. Hyundai Sun Bowl:  Notre Dame (96 GSR) vs. Miami, FL (81 GSR)
2. Bell Helicopter Armed Forces Bowl:  Army (85 GSR) vs. SMU (76 GSR)
3. TicketCity Bowl:  Northwestern (95 GSR) vs. Texas Tcch (69 GSR)

A PROPOSAL FOR UNIVERSITY PRESIDENTS:  It's about time that the NCAA, BCS and the Bowls get together and factor in the Graduation Success Rates (GSR) of all of the bowl eligible teams -- especially when determining what 6-6 teams get into bowl games.  This year, there were two bowl eligible teams that were "overlooked" by the bowls;  Temple; 8-4 record (56 GSR) and Western Michigan University; 6-6 record (59 GSR).

The ND GO IRISH BLOG's proposal is as follows;

• Any team that has a record better than 6-6 automatically "qualifies" for a bowl, if there are enough spots.  

• All of the teams with 6-6 records would be ranked, for selection into bowl games, by their current GSR score for their football team.  The team with the highest GSR would be ranked #1 among the 6-6 teams.  If there were six spots available to teams with 6-6 records and there were 8 teams to pick from -- the six teams with the highest GSR would qualify for a bowl game.  The two teams with the lowest GSR would not be playing in a bowl game.

If these rules were in effect this bowl season -- the following would have happened:

• Temple, with their 8-4 record -- would be playing in a bowl game.
• Western Michigan, with their 6-6 record and 59 GSR -- would be playing in a bowl game.
• Florida International, with their 6-6 record and 46 GSR -- would not be playing in a bowl game.
• Tennessee, with their 6-6 record and 53 GSR -- would not be playing in a bowl game.
• UTEP, with their 6-6 record and 57 GSR -- would have been the last team qualifying for a bowl game.

Here's the 2010 - 2011 Bowl Game Schedule 

along with the GSR for the teams in each Bowl Game:

New Mexico Bowl -- December 18th

• UTEP:  57 GSR
• BYU:  62 GSR

uDrove Humanitarian Bowl -- December 18th

• Fresno State:  52 GSR
• Northern Illinois:  67 GSR

R+L Carriers New Orleans Bowl -- December 18th

• Troy:  75 GSR
• Ohio:  71 GSR

Beef 'O' Brady's St. Petersburg Bowl -- December 21st

• Southern Mississippi:  84 GSR
• Louisville:  63 GSR

  
MAACO Las Vegas Bowl -- December 22nd

• Utah:  62 GSR
• Boise State:  63 GSR

San Diego County Credit Union Holiday Bowl -- December 23rd

• San Diego State:  55 GSR
• Naval Academy:  92 GSR

Sheraton Hawaii Bowl

• Hawaii:  46 GSR
• Tulsa:  66 GSR

Little Caesars Bowl -- December 26th

• Toledo:  65 GSR
• Florida International:  46 GSR

AdvoCare V100 Independence Bowl -- December 27th

• Georgia Tech:  49 GSR
• Air Force Academy:  86 GSR

Champs Sports Bowl -- December 28th

• North Carolina State:  56 GSR
• West Virginia:  72 GSR

Insight Bowl -- December 28th

• Missouri:  71 GSR
• Iowa:  79 GSR

Military Bowl -- December 29th

• Maryland:  64 GSR
• East Carolina:  63 GSR

Texas Bowl -- December 29th

• Illinois:  76 GSR
• Baylor:  64 GSR

Valermo Alamo Bowl -- December 29th

• Oklahoma State:  59 GSR
• Arizona:  48 GSR

Bell Helicopter Armed Forces Bowl -- December 30th

• Army:  85 GSR
• SMU:  76 GSR

New Era Pinstripes Bowl -- December 30th

• Kansas State:  69 GSR
• Syracuse:  76 GSR

Franklin American Mortgage Music Bowl -- December 30th

• North Carolina:  75 GSR
• Tennessee:  53 GSR

Bridgepoint Education Holiday Bowl -- December 30th

• Washington:  82 GSR
• Nebraska:  68 GSR

Meineke Car Care Bowl -- December 31st

• South Florida:  46 GSR
• Clemson:  60 GSR

Hyundai Sun Bowl -- December 31st

• Miami, FL:  81 GSR
• Notre Dame:  96 GSR

Auto Zone Liberty Bowl -- December 31st

• UCF:  70 GSR
• Georgia:  68 GSR

Chick-fil-A Bowl -- December 31st

• Florida State:  64 GSR
• South Carolina:  57 GSR

TicketCity Bowl -- January 1st

• Northwestern:  95 GSR
• Texas Tech:  69 GSR

Outback Bowl -- January 1st

• Penn State:  84 GSR
• Florida:  67 GSR

Capital One Bowl -- January 1st

• Michigan State:  55 GSR
• Alabama:  67 GSR

Gator Bowl -- January 1st

• Michigan:  72 GSR
• Mississippi State:  64 GSR

Rose Bowl presented by VIZIO -- January 1st

• Wisconsin:  65 GSR
• TCU:  71 GSR

Tostitos Fiesta Bowl -- January 1st

• Oklahoma:  44 GSR
• UCONN:  77 GSR

Discover Orange Bowl -- January 3rd

• Virginia Tech:  79 GSR
• Stanford:  83 GSR

AllState Sugar Bowl -- January 4th

• Arkansas:  55 GSR
• Ohio State:  63 GSR

GoDaddy.com Bowl -- January 6th

• Miami, OH:  79 GSR
• Middle Tennessee:  55 GSR

AT&T Cotton Bowl -- January 7th 

• Texas A&M:  57 GSR
• LSU:  67 GSR

BBVA Compass Bowl -- January 8th

• Pittsburgh:  69 GSR
• Kentucky:  63 GSR

Kraft Fight Hunger Bowl -- January 9th

• Boston College:  90 GSR
• Nevada:  66 GSR

Tostitos BCS National Championship Game -- January 10th

• Auburn:  63 GSR
• Oregon:  54 GSR

The Athletic Facilities Race -- Today's Reality

This is a little off topic and then again it isn't -- this is the reality for today's NCAA Division 1 athletic programs and our University of Notre Dame.

The University of Tennessee is in the process of raising money for a new Football Training Center.  To say their plans might be a "little over the top" -- would be an understatement.  You've just go to love their justification for such a facility;

As the UT-Knoxville campus continues to grow as a research and teaching institution, the need for academic space has become increasingly important. In an effort to address this issue, the University Master Plan has called for the antiquated Stokely Athletic Center (SAC) to be demolished in order to allow for an academic facility to be built in its place.  As a result, the University of Tennessee Athletic Department (UTAD) must relocate approximately 110 coaches and administrators.

If you don't think college football is "big business" -- you may change your mind after watching this:

LINK:  TENNESSEE'S FOOTBALL TRAINING CENTER

Notre Dame Receives $1.3 Million from US Army

The U.S. Army Tank Automotive Research, Development and Engineering Center (TARDEC) has awarded the University of Notre Dame's Colleges of Engineering and Science more than $1.3 million for the development of novel materials for improved battery technology.  The goal is to improve battery performance, reliability and safety for batteries that power military vehicles.  Here's a link to the story:

LINK:  NOTRE DAME "POWERS" THE US ARMY

Irish Basketball on TV Tonight -- 9:30 PM EST

Mike Brey's undefeated and 23rd ranked Fighting Irish Men's Basketball team is taking on John Calipari's 16th ranked Kentucky Wildcats on a so-called "neutral" floor tonight in Louisville, KY.  It's a matchup of "experience vs. talent" as Notre Dame's starting five (all seniors) take on Kentucky's talented freshman.  Be sure to tune in tonight at 9:30 PM EST on ESPN -- it's "OLD SCHOOL" versus "NEW SCHOOL."  Here's a few links to stories about tonight's game along with UND.COM's preview:

LINK:  ESPN CHICAGO -- PREVIEW

LINK:  WILDCATS THUNDER BLOG -- PREVIEW

LINK:  SOUTH BEND TRIBUNE -- PREVIEW

LINK:  UND.COM GAME NOTES -- PREVIEW

ESPN's Lame Attempt at a Sun Bowl Preview

You know it's quite sad when the "talking heads" at ESPN -- MAKE A JOKE -- about "renaming" the Hyundai Sun Bowl, because it has two of the teams with the highest graduation rates in college football (Notre Dame and Miami, FL) playing each other.

I felt sorry for former Notre Dame Hesiman Trophy winner, Tim Brown -- having to be associated with this crew.  Here's the link:

EDIT:  ESPN'S LAME ATTEMPT AT PREVIEWING THE SUN BOWL

Oregon Ducks WR -- Honors Declan Sullivan

D.J. Davis, a wide-receiver for the #1 ranked Oregon Ducks -- paid tribute to Notre Dame student, Declan Sullivan -- by wearing a photo of Declan in a protective covering attached to his belt.  Here's a link to the story:

LINK:  AN OREGON PLAYER'S TRIBUTE TO DECLAN

The "Leprechaun Legion" Blog Needs Our Help!

Dan Murphy a 2009 Notre Dame grad has entered his "Leprechaun Legion" Blog into the "Who's the Biggest Fan in the Big East" contest being sponsored by Volvo.  To vote for Dan as the BIGGEST FAN IN THE BIG EAST -- click on the link below.  The winner gets a Volvo, tickets to the Big East Championship tournament and a $10,000 check for their alma mater.  I told Dan that the ND GO IRISH BLOG gang would get behind him in this effort.  Go Irish!!! and Go Dan Murphy!!!

LINK:  BIGGEST FAN IN THE BIG EAST

LINK:  DAN MURPHY'S PROFILE

LINK:  LEPRECHAUN LEGION BLOG

Notre Dame's National Championship Teams

Since Lou Holtz's 1988 National Championship football team -- Notre Dame's Women's athletic teams have won FOUR NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIPS.  The Men's teams have zero.

Now, to be fair the Notre Dame Fencing Team (Men & Women) has won four "combined" National Championships in that time frame.

The above photo is of the eight foot tall "Grace Hall #1 sign" that is lit up every time a Notre Dame team is ranked #1 in the country.  This tradition started in 1973 when Grace Hall put up this sign after the football team beat Alabama in the Sugar Bowl to win the 1973 National Championship.  That sign was lit again last Sunday night when Notre Dame's Fencing Team won the 2011 National Championship!

Here's a list of every Notre Dame National Championship team by year and by sport -- UPDATED on 4/4/11:

• 2011 National Champions:  Fencing (combined)
• 2010 National Champions:  Women's Soccer
• 2005 National Champions:  Fencing (combined)
• 2004 National Champions:  Women's Soccer
• 2003 National Champions:  Fencing (combined)
• 2001 National Champions:  Women's Basketball
• 1995 National Champions:  Women's Soccer
• 1994 National Champions:  Fencing (combined)
• 1988 National Champions:  Football
• 1987 National Champions:  Women's Fencing
• 1986 National Champions:  Men's Fencing
• 1978 National Champions:  Men's Fencing
• 1977 National Champions:  Football & Men's Fencing
• 1973 National Champions:  Football

NOTRE DAME ACCEPTS FIRST FEMALE STUDENTS: FALL OF 1973

• 1966 National Champions:  Football
• 1959 National Champions:  Tennis
• 1957 National Champions:  Cross Country
• 1949 National Champions:  Football
• 1947 National Champions:  Football
• 1946 National Champions:  Football
• 1944 National Champions:  Tennis &  Golf
• 1943 National Champions:  Football
• 1930 National Champions:  Football
• 1929 National Champions:  Football
• 1924 National Champions:  Football

NCAA All Tournament Team: Six from ND!

The 2010 Women's Soccer National Champions -- the Fighting Irish of Notre Dame -- was well represented on the All Tournament Team, with six team members among the eleven given this honor!  Notre Dame's Melissa Henderson (photo on right) was named Most Outstanding Offensive Player and Notre Dame's Jessica Schuveiller (photo on left) was named the Most Outstanding Defensive Player.  CONGRATULATIONS!!! Here's the All Tournament Team:

• GK: Emily Oliver, Stanford
• GK: Katie Baumgardner, Ohio State
• D: Hannah Cerrone, Boston College
• D: Jessica Schuveiller, Notre Dame
• M: Courtney Barg, Notre Dame
• M: Mandy Laddish, Notre Dame
• F: Rose Augustin, Notre Dame
• F: Camille Levin, Stanford
• F: Christen Press, Stanford
• F: Adrianna Leon,  Notre Dame
• F: Melissa Henderson, Notre Dame
• Most Outstanding Offensive Player: Melissa Henderson, Notre Dame
• Most Outstanding Defensive Player: Jessica Schuveiller, Notre Dame

LINK:  2010 NCAA WOMEN'S SOCCER NATIONAL CHAMPIONS

Fastest Sellout in Sun Bowl's 77 Year History!!!

Well, it took approximately 21 hours for the 2010 Hyundai Sun Bowl to be declared a SELLOUT!  To put this in perspective, last year's Sun Bowl game between Oklahoma and Stanford was the fastest sellout in Sun Bowl history and it took 16 days for them to sell out the 50,000 seat stadium.   

When was the last time we heard "Oklahoma and IRRELEVANT" in the same sentence on ESPN?

Now we know why the Hyundai Sun Bowl's CEO was in "tears" when he spoke with great joy about having Notre Dame play in their bowl game...

It just goes to show you that there's College Football and then there is NOTRE DAME FOOTBALL.

LINK:  SUN BOWL ASSOCIATION PRESS RELEASE

Brian Kelly Talks Sun Bowl Preparation...

University of Notre Dame Head Football Coach, Brian Kelly -- met with the media today to discuss Notre Dame's decision to play in the Hyundai Sun Bowl.  Coach Kelly also answered questions about the Miami Hurricanes, recruiting, the status of Michael Floyd and Kyle Rudolph for next season, etc.  Plenty of ground covered in the session.  There's a second link to a press conference that Notre Dame seniors Ian Williams and Robert Hughes, had with the media yesterday, to talk about Notre Dame's accepting an invitation to play in the Sun Bowl.  Here's the links:

LINK:  COACH KELLY TALKS SUN BOWL

LINK:  IAN WILLIAMS & ROBERT HUGHES TALK SUN BOWL

Hyundai Sun Bowl -- Sunday Teleconference

The 2010 Hyundai Sun Bowl pulled together a quick "media teleconference" yesterday afternoon -- to talk about their announcement that they have Notre Dame and Miami coming to El Paso, TX to play in their bowl game.  Here's a link:

LINK:  HYUNDAI SUN BOWL -- TELECONFERENCE

Rocket Ismail Talks "Brawl Miami"

I just had to bring this Rocket Ismail interview back again to the blog -- in light of Notre Dame's decision to accept an invitation yesterday to take on the Miami Hurricanes in the 2010 Hyundai Sun Bowl.  Rocket's "story-telling" of the pre-game fight in the 1988 game against Miami is legendary.  A little "kick-start" to a bowl game that's still 25 days away... Enjoy!

LINK:  ROCKET TELLIN' A STORY...

WOMEN'S SOCCER -- NATIONAL CHAMPIONS!

The University of Notre Dame "welcomed home" its NATIONAL CHAMPIONS last night with a celebration in Purcell Pavillion for the Irish Women's Soccer Team!  Here's a link to the video along with another look back at Notre Dame's 1-0 win over Stanford for the National Championship, including the on field celebration, press conference, an interview with Coach Waldum and an interview with the game winning goal scorer, Adriana Leon.  What a wonderful day for NOTRE DAME!:

LINK:  THE NATIONAL CHAMPS COME HOME! 

LINK:  IRISH WIN NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP! 

LINK:  ON FIELD CELEBRATION 

LINK:  POST GAME PRESS CONFERENCE

LINK:  INTERVIEW WITH COACH WALDRUM

LINK:  INTERVIEW WITH ADRIANA LEON

LINK:  COLLEGE CUP RECAP

THE AMAZING RACE: Another Win for Irish!

Notre Dame Alum, Thomas Wolfard '02 and his girlfriend Jill Haney won again last night -- reaching the finish line in South Korea before the other three teams!  This means they're among the final three teams left competing for the $1 million first prize -- in season 18 of CBS's globe-trotting adventure race.  Here's a link to an interview with Thomas and Jill -- after their win last night along with a replay of the entire episode:

LINK:  THOMAS AND JILL INTERVIEW 

LINK:  REPLAY -- CBS'S THE AMAZING RACE

THE HYUNDAI SUN BOWL IT IS FOR IRISH!!!

The University of Notre Dame accepted an invitation to the Hyundai Sun Bowl to take on the Miami Hurricanes @ Noon EST on New Year's Eve!  The game is played in El Paso, TX and will renew one of the most "INTENSE" rivalries in college history.  Hyundai Sun Bowl Chairman had this to say about their bowl game:  "We never in our wildest dreams in 77 years of bowl business thought we'd have a matchup like that.  This is the greatest thing that's ever happened to our community."

Yeah, Notre Dame is irrelevant...  Here's a few stories about the announcement -- along with video of a "teary eyed" Sun Bowl Official talking about "getting Notre Dame."

LINK:  KTSM-TV STORY

LINK:  SUN SENTINEL STORY

LINK:  MIAMI HERALD STORY 

LINK:  EL PASO TIMES STORY

LINK:  KVIA-TV STORY

LINK:  SOUTH BEND TRIBUNE STORY

LINK:  WNDU-TV STORY

LINK:  HYUNDAI SUN BOWL -- OFFICIAL WEBSITE

NOTRE DAME -- NATIONAL CHAMPIONS!!!!!!

The University of Notre Dame Women's Soccer Team beat Stanford this afternoon to win the 2010 NCAA Women's Soccer National Championship!!! The Irish only needed one goal, from freshman Adriana Leon, eleven minutes in the second half -- in their 1-0 win over the #1 ranked and undefeated Stanford Cardinal. Two Fun Facts from the NCAA Women's Soccer Championships:  Notre's last four goals in the tournament were scored by FRESHMAN!  And, Notre Dame is now undefeated -- the last three years -- every time junior, Melissa Henderson gets an assist!  Melissa assisted Leon's winning goal.  Here's a link to all of the coverage following today's THIRD NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP FOR NOTRE DAME'S WOMEN'S SOCCER PROGRAM!!!!

YOU CAN WELCOME HOME THE NATIONAL CHAMPS 

AT 8:30 PM THIS EVENING @ PURCELL PAVILLION!!!

LINK:  ESPN GAME STORY

LINK:  NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP HIGHLIGHTS

LINK:  SOUTH BEND TRIBUNE -- GAME STORY

Irish Play for NCAA CHAMPIONSHIP @ NOON!!!

The Fighting Irish of Notre Dame's Women's Soccer Team is playing in the National Championship game today at NOON EST against the top ranked, and undefeated, Stanford Cardinal.  It's the fourth time in the last seven years, and the eighth time overall. that the Irish will be playing in the National Championship final -- having won this game in 1995 and 2004.  This game will also mark the 300th game in Randy Waldrum's coaching career at Notre Dame.  The game will be televised on ESPN2 and ESPN3.com   Here's a link to the 2010 College Cup Tournament Central website where you'll see a video of Saturday's press conference and a link to today's South Bend Tribune story.   GO IRISH!!!!

LINK:  GAME DAY CENTRAL -- NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP GAME

Are the Irish Heading to El Paso?

With both West Virginia and UCONN winning today -- and Washington beating Washington State -- all signs point to Notre Dame heading to El Paso, TX to play in the Hyundai Sun Bowl on New Year's Eve!  And, don't be surprised if the Irish will be taking on the Miami Hurricanes -- in an "early renewal" of the "CATHOLICS vs. CONVICTS" series.  Notre Dame has called a press conference for Sunday to officially announce where the Irish will be "bowling!"  Here's a link to the Hyundai's Sun Bowl official website:

LINK:  HYUNDAI SUN BOWL -- OFFICIAL WEBSITE

Irish Hockey Beats 5th Ranked Miami!

Jeff Jackson's 12th ranked Fighting Irish over came a two goal deficit last night -- scoring three times in the last period -- beating the Miami Red Hawks last night 5-4 -- moving Notre Dame back into first place in the CCHA!  A big "thank you" to Dr. Jim Callahan (Philadelphia, PA) for reminding me that the winning goal last night was scored by freshman, T.J. Tyner -- who was named National Rookie of the Month! Here's the South Bend Tribune game story:



LINK:  IRISH BACK INTO FIRST PLACE!

LINK:  UND.COM -- GAME NOTES

"Domer" Haywood Leads Team to MAC Title!

Former University of Notre Dame football player and Offensive Coordinator -- Mike Haywood -- led his Miami of Ohio "Redhawks" to a Mid American Conference Championship last night when they upset (the 25th ranked)  Northern Illinois, with a TD in the final 33 seconds, 26-21 in the MAC Championship game!  Haywood (in photo holding trophy), in his second-year as a Head Coach, was 1-11 in his first year at Miami....  Now, they're the 9-4 Mid American Conference Champs and off to a bowl game!!!  INCREDIBLE TURN AROUND!  Here's a link to some video highlights and the post game press conference -- and story from last night's game:

LINK:  GAME HIGHLIGHTS AND HAYWOOD'S POST GAME PRESS CONFERENCE

LINK:  GAME STORY -- CHICAGO BREAKING SPORTS

Irish Soccer -- In National Championship Game!

Randy Waldrum's Fighting Irish beat Ohio State 1-0 today in the Semi-Finals of the College Cup -- Women's Soccer's Final Four -- to advance to Sunday's National Championship game against Stanford!!!  Notre Dame's loan goal was scored by freshman, Mandy Laddish (#2 in photo) -- her second goal of the season.  COULD BE A MOVIE HERE!  The game for the National Championship will be at NOON EST on Sunday -- on ESPN2.  It will match the undefeated and #1 ranked Cardinal of Stanford against the 7th ranked 20-2-2 Notre Dame Fighting Irish.  Here's a link to the "post game" press conference and the game highlights including the winning goal:  CONGRATULATIONS IRISH!!!!

LINK:  POST GAME PRESS CONFERENCE

LINK:  IRISH WIN! -- GAME HIGHLIGHTS!!!

Utah's Attempt @ "Welcome to Notre Dame"

Notre Dame fans and its opponents fans -- have come to expect to be greeted with the words; "Welcome to Notre Dame" (multiple times) when they attend a football game at Notre Dame Stadium.  The man responsible for this is -- Cappy Gagnon '66 -- Notre Dame's Program Manager, Crowd Control.  Cappy and his team of 857 ushers -- make the "Notre Dame Experience" -- world class and the envy of every opponents' fans who visit.  A letter ran today in the Salt Lake City Tribune -- that spoke to Utah's attempt to "re-create" the Notre Dame experience at their game this past Saturday with BYU.  Thought you would enjoy this!

LINK:  THE NOTRE DAME WAY...

Irish Women's Soccer On ESPN2 @ 4 PM EST

The 7th ranked Fighting Irish of Notre Dame will take on the 17th ranked Ohio State Buckeyes today in the first Semi-Final game of the Women's College Cup -- the 2010 National Championship!  The game will be televised on ESPN2 -- beginning at 4 PM EST.  It's the fifth straight year that Randy Waldrum's Irish are competing in Women's Soccer "Final Four."  Go IRISH!!!

Mike Brey Radio Show: Tonight @ 7 PM EST

University of Notre Dame Men's Basketball Coach, Mike Brey -- will be airing his first LIVE Radio Show this evening from Legends of Notre Dame at 7 PM EST.  UND.COM's Jack Nolan will sit alongside Coach Brey and co-host -- with what's planned to be an "every Thursday" event during the basketball season.  Notre Dame freshman, Jerian Grant is tonight's guest.  Here's a link to the show:

LINK:  MIKE BREY RADIO SHOW -- WATCH IT LIVE!

Irish Gear Up for Women Soccer's FINAL FOUR!

The Fighting Irish of Notre Dame Women's Soccer Team is in Cary, NC today getting ready for tomorrow's Semi-Final game against Ohio State in the 2010 College Cup.  It's the fifth consecutive year that the Irish have made it this far!  Game time is 4:00 PM EST on ESPN2.  Here's a link to today's press conference with Irish Head Coach, Randy Waldrum and student athletes; Lauren Fowlkes and Jessica Schuveiller:

LINK:  NOTRE DAME GOES FOR THE NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP!

Where Are They Now? -- Bob Golic

These days, this former "two-time" First Team All-American Linebacker, member of the 1977 National Championship team (and something I didn't know) "two time" All-American wrestler  -- is better known as the "big brother" of Mike Golic of ESPN fame.  Don't tell him that!!!  Bob Golic, who played 13 years in the NFL and was a three time NFL Pro Bowl selection -- left the NFL for "Hollywood" where he starred in the sitcom "Saved by the Bell:  The College Years."  You also may recall seeing Bob in some "Nutri-System" commercials where he served as a spokesperson losing 140 lbs!  For the past five years, Golic has hosted his own daily "afternoon drive time" radio show 3 PM to 7 PM EST) in Akron at WNIR 101 FM - and when he's not on the radio you might find him in the downtown Cleveland's Warehouse District at his; Bob Golic's Sports Bar & Grille.  I'll never forget Golic's response to a question from a reporter about what it was like to play "Nose Tackle in the NFL" -- Bob's response:  "It's like being a fire hydrant at a dog show..."  Here's some links to websites on where you can catch up with Bob including a link to his radio show:

LINK:  BOB GOLIC'S OFFICIAL WEBSITE

LINK:  OFFICIAL WEBSITE FOR BOB GOLIC'S SPORTS BAR & GRILLE

LINK:  BOB GOLIC'S RADIO SHOW -- LISTEN LIVE!

NOTRE DAME'S FINAL OFFENSIVE RANKINGS

It's time for our FINAL look at where Notre Dame Football ranks in certain statistical categories amongst the 120 teams in the NCAA Football Bowl Subdivision -- FOR THE 2010 SEASON. In today's analysis you'll see how Notre Dame's Offense & Special Teams currently stand; on a national basis -- as compared to their final ranking for 2009 -- and the top teams in the country in each category.

OFFENSIVE TEAM STATISTICS

First Downs:  2010 Rank - #57 with 19.83 first downs per game -- in 2009 we averaged 24.4 first downs per game for the season, ranking us #4 -- Oklahoma leads the country with 27.08 first downs per game.  

Third Down Conversions:  2010 Rank - #76 with a 37.5% conversion rate -- in 2009 we had a 39.1% conversion rate for the season, ranking us #48 -- Stanford leads the country converting 57.76% of their third downs.  

Passing Yards Per Attempt:  2010 Rank - #75 with 6.8 yards passing per attempt -- in 2009 we averaged 8.7 yards passing per attempt, ranking us #7 in the country.  Auburn and Boise State lead the country averaging 10.3 yards per attempt.

Passing Yardage:  2010 Rank - #29 with 257 yards per game  (3,089 yards for the season)  -- in 2009 we passed for 323 yards per game (3,882 yards for the season), ranking us #7 -- Hawaii leads the country with 385 yards passing per game (4,618 yards for the season).  

Rushing Yards Per Attempt:  2010 Rank - #83 with 3.9 yards rushing per attempt -- in 2009 we averaged 3.8 yards rushing per attempt, ranking us #76 in the country.  Auburn and Nevada lead the country with an average of 6.5 yards rushing per attempt.  IMPROVEMENT!

Rushing Yardage:  2010 Rank - #97 with 121 yards rushing per game (1,450 yards for the season) -- in 2009 we rushed for 127 yards per game  (1,539 yards for the season), ranking us #88 -- Georgia Tech leads the country with 327 yards rushing per game (3,924 yards for the season). 

Most QB Sacks Given Up:  2010 Rank -- #66 giving up 19 QB sacks -- in 2009 we gave up 25 QB sacks for the season, ranking us #66 -- Washington State and Rutgers lead the country in giving up 46 QB sacks this season.  

Fewest Pass Interceptions Thrown:  2010 Rank -- #105 having thrown 16 pass interceptions this season -- in 2009 we threw 5 interceptions for the season, raking us #4  -- Army leads the country having thrown the few pass interceptions this season with 3.

Fewest Fumbles Lost:  2010 Rank -- #31 having lost 8 fumbles this season -- in 2009 we lost 9 fumbles for the season ranking us #39 -- Ohio State leads the country in fewest fumbles lost this season with 2.  IMPROVEMENT!

Fewest  Turnovers Lost:  2010 Rank - #84 with 24 turnovers lost -- in 2009 we had 14 turnovers for the season, ranking us #7 -- Iowa and Wisconsin lead the country with 9 turnovers lost for the season.  

Total Offense:  2010 Rank -- #63 with 378 yards per game of offense -- in 2009 we had 451 yards per game of offense, ranking us #8 -- Oregon leads the country 541 yards per game of offense. 

Points Per Game:  2010 Rank -- #73 with 25.75 points per game -- in 2009 we averaged 30.1 points per game for the season, ranking us #32 -- Oregon leads the country scoring 50.45 points per game.  

.

TEAM STATISTICS

Fewest Penalties:  2010 Rank - #10 with 55 penalties -- in 2009 we had 75 penalties for the season, ranking us #50 -- Wisconsin leads the country in the fewest penalties with 35.  IMPROVEMENT!

Fewest Penalty Yards:  2010 Rank -- #25 with 511 yards in penalties -- in 2009 we had 666 yards in penalties, ranking us #60 -- Navy leads the country in fewest penalty yards with 320.  IMPROVEMENT!

Net Punting Yards:  2010 Rank -- #72 with an average net of 36.9 yards per punt -- in 2009 we averaged 32.1 yards per punt, ranking us #112 -- Illinois leads the country with 44.6 net yards per punt.  IMPROVEMENT! 

Field Goals -- 2010 Rank -- #32 with 15 field goals made this season.  The Irish are 15 for 15 (100%) -- AND THE ONLY TEAM IN THE FBS THAT HAS NOT MISSED A FIELD GOAL THIS SEASON!  In 2009 we made 19 field goals, ranking us #22 -- while going 19 for 22 in the process.     

INDIVIDUAL LEADERS ON OFFENSE -- Ranked in top 100

Dayne Crist:
-Ranked #38 in the country with 226 passing yards, per game

-Ranked #72 in the country with 2,033 yards passing, for the season
-Ranked #45 in the country with 234 yards of total offense, per game

-Ranked #56 in the country with 15 TD passes
-Ranked #57 in the country with a 129.34 QB rating

-Ranked #65 in the country with a 59.2% pass completion percentage

-Ranked #77 in the country for most pass interceptions thrown with 7

-Ranked #3 in the country with a 95 yard pass completion / his 80 yard pass completion to Floyd would be ranked #29 in the country

David Ruffer:

-Ranked #1 in the country with most field goals made without a miss (15)
-Ranked #32 in the country in most field goals made with 15

-Ranked #35 in the country for longest field goal made - 50 yards
-Ranked #96 in scoring per game with a 6.58 points average

Michael Floyd:
-Ranked #24 in the country with 83 yards receiving per game

-Ranked #31 in the country with 916 yards receiving for the season

-Ranked #21 in the country with 73 pass receptions

-Ranked #13 in the country with 10 TD catches

-Ranked #29 in the country with an 80 yard catch

Kyle Rudolph:

-Ranked #3 in the country with a 95 yard catch

Tommy Rees:
-Ranked #61 in the country for most pass interceptions thrown with 8

ND Football Players -- Eligible for a Fifth Year

I received this question today from ND GO IRISH BLOG regular, R.J. Doyle: "What Notre Dame football players are eligible for a fifth year next season?"  A very good question -- let's first start with the list of seniors, who played this year for the Irish, who still have a fifth year of eligibility left.  Here goes:

Notre Dame Senior Football Players -- Eligible for a Fifth Year:

1. Taylor Dever, OT
2. Gary Gray, DB
3. Andrew Nuss, OG
4. Emeka Nwankwo, DE
5. Steve Paskorz, LB
6. Mike Ragone, TE
7. Matt Romine, OT
8. David Ruffer, K
9. Harrison Smith, S
10. Brandon Walker, K
11. Dan Wenger, C -- is seeking a "medical 6th year" of eligibility from the NCAA

If I had to make an educated guess -- I would suspect the following players have been asked by Coach Kelly to come back for a "fifth year:"  Dever, Gray, Nuss, Ragone, Romine, Ruffer and Smith.  And, I believe Notre Dame is doing what it can to assist Wenger in getting a sixth year of eligibility. 

We should know later this month!

The 25th Ranked Irish -- Beat Indiana State!

Mike Brey's Fighting Irish are now 8-0 after last nights 81-72 win over Larry Bird's alma mater, Indiana State.  This was a "tune-up" game for Notre Dame, as they get ready for the big game next Wednesday -- when they take on John Calipari's 10th ranked Kentucky Wildcats.  Here's a link to the South Bend Tribune's game story, along with a links to game highlights -- and Mike Brey's post game comments.  Go Irish!  Photo courtesy of the South Bend Tribune.

LINK:  SOUTH BEND TRIBUNE -- GAME STORY

LINK:  GAME HIGHLIGHTS -- ND vs. INDIANA STATE

LINK:  MIKE BREY'S POST GAME COMMENTS

A Domer's First Book -- An Autobiography?

Betsy Ross (we're not talking about the "flag maker") is a Notre Dame alum who you may recall seeing on ESPN's SportsCenter -- where she worked for five years in the late 90's.  Well, now you can add "author" to Betsy's resume -- her book "Playing Ball With The Boys" captures what it was like for a number of women who were the "pioneers" in sports, broadcasting and sports management.  After learning what Ross has done in her own life -- she probably could have just called this an "autobiography."  Betsy is president and founder of Game Day Communications and has more than 20 years of experience as a sports and news anchor.  Before anchoring SportsCenter and ESPN News, Ross worked at NBC News Channel and Cincinnati’s NBC affiliate, WLWT-TV.  And, she continues to be involved in sports broadcasting as play-by-play anchor for women’s college basketball for ESPN, Fox Sports and other national and regional outlets, and as a sports reporter for Cincinnati’s FOX 19.  Here's a link to a Cincinnati website's story on Betsy and a link to where you can buy her book!

LINK: A CINCINNATI.COM STORY ABOUT BETSY

LINK:  PLAYING BALL WITH THE BOYS -- AMAZON