Five Irish Recruits -- Start Classes in the AM!

Five years ago, Chris Stewart, George West and James Aldridge started a new "recruiting" trend at the University of Notre Dame.  EARLY ENROLLMENT -- something other schools had been doing for some time finally became an acceptable practice at ND.  Well, tomorrow morning -- five high school seniors become college freshmen; Brad Carrico, Kyle Brindza, Everett Golson, Ishaq Williams and Aaron Lynch (pictured).  You'll find a link below to MSNBC's Keith Arnold blog story about this very subject.

LINK:  NOTRE DAME'S FIVE NEW STUDENT-ATHLETES!

Recruiting Rankings -- ND Lookin' Good!

Just took a "lap" around a number of the services that rank the incoming recruiting classes for college football.  As things stand today -- a couple of weeks before National Signing Day (February 2nd) -- the Fighting Irish of Notre Dame appear to be looking at a TOP TEN Recruiting Class!  Here's the latest rankings:



LINK:  ESPN -- RECRUITING RANKINGS 

LINK:  RIVALS -- RECRUITING RANKINGS

LINK:  SCOUT -- RECRUITING RANKINGS

LINK:  MAX PREPS -- RECRUITING RANKINGS 

PHOTO OF THE DAY: Father Ted and MLK Jr.

On this day that celebrates the life and contributions of Martin Luther King Jr. -- I thought it would be appropriate to display this photo of the University of Notre Dame's Rev. Theodore Hesburgh "Father Ted" standing arm-in-arm with Martin Luther King, Jr. at a rally celebrating the passing of the 1964 Civil Rights Act at Chicago's Soldier Field.  The significance of this photo is this -- Chicago’s Cardinal John Cody refused to appear at the event (as did the city’s other prominent Catholic leader, Chicago Mayor Richard J. Daley) so Hesburgh drove up from Notre Dame to provide a national Catholic presence.

A Giant Snowman @ Notre Dame

WNDU-TV ran this story yesterday -- of a giant snow man that was constructed on the Notre Dame campus by students returning for the "Spring" Semester.  You'll recall -- the campus was hit with a major snow event last week, with upwards of three feet of snow falling in a 36 hour period.  Here's a link to the South Bend Tribune story:

LINK:  GIANT SNOW MAN @ NOTRE DAME

High School "All-Star" Games -- Big Surprises!

Brian Kelly and staff will be pleased to see "three" of their verbal commitments named among the "Top Ten Surprises" at the recent high school All-Star football games played across the country -- by the "recruiting experts" at Rivals.com.  I won't spoil the story -- but, the #1 surprise in the country is a ND commit!  Here's the link:


LINK:  TOP TEN SURPRISES @ HIGH SCHOOL ALL-STAR GAMES

Video of "GO IRISH" chant in Ethiopia!

Notre Dame alum, Matt Desmond is involved in Run Across Ethiopia -- a group that is running the equivalent of a marathon -- EVERY SINGLE DAY -- for ten straight days in Ethiopia, to raise money to build three schools in this African country.  They began the run last Sunday -- and as you'll see in the links below -- Matt is thinking about Notre Dame along the way.  In the first video, you'll find Matt teaching a number of Ethiopian children how to yell "GO IRISH" and "Michael Floyd."  In the second video, Matt teaches them how to yell "Ishaq Negus" -- the first and middle name of the high school All-American, Ishaq Williams -- who committed to Brian Kelly this week.  Only at Notre Dame!

LINK:  ETHIOPIAN CHILDREN YELLING "GO IRISH!" 

LINK:  ETHIOPIAN CHILDREN YELLING "ISHAQ NEGUS" 

LINK:  FACEBOOK -- RUN ACROSS ETHIOPIA 

LINK:  BLOG: RUN ACROSS ETHIOPIA

All the Notre Dame Men @ Florida

If you've been paying any attention at all to the Florida Gators football program the past five years under Urban Meyer -- and now a month into the Will Muschamp era -- you will have found one common trait amongst each of their coaching staffs:  a relationship to the University of Notre Dame.

FACT:  Each of the last six (including current) Florida Gator football coaching staffs have spent more years; attending, coaching or playing football at Notre Dame -- than Brian Kelly's current staff.

Think about that...

Meyer, a former Notre Dame assistant coach under Lou Holtz -- hired a number of coaches who had ties to the University of Notre Dame football program during his five years at Florida:

• Steve Addazzio -- Offensive Coordinator, was on Bob Davie's staff at Notre Dame
• Greg Mattison -- Co-Defensive Coordinator, was on Davie's and Willingham's staff at Notre Dame
• Charlie Strong -- Defensive Coordinator, was on Lou Holtz and Bob Davie's staff at Notre Dame
• Chuck Heater -- Co-Defensive Coordinator, was on Lou Holtz's staff at Notre Dame
• Anthony Weaver -- Grad Assistant, former Notre Dame starting defensive end

Will Muschamp, who was named as Meyer's replacement this past month -- has already followed suit -- hiring two Notre Dame grads to his staff:

• Charlie Weis '78 -- Offensive Coordinator -- ND alum and former Head Coach of the Irish
• Bryant Young '94 -- Defensive Line Coach -- ND alum, former Irish All-American and Grad Assistant on Charlie Weis' staff at Notre Dame

Don't they say; "Imitation is the sincerest form of flattery."

Irish Women's Hoops -- Smash Pitt Panthers!

Muffet's 12th ranked Fighting Irish traveled to Pittsburgh last night to take on the 9-7 Pitt Panthers -- and it looked like they had a "little fun" in the process, leading 50-19 at halftime!  Notre Dame went on to beat Pitt 82-50 -- taking their record to 15-4 for the season and 4-1 in the Big East.   Surprisingly, Notre Dame had lost its last two games against Pitt. Here's a link to the South Bend Tribune story:

LINK:  SBT:  IRISH ROUT PITT

Aaron Lynch Commits to Notre Dame!

One of the top defensive ends in the country -- Aaron Lynch (Cape Coral, FL) gave his verbal commitment to Notre Dame this morning!  Lynch, who put on a show this past Saturday rushing the QB at the U.S. Army All-American Bowl -- will "enroll early" at ND -- meaning he'll begin classes this next Tuesday.  Lynch, is the second All-American to commit to Notre Dame in as many days -- joining U.S. Army All-American teammate Ishaq Williams who committed yesterday.  Those who follow recruiting know that Lynch had committed to Notre Dame back in July -- only to "de-commit" in November to commit to Florida State.  Aaron had a change of heart during his week of practice leading up to the U.S. Army All-American game -- and Irish fans are glad he did!  A HUGE two days for the Notre Dame football program.  See a link below to a highlight video of Aaron's senior season and a link to the South Bend Tribune story.  Welcome "back" home Aaron!

LINK:  AARON LYNCH -- HIGHLIGHT VIDEO 

LINK:  SBT:  LYNCH COMMITS AGAIN TO IRISH!

ND's Randy Waldrum Named Coach of the Year!

University of Notre Dame's women's soccer coach -- Randy Waldrum, was named last night as the NSCAA/Mondo National Coach of the Year!  It's the third year in a row that Randy has received a national coaching honor.  In 2008, he was named the FieldTurf Division I National Coach of the Year -- and, in 2009, he was selected as the Soccer America Division I National Coach of the Year.  Coach Waldrum led the Fighting Irish this season to their second National Championship in his twelve year career at Notre Dame.  Randy's overall record at Notre Dame is 253-36-11 -- a .862 winning percentage!  Here's a link to the UND.COM story.  Congratulations Coach Waldrum!!!

LINK:  UND.COM -- NATIONAL COACH OF THE YEAR!

Notre Dame Scientist's Discovery!

Notre Dame scientist and Bayer Professor of Engineering -- Hsueh-Chia “Chia” Chang is developing a portable device that can rapidly pinpoint pathogens, toxins and other harmful substances in fluids, ranging from blood and saliva, to water from lakes and streams.  This device has the real potential to supplant certain conventional technologies in the areas of homeland security, environmental safety and medical diagnostics.  Chia is teaming up with F3 -- a company that has leased laboratory space at Notre Dame's Innovation Park -- to take this product to market.  Here's a link to the South Bend Tribune story about this exciting development:

LINK:  NOTRE DAME SCIENTIST'S DISCOVERY!

Three Irish Commits Named to TEAM USA!

Three high school football All-Americans -- who've given their "verbal" commitment to Brian Kelly and the Fighting Irish of Notre Dame have been selected to play in the Team USA vs. The World football game on February 2nd in Austin, TX.  George Atkinson (WR - California), Matt Hegarty (OL - New Mexico) and Stephon Tuitt (DE - Georgia) will be wearing the 'red-white and blue."  Here's a link to Team USA's roster:

LINK:  THREE ND RECRUITS -- ON TEAM USA ROSTER

Ishaq Williams Selects Notre Dame!

U.S. Army All-American -- Ishaq (E-Shock) Williams from Brooklyn, NY -- surprised many with his commitment this morning to the Fighting Irish of Notre Dame.  Williams had scheduled an "official visit" to Penn State University today -- but an "early morning" visit (4:30 AM) to the William's home from Notre Dame's Defensive Coordiator, Bob Diaco -- triggered a quick change in plans!  Ishaq, a 6'-6" 230 lb. OLB will enroll early -- meaning he'll be in class this next Tuesday at Notre Dame and will participate in Spring Practice with the Irish.  This is a major "recruiting win" for Notre Dame!  Here's a link to a New York Post story on Ishaq's commitment -- YOU'LL LOVE THIS STORY! -- and a link to highlight video from his junior season in high school.

LINK:  NEW YORK POST STORY

LINK:  ISHAQ WILLIAMS -- HIGHLIGHT VIDEO

Ten Best College Football Coaches -- All Time

A blog called "Best Universities Online" posted their list of the ten greatest college football coaches of all time.  Now, having looked at the list -- I'm betting the author of the list hails from "south of the Mason-Dixon line."  Two former Notre Dame coaching greats made the top ten -- you'll have to click here to find who?:

LINK:  TOP TEN COLLEGE FOOTBALL COACHES OF ALL TIME

Three Domers Drafted Today -- MLS Draft!

Three members of the Notre Dame men's soccer team were drafted today in the Major League Soccer SuperDraft; Jeff Brovsky (Lakewood, CO), Bilal Duckett (Peachtree City, GA) and Steven Perry (Edmund, OK).  Brovsky and Duckett were selected by the Vancouver Whitecaps and Perry was taken by the New England Revolution.  Congratulations!  Here's a link to the MLS' website and a link to the UND.COM story:

LINK:  MLS SUPERDRAFT WEBSITE 

LINK:  UND.COM -- THREE IRISH TAKEN IN MLS DRAFT!

Coach Kelly Getting Some Props!

A website called Business Insider -- published a story today about an area they believe Notre Dame head football coach "excels" at.  I'll "tease" you with that -- and direct you to the story linked below.  Special thanks to ND GO IRISH BLOG regular; Dr. Jim Clancy for tracking down this story:


LINK:  BUSINESS INSIDER:  BRIAN KELLY EXCELS

Odds to Win 2012 BCS National Championship

Well, the gang in "Vegas" wasted no time in publishing their betting odds as to who will win the 2011-2012 BCS National Championship -- and the Fighting Irish of Notre Dame are at 30 to 1.  Here's a list of some of the school's on Notre Dame's schedule next year -- and their odds of winning the BCS National Championship -- along with a link below to odds on a number of the BCS teams.  Oklahoma is the early favorite at 7 to 2.

• South Florida:  100 to 1
• Boston College: 150 to 1
• Michigan:  75 to 1
• Michigan State:  40 to 1
• Pittsburgh:  100 to 1
• Stanford:  25 to 1

LINK:  ODDS TO WIN 2011-2012 BCS NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP

America's Top Recruit -- Commits to Irish!

This young man's name is no stranger to Notre Dame fans - he's Michael Floyd.  Today, the Irish wide receiver announced that he would be RETURNING to Notre Dame for his senior season!!!  Floyd, already the career TD reception leader in ND history -- made the decision to bypass the NFL to stay in school.  Isn't this GREAT NEWS!  Here's a link to statements made today by Coach Kelly and Michael Floyd about his decision to return to the Irish football team - and two additional ESPN stories about Floyd choosing ND over the NFL -- along with a video tribute to Michael, showing every TD catch in his career:

LINK:  KELLY AND FLOYD -- STATEMENTS

LINK:  ESPN STORY ON FLOYD STAYING AT NOTRE DAME

LINK:  COLLEGE FOOTBALL NATION BLOG -- STORY ON FLOYD

LINK:  VIDEO TRIBUTE TO MICHAEL FLOYD

First Football Polls for 2011 -- Irish Ranked!

Well, it didn't take long for a number of the "experts" to start making their predictions for the pre-season Top-Twenty college football teams -- and the IRISH are getting some respect!  Here are links to the first polls out for 2011:




LINK:  CHICAGO TRIBUNE POLL

LINK:  NATIONALCHAMPS.NET POLL

LINK:  BLEACHER REPORT POLL

LINK:  ORLANDO SENTINEL POLL 

LINK:  SB NATION POLL

Notre Dame Finishes 19th in Sagarin Rankings!

USA Today just released Jeff Sagarin's (photo) last ranking of the 2010 college football season and our Fighting Irish finished 19th!  Here's a link to his computer ranking system for college football -- don't ask me how to explain what he does -- and a link to story that USA Today ran about this guy named "Sagarin."

LINK:  SAGARIN'S FINAL RANKINGS 

LINK:  WHO IS THIS GUY NAMED SAGARIN?

Texas Following Notre Dame's Lead...

A story broke yesterday that the University of Texas was close to finalizing a deal with ESPN to create their own TV network.  What's surprising to me is that's it's taken 20 years for another school to follow Notre Dame's lead.  The Irish have had their own "TV Network" since 1991.  Just think about that...  Here's a link to the story:

LINK:  TEXAS AND ESPN IN NEGOTIATIONS

Oregon WR -- To Honor Declan Tonight!

The ND GO IRISH BLOG posted a story about Oregon's D. J. Davis's tribute to Declan Sullivan a month ago (see link below).  Well, tonight -- on college football's biggest stage -- Oregon wide receiver; D. J. Davis, will once again, be wearing a photo of Declan on his belt.  Here is a story in USA Today that talks about D. J.'s plans for the BCS Championship game:



LINK:  OREGON WR -- HONORS DECLAN SULLIVAN

LINK:  USA TODAY -- DUCK'S DAVIS HONORS ND STUDENT

Irish Hoops on ESPN2 Tonight vs. Marquette!

Mike Brey's 14-2 and now #9 (RPI) ranked Fighting Irish -- travel to Milwaukee tonight to take on the Marquette Warriors in front of a national TV audience on ESPN2's BIG MONDAY.  The game tips off at 7 PM EST -- just before the BCS National Championship game.  Marquette is 11-5 on the season and 2-1 in the Big East -- should be a very good game!  GO IRISH!  Here are links to this morning's South Bend Tribune and Milwaukee Journal stories about the game:


LINK:  SBT:  IRISH PLAY MARQUETTE

LINK:  MILWAUKEE JOURNAL STORY

Notre Dame Alum -- Releases First Book!

Timothy Ward '09 -- a recent graduate of the University of Notre Dame and owner of his own business called Athletic Reveloution -- has released a book entitled "The Theory of Fat Loss."  Ward, who lives in Mobile, AL -- began as a personal trainer at the age of 18 and graduated from Notre Dame in 3 years at the age of 20.  Here's a link to his blog -- it's quite good -- along with a link to where you can buy his book.  Congratulations Timothy!!!


LINK:  TIMOTHY WARD'S BLOG

LINK:  BUY HIS BOOK -- RIGHT HERE!

NEW FEATURE -- Live Web Cams @ ND!

The ND GO IRISH BLOG has added a new feature to the blog this morning -- links to the live webcams located around the University of Notre Dame campus!

This is in response to the large number of ND fans who took advantage of the links we provided to the webcams -- in a story yesterday about the SNOW STORM at Notre Dame.

All you have to do -- is look to the right hand column of the ND GO IRISH BLOG and you'll find a section entitled:  LIVE WEBCAMS @ NOTRE DAME.  Just click on the link to the webcam view of campus you prefer -- any time of the day -- and you'll have a LIVE look at the University of Notre Dame.  Enjoy!

LINK:  LIVE WEBCAM VIEW OF DOME & BASILICA

PHOTO OF THE DAY: ND's New Recruits!

This photo is courtesy of Mike Frank's Irish Sports Daily -- and it was taken at the U.S. Army All-American game yesterday in San Antonio, TX.  From left to right you have:  George Atkinson III (WR --California), Stephon Tuitt (DE -- Georgia) and Matt Hegarty (OL -- New Mexico).

For all of you "recruiting" nuts -- these next three weeks are going to be crazy leading up to National Signing Day on February 3rd.  If you'd like to keep track of this stuff -- like I do -- you should consider subscribing to a couple of the sites that provide this information for Notre Dame fans.  You won't regret it!  Here are the links:

LINK:  IRISH ILLUSTRATED

LINK:  IRISH SPORTS DAILY

Big Weekend For TOP RANKED Irish Teams!

The University of Notre Dame Fighting Irish had a number of big wins -- and a very close loss -- over this "winter" weekend.  Many of the Irish teams were in action; the 14th ranked men's basketball team, the 12th ranked women's basketball team,  the 11th ranked hockey team and the men and women track & field teams kicked off their indoor season.  Here are links to stories on each of the teams' results over the past two days:

LINK:  MEN'S BASKETBALL -- BIG WIN OVER ST. JOHN'S 

LINK:  CHICAGO TRIBUNE STORY -- IRISH OVER ST. JOHN'S

LINK:  WOMEN'S BASKETBALL -- IRISH LOSE TO UCONN

LINK:  SBT STORY:  TOUGH LOSS TO UCONN

LINK:  HOCKEY -- IRISH ON A ROLL!

LINK:  SBT STORY:  WEEKEND SWEEP FOR IRISH!

LINK:  TRACK & FIELD -- WINS 17 EVENTS!

Irish Alums Score 3 TD's in NFL Playoff Game

Former Notre Dame football stars; Julius Jones and John Carlson scored a combined three touchdowns in the Seahawks stunning 41-36 win over the Saints yesterday afternoon in the NFL Playoffs.  The 7-9 Seahawks -- who most everyone felt didn't belong in the NFL postseason -- knocked off the defending Super Bowl Champions!  Carlson, had two touchdown catches (11 yards and 7 yards) for the Seahawks and Jones had a 5 yard TD run for the Saints.  In addition, former Irish star Golden Tate, had a catch for five yards for the victorious Seahawks.  The "only downside" to the Seahawks victory yesterday -- Pete Caroll...   Here's a link to a video of the Seahawks post game celebration -- watch it, if you must!

LINK:  SEAHAWKS POST GAME CELEBRATION

Irish vs. UCONN -- CBS @ 2 PM EST!

Muffet's #12 ranked Fighting Irish take on the #2 ranked UCONN Huskies -- in front of a SOLD OUT Purcell Pavillion (if Irish fans get through the snow to the game) and a national TV audience on CBS.  The game tips off at 2 PM EST -- GO IRISH!  Here's a link to GAMEDAY CENTRAL at UND.COM:

LINK:  NOTRE DAME vs. UCONN -- GAMEDAY CENTRAL

Harangody's Best Game as a Pro!!!

Former Notre Dame All-American, Luke Harangody -- finally got his chance last night to show what he can do in the NBA.  The Irish start "lit up" the Toronto Raptors, in front of the home crowd, with his first career "DOUBLE-DOUBLE" -- scoring 17 points and grabbing 11 rebounds in the Boston Celtics' 122-102 win.  Here's a link to an ESPN blog story on Luke's big night along with a video of his post game interview.  Congrats!

LINK:  HARANGODY -- FIRST CAREER "DOUBLE-DOUBLE"

Notre Dame -- Snow Storm!!!

The University of Notre Dame is getting hammered by a "LAKE EFFECT" snow storm.  This morning, WNDU-TV is reporting that there is two feet of snow on the ground, with more on the way -- over the next 36 hours.  Those of us not in the storm, will get a kick out of the weather radar link below from WSBT-TV.  You'll see first hand how some areas are getting buried in snow and a few blocks away, there might be no snow at all.  Here's a link to the news story, a link to the weather radar -- and a live link to a webcam view of South Quad, Clarke Memorial Fountain and the Dome & Basilica -- on the University of Notre Dame campus:

LINK:  WNDU-TV REPORT ON SNOW STORM

LINK:  WSBT-TV -- LAKE EFFECT SNOW WARNING

LINK:  WEBCAM VIEW OF SOUTH QUAD

LINK:  WEBCAM VIEW OF CLARKE MEMORIAL FOUNTAIN 

LINK:  WEBCAM VIEW OF DOME AND BASILICA

U.S. Army All-American Bowl -- 1 PM EST

Today's U.S. Army All-American Bowl from San Antonio, TX will feature three ND "verbal" commi and a couple of more who have yet to decide.   The game will be televised by NBC beginning at 1 PM EST.  The photo above is from the 2008 U.S. Army All-American Bowl's -- featuring the 14 Notre Dame "committed" players in the game -- you might recognize a few of their "baby" faces!  Here's the All-Americans Notre Dame fans will want to keep an eye out for today:

All-Americans -- who have "verbally" committed to the Irish:

• George Atkinson III (ATH) -- on the West Team, will be wearing #20
• Matthew Hegarty (OL) -- on the West Team, will be wearing #56
• Stephon Tuitt (DE) -- on the East Team, will be wearing #98

All-Americans -- who are still considering committing to the Irish:

• Aaron Lynch (DE) -- on the East Team will be wearing #19
• Ishaq Williams (OLB) -- on the East Team, will be wearing #1

Notes concerning today's game:

• Atkinson, one of the best athletes on the field, is playing "safety" in today's game -- the same position his father played in the NFL for 10 seasons for the Oakland Raiders.  George III will be playing wide receiver when he arrives in South Bend this fall.
• Matthew Hegarty, banged up a knee in a high school basketball game a few weeks ago -- he'll be wearing a brace and should be good to go.  He just might be the best high school offensive lineman in America.
• Tuitt, earned a starting spot at DE today -- over a player (Ray Drew) that ESPN "experts" regard as the #3 "overall" high school player in America.  So much for recruiting experts at ESPN!  A big, powerful, athletic player -- who just might be Brian Kelly's most important recruit.  A number of schools are still recruiting him hard.
• Aaron Lynch, a Notre Dame "verbal" commit this past August -- only to de-commit in October and give a verbal commit to Florida State.  Just this week, Lynch decided to "de-commit" again and now is going to visit Notre Dame next weekend.  Lynch, another big, powerful, athletic body -- was running with Tuitt, this week, as a starting DE for the East Team.  Lynch and Tuitt could team up in South Bend and become our "Browner and Fry" -- for those of you who are old enough to remember these book end Defensive Ends for Coach Parseghian.  

LINK:  SOUTH BEND TRIBUNE STORY ON AARON LYNCH

• Ishaq Williams, was scheduled to make a commitment to one of his final three schools today;  Notre Dame, Penn State or Syracuse.  However, he decided in the last day or so -- to "possibly" delay this decision.  He's expected to "enroll early" in one of these schools, so he doesn't have much time.  Many feel Notre Dame leads here -- but, both parents are Syracuse grads and a few feel Penn State is the team to beat (???).  He's being recruited to play an OLB for Notre Dame, but is expected to play a DE position in today's game.

LINK:  SOUTH BEND TRIBUNE STORY ON ISHAQ WILLIAMS

Here are links to both team's rosters and ESPN's analysis of some of the better players:

LINK:  ROSTERS -- 2011 U.S. ARMY ALL-AMERICAN BOWL

LINK:  ESPN PREVIEW OF PLAYERS IN TODAY'S GAME

A "Domer" Breaks Michigan's Heart Today!

A Notre Dame alum, Jed York '03 -- broke the heart of every Michigan football fan this afternoon when it was announced that he had agreed to terms with Jim Harbaugh to become the new head coach of his San Francisco 49'ers.  Jed, the 29 year-old CEO and "Owner" of the 49'ers (that's Jed on the left in the photo) -- signed Harbaugh to a five-year $25 million contract.  Harbaugh the "people's choice" among the Michigan Wolverines' fanbase -- is now off the market -- and I guess you can thank the IRISH for that!!!  Isn't it nice having one of our rivals go through what we've had to deal with a few times in the last ten years!  Here's a link to this story -- along with

LINK:  HARBAUGH TO 49'ERS

LINK:  JED YORK -- 'GROWING UP'

Lou Holtz -- Happy Birthday!

Former Notre Dame football coach Lou Holtz turns 74 years young today -- Happy Birthday Coach!

And, I'm betting never in his "wildest dreams" did he think he'd be starring in an animated Disney Channel show -- as himself -- in this morning's episode of "Dr. Throw."


The Dr. Throw show targets toddlers and preschool children.  In this morning's episode "Dr. Throw," Special Agent OSO, the brightly colored panda bear, had to teach a little boy named Rudy how to throw a football before the boy's Uncle Lou comes over to play a game of catch.  Rudy completes a pass just as Uncle Lou — the former University of Notre Dame football coach — enters the backyard wearing his signature blue cap and blue sweatshirt.

Do you think -- by the name of the "little boy," the use of Coach Holtz in his ND gear -- and the fact that the star of RUDY (the movie) Sean Astin is the voice of Special Agent OSO -- the writer of this episode is a Notre Dame fan?

A big ND GO IRISH BLOG thank you to regular contributor;  Dr. Jim Clancy for alerting us to this story.  Here'a a link to a WNDU-TV story -- that shows a clip from the show -- Enjoy!

LINK:  COACH HOLTZ STARS IN DISNEY CHANNEL SHOW

U.S. Army All-American Bowl -- This Saturday!

The "future" of the Fighting Irish of Notre Dame's football program will be on display this Saturday afternoon on NBC at 1:00 PM EST.  Three high school All-Americans, playing in the U.S. Army All-American Bowl, have already given their "verbal" commitment to Brian Kelly;  Matt Hegarty (OL / New Mexico), Stephon Tuitt (DE / Georgia) and George Atkinson III (WR / California).  A fourth All-American playing in this game -- Ishaq Williams (OLB / New York) will be announcing his college choice during the game.  Ishaq's finalists are:  Penn State, Syracuse and Notre Dame.  It's "must see TV" for Irish fans!  Here's a link to the Army All-American Bowl's website -- you'll want to take a look at this!

LINK:  2011 U.S. ARMY ALL-AMERICAN BOWL

Under Armour All America Game -- 7 PM EST

The Fighting Irish of Notre Dame have two "verbal" commits playing tonight on ESPN in the Under Armour All-America game.  The two All-Americans are Davaris Daniels (WR) and Ben Kayock (TE) -- a third player in tonight's game; Amir Carlisle -- is currently committed to Stanford -- yet, is considering a switch to Notre Dame.  Should be fun to watch!



LINK:  TUNE IN TONIGHT -- WEDNESDAY @ 7 PM EST!

College Football -- An Investment!

A recent report came out that ranked the "investment" colleges were making into their football programs.  It's an eye-opener!  The statistics come from the Department of Education, which has required universities to submit the amount they spend on sports since 2000 as part of the Equity in Athletics Disclosure Act.  Here's what they found:


Top 10 "investors" in their college football program:
1. Ohio State: $31,763,036
2. Alabama: $31,118,134
3. Notre Dame: $29,490,788
4. Auburn: $27,911,713
5. LSU: $25,566,520
6. Florida: $24,457,557
7. South Carolina: $22,794,211
8. Wisconsin: $22,041,491
9. Arkansas: $22,005,014
10. TCU: $20,609,361

Top 10 ranking of investment:  per undergraduate student:
1. Notre Dame: $3,531
2. Tulsa: $3,236
3. TCU: $2,822
4. Stanford: $2,625
5. SMU: $2,113
6. Miami (FL): $1,927
7. Boston College: $1,891
8. Northwestern: $1,851
9. Arkansas: $1,625
10. Auburn $1,518

Here's a link to the entire article:

LINK:  COLLEGE FOOTBALL IS INDEED "BIG BUSINESS"

Irish Beat Second Top Ten Team in a Week!

Mike Brey's Fighting Irish knocked off the #8 UCONN Huskies 73-70 last night at the Purcell Pavillion!  This was the second win over a top ten team in the past week for Notre Dame.  The Irish beat #9 Georgetown last Wednesday night.  The #14 Irish are now 13-2 on the season and are sure to continue their gradual move up the national polls.  What was so impressive about last night's win was they did it without Carleton Scott -- who's out for a "few weeks" with a hamstring injury.  Here's a link to highlights of last night's game courtesy of UND.COM and a link to the "game story" from the South Bend Tribune:

LINK:  IRISH BEAT UCONN

LINK:  SBT -- ND BEATS UCONN

Breaking News: Kyle Rudolph Off to NFL!

The ND GO IRISH BLOG speculated a couple of weeks ago that it didn't look good for ND fans' hopes of keeping Kyle Rudolph in a gold helmet next season.  And, MSNBC's Keith Arnold just reported that Kyle has decided to forgo his senior season and enter the NFL Draft.  Here's a link to the story:

LINK:  RUDOLPH TO THE NFL

Notre Dame Takes a Look Back at 2010

The University of Notre Dame's Office of Public Affairs & Communication's gang produced a "look back" at some of the key moments over the course of 2010 at the University of Notre Dame.  As fans of ND, we all know there were some great moments this past year -- and some I'm sure we all wish had never happened -- and some we'll never forget.  Here's a quick synopsis of 2010 at the University of Notre Dame -- click on the link:




LINK:  THE YEAR 2010 AT THE UNIVERSITY OF NOTRE DAME

Dept. of Defense Awards $9.9 Million to ND

The Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) -- the U.S. Department of Defense's research and development office -- just awarded the University of Notre Dame's Center for Nano Science and Technology a $9.9 million contract.  Now I must admit -- what this group does at ND, is "way over my head" -- so I'm just going to link you to the South Bend Tribune story!

LINK:  MAJOR RESEARCH CONTRACT FOR NOTRE DAME

Two Irish Commits: In Under Armour Game

This Wednesday night at 7 PM EST -- the Under Armour All-America game will be played at Tropicana Field in Tampa, FL.  The game will be televised live on ESPN and will feature a couple of high school All-Americans who have given Brian Kelly a "verbal" commit:  Davaris Daniels, a wide receiver out of Vernon Hills, IL and Ben Koyack, a tight end out of Oil City, PA.  In addition, an "athlete" named Amir Carlisle who you will see at WR and probably RB in the game -- is currently committed to Stanford but is considering switching to Notre Dame.  Here's a link to the roster of players who will be playing in the game -- and when you get to this page, check out all of the stories being generated from the practices:

LINK:  UNDER ARMOUR ALL-AMERICANS

Charlie & Charlie Jr. -- Off to the Florida Gators

Over the last week there's been plenty of speculation in the media that Charlie Weis '78, would be leaving the Kansas City Chiefs to join Will Muschamp's new staff at the University of Florida.  Well, the move was confirmed yesterday by Charlie himself -- citing the opportunity to work alongside his son Charlie Jr. -- who's also accepted a position on the Gator's staff as a "student assistant coach."  The ND GO IRISH BLOG wishes the Weis family well in this new endeavor!  Here's a link to a USA Today story on Florida's hiring of Charlie Weis and the hiring of former ND offensive line coach Frank Verducci:


LINK:  WEIS TO FLORIDA

LINK:  WEIS JR. TO FLORIDA

The Hyundai Sun Bowl -- Celebration!

The gang at UND.COM just posted some great video from Notre Dame's victory celebration over Miami after their convincing 33-17 victory!  Here's the links to all of the action courtesy of UND.COM!  ENJOY!!!

LINK:  HIGHLIGHTS -- ND OVER MIAMI IN SUN BOWL!

LINK:  COACH KELLY'S GATORADE BATH!

LINK:  NOTRE DAME'S LOCKER ROOM CELEBRATION! 

LINK:  SUN BOWL POST GAME PRESS CONFERENCE

12th Ranked Irish Beat #10 Boston U in OT!

Jeff Jackson's Fighting Irish Icers rebounded yesterday afternoon -- after a tough loss the night before to eventual champion Minnesota State -- to beat the 10th ranked Terriers of Boston U in a shootout at the Shillelagh Tournament in Chicago.  The win over Boston -- which everyone expected to be the Shillelagh's Championship game -- gave the #12 Irish a 3rd place finish in the tournament.  The big stat of the game -- the Irish out-shot Boston;  42-19 -- yet the Irish trailed late in the 3rd period before scoring a short handed goal to tie the game and put it into overtime.  The short handed goal was the 9th of the season for Notre Dame -- tops in the nation!  It's always a big win in college hockey when you beat Boston U!  A ND GO IRISH BLOG thank you to regular contributor Dr. Jim Clancy for tracking down this story!

NBA / NOTRE DAME UPDATE: Luke Harangody

Our friends at ESPN did a nice story (surprisingly) on former Notre Dame All-American Luke Harangody.  You'll recall, "Gody" was a second round draft pick of the Boston Celtics this past June.  Here's a link to the story:

LINK:  HARANGODY -- LIFE IN THE NBA

Irish Women's BB -- WHAT A START!!!!

What's the old adage -- "It's never over til' it's over..."  Well, it was over early in the first half today for the Southeast Missouri Redhawks in their game with Notre Dame.   Muffet McGraw's Irish's started off the game with  a 36-0 run -- THE GAME WAS OVER -- in route to to a 46-6 halftime lead.  The Fighting Irish ended up winning the game 97-21.  The 21 points by an opponent is a new record for Notre Dame women's basketball!  The 17th ranked Irish are now 12-3 on the season -- leading in to Big East play -- which begins this Wednesday at Marquette.  A ND GO IRISH BLOG thanks to regular contributor Dr. Jim Clancy for alerting us to this story!  Here's a link to the UND.COM story:

LINK:  HOT START FOR THE IRISH!

Irish Will Take the Longest Winning Streak...

Brian Kelly's Fighting Irish will take a four-game winning streak into next season's opener against the University of South Florida -- an opponent which is coached by former "domer" Skip Holtz.  Notre Dame's four-game winning streak is the longest win streak -- carried over into a new season -- in the last 18 years!  You have to go back to the 1992 season when the Irish won their last six games and then won their Cotton Bowl game -- a seven game winning streak to end a season -- to find a longer winning streak entering a new season. ND Fans will recall, that this team was coached by Lou Holtz, Skip's Dad.

Do you think November's have been tough on the Irish football program?

Congratulations Irish on "finishing" a football season!!!!

Irish Take On Undefeated Syracuse @ 3:30 PM

The #15 Notre Dame Fighting Irish take on the undefeated and #5 Syracuse Orangemen in the Carrier Dome today on ESPNU at 3:30 PM EST.  The 12-1 Irish are coming off of a convincing win over Georgetown on Wednesday night -- can they do it again today???  Be sure to tune-in and cheer them on to victory!  Here's a link to UND.COM's preview of the game along with the South Bend Tribune's story:

LINK:  NOTRE DAME vs. SYRACUSE 

LINK:  SBT -- ORANGE POISED, ROLLING