Friday, January 20, 2012

Irish Hockey Breaks Michigan's 9 Game Streak!


Jeff Jackson's #6 ranked Fighting Irish beat the #10 Michigan Wolverines 3 -1 tonight in front of a sold-out crowd at the Compton Family Ice Arena.  The win moves the Irish into a tie with Michigan for 3rd or 4th place in the CCHA, depending on how Lake Superior fared this evening.  It was also the first loss for Michigan in their last nine games.  Congratulations Irish! 

LINK:  COACH JACKSON POSTGAME PRESS CONFERENCE

LINK:  IRISH / MICHIGAN HOCKEY HIGHLIGHTS FROM NBC

The First Time In 24 Years -- #1 Is In Town!


Syracuse University's #1 ranked basketball team comes into Notre Dame's Purcell Pavillion tomorrow night -- marking the first time in 24 years that a #1 ranked team has come into town to play the Irish basketball team.

Now, believe it or not -- the ODDS are in Notre Dame's favor that we'll UPSET #1 in our building.

Over the years, EIGHT teams have come into South Bend ranked #1 -- and on SIX occasions -- the IRISH were VICTORIOUS!  So, lookout Syracuse!

Here's a link to a look-back at #1's coming into Purcell Pavillion:

LINK:  #1 GOES HOME WITH A LOSS!

Thursday, January 19, 2012

Will Kansas Change Its Colors to Blue & Gold?


In a matter of just a few weeks, former Notre Dame football coach Charlie Weis '79 has turned the Kansas Jayhawk football program into the Notre Dame Club of Lawrence (KS). 

As of today, there are seven (7) former ND football players and coaches learning "ROCK CHOCK JAYHAWK:"
  • Charlie Weis '79
  • Ron Powlus '97
  • Tim Grunhard '90
  • Rob Ianello (ND Coach 2005 - 2009)
  • Mo Crum '09
  • Dayne Crist '12
  • Mike Ragone '11

LINK:  KANSAS FOOTBALL ROSTER

SI Feature: ND's Only NBA Head Coach


Sports Illustrated published a story today on former ND basketball star Monty Williams '94.  Williams is the head coach of the NBA's New Orleans Hornets -- a team that was ravaged during the NBA's extended off-season.  In his second year in the NBA's "first seat" -- Monty is facing a challenge most couldn't handle.  You'll enjoy this story.

LINK:  MONTY WILLIAMS -- A ND MAN

Golden Tate the Only "Perfect" WR in NFL!


The folks at PRO FOOTBALL FOCUS have just released a statistic on "catchable" balls this season and former Notre Dame All-American Golden Tate (Seattle Seahawks) is the only NFL wide receiver who CAUGHT EVERY CATCHABLE BALL THROWN TO HIM this season!

Think about that!

Seattle Seahawk QB's threw 35 "catchable" balls to Golden this season and he caught every single one.  To people who follow this kind of stuff -- they're not surprised -- since Golden only dropped one catchable ball in his rookie season.

ONE DROP IN TWO SEASONS IN THE NFL!

Here's a link to the stats on "catchable" balls

LINK:  CALL HIM MR. PERFECT!


Wednesday, January 18, 2012

Kelly Hires Son of Former Michigan Coach


It appears Brian Kelly has now filled all of the open spots on his coaching staff.  The story broke today that Bobby Elliott, son of former Michigan head football coach Bump Elliott -- will be joining the Notre Dame football coaching staff as early as this week.

Elliott, is expected to coach the Irish defensive backs -- a position group he's coached at a number of schools.  Ironically, two of his former players are on the staff he'll be joining;  Bob Diaco and Kerry Cooks.

The three new coaches joining Brian Kelly's staff;  Scott Booker (wide receivers or running backs), Harry Hiestand (offensive line) and Elliott (defensive backs).

Here's a link to the Des Moines Register story about Elliott's move to ND:

Domer Retires After 16 Year MLB Career!


Notre Dame alum, Craig Counsell '92 announced his retirement yesterday after a "championship" 16-year career in Major League Baseball.  The former Fighting Irish baseball MVP earned World Series rings with the Florida Marlins in 1997 and with the Arizona Diamonbacks in 2007 -- the first and only World Series titles for both franchises.

Craig's Dad John '64, is a former player and assistant coach with the Notre Dame baseball program.

Counsell has accepted a position in the front office of his hometown Milwaukee Brewers -- the last of five National Leagues teams (Colorado, Florida, Los Angeles Dodgers, Arizona and Milwaukee) he played for.

Here's a link to Craig's retirement press conference:

LINK:  NOTRE DAME BASEBALL STAR

LINK:  CRAIG'S CAREER STATS

Muffet's Irish "Put 120" on the Pitt Panthers!


How do you score 120 points in a college basketball game against a legitimate Division 1 program?

Well, Muffet McGraw's #2 ranked team know the answer to that question!

Last night the Lady Irish roared pass Pittsburgh 120 - 44.  And, to think this isn't the highest scoring night for Notre Dame this season.  That took place 19 days ago when the Irish scored 124 in a rout of Mercer in Atlanta.

Last night's victory margin -- 76 points is the largest ever for ND over a Big East opponent.  The Irish set or tied six school records:

  1. Most field goals made:  48 -- also a Big East record for most field goals made in the regular season, old record was 46 by Providence back in 1986
  2. Margin of victory in Big East game: 76 points 
  3. Margin of victory in a home game:  76 points  (tied a record set last January)
  4. Most points in a home game:  120 points
  5. Most points in a Big East game:  120 points
  6. Most players in double figures:  Eight (tied a record set in 2009)


Tuesday, January 17, 2012

Next Up for the IRISH -- The Armstead Men!

 

Armond and Arik Armstead are back at their California home tonight, mulling over the decision on what school they will enroll (in the next few days) for the Spring semester!

It appears the race is down to Notre Dame or Auburn -- with many feeling pretty good about ND's chances.  Here's why ND fans should be excited about this pending news:


Here's a few links to some of the stories on their recruitment.   Don't be surprised if we know as early as tomorrow if they're both IRISH!  Stay tuned!!!

LINK:  NBC SPORTS


LINK:  MAX PREPS

LINK:  WNDU-TV

Dayne Crist -- New KU QB Media Session


Former ND QB, Dayne Crist '12 -- met with the media yesterday, as the three "big transfers" into the Jayhawk football program took questions for the first time.  Here's a link:

LINK:  DAYNE CRIST WITH THE MEDIA

Gunner Kiel -- The Talk of the Day...


The University of Notre Dame secured the commitment of Gunner Kiel (5-STAR QB) when he enrolled in classes today for the Spring semester.  And, the media is talkin' -- here's a link to what's being said:

LINK:  ESPN STORY

LINK:  ESPN -- BREAKING THE STORY

LINK:  USA TODAY 

LINK:  INDY STAR

LINK:  CHICAGO SUN TIMES

LINK:  WSBT-TV

LINK:  RIVALS -- VIDEO OF GUNNER KIEL

Just When Many Thought ND Football...

...was done adding players to this recruiting class.

Along came a 5-star QB named Gunner Kiel and now what seemed to be a recruiting season that might go out like a lamb -- is now looking more like a lion!

In the past 12-hours, the University of Notre Dame football program picked up the #1 rated QB in the country and they've hosted another top "transfer" prospect from USC (Armond Armstead), who's been projected as a 2nd round draft pick in the NFL.

And, the word is -- where Armond goes -- so will his kid brother Arik Armstead who just happens to be a 5-star defensive lineman, who will be given the opportunity to play football and basketball for Notre Dame.

The Armstead's have apparently been given an extension until January 24 to arrive at ND to begin classes for the Spring semester, which officially started today.  Their decision appears to be coming down to battle between ND and Auburn.

In addition, last night, Notre Dame coaches were in the homes of 5-star athlete Nelson Algohor and 4-star Ronald Darby -- still seeking commitments to the IRISH.

These next 15 days 'til National Signing Day are going to be fun!

Monday, January 16, 2012

Gunner Kiel to Notre Dame!

Folks, it just goes to show you that recruiting is never over...

A few weeks ago, America's top drop back QB chose to attend LSU over the Fighting Irish.  Well, it appears that tomorrow morning, Mr. Gunner Kiel will be enrolling at the University of Notre Dame.

Don't know much more than this -- other than LSU has reported that Gunner did not show up in Baton Rouge today as expected -- and recruiting experts everywhere are now reporting that Kiel is ND BOUND!

Sunday, January 15, 2012

ND Band: Dublin's St. Patrick's Day Parade!


A small group of members from the Band of the Fighting Irish will be making the trek to Dublin, Ireland to perform in their St. Patrick's Day Parade on March 17th!  The investment to fly the entire band (380 members) to Dublin is too expensive.  Here's a video clip of last year's St. Patrick's Day Parade in Dublin:

LINK:  ST. PATRICK'S DAY PARADE -- DUBLIN

Saturday, January 14, 2012

Lake Dawson Front Runner for NFL Rams Gig


Former Notre Dame WR Lake Dawson, is apparently the front-runner for the General Manager position with the St. Louis Rams.  Dawson, currently the Vice President of Football Operations with the Tennessee Titans is expected to join former Titans coach Jeff Fisher -- who was just hired as the Rams new head coach.  Expect a decision this week.  Here's what the media's reporting:

LINK:  SPORTING NEWS STORY

LINK:  ESPN STORY

LINK:  TITANS BIO FOR LAKE DAWSON

Irish vs. UCONN in "BRUNCH" Match on ESPN2

Notre Dame's 29-game home winning streak will face a huge test this morning when the #16 ranked UCONN Huskies come rolling into Purcell Pavillion at 11:00 AM!  That's right -- a morning matinee -- for the Fighting Irish.  The game will be televised on ESPN2.  Here's a link to Coach Brey's preview of UCONN:

LINK:  MIKE BREY TALKS UCONN


Friday, January 13, 2012

How Many More Will Commit to Notre Dame?


National Signing Day is just a little more than three weeks (February 1) away and there's still a number of players who could potentially commit to our Fighting Irish.  Here's the list of players who have yet to pick a school and are still actively considering Notre Dame:
  • Arik Armstead -- a huge defensive end out of California, is going to make his pick on Monday or Tuesday -- as he's scheduled to enroll in college this next week.  It appears it's a race between Auburn, California and Notre Dame.  Armstead is being recruited to play football and basketball for ND.  I don't believe there are many experts who feel he'll end up wearing the GOLD HELMET.  I haven't given up hope and think he may just end up being our BIG RECRUITING SURPRISE this year. 
  • Ronald Darby -- had verbally committed to ND back in April.  Last week he "de-committed" and is on a recruiting trip this weekend to Florida State.  It's now become a race between FSU, LSU and still possibly Notre Dame.  Here's another player that many have given up on.  Not so fast my friends!  Darby, is a world-class sprinter who appears to love to hit people.  We need this young man in a GOLD HELMET.  Coach Kelly still has an in-home visit left with Darby -- if the family will allow it -- and, I wouldn't bet against Kelly if he's allowed in the house!
  • Yuri Wright -- is a big time athlete out of Jersey whose high school teammate, Elijah Shumate, committed to the Irish last week at the Army All American game.  Wright is a defensive back, just like Darby -- who probably isn't as ready to play as Darby -- but, has great upside potential.  I like ND's chances in landing Wright.  It will probably come down to a choice between hometown Rutgers vs. the Irish.
  • Davonte Neal -- another big time athlete who would play receiver for the Irish.  He's out of Arizona.  If he signed with the Irish he would definitely see the field next year.  I'm not as optimistic with Mr. Neal -- I see him playing for Urban Meyer at OSU. 
  • Devin Fuller -- a QB / Athlete out of Jersey who's mother was a professional singer and his uncle is the comedian/actor Sinbad.  Fuller played in the Army All American game as a receiver -- and he showed off his wheels on a couple of reverses.  ND is trying to get him to visit -- and is recruiting him as a QB.  I think if he visits -- he's Irish.  Keep your fingers crossed.
  • Ken Ekanem -- a LB out of Virginia.  He's down to ND and Va Tech.  Ekanem will be visiting ND before Signing Day so there's still a chance here.
  • Josh Garnett -- an OL out of Washington.  He's a super smart kid who intends to go to Med School (after the NFL).  For a long time it seemed he was Michigan bound.  Now, it's probably a Stanford vs. ND competition.  Unfortunately, I think he ends up on the FARM.
  • Anthony Standifer -- a CB out of Illinois who had originally committed to Michigan -- is now considering ND.  He'll be visiting the Irish next weekend -- so there's a chance here.
There's a few other players who've yet to officially say NO to ND -- that I don't think we have any chance at landing.  Of the eight players listed here -- I would predict we only lead with Yuri Wright at this very moment....

However, plenty could change in the next nineteen days!

Thursday, January 12, 2012

Two ND Soccer Stars Taken in MLS DRAFT


Major League Soccer conducted its 2012 MLS SUPERDRAFT today and two Notre Dame seniors -- NAMED AARON -- were taken among the 38 players drafted!

In the first round, with the 12th overall pick -- Toronto FC drafted Notre Dame central defender Aaron Maund (Dorchester, MA).  And, in the second round, with the 27th overall pick -- the Portland Timbers selected Notre Dame senior midfielder Aaron King (Naperville, IL).  Photos: Aaron Maund is on the left and Aaron King is on the right.

Here's a link to the MLS SUPERDRAFT website and the details on today's draft along with a news story at UND.COM:

LINK:  MAJOR LEAGUE SOCCER WEBSITE

LINK:  IRISH SOCCER STARS TAKEN IN MLS DRAFT

Blue-Gold Game -- Just 100 Days Away!


On a day when snow is forecasted to return to winter, here in the Midwest, I decided to look ahead to the next big day for Notre Dame football (after National Signing Day next month)...

And that day is 100 DAYS AWAY!

The University of Notre Dame's annual Blue-Gold Game is scheduled for Saturday, April 21.  If you've never made the pilgrimage to Notre Dame for this weekend -- you've missed out!  Get it on your schedule today!

I'd like to think if the weather is good, we'll see a pretty good crowd in Notre Dame Stadium to witness the QB competition between Tommy Rees, Andrew Hendrix and Everett Golson.

Here's a link to the South Bend / Mishawaka Visitors & Convention Bureau to book your hotel rooms!

LINK:  HOTEL ROOMS FOR BLUE-GOLD GAME

Wednesday, January 11, 2012

Looks Like Coach Kelly Hired an OL Coach


His name is Harry Hiestand and apparently (if you believe all of the internet chatter) he's leaving the University of Tennessee to join Coach Kelly's staff at the University of Notre Dame.  Hiestand is a long-time offensive line coach who has five years of experience in the NFL with the Chicago Bears.  He'll be replacing Ed Warriner who has apparently moved on to coach at the Ohio State University.

Welcome Coach Hiestand to the Notre Dame Family!

Here's a link to a video of Coach Hiestand with the media after a spring practice last April.  You'll appreciate the cadence of his delivery -- he's a coach.

LINK:  WELCOME TO THE NOTRE DAME FAMILY!

LINK:  HARRY HIESTAND WIKI

Art of the Day: Notre Dame Wallpaper


Found this online -- thought you'd enjoy!  (Click on it to enlarge.)

Tuesday, January 10, 2012

TV Ratings Down for 2012 BCS Championship


The folks at the "Sports Leader" have to be a little disappointed today with the news that last night's TV ratings for the BCS National Championship game were down -- 8% from last year's game -- and it's the third lowest BCS Championship game ratings of all-time.

Here's a look at the BCS BOWL GAMES over the past ten years, and their highest rated telecast -- along with a look at the other bowls where Notre Dame played in during this period and how their TV ratings ranked during this ten year period:

BCS CHAMPIONSHIP GAME:  2007 -- Florida vs. Ohio State  (17.4 rating)
ROSE BOWL:  2006 -- USC vs. Texas  (21.7 rating)
FIESTA BOWL:  2006 -- Notre Dame vs. Ohio State  (12.9 rating)
ORANGE BOWL:  2006 -- Penn State vs. Florida State  (12.3 rating)
SUGAR BOWL:  2004 -- LSU vs. Oklahoma  (14.5 rating)

NOTRE DAME BOWL GAMES:
2003 Gator Bowl:  Notre Dame vs. North Carolina State --  #1 TV RANKING 
2005 Insight Bowl:  Notre Dame vs. Oregon State --  #3 TV RANKING
2006 Fiesta Bowl:  Notre Dame vs. Ohio State -- #1 TV RANKING
2007 Sugar Bowl:  Notre Dame vs. LSU -- #3 TV RANKING 
2009 Hawaii Bowl:  Notre Dame vs. Hawaii -- #2 TV RANKING 
2011 Sun Bowl:  Notre Dame vs. Miami -- #4 TV RANKING 
2012 Champs Sports Bowl:  Notre Dame vs. FSU -- #4 TV RANKING


Notre Dame Grad Named in Forbes 30 Under 30!


His name is Zach Capozzi '08 and he's just three and a half years removed from the campus of the University of Notre Dame and he's already making waves!  Capozzi, a senior associate at PriceWaterhouseCoopers, just made Forbes' 30 UNDER 30 List in the Finance Industry. 

Impressive!

Here's a link to the list:

LINK:  FORBES 30 UNDER 30 -- ND GRAD!

Monday, January 9, 2012

Photo of the Day: ND Lacrosse Gloves!


The University of Notre Dame signed an agreement in September with a company by the name of MAVERIK.  The photo above is of the custom glove the Fighting Irish Lacrosse Team will be wearing this season.

If you're a fan of the sport of lacrosse and Notre Dame -- you'll enjoy checking out their YouTube channel -- click on the link below and the UND.COM feature called the Notre Dame Experience:

LINK:  NOTRE DAME LACROSSE YOUTUBE CHANNEL

LINK:  THE NOTRE DAME EXPERIENCE 

Sunday, January 8, 2012

Brown, Bettis & DeBartolo -- NFL HOF Finalists!


The National Football League released the names of the "finalists" for consideration for enshrinement into their Hall of Fame in 2012.  On the list -- again -- are two former Notre Dame football stars;  Heisman Trophy winner Tim Brown and All-American Jerome Bettis.

In addition, Notre Dame alum Eddie DeBartolo, Jr. '68 -- the former owner of the San Francisco 49ers -- also made the list of 17 finalists for the Hall of Fame.

There are currently ten former Notre Dame student-athletes in the NFL Hall of Fame.

Now, it comes down to a vote which will take place next month in Indianapolis.  To be enshrined in the NFL Hall of Fame you must be on at least 80% of the ballots cast by the selection committee.  It's expected that four to seven of the finalists will receive the honor.

Brown & Bettis were finalists for the first-time last year.

Here's a link to the live announcement by the NFL:

LINK:  2012 NFL HALL OF FAME FINALISTS

Saturday, January 7, 2012

ND Beats Three Top 10 Teams in 5 HOURS!


"...WHAT THOUGH THE ODDS BE GREAT OR SMALL...."

It might have been the five greatest "non-football" hours in the 124-year history of Notre Dame Athletics.  See this UND.COM video highlighting this five-hour period!

At approximately 6:25 PM ET -- Muffet McGraw's Fighting Irish women's basketball team was beating #2 ranked UCONN in OT at Purcell Pavillion 74 - 67 -- snapping UCONN's 57 game Big East winning streak!

LINK:  ESPN RECAP

LINK:  GAME HIGHLIGHTS FROM UND.COM

Just a few minutes later -- in Louisville, KY -- Mike Brey's Fighting Irish men's basketball team was beating #10 ranked Louisville in DOUBLE OT 67 - 65 -- ND's first win in the state of Kentucky in 31 years!

LINK:  ESPN RECAP 

LINK:  COACH BREY PRESS CONFERENCE

And, at approximately 10:35 PM ET -- in Minneapolis, MI --  Jeff Jackson's Fighting Irish men's hockey team was beating #3 Minnesota 4 - 3 -- ND's first win over Minnesota in hockey in 32 years!

LINK:  CHICAGO TRIBUNE RECAP

I wonder if one school has ever beaten three top 10 teams in less than five hours -- with two wins in OT and two wins on the road!  A great evening to be a fan of the Fighting Irish!

WOW!

LINK:  NOTRE DAME VICTORY MARCH!

Amir Carlisle Leaves USC for Notre Dame!

Twelve months ago, Amir Carlisle chose the USC Trojans over the Fighting Irish of Notre Dame.  Today, it was announced that Amir has chosen to transfer to the University of Notre Dame!

Carlisle will have to sit out next season, but will have three years of eligibility left in a GOLD HELMET starting with the 2013 season.

Amir is a running back with slot receiver skills as well.  He ran for 90 yards in 10 carries, along with 2 catches for 31 yards and a TD in USC's game against Colorado.  Carlisle''s been clocked in 4.4 seconds in the 40 yard dash -- so he'll bring some "quick" to the Irish!


Amir -- welcome to the Notre Dame Family!

Here's a couple of links, the first to the South Bend Tribune story announcing the transfer and second a link to an interview of Amir before the 2011 season at USC.  You'll be very impressed with this young man -- who graduate from HS with a 4.07 GPA!

LINK:  AMIR CARLISLE TRANSFERS TO NOTRE DAME!

LINK:  AMIR CARLISLE INTERVIEW

Yeah, Notre Dame Can Play OT Basketball!

WOW!

Both Notre Dame's basketball teams were on the national TV stage today and they both beat higher ranked opponents in OT!!!

In the upset of the day in college basketball, Mike Brey's boys went into Louisville today and beat Rick Pittino's 10th ranked Cardinals 67 - 65 in DOUBLE OT!

And, in South Bend -- Muffet's #3 ranked Lady Irish beat #2 UCONN 74 - 67 in OT!

Here's some of the post game coverage of both games:

LINK:  IRISH UPSET LOUISVILLE IN DOUBLE OT!

LINK:  IRISH BEAT UCONN IN OT!

LINK:  COACH BREY POST GAME 

LINK:  NOTRE DAME LOCKER ROOM AFTER LOUISVILLE

LINK:  IRISH OVER UCONN HIGHLIGHTS

LINK:  IRISH / UCONN POST GAME

Elijah Shumate Commits to ND -- LIVE on NBC!

Don Bosco Prep's Elijah Shumate just announced that he will be committing to the University of Notre Dame -- on LIVE TV -- during the US Army All-American Bowl in San Antonio, TX.  Shumate, ranked as the #7 safety in the country by Rivals is expected to play that position for Brian Kelly's Fighting Irish.

ELIJAH -- welcome to the Notre Dame Family! 

Here's a link to a video of Elijah's commitment to Notre Dame on NBC, a link to highlights from his playing days at both Patterson Catholic & Don Bosco Prep.  Shumate transferred to Don Bosco after Patterson closed two years ago.  And, a video from Shumate at a NIKE camp:


LINK:  ELIJAH'S ANNOUNCEMENT ON NBC

LINK:  ELIJAH IS IRISH!

LINK:  ELIJAH AT NIKE CAMP

Ever Wonder Why a Player Might Not Pick ND?


It just might be the "money." 

Just wait 'til you see this video clip of Clemson's TE Dwayne Allen (after Wednesday's Orange Bowl) talk about why he's staying at Clemson -- versus leaving for the "money" of the NFL.

LINK:  SHOW ME THE MONEY

The NFL Can Wait! -- Tyler Eifert is all ND!


The University of Notre Dame's All-American TE, Tyler Eifert -- let everyone know yesterday that he would be returning for his senior season, bypassing the opportunity to go early to the NFL. 

Eifert, who caught 63 passes for 803 yards and 6 touchdowns, is Coach Kelly's second TEN STAR recruit this off season as he joins Manti Te'o in making the decision to wear the GOLD HELMET one more season! 

Here's a link to the Fort Wayne Journal Gazette's story about their hometown star:

LINK:  EIFERT RETURNS FOR SENIOR SEASON!

Today is a Big TV Day for Fans of Notre Dame


If you can pull it off -- it might not be a bad day to park yourself on the couch!

The fun begins at 1 PM ET when the Army All-American Bowl kicks off on NBC.  This game features a number of the top high school football players in the country and at least two players who will be donning the GOLD HELMET this September!

Here's what Notre Dame fans should be looking for:
  • KeiVarae Russell -- WEST Team, has already committed to the Fighting Irish.  Wearing #33 for the WEST offense, KeiVarae will play WR and maybe some RB.
  • Jarron Jones -- EAST Team, has already committed to the Fighting Irish.  Jones is another of the "long athletes" that Coach Kelly has been bringing to ND.  6'-7" and 295 lbs., Jarron was recruited to play DE, but don't be surprised if he ends up playing OT.  He will be wearing #74 today for the EAST defense.
  • Elijah Shumate -- EAST Team, will make his school choice during the game (during 4th quarter).  Notre Dame is a possibility, though in the past 24 hours, what seemed like a lock to ND, may have switched to Rutgers.  Stay tuned!  Shumate is wearing #26 for the EAST team and playing Outside LB in this game -- though he's being recruited as a safety.
  • Yuri Wright -- EAST Team, is considering Notre Dame though his life long dream has been to play for Michigan.  He and Shumate are high school teammates.  Wright will be wearing #12 for the EAST Team at the cornerback position.
  • Arik Armstead -- WEST Team, is considering Notre Dame as well as a number of other schools.  He's huge (6'-8" 280 lbs.) and he's athletic at the DE position.  Mike Brey has already offered Arik a spot on the basketball team -- as Armstead has let all of the school's know that he would like to play football and basketball in college.  He's wearing uniform #99 for the WEST.
  • Devin Fuller -- EAST Team, is being recruited heavily by Notre Dame.  He's considered one of the top athletes in the country and he wants to play QB in college.  In today's game he'll be wearing #18 for the EAST Team lining up as a starting WR. 

    At 4 PM ET turn your channel to CBS as Muffet McGraw's #3 ranked Fighting Irish will host "that school from Bristol" and their #2 ranked Huskies -- in one of the biggest games of the year in women's college basketball.  Purcell Pavillion is sold-out and will be rockin' today!  Earlier in the week, Muffet met with the media to talk about today's game with UCONN.  Here's a link:

    LINK:  MUFFET TALKS UCONN


    At 7 PM ET turn your channel to ESPNU as Mike Brey's Irish will be taking on Rick Pittino (ND PARENT) and his Louisville Cardinals.  Louisville is 13 - 2 and one of the better basketball teams in America.  This would be a huge win for the Irish!

    And, finally at 8 PM ET you can tune in to the Big Ten Network to watch Jeff Jackson's #3 ranked Fighting Irish take on the #5 ranked Minnesota Golden Gophers in the U.S. Hockey Hall of Fame Game.

    Friday, January 6, 2012

    Brady Quinn -- Will He Play Sunday?


    News broke today that former Notre Dame All-American Brady Quinn was trading first team reps today with Tim Tebow as the Denver Broncos prepare for their playoff game against Pittsburgh on Sunday.  Tebow has struggled the last three games and there's speculation that John Fox might have a "quick hook" should Denver's offense get off to a slow start.  Here's the Denver Post story:

    LINK:  WILL WE SEE QUINN ON SUNDAY!

    Defining Irrelevance -- Bowl Attendance?


    I often have to chuckle when I see "media experts" talking about how Notre Dame football is irrelevant -- especially after seeing this USA TODAY story (linked below) about bowl attendance being down this year.  Then you throw in the fact that the Champs Sports Bowl has been around 22 years (without a sell-out) and the first time Notre Dame is in their bowl -- they SELL-OUT in three days!   

    It's important to note that Florida State has been in the Champs Sports Bowl before and they didn't sell the place out.

    Do you think there might be a few bowl committee meetings, these next couple of weeks, where the conversation is how they might re-structure an agreement -- with their conference affiliations -- that would offer Notre Dame the opportunity to play in their bowl game?

    So, if you define irrelevance as "lack of being important" -- which is how the Webster Dictionary defines this term, I offer up this proof of college football programs who are apparently "not important enough" to sell as many tickets as their Bowl had the year before -- thus, they're irrelevant.

    JUST A FEW OF THE TEAMS THAT ARE IRRELEVANT:
    • Michigan -- Sugar Bowl ticket sales down (-9,367) from the year before
    • Virginia Tech -- Sugar Bowl ticket sales down (-9,367) from the year before
    • Florida -- Gator Bowl ticket sales down (-7,013) from the year before
    • Ohio State -- Gator Bowl ticket sales down (-7,013) from the year before
    • Oregon -- Rose Bowl ticket sales down (-2,873) from the year before
    • Wisconsin -- Rose Bowl ticket sales down (-2,873) from the year before
    • Georgia -- Outback Bowl ticket sales down (-11,145) from the year before
    • Michigan State -- Outback Bowl ticket sales down (11-145) from the year before

    RANKINGS OF BOWL ATTENDANCE -- SO FAR THIS BOWL SEASON:
    1. BCS ROSE BOWL:   91,245 -- capacity is 92,542
    2. CHICK-FIL-A BOWL:  72,919 -- sold out
    3. BCS FIESTA BOWL:  69,927 -- capacity is 78,600
    4. MEINEKE CAR CARE BOWL:  68,395 -- capacity is 69,500
    5. CHAMPS SPORTS BOWL:  68,305 -- FIRST SELL OUT EVER 
    6. BCS ORANGE BOWL:  67,563 -- capacity is 75,192
    7. ALAMO BOWL:  65,526 -- capacity is 72,000
    8. BCS SUGAR BOWL:  64,512 -- capacity is 76,468
    9. CAPITAL ONE:  61,351 -- capacity is 65,657
    10. GATOR BOWL:  61,312 -- capacity is 67,246
    FYI -- the photo above is of Tuesday night's SUGAR BOWL between Michigan and Virginia Tech -- look at all of the empty seats in the Super Dome.

    LINK:  BOWL ATTENDANCE DOWN


    Thursday, January 5, 2012

    Under Armour All-America Game -- Tonight!


    Irish fans, if you want to catch a glimpse of the "fastest" football recruit to commit to Notre Dame in the last fifteen to twenty years -- you're going to want to set your alarm for 7:30 PM ET and ESPN -- TONIGHT!

    Ronald Darby (who will be wearing uniform #25 for the team in the black jerseys and white helmets) will be playing defensive back for Herm Edwards (former NFL head coach) team in the Under Armour All-America Game.  I suspect Herm will also have Ronald running back a kick-off and punt during this game as well.

    Darby won the Bronze Medal in the 200 meters at this past summer's World Youth Championships in France. He's also the current US Junior National Indoor Champion in the 200 meters.  He verbally committed to the Fighting Irish back in April this year -- yet schools are still trying to convince him to go elsewhere.

    WE NEED AN EARLY SIGNING PERIOD FOR FOOTBALL!

    Here's a feature that ran yesterday at ESPN where Herm Edwards met with Darby and a couple of other players to talk about the technique required to play the defensive back position.

    LINK:  RONALD DARBY WITH HERM EDWARDS

    Wednesday, January 4, 2012

    Irish Football Commit: KeiVare Russell


    Irish fans are going to like this young man.  The folks at RIVALS caught up with KeiVare Russell at the Army All-American game in San Antonio -- here's a link to the video:

    LINK:  KEIVARE RUSSELL -- YOU'RE GOING TO LIKE HIM

    ND Hockey Legend Passed Away Last Night


    Long-time Notre Dame hockey coach Charles "Lefty" Smith passed away last night at the age of 82.  Smith, the longest tenured employee in the University of Notre Dame's Athletic Department -- officially retired on December 31st -- just three days earlier.

    Lefty was Notre Dame's first varsity hockey coach when he took the job in 1968.  Smith coached the Irish for 19 seasons (1968-87), amassing a 307-320-30 record, including runner-up finishes in the Western Collegiate Hockey Association (WCHA) in 1973 and 1977. He was named the WCHA Coach of the Year in 1973 and turned out numerous All-Americans, including two-time honoree Jack Brownschidle (1976-77), 1976-77 WCHA Most Valuable Player Brian Walsh, 1980 All-American (and 2005 NCAA Silver Anniversary recipient) Greg Meredith, and 1982 Hobey Baker Award finalist (and eventual NHL standout) Dave Poulin. What's more, all 126 players who completed their collegiate eligibility under Smith's tutelage earned their college degrees.

    Smith served as the president of the American Hockey Coaches Association (AHCA) for two years and also was the head coach of the at-large team in the first-ever National Sports Festival in 1978. Eight members of that team would go on to be part of the gold-medal winning 1980 United States Olympic hockey team.

    43 years at the University of Notre Dame -- Lefty Smith left a wonderful legacy.  In fact, the university's new ice rink in the Compton Family Ice Arena is scheduled to be dedicated as the "Lefty Smith Ice Rink" on February 4th. 

    Here's a link to UND.COM's tribute to Lefty Smith:

    LINK:  NOTRE DAME'S LEFTY


    Tee Shepard Tells the World: "Notre Dame"


    After last night's inaugural Semper Fidelis All-American Bowl -- one of the top cornerbacks in the country, Tee Shepard, finally set the record straight on where he'll be attending college on January 18:

    THE UNIVERSITY OF NOTRE DAME!

    Six future Notre Dame stars and maybe one or two more, played in this all-star game in Phoenix last night.  The photo above (Shepard #2 and Westerkamp #81) could happen on a practice field next August if Westerkamp decommits from Nebraska and chooses to play for Notre Dame -- which a few suspect could happen.

    Here's a link to a South Bend Tribune story about Shepard and a few of his future Irish teammates:

    LINK:  SHEPARD IS ALL IRISH

    Tuesday, January 3, 2012

    Irish Fianna Tailgate -- Wins Championship!


    The 2011 TLG8 TAILGATE TOUR had three Notre Dame "tailgates" competing for the championship -- and I didn't know anything about this!

    And the winner...

    IRISH FIANNA!

    Special thanks to ND GO IRISH BLOG "ND Insider Correspondent" Micki Kidder for alerting me to this story.

    The Lost Dunes, Irish Fianna and Irish Daddy "tailgates" were are all competing for the championship.  Just click on the link below to see the video of the IRISH FIANNA's tailgate as well as Lost Dunes and Irish Daddy.  Enjoy!

    LINK:  TLG8 TAILGATING TOUR!

    Photo of the Day: Creativity At Its Best!


    University of Notre Dame's Don Schindler just "re-tweeted" this photo (originally tweeted by Tim O'Connor) from Matt Cashore's vast library of ND photos.  You've got to love the creativity & ingenuity of the Notre Dame student body!

    Must See TV: Semper Fidelis Bowl @ 6 PM ET

    Notre Dame fans will want to find the CBS SPORTS NETWORK on their cable system this afternoon -- because at 6 PM ET the Semper Fidelis All-American Bowl will be televised.

    This inaugural all-star game from Phoenix will feature a few future IRISH stars:  Tee Shepard (wearing jersey #2 for the WEST), Deontay Greenberry (wearing jersey #1 for the WEST), Justin Ferguson (wearing jersey #10 for the EAST),  Mark Harrell (wearing jersey #74 for the EAST), Sheldon Day (wearing jersey #91 for the EAST) and Ronnie Stanley (wearing jersey #79 for the WEST).  Five of the six ND commits are in the photo above.

    Should be great fun!  Here's the link to the Semper Fidelis All-American Bowl website along with a link to the CBS SPORTS NETWORK site -- and a tool to assist you in finding their channel in your area:

    LINK:  SEMPER FIDELIS ALL-AMERICAN BOWL

    LINK:  WHERE TO FIND THE CBS SPORTS NETWORK WHERE YOU LIVE

    Monday, January 2, 2012

    OT: Oregon's Helmet for Rose Bowl Game


    Folks, the gang at NIKE did not miss an opportunity today to show off their brand at the Rose Bowl.

    I have to admit, this Oregon helmet looks pretty awesome -- kind of makes the Wisconsin helmet look like amateur hour...

    We'll have to see how they look on TV this afternoon.  I do like how the facemask is painted to match the helmet.  Thought the IRISH should have done the same with its new helmet this year.  Maybe next year?

    You have to see the video below.  There are concerns that the "glare" may cause problems for Oregon's receivers.  Stay tuned!

    LINK:  VIDEO OF OREGON HELMET 

    LINK:  FIRST LOOK OF OREGON GEAR ON FIELD

    Live Video of Notre Dame's Snow Storm!


    WOW!  Just took a look at the live webcam of the Main Building (Golden Dome) on the University of Notre Dame campus at 10:38 AM.  IT IS SNOWING in the BEND -- as the ol' "lake effect" is in full force!  Here are three links to live webcams:

    LINK:  SNOW STORM -- LIVE SHOT OF GOLDEN DOME

    LINK:  WEBCAM OF SOUTH QUAD

    LINK:  WEBCAM OF NORTH QUAD

    30 Notre Dame Football Players On NFL Rosters


    Took a lap around the NFL today to see what former Notre Dame football stars were still employed by an NFL team and their playing status for the last weekend of the regular season.  Here's the list of the 30 ex-Irish football stars still receiving an NFL paycheck this morning (Chris Stewart signed with the Arizona Cardinals on January 5th) -- 11 are on teams in the NFL PLAYOFFS:




















    Sunday, January 1, 2012

    A New Year's Resolution for ND Fans


    I've taken the liberty of offering up a New Year's Resolution for the entire Notre Dame Family -- a year we'll have an EXTRA DAY (this is a leap year) OF NOTRE DAME :
    • SMILE -- we know we couldn't be as passionate about another school!

    LINK:  HAPPY NEW YEAR