Doug Flutie Interviews Everett Golson for NBC

The former Heisman Trophy QB from Boston College interviews the Fighting Irish's starting QB -- click on the link below:

LINK:  EVERETT GOLSON

Rice Week: Trick Shot Monday at Notre Dame

Yes, it's back -- the Notre Dame football program's TRICK SHOT MONDAY. 

Click on the link below:

LINK:  TRICK SHOT MONDAY

Night Sky Before Classes Start at Notre Dame!

My wife Susan and I headed over to the University of Notre Dame tonight during the "golden hour" -- the last hour of sunlight -- on the most beautiful campus in America.

We took these photos with our iPhones -- hope you like! 

The second photo down is of St. Mary's lake on the north end of campus -- behind the Main Building.

ND: Toughest Football Schedule in America!

College football "guru" Phil Steele just released his list of the top 10 toughest football schedules in the country...

NOTRE DAME WILL TAKE ON THE TOUGHEST SCHEDULE IN THE COUNTRY!

BRING IT ON!


LINK:  TOP TEN TOUGHEST SCHEDULES

MUST SEE TONIGHT! Strong & True 6:30 PM

Notre Dame fans will want to tune-in to the NBC Sports Network tonight to watch STRONG & TRUE -- Prelude 2014.  A look at our Fighting Irish as they prepare for the upcoming season.

The show airs TONIGHT at 6:30 PM ET -- NBC Sports Network.

Here's a "sneak-preview" of tonight's show:

LINK:  STRONG & TRUE

Notre Dame Student-Athlete: Higher Standards

The Wall Street Journal published a piece over the weekend that offered this question -- "Is Notre Dame Football to demanding?"  It is linked below...

The story goes on to compare the academic demands placed on student-athletes at a school in the SEC vs. the demands of a Notre Dame student-athlete.

LINK:  WSJ STORY

Classes Start This Tuesday at Notre Dame

If you visited downtown South Bend today -- you would have seen this message on their marquis...

Here's a quick look at the quality of Notre Dame's Class of 2018:

LINK:  CLASS OF 2018

Jimmy Clausen Earns Bears' Back-up QB Job!

Former Notre Dame student-athlete Jimmy Clausen will start the NFL season as the "back-up" to Jay Cutler in Chicago -- congratulations Jimmy!

LINK:  CLAUSEN #2

49ers Having Trouble Growing Grass in Cali

The brand new Levi's Stadium in Santa Clara, CA -- the home of the San Francisco 49ers -- has a grass problem.

I guess $1.3 billion (the cost of the brand new stadium) can't buy a great grass surface.  The original sod was planted in April -- and it didn't make it through one game...  The replacement sod isn't doing much better today in the game against the Chargers.

The gang at Field Turf might be getting a phone call from northern California.

LINK:  TURF TROUBLES

Tate & Floyd -- NFL Fantasy Football Top Picks

If you play Fantasy Football -- you've got to look at a couple of former Notre Dame All-Americans for your team...

Golden Tate with the Detroit Lions and Michael Floyd with the Arizona Cardinals -- both are projected to be big time Fantasy Football draft picks.  Here's what the Fantasy "experts" think:

LINK:  GOLDEN TATE

LINK:  MICHAEL FLOYD

Update: NFL Final Roster Cuts for Domers

Took a lap around the worldwide web to see how a few of the Fighting Irish players who were on the proverbial "bubble" of making their NFL team's 53-man active roster -- were doing -- here's what I found out:

That's Jonas Gray in the photo above.

LINK:  JONAS GRAY -- PATRIOTS -- LOOKS POSITIVE

LINK:  T.J. JONES -- LIONS -- RESERVE "PUP" LIST FOR THE SEASON

LINK:  JIMMY CLAUSEN -- BEARS -- LOOKS POSITIVE

LINK:  DARIUS FLEMING -- PATRIOTS -- LOOKS POSITIVE

LINK:  PRINCE SHEMBO -- FALCONS -- LOOKS POSITIVE 

LINK:  RJ BLANTON -- VIKINGS -- LOOKS POSITIVE 

LINK:  SERGIO BROWN -- COLTS -- LOOKS POSITIVE

LINK:  LOUIS NIX -- TEXANS -- LOOKS POSITIVE  

LINK:  CHRIS WATT -- CHARGERS -- LOOKS POSITIVE

LINK:  ROBERT HUGHES -- CARDINALS -- LOOKS POSITIVE 

LINK:  THEO RIDDICK -- LIONS -- LOOKS POSITIVE

LINK:  ERIC OLSEN -- TITANS -- LOOKS POSITIVE 

LINK:  DARRIN WALLS -- JETS -- LOOKS POSITIVE 

LINK:  RYAN HARRIS -- CHIEFS -- LOOKS POSITIVE 

LINK:  TREVOR ROBINSON -- BENGALS -- LOOKS POSITIVE

LINK:  BRADY QUINN -- DOLPHINS -- NOT SO POSITIVE 

LINK:  GEORGE ATKINSON III -- RAIDERS -- NOT SO POSITIVE

LINK:  DAN FOX -- GIANTS -- NOT LOOKING GOOD

LINK:  CIERRE WOOD -- RAVENS -- NOT LOOKING GOOD 

LINK:  SAM YOUNG -- JAGUARS -- NOT LOOKING GOOD

LINK:  BENNETT JACKSON -- GIANTS -- NOT LOOKING GOOD

LINK:  KONA SCHWENKE -- CHIEFS -- NOT LOOKING GOOD

LINK:  ZEKE MOTTA -- FALCONS -- ON "PUP" LIST

Golson Picked "One of 25 Most Interesting..."

The gang at ESPN is doing a feature on the "25 Most Interesting People in College Football" -- and wouldn't you know it -- the QB at NOTRE DAME is on that list!

LINK:  EVERETT GOLSON -- MOST INTERESTING

Notre Dame Football -- GET READY!

This video will get you pumped up for the Notre Dame football season!!!

LINK:  PROTECT THIS HOUSE

OT: The Brilliance of Robin Williams "The Flag"

Must See: Robin Williams telling the story of our American Flag.  What a talent he was...

LINK:  THE FLAG

Know Thy Opponent: Rice Owls Video Update

With Notre Dame 127th football season just 7 days away -- I took a look around the worldwide web to see what I could find about our first opponent, the Rice Owls. 

Just click on the links below:

LINK:  VIDEO REPORT -- SCRIMMAGE #2

LINK:  VIDEO REPORT -- SCRIMMAGE #1

LINK:  VIDEO REPORT -- PRACTICE #4

LINK:  VIDEO REPORT -- FIRST DAY IN PADS

LINK:  MEDIA DAY -- HEAD COACH

LINK:  MEDIA DAY -- DEFENSIVE COORDINATOR

LINK:  LSU TRANSFER JOINS RICE TEAM

ND Volleyball -- Experiences "The Program"

Debbie Brown's Fighting Irish were caught off guard with a two-day experience they won't soon forget!

LINK:  THE PROGRAM

Story: A Dad Drops His Son Off at Notre Dame

If you haven't had the honor of dropping off a son or daughter at college -- please know you're in for a rush of emotions that will hit you like Niagara Falls...

I remember all three of our "drop-offs" at college -- I balled my eyes out -- every time.

Well today, ND GO IRISH BLOG regular Rick Becker had the great honor of dropping off his son Ben at the University of Notre Dame.  Here is Rick's story -- a MUST READ!

Rick, thanks for sharing -- and yes, it's going to be alright!

LINK:  "STAY WITH YOUR VEHICLE"

Leaving Locker Room for Team Photo Today!

Here's a look at the Fighting Irish of Notre Dame dressed in their new Under Armour gear -- walking down the steps from the locker room towards the PLAY LIKE A CHAMPION TODAY sign...

The photo above is of the players at the Tight End position at the University of Notre Dame and their coach Scott Booker.

LINK:  IT STARTS HERE!

Game Day "Dress Rehearsal" for Notre Dame

The Fighting Irish of Notre Dame -- rehearsed their GAME DAY preparations for next Saturday's opener with the Rice Owls.  Here's a video of them practicing the entrance during warm-ups from the Student Section of Notre Dame Stadium.

LINK:  DRESS REHEARSAL

First Look at Notre Dame's "Red Army" Hat!

This is the Under Armour hat you'll see the Notre Dame QB's wearing on the sidelines during the games...

Shamrock Series Helmets in Brian Kelly's Office

Notre Dame head football coach Brian Kelly has a number of football helmets on display in his office -- here are the Shamrock Series helmets...

National Championship Rings for ND Fencers!

These are the rings created for Notre Dame Fencing's two individual NCAA National Champions -- Gerek Meinhardt and Lee Kiefer!

2014 Strength of Schedule vs. Notre Dame

This is the second segment of the ND GO IRISH BLOG's look at the  TOP 25 teams in the AP POLL and their strength of schedule (SOS) vs. Notre Dame's.  These are the teams ranked 6 to 10 and their SOS vs. the Fighting Irish.

Folks -- the PLAYOFF COMMITTEE better be looking at this!

#17 NOTRE DAME

• Opponents Won / Loss Record in 2013:  103 - 56
• Opponents With Double Digit Wins in 2013:  6
• Opponents Ranked in 2014 Top-25:  5

#6 AUBURN

• Opponents Won / Loss Record in 2013:  93 - 60
• Opponents With Double Digit Wins in 2013:  3
• Opponents Ranked in 2014 Top-25: 6

#7 UCLA

• Opponents Won / Loss Record in 2013:  82 - 72
• Opponents With Double Digit Wins in 2013: 4
• Opponents Ranked in 2014 Top-25:5

#8 MICHIGAN STATE

• Opponents Won / Loss Record in 2013: 82 - 71
• Opponents With Double Digit Wins in 2013:  3
• Opponents Ranked in 2014 Top-25: 3

#9 SOUTH CAROLINA

• Opponents Won / Loss Record in 2013:  96 - 59
• Opponents With Double Digit Wins in 2013: 4
• Opponents Ranked in 2014 Top-25:  5

#10 BAYLOR

• Opponents Won / Loss Record in 2013:  78 - 72
• Opponents With Double Digit Wins in 2013: 2
• Opponents Ranked in 2014 Top-25: 1

LINK:  TEAMS #1 - #5 -- STRENGTH OF SCHEDULE 

The Greg Bryant Era -- Only 8 Days From Now!

This is a photo of Notre Dame running back Greg Bryant -- posing for the NBC TV cameras...

"Irish Chocolate" May See His First NFL Action

Former Notre Dame student-athlete Louis Nix '14 has yet to play in Houston's first two NFL exhibition games due to knee surgery.

That may change this Saturday when the Texan's take on Peyton Manning and the Denver Broncos.

Here's the story:

LINK:  LOUIS NIX

Notre Dame's Shamrock Series' Under Armour

Here's the look...

A Very Nice Story on Domer Jonas Gray

Former Notre Dame student-athlete Jonas Gray had a big game this weekend for the New England Patriots gaining 98 yards on 12 carries. 

Found this great story about Jonas in the News Telegram -- must see!

That's Jonas #35 -- in the photo above.

LINK:  JONAS GRAY

Ireland Golf Caddie's Fighting Irish Tattoo!

The Notre Dame Women's Golf Team was in Ireland last week on a six-day golf tour...

The photo above is of Notre Dame's Director of Athletics Advancement Sara Liebscher -- with her caddy at Old Head Golf Links -- who just happens to sport a Notre Dame Fighting Irish tattoo on his upper arm.

Potentially FIVE NFL ND Rookie Starters

I wouldn't be surprised to learn that the following players are in the starting line-up for their respective teams in a couple of weeks.   

When was the last time Notre Dame had five ROOKIE STARTERS in the NFL?

• Zack Martin -- given, will start at right guard for Cowboys
• Troy Niklas -- could start for the Cardinals at tight end
• Stephon Tuitt -- could start at the defensive end position for the Steelers
• Chris Watt -- could start at the right guard position for the Chargers
• Prince Shembo -- could start at middle linebacker for the Falcons

For that matter -- when was the last time any college team had that many rookie starters?

2014 Strength of Schedule vs. Notre Dame

Over the next few days the ND GO IRISH BLOG will be looking at the TOP 25 teams in the AP POLL and their strength of schedule (SOS) vs. Notre Dame's.  First -- the top FIVE ranked teams' SOS vs. the Fighting Irish.

Folks -- the PLAYOFF COMMITTEE better be looking at this!

#17 NOTRE DAME

• Opponents Won / Loss Record in 2013:  103 - 56
• Opponents With Double Digit Wins in 2013:  6
• Opponents Ranked in 2014 Top-25:  5

#1 FLORIDA STATE

• Opponents Won / Loss Record in 2013:  83 -69
• Opponents With Double Digit Wins in 2013:  3
• Opponents Ranked in 2014 Top-25:  2

#2 ALABAMA

• Opponents Won / Loss Record in 2013:  71 - 79
• Opponents With Double Digit Wins in 2013:  2
• Opponents Ranked in 2014 Top-25: 4

#3 OREGON

• Opponents Won / Loss Record in 2013: 80 - 73
• Opponents With Double Digit Wins in 2013:  3
• Opponents Ranked in 2014 Top-25:  4

#4  OKLAHOMA

• Opponents Won / Loss Record in 2013:  71 - 78
• Opponents With Double Digit Wins in 2013:  2
• Opponents Ranked in 2014 Top-25:   2

#5 OHIO STATE

• Opponents Won / Loss Record in 2013:  87 - 66
• Opponents With Double Digit Wins in 2013:  1
• Opponents Ranked in 2014 Top-25:  1

Bob Diaco Names His Starting QB -- I Think...

You have got to watch this out of Storrs, CT.  Coach Diaco names his starting QB yesterday -- I think...

LINK:  DIACO

There's a "New Sheriff" in Notre Dame Town!

You've got to love this photo of Coach Van Gorder at today's Notre Dame football practice!

Coverage of Notre Dame Football Media Day

Here's all of the coverage I've been able to find of today's MEDIA DAY for the Notre Dame Football program.  Just click on the links below:

LINK:  COACH KELLY'S PRESSER

LINK:  JACK NOLAN INTERVIEW OF COACH KELLY

LINK:  CODY RIGGS INTERVIEW

LINK:  CHRISTIAN LOMBARD INTERVIEW

LINK:  AUSTIN COLLINSWORTH INTERVIEW

LINK:  JACK NOLAN & REGGIE BROOKS

The Story of the Shamrock Series Gear for ND

The folks at Under Armour shared their story today regarding the making of the Shamrock Series helmet and uniform for the University of Notre Dame.   As a storyteller -- it's nice to see their interest in telling a story...

I LIKE THE STORY!

You must watch the video linked below:

LINK:  THE STORY

LINK:  NOTRE DAME'S UNVEIL

Notre Dame's Under Armour Football Uniforms

Well, here's what we've been waiting for...

Looks like we have a different shade of gold with the pants.

This "early reveal" paves the way for the much anticipated SHAMROCK SERIES helmet and uniform unveil which should happen this afternoon -- click on the link below to watch LIVE.  Starts at 1 PM ET:

LINK:  SHAMROCK SERIES UNIFORM REVEAL

New Addition to ND's Labar Athletics Complex

A privacy screen has been added to the eastern edge of Notre Dame's Labar Athletics Complex -- where the Fighting Irish Football Team practices.

I'm quite sure this move was precipitated by the OVERLOOK at NOTRE DAME apartment complex -- on Twyckenham -- just east of the practice fields.  The Overlook at Notre Dame is a four-story building housing graduate students.

You never know ("WINK-WINK"), there just might be a Michigan, USC, Florida State alum or two or three in those apartments attending grad school at Notre Dame...

LINK:  OVERLOOK AT NOTRE DAME

WATCH LIVE: Media Day Today at 1 PM ET

The Notre Dame Football team will hold its annual MEDIA DAY today at 1 PM ET -- and you can watch it LIVE at the link below:

LINK:  MEDIA DAY

NFL Highlights of ND Players This Weekend

Here's a look at some highlights of former Notre Dame student-athletes from this weekend of NFL Exhibition football.  Just click on the former player's name and you'll see their highlight video:

LINK:  GOLDEN TATE TD CATCH

LINK:  STEPHON TUITT'S -- TACKLE DOWN FIELD

LINK:  KYLE RUDOLPH'S 51 YARD TD CATCH

LINK:  ROBERT HUGHES' TD RUN

ND Football -- A Look at the Wide Receivers

The Fighting Irish are expected to be throwing the ball all over the field this season -- here's a look at the position that should be on the other end of many of Everett Golson's passes...

LINK:  NOTRE DAME WIDE RECEIVERS

ND Football Media Day -- LIVE at 1 PM ET

Notre Dame Football's annual MEDIA DAY is scheduled for Tuesday at 1 PM ET -- here's a link below to the LIVE coverage:

LINK:  TUESDAY @ 1 PM ET