PHOTOS OF THE DAY: ND Shamrock Helmets

Here's what the "shamrock" logo looked like on ND helmets in 1959 (top photo) and 1960 (bottom photo) -- you'll note the shamrock design changed quite dramatically.  Who knows what ND was thinking with the top photo?  Rumor has it that Coach Kuharich put the upside down shamrock on the 1959 helmet to change the luck of the football program.  I wonder what shamrock design the Irish will go with for the Michigan game?

Zibby -- "I Want to be World Champion!"

Former Notre Dame football star, Tommy Zbikowski -- sat down for an interview with a boxing writer from Sports Illustrated this week to talk about his professional boxing career.   Zibby has had a couple of pro fights the past three weeks during the NFL "hiatus."  Thought you'd enjoy this!

LINK:  TOMMY Z -- WORLD CHAMPION DREAMS

ND Football Uniform Design to Rival Oregon's?

Coach Kelly dropped a couple of "bombshells" when he met with students at Siegfried Hall this week -- the first was the "OLD SCHOOL" look for the Irish when they play Michigan this September...

However, the biggest bomb might be his comment that the IRISH will unveil a uniform, later in the season, that even Oregon isn't doing.  WHAT?  Looks like Adidas must be putting some pressure on ND to get on board with a strategy that will sell gear.  Stay tuned!

The Plane Crash That Changed Notre Dame

80 years ago today -- March 31, 1931 -- a plane crash in Bazaar, Kansas forever changed the University of Notre Dame.  A man by the name of Knute Rockne -- was unfortunately on that plane -- and his death shocked a nation, let alone a school in the "middle of nowhere."

Much has been written, much has been said -- in the eighty years since Rockne's death.  What's a given is this -- his legacy of success in football and the willingness to play "anyone -- anywhere" -- shaped the brand we know today as the University of Notre Dame.

Here's a link to a story written by The Republic -- concerning Rockne's untimely death:

LINK:  KNUTE ROCKNE'S DEATH

Irish Going "Old School" Against Michigan...

Brian Kelly, let some ND students know at Siegfried Hall today that the IRISH were going to go "old school" in their game in September against Michigan.  The Irish will be donning the "gold helmets" with the SHAMROCK. 

ND vs. USC -- This Year Under the Lights!

The University of Notre Dame "officially" announced today -- that the game October 22nd between the Fighting Irish and the Trojans from the University of Southern California will be played at 7:30 PM ET in Notre Dame Stadium.  The game -- in PRIME TIME on NBC -- will be a huge ratings winner!

A Notre Dame Man -- Jim Seymour R.I.P.

One of Notre Dame's finest -- joined Heaven's team yesterday.  Jim Seymour '69 lost his battle with cancer.  Our prayers go out to his wife and kids.  Here's a link to the South Bend Tribune story:

LINK:  JIM SEYMOUR

Spring Practice #5 -- Notre Dame Football

Here's a few links to UND.COM's coverage today of Notre Dame Football.  Just click on the links below:

LINK:  THE OFFENSIVE LINE

LINK:  ND QB -- HELMET CAM

LINK:  DEFENSIVE BACK FEATURE

A Knute Rockne Story You'll Like

I received an email this evening from Jeanette O'Toole -- who alerted me to her husband Tom's blog called "FIGHTING IRISH THOMAS."  Thought you'd enjoy Tom O'Toole's love of the IRISH -- and his blog story on Knute Rockne.  Thanks for the nice note Jeanette!

LINK:  FIGHTING IRISH THOMAS

Diggin's Diary -- Latest At ESPNW

The Dayton Regional's Most Outstanding Player -- Skylar Diggins, has been writing a daily diary for the folks at ESPNW -- here's a link to her post from yesterday:

LINK:  DIGGIN'S DIARY

Best 30 Hrs. In Notre Dame Sports History!

If you look at a 30 hour window of time -- from 3:15 PM on Sunday, March 27th to 9:15 PM on Monday, March 28th -- and what three Notre Dame athletic teams accomplished in their sport -- it might be the greatest 30 hours in Irish Athletics history!

First, Notre Dame's Fencing team won their eighth National Championship.  Then, a few hours later, Notre Dame's Men's Hockey team won their game earning a spot in the NCAA Frozen Four and then last night, Notre Dame's Women's Basketball team beat #1 seed Tennessee (the first time ever) to earn a spot in the NCAA Women's Basketball Final Four.

I challenge the ND sports historians to come up with a more productive 30 hour period in Notre Dame sports history!!!

Here's a few links to the GREATEST 30 HOURS IN NOTRE DAME SPORTS HISTORY!

LINK:  PRESS CONFERENCE -- FENCING NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP

LINK:  PRESS CONFERENCE -- HOCKEY FINAL FOUR BOUND

LINK:  PRESS CONFERENCE -- BASKETBALL FINAL FOUR BOUND

Tennessee WHO? -- IRISH ON TO FINAL FOUR!

Once upon a time -- Notre Dame couldn't beat a team whose band could only play one song.  Well, that ended tonight in Dayton.  The Fighting Irish led the #1 seed Lady Vols from "start to finish" -- bringing to end two streaks;  Tennessee's 25 game winning streak this season and ND's 20 game losing streak to Tennessee.  Final score:  ND 73 - TENN 59.

THE IRISH ARE ON THEIR WAY TO THE FINAL FOUR!!!!

Skylar Diggins -- was the best player on the floor tonight and Becka Bruszewski was the toughest.  And, for Irish fans -- having to listen to a PRO TENNESSEE broadcast from our "friends" at ESPN -- it was a good thing we won!!!

Here's a couple of links to ESPN's recap of the game -- and UND.COM's coverage of the celebration!!!

LINK:  CUTTIN' DOWN THE NETS

LINK:  ESPN BLOG  

LINK:  UND.COM -- POSTGAME CELEBRATION

Ben Hansbrough -- 2nd Team AP All-American

University of Notre Dame's Ben Hansbrough -- collected another honor today -- selection to the AP's All-America Second Team for Men's College Basketball.  The Big East Player of the Year -- will probably be receiving a few more honors over the next few weeks!  CONGRATULATIONS BEN!  Here's a link to the SportsIllustrated.COM story:

LINK:  HANSBROUGH NAMED AN ALL-AMERICAN

Urban Meyer -- Reports on Notre Dame Football

The former ND Assistant Coach -- was back on the Notre Dame campus for the first time since his days on the staff of Lou Holtz.  Meyer has since won a couple of National Championships for a school south of the "Mason Dixon Line."  It seemed kind of odd -- seeing him interviewing Brian Kelly.  Here's a link to the story:

LINK:  URBAN ON THE IRISH

Irish Women Take on Tennessee Vols Tonight!

Muffet McGraw's Fighting Irish take on Pat Summitt's Vols in a battle to see which team will head on to the FINAL FOUR in Indianapolis.  Tennessee is the #1 seed in the Dayton Regional and Notre Dame is the #2 seed -- should be a great ballgame!  IRISH FANS SHOULD NOTE:  Notre Dame has never beat Tennessee in women's basketball -- we're 0 - 20.  That's going to change tonight!!!  Tip off is scheduled for 7 PM ET on ESPN.  Here's a link to some of the stories pre-viewing tonight's matchup:


LINK:  GO VOLS EXTRA

LINK:  DAYTON HERALD

LINK:  ESPN

LINK:  ROCKY TOP TALK

LINK:  SOUTH BEND TRIBUNE

Here Come The Irish -- NCAA Frozen Four!

Jeff Jackson's "young" Fighting Irish moved one step closer to Notre Dame's first national championship in hockey last night with a 2 - 1 win over New Hampshire in Manchester, NH.  The win means the Irish get to travel to the NCAA Frozen Four -- April 7th in Saint Paul, MN -- to take on another "home state" team as they play Minnesota Duluth in the National Semi-Final game.  ND goalie Mike Johnson had 37 saves and Billy Mayday scored the game winner with 5 seconds left in the second period.  Here's some video from last night's game from our friends at UND.COM and some of the game stories.  GO IRISH!

LINK:  GAME HIGHLIGHTS

LINK:  ON ICE & LOCKERROOM CELEBRATION

LINK:  FINAL 10 SECONDS OF THE GAME

LINK:  POST GAME PRESS CONFERENCE

LINK:  MANCHESTER EXAMINER

LINK:  NBC'S PRO HOCKEY TALK

LINK:  SOUTH BEND TRIBUNE

ND Fencing Wins National Championship!

The Fighting Irish of Notre Dame clinched their 8th National Championship this afternoon!  Here's a link to the LIVE web feed of the final events at the NCAA National Championships and a link to the 2011NCAA Fencing National Championship highlights.  Someone needs to design a "GOLD" Fencing Helmet for the Irish!!!  CONGRATULATIONS IRISH!

LINK:  NOTRE DAME FENCING -- NATIONAL CHAMPS!

LINK:  VIDEO HIGHLIGHTS OF NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP

Spring Practice #3 -- Saturday's Irish Recap!

I can't say enough nice things about what's happened over at UND.COM over the past year.  The coverage is so much better!!!  THANK YOU!  Here's a few links to their coverage of Notre Dame Football's third practice of the Spring, Coach Kelly's post practice media session and a look back at the 2011 Football Coaches Clinic at Notre Dame these past few days.  You're going to enjoy the practice video -- WOW!!!  Here you go:

LINK:  PRACTICE VIDEO

LINK:  COACH KELLY PRESS CONFERENCE

LINK:  COACHES CLINIC RECAP

IRISH Win In OT -- Play Again Tonight!

Jeff Jackson's Fighting Irish -- overcame a 2 - 0 first period deficit and a 3 - 1 deficit in the second period to tie the game early in the third -- taking the game into overtime.  Notre Dame freshman, Anders Lee's goal in OT -- was the game winner, leading the Irish to a 4 - 3 win over Merrimack College.  The win pits the Irish against New Hampshire -- in a game tonight (on New Hampshire's home ice) at 8 PM EDT.  The game will be televised on ESPNU -- LIVE -- beginning at 8 PM.  Here's a link to the game stories -- along with links to UND.COM's coverage:

LINK:  SOUTH BEND TRIBUNE

LINK:  BOSTON GLOBE

LINK:  THE UNION LEADER

LINK:  BOSTON HERALD

LINK:  GAME HIGHLIGHTS -- UND.COM

LINK:  ON ICE CELEBRATION -- UND.COM

LINK:  PRESS CONFERENCE -- UND.COM

IRISH Destroy Sooners -- Volunteers Next!!!

The Fighting Irish of Notre Dame defeated the Oklahoma Sooners yesterday afternoon by the score of 78 - 53, a beat down!!  The win advances the Irish to the ELITE EIGHT -- for the third time in school history -- and a game against Pat Summit and her Lady Vols.  The game will take place tomorrow -- Monday at 7 PM EDT on ESPN.  Here's a link to a few of the stories about yesterday's win -- and a link to UND.COM's converage:

LINK:  SOUTH BEND TRIBUNE -- STORY #1

LINK:  SOUTH BEND TRIBUNE -- STORY #2

LINK:  THE NORMAN TRANSCRIPT

LINK:  KNOXVILLE NEWS

LINK:  ESPN

LINK:  GAME HIGHLIGHTS -- UND.COM

LINK:  PLAYERS PRESS CONFERENCE -- UND.COM

LINK  MUFFET'S PRESS CONFERENCE -- UND.COM

Zibby Wins Unanimous Decision -- Last Night!

Tommy Zbikowski won his third professional fight last night with a four-round unanimous decision over Caleb "True Grit" Grummet -- the first time Zibby has had to go the distance in a pro fight.  You'll find the story linked below quite interesting -- and quite graphic -- as the writer details what happened on Zibby's way to the locker room after the fight.  Way to go Zibby!

LINK:  ZIBBY WINS!

PHOTO OF THE DAY: ND Spring Practice

Here's what practice looks like "indoors" at the Loftus Center on the campus of the University of Notre Dame.  The Irish are involved in practice #3 of the Spring Season.  Photo courtesy of Brian Hamilton of the Chicago Tribune -- he "tweeted" this photo.

Muffet's Irish -- on ESPN at 2:30 PM EDT Today!

The "Sweet Sixteen" Fighting Irish of Notre Dame take on Oklahoma today in Dayton, OH.  The winner advances to the Elite Eight -- and one step closer to the FINAL FOUR.  Last year Oklahoma knocked out ND in the NCAA Tournament -- REVENGE TIME!  The game will be televised by ESPN beginning at 2:30 PM EDT.

To get you ready for today's game -- you'll want to click on the links below:


LINK:  ND vs. OKLAHOMA PREVIEW

LINK:  MUFFET'S PRESS CONFERENCE

LINK:  ND PLAYERS -- PRESS CONFERENCE

Zibby Fighting Again -- TONIGHT ON HBO!

Former Notre Dame football star and current NFL Baltimore Raven -- Tommy Zbikowski, is fighting again tonight.  He's in Atlantic City, NJ fighting in a four-round "undercard" bout on HBO's "Boxing After Dark" telecast -- and he'll have "Hall-a-Famer" Emanuel Steward in his corner.  HBO will have "highlights" of Tommy's fight during their telecast tonight which begins at 9:45 PM ET.

Steward is one of the all-time great boxing trainers -- working out of his KRONK gym in Detroit.  Zibby and Steward teamed up for this fight and it appears Zibby intends to move to Detroit after the fight to continue his quest to become the Heavyweight Champion of the World!  (Photo above of Emmanuel Steward and Tommy Zbikowski)

Just something to do while the NFL is on strike...

The New York Post and The Press of Atlantic City ran stories this morning about Tommy's fight -- see links below.  And, there's a third link to an interview with Zibby about tonight's fight -- just fast forward the video to the 10:30 mark and you'll find his interview. 

LINK:  NEW YORK POST STORY

LINK:  THE PRESS OF ATLANTIC CITY

LINK:  ZIBBY TV INTERVIEW

The "Not So" Elite Eight: Student-Athletes

Over the next two-days, the nation's attention will be on the ELITE EIGHT -- the last teams standing in the 2011 NCAA Men's Division I Basketball Championship.  We will hear story after story about how great these teams are on the wood floor.  But, I can bet -- CBS and BANK NCAA won't be alerting all of you to this story...

Back in 1906 the NCAA was formed (in their own words) to "protect young people from the dangerous and exploitive athletics practices of the time."  This was 105 years ago -- long before the NCAA became a bank in Indianapolis.

Here's the story you won't be hearing today or tomorrow -- and it's about the "exploitation" of the "student" half of the misplaced term -- student-athlete.  If you were to properly identify the guys wearing basketball uniforms -- on TV sets these next two days -- they would be placed in two categories:

Student-Athletes or Rented-Athletes.   

Behind closed doors BANK NCAA calls the latter; "short-term assets."

Of the teams left in the Elite Eight -- here's how the teams should be identified -- based on BANK NCAA's GSR score -- (it's not a credit score) -- it's the Graduation Success Rate of its bank account holders.

Student-Athletes:

• North Carolina -- a GSR of 88 
• Butler -- a GSR of 83
• Kansas -- a GSR of 80 

Rented-Athletes or Short Term Assets:

• VCU -- a GSR of 56
• Kentucky -- a GSR of 44
• Florida -- a GSR of 44
• UCONN -- a GSR of 31
• Arizona -- a GSR of 20  

It makes you wonder why BANK NCAA even seeks a GSR score for its bank account holders?  Have you ever heard a story about BANK NCAA "turning down" VCU, Kentucky, Florida, UCONN or Arizona as a customer -- for their low GSR score?  I haven't.  From what I can see, BANK NCAA just keeps taking deposits -- from all of their account holders.

This is the story you won't hear today or tomorrow -- BANK ON IT!

PHOTO OF THE DAY: ND Coaches Clinic

The "guest speakers" at the University of Notre Dame Football Coaches Clinic this weekend are seen here in this picture with Coach Brian Kelly;  Urban Meyer and Chip Kelly.  A big "thank you" goes out to Coach Kelly for "tweeting" this photo!

Spring Practice Update -- Friday, March 25th

The gang at UND.COM was at practice again -- this morning at the University of Notre Dame -- as Brian Kelly's crew was back on the indoor field for Spring Practice #2.  Here's a link to a feature they produced on the QB competition -- along with links to interviews with the two top returning QB's on the roster (Crist and Rees): 

LINK:  QB COMPETITION AT NOTRE DAME

LINK:  DAYNE CRIST INTERVIEW

LINK:  TOMMY REES INTERVIEW

Jeff Samardzija On Opening Day Cub's Roster!

Former Notre Dame football and baseball star, Jeff Samardzija -- will be in the Chicago Cubs bullpen when the season starts next weekend.  Here's a link to ESPN's story:

LINK:  THE SHARK MAKES THE CUBS ROSTER

The NCAA Is Really the Name of a Bank in Indy

The news the past few months out of Columbus (OH), Auburn (AL) and Eugene (OR) -- and the lack of any action out of the NCAA proves my point -- the NCAA is just the name of a "bank" located in Indianapolis, IN.

Five Ohio State athletes -- sell merchandise given to them to a "shady character" in Columbus.  We now know that their head coach knew about it last April -- yet, they all are eligible to play in their BCS Bowl Game.  Why you ask (?) -- just take a look at the deposit slips at BANK NCAA.

Auburn's starting QB's family seeks $150,000 + for their son's signature on a scholarship offer -- and the proof is there that it happened -- yet, BANK NCAA lets him play in the National Championship game.   Why you ask (?) -- just take a look at the deposit slips at BANK NCAA.

Oregon, the other team in the National Championship game this past January -- paid $25,000 to a Houston based "recruiting service" shortly after a star high-school player by the name of Seastrunk signed a National Letter of Intent with the Ducks -- in February of 2010.  Will Lyles was the recipient of the $25,000 and he was the kid's "personal trainer."   The check wasn't sent to Lyles from a "booster" -- it was sent directly to him by Oregon's Athletic Department.  FYI -- Oregon had sent Lyles a check for $16,500 the previous year as well.

Life must be good for "personal trainers" around the country of athletes being recruited by Oregon!

Yet, once again -- the Ducks were allowed to play in the National Championship Game.  Why (?) -- just take a look at the deposit slips at BANK NCAA.

Folks -- it's quite obvious that BANK NCAA only makes rulings when they don't impact their savings account.  If they had ruled on these three teams before the bowl games -- ratings might have dropped -- which would have impacted future contract negotiations (BANK DEPOSITS) with the TV networks.
 
So, BANK NCAA will wait, wait, wait and wait -- to charge any penalties to their account holders -- until after the CHECKS HAVE CLEARED.

Thus -- the message to athletic departments is this:  If you're willing to go "all-in" to win a National Championship -- meaning, break any rule you want.  You can -- and you won't be penalized until years after you've won that Championship -- after the checks have cleared BANK NCAA.

Sad -- but true.

Notre Dame To Go Dark This Weekend!

In honor of Earth Day -- the University of Notre Dame will "turn off the lights" on the "Golden Dome" and "Touchdown Jesus" for a sixty hour period this weekend.  Here's a link to the story:

LINK:  TURN OFF THE LIGHTS!

ND Fencing in 1st Place at NCAA -- Day 1

The #1 ranked Fighting Irish of Notre Dame are in first place after Day 1 of the NCAA Championships.  Notre Dame is seeking its ninth National Championship in Fencing.  Here's a link to the NCAA coverage of the event:

LINK:  NCAA CHAMPIONSHIPS -- ND IN FIRST PLACE!

Golic and Newman -- Don't Try This @ Home!

Was just sent a link to this video of Notre Dame football players; Mike Golic, Jr. and Brandon Newman performing the band TOTO's song "Africa" -- in what appears to be a lecture hall at the University of Notre Dame.  You will get a laugh out of this...

LINK:  GOLIC JR. AND NEWMAN

CFN Projects ND Sweep of Big 10!

College Football News published a story today predicting the results for each Big Ten team for the upcoming 2011 season.  And, for the three Big Ten teams that play the Fighting Irish of Notre Dame in 2011; Michigan, Michigan State and Purdue -- CFN is predicting Notre Dame wins over all three Big Ten opponents!  So, does that make Notre Dame a LEADER and a LEGEND?  Here's a link to the story:

LINK:  IRISH "UNDEFEATED" AGAINST THE BIG TEN IN 2011

ND Alum -- Half Way Across America!

He's run 1,885.1 miles over the past 63 days -- and he's a Domer!

His name is Jeff Grabowsky -- he's a 2005 graduate of the University of Notre Dame and he's running across America -- pushing an 80 lb. stroller that contains all of his gear.  Yesterday, he ran 38.5 miles in six hours -- think about that!!!  This morning he's in Springfield, MO -- on his way to New York's Times Square -- where he should arrive sometime between May 25th and May 28th.

You can follow Jeff's run across America -- at the link below.  God Bless You Jeff!!!

LINK:  JEFF RUNS AMERICA

"Dr. Lou" -- Back in Notre Dame Stadium!

The University of Notre Dame announced today that former Notre Dame coaching legend -- Lou Holtz -- will be given an honorary "DOCTORATE" degree!  Coach Holtz -- who's been playing a character called "Dr. Lou" -- on ESPN during the college football season, will now have the "paper" to go with the title!  Notre Dame's Commencement is set for Sunday, May 22nd inside Notre Dame Stadium -- a fitting place for Dr. Lou!  Congratulations Coach!  Here's a link to the ESPN story:

LINK:  THE REAL DR. LOU!

Muffet's Irish -- Sweet 16 AGAIN!

I'm almost 48 hours late in getting a number of the stories out on Notre Dame Women's basketball -- I'm still in mourning over Sunday night's debacle in Chicago...

So, now I'm OFFICIALLY on the "bandwagon" of Muffet's team -- as they head to Dayton, OH to take on the Sooners of Oklahoma -- this Saturday at 2 PM EDT on ESPN. Here's a link to UND.COM's NCAA TOURNAMENT CENTRAL -- with "hoop to hoop" coverage of the Fighting Irish -- you'll enjoy!

LINK:  NCAA TOURNAMENT CENTRAL

ND Spring Football -- First Practice Report!

The Fighting Irish of Notre Dame hit the practice field for their first of 14 practices before the Blue Gold Game on Saturday, April 16th.  Here's a few links to a report from practice and post practice interviews today -- with Head Coach Brian Kelly, Coach Diaco, Coach Molnar, Coach Alford and Coach Elston from the good folks at UND.COM.  Keep an ear and eye out for "HELMET CAM" on the Notre Dame QB's -- in this report -- pretty cool coaching tool:

LINK:  PRACTICE REPORT -- #1

LINK:  COACH KELLY -- POST PRACTICE WITH MEDIA

LINK:  ASSISTANT COACHES -- POST PRACTICE WITH MEDIA

Over 100,000 Unique Visitors!!!

At 6:42 AM EDT -- at a computer in Reading, PA this morning -- a Notre Dame fan became the 100,000th Unique Visitor to the ND GO IRISH BLOG! 

THANK YOU to all of the Notre Dame Family members who've made this blog part of your daily "Notre Dame Fix" on the web.  Remember, our goal is to surpass the "stated" attendance for  the largest football stadium in America -- which will remain nameless.  We have a few thousand more to go!!!

Coach Kelly News Conference -- Today!

Football is back!!!  The Fighting Irish of Notre Dame kick-off Spring Practice -- tomorrow!  To get things rolling, Coach Kelly met with the media this afternoon.  Here's a link to his press conference:

LINK:  COACH KELLY PRESS CONFERENCE

Will Irish Join Big Ten for Hockey?

This was the rumor going around the CCHA Championship at Joe Louis Arena this weekend: Notre Dame will be following Michigan, Ohio State and Michigan State to a hockey league the Big Ten will be starting for the 2012 - 2013 season.  Folks in the college hockey world -- were talking as if it was a "done deal." 

I say "NOT SO FAST MY FRIEND..."

Here's a quick note today about the Big Ten's plans for hockey:

LINK:  BIG TEN TO ADD MEN'S HOCKEY

Michael Floyd Suspended -- Indefinitely!

The great news of January -- that Michael Floyd would be returning for his senior season -- took a significant "U" turn Sunday morning.  The Notre Dame football star was arrested for DUI by police.  This afternoon -- Head Coach, Brian Kelly released a statement with the football program's decision to suspend Floyd "indefinitely" from all football related activities.  Here's a link to the story along with Floyd's statement:

LINK:  MICHAEL FLOYD SUSPENDED -- INDEFINITELY

Photo of the Day: 3-D Photo of Grotto

The University of Notre Dame brought in a firm to take a 3-D photo of its Grotto of Our Lady of Lourdes.  Here's a link to the South Bend Tribune story:

LINK:  3-D PHOTO OF GROTTO

Jackson's Irish Learn NCAA Seed -- 11:30 AM

Notre Dame hockey fans will be tuning into ESPN2 at 11:30 AM EDT this morning to learn what "seed" the Irish will be given, who they will be playing, when and where in the upcoming NCAA Division I Men's Hockey Tournament.  The Irish didn't help themselves this weekend at Joe Louis Arena (losses to Western Michigan and Michigan) -- but, their second place finish in the CCHA, should be enough to earn them a #10 or #11 seed in the tournament.  FYI: Only sixteen teams make the tournament and each team is seeded 1 to 16.  Here's a story I found from a hockey fan who took a stab at seeding the tournament:

LINK:  THE ROAD TO THE FROZEN FOUR

ND's NCAA Game Today @ 9:40 PM EDT!

The #2 seeded Fighting Irish of Notre Dame play their THIRD ROUND NCAA Tournament game tonight in Chicago against "Free Shoes U" -- the #10 seeded Florida State University.  The game matches one of the better offensive teams (IRISH) in the country -- against one of the "BIGGER" and better defensive teams (Seminoles) in the country.  Tip-off is scheduled for 9:40 PM EDT -- and it will be televised on TBS -- so take a nap this afternoon!!!

Here's a link to the wonderful coverage the folks at UND.COM are providing of the Irish's tournament run:

LINK:  SATURDAY'S PRACTICE REPORT

LINK:  COACH BREY TALKIN' -- FLORIDA STATE

LINK:  IRISH PLAYERS TALKIN' -- FLORIDA STATE

Irish Win "AWAY" Game at Utah -- NCAA

If you were to ask Muffet McGraw "off the record" what she thought about being the only #1 or #2 seed in the NCAA Tournament who had to play an opening game on the opponent's HOME FLOOR -- I believe she would tell you she wasn't too happy. 

Yet, the Irish prevailed 67 - 54 over Utah -- in a game that was in doubt at half-time and as late as eight minutes to go in the game when the Utes were within five points.  The Irish were led by Skylar Diggins and Natalie Novosel with 20 points each. 

Up next -- #10 seeded Temple who clobbered  #7 seeded Arizona State 63 - 45.  The game is scheduled for Monday -- still waiting on the time for the game.  Here are link to the Salt Lake Tribune and Sports Illustrated stories -- along with a link to the NCAA Women's Bracket:

LINK:  SALT LAKE TRIBUNE

LINK:  SPORTS ILLUSTRATED

LINK:  NCAA WOMEN'S BRACKET

Diggin's Diary -- Talkin' the NCAA Tournament

University of Notre Dame's Skylar Diggins -- continues her diary for ESPNW, from Utah.  Here's a link to her story:

LINK:  DIGGIN'S DIARY

Muffet's Irish on ESPN2 Today at 6:35 PM!

The other #2 seeded Fighting Irish of Notre Dame basketball team gets their NCAA Tournament run started this afternoon at 6:35 PM EDT on ESPN2.  The Irish take on the #15 seeded Utah -- on the Utes home floor.  (The photo above is courtesy of the South Bend Tribune -- showing the Irish at practice yesterday) Here's a link to the GAME NOTES for today's game:

LINK:  GAME NOTES:  IRISH vs. UTES

Scott & Martin -- Lead the Irish to Victory!

It wasn't easy, it wasn't pretty (14 turnovers) -- yet, it was a WIN.  The Akron Head Coach -- in an interview with a TBS courtside reporter -- called out the IRISH in his 'post half time' comments.  He inferred the IRISH played "soft" on the inside -- and they did, in the first half.

Not in the second!!!

Scott Martin got off to a fast start in the second half on the offensive end -- and Carleton Scott took control of the defensive boards as the Irish cruised to a 69 - 56 win.  It's now on to play the winner of Florida State vs. Texas A&M on Sunday.  GO IRISH!

LINK:  NCAA FAN FEED

Irish Up 4 @ Halftime -- Over Akron...

A "shaky" first half for the Fighting Irish -- if they don't hit the backboards better, it's going to be a long ride home to South Bend this evening.  Leading by eleven early -- the halftime score is 34 - 30.  It's being televised on TBS.  C'MON IRISH!