Know Thy Opponent: Pittsburgh Panthers

Took a lap around the worldwide web to find all I could about the Pitt Panthers football team -- and what's being said about their game this Saturday with the #3 Fighting Irish!

LINK:  PITTSBURGH GAZETTE #1

LINK:  PITTSBURGH GAZETTE #2 

LINK:  PITTSBURGH TRIBUNE

LINK:  PITTSBURGH TRIBUNE #2

LINK:  PITTSBURGH TRIBUNE #3

LINK:  CBS SPORTS

LINK:  NBC NOTRE DAME CENTRAL

LINK:  CHICAGO TRIBUNE

LINK:  ESPN'S NOTRE DAME BLOG

The VOICE: Saint Mary's Student Advances!

Sylvia Yacoub -- who is a student at Saint Mary's College (Notre Dame, IN) advanced last night to the PLAYOFFS of NBC's hit show -- THE VOICE!

Yacoub -- who is coached by Christina Aquilera -- won her KNOCKOUT round last night to make the final SIXTEEN and the LIVE SHOWS -- which start next Monday night!

Just click on the link below to watch Sylvia's winning performance:

LINK:  SYLVIA YACOUB

Photo of the Day -- Notre Dame's Cierre Wood

This photo was taken late in the game last month between Notre Dame and Michigan State -- by ND GO IRISH BLOG regular Rick Rachner (Walled Lake, MI). 

Rick was able to get Cierre Wood to pose for a victory photo...

The Final Word on Oklahoma vs. Notre Dame

An Oklahoma fan publishes a weekly YOUTUBE video review of the performance of his favorite team -- well, here is his opinion on what happened in their game with Notre Dame.

Enjoy!

LINK:  NOTRE DAME BEATS OKLAHOMA

Happy Halloween From Notre Dame!!!

My colleagues over in Donor Services and the Notre Dame Annual Fund put on their annual Halloween "pot luck" luncheon today and as you can see a few of of them dressed for the occasion!!!

Ohio State Fans Will Not Like Urban's Talk...

The Ohio State University's head football coach Urban Meyer was asked by a Columbus Dispatch columnist about the resurgence of Notre Dame football this season...

Buckeye fans will probably be less than thrilled with his response.

LINK:  URBAN MEYER TALKS NOTRE DAME

Watch Coach Kelly's Tuesday Press Conference

If you'd like to watch Notre Dame head football coach Brian Kelly's press conference TODAY -- click on the link below!

LINK:  COACH KELLY PRESS CONFERENCE

ND Fans Let's Help This Boston College Alum!

His name is Pete Frates and he's been diagnosed with "Lou Gehrig's Disease" -- ALS.

Pete's a former CAPTAIN of Boston College's baseball team -- he's only 27 years-old and his friends are trying to raise money to cover his medical expenses.  They're doing so by raffling off FOUR TICKETS and an ON CAMPUS PARKING PASS to Notre Dame's game with Boston College on November 10th.

To enter the raffle -- just click on the link below.

LINK:  PETE FRATES #3 FUND

LINK:  PETE'S VIDEO BLOG

Wall Street Journal & New York Times Articles

In TODAY'S editions of two of the most recognized brands in journalism -- stories about the University of Notre Dame's undefeated football team were published.  You'll want to read both!

LINK:  WALL STREET JOURNAL

LINK:  NEW YORK TIMES

Fiesta Bowl Already Talkin' About Notre Dame!

If you visit the Tostitos Fiesta Bowl's official website -- you'll see they're already talking about two potential match-ups for their game on January 3rd.  And, both involve the Fighting Irish of Notre Dame.

Now -- Coach Kelly, team and IRISH fans have their sites on another game that's played on January 7th in Miami...

LINK:  TOSTITOS FIESTA BOWL -- OFFICIAL SITE

Mike & MIKE Talk Notre Dame's Win Saturday

Notre Dame alum Mike Golic represented his alma mater this morning on his Mike & MIKE Show -- calling out all of his colleagues at ESPN -- including Colin Cowherd.  You'll enjoy this!

LINK:  MIKE GOLIC IS TALKIN' NOTRE DAME

LINK:  GOLIC WITH COLIN COWHERD

How the AP Voters Ranked Notre Dame Today

Here's the "behind the scenes" look at how the Associated Press voters ranked Notre Dame in this week's AP Poll.  Just click on the link below to see where each voter ranked our IRISH.

LINK:  HOW THEY VOTED

Notre Dame Ranked #3 in Latest BCS Standings

The BCS just released its standings for the week -- and the Fighting Irish of Notre Dame have moved up to #3 this week. 

The "human" polls have the IRISH ranked #4 -- the "computer" polls have the IRISH tied for #1.

Here's a link to the standings:

LINK:  BCS STANDINGS

Coach Kelly -- Day After Big Win in Oklahoma

The University of Notre Dame's head football coach Brian Kelly -- met with the media today for his weekly "teleconference" with the media after last night's big win over the Sooners.  Just click on the link below:

LINK:  COACH KELLY WITH MEDIA

Notre Dame Moves Up to #4 in AP & Coaches

The two "human" rankings have the Fighting Irish now ranked #4 in the country -- after Florida's defeat to the hands of Georgia yesterday afternoon.

There is not a team ranked ahead of Notre Dame who has as many quality wins as NOTRE DAME.  And, that is FACT.

I'm quite certain the COMPUTER ranking systems will take that into play -- which could move Notre Dame ahead of Oregon into the #3 slot in the BCS rankings -- which will be released this evening at 8:30 PM ET on ESPN.

LINK:  USA TODAY / COACHES POLL

LINK:  ASSOCIATED PRESS POLL

Oklahoma Coaches & Players Talk Notre Dame

Here's what the Oklahoma coaches and players had to say about their 30 - 13 loss to Notre Dame in front of the largest crowd ever to see them play in Memorial Stadium.

LINK:  BOB STOOPS POST GAME PRESS CONFERENCE

LINK:  QUOTES

Notre Dame Moves Up to #2 in Sagarin!

The "mad scientist" of rankings Jeff Sagarin -- has our Notre Dame Fightin' Irish at #2 in the country this morning!

We'll learn this evening at 8:30 PM ET -- what spot Notre Dame will occupy in the BCS rankings this week.

LINK:  SAGARIN RANKINGS

ND Post Game Coverage After Beating OU!

Notre Dame head football coach Brian Kelly met with the media after tonight's 30 - 13 win over Oklahoma -- here's what he had to say!

You'll also find links to the great coverage from Fighting Irish Digital Media -- ND Locker Room and player interviews!

LINK:  BRIAN KELLY POST GAME PRESS CONFERENCE

LINK:  NOTRE DAME SIDELINE, HALFTIME AND POST GAME 

LINK:  PLAYER INTERVIEWS

GAME HIGHLIGHTS: ND 30 - 13 Over OK !!!

Here's the game highlights from Notre Dame's 30 - 13 win over Oklahoma!

LINK:  NOTRE DAME DOMINATES OKLAHOMA

You Have Got to BELIEVE! IRISH BEAT OU!

Folks, our Fighting Irish are 8 - 0 with wins over EIGHT TEAMS WHO PLAYED IN BOWL GAMES last season -- not a team in AMERICA can make that claim!  FIVE OF THESE TEAMS HAVE BEEN RANKED this season -- not a team in AMERICA can make that claim either!

• Navy
• Purdue
• Michigan State
• Michigan
• Miami
• Stanford
• BYU
• Oklahoma

The most recent victim -- the Oklahoma Sooners -- were held to 15 yards rushing as the IRISH win going away 30 - 13.  BIG, BIG, BIG WIN for NOTRE DAME in front of the largest crowd ever to see Oklahoma play a football game at Memorial Stadium!

Now we need to beat Pittsburgh!

Here's a quick look at the early reaction to Notre Dame's statement game in Norman!

LINK:  ESPN'S NOTRE DAME BLOG

LINK:  MAISEL -- ESPN 

LINK:  DODD -- CBS SPORTS 

LINK:  FORDE -- YAHOO SPORTS

LINK:  ASSOCIATED PRESS STORY

LINK:  SOUTH BEND TRIBUNE

LINK:  NORMAN TRANSCRIPT

LINK:  THE OKLAHOMAN

LINK:  SPORTING NEWS

LINK:  ESPN'S OKLAHOMA BLOG 

LINK:  YAHOO SPORTS

LINK:  USA TODAY

LINK:  KANSAS CITY STAR

LINK:  CHICAGO TRIBUNE 

LINK:  CHICAGO SUN TIMES 

LINK:  NBC'S NOTRE DAME CENTRAL 

LINK:  ESPN'S BIG 12 BLOG

LINK:  RANT SPORTS 

Notre Dame Club of San Diego -- Game Watch

Now, this is living... 

The Notre Dame Club of San Diego just "tweeted" this photo of their GAME WATCH.

GO IRISH!

Photo of Notre Dame Players' Stadium Arrival

Here's a "twitter" photo of the Fighting Irish of Notre Dame arriving at Oklahoma's Memorial Stadium just fifteen minutes ago...

Different Perspective -- Oklahoma's Stadium

Here's a view from an end zone seat in Oklahoma's Memorial Stadium -- ninety minutes before kick-off.

Photo of Oklahoma's Press Box from Sideline

This photo was just "tweeted" by the gang at Irish Illustrated from the sidelines looking up at the press box on top of Oklahoma's Memorial Field.

Notre Dame's Locker Room Awaiting Team!

Here's a photo of the "dressing room" that is the Visitor's Locker Room inside Oklahoma's Memorial Stadium. 

Photo "tweeted" by Ryan Grooms, Notre Dame Football Equipment Manager.

Pregame @ Little League Football in Oklahoma

How's this for your pre-game entertainment at a Little League Football game at Noble High School in Noble, Oklahoma -- The Band of the Fighting Irish!

LINK:  NOTRE DAME'S BAND AT LITTLE LEAGUE FOOTBALL GAME

First Twitter Photo from Oklahoma's Stadium

This photo was "tweeted" by the Chicago Tribune's Brian Hamilton from his view of The Gaylord Family's Oklahoma Memorial Stadium from the press box.  The place seats 82,112...

John Paxson Returns Home With His Bulls!

Former Notre Dame All-American -- and three-time NBA World Champion -- John Paxson was back home "sans hair" with his Chicago Bulls.  Paxson, the Executive Vice President of the Chicago Bulls met with Jack Nolan before last night's exhibition game with the Pacers at Purcell Pavilion.

Folks, you're going to love the Paxson interview -- he's a class act.

LINK:  JOHN PAXSON RETURNS HOME

Big Game Saturday for Our Fighting Irish!

It's a little more than ten hours until kick-off of #5 Notre Dame vs. #9 Oklahoma in Norman.  The game will be televised LIVE in PRIME TIME on ABC at 8 PM ET -- and I can't wait! 

Took a lap around the worldwide web this morning to see what the media "experts" have to say about tonight's game.  Just click on the link below:

LINK:  SPORTING NEWS

LINK:  ESPN NOTRE DAME BLOG

LINK:  CHICAGO SUN TIMES

LINK:  USA TODAY

LINK:  ESPN - TV

LINK:  SOUTH BEND TRIBUNE

LINK:  CHICAGO TRIBUNE

LINK:  OKLAHOMA DAILY

LINK:  NBC'S NOTRE DAME CENTRAL

LINK:  THE OKLAHOMAN

LINK:  KOCO-TV -- OKLAHOMA CITY

LINK:  KFOR-TV -- OKLAHOMA CITY

LINK:  TULSA WORLD

LINK:  JOURNAL GAZETTE

LINK:  SPORTS ILLUSTRATED

LINK:  CBS SPORTS

Notre Dame Band Visits The Children's Center

The Band of the Fighting Irish is in Oklahoma this evening -- preparing to represent Notre Dame tomorrow night in Norman.   On their way they stopped in Bethany, OK to perform for the children at The Children's Center -- a pediatric hospital that treats children with complex medical and physical disabilities.  You'll enjoy this!

LINK:  ND BAND AT THE CHILDREN'S CENTER

LINK:  NEWS COVERAGE OF NOTRE DAME'S VISIT

CNN Story on Notre Dame Football

When Notre Dame wins -- coverage of college football takes on new channels...

CNN.COM published a story today about the return of Notre Dame football -- something you don't see very often at this site.  Here's the story:

LINK:  CAN NOTRE DAME...

Notre Dame #1 Again -- 7th Time in 8 Years!

It was announced yesterday that the University of Notre Dame's Athletic Teams finished #1 among the 120 schools in the FBS -- with a 100% Graduation Success Rate for 19 of its 22 athletic programs!

All eleven of Notre Dame's women's athletic programs had a 100% graduation rate!!!

Unfortunately, it's a news story that you won't find in the national media or on ESPN's Sports Center...

LINK:  THE BEST IN AMERICA!

Manti Te'o -- a Notre Dame Man

Folks, this young man has a gift.

The parents of a dying daughter -- received a letter from Manti Te'o -- just hours before they were going to unplug the ventilator...

Bridget Smith left for heaven on October 5th.

You'll want to read this story.

LINK:  HE IS ONE OF A KIND

Coach Kelly's Last Presser Before Oklahoma

The University of Notre Dame's "fifth ranked" football team will be leaving in the morning for Norman, Oklahoma -- but, before they leave Coach Kelly met with the media...

You'll also want to know that today is COACH KELLY'S BIRTHDAY!!!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY COACH!!!

LINK:  COACH KELLY WITH THE MEDIA

Kiper and McShay Talk ND vs. Oklahoma

ESPN's draft gurus; Mel Kiper and Todd McShay talked about the matchups their most excited about this weekend in Notre Dame's game with Oklahoma. 

Kiper is always talkin' Manti Te'o and McShay is a big fan of Tyler Eifert.  You'll need to click on the link below to catch their comments.

LINK:  KIPER & MCSHAY

Brian Kelly on The Herd with Colin Cowherd

Notre Dame football coach Brian Kelly was a guest today on THE HERD -- Colin Cowherd's show.  Cowherd has not been a big fan of the IRISH.  Just click on the link below:

LINK:  COACH KELLY ON THE HERD

Kirk Herbstreit Talks ND vs. Oklahoma Today

The Fighting Irish are "front and center" this week on the "sports leader" -- as the ABC / ESPN road show heads to Norman, OK to cover Notre Dame's game with Oklahoma.  This morning -- Kirk Herbstreit was a guest on Mike & MIKE and he talked about the big game...

LINK:  HERBSTREIT TALKS NOTRE DAME vs. OKLAHOMA

Must See: A Version You've Never Heard Before

This past Saturday -- at the dedication of the Castellan Family Fencing Center on the campus of the University of Notre Dame -- Tim Stop performed a version of HERE COME THE IRISH that I believe you're going to like!!!

LINK:  TIM STOP PERFORMING -- HERE COME THE IRISH

Notre Dame Athletics -- Never Better Nationally!

Just take a look at this -- these are SEVEN NOTRE DAME TEAMS currently ranked in the TOP 25 in the country!

NCAA NATIONAL RANKINGS:

• Football:  ranked 5th
• Men's Soccer:  ranked 7th
• Hockey:  ranked 9th
• Women's Basketball: ranked 9th 
• Women's Golf:  ranked 19th
• Men's Basketball:  ranked 23rd
• Women's Soccer:  ranked 24th

Oklahoma Week: Coach Kelly's Presser

The University of Notre Dame's head football coach Brian Kelly -- met with the media today to talk about his undefeated Fightin' Irish and their game Saturday night against Oklahoma.  Enjoy!

LINK:  KELLY ON OKLAHOMA

Oklahoma's Bob Stoops and Players Talk ND

Oklahoma's football program met with the media today to talk about their game this Saturday against Notre Dame.  Head coach Bob Stoops, QB Landry Jones and three other players represented the Sooners.  Here's a link:

LINK:  OKLAHOMA TALKS NOTRE DAME

LINK:  LANDRY JONES ON THE IRISH DEFENSE

Oklahoma: A 50 Year Distaste for Notre Dame

As a life-long Notre Dame fan -- I had no idea that some Oklahoma fans have been carrying around a fifty year dislike for the Fighting Irish.  It was back in 1957 when ND broke Oklahoma's 47 game winning streak -- the longest in college football history...

Well, that loss was never forgotten...

LINK:  WHY OKLAHOMA FANS...

First Look at Oklahoma Sooners: Opposition

Here's an analysis of the teams that the Oklahoma Sooners have played this season (see photo above of what Coach Bob Stoops thinks...) -- versus the teams Notre Dame have played.  Oklahoma's opponents are 24 - 20 on the season.  Notre Dame's opponents are 28 - 23 on the season.

OKLAHOMA SOONERS:

• UTEP:  (2 - 6) -- FBS rankings: 67th in passing / 97th in rushing
• Florida A&M:  (3 - 5) -- they are a Division 1 - AA school not a FBS school
• Kansas State:  (7 - 0) -- FBS rankings:  92nd in passing / 14th in rushing
• Texas Tech:  (6 - 1)  -- FBS rankings:  4th in passing / 78th in rushing
• Texas:  (5 - 2) -- FBS rankings:  44th in passing / 36th in rushing
• Kansas: (1 - 6) -- FBS rankings:  106th in passing / 44th in rushing

NOTRE DAME FIGHTIN' IRISH:

• Navy: (4 - 3) -- FBS rankings:  121st in passing / 13th in rushing
• Purdue: (3 - 4) -- FBS rankings:  72nd in passing / 71st in rushing
• Michigan State: (4 - 4) -- FBS rankings:  61st in passing / 86th in rushing
• Michigan:  (5 - 2) -- FBS rankings:  109th in passing / 17th in rushing
• Miami:  (4 - 4) -- FBS rankings:  26th in passing / 95th in rushing
• Stanford: (5 - 2) -- FBS rankings:  82nd in passing / 59th in rushing
• BYU: (4 - 4) -- FBS rankings:  76th in passing / 67th in rushing

Harrison Smith's First NFL Interception -- TD!!!

Former Notre Dame football captain and NFL first round draft pick of the Minnesota Vikings -- Harrison Smith -- gets his first interception and he takes it to the HOUSE!!!

Harrison intercepts the Cardinals QB Skelton and takes it 32 yards into the endzone  -- PICK SIX!  The Vikings won the game 21 - 14.  Congratulations Harrison!

LINK:  VIDEO REPLAY OF HARRISON'S PICK SIX

"Dr. Lou" Defends Notre Dame's BCS Hopes!

Legendary Notre Dame coach and now ESPN college football commentator -- LOU HOLTZ -- brought to the "court" the case that the IRISH should play for the National Championship should they go undefeated.  You'll want to watch this.

LINK:  LOU DEFENDS HIS IRISH

BYU's Bronco Mendenhall Post Game Presser

BYU's Bronco Mendenhall met with the media after Notre Dame's 17 - 14 victory over his Cougars.  Here's a link to the video:

LINK:  BRONCO'S POST GAME PRESS CONFERENCE

The Mornin' After Notre Dame's Win Over BYU

Every Sunday mornin' after a Notre Dame Football Saturday -- the ND GO IRISH BLOG takes a lap around the worldwide web to see what the media has to say about our UNDEFEATED Fightin' Irish.  Just click on the link below:

LINK:  SALT LAKE TRIBUNE

LINK:  DESERET NEWS

LINK:  DESERET NEWS PHOTOS FROM NOTRE DAME

LINK:  DESERET NEWS #2

LINK:  SOUTH BEND TRIBUNE

LINK:  FORT WAYNE JOURNAL GAZETTE

LINK:  ESPN NOTRE DAME BLOG 

LINK:  NBC'S NOTRE DAME CENTRAL

LINK:  CHICAGO TRIBUNE

LINK:  CHICAGO TRIBUNE #2

LINK:  CHICAGO TRIBUNE #3

NBC Coverage of ND's 17 - 14 Win Over BYU

Here's a few links to NBC's coverage of Notre Dame's win today over Brigham Young.  The win for the #5 Irish puts them at a perfect 7 - 0 on the season!

LINK:  FULL GAME REPLAY!

LINK:  GAME HIGHLIGHTS

LINK:  BOTH COACHES -- POST GAME PRESS CONFERENCES

LINK:  TOMMY REES WITH ALEX FLANAGAN

LINK:  KAPRON LEWIS MOORE WITH ALEX FLANAGAN

LINK:  THEO RIDDICK & MANTI TE'O WITH ALEX FLANAGAN

LINK:  COACH KELLY WITH ALEX FLANAGAN

Notre Dame Remains Unbeaten: 7 - 0 !!!

It's all about winning -- and Notre Dame is winning football games!!!

The Irish are now 7 - 0 on the season with today's come from behind 17 - 14 win over a game Brigham Young team.  Here's a link to Coach Kelly's post game press conference along with a link to his locker room talk to the team after the game:

LINK:  COACH KELLY PRESS CONFERENCE

LINK:  POST GAME LOCKER ROOM

BYU Fans Enjoy Their Visit to Notre Dame

I shared this with my Dad yesterday -- some of the "nicest fans I've ever met visiting Notre Dame for a football weekend are the BYU fans..."

This morning a reporter from the Deseret News penned this story about BYU fans and their pilgrimage to the campus of the University of Notre Dame.  You'll enjoy this story.

LINK:  SOAKING IN NOTRE DAME