The Heisman Push Began Today for Manti!

Notre Dame's two-time All-American linebacker -- Manti Te'o -- spent the afternoon today with his own press conference (link below), followed by an award presentation ARA'S SPORTSMANSHIP AWARD during the Irish's game with Kentucky and a live "in-game" interview  with the ESPN crew -- also linked below...

I suspect we'll see a pretty good run of Manti stories over the next week as we lead up to next Saturday's Heisman Trophy presentation in New York City.

LINK:  MANTI'S PRESS CONFERENCE

LINK:  MANTI'S ESPN IN-GAME INTERVIEW

Notre Dame Beats #8 Kentucky EASILY!

Mike Brey's Fighting Irish played tonight like we thought they would this season...

They DOMINATED the defending National Champions -- after overcoming a slow start when the Wildcats took an early 12 - 6 lead.  The Irish led by as many as 20 points in the second half -- finishing with a 64 - 50 win.

IT'S ONLY THE SECOND TIME IN JOHN CALIPARI'S FOUR SEASONS AT KENTUCKY THAT HIS TEAM HAS BEEN BEAT BY DOUBLE DIGITS!

Notre Dame's back court tandem of Eric Atkins and Jerian Grant led the Irish -- combining for 29 BIG points, 10 assists and 4 steals!

Here's what the media had to say about Notre Dame's big win - along with a link to Coach Brey's post game press conference and game highlights!

LINK:  COACH BREY'S PRESS CONFERENCE

LINK:  GAME HIGHLIGHTS

LINK:  ESPN

LINK:  ESPN BLOG

LINK:  SOUTH BEND TRIBUNE

LINK:  LEXINGTON HERALD LEADER

LINK:  GAME BLOG -- HERALD LEADER