Monday, December 31, 2018

Two Days After "Defeat in Dallas" -- The Media


Took a lap around the worldwide web -- couldn't get myself to do this yesterday...

Here's what our friends in the media have to say about our loss to Clemson:

LINK:  USA TODAY

LINK:  WASHINGTON POST

LINK:  CBS SPORTS

Saturday, December 22, 2018

O' Holy Night -- From The Grotto at Notre Dame



I am going to take a few days away from the ND GO IRISH BLOG -- you'll see me back here the day after Christmas.

The group above is a brand new student performance group at the University of Notre Dame called the Gold & Blue Company -- our team put them together to perform at events on campus this past Fall.  I hope you enjoy!

MERRY CHRISTMAS!

Sunday, December 16, 2018

Took a Walk Around the Notre Dame Campus


Thought you'd enjoy these photos -- just got back from a walk around the most beautiful college campus in the world...

Mornin' After a Crossroads Win Over Purdue



The Fighting Irish were not expected to win this game...

Here's the media's reaction:

LINK:  INDY STAR

LINK:  SOUTH BEND TRIBUNE

LINK:  JOURNAL & COURIER

LINK:  SPORTING NEWS

It Wasn't Meant to Be: Valdosta 49 - Ferris 47



What a crazy game...

Proud of the fight in our Ferris State Bulldogs.  A failed two-point conversion with 1:37 left in the game -- left Ferris on the short end of a 49 - 47 score.  Next year!!!

Saturday, December 15, 2018

Brey & Mooney Talk Win Over Purdue Today




More Notre Dame Player Interviews Today




Clark Lea and Chip Long With Media Today...



Brian Kelly Talks With Media After Scrimmage


Today: Notre Dame Football Player Interviews



ESPN Picks the "Top 50 Players" of 2018...


Today -- Do Me a Favor -- Root for Ferris State!


My two favorite college football teams will be playing in the Dallas area these next two weeks..

Today, Ferris State University -- will be playing for a NCAA Division II National Championship in McKinney, TX.  The game will be held at a $70 million "high school" football facility (video below) -- a mere 45 minute drive from AT&T Stadium -- where our Fighting Irish begin their run at a NCAA Division I National Championship in two weeks.

So, here's my TV plans for today:
  • 1:30 PM ET -- Purdue vs. Notre Dame on CBS
  • 4:00 PM ET -- Valdosta State vs. Ferris State on ESPNU

This is the day that Notre Dame fans root for the Bulldogs of Ferris State!  Go Dawgs!


All You Need to Know About Valdosta vs. Ferris


The Fighting Irish on TV Today at 1:30 PM ET



Mike Brey's Irish take on the Purdue Boilermakers today at 1:30 PM ET on CBS...

Ferris State Plays for National Championship!

My alma mater, Ferris State University plays for a NCAA Division II National Championship this afternoon at 4 PM ET on ESPNU -- Ferris goes for a rare "back to back" as the Bulldog's men's basketball team won the NCAA Division II National Championship back in April.

Today -- we're all BULLDOG FANS!

A Story You Must Read Today...


You'll become a Charles Barkley fan today -- if you read this story...

LINK:  THE ODD COUPLE

The Ferris State Bulldogs Take Over McKinney!



My people, the Ferris State alumni -- have turned out in McKinney, TX to see our Bulldogs play for a National Championship today at 4 PM ET!

Ferris State's Jayru Campbell Wins Harlan Hill!



The Harlan Hill Trophy is the NCAA Division II's "Heisman Trophy" -- Ferris State has now won 3 of the last 5!!!

Wednesday, December 12, 2018

Tuesday, December 11, 2018

Domer Dad "Dickie V" Hall of Fame Induction


Proud Notre Dame Dad, Dick Vitale -- a legendary broadcaster with ESPN -- is being inducted this evening into the Sports Broadcasting Hall of Fame.  Dick goes in with ten others, a group that includes Jim Nantz (CBS), Bob Costas (NBC) and Gary Bettman (NHL).

Congrats Dick!!!

LINK:   HALL OF FAME INDUCTION

Geno Auriemma Talks Win Over Notre Dame



I didn't want to post this -- and I waited until now.

They cleaned our clock, I hope we get another shot at them in Tampa at the Final Four...

OT: My Bulldogs Play for National Title Saturday



Since it's a quiet week for our Fighting Irish (FINAL EXAMS) -- I thought we might check in on the 15 - 0 Ferris State Bulldogs who play Valdosta, GA for a NCAA Division II National Championship...

A Notre Dame Man & Saint Mary's Woman...



Are doing great things in their new hometown...

I posted a similar story a couple of days ago about the work Kyle & Jordan Rudolph are doing in the Minneapolis-St. Paul area.


Sunday, December 9, 2018

Notre Dame Football Coaches' All-Time Wins!


Here's a look at the TOP TEN Notre Dame head football coaches as it relates to all-time career wins. 

*Please note: I'm not going to take the 21 wins away from Coach Kelly -- that the NCAA did earlier this year...

So here's the TOP TEN:

Saturday, December 8, 2018

OT: Ferris State Plays for Division II Title!!!


My alma mater, Ferris State University (AKA "the Harvard of Mecosta County) -- will play Valdosta State next Saturday for the NCAA Division II National Championship!

Ferris' men's basketball team won the NCAA Division II National Championship a few months ago!

Quite the year for Ferris State Athletics!

The Bulldogs are now 15 - 0 -- after winning their third playoff game today!!!

LINK:  GAME STORY

Coach Kelly Talks With Media After Practice...



Notre Dame Football began Goodyear Cotton Bowl prep today...

The Official Notre Dame Cotton Bowl Party!


Tickets will go on sale Monday for The Official Notre Dame Goodyear Cotton Bowl Party -- a three hour celebration filled with; food, drinks, fun -- and entertainment from Chloe Agnew (of Celtic Woman fame) and Rock n' Roll Hall of Famers, the band Chicago!

Chicago is going to put on a 75 minute concert to end the party!!!

If you live in the Dallas area this evening -- you're going to want a ticket to this event!!!


Thursday, December 6, 2018

Coach Kelly Shares Press Conference Stage



The four head coaches of the participants in the 2019 College Football Playoff were in Atlanta tonight for the Home Depot Awards Show -- prior to the event, they held a joint press conference.


A Notre Dame Man -- Doing the Right Thing!

Former Notre Dame All-American Kyle Rudolph and his wife Jordan (Saint Mary's grad) -- are changing lives in Minnesota...

Wednesday, December 5, 2018

Introducing Kinley Joan Walsh -- to the World!


This afternoon at 3:04 PM ET -- I witnessed a miracle, the birth of our first grandchild.

What a moment.

The photo above is of my son-in-law Conor Walsh holding his little girl, Kinley Joan for the very first time.

I want to thank my colleagues at Notre Dame for allowing me the opportunity to get down to Vero Beach, FL to experience this -- how special.

Kinley measured 22" long and weighed 9lbs-3oz. -- a healthy baby girl.  Her Mom, my daughter Kara is doing just fine -- thank the Lord!

I hope tomorrow to post a photo of Kinley wearing her "custom" Grandpa Tells Me onesie.

Brian Kelly Named "Home Depot Coach OTY!



He's the only coach to win this award more than once -- and he's won it THREE TIMES!

Congrats Coach Kelly!

LINK:  SOUTH BEND TRIBUNE STORY

Tuesday, December 4, 2018

My Gift of "Notre Dame" to Our First Grandchild


My daughter Kara and son-in-law Conor leave for the hospital tonight, in Vero Beach, for the birth of their first child...

The sex of this child -- is unknown -- what isn't unknown is what this boy or girl's favorite college will be.

Please keep the "three" of them in your prayers.

I had these custom "onesies" made -- four different sizes, so my grandchild will be wearing these for many months.  It's a process!

Sunday, December 2, 2018

Notre Dame Football -- Talking CFB Playoff!



Notre Dame to Play Clemson in Cotton Bowl


Bring it!

Today UConn Will Face "All of Notre Dame"


For the first time in the last six meetings -- Muffet McGraw will have her roster's FIVE BEST PLAYERS in the line-up to take on Geno Auriemma and his UConn Huskies...

Think about that!


2018 NCAA Semi-Final Game:  ND 91 - UConn 89
  • Brianna Turner missed game due to injury

December 3, 2017:  UConn 80 - ND 71
  • Brianna Turner missed game due to injury

December 7, 2016: UConn 72 - ND 61
  • Taya Reimer missed game for personal reasons

December 5, 2015:  UConn 72 - 61
  • Brianna Turner and Taya Reimer missed game due to injury

April 7, 2015:  UConn 63 - ND 53
  • Natalie Achonwa missed game due to injury

December 6, 2014:  UConn 76 - 58
  • Brianna Turner missed game due to injury

Your Notre Dame Television Guide for Today!


The University of Notre Dame will be the subject of many a TV broadcast this day -- so, get ready for everything we love about being a fan of the Fighting Irish!  Here's what you'll want to be tuned in to and when:

NOON ET:  College Football Playoff Selection Show on ESPN
  • This is a four-hour show...
  • 2 PM ET -- the College Football Playoff Rankings are released
  • 3 PM ET -- the "New Year's Six" bowl games (where ND will be playing) are announced -- locations and times

4 PM ET:  #2 UConn vs. #1 Notre Dame on ESPN
  • The top rivalry in all of women's team sports

8 PM ET:  Garth Brooks LIVE at Notre Dame on CBS
  • The first concert in the 88 year history of Notre Dame Stadium

The photo above is courtesy of Notre Dame photographer Matt Cashore.  Matt took this photo Thursday night on campus.  You can purchase Matt's photos at: photos.nd.edu

Saturday, December 1, 2018

He's "Addicted to Notre Dame Football..."


You've got to see this story.

Griffin's Dad Jeff -- a Domer, is a good friend of my cousin Mike Doyle.

LINK:  GRIFFIN

Ferris State Bulldogs Advance to Final Four!


Hey, my two schools Notre Dame (my employer) and Ferris State (my alma mater) are a combined 26 - 0 this football season!

The Ferris State Bulldogs -- beat Ouachita (Wah-shi-tah) Baptist today 34 - 17 -- to advance to the FINAL FOUR of NCAA Division II Football!!!

The Bulldogs are still alive to win a rare "basketball / football" back-to-back National Championship!  

Ferris' men's basketball team won the NCAA Division II National Championship in March!

The Notre Dame Nation -- Votes Julian Love #1


This is the final online voting for the Jim Thorpe Award which will be awarded to the nation's top defensive back.  As you can see, Notre Dame's Julian Love -- won the fan voting!

The winner will be announced on December 6th.

George Herbert Walker Bush at Notre Dame


Here's the statement from the Rev. John I. Jenkins, C.S.C., president of the University of Notre Dame -- on the passing of President Bush.

LINK:  STATEMENT

I Am Rooting For This to Happen Today...


As we await Sunday afternoon's "final rankings" and the bowl selections -- I thought I'd share who I will be rooting for today...
  • Alabama vs. Georgia -- I'm hoping they will handle Georgia today, in a big way.
  • Clemson vs. Pittsburgh -- I'll be rooting for a close game.
  • Texas vs. Oklahoma -- I'll be rooting for a close game
  • Northwestern vs. Ohio State -- I'll be rooting for a close game

Did anyone watch the PAC 12 Conference Championship game last night?  Had to be between 20,000 and 30,000 people at the game...

Friday, November 30, 2018

Jaylon Smith Talks to Dan Patrick Today...



The former Notre Dame All-American is having a breakout season for the Cowboys!

Beth Cunningham & Marina Mabrey Talk Win


#1 Notre Dame Rolls Over #14 Iowa...


Largest "Mach 6" Wind Tunnel in the US -- at ND


The University of Notre Dame announced this morning the completion of the largest "quiet Mach 6 hypersonic wind tunnel" in the country.  Now, this technology is way over my head -- so, to learn more about this -- click on the link below...

But, I did learn this, once we start traveling at "Mach 6" -- it will only take fifteen minutes to fly from Washington D.C. to Denver...

Think about that.

That's the Hypersonic Wind Tunnel in the background of the photo above -- the guy in the photo is Tom Juliano, an assistant professor in Notre Dame's Aerospace and Mechanical Engineering Department.

LINK:  HYPERSONIC WIND TUNNEL

Thursday, November 29, 2018

Notre Dame Football "America's Travel Team"


Notre Dame Football -- truly is "America's Travel Team" -- traveling more than 11,000 miles to its six games played away from Notre Dame Stadium this year.

Now, I'm sure the folks in the football office at the University of Hawaii, will dispute this claim...

To compare -- that's almost "FOUR TIMES" the miles (and hours) traveled by Alabama to their four games away from Bryant-Denny Stadium. and more than "TWICE" the miles (and hours) traveled by Clemson to their five games away from Clemson Memorial Stadium.

See below -- the impact Travel has on sleep cycles...

Miles traveled through the air and ground to every away game this year:
  • NOTRE DAME:  11,002 miles -- six away games
  • Clemson:  5,250 miles -- five away games
  • Alabama:  3,350 miles -- five away games*

LINK:  TRAVEL IMPACT ON SLEEP


*Please note:  I missed Alabama's neutral site game in Orlando against Louisville to start the season -- so my initial mileage total was not correct for the Crimson Tide.

Wednesday, November 28, 2018

Domer Quenton Nelson Getting Some Love...


The "Gold Jacket Guy's" -- 12 - 0 Haircut!


My friend Brandon Hardy '20 -- AKA "the Gold jacket guy" -- sent me these photos this afternoon...


Cowherd & Klatt Dismiss Our Fighting Irish...



Let's go shock the world...

Notre Dame's FBS Opponents Have Most Wins!


Here's a unique ranking of teams -- if you beat an FBS opponent you get credit for all their wins over their FBS opponents:
  1. Notre Dame -- 66 wins
  2. Clemson -- 63 wins
  3. Alabama -- 59 wins
  4. Georgia -- 58 wins
  5. Ohio State -- 57 wins
  6. Michigan -- 55 wins
  7. Oklahoma -- 54 wins
  8. Boise State -- 52 wins
  9. UCF -- 48 wins
  10. Texas -- 46 wins

Tuesday, November 27, 2018

Back in August -- One ESPN Guy Called It...


I hope Trevor Matich has the opportunity to take a few bows -- among his colleagues in Bristol, CT -- this Sunday afternoon...

LINK:  ESPN EXPERTS PICK CFB PLAYOFF TEAMS -- last August

This is Quite Brilliant -- Experts on ND Football



As you watch ESPN this week and weekend -- keep this in mind.  They need to do ALL THEY CAN to drive viewership to Sunday's announcement show.  So, expect many of these "experts" to talk about what could happen to keep Notre Dame out of the Playoff...

It's business -- and don't forget, ESPN has a $2.2 billion investment in the SEC Network.

Thee "Rivalry in Women's Sport" -- PERIOD!



The #2 ranked UCONN Huskies travel to South Bend this Sunday to take on the #1 ranked Fighting Irish of Notre Dame.  Going to be a good one!

LINK:  TOP TEN PLAYS IN THE RIVALRY

Monday, November 26, 2018

You Can't Make This Stuff Up...


How about this for karma...

Notre Dame Football 1973 -- our first game that season we won by the score of 44 - 0 over Northwestern -- the same score of our last game of that season, a 44 - 0 win over Miami.

That season we beat Alabama for the National Championship.

Notre Dame Football 2018 -- our first game this season we won by the score of 24 - 17 over Michigan -- the same score of our last game of the season, a 24 - 17 win over USC.

BELIEVE! 


The photo above was taken on the field after Notre Dame's win over Alabama in the 1973 Sugar Bowl.


CBS Promo of Garth at Notre Dame Stadium


Love the aerial shots of Notre Dame -- should be quite a TV event, this Sunday!

Think the college football world might be a little tired of ol' Notre Dame late Sunday night! 

Pat Forde Talks Notre Dame with Dan Patrick


Eisen Talks With Mike Tirico About Notre Dame



I missed this -- this took place last Wednesday...

The Notre Dame conversation begins at the 5:00 minute mark.

Rece Davis and Rich Eisen Talk CFB Playoff



Glad "not to hear" any talk about Notre Dame's position in the CFB Playoff!

Mike Golic Reppin' His Fighting Irish This AM!



Davaris Daniels on Grey Cup Winning Team!


Former Notre Dame wide receiver Davaris Daniels -- though sidelined with a collarbone injury -- earned himself a championship ring, as his Calgary Stampeders won the CFL's Grey Cup yesterday!

Davaris had injured his collarbone back on September 15th...

Some may remember that Davaris' Dad (Phillip Daniels) won a Super Bowl Ring with the Philadelphia Eagles this past year -- as their Assistant Defensive Line Coach.


LINK:  STORY

Notre Dame Founded -- 176 Years Ago Today!






On this day in 1842 (November 26th) -- Fr. Edward Sorin, C.S.C. arrived to a 500+ acre parcel in northwest Indiana and founded The University of Notre Dame du Lac.

May She live forever!!!

Sunday, November 25, 2018

How Notre Dame "Graduates Champions"


1919 Vintage Notre Dame Monogram Lapel Pin


Make a gift of $100 or more to the University of Notre Dame and receive this vintage lapel pin that features the ND Monogram from 1919, Knute Rockne's first undefeated season!

Must make your gift by December 2nd!

LINK:  JOIN THE FIGHT

USC's Trojan Insider Talks Loss to Notre Dame



Notre Dame Players & AD Talk Win Over USC!


Local TV Coverage of Notre Dame 24 - USC 17




Muffet's Irish Beat #9 Oregon State Last Night!


USC's Clay Helton Talks Loss to Notre Dame


Brian Kelly's Postgame Presser After USC Win!


The Mornin' After an Undefeated Season!!!


Here's what the national media has to say about Notre Dame's 14th undefeated and untied regular season in program history!

LINK:  YAHOO! SPORTS

LINK:  USA TODAY

LINK:  CBS SPORTS

LINK:  FOX SPORTS

LINK:  LOS ANGELES TIMES

LINK:  ESPN

LINK:  ORANGE COUNTY REGISTER

Notre Dame Stadium's Video Board Tonight !!!


Got to love it!

USC's Clay Helton -- A Class Act at Game End!


If you're listening he says "good luck the rest of the way, go and win the whole thing..."

Notre Dame's POSTGAME SHOW -- LIVE!


Saturday, November 24, 2018

Game Highlights: Notre Dame 24 -- USC 17


Coach Kelly's ABC Interview After Big Win!


Ian Book to Chris Finke For a Touchdown!


Dexter Goes 52 Yards For TD Against USC!


Here's the ND Game Winner Tonight Over USC!


Hey CFB Playoff -- Here Come The Irish!


For the 14th time in Notre Dame Football history -- a Fighting Irish team goes undefeated and untied during the regular season!


Some "Fun Facts" As We Wait for ND vs. USC

If you're watching College Gameday and hearing Desmond Howard question whether it's fair that Notre Dame may make the CFB Playoff without having to play a 13th game -- consider this:

#1 ALABAMA -- 10 wins over FBS opponents
  • Played Louisiana-Lafayette and Arkansas State (game #2 and game #4)
  • Played "FCS school" Citadel in game #11
  • Biggest wins:  #7 LSU, #18 Mississippi State, #22 Texas A&M

#2 CLEMSON -- 10 wins over FBS opponents
  •  Played "FCS school" Furman in their opening game
  •  Has beaten TWO TEAM in the CFB Playoff Top 25 Rankings
  •  Biggest win:  #20 Syracuse and #22 Texas A&M

#3 NOTRE DAME -- 11 wins over FBS opponents
  • Played #4 Michigan in their opening game
  • Has beaten FOUR TEAM in the CFB Playoff Top 25 Rankings
  • Biggest wins:  #4 Michigan, #19 Northwestern, #20 Syracuse and #24 Pittsburgh

#4 MICHIGAN -- 10 wins over FBS opponents
  • Played #3 Notre Dame in their opening game
  • Has beaten TWO TEAMS in the CFB Playoff Top 25 Rankings
  • Biggest wins:  #12 Penn State, #19 Northwestern 

Makes you wonder why Notre Dame is only ranked "#3" -- doesn't it! 

I'm not questioning whether Alabama or Clemson deserve to be ranked ahead of Notre Dame -- they probably do, based on how impressive they have looked so far.  

What I am arguing is this statement -- "it's not fair that Notre Dame doesn't have to play a 13th game." 

We have played "big boy football" opponents every week -- Alabama and Clemson has not.
  • Alabama played 12 games in 2017 -- they played in the 2017 CFB Playoff
  • Ohio State played 12 games in 2016 -- they played in the 2016 CFB Playoff   
  • WE MUST BEAT SC TONIGHT -- or, it doesn't matter...