Sunday, November 8, 2015

Oklahoma State vs. Notre Dame -- Playoff Rank


I saw on Twitter this AM that Kirk Herbstreit has Oklahoma State jumping from #14 all the way up to #4 (surpassing Notre Dame) -- after their win over undefeated TCU and LSU's loss to Alabama last night.

I don't think Mr. Herbstreit has taken the time to do his homework -- I have...

Yes, Oklahoma State is undefeated -- but there is a reason the College Football Playoff Committee had them ranked so low this week at #14 -- here's why:
  • TCU is the first "Power Five" conference team Oklahoma State has played this season with a winning record -- ND has played five so far this season
  • The opponents Oklahoma State has beaten -- going into last night's game -- are 28 - 43 on the season -- ND's opponents over same span:  42 - 30
  • Oklahoma State beat a 3 - 5 Kansas State team on a last minute field goal -- at home
  • Oklahoma State beat a 4 - 5 Texas team on a last minute botched punt snap and then a last second field goal -- ND beat Texas 38 - 3.
  • Oklahoma State beat a 4 - 4 West Virginia team in OT
 
And, their perceived "big win" over TCU yesterday -- was against a team who had not played a team with a winning record this season.  Think about that!  

TCU's wins -- leading into yesterday's game against Oklahoma State -- were against teams with a combined record of 27 - 44.

Is TCU really a big win for Oklahoma State?

Bottom line:  We need to win our next three games -- nothing else matters -- until then.

Friday, November 6, 2015

Notre Dame Practicing at Duquesne This AM


The Fighting Irish flew into Pittsburgh last night -- as they prepare for tomorrow's NOON ET tilt with the Pitt Panthers.  The game will be televised on ABC.

Here's a photo of ND practicing this morning at Duquesne University's football field.

Thursday, November 5, 2015

Eifert Takes NFL Lead With 9 TD Receptions !!!


Former Notre Dame All-American Tyler Eifert had THREE TD catches in the Bengals 31 - 10 win over the Browns last night -- giving him an NFL best NINE TD RECEPTIONS on the season!

LINK:  EIFERT TD'S

Must See Story: "Notre Dame's Class of 2029"


A 3rd grade class in Stockton, CA adopted the University of Notre Dame as their school...

You're going to love this story!

LINK:  TAYLOR LEADERSHIP ACADEMY

Pitt Week: Coach Kelly Press Conference


Domer Dad's Retirement Press Conference



Torii Hunter, Sr. -- father of Notre Dame wide receiver Torii Jr. -- met with the media today to talk about his retirement from major league baseball...

Time to root full-time for the Fighting Irish!

Notre Dame -- 9th Straight -- #1 GSR Rate !!!


The Notre Dame Athletics Department can now claim its 9th straight NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP as 19 of ND's 22 varsity athletic sports had perfect NCAA Graduation Success Rates (GSR)  !!!

LINK:  STORY

A Weekend Look at the NEW TOP TEN -- CFB


Here's what lies ahead this weekend for the teams ranked in the TOP TEN of the College Football Playoff Rankings:

#1:  Clemson (-12) -- plays #16 Florida State (7 - 1) at home
#2:  LSU (+6.5) -- plays #4 Alabama (7 - 1) on the road
#3:  Ohio State (-24) -- plays Minnesota (4 - 4) at home
#4:  Alabama (-6.5) -- plays #2 LSU (7 - 0) at home
__________________________________________________

#5:  Notre Dame (-8.5) -- plays Pittsburgh (6 - 2) on the road
#6:  Baylor (-17) -- plays Kansas State (3 - 4) on the road
#7:  Michigan State (-6) -- plays Nebraska (3 - 6) on the road
#8:  TCU (-5) -- plays #14 Oklahoma State (8 - 0) on the road
#9:  Iowa (-7) -- plays Indiana (4 - 4) on the road
#10:  Florida (-21) -- plays Vanderbilt (3 - 5) at home


What's shocking to me:
  • Clemson is a 12 point favorite over Florida State
  • Michigan State is only a 6 point favorite over Nebraska 
  • Notre Dame is the 2nd biggest road favorite of the TOP Ten and they play a 6 - 2 PIttsburgh squad that is 12 points from being undefeated.


Well Written Story on ND QB DeShone Kizer


You'll want to find time to read this story in Sports Illustrated's "Campus Rush."

LINK:  DESHONE KIZER

Notre Dame Primer -- Get Ready for Pittsburgh!


ND QB DeShone Kizer on Dan Patrick Show



Impressive young man...

Pitt's Preview: Notre Dame vs. Pittsburgh