Hansbrough -- Only Unanimous Choice!

University of Notre Dame guard, Ben Hansbrough was named today to the All-Big East First Team -- and he was the only unanimous choice!!!  Here's a link to the announcement:

LINK:  HANSBROUGH -- ONLY UNANIMOUS CHOICE!!!

Are the Irish a #1 Seed in NCAA Tournament?

In the past 20 hours -- the so called college basketball "experts" are now talking about whether Notre Dame deserves a #1 seed in the upcoming NCAA Tournament.  Who would have thought!!!  Before the season started -- these same experts were predicting the Irish would finish among the "bottom half" of the tough Big East Conference.  Here are links to a Fox Sports story and a CBS Sports story -- on this very subject:

LINK:  DO THE IRISH DESERVE A #1 SEED?

LINK:  NOTRE DAME #1 SEED IN WEST REGION

Irish Beat UCONN With Hansbrough on Bench!!!

What a game...

With eight minutes to go -- I was wondering out loud -- "What was Brey thinking when he put Hansbrough back into the game with eight minutes left, four fouls and the Irish up by eight???

Then ten seconds later -- Hansbrough makes a stupid foul and he's on the bench for the balance of the game.  UCONN goes on 13-0 run putting the Irish down five and, if you were at my house -- you would have heard my yelling at the TV sure this game was over...

Yet, somehow the Irish were able to ride out UCONN's flury -- and two big free-throw misses by Scott Martin -- and still win the game 70 - 67 in front of a dismayed John Saunders (ESPN) who did his best to show his hate for ND all game long... 

It was the first win for a Mike Brey team at UCONN -- it locked up a #2 seed in the upcoming Big East Tournament -- and probably a #2 seed in the upcoming NCAA Tournament.  WAY TO GO IRISH!!!

Here's a few links to the media's reaction to the big win today!:

LINK:  NEW YORK TIMES

LINK:  NEWS TIMES -- CT

LINK:  SOUTH BEND TRIBUNE

LINK:  ESPN

Is Notre Dame Doing the "Right" Thing?

I just ran across this story this evening -- and it caught me a little off guard.  Cathedral High School in El Paso, TX has been calling itself the "Fightin' Irish" since 1925.  And, over that time, they've been using the Leprechaun logo as well.

Today, the story broke that the University of Notre Dame has notified Cathedral that they must "cease" calling themselves the "Fighting Irish" and may no longer use the Leprechaun logo.  They can call themselves the "Irish"-- but that's it.

Now, having worked with the NBA, NHL, NASCAR, PGA, etc., -- I fully understand protecting your brand.  I also know that there are Catholic high schools all over America who have been calling themselves the Fighting Irish and using the Leprechaun logo -- for years!

All I can figure is Cathedral was selling the Notre Dame marks on apparel and merchandise -- and some ND Official Licensees (who pay to use the mark) who were in El Paso for the Sun Bowl started complaining -- and the University had no choice but to protect their marks.

Here's a link to the story:

LINK:  NOTRE DAME PROTECTING ITS MARKS

PHOTO OF THE DAY: Irish @ Disney

This photo was just "tweeted" by a member of the University of Notre Dame's women's softball team.  They're down at Disney playing in a tournament this weekend.  Disney rarely misses an opportunity...

The Bengal Bouts -- Uniquely Notre Dame!

They "Box for Bangladesh."  Last night -- the finals of the 81st Annual Bengal Bouts were held on the campus of the University of Notre Dame.  It's uniquely Notre Dame -- and it's done for a great cause.   The goal was to raise $200,000 for the Holy Cross Mission in Bangladesh -- here's hoping they met their goal!  Thirteen winners were crowned -- yet, the people of Bangladesh really won last night.  Here's a link to the South Bend Tribune story and a link to the official site of The Bengal Bouts:



LINK:  BOXING FOR BANGLADESH

LINK:  THE BENGAL BOUTS -- OFFICIAL SITE

ESPN's Gottlieb -- Calls the Irish "Pretenders"

ESPN college basketball analyst -- Doug Gottlieb did a segment this week on ESPN where he took the top eight ranked teams in the country and he labeled them "contenders" or "pretenders" -- in the upcoming NCAA Tournament.  Well, Gottlieb -- who was an Irish student-athlete at one time -- before he was asked to leave Notre Dame for the "un-authorized" use of a roommates' credit card (I'm trying to be nice about this...) -- showed his bias in his labeling of the Irish.

I trust Coach Brey will remind his team of this in a couple of weeks!  Here's a link:

LINK:  GOTTLIEB'S THOUGHTS ON THE IRISH

NY Times Interview of Brian Kelly

Notre Dame football head coach, Brian Kelly -- met with a New York Times reporter this week to talk about his upcoming "Kelly Cares Foundation" dinner at the Waldorf Astoria on March 16th.  The event will honor former Irish coaching legends Ara Parseghian and Lou Holtz -- should be a fun night!  Here's the link to the interview:

LINK:  COACH KELLY WITH NY TIMES

Irish Play UCONN Today on ESPN!!!

You win some basketball games at Notre Dame -- and you're on TV as much or more than Duke.  That's the "win" for ND hoops fans across the county -- as we get to watch our IRISH play more often on TV.  ESPN will have the Irish vs. UCONN game on at 2 PM EST.  Today ends the regular season for Mike Brey's boys -- they're currently 24 - 5 -- and a win will tie or break the following team records:

• A win today -- will set the all-time "modern era" for most wins in a regular season.
• A win today -- will tie the all-time record for most Big East wins in a regular season.
• A win today -- will make 94 wins over the past four years -- which will be the most wins over a four-year span in Notre Dame history. 
• And, a win today -- will give the Irish 46 Big East wins in the last four seasons -- the most ever, over a four-year span.

This will be the ninth game this season for the Irish against a ranked opponent.  UCONN is ranked 16th.  To date, the Irish are 6-2 against ranked teams.   The only problem for Irish fans today -- John Saunders -- a known "ND Hater" is doing the game for ESPN -- you may want to turn down the sound!!!

Here's a link to the game notes from Notre Dame's Media Relations team at UND.COM:

LINK:  IRISH vs. HUSKIES TODAY AT 2 PM EST

Hansbrough's "Warm-Up" Drill -- Try This!

If you're still playing hoops, or you have kids at home who like the game -- you may want to give this a try.  University of Notre Dame's Ben Hansbrough -- let the folks at the Chicago Tribune "illustrate" his typical "warm-up" routine.  You'll like this!  Click on the link below:

LINK:  BEN HANSBROUGH - WARMIN' UP!

Luke Harangody Scores 18 -- Cavs Beat Knicks!

Former Notre Dame All-American Luke Harangody -- came off the bench tonight and scored 18 points in 22 minutes for the Cavaliers in their 119 - 115 win tonight over the Knick.  Luke was 6 for 11 from the floor with 4 boards and 2 assists -- in a rare road win for Cleveland.  Here's a link to the boxscore:

LINK:  GODY SCORES 18 TONIGHT!

Ben Hansbrough on "Rome Is Burning"

Notre Dame senior guard, Ben Hansbrough is quickly becoming a "media darling."  In the past day he's appeared on ESPN's PTI and ESPN's Rome Is Burning.  Here's a link to Ben's interview with Jim Rome and his interview with ESPN's PTI

LINK:  HANSBROUGH -- ROME IS BURNING

LINK:  HANSBROUGH -- WITH PTI

Ranking of College Football Stadiums -- WHAT?

CBS Sports' Dennis Dodd ranked the top 25 College Football Stadiums in the country -- Notre Dame fans won't like where he placed "The House That Rockne Built."  Here's a link:

LINK:  RANKING OF COLLEGE FOOTBALL STADIUMS

The Bengal Bouts -- TONIGHT on UND.COM!

The University of Notre Dame's 81st Annual "Bengal Bouts" Finals  -- will be held this evening at the Purcell Pavillion.  Thirteen fights are on the card -- and you can watch each bout LIVE on UND.COM beginning at 7 PM EST.  Here's the link:

LINK:  LIVE COVERAGE:  ND'S BENGAL BOUTS

Best Business School in America -- AGAIN!

The University of Notre Dame's Mendoza College of Business was ranked #1 in the country -- for the second straight year.  The honor was announced today by Bloomberg Businessweek as they released their annual ranking of the best undergraduate business schools in the country.  It's nice to be #1!!!  Here's a link to the story -- along with a link to their 2011 rankings:

LINK:  NOTRE DAME RANKED #1 -- AGAIN!

LINK: RANKINGS OF THE TOP BUSINESS SCHOOLS IN THE COUNTRY

Zibby Geting Back Into the Boxing Ring!

Former Notre Dame football star and now safety for the NFL's Baltimore Ravens -- Tommy Zibikowski, is returning to the boxing ring!  It was learned today that Zibby has agreed to fight an "unnamed" opponent in a four-round match, March 12th at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas.  The fight, which is part of the Miguel Cotto-Ricardo Mayorga undercard -- will be televised on Showtime in a pay-per-view package.  Here's a link to the South Bend Tribune story -- along with a link to a Baltimore Ravens blog story and a link to a video of Zibby's last fight!


LINK:  ZIBBY TO BOX AGAIN!

LINK:  ZIBBY BACK IN BOXING RING

LINK:  VIDEO OF ZIBBY'S TKO!

Brian Kelly Gets His First Commit for 2012!

Recruiting has changed.  Remember the day when players waited until National Signing Day to make their choice known?  Well, those days are long gone.  Yesterday, one of the top defensive backs in the country -- he's a junior in high school right now -- became the first player to commit to Notre Dame from the Class of 2012.  Tee Shepard -- out of Fresno, CA -- decided to commit to the Irish over Alabama, USC, Auburn and pretty much any other top team in the country.  Here's a link to Tom Lemming (national recruiting analyst) talking with the gang at SportsBeat and a link to RIVALS.COM and Irish Illustrated's coverage of this new story!

LINK:  LEMMING TALKS TEE SHEPARD

LINK:  TEE SHEPARD COMMITS TO NOTRE DAME

A Story You Must Know!!!

Bob Muzikowski, has a connection to the University of Notre Dame.  Yesterday, in a conference room in San Diego, CA – Bob met with a number of members of Notre Dame’s Development Team to tell his story.   And, oh what a story he has…

I know of this meeting because a good friend of mine, at Notre Dame, was kind enough to give me a copy of Bob’s book “Safe At Home” – and to let me know that Bob was going to meet with his team on Tuesday.

I had never heard of Bob Muzikowski… 

A few years back, Paramount Pictures released a movie called “Hardball” starring Keanu Reeves playing an alcoholic “Wall Street” type who turned around his life coaching a Little League baseball team in Chicago.  I saw that movie.  Well, after reading all 261 pages of Safe At Home last night and this morning – I now know that this movie was un-authorized and a rather “POOR ATTEMPT” by Hollywood – to tell Bob’s story.

Bob Muzikowski and his wife Tina – are heroes.  Heroes to thousands of kids in Chicago and New York City who were dealt the challenge of growing up in an environment most of us only know about from the 11 o’clock newscast each night. 

The Muzikowski’s and their friends began by using the game of baseball to change kids’ lives.  I’ve read many books in my day – and I must admit – Bob & Tina’s story is powerful.

I encourage all who enjoy a great story – to buy their book.  You won’t put the book down when you start reading it – and, it will have an impact on how you look at the world – I PROMISE!

I've also provided a link below to a high school that Bob & Tina started with their friends - yeah, they've moved up from Little League to now their own high school!  They launched Chicago Hope Academy six years ago and they now have more than 140 students enrolled.  Almost 90% of the students can't afford to pay the tuition -- but that hasn't stopped Bob & Tina... 

I am in awe of Bob and Tina Mizukowski's commitment to their community - you will be too!!!  Please click on all of these links -- and buy the book!!!

LINK:  SAFE AT HOME -- BUY THE BOOK! 

LINK:  NEWS STORY -- CHICAGO HOPE ACADEMY

LINK:  CHICAGO HOPE ACADEMY -- OFFICIAL WEBSITE

Troy Murphy to Join the Celtics?

Rumor has it that former Notre Dame basketball star -- Troy Murphy, is set to sign with the Boston Celtics for their NBA Playoff run.  Murphy became a free agent in the past few days and it was believed he was on his way to Miami to play with Lebron and D. Wade.  Apparently -- they Celtics have changed his mind.  Here's a link to the story:

LINK:  TROY MURPHY TO SIGN WITH CELTICS?

ND Basketball's Home Record: 84 - 6

Is Purcell Pavillion becoming the most difficult place to play in the country?  Believe it or not -- our Fighting Irish are now 84 - 6 over the last 90 games played in our home arena -- think about that!  Is there really that great of a home court advantage for the IRISH?  Here's a link to a story in the Observer -- Notre Dame's student newspaper:

LINK:  HOME COOKIN' @ NOTRE DAME!

A Record Night for Notre Dame Basketball!

Seniors Ben Hansbrough and Ty Nash -- went out in style last night.  The duo, playing their last home game in an IRISH uniform -- led #7 Notre Dame to a 47-27 halftime lead over #19 Villanova -- playing what might be the best twenty minutes of basketball in the history of this program.  For the night, the Irish set a school record -- making twenty (20) three-pointers in their 93 - 72 win.

The win clinched an undefeated home record for Notre Dame -- the third time in the last five seasons!

Hansbrough scored 30 points to go along with his 10 rebounds and 5 steals.  Nash had a "double-double"scoring 11 and grabbing 11 boards.  And senior "walk-on" Tim Kopko -- got into the act making an acrobatic shot late in the game (to the great delight of the ND students) -- a fitting end for these three seniors!!!

Oh by the way, Tim Abromaitis also scored 30 points, going 9 for 13 from beyond the three-point arc.  A big night for Notre Dame Basketball!!!  Here's a link to UND.COM's game highlights along with a link to Coach Brey's post game conference.  And, a third link to the South Bend Tribune game story:

LINK:  GAME HIGHLIGHTS

LINK:  COACH BREY POST GAME PRESSER

LINK:  BIG WIN FOR THE IRISH!

They Have Never Been 9 - 0 @ Notre Dame!

The Notre Dame women's softball team is off to the best start in school history!  The Irish are now 9 - 0 on the season after beating Marist and Liberty yesterday afternoon at the College of Charleston's Cougar Classic in Mount Pleasant, SC.  The win over Liberty was also the 900th win in the 23-year history of the women's softball program at Notre Dame!  The Irish will be back in action in Kissimmee, Florida this weekend -- for the Diamond 9 Citrus Classic.  A special thanks to ND GO IRISH regular contributor, Dr. Jim Clancy -- for making me aware of this story.  Here's a link to UND.COM's coverage of ND women's softball:

LINK:  BEST START IN SCHOOL HISTORY!

Irish Hoops on ESPNU -- Tonight at 7 PM EST!

Mike Brey's #9 Fighting Irish play their last home game of the season tonight against #14 Villanova -- in a game that can determine Notre Dame's Big East Tournament plans.  A win over the Wildcats tonight -- will clinch second place for the Irish and "byes" in the first two rounds of the tournament at Madison Square Garden.  Tonight's game is also the last time Ben Hansbrough and Ty Nash will wear the IRISH jersey at Purcell Pavillion.  The game will be televised by ESPNU -- starting at 7 PM EST.  Here's a link to UND.COM's -- preview of tonight's game:

LINK:  NOTRE DAME vs. VILLANOVA

Mike Lee With First Round TKO Last Night!

Notre Dame grad, Mike Lee '09 -- remained undefeated as a professional boxer with his first round knockout last night of Pablo Gomez at the Palms Casino in Las Vegas.  The first round knockout was the second in a row for Lee -- who  knocked out Keith Denbow in November in a fight at Cowboys Stadium.  Here's a link to the story:

LINK:  MIKE LEE WINS AGAIN!

Austin Carr Press Conference

Last night -- the University of Notre Dame honored it's greatest basketball player of all-time.  The fact that it took 40 years to do it -- is a mute point now.  What was great to see is how much it meant to this Notre Dame Man.  Here's a link to a page at UND.COM where you can find Austin Carr's press conference:

LINK:  AUSTIN CARR -- NOTRE DAME'S BEST!

Abromaitis Scores 1,000th Point -- Irish Win!

Tim Abromaitis and Ben Hansbrough led a "sluggish" Irish team over Seton Hall 60 - 48.  The win puts #9 Notre Dame 23-5 on the season and 12-4 in the Big East.  With one more win in the Big East for the Irish or a Louisville loss -- ND will earn a "double-bye" in the upcoming Big East Tournament at Madison Square Garden.  Here's a link to the BOX SCORE:

LINK:  BOX SCORE -- IRISH WIN AGAIN!

It Took 40 Years for ND To Do Him Right...

Notre Dame's greatest basketball player of all-time, Austin Carr -- was honored tonight, 40 years after he last wore an Irish uniform.  Carr, who still holds NCAA Tournament records for "career scoring average" -- more than 40 points a game -- and, for most points scored in a single game;  61 -- is one of the greatest college basketball players of all-time.   During the halftime ceremony, Notre Dame finally hung a banner in his honor (why did it take 40 years?) in their "Ring of Honor" and they named the Lower Concourse in Purcell Pavillion "Austin Carr Concourse."  Once a video is posted of his speech, we'll have it here.

LINK:  ND HONORS AUSTIN CARR

ND Basketball Tonight on ESPNU @ 7 PM EST!

The #9 Fighting Irish of Notre Dame take on the Pirates of Seton Hall tonight -- in a game that will honor Notre Dame's greatest basketball player of all-time at halftime.  Austin Carr -- will finally be placed in Notre Dame's Ring of Honor -- during the halftime ceremony.  You can tune in on ESPNU @ 7 PM!  Here's a link to the game preview:

LINK:  NOTRE DAME TAKES ON SETON HALL -- TONIGHT!

A Domer's Daughter -- What A Talent!

Isabela Nanni, the 14 year-old daughter of Lou and Carmen Nanni -- Lou '84, is Vice President for University Relations at the University of Notre Dame -- recently performed a song she wrote at halftime of ND Women's Basketball's "Pink Zone" game.   

The Pink Zone Basketball Game has become an annual effort by ND to raise money and awareness for breast cancer awareness. 

WNDU-TV caught up with Isabela for a wonderful interview about the motivation behind her song.  What a talented young lady!  Here's the link to the WNDU-TV story along with a link to the YOUTUBE video of her performance -- WOW!:

LINK:  ISABELLA NANNI -- WNDU-TV

LINK:  ISABELLA NANNI -- "BEAUTIFUL"

The Heisman "Watch List" -- Already Out!

And, to know surprise -- a "Notre Dame QB" is on the list...  It may surprise which Notre Dame QB is on the list.  Click on the link:

LINK:  A NOTRE DAME QB ON HEISMAN WATCH LIST

Duerson Still In the News...

This morning, CNN.COM published a story on the death, last week, of former Notre Dame All-American and University Trustee -- Dave Duerson.  As you probably know by now, Duerson asked his oldest son (in a note) to donate his brain to Boston University for research.  Here's a link to the CNN.COM story:

LINK:  DUERSON'S BRAIN

Weis Gets $2.6 Million From Gators...

Former Notre Dame Football Coach, Charlie Weis '78 reportedly signed a three-year deal with the Florida Gators worth $2.6 million with a car, $10,000 from Nike as part of an apparel contract -- and a $100,000 signing bonus.  It's a record salary for a Florida assistant coach.  Here's a link to the story:

LINK:  CHARLIE GETS $2.6 MILLION

LINK:  CHARLIE'S RECORD SALARY

ESPN's Spring Look at Notre Dame Football

The folks at ESPN -- published a story today on what to look for this Spring with Notre Dame Football.  Spring Practice begins on March 23rd.  Here's the link:

LINK:  NOTRE DAME FOOTBALL -- PREVIEW

Kyle Rudolph -- NFL Combine Today

The annual NFL "casting call" is taking place this week in Indianapolis -- and former Notre Dame football star, Kyle Rudolph started the process today.  Offensive Lineman and Tight Ends were the stars of the show today.  Here's a few links to what the "experts" are saying about Kyle today:

LINK:  KYLE RUDOLPH -- HEIGHT, WEIGHT & HAND SIZE 

LINK:  PRO FOOTBALL TALK -- KYLE RUDOLPH

Harangody Traded to Cleveland Cavaliers

Former Notre Dame All-American Luke Harangody was traded today with a teammate -- from the Celtics to the Cleveland Cavaliers -- for a second round pick.  Here's a link to the breaking story:

LINK:  HARANGODY TO CLEVELAND

Notre Dame Wins 94-93 Over Providence!

The Irish won another road game in the Big East tonight -- despite giving up 52 points to an opposition player.  Marson Brooks big scoring night was the most ever given up by ND to an opponent -- in the 100+ year history of Irish basketball.  Yet, it wasn't enough for Providence to upset Notre Dame.  The #9 Irish are now 22-5 on the season and 11-4 in the Big East.  Here's a link to highlights of the game along with an audio link to Coach Brey's post game press conference:

LINK:  GAME HIGHLIGHTS -- IRISH VICTORY!

LINK:  COACH BREY'S PRESS CONFERENCE

Google -- A Forecaster for Wall Street?

Two Notre Dame associate professors Zhi Da and Paul Gao just won the 2010 Crowel First Prize for outstanding research for their paper "In Search of Attention."  The Crowel prize is awarded by the Quantitative Research Group at PanAgora Asset Management.  Their paper suggested tracking aggregate search frequency on Google to determine investor attention -- and to help predict the stock market.  Now, these two guys are "much smarter than me" -- so, I'm going to get out of the way here and let you link to what they're thinking:

LINK:  GOOGLE -- A STOCK MARKET PREDICTOR?

A Notre Dame Man -- Returns Home!

Notre Dame football fans may remember the name Joey Hiben -- he was a member of Charlie Weis' first recruiting class at Notre Dame.  Unfortunately, Joey decided to leave ND and transferred to the University of Minnesota...  Well, he's back at Notre Dame -- and he's throwing punches in the Bengal Bouts.  The folks at the South Bend Tribune caught up with Joey and published this story today -- you'll enjoy!

LINK:  JOEY HIBEN -- BENGAL BOUTS

Duerson Donates Brain to NFL for Research

Former Notre Dame All-American Dave Duerson -- who died this past week, left behind a note asking that his brain be donated to research for chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE).  Duerson's brain will be examined by Boston University's Center for the Study of Traumatic Encephalopathy.  Here's a link to the story:

LINK:  DUERSON'S BRAIN TO BE STUDIED

Rudolph -- Hamstring Healed!

Chicago Tribune's Notre Dame beat reporter, Brian Hamilton -- caught up with former Notre Dame tight-end Kyle Rudolph -- to talk about his rehab after hamstring surgery and preparation for the upcoming NFL Draft.  "Draft experts" -- have Kyle rated as the #1 tight-end in the draft and a lock to go in the 1st Round.  Didn't they say that about Clausen too?  Oh, well -- here's a link to the article:

LINK:  KYLE RUDOLPH -- BACK TO NORMAL!

ND Football Assitant Named to Hall of Fame

Notre Dame football assistant coach, Tim Hinton -- will be inducted into the Harding High School Hall of Fame on April 8th.  Hinton, the running backs coach at Notre Dame -- was a former head football coach at Harding (OH) -- where he led them to a 78-40 record and five league championships.  Congratulations Coach Hinton!  Here's a link to the story:

LINK:  COACH HINTON -- HALL OF FAMER!

A Domer Oversees 2/3rds of U.S. Bank Assets

His name is John Walsh '73 -- and he has one of the great business card titles;  "Office of Comptroller of the Currency" -- which means he oversees approximately 2/3rds of the commercial banking assets in the United States.  Think he might be good at math?  Here's a link to his bio:

LINK:  JOHN WALSH -- BIO

LAX National Championship Game -- Part II

The sixth ranked Fighting Irish of Notre Dame kicked off the 2011 college lacrosse season with a big win over the fifth ranked Duke Blue Devils -- in a rematch of the most recent National Championship game.  The game part of the Sunshine Classic in Jacksonville, FL -- and televised on ESPN -- saw the Irish break open a close game scoring five of the last six goals in a 12-7 victory!  A big win for the Irish over Duke!

LINK:  ESPN COVERAGE

Irish Play Mountaineers at 1 PM EST on CBS

Notre Dame hoops fans will have the opportunity to watch the Irish today on CBS -- as they travel to Morgantown, WV to take on Bob Huggins and his West Virginia Mountaineers.  The #7 Fighting Irish are on a seven-game winning streak and currently stand in 2nd place in the Big East.  Here's a link to UND.COM's preview of today's matchup.

LINK:  BIG GAME FOR THE IRISH

Dave Duerson Found Dead in Miami Home

Former Notre Dame All American, Dave Duerson -- was found dead last night in his Miami home. Duerson (age 50), who won a Super Bowl Championship in 1985 with the Chicago Bears and again in 1990 with the New York Giants -- was a former member of the Notre Dame Board of Trustees. Duerson is survived by four kids. Here's a link to the news story:

LINK: DAVE DUERSON FOUND DEAD

LINK:  ESPN STORY

Temple Has Press Conference To Announce...

Temple University -- the college home of Bill Cosby -- announced yesterday that they had signed a three game contract with the University of Notre Dame.  The announcement didn't come in the form of a press release -- it came in the form of an EVENT.  Yeah, Notre Dame football is irrelevant.  When was the last time you saw a school do this?  I'm sure Florida Gator football fans didn't like seeing Temple's new coach (Steve Addazio) praise Notre Dame.  The event was complete with a Leprechaun mascot -- and the ND gold helmet.  Enjoy.

LINK:  TEMPLE ANNOUNCES SERIES WITH NOTRE DAME

More National Respect for ND Basketball

Add the New York Times to the list of media outlets who are on the Notre Dame "bandwagon" -- as the Irish keep moving up the national polls.  If Ben Hansbrough was wearing a "gold helmet" -- he'd probably be in the Heisman Trophy discussion...  Why does this make me nervous?  The Irish go on the road this Saturday to take on a dangerous West Virginia team -- tip off is scheduled for 1:00 PM on CBS.

LINK:  NEW YORK TIMES ARTICLE

Time Lapsed Video of 2010 Sun Bowl Game

Ran across this the other day -- thought everyone might enjoy taking a look back at the day the Irish rolled over Miami.  Enjoy!

LINK:  2010 SUN BOWL -- NOTRE DAME vs.  MIAMI

Ian Williams -- Talkin' ND and NFL...

Former Notre Dame nose tackle, Ian Williams -- has agreed to write a story each week, through the end of April -- for the South Bend Tribune.  Williams will talk about the NFL Draft process and just Notre Dame in general.  A big thank-you to ND GO IRISH BLOG regular contributor, Dr. Jim Clancy out of Philadelphia -- for alerting us to this story!  Here's the link:

LINK:  IAN WILLIAMS TALKIN' ND AND NFL

Crawling Out of the Shadow of Big Brother!

Ben Hansbrough's "big" brother Tyler, was the "king" of college basketball -- just a couple of years ago at North Carolina -- when he led the Tar Heels to the 2009 National Championship.  Now it's Ben's turn to be "king" -- and he has the IRISH on a roll right now.  Today's USA TODAY takes a look at Ben and his 7th ranked Fighting Irish teammates -- who have won seven in a row heading into Saturday's game at West Virginia.  You'll enjoy the story!  A ND GO IRISH BLOG thank-you to Denny Doyle of Novi, MI for alerting us to this story!

LINK:  BEN HANSBROUGH AND THE IRISH