Theismann -- Never Without an Opinion!

Former Notre Dame All-American and Super Bowl Champion -- Joe Theismann had a conversation recently with a writer from the Post-Tribune.  And, as it usually does with Theismann -- the subject of the Fighting Irish came up.  Joe, never short on opinions -- offered up his "two-cents" on the state of Notre Dame football.  Here's the link:

LINK:  JOE TALKS NOTRE DAME

PHOTO OF THE DAY: They're Back Together!

This past Wednesday, our Grandma Barb left for Heaven to join our Grandpa Ray -- see the story below.

Do you think these two might already be organizing a "Notre Dame Game Watch" -- from Heaven's skybox -- for Saturday, September 3rd -- when the Irish open up the 2011 season against the University of South Florida??!!

The Notre Dame Family -- Another In Heaven!

Forty or so years ago, my Grandpa and Grandma Doyle took my cousin Pat and me to my first Fighting Irish football game -- and my first ever visit to the Notre Dame campus...

Fast forward to Wednesday this week.

I was back on campus for the Notre Dame vs. Louisville basketball game -- what a win for the Irish!  At game's end I received a phone call from my Mom -- letting me know that my 96 year-old Grandma Doyle had just left for heaven.  The call was not a surprise, Grandma had slipped into a coma on Saturday -- and we were told it would be any day.  She died literally seconds after the final buzzer went off in OT.  I guess she needed to cheer the Irish on to victory -- one last time...

The photo is of Grandma Barb in 2007 -- she's with her great-grandson Jimmy Small '08 (my son), then a senior at the University of Notre Dame.  She was 93 years old (she was a beauty!) in this photo and stricken to a wheel chair.  But, she would have nothing to do with the wheelchair for this photo shoot.  She requested that we get her standing upright, next to her 6'-4" Irish Guard -- with the "golden dome" in the background.  I just wish it had been taken by a professional photographer -- not a hack like me.  It's still one of my two favorite photos of her.

Grandma Barb taught all eight of her grandkids the Notre Dame Victory March -- it was one of the things she felt an obligation to do.  She wasn't a grad, nor were any of her kids or grandkids -- Jimmy, is the first in our family to attend the University of Notre Dame.  Yet, she loved Notre Dame as much as anyone with a degree -- and through that love, she passed on the "gift" of Notre Dame to all of us.

This Monday -- "Valentine's Day -- at 11:00 AM EST, at a small Catholic church in Remus, MI (St. Michael's Parish) -- we will celebrate a life well lived.  If you think of it -- around that time -- please say a prayer of "thanksgiving" for your Grandparents and when you do -- please think of my Grandma Barbara E. Doyle.

Here's a poem I wrote about the impact Grandma Barb had on our lives -- that I'm sure will be read at one of the family gatherings these next few days.  I wanted to share it with all of you -- since we all share her love for Notre Dame.


SHE WAS ALWAYS THERE…

I’d rather go to Grandma’s House than any place I know,

Because Grandpa says “I’m his boy” and Grandma loves me so.

Growing up in her home -- we were all taught that poem.

These are the words we never wanted to write and this is the day we never wanted to see,

Since it’s about a woman whose star shined so bright -- who always loved “we.”

Our Grandma Barb was always there…

Whether it was a game, a graduation, a performance or a trip to the Mecosta County Fair.

She was our Mom, our Grandma, our sister, our aunt and our friend,

It was that way every moment you were with her – it was that way ‘til the end.

Since her days at Holy Redeemer, the violin was the instrument of choice,

She would often entertain us with great style and voice.

Our Grandma would kick your "fanny" in Bridge or, any other game with cards in hand,

Yet, it never truly bothered you – because you knew she was that grand.

Boy, could she knit an Irish sweater!,

And, make you smile and cry -- at the same time -- with one of her letters.

Grandma taught us to love Coca-Cola and A1 Steak Sauce,

And, never to allow a cat in or, ‘round your house.

She made it her duty to teach us the words to the greatest college fight song,

While making sure we got together every Holiday – that we always got along.

If you ever needed a babysitter, no distance was too far,

She would always drop everything -- and jump in her car.

Whether it was the Irish, her Catholic faith or the gold helmets they wore to great fame,

There was always that great passion for the University of Notre Dame.

You know she never missed a Detroit Tiger's game, whether on radio or TV,

She even tried to call Jim Leyland, their Manager -- when she didn’t agree.

Even her famous plastic Easter eggs, delivered a million dollar prize,

Though her daughter-in-law didn’t much like that surprise.

She always knew what to say, when and how loud,

We always knew it was from love – and because she was so proud.

Our Grandma Barb was always there…

Often with something pink on,

The graceful, soft shadow she cast – will never be gone.

Yes, we’d rather go to Grandma’s House than any place we know

Because Grandpa says “I’m his boy” and Grandma loves us so.

Yes, she did…




Please note -- I'm going to "go dark" with the ND GO IRISH BLOG for the next three days -- as I join my family to celebrate the life of one great lady.  I will be back Tuesday morning -- with more great stories to share about Notre Dame, I promise! 

Navy Can Still Cut Block -- NCAA Rules

One of the most voiced complaints made by Notre Dame coaches -- over the past few years, has been the Naval Academy's approach to blocking at the line of scrimmage.  Well, the NCAA Rules Committee met this week in Indianapolis to discuss potential rules changes -- and the subject of "blocking below the waste" is a topic.  It appears that the NCAA will adopt the NFL's rules regarding what's a legal block and what isn't -- see the attached article.  I'm sure some will think the NCAA hasn't gone far enough to protect the players with this pending rule change.  You be the judge:  A ND GO IRISH BLOG 'thank you' to regular contributor Dr. Jim Clancy for alerting us to this story.

LINK:  NEW NCAA RULES CHANGE FOR FOOTBALL

Big, Big, Big WIN for the Irish Last Night!

My friends at the University of Notre Dame treated me to "center court" seats -- five rows behind Digger, Coach Knight and Reece Davis -- as we watched one of the more exciting home basketball games for Notre Dame in some time.  ND's OT win over Louisville -- scoring the first 14 points in overtime -- put the 7th ranked Irish at 20-4 on the season and 9-3 in the Big East.  What got lost in the excitement of the win was the fact that NOTRE DAME MADE HISTORY LAST NIGHT.  In ND's 100 plus year history of college basketball -- this is the earliest date ever -- that the Irish have won 20 games in a season.  Think about that... 

Here's a link to some highlights from the game, overtime and an interview with Coach Brey after the game.  I've also added a link to the ESPN.COM story and South Bend Tribune story on the game and a link to the current Big East standings.  GO IRISH!   

As an added "treat" -- I was given the great honor of spending nearly three hours after the game with Digger, Coach Knight and Reece Davis at Parisi's Ristorante Italiano in South Bend.  What an enjoyable session of "storytelling" and great food!

LINK:  GAME HIGHLIGHTS 

LINK:  OVERTIME HIGHLIGHTS

LINK:  COACH BREY POSTGAME PRESS CONFERENCE

LINK:  PAT FORDE -- ESPN.COM -- NOTRE DAME STORY

LINK:  SOUTH BEND TRIBUNE: GAME STORY

LINK:  BIG EAST STANDINGS

Tom Clements -- Another Championship Ring!

Notre Dame fans won't soon forget Tom Clement's pass from the end-zone to Robin Weber in the 1973 Sugar Bowl against Bear Bryant's Crimson Tide -- clinching the win and a National Championship for the Fighting Irish!  This Sunday -- Tom wasn't starring on the field -- but his pupil was...  Clements is the QB coach of the Super Bowl Champion Green Bay Packers.  He didn't get any mention during Sunday's game -- but, this NFL veteran (18 years as a NFL coach) -- was in the ear of his star QB, all game long.  Congratulations Tom -- you now have a National Championship ring -- and a Super Bowl ring.  Not many can say that!  Here's a link to a story about Clements and Rodgers relationship:

LINK:  TOM CLEMENTS -- HIS STAR PUPIL!

Irish Take on Louisville - ESPNU @ 7 PM EST

Mike Brey's #7 Fighting Irish take on Rick Pitino's #15 Louisville Cardinals tonight at a sold-out Purcell Pavillion -- and on ESPNU at 7 PM EST.  It's a big game for the Irish as they fight for the Big East Title and a top seed in the NCAA Tournament.  I'll be in the stands tonight -- rooting on the Irish and reminding Rick Pitino of his prediction (see the story below)!  Here's a link to UND.COM's preview of the game:

LINK:  IRISH HOOPS TONIGHT AGAINST LOUISVILLE

Rick Pitino: "We Will Beat Notre Dame..."

Louisville's "larger than life" head basketball coach, Rick Pitino -- told reporters after the Cardinals' win over DePaul Saturday, that they would "beat a good Notre Dame team..."  Well Rick -- good luck!  Your comment is sure to fire-up an already excited student-body and the #7 team in the country -- the FIGHTING IRISH OF NOTRE DAME.  The game will be televised live -- tomorrow night on ESPNU -- beginning @ 7 PM EST. Here's a link to his prediction:

LINK:  PITINO'S COMMENT 

Irish Football Getting Some National Respect...

Sports Illustrated's senior college football writer -- Stewart Mandel, wrote in his column today that he believes Notre Dame football is back.  "Earth to Mandel" -- we knew that five weeks ago -- but, it's nice to see you've jumped on the bandwagon.  Here's the story:

LINK:  THE IRISH ARE BACK!

Notre Dame's Women's A cappella Choir

I was looking for a John Scully video the other day and I ran across a group singing Here Come the Irish -- that I had never heard of before.  They're called HARMONIA and it's an all-female a cappella choir at the University of Notre Dame.  The members of the group are made up of Notre Dame and Saint Mary's students -- and they're really good!   Here's are links to some of their music -- we need to get them on NBC's The Sing Off next season!

LINK:  HERE COME THE IRISH -- HARMONIA

LINK:  HARMONIA -- YOUTUBE CHANNEL

Three Super Bowl MVP's -- Only a Domer!

Former Notre Dame QB, Joe Montana -- is the only player in NFL history to be named SUPER BOWL MVP three times!  There's been a few who've earned this honor twice -- but Montana's the one and only who's had the honor of saying three times "I'm going to Disney..."   Here's a link to every Super Bowl MVP:

LINK:  SUPER BOWL MVP'S

ND Fans -- Think "Player Development" Today!

It's Super Bowl Sunday in "snowy" Dallas, TX -- why does that make me smile!  And, Notre Dame fans won't be able to root for a former Irish star today -- as we don't have any players on the "active" roster for either the Green Bay Packers or Pittsburgh Steelers (at the time of this article it was being reported that Arnaz Battle would be not be activated by the Steelers for this game).  This is the second year in a row that we haven't had a Notre Dame football player -- playing in the Super Bowl.

So, the word of the day for Notre Dame Fans is; "PLAYER DEVELOPMENT."  I know it's two-words...

Here's why.   Did you know there are 15 players in today's Super Bowl game that hail from the Mid American Conference?  Four are from Central Michigan University -- yep, that "football power" in Mt. Pleasant, MI shares the honors of having the most former players in the Super Bowl with LSU, Ohio State and Tennessee.  We're going to want to steer clear of CMU grads today!!!

Do you think we recruited any of the fifteen players who went to play football in the Mid American Conference?  Not a chance -- so, how do we stay positive today?  We think PLAYER DEVELOPMENT and trust that Coach Kelly and staff -- who spent time in the MAC at Central Michigan University -- will develop our talented student-athletes to their full potential "on and off" the field.  Enjoy the game!

LINK:   THE MAC HAS 15 FORMER PLAYERS IN TODAY'S GAME

Tim Brown & Jerome Bettis -- Not This Year!

Former Notre Dame All-American and Heisman Trophy winner Tim Brown and All-American Jerome Bettis were just eliminated from consideration to join the NFL Hall of Fame's Class of 2011. 

John Scully's "Our Lady of the Lake" -- VIDEO!

Former Notre Dame All-American football player, John Scully -- who's also famous for writing and performing "Here Come the Irish" -- wrote a second song about his beloved alma mater.  It's called "Our Lady of the Lake" -- and I finally found this video of John performing it at the NYC Pep Rally at Lincoln Center -- with Cathy Richardson -- who's also the singing voice in "Here Come the Irish."  And, while I'm at it -- I can't help but share the link to the song they performed right after... Here are the links:

LINK:  JOHN SCULLY'S "OUR LADY OF THE LAKE"

LINK:  THE SECOND SONG...

Troy Niklas -- National Signing Day Feature!

The Orange County Register -- had a video crew follow around Notre Dame commit Troy Niklas -- as he made his college decision.  You'll enjoy this video.  Here's the link:

LINK:  TROY NIKLAS COMMITS TO THE IRISH!

Will ND Overtake USC Tonight in NFL HOF?

The NFL will announce tonight -- at 7 PM EST on the NFL Network -- the latest inductees into the NFL Hall of Fame.  Presently, Notre Dame has ten former players in the NFL Hall of Fame, second only to USC's eleven. Two former Notre Dame stars are among the seventeen finalists -- Tim Brown and Jerome Bettis.  Will they both get in tonight?  They both have to be on 80% of the ballots of the 44 members of the voting committee to be elected.  Here's a list of the ten "Domers" already in the NFL's Hall of Fame followed by a link to this year's finalists:

• Curly Lambeau -- Green Bay Packers
• John McNally -- Milwaukee Badgers
• George Trafton -- Chicago Bears
• Wayne Millner -- Washington Redskins
• George Connor -- Chicago Bears
• Paul Hornung -- Green Bay Packers
• Alan Page -- Minnesota Vikings
• Joe Montana -- San Francisco 49ers
• Nick Buoniconti -- Miami Dolphins
• Dave Casper -- Oakland Raiders

LINK:  A LIST OF THE FINALISTS FOR THE NFL HALL OF FAME

Vote For the IRISH!

The University of Notre Dame sent a team down of students to Wake Forest University this weekend to compete in The Marketing Summit.  And, to get you to go to the website promoting the summit -- the organizers are giving a check away for $1,000 to the school that generates the most votes.  So, VOTE FOR THE IRISH -- you'll find a poll on the right side of the page.  Click on the link:

LINK:  VOTE FOR THE IRISH!

A Video Notre Dame Fans Must Watch!

I was sent an email by one of the ND GO IRISH BLOG regulars, this afternoon, with a link to this video of highlights from the 2010 Notre Dame football season.  It is extremely well done!!!!  You'll enjoy! -- click on the link below:

LINK:  "TODAY'S THE DAY WE'RE GOING TO WIN"

Tom Lemming Talks Notre Dame Recruiting...

Long-time college football recruiting "analyst/expert" Tom Lemming -- spent some time with the gang at WSBT 960 AM's WeekDay Sportsbeat to talk about the 2011 Notre Dame recruiting class.  Here's a link to the radio interview:

LINK:  TOM LEMMING TALKS NOTRE DAME

Parade All Americans -- The Original!!!

To us "old-timers" -- back in the day -- the truly great high school football and basketball players were named "Parade All-Americans."  Parade magazine -- the long-time Sunday supplement found in many weekend newspapers around the country -- was the first to honor America's best high school athletes.  Today -- for the 48th time -- the Parade All-Americans were named for 2011.  And, three high school football players, who've signed a National Letter of Intent to play for the University of Notre Dame -- were named to the team:

• Kyle Brindza, Kicker
• Ben Koyack, TE
• Ishaq Williams, OL

LINK:  2011 PARADE ALL-AMERICANS

Is This the Next "Face" of Notre Dame Football?

I watched with great interest, the interviews of the five "early enrollees" conducted by UND.COM's Jack Nolan this week.  And, after the twenty-five minutes it took to do just that -- I walked away with this thought;  Aaron Lynch will become the next face of Notre Dame football.  I won't say anymore on this subject right now -- other than "judge for yourself."  Here are the interviews of the first five members of Notre Dame's #1 ranked recruiting class (thanks Tom Lemming!) -- to arrive on campus:

LINK:  GO TO PAGE 3 -- TO FIND LINKS

National Signing Day: The Experts Rank!

Thought we'd take a quick look around the "recruiting" expert landscape and check in on what they think of Notre Dame's recruiting class.  YOU'RE GOING TO BE FIRED UP WHEN YOU SEE A COUPLE OF THE RANKINGS!  First, let's take a look at what Coach Kelly thinks:

LINK:  COACH KELLY -- RECRUITING RECAP

LINK:  COACH KELLY -- SIGNING DAY:  PRESS CONFERENCE

LINK:  ESPN CLASS RANKING

LINK:  RIVALS CLASS RANKING

LINK:  SCOUT CLASS RANKING

LINK:  TOM LEMMING / MAXPREPS CLASS RANKING

Team USA's Notre Dame -- Signing Event!

This had to be quite a moment for these five young men.  The folks at the USA vs. The World game did a wonderful job this morning of parading up the players to sign their National Letter of Intent.  When you watch the video -- note the Notre Dame Victory March playing in the background!  Here's the five young men involved in this event;  George Atkinson III, Josh Atkinson, Matt Hegarty, Anthony Rabasa and Stephon Tuitt.  The game kicks off this evening at 8:30 PM EST -- you can watch it here LIVE online -- just click on the link below:

LINK:  WATCH TEAM USA TAKE & THEIR FIVE IRISH COMMITS -- LIVE!

Notre Dame's Football Recruiting Class -- 2011

Brian Kelly's first full-year recruiting effort payed off quite nicely for the Fighting Irish Football program.  They hail from 14 states -- and represent some of the best talent at their position.  Recruiting "experts" -- generally rank this class among the very best in the country.  Here's a list by state -- of where these young men hail from -- and at what position group Notre Dame has recruited them to play; Skill (QB, WR, RB, DB, K), Big Skill (TE, LB, DE) or Power (OL, DL). And, we've included a link to their highlight video -- just click on their name:






CALIFORNIA -- 3 athletes

• George Atkinson, III -- SKILL
• Josh Atkinson -- SKILL
• Troy Niklas -- BIG SKILL

CONNECTICUT -- 1 athlete

• Conor Hanratty -- POWER

FLORIDA -- 2 athletes

• Aaron Lynch -- BIG SKILL / POWER
• Anthony Rabasa -- BIG SKILL

GEORGIA -- 1 athlete

• Stephon Tuitt -- POWER

 
INDIANA -- 2 athletes

• Nick Martin -- POWER
• Tony Springmann -- POWER

 
ILLINOIS -- 1 athlete

• Davaris Daniels -- SKILL 

MICHIGAN -- 1 athlete

• Kyle Brindza -- SKILL

NEW MEXICO -- 1 athlete

• Matt Hegarty -- POWER

NEW YORK -- 1 athlete

• Ishaq Williams -- BIG SKILL 

NORTH CAROLINA -- 2 athletes

• Ben Councell -- BIG SKILL
• Mathias Farley -- SKILL

OHIO -- 4 athletes

• Brad Carrico -- POWER
• Jarrett Grace -- BIG SKILL
  
• Eilar Hardy -- SKILL
• Chase Hounshell -- POWER

PENNSYLVANIA -- 1 athlete

• Ben Koyack -- BIG SKILL

SOUTH CAROLINA -- 1 athlete

• Everett Golson -- SKILL

TEXAS -- 2 athletes

• Jalen Brown -- SKILL
• Cam McDaniel -- SKILL

National Signing Day: Notre Dame Recruiting

As of right now, 12:01 AM EST on Wednesday, February 2nd -- the top high school football players in America can begin faxing in their National Letter of Intents to the University of Notre Dame!!!  The LIVE coverage begins at 7:00 AM EST on UND.COM -- followed by ESPNU's coverage which begins at 9 AM EST.  University of Notre Dame Football Coach, Brian Kelly is expected to meet with the media at 1 PM EST to talk about the recruiting class.  The timing of this day couldn't be better for all of us "snowbound" Irish fans in the Midwest.  Here's the NATIONAL SIGNING DAY schedule for Notre Dame fans -- along with links to everything you'll need to follow all of the national recruiting services.   It's going to be fun -- GO IRISH!!!

7:OO AM EST -- LINK:  UND.COM'S - NATIONAL SIGNING DAY @ NOTRE DAME

9:00 AM EST -- LINK:  ESPNU'S LIVE COVERAGE OF NATIONAL SIGNING DAY

1:00 PM EST -- LINK:  COACH KELLY'S NEWS CONFERENCE

2:20 PM EST -- LINK:  COACH KELLY'S RADIO INTERVIEW WITH RIVALS

LINK:  UND.COM'S NATIONAL SIGNING DAY CENTRAL

LINK:  ESPN'S LIST OF THE TOP 150 PLAYERS IN THE COUNTRY

LINK:  ESPN'S CURRENT RANKING OF NOTRE DAME'S RECRUITING CLASS 

LINK:  TOM LEMMING / MAXPREPS RECRUITING RANKINGS

LINK:  SCOUT'S RECRUITING RANKINGS

LINK:  RIVALS RECRUITING RANKINGS

LINK:  UND.COM -- RECRUITING TWITTER FEED

ND Picks Dolly Duffy to Replace Chuck Lennon

Dolly Duffy grew up in an Irish family in South Dakota.  In September of 1980, Dolly made the trek east to the University of Notre Dame -- for her first day of college -- to a campus she had never seen before.  Four years later, she became a member of the Notre Dame Alumni Association -- having graduated as a proud member of the Class of 1984.  Now, twenty-seven years later -- Dolly Duffy has been given the great responsibility of leading the greatest university alumni association on the planet -- the Notre Dame Alumni Association.   After a global search to find a replacement for the retiring Chuck Lennon -- Notre Dame announced Dolly's appointment, this afternoon, as Executive Director of the Alumni Association and Associate Vice President of University Relations.  The Notre Dame Alumni Association is charged with engaging the more than 132,000 living alumni and their 276 clubs around the world.  Congratulations Dolly!  Here's a link to Notre Dame's release:

LINK:  REPLACING A LEGEND!

Davaris Daniels' -- Monster Dunk!

If you'd like to get a "sneak-preview" of the type of athlete that Notre Dame football is recruiting -- take a look at this YouTube video of Davaris Daniels -- a wide receiver out of the Chicago area who will be signing with our Fighting Irish tomorrow.  It's going to be fun watching this young man wearing a gold-helmet!  Here's the link:

LINK:  YEAH -- HE'S COMMITTED TO NOTRE DAME!

Big Day Tomorrow for ND Football Fans!

It's National Signing Day -- the day that America's top high school football players make their "commitment" to their school of choice.  Recruiting experts are predicting a HAPPY DAY tomorrow for Irish fans -- despite the heavy snow predicted for many of us in the Great Lakes region.  As of right now, the folks at UND.COM are still planning on producing exclusive video-coverage beginning at 7 AM EST tomorrow morning! Be sure to check back with the ND GO IRISH BLOG -- first thing in the morning -- with links and schedules to all of the programming covering National Signing Day.

LINK:  UND.COM COVERAGE OF NATIONAL SIGNING DAY

A Historic First for Notre Dame Athletics!!!

This is the first time in Notre Dame's storied athletic history that its Men's Basketball Team and Men's Hockey Team are ranked in the Top Ten in the country at the same time!  Mike Brey's Irish are ranked #9 in the Coaches Poll and Jeff Jackson's Irish are ranked #10.  In addition, this marks the first time in nine years that both of Notre Dame's basketball teams are ranked in the Top Ten at the same time.  Muffet McGraw's Irish are ranked #8 -- making Notre Dame one of three schools in the country who have their men's and women's basketball teams ranked in the Top Ten this week!  The other two schools;  UCONN and Duke.  A big thank you to ND GO IRISH BLOG regular contributor, Dr. Jim Clancy -- for alerting us to this fact!

Notre Dame Stadium -- The Next Generation!

I found this great work @ NDNATION.COM -- as you can see -- an "architect" who doubles as a ND ALUM and Irish football fan went to work at what the next generation of Notre Dame Stadium might look like.  I for one -- think it's AWESOME!  I hope you enjoy the artist renderings -- along with a link to the creator's rationale for his design:

LINK:  WE SHOULD DO THIS NOW!!!

Irish Now Up to #8 in Coaches Poll!

Mike Brey's Fighting Irish are now receiving the respect they deserve.  This morning's polls came out and the Coaches poll has the Irish at #8 while the AP (media) poll has ND at #9.  The Irish play again this Thursday in Chicago - against DePaul.  Here's a link to the college basketball rankings released this morning:

LINK:  COLLEGE BASKETBALL RANKINGS

LINK:  SAGARIN'S COMPUTER RANKINGS -- COLLEGE BASKETBALL

Tuitt Talks to Blue & Gold Illustrated

Notre Dame fans will enjoy this interview of FIVE STAR defensive end Stephon Tuitt -- who's in Austin, TX preparing to play in the USA vs. The World football game on Wednesday, February 2nd.  Tuitt is playing for TEAM USA along with fellow Irish "verbal" commits; Matt Hegarty, George Atkinson III and Anthony Rabasa.  Tuitt is generally regarded as one of the top 25 high school football players in the country -- and his recruitment hasn't been easy for Coach Kelly and the Irish.  Looks like things are all good between ND and Mr. Tuitt!  Also -- Notre Dame Central's Keith Arnold posted a second video of Tuitt today -- from the USA vs. The World practice -- you'll want to see this as well!

LINK:  TUITT INTERVIEW

LINK:  TUITT @ PRACTICE

Notre Dame to Evacuate Students from Egypt!

In response to the U.S. State Department's recommendation to evacuate all Americans from the rapidly deteriorating situation in Egypt -- the University of Notre Dame announced this afternoon that they would be evacuating the 12 Notre Dame students involved in the study-abroad program at the American University of Cairo -- immediately.  Here's a link to a story written by ND student, Veronica Vos (Los Angeles, CA) who was one of the 12 students:

LINK:  A ND STUDENT TALKS ABOUT THE PROTESTS

Video of the Year -- Digger Dancin'

Folks, if you haven't seen this -- former Notre Dame Fighting Irish basketball coach Digger "Dancin" Phelps was at it again yesterday at the University of Kansas.  He even broke out Michael Jackson's trademark "glove" and "moon walk."  Digger, now an ESPN college basketball analyst -- thinks he can dance -- you be the judge!  Here's a link to the video -- a MUST SEE CLASSIC!

LINK:  DIGGER DANCIN'

Notre Dame Takes on America -- ESPNU!

The Fighting Irish of Notre Dame men's lacrosse team is in Orlando, FL today to take on Team USA, and their goalie Scott Rogers (former Irish star), in the Champion Challenge @ Disney's Wide World of Sports Complex.  Notre Dame, ranked #7 in the pre-season polls -- will be facing the U.S. National Team and their "guy in goal" in this exhibition game.  The game will be played at 1:30 PM ET today - but won't be televised until 10 PM EST tonight on ESPNU!  Here's a link to a video of ND's arrival at Walt Disney World.

LINK:  NOTRE DAME TAKES ON AMERICA!

Ian Williams -- Did the Gold Helmet Proud!

Notre Dame senior, Ian Williams -- played his last football game wearing the iconic GOLD HELMET of the Fighting Irish, yesterday afternoon in Mobile, AL.  Ian was the lone member of Notre Dame's senior class invited to play in the 2011 Senior Bowl -- a game coached by NFL coaching staffs.  The week in Mobile with all of the NFL scouts around -- along with his "golden" play in yesterday's game (AP photo of Ian sacking Alabama QB Greg McElroy) will serve as a positive forerunner to this week's NFL DRAFT COMBINE in Indianapolis.  Here's a link to today's South Bend Tribune story about Ian -- along with a link to a scouting report on Ian's play at the Senior Bowl:

LINK:  THE GOLD HELMET "SHINES" @ SENIOR BOWL!

LINK:  I. WILLIAMS IMPROVES DRAFT STOCK!

Fit To Be Tied! -- Notre Dame vs. Miami, OH

Jeff Jackson's #9 ranked Fighting Irish took on the #13 ranked Miami Redhawks this weekend at Notre Dame -- and both games (Friday & Saturday) ended tied after regulation and OT!  Friday's game was tied at 5-5 before Miami won the "shootout" for the extra point in the CCHA standings 3-2.  Saturday's game ended tied at 2-2 before Notre Dame won the shootout 1-0.  Here's a link to the South Bend Tribune's stories on both games:

LINK:  SATURDAY'S GAME -- IRISH WINS SHOOTOUT

LINK:  FRIDAY'S GAME -- MIAMI WINS SHOOTOUT

Justin Tuck -- "Wired For Sound" @ Pro Bowl

Former University of Notre Dame football star, Justin Tuck has been in Honolulu this week preparing for today's 2011 NFL Pro Bowl.  The New York Giants star defensive end was "wired" at practice -- so NFL fans could get "inside" the game.  Tuck is the lone "DOMER" in today's game -- he'll be wearing #91 for the NFC.  FOX's TV coverage begins at 7 PM EST today.  Here's a link to Justin's feature on the NFL Network and a link to the NFL Pro Bowl website which has a number of entertaining stories:

LINK:  TUCK -- WIRED FOR SOUND @ PRO BOWL PRACTICE

LINK:  NFL PRO BOWL WEBSITE

Brown and Bettis -- NFL Hall of Fame Finalists

The NFL recently announced their "finalists" for the NFL Hall of Fame's Class of 2011 and two former Irish stars were among the 17 finalists -- Tim Brown and Jerome Bettis.  For Brown, this is his second year of Hall of Fame eligibility for the former Heisman Trophy winner.  He's a nine-time Pro Bowler, ranks fourth all-time with 1,094 receptions, and is sixth all-time with 100 receiving touchdowns.  This is Jerome Bettis' first year of eligibility for the NFL Hall of Fame.  The 2006 Super Bowl Champion, ranks fifth on the NFL's all time rushing list with 13,662 yards in 13 seasons.  To be elected into the NFL Hall of Fame you must have received approval from 80% of the NFL's 44-person committee -- which will gather in Dallas on February 5th to vote.   There is an online NFL Hall of Fame "Fan's Choice" voting contest going on right now -- it won't influence the committe's vote -- but, it's fun.  Here's a link to where you can vote for Tim and Jerome:

LINK:  VOTE FOR TIM BROWN AND JEROME BETTIS!

Ian Williams Playing in Senior Bowl Today!

Today will be the last time Ian Williams will wear his "GOLD HELMET" in a football game.  Williams, Notre Dame's lone representative in the Senior Bowl -- has spent the week under the tutelage of the NFL's Cincinnati Bengals coaching staff.  His position coach, Jay Hayes -- now in his eighth year with the Bengals -- was a Grad Assistant on Lou Holtz's staff during the 1988 National Championship season.  Kick-off is set for 4:00 PM EST today -- on the NFL NETWORK.  Ian's playing for the NORTH and will be wearing uniform #96.  Here's a link to William's profile for the Senior Bowl and a link to a Mock Draft analysis of his NFL Draft value:

LINK:  IAN WILLIAMS -- SENIOR BOWL PROFILE 

LINK:  IAN WILLIAMS -- NFL DRAFT VALUE

Taking Your iPad to Class @ Notre Dame

Notre Dame Assistant Professor Corey Angst (photo) - in the Mendoza College of Business, is receiving more and more national attention for his move to use iPads as textbooks in his classroom.  The Wall Street Journal is the latest to take notice to what's going on at Notre Dame.  Here's a link to the story:

LINK:  NOTRE DAME'S IPAD CLASS

Six Coming Back for a Fifth in Gold Helmet!

Brian Kelly released the names of the players who have been invited to come back for a "fifth year" in the ND football program yesterday.  They are as follows;  Taylor Dever (OT), Andrew Nuss (OG), Gary Gray (DB), Harrison Smith (S), David Ruffer (PK) and Mike Ragone (TE).  This starts a "naming convention" that I'm not fond of called "FIFTH YEAR SENIORS."  Typically, every ND football player who's granted a fifth year has graduated on time and haS enrolled in grad school to continue their playing eligibility.  Thus -- they're FIRST YEAR GRAD STUDENTS.  I'd really like to see Notre Dame's Sports Information Department begin using this "description" when identifying these players.  Anyway -- here's a link to the South Bend Tribune story on the fifth year players:

LINK:  TAKING THE FIFTH

ND Athlete -- National Swimmer of the Week!

Frank Dyer (Loudonville, NY), was named the Counsilman-Hunsaker National College Swimmer of the Week by CollegeSwimming.com -- for his five wins in a meet against Northwestern and Cleveland State on January 12th.  The freshman was also named Big East Conference Swimmer of the Week.  Congratulations Frank!  Here's a a link to the UND.COM story:

LINK:  IRISH ATHLETE NAMED NATIONAL SWIMMER OF THE WEEK!

11 Wins By 30 or More Points This Season!

Muffet McGraw's #9 Fighting Irish have "quietly" made a statement -- half way through this basketball season.  The other night, one of the "experts" at ESPN predicted Notre Dame would be a FINAL FOUR team -- citing their dominating wins and their performance against UCONN.  This past week, the Irish destroyed #23 St. John's 69-36 -- their eleventh win by more than 30 points this season -- establishing a new school record!  The Irish are off until this Saturday when the travel to Philadelphia to take on Villanova.  Here's a link to video highlights of the win over St. John's:

LINK:  IRISH WIN BIG!

Weis' Former Players -- Have His Back!

Frankly, I was glad to see today's article in the South Bend Tribune.  From what you hear, Charlie Weis made his share of enemies over his five-years at Notre Dame -- the media turned on him pretty quick (note the Sporting News cover).  I for one -- and I might be on a short list -- am thankful for all Charlie did for our program.  He proved that Notre Dame can recruit elite talent again -- Bob Davie and Ty Willingham weren't convinced this could be done.  He also brought some "bravado" back into this program -- however short lived.  And, he brought back what I like to call "Notre Dame Moments" -- like "Pass Right."  A big thank-you to ND GO IRISH BLOG regular contributor, Dr. Jim Clancy for alerting me to this story.  Today's South Bend Tribune interviewed a number of former players -- now in the NFL -- who played for Charlie at Notre Dame -- here's a link to the article:

LINK:  CHARLIE'S BOYS -- HAVE HIS BACK

Irish Now Ranked #6 in the RPI Rankings!

Notre Dame's big road win last night over #2 ranked Pittsburgh -- has vaulted them to #6 in the all important RPI rankings for college basketball.  This ranking system is used heavily by the NCAA Tournament Committee each season.  BIG, BIG, BIG WIN last night!  Here's a link to the South Bend Tribune story, the Pittsburgh Gazette story and the link to the RPI rankings:




LINK:  SBT -- IRISH UPSET #2 PITT!

LINK:  PITTSBURGH GAZETTE -- SLOW COOKED IRISH STEW

LINK:  IRISH RANKED #6 IN LATEST RPI RANKINGS

We Filled Notre Dame Stadium Today!

The ND GO IRISH BLOG reached the 80,579 UNIQUE VISITOR mark at 7:09 AM EST this morning -- when a Notre Dame fan in London, England logged onto the site!  Some may recall, this was a stated goal -- to fill every seat in Notre Dame Stadium (capacity; 80,579).  Well, we accomplished this on January 25, 2011 -- exactly 366 days after the blog's launch on January 24, 2010.

During this past year "and a day" -- Notre Dame fans from all 50 states and now 127 countries have made the ND GO IRISH BLOG one of their "must visits" on the web.  THANK YOU!!!!

The next goal is to exceed the 109,901 unique visitor mark -- which just happens to be the "stated" capacity of the University of Michigan's football stadium -- the largest seating capacity in football.