Highlights -- Notre Dame's Win Over USC!

Here's a highlight video of Notre Dame's 20-16 victory over the USC Trojans -- put together by the gang at UND.COM.  The photo is courtesy of Notre Dame alum, Brian Meihaus '00 -- thanks Brian!  Here's the link -- enjoy!

LINK:  HIGHLIGHTS -- NOTRE DAME vs. USC

Don't Forget -- Irish On ESPN2 @ 7PM EST

Mike Brey's Fighting Irish basketball team is in the Championship Game of the Old Spice Classic at 7 PM EST today!  An undefeated Notre Dame (6-0) will take on a (6-1) Wisconsin team for the first time in 42 years -- hard to believe!  Be sure to tune in to ESPN2 at 7 PM EST!  GO IRISH!  Here's a link to a story on today's game:

LINK:  IRISH TAKE ON BADGERS FOR CHAMPIONSHIP!

Notre Dame Locker Room Celebration In LA!

Folks, I've posted the video of Notre Dame's victory celebration after last night's win over USC -- now in two places on the ND GO IRISH BLOG.  It's that good...  NOTRE DAME FOOTBALL IS BACK! -- and we can look back at these last three weeks for proof.  Doesn't it feel great!!!!

LINK:  NOTRE DAME'S LOCKER ROOM CELEBRATION

The Media -- The Morning After ND Beats SC!

As we've done most every week of the Notre Dame football season -- the ND GO IRISH BLOG takes a "lap" around the internet and seeks out the stories written about our favorite team -- the morning after.  The Fighting Irish faced extreme adversity last night in that second half -- and made us proud.  What an important win -- for the return of Notre Dame "Fighting Irish" Football.  The photo is of Robert Hughes game winning TD run!  Enjoy the stories:

LINK:  LOS ANGELES TIMES 

LINK:  LA DAILY NEWS

LINK:  ESPN LOS ANGELES -- BLOG

LINK:  NBC-LA

LINK:  NEW YORK TIMES

LINK:  CHICAGO TRIBUNE

LINK:  CHICAGO SUN TIMES

LINK:  NOTRE DAME CENTRAL

LINK:  ESPN CHICAGO -- BLOG

LINK:  FANHOUSE.COM

LINK:  SOUTH BEND TRIBUNE -- STORY #1

LINK:  SOUTH BEND TRIBUNE -- STORY #2

Notre Dame's Victory Over USC -- Post Game!

The gang at UND.COM were kind enough to post this upon their return from LA -- early this morning -- the team charter got in to South Bend around 6 AM.  Here's video from all of the post game activities; on the field and in the locker room celebrations, Coach Kelly's post game press conference and player interviews -- after Notre Dame's 20-16 win over USC!  Take special note of Defensive Coordinator Bob Diaco's hug and conversation with Tommy Rees in the locker room. This was a win for every fan of Notre Dame -- those in the stands and the millions around the world!  Notre Dame "Fighting Irish" Football -- is back.

LINK:  TEAM CELEBRATION -- ON FIELD AND IN LOCKER ROOM!

LINK:  COACH KELLY PRESS CONFERENCE

LINK:  PLAYER INTERVIEWS

IT'S NOW TIME TO RECRUIT A FEW STUDS!

Coach Brian Kelly and crew -- can hold their HEADS HIGH as they go into preparation for a Bowl Game and wrapping up a BIG TIME recruiting class!  Here's a link to a South Bend Tribune story about ND's recruiting prospects after the win over USC!

LINK:  LET'S GO GET SOME RECRUITS!

PHOTOS FROM THE IRISH VICTORY OVER USC

Here are the photos now being "tweeted" by @fightingirishff -- from the LA Coliseum!

Notre Dame's Post Game Snack...

This photo was just "tweeted" from the Notre Dame team bus, courtesy of Notre Dame senior defensive back -- Gary Gray!  It's a picture of the "two burgers" the Irish get for beating SC tonight!  Thought you'd enjoy this!

THE FIGHTING IRISH BEAT SC: 20-16 !!!

The Fighting Irish of Notre Dame beat the Trojans of USC -- even after turning over the ball FOUR TIMES; 20-16 in a game and second half we won't soon forget!  Here's a picture of Robert Hughes who would not be denied in the Irish's last drive!!!!  As soon as I can find some "post game" video or stories -- I'll post it here!

LINK:  LANE KIFFIN'S POST GAME COMMENTS -- linked off of Trojans official site

LINK:  ESPN'S POST GAME RECAP

LINK:  ESPN VIDEO OF HARRISON SMITH INTERCEPTION

LINK:  ESPN HIGHLIGHTS -- memo to ESPN, ND beat USC in 2002!

LINK:  LA TIMES GAME STORY 

LINK:  LA TIMES -- BILL PLASCHKE COLUMN

LINK:  CHICAGO TRIBUNE GAME STORY

ND Leads USC At The Half -- 13 - 3!

Here's a photo of Notre Dame QB, Tommy Rees throwing a pass in the first half against USC!  He's thrown two TD's in the game -- as the Irish lead 13-3!

First Photo "Tweeted" From LA Coliseum!

Keith Arnold, NBC's Notre Dame Central "blogger" just tweeted this picture from his seat in the press box at the Los Angeles Coliseum.  Go Irish!

Less than "3" Hours to ND vs. USC!

It was 44 years ago when a "back up" Notre Dame QB -- who had the #3 on his uniform -- went into the LA Coliseum and led the Irish to a 51-0 smashing of the USC Trojans -- and a National Championship!  Tonight we have a "back up" ND QB with a "3" on his uniform -- in Tommy Rees who wears the number #13 for GOOD LUCK!  Here's a link to Coley O'Brien and the Irish's convincing win over USC!

LINK:  IRISH CRUSH USC

Notre Dame vs. USC -- Weather Forecast

Folks, they're forecasting light rain for the game...  Here's a link to the forecast for the 5 PM PST game time -- along with a link to local radar for the Los Angeles area:

LINK:  WEATHER FORECAST -- ND vs. USC

LINK:  LOS ANGELES WEATHER RADAR

What the "Money is Sayin" -- ND vs. USC

As has become the custom here at the ND GO IRISH BLOG -- we check in on what the "experts in Vegas" have to say about today's Notre Dame football game.  So, I took a "lap around" the internet to check in on their analysis of today's game with USC.  Here you go!

LINK:  TONY'S PICKS

LINK:  ACCUSCORE

LINK:  CAPPERSPICKS

LINK:  BIG GUY

LINK:  BANG THE BOOK

Less Than Eleven Hours -- Notre Dame vs. USC!

The game has been played since 1926 -- with these two teams (Notre Dame and USC) playing every year since (other than the WWII years: 1943, 1944 and 1945).  One of the games, USC's controversial victory in 2005 "The Bush Push" -- had to be vacated by USC as part of their penalties for cheating -- due to the many benefits given the Reggie Bush family during his playing days in LA.  So, the Trojans come into this game having won the last four games -- not the "eight" you may hear ABC chirp about tonight!  Now, when you hear ABC say "USC has dominated this series" -- please remind those sitting around you that the true definition of "DOMINATING THIS SERIES" belongs to Notre Dame.   The Irish won ELEVEN STRAIGHT from 1993 to 2003 and maintain an overall winning record of 42-33-5 in this series. 

Irish Women's Soccer -- On to Final Four!!!

The University of Notre Dame Women's Soccer team won again last night -- beating a higher ranked opponent on their home field (for the second week in a row!) -- as Randy Waldrum's "ROAD WARRIORS" rolled over Oklahoma State 2-0 last night in Stillwater, OK.  Freshman Elizabeth Tucker scored both goals for the Irish -- as they advance to the College Cup for the fourth consecutive year!  The "College Cup" is the soccer world's version of the FINAL FOUR -- the four teams left standing in the 2010 Women's NCAA Soccer National Championship.  Notre Dame will play Ohio State on Friday in one of the Semi-Final games.  Stanford will play in the other Semi-Final against the winner of the Boston College vs. Washington game -- later today.  A ND GO IRISH BLOG thank you goes out to Jerry Clancy for letting me know the Irish won last night!  Here's a link to the NCAA Women's Soccer Championship website along with stories on the Irish victory:

LINK:  NCAA WOMEN'S SOCCER NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP WEBSITE

LINK:  GAME STORY -- OKLAHOMA PAPER

LINK:  GAME STORY -- SOUTH BEND TRIBUNE

Less than "26" Hours to ND vs. USC!

This storied series started in 1926 -- when Knute Rockne's Notre Dame team beat USC 13-12 on a TD pass from QB Ara Parisien to Johnny Niemiec with two minutes left -- in a game Rockne says was "the greatest he ever saw..."

The Irish Are in LA! -- Photo of the Day!

This photo was just "tweeted" by Notre Dame linebacker, Brian Smith from his hotel room -- as the Irish prepare for tomorrow's game against USC.  I'm guessing (by the view from the room) they're staying in Marina Del Rey, CA -- tough duty!  GO IRISH!

Irish Hoops In Finals -- Old Spice Classic!

Mike Brey's Fighting Irish beat the Cal Bears tonight 57-44 to earn a spot in Sunday's Championship Final against Wisconsin!  The halftime score of 21-5 (Notre Dame leading) is the lowest combined points score in the first half of a basketball game in NCAA history!  The NCAA started keeping track of these kinds of statistics in 1986.  For the game, Notre Dame only shot 27.8% from the floor -- one for twenty from the three-point line -- in one of the ugliest offensive games you'll ever see.  Yet, on the heels of their Double OT win (89-83) last night over Georgia -- the Irish are now 6-0 on the season and they're in the championship game.  Be sure to tune in to ESPN2 on Sunday night at 7 PM EST for the Old Spice Classic Championship game -- and watch the Irish take on the Badgers -- should be fun!  Here's a link to the game's box score:

LINK:  ND BEATS CAL -- BOX SCORE

Notre Dame Founded -- 168 Years Ago Today!

On this day (November 26, 1842), 168 years ago -- Father Edward Sorin, CSC -- of the Holy Cross Congregation, founded the University of Notre Dame!  Happy Birthday!!!  To celebrate -- here's two of Notre Dame's favorite songs:

LINK:  NOTRE DAME GLEE CLUB

A ND Athlete & Family: "Thankful" Today!

The ND GO IRISH BLOG covered Teddy Rogers return to Notre Dame earlier this year -- and today's USA Today recounts his remarkable story.  A wonderful 'thanksgiving" story -- Notre Dame style.  Enjoy!

LINK:  A ND -- THANKSGIVING STORY!

Happy Thanksgiving to the Notre Dame Family!

It's one of my favorite days of the year -- family, football and food -- even though my Lions are usually on the losing end!!!  I'm about to "turn off" my MAC for a day or so to enjoy the time with my family.  I want to wish all of you a Happy Thanksgiving!  Trust me, I'll be back getting us fired up for USC -- tomorrow night or Saturday morning!  Here's a link to a Prayer of Thanksgiving video -- you'll enjoy -- and, a link to today's Prayer of Thankgiving at the PRAY.ND.EDU site:

LINK:  A NOTRE DAME PRAYER OF THANKSGIVING

LINK:  PRAY.ND.EDU -- PRAYER OF THANKSGIVING

Less than "65" Hours to ND vs. USC

The Notre Dame vs. USC game in 1988 matched the #1 ranked Fighting Irish against the #2 ranked Trojans at the LA Coliseum.  It was the eighth time, in this storied series, that one of the teams entered the game ranked #1 -- the first time the teams were ranked #1 and #2.  And, both teams were 10-0 -- the first and only time both teams have been undefeated playing each other in the LA Coliseum.  Irish fans will recall, Notre Dame Head Football Coach, Lou Holtz -- sent star players Ricky Watters and Tony Brooks back to South Bend for continual tardiness to team meetings -- the morning of the game!  Yet, the Irish -- behind QB Tony Rice's huge 65 yard TD run in the first quarter and defensive back Stan Smagala's "pick six"-- rolled over USC 27-10!  Four weeks later the Irish capped off a 12-0 season and the National Championship with a convincing win over West Virginia in the Fiesta Bowl.  FYI:  It was Notre Dame's sixth straight win over the Trojans.  Here's a link to highlights from the 1988 game:

LINK:  #1 NOTRE DAME vs. #2 USC

ND Hockey To Join Big Ten?

A story broke yesterday out of Minnesota, that the Big Ten has extended an invitation to Notre Dame to join the Big Ten's planned hockey league.  THEY WON'T GIVE UP WILL THEY!!!  Paul Kelly, President of College Hockey Inc., -- a group that has been formed to promote college hockey -- confirmed the Big Ten's offer to Notre Dame.  The Irish and a number of the Big Ten schools that play hockey; Michigan, Michigan State and Ohio State are currently members of the Central Collegiate Hockey Association (CCHA).  Word has it that the Big Ten would like to add hockey as a conference sport in the next few years -- meaning the five current schools in the Big Ten that play hockey -- Wisconsin and Minnesota play in the Western  Collegiate Hockey Association (WCHA) would be leaving their current conference affiliations.  Jeff Jackson's (pictured) 11th ranked Notre Dame Fighting Irish are currently in FIRST PLACE in the CCHA!  Here's a link to the story, along with a link to the current national rankings:

LINK:  BIG TEN INVITATION TO NOTRE DAME

LINK:  IRISH RANKED 11TH IN NATIONAL RANKINGS

Less than "77" Hours to ND vs. USC

It's one of the most "talked about" games in the long history of Notre Dame vs. USC -- the legendary "green jersey" game in 1977!  The Irish came out of the tunnel in green jerseys for the first time in years -- along with a huge trojan horse!  Here's a video of ABC's Keith Jackson and Darrell Broyles talking about Notre Dame's "GREEN MACHINE" entrance into Notre Dame Stadium.  FYI -- the #11th ranked Irish rolled over the #5th ranked USC that day, 49-19 -- on their way to the National Championship that year!

LINK:  THE GREEN JERSEY GAME IN '77

Irish Hoops on TV -- Old Spice Classic!

The 4-0 Notre Dame Fighting Irish Men's Basketball Team travel to Orlando today to play in the 2010 Old Spice Classic tomorrow night!  The Irish tip-off the tournament with a game against Georgia Thanksgiving night at 7 PM EST on ESPNU.  It's the first of three games scheduled for Notre Dame over their four days in Orlando.  The teams competing with Notre Dame; Georgia, Boston College, California, Marshall, Texas A&M, Temple and Wisconsin.  The photo is of Irish frosh, Eric Atkins -- courtesy of the South Bend Tribune. Here's a couple of links -- first, a website who's predicting the Irish will play Wisconsin in the championship game Sunday.  And, a second link to the Old Spice Classic website -- GO IRISH!

LINK:  WILL THE IRISH WIN THE OLD SPICE CLASSIC?

LINK:  OLD SPICE CLASSIC OFFICIAL SITE

Less than "85" Hours to ND vs. USC

To get you "fired up" for Saturday's ND vs. USC game, here's a link to Eric Penick's 85-yard TD run in the 1973 game! Penick's photo is in the upper left of this Sports Illustrated cover that commemorated this game. FYI:  The Irish beat the Trojans that day 23-14 -- stopping USC's 23 game winning streak.

LINK:  PENICK GOES 85 YARDS FOR TD!

NBC's Mayock Talks Clausen's NFL Future...

Former Notre Dame QB, Jimmy Clausen -- has had a "typical" NFL rookie season for the Carolina Panthers at the quarterback position.  Meaning, not very good.  Here's a story in today's Charlotte Observer about Jimmy and Colt McCoy -- where the writer sought out NBC's Mike Mayock to critique both QB's.  As ND fans know -- Mayock is the "game analyst" on NBC's coverage of Notre Dame Football.  Here's the link:

LINK:  A CRITIQUE OF CLAUSEN

Notre Dame Monogram Club -- Fall Ceremony!

I stumbled across this video yesterday -- and I thought it was "so Notre Dame" that I had to post it on the ND GO IRISH BLOG.  It's a UND.COM video of the Notre Dame Monogram Club's fall ceremony -- awarding the Notre Dame Monogram (it's what ND calls their varsity letter) to student athletes.  Here's a link:


LINK:  NOTRE DAME MONOGRAM CLUB -- FALL CEREMONY

Lauren Fowlkes -- Academic All American!

University of Notre Dame senior soccer co-captain, Lauren Fowlkes was recently named to the 2010 First Team ESPN Academic All America Team.  For Fowlkes, this is a "move up" -- last year she was named a "second team" Academic All American!  She becomes the 9th Notre Dame women's soccer player to be named First Team Academic All American.  Congratulations!  Lauren and her teammates head to Stillwater, OK this Friday for a NCAA Women's Soccer National Championship Quarterfinals game against Oklahoma State.  The Irish are among the "ELITE EIGHT" left in the tournament!  Good Luck!!!

David Ruffer -- Academic All American!

University of Notre Dame senior place kicker, David Ruffer -- was named yesterday to the 2010 First Team ESPN Academic All America Football Team.  Ruffer has a 3.90 GPA in his economics major at Notre Dame.  He is the 31st Notre Dame football player in history to receive 1st team Academic All American honors.  Congratulations!!!  Here's a link to the 2010 Academic All America Football Team:

LINK:  2010 ACADEMIC ALL AMERICANS -- FIRST TEAM

ND Football Player Interviews -- USC Week

The gang at UND.COM interviewed quite a few Notre Dame football players after yesterday's practice; Tommy Rees, Braxston Cave, Michael Floyd, Tyler Eifert, Cierre Wood, Brian Smith, Harrison Smith and Manti Teo.  Here are the links:

LINK:  OFFENSIVE PLAYER INTERVIEWS -- USC WEEK

LINK:  DEFENSIVE PLAYER INTERVIEWS -- USC WEEK

Updated: ND's Offense -- National Rankings

It's time for our weekly look at where Notre Dame Football ranks in certain statistical categories amongst the 120 teams in the NCAA Football Bowl Subdivision -- AFTER ELEVEN GAMES OF THE 2010 SEASON. In today's analysis you'll see how Notre Dame's Offense & Special Teams currently stand; on a national basis -- as compared to their final ranking for 2009 -- and the top teams in the country in each category.

OFFENSIVE TEAM STATISTICS

First Downs:  2010 Rank - #55 with 20.27 first downs per game -- in 2009 we averaged 24.4 first downs per game for the season, ranking us #4 -- Oklahoma leads the country with 27.36 first downs per game.  

Third Down Conversions:  2010 Rank - #71 with a 37.93% conversion rate -- in 2009 we had a 39.1% conversion rate for the season, ranking us #48 -- Stanford leads the country converting 55.53% of their third downs.  

Passing Yards Per Attempt:  2010 Rank - #62 with 7.0 yards passing per attempt -- in 2009 we averaged 8.7 yards passing per attempt, ranking us #7 in the country.  Auburn and Boise State lead the country averaging 10.2 yards per attempt.

Passing Yardage:  2010 Rank - #27 with 267 yards per game  (2,940 yards for the season)  -- in 2009 we passed for 323 yards per game (3,882 yards for the season), ranking us #7 -- Hawaii leads the country with 391 yards passing per game (4,303 yards for the season).  

Rushing Yards Per Attempt:  2010 Rank - #83 with 3.9 yards rushing per attempt -- in 2009 we averaged 3.8 yards rushing per attempt, ranking us #76 in the country.  Auburn and Nevada lead the country with an average of 6.5 yards rushing per attempt. 

Rushing Yardage:  2010 Rank - #98 with 118 yards rushing per game (1,303 yards for the season) -- in 2009 we rushed for 127 yards per game  (1,539 yards for the season), ranking us #88 -- Georgia Tech leads the country with 319 yards rushing per game (3,193 yards for the season). 

Most QB Sacks Given Up:  2010 Rank -- #66 giving up 19 QB sacks -- in 2009 we gave up 25 QB sacks for the season, ranking us #66 -- Washington State and Rutgers lead the country in giving up 46 QB sacks this season.  

Most Pass Interceptions Thrown:  2010 Rank -- #25 having thrown 13 pass interceptions this season -- in 2009 we threw 5 interceptions for the season, raking us #116 -- Buffalo and Miami, FL lead the country having thrown 21 pass interceptions this season.  

Fewest  Turnovers Lost:  2010 Rank - #69 with 20 turnovers lost -- in 2009 we had 14 turnovers for the season, ranking us #7 -- Iowa and Oregon State lead the country with 7 turnovers lost for the season.  

Total Offense:  2010 Rank -- #58 with 386 yards per game of offense -- in 2009 we had 451 yards per game of offense, ranking us #8 -- Oklahoma State leads the country 552 yards per game of offense. 

Points Per Game:  2010 Rank -- #70 with 26.27 points per game -- in 2009 we averaged 30.1 points per game for the season, ranking us #32 -- Oregon leads the country scoring 50.7 points per game.  

.

TEAM STATISTICS

Fewest Penalties:  2010 Rank - #14 with 54 penalties -- in 2009 we had 75 penalties for the season, ranking us #50 -- Wisconsin leads the country in the fewest penalties with 33.  

Fewest Penalty Yards:  2010 Rank -- #32 with 501 yards in penalties -- in 2009 we had 666 yards in penalties, ranking us #60 -- Penn State leads the country in fewest penalty yards with 306

Net Punting Yards:  2010 Rank -- #75 with an average net of 36.8 yards per punt -- in 2009 we averaged 32.1 yards per punt, ranking us #112 -- Illinois leads the country with 44.6 net yards per punt.  

Field Goals -- 2010 Rank -- #24 with 15 field goals made this season.  The Irish are 15 for 15 (100%) -- AND THE ONLY TEAM IN THE FBS THAT HAS NOT MISSED A FIELD GOAL THIS SEASON!  In 2009 we made 19 field goals, ranking us #22 -- while going 19 for 22 in the process.     

INDIVIDUAL LEADERS ON OFFENSE -- Ranked in top 100

Dayne Crist:

-Ranked #60 in the country with 2,033 yards passing

-Ranked #51 in the country with 15 TD passes
-Ranked #63 in the country with a 129.3 QB rating

-Ranked #67 in the country with a 59.2% pass completion percentage

-Ranked #67 in the country for most pass interceptions thrown with 7

-Ranked #3 in the country with a 95 yard pass completion / his 80 yard pass completion to Floyd would be ranked #21 in the country

David Ruffer:

-Ranked #21 in the country in most field goals made with 13

-Ranked #1 in the country with most field goals made without a miss (15)

-Ranked #31 in the country for longest field goal made - 50 yards

Michael Floyd:

-Ranked #31 in the country with 830 yards receiving

-Ranked #28 in the country with 62 catches

-Ranked #17 in the country with 9 TD catches

-Ranked #26 in the country with an 80 yard catch

Kyle Rudolph:

-Ranked #3 in the country with a 95 yard catch

ESPN "Experts" an OXYMORON: Talk ND / USC

Six ESPN "talking heads" sit and talk Notre Dame vs. USC in the video below.  Please know, I find this group "difficult to watch."  I truly question if any of them have a clue...  You decide on your own:

LINK:  ESPN'S EXPERTS -- TALKIN' NOTRE DAME vs. USC

LINK:  ESPN'S PICK OF THE WEEK

UPDATED: ND vs. USC -- ABC Coverage Map

Here's the UPDATED (11/24) Coverage map for the ND vs. USC football game (Saturday @ 8 PM EST).  ABC MADE A CHANGE THIS MORNING!!! -- ABC JUST RELEASED THAT A FEW MARKETS ON THE EAST COAST WILL NOW BE GETTING THE ND vs. USC GAME;  New York, Boston, Philadelphia, Harrisburg, and Pittsburgh markets.  Approximately 46% of the country will now be receiving this game.  Here's hoping that still improves -- as ND fans across the country are putting pressure on ABC to broadcast the game.  If you reside in the "yellow area" of this map -- you won't see the game on ABC, but you can catch it on ESPN3.COM or ESPN GAMEPLAN (You must buy at least a "weekly package" which will run you $24.  Here are links to both -- click on the map to enlarge:

LINK:  ESPN3.COM

LINK:  ESPN GAMEPLAN

Coach Kelly's Press Conference -- USC Week

University of Notre Dame Head Football Coach -- Brian Kelly met with the media today at noon to discuss this week's opponent -- the University of Southern California Trojans.  Here's the link:

LINK:  COACH KELLY TALKS USC GAME

Notre Dame's Weekend in NYC -- A Great Video!

This video captures -- quite quickly -- what Notre Dame pulled off this past weekend in New York City.  You'll see photos and video footage of events, places, etc. -- that have not been available before -- it's great stuff!  A truly historic weekend for the University of Notre Dame.  This video, that was just "tweeted" by @Tony_Fuller -- IS MUST SEE -- thanks Tony!  There's also a link to a photo gallery of ND in NYC posted on Notre Dame's student newspaper's site:

LINK:  ND in NYC! 

LINK:  OBSERVER -- PHOTO GALLERY FROM NYC

Notre Dame's Defense -- National Rankings

It's time for our weekly look at where Notre Dame Football ranks in certain statistical categories amongst the 120 teams in the NCAA Football Bowl Subdivision -- AFTER ELEVEN GAMES OF THE 2010 SEASON.  In today's analysis you'll see how Notre Dame's defense currently stands on a national basis -- as compared to their final ranking for 2009 and against the top team in the country -- in each category this season.

DEFENSE -- TEAM STATISTICS

Quarterback Sacks:  2010 Rank - #29 with 26 QB sacks -- in 2009 we had 19 QB sacks for the season, ranking us #92 -- Florida State leads the country with 41 QB sacks.  

Tackles for Loss:  2010 Rank - #57 with an average of 5.91 tackles for loss per game -- in 2009 we averaged 6.0 tackles for loss per game, ranking us #48 in the country.  Boise State leads the country with an average of 8.8 tackles for loss per game.  

Interceptions:  2010 Rank - #30 with 13 interceptions -- in 2009 we had 12 interceptions for the season, ranking us #50 -- Alabama leads the country with 21 interceptions. 

First Downs:  2010 Rank - #42 allowing an average of 18.45 first downs per game -- in 2009 we gave up an average of 19.67 first downs per game, ranking us #72   -- TCU leads the country giving up an average of 11.55 first downs per game.

Third Down Conversion Rate:  2010 Rank - #30 allowing only 36,21% conversion rate on third down -- in 2009 we allowed a 39.5% conversion rate, ranking us #67 -- West Virginia leads the country allowing only a 21.74%  conversion rate. 

Red Zone Efficiency:  2010 Rank - #36 allowing the team to score 79% of the time -- in 2009 we allowed teams to score 75% of the time, ranking us #15 -- Boise State leads the country allowing teams to score 47% of the time.

Turnovers Gained:  2010 Rank - #44 with 20 turnovers gained -- in 2009 we gained 19 turnovers for the season, ranking us #80 -- Hawaii leads the country with 31 turnovers gained this season. 

Rushing Yards:  2010 Rank - #62 giving up an average of 153 yards rushing per game -- in 2009 we gave up an average of 170 yards rushing per game, ranking us #89 -- Boise State leads the country giving up an average of 72 yards rushing per game.  

Passing Yards:  2010 Rank - #51 giving up an average of 208 yards passing per game -- in 2009 we gave up an average of 227 yards passing per game, ranking us #76 in the country.  TCU leads the country giving up an average of 135 yards passing per game.

Total Yards:  2010 Rank - #55 giving up 362 yards per game -- in 2009 we gave up an average of 397 yards per game, ranking us #86 -- TCU leads the country giving up 223 yards per game.  

Points Allowed Per Game:  2010 Rank - #33 giving up 20.91 points per game -- in 2009 we gave up 25.3 points per game, ranking us #63 -- TCU leads the country giving up 10.91 points per game. 

DEFENSE -- INDIVIDUAL STATISTICS

Tackles Per Game:

• Manti Teo -- averaging 10.73 tackles per game -- ranked #13 in the country

Sacks:

• Darius Fleming -- 5.5 sacks this season -- ranked #70 in the country
• Ethan Johnson --  5.0 sacks this season -- ranked #83 in the country

Interceptions

• Harrison Smith -- 3 interceptions this season -- ranked #47 in the country
• Darrin Walls -- 3 interceptions this season -- ranked #47 in the country

TOMORROW AN ANALYSIS OF THE NOTRE DAME OFFENSE

Ruffer -- A Finalist For The Lou Groza Award!

Notre Dame's "Mr. Perfect" David Ruffer -- was named yesterday as one of the three Finalists for the 2010 Lou Groza Award -- which is awarded annually by the Palm Beach County Sports Commission to the nation's top place-kicker.  Ruffer, joined the Irish in the middle of last season as a "walk on" straight from Notre Dame's "interhall" football league.  And, all he's done is make every kick he's attempted ever since!  Ruffer is a "perfect" 15 for 15 this season -- the only kicker in the FBS that has attempted at least 10 field goals without missing -- and he's now 20 for 20 for his career.  Could be a movie here!!!  The winner will be announced at the 19th Annual Lou Groza Collegiate Place-Kicker Awards Banquet on Tuesday, Dec. 7th at the Kravis Center in West Palm Beach, Florida -- and again on Thursday, Dec. 9th at the ESPN Home Depot College Football Awards Show.

LINK:  LOU GROZA AWARD FINALISTS

The Band of the Fighting Irish -- NYC Video!

This was just tweeted by @NDBandMom -- a video from The Band of the Fighting Irish's performance in New York City's Times Square this past Saturday.  What a NOTRE DAME MOMENT!  Just had to post the link!!!

LINK:  NOTRE DAME BAND IN TIMES SQUARE

Domer Team Dominates!: The Amazing Race

Notre Dame grad, Thomas Wolfard '02 and his girlfriend Jill Haney -- absolutely "crushed" the other four teams remaining in CBS's The Amazing Race last night!  Wolfard and Haney were the first to get to the finish line in Bangladesh -- in this globe trotting adventure race.  For finishing first, the two earned a $15,000 bonus from Discover Card!  There are only four teams left in the race for the MILLION DOLLAR prize!  Tune in next Sunday night and root them on!  Here's a link to a replay of last night's episode of CBS's The Amazing Race:

LINK:  REPLAY OF THE AMAZING RACE

Notre Dame Pep Rally @ Hyatt Regency OC

The Notre Dame Club of Orange County is hosting the "official" Notre Dame / USC Pep Rally at the Hyatt Regency OC (Garden Grove, CA) this Friday!!!  The Leprechaun, Notre Dame Cheerleaders and a number of former Irish greats will be in attendance.  If you're in the area -- get out and cheer on the IRISH!  “Tailgate type” food & drinks will be available for purchase in the Ball Room as well as games for the “kids.”  And, the Notre Dame Hammes Bookstore will be there as well (they never miss an opportunity!) giving ND fans access to all of the IRISH GEAR you'll need for Saturday's game against USC.  The Notre Dame Bookstore "West" will be open "all day" Friday and from 9 AM to 2 PM on Saturday (a great place to get your Christmas shopping done!).  The Hyatt Regency OC's Ballroom doors open up at 5 PM PST with the Pep Rally beginning at 7:30 PM PST.  A big thank you to Brian Miehaus '00, for making me aware of this special event!  Go Irish beat Trojans!!!  Here's a link to the Notre Dame Club of Orange County website:

LINK:  NOTRE DAME CLUB OF OC

Play Like A Champion Today -- Accredited!

The University of Notre Dame's Play Like A Champion Today Educational Series received national accreditation from the National Council for Accreditation of Coaching Education (NCACE) this past week.  AND YOU THOUGHT IT WAS JUST A SIGN IN THE NOTRE DAME LOCKER ROOM!  More than 18,000 coaches and 3,000 parents have participated in PLC workshops in the United States, Canada and most recently, Uganda.  Play Like A Champion Today develops and offers coaching clinics and parents workshops in partnership with athletic leagues, youth sport organizations and high schools.  Here's a link to their website and a video:

LINK:  PLAY LIKE A CHAMPION TODAY VIDEO

LINK:  PLAY LIKE A CHAMPION TODAY WEBSITE

Bowl Eligible Irish: Where Do They Go?

The big wins, the past two weeks, have earned the Irish the opportunity to go "BOWLING" and not the kind with a bag, ball, shoes and shirt!  Notre Dame currently stands 6-5 after Saturday night's win at Yankee Stadium over Army -- with the USC Trojans left this Saturday in Los Angeles.  Let's take a look at where the Notre Dame Fighting Irish could be headed for a Bowl Game:

When the Irish beat USC Saturday night (!) -- they will finish the season at 7-5, winning their last three games of the season.  And, they will be the most desired 7 win team in America -- for bowl game committees. 

Most experts believe the Irish will be headed to Orlando to play in the Champs Sports Bowl on December 28th against a team from the Atlantic Coast Conference -- probably North Carolina State.  The Irish have the option of taking the Big East slot in this game this year or next.  Big East fans will be furious!

If the Irish are "upset" by the Trojans this week -- we will finish the season with six wins -- and, then it gets a little crazy with where the Irish may end up.  Here are a few of the Bowl Games that will be lining up trying to convince Notre Dame to play in their game:

-The Hyundai Sun Bowl -- in El Paso, TX on December 31.  This bowl is scheduled to take ACC #4 vs. the PAC 10 #4.  Yet, many are predicting that the Fighting Irish will take the PAC 10 spot and  play the Miami Hurricanes in this game.  The media is going to have a field day with this...

-The Kraft Fight Hunger Bowl -- in San Francisco on January 9th.  Can you believe they're playing a bowl game for a six win team on January 9th?  This game is scheduled to take the #6 team in the PAC 10 Conference (assuming they are bowl eligible) against a team from the Western Athletic Conference.  Yet, many feel they'll find a way to invite Notre Dame.
 
-Ticket City Bowl -- in Dallas on January 1st.  This bowl is scheduled to take a team from the Big Ten vs. a team from the Big 12.  Only eight Big Ten teams are bowl eligible for the nine bowl games that are contracted with the conference -- that doesn't account for any Big Ten team that is selected for a BCS bowl game.  Many feel, the Ticket City Bowl is praying they are the bowl that doesn't have to take a Big Ten team -- and, that the Irish will fall to them.

-Little Caesars Bowl -- in Detroit on December 26th.  This bowl is also scheduled to take a Big Ten team vs. the Mid American Conference Champion.  As mentioned above, the Big Ten doesn't have enough bowl eligible teams this year, and there won't be a Big Ten team in Motown at this game.  The Mid American Conference Champion will come from one of three teams;  Northern Illinois, Ohio or Miami, OH (which is coached by former ND player and coach -- Mike Haywood!)

-New Era Pinstripe Bowl -- in New York City on December 30th.  This bowl game is scheduled to take the #7 team in the Big 12 vs. the #4 team in the Big East.  At present, the Big 12 has eight teams bowl eligible, but there's the chance that Oklahoma State, Oklahoma, Nebraska and Missouri could be scooped up by one of the BCS Championship games leaving a spot open here for the Irish.

-The BBVA Bowl -- in Birmingham, AL on January 8th.  This bowl game is scheduled to take the #10 out of the SEC vs. the Big East.  At present, only eight teams in the SEC are bowl eligible, so this spot is not going to be filled.

-The Military Bowl -- in Washington D.C. on December 29th.  This bowl game is scheduled to take the #8 team out of the ACC against a team from Conference USA.  There are nine teams in the ACC that are bowl eligible with the outside chance that Virginia Tech may get selected for one of the BCS Bowl Championship games.  I don't see the Irish being around to be picked by this bowl game!

Irish Hockey Sweeps the MSU Spartans!

The University of Notre Dame Fighting Irish hockey team -- swept the #17th ranked MSU Spartans this weekend before sell-out crowds at the Joyce Center!  On Friday night, the Irish won 6-2, scoring five goals in the second period.  Six different Irish players scored a goal in the game.  And on Saturday night, Jeff Jackson's icers scored two "short handed" goals in the third period in Notre Dame's 4-2 victory!  The 11th ranked Irish are now 9-3-1 on the season and continue their hold on first place in the CCHA.  The Irish are now 7-1-3 in their last eleven games against the Spartans.  Go Irish!  Here are the game stories from the South Bend Tribune:

LINK:  SATURDAY'S WIN!

LINK:  FRIDAY'S WIN!

Irish Women's Soccer Rolls over #3 Tar Heels!

Randy Waldrum's Notre Dame Fighting Irish soccer team crushed the "two-time defending National Champions" North Carolina Tar Heels 4-1, on their home field, this Saturday at the NCAA Women's Soccer National Championship in Chapel Hill, NC!  The win vaults the #7th ranked Irish into the Quarter Finals (there's eight teams left) in Stillman, OK next weekend -- where they will take on the #6th  ranked Oklahoma State Cowgirls, on their home field.  This is the seventh straight year that the Irish have advanced to the "Round of Eight" -- quite an accomplishment!  The photo is of Notre Dame's Melissa Henderson, who scoreed her 51st career goal in the game.  Go Irish!!!  Here's the South Bend Tribune story:

LINK:  IRISH BEAT TAR HEELS!