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 TEN 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 - #48 with 20.9 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 27.3 first downs per game.  

Third Down Conversions:  2010 Rank - #92 with a 35.88% conversion rate -- in 2009 we had a 39.1% conversion rate for the season, ranking us #48 -- Stanford leads the country converting 58.09% of their third downs.  

Passing Yards Per Attempt:  2010 Rank - #74 with 6.8 yards passing per attempt -- in 2009 we averaged 8.7 yards passing per attempt, ranking us #7 in the country.  Boise State leads the country averaging 10.3 yards per attempt.

Passing Yardage:  2010 Rank - #21 with 273 yards per game  (2,726 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 371 yards passing per game (3,710 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 - #100 with 115 yards rushing per game (1,148 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 -- #58 giving up 19 QB sacks -- in 2009 we gave up 25 QB sacks for the season, ranking us #66 -- Washington States leads the country in giving up 46 QB sacks this season.  

Fewest Pass Interceptions Thrown:  2010 Rank -- #91 having thrown 12 pass interceptions this season -- in 2009 we threw 5 interceptions for the season, raking us #5 -- Army leads the country having thrown 1 pass interception this season.  

Turnovers Lost:  2010 Rank - #76 with 19 turnovers lost -- in 2009 we had 14 turnovers for the season, ranking us #7 -- Iowa, Wisconsin and Oregon State lead the country with 7 turnovers lost for the season.  

Total Offense:  2010 Rank -- #58 with 387 yards per game of offense -- in 2009 we had 451 yards per game of offense, ranking us #8 -- Oklahoma State leads the country 548 yards per game of offense. 

Points Per Game:  2010 Rank -- #68 with 26.2 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.  

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TEAM STATISTICS

Fewest Penalties:  2010 Rank - #15 with 49 penalties -- in 2009 we had 75 penalties for the season, ranking us #50 -- Wisconsin leads the country in the fewest penalties with 31.  

Fewest Penalty Yards:  2010 Rank -- #24 with 446 yards in penalties -- in 2009 we had 666 yards in penalties, ranking us #60 -- Penn State leads the country in fewest penalty yards with 271 

Net Punting Yards:  2010 Rank -- #64 with an average net of 36.2 yards per punt -- in 2009 we averaged 32.1 yards per punt, ranking us #112 -- Florida leads the country with 42.25 net yards per punt.  

Field Goals -- 2010 Rank -- #30 with 13 field goals made this season.  The Irish are 13 for 13 (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 #49 in the country with 2,033 yards passing

-Ranked #42 in the country with 15 TD passes

-Ranked #61 in the country with a QB rating of 129.3

-Ranked #68 in the country with a 59.2% pass completion percentage

-Ranked #58 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 #28 in the country in most field goals made with 13

-Ranked #1 in the country with most field goals made without a miss (13)

-Ranked #19 in the country for longest field goal made - 50 yarder

Ben Turk:

-Ranked #87 in the country with an average of 38.67 yards per punt

Michael Floyd:

-Ranked #32 in the country with 767 yards receiving

-Ranked #26 in the country with 59 catches

-Ranked #15 in the country with 9 TD catches

-Ranked #24 in the country with an 80 yard catch

Kyle Rudolph:

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

The Million Dollar Road Trip

The Million Dollar Road Trip, a national advertising campaign that promotes small businesses and entrepreneurship across America -- founded by Notre Dame alums; Walter and Patrick Hessert (Patrick on the left and Walter on the right, in photo) -- will pass through New York City this week as part of a yearlong cross-country tour.  In addition, the two "Domers" will host a tailgate at the Notre Dame vs. Army game this Saturday at Yankee Stadium.

The mission of the Million Dollar Road Trip is to inspire others to dream big and act boldly despite a poor economy.  The Notre Dame alums are traveling the nation in a bright blue Airstream trailer and sharing the stories of thousands of people from around the country who are continuing to take risk in pursuit of their passions.  Million Dollar Road Trip supports fellow entrepreneurs who the Hessert brothers meet on the road by awarding bi-weekly cash grants.  Recent recipients include: an ex-convict from Houston who started his own printing business using skills learned in prison classes; a high school Senior from Chicago's West Side who started a beverage company to pay for college; and a stay at home father in Iowa City who founded a gym in his garage.  Nominees are posted on their website (link below) where the public can vote for the most inspiring entrepreneur.

Over the course of the year, Walter and Patrick hope to sell $1 million dollars worth of advertising on the exterior of the Airstream and transform it into a mosaic of American businesses. Since the road trip's launch on July 4th, more than 120 businesses have purchased ad space on this traveling billboard. The Million Dollar Road Trip Airstream will cover over 40,000 miles, visit 48 states, pass through 50 of the nation's largest cities, and attend some of the most notable events in the country.  Good luck guys!  Here's a link to their website:

LINK:  THE MILLION DOLLAR ROAD TRIP

Notre Dame Changes Its Name...

The "College of Notre Dame" -- founded in 1895, in Baltimore -- has renamed itself as "Notre Dame of Maryland University."  You'll enjoy the story and especially the University's president's reply to a question regarding the "more famous -- University of Notre Dame, in South Bend, IN."  Here's a link to the story and the school's website:

LINK:  NOTRE DAME CHANGES ITS NAME 

LINK:  NOTRE DAME OF MARYLAND UNIVERSITY

UPDATED: ND's Defense -- National Ranking

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 TEN 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 - #17 with 26 QB sacks -- in 2009 we had 19 QB sacks for the season, ranking us #92 -- Florida State leads the country with 39 QB sacks.  

Tackles for Loss:  2010 Rank - #53 with an average of 6.0 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 8.89 tackles for loss per game.  

Interceptions:  2010 Rank - #38 with 11 interceptions -- in 2009 we had 12 interceptions for the season, ranking us #50 -- Alabama, Boston College, Florida, Ohio State and Tulsa lead the country with 17 interceptions. 

First Downs:  2010 Rank - #57 allowing an average of 19.5 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 - #22 allowing only 35.44% 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 22.4%  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 50% of the time.

Turnovers Gained:  2010 Rank - #50 with 18 turnovers gained -- in 2009 we gained 19 turnovers for the season, ranking us #80 -- Hawaii and Oregon lead the country with 29 turnovers gained this season. 

Rushing Yards:  2010 Rank - #66 giving up an average of 155 yards rushing per game -- in 2009 we gave up an average of 170 yards rushing per game, ranking us #89 -- Boston College leads the country giving up an average of 74 yards rushing per game.  

Passing Yards:  2010 Rank - #76 giving up an average of 225 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 - #66 giving up 380 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 - #45 giving up 22.70 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 10.9 tackles per game -- ranked #9 in the country

Sacks:

• Darius Fleming -- 5.5 sacks this season -- ranked #55 in the country
• Ethan Johnson --  5.0 sacks this season -- ranked #68 in the country

Interceptions

• Harrison Smith -- 3 interceptions this season -- ranked #81 in the country

TOMORROW AN ANALYSIS OF THE NOTRE DAME OFFENSE

Notre Dame's Defensive Line: Talkin' Army

Three members of the University of Notre Dame's defensive line; Ethan Johnson, Sean Cwynar and Kapron Lewis Moore -- met with UND.COM's Jack Nolan yesterday to talk about Saturday's game against Army's "triple-option."  Here's the link:



LINK:  ND'S FIRST LINE OF DEFENSE!

Notre Dame Takes Over the Big Apple!

Only one school in America could take over Manhattan -- and it's that little school "in the middle of nowhere" -- the University of Notre Dame!  If you're a Notre Dame fan -- and you live in the New York area -- here's a schedule of when and where you can see the Irish in town -- along with a link to Notre Dame's GameDay site:





FRIDAY:

-11:30 AM:  Friday Football Luncheon @ Marriott Marquis, Times Square -- Regis Philbin '53 to host (you need a ticket)

-3:50 PM:  Notre Dame's "ringing of the closing bell" @ NASDAQ in Times Square -- Leprechaun & ND Cheerleaders along with ND administration  (open to the public)

-5:30 PM:  Pep Rally @ Lincoln Center  -- The Band of the Fighting Irish, Coach Kelly, etc. (open to the public)

SATURDAY:

-10:30 AM:  Mass @ St. Patrick's Cathedral  (open to the public)

-12:00 PM to 12:45 PM:  The Band of the Fighting Irish -- "Concert On The Steps"  in Times Square -- they'll be playing from the "steps" in Duffy Square above the TKTS booth  (open to the Public)

-1:30 PM to 6:00 PM:  Game Day in New York -- Tailgate @ Sheraton Hotel & Towers (sold out)

RUMOR HAS IT:  That the Band of the Fighting Irish will be jumping on the Subway to ride "Notre Dame Subway Alumni" designed subway cars -- out to Yankee Stadium.  I'm guessing they'll be doing this from Grand Central -- keep an eye out for this!

-7:00 PM:  Football game vs. Army @ Yankee Stadium -- a few standing room tickets were still available yesterday.

LINK:  NOTRE DAME "GAMEDAY" SITE

Coach Kelly's Press Conference -- Army Week

University of Notre Dame Football Coach, Brian Kelly -- met with the media today to talk about this Saturday's "prime time" game on NBC from Yankee Stadium.  This will be the 50th meeting between Army and Notre Dame, with the Irish holding a 37-8-4 advantage in the series.  Here's a link to the press conference:

LINK:  COACH BRIAN KELLY TALKS ARMY

Squeezing Football Fields Into Landmarks!

This Saturday -- football games will be played inside two of the "landmark" sports stadiums in the world;  Yankee Stadium and Wrigley Field.  Football will be played, for the first time ever, this Saturday in the Yankees new $1.5 billion home -- when the Fighting Irish of Notre Dame host the Black Knights of West Point.  And, football returns to Chicago's Wrigley Field, for the first time in 40 years, when Northwestern hosts Illinois.  Here's the latest photos from each venue -- you'll see how "tight" the endzones and sidelines are.  Notre Dame Head Coach Brian Kelly -- commented at today's press conference that they don't have any concerns about the field's proximity to some of Yankee Stadium's walls.  BREAKING NEWS:  The "proximity" of the infamous ivy covered outfield walls of Wrigley Field (see link below to photo) -- has led to a ONE WAY football game between Illinois and Northwestern tomorrow.  This link will take you to the breaking news story:

LINK:  THE END ZONE -- THAT ISN'T

New York Times History Lesson: ND vs. Army

A sports writer at the New York Times wrote a story today about the historical significance of the Notre Dame vs. Army game.  The photo (courtesy of the New York Times) is from the 1944 game at the old Yankee Stadium between Notre Dame and Army.  Here's a link to the story:

LINK:  NOTRE DAME vs. ARMY

A Tour of Yankee Stadium - ND's Home Field!

Here's a video done this spring by the YES Network -- on the new $1.5 billion home of the Yankees.  Since the Irish will be calling it "home" this Saturday night -- I thought you would enjoy seeing it.

LINK:  A TOUR OF YANKEE STADIUM

Regis On Notre Dame's Win Saturday

You'll want to click on this quickly -- because I'm sure the video will be gone soon!  Notre Dame alum, Regis Philbin '53 -- spoke yesterday morning about the Irish win over Utah.  Enjoy:

LINK:  REGIS TALKS IRISH!

A Salt Lake City Columnist's ND Experience

A Notre Dame alum sent this to me this morning -- it's a column that ran in yesterday's Deseret News -- a Salt Lake City newspaper.  The columnist, Brad Rock -- tells of his trip to the University of Notre Dame this past weekend -- covering the home team Utah Utes.  As you'll see in Rock's column -- he had a wonderful time visiting (what I like to call Notre Dame) "America's Holy Land."  Enjoy:

LINK:  NOSTALGIA THICK

Notre Dame's "Sleep" Research...

University of Notre Dame Professor, Jessica Payne, Ph.D. -- just finished a research study on the impact of having enough sleep each night.  The key finding:  People who regularly spend quality time with their pillow, around eight hours every night, have better memories than those who do not.  Dr. Payne noted, that by restructuring memories, good sleepers are also better able to come up with new and creative ideas.  "In our fast-paced society, one of the first things to go is our sleep.  I think that's based on a profound misunderstanding that the sleeping brain isn't doing anything." Payne added, "People who say they'll sleep when they're dead are sacrificing their ability to have good thoughts now."  Sounds like our Notre Dame defensive staff should get plenty to sleep this week as they come up with a "creative" approach to stopping Army's triple option!  Here's a link to an interview with Dr. Payne:


LINK:  SLEEP IS IMPORTANT!

Time Lapsed Video: Football @ Yankee Stadium!

The folks at UND.COM will have "un-precedented" coverage this Saturday of the 'first ever' football game inside the new Yankee Stadium -- beginning at 4 PM EST.  The New York Yankees' $1.5 billion home will serve as the "home field" for the Fighting Irish of Notre Dame football team in their 7 PM EST game, this Saturday night, against Army.  It's PRIME TIME in the BIG APPLE for the Irish!  Here's a link to a "time-lapsed" UND.COM video of the transformation of Yankee stadium's baseball field into "Notre Dame Stadium EAST."  You'll also find a NY1 news story on what's going on inside Yankee Stadium and a link to the official Notre Dame vs. Army Facebook Page:

LINK:  TIME-LAPSED VIDEO OF YANKEE STADIUM CONVERSION!

LINK:  NY1 NEWS STORY

LINK:  NOTRE DAME vs. ARMY -- FACEBOOK PAGE

Yankee Stadium -- A Few Tickets Remain!

It's a game I've been excited about since it was announced last year -- Notre Dame vs. Army @ Yankee Stadium!  The University of Notre Dame just released a statement that a "very limited" amount of standing room only tickets will be sold beginning tomorrow morning (November 16th) at 8:30 AM EST -- for this Saturday's game.  Just call the Notre Dame Ticket Office at:  574.631.7356

Irish Women's Soccer Crushes USC!

In yesterday's second round game, of the 2010 Women's NCAA Soccer Championships, the Notre Dame Fighting Irish rolled over the USC Trojans 4-0!  Coach Waldrum's #7 ranked Irish just dominated the #22 ranked Trojans as they move on to the Round of 16 for the seventh straight year.  Next up for the Irish -- #3rd ranked North Carolina on their home field this Saturday.  Notre Dame is 3-1, all time, in games played against North Carolina on the Tar Heels home field.  Good Luck Irish!

Sorin Wins 2010 Interhall Football Title!

There was a "big game" at Notre Dame Stadium Sunday -- yes, Sunday!  The University of Notre Dame's infamous Interhall Football Championship was held yesterday inside Notre Dame Stadium with the #1 seed Dillon Hall taking on the #2 seed Sorin Hall (College) in the championship game.  The game went into OVERTIME, with Sorin upsetting heavily favored Dillon 7-6 on a 17-yard third-down TD pass!  You'll love the quote from Sorin's QB in the Observer article.  Here's a link to the Observer story along with a link to the Sorin Otters' website:



LINK:  SORIN WINS CHAMPIONSHIP!

LINK:  SORIN HALL'S WEBSITE

Ruth Riley '01 -- Notre Dame's Ring of Honor!

Former Notre Dame All-American, NCAA Champion, WNBA Champion, Olympic Gold Medalist -- Ruth Riley -- was inducted into Notre Dame's Ring of Honor this past Friday.  A banner with her "00" was hung from the rafters of Purcell Pavillion -- making her the first member of the Notre Dame's women's team to be so honored.  Riley, left Notre Dame as the first player to score 2,000 points and grab 1,000 rebounds in a career.  But, she'll always be remembered for the last two points scored in her college career -- click on the link below!  Congratulations Ruth!

LINK:  RILEY'S LAST TWO POINTS AT NOTRE DAME!

CBS's The Amazing Race: Domer Update

The team of Thomas Wolfard '02 and his girlfriend Jill Haney -- spent this week's globe trotting adventure show in Muscat, Oman.  And, they arrived at the "finish line" in first place - only to learn that they would be penalized for "paying a taxi driver" to show them how to drive their own car to a destination.  Their penalty -- a "30 minute timeout" -- meaning they had to wait another half-hour before their "race" was officially over.  Fortunately only one team reached the finish line while they were waiting -- so TEAM NOTRE DAME finished in 2nd place -- surviving another week!  Only five teams are left in CBS's The Amazing Race!  Here's a link to a replay of last night's episode:

LINK:  SEASON 17 OF CBS'S THE AMAZING RACE

A Sunday Conversation -- Coach Brian Kelly

University of Notre Dame Head Football Coach, Brian Kelly -- met with UND.COM's Jack Nolan this afternoon for their weekly Sunday chat.  The mood was a little different today -- in the wake of Notre Dame's 28-3 win over Utah.  Here's a link:

LINK:  BRIAN KELLY CONVERSATION

A Utah Grad's First Visit to Notre Dame...

I found this online this morning -- it was a post on a site from a Utah grad who was in town for the game against the University of Notre Dame.  I thought ND fans would enjoy reading this.  The photo above is of the Utah Utes taking pictures of Touchdown Jesus after their Friday "walk through" at Notre Dame Stadium.

Posted by snowbirdute:  Sunday 14 November 2010, at 12:41 am -- Purchased a 45 dollar ND sweat shirt that I thought was really cool yesterday when I first saw it. But at that time I felt like "what was the need to buy another teams apparel? I'm a Ute!"... I gladly paid for it, at the register I took off my Utah shirt and put on the ND sweatshirt. why? I was treated 100 times better by the host school than the sports team of my own school this weekend.


In our tour yesterday the fine...and I mean "FINE" young lady expressed how difficult it was for the senior class to be the losing-est class to attend ND. She gave us detailed history such as steps at ND that no current students walk on until they graduate, because years ago some students were told if they hovered around these very steps they would not graduate. she told us how all the seniors were excited for the Marshmallow Fight at half time, she spoke with great pride on how the school built passage ways through buildings to abide by state laws dictating that "nothing shall impede the marching band". She patiently took pictures of hundreds of Ute fans in front of TD Jesus, cell phone camera shots of red clad fans in the stadium, smiled and pleasantly answered all questions asked. She explained the rivalry within dorms, and traditions surrounding statues, flags, pep rallies. As I put on that sweat shirt this evening I felt great pride in knowing I was wearing the colors of a school I believed in. I had admiration for how the students and fans behaved, I envied their spirit, and drive to achieve what has been, and what may be. I felt the shame of a fellow Utah fan that had been kicked out of the stadium disappear. For several moments I did not know anything about that "crazy lady" who wouldn't stop having voluntary convulsions in front of the band. 


For several rich moments, I didn't care about a drunk shirtless woman, exposing herself for attention at my own stadium during an --- kicking, because at that moment our co-eds were using their good looks, AND brains for attention, not just their breasts. For a few moments My QB dove for first downs not away from hits. I will forever have fond memories of this trip to South Bend Indiana in spite of a few token idiots who attempted to de-rail some amazing Utah fans reputations. 


We as fans are truly infants compared to this group. We have something to aspire too. I graduated from the University of Utah, and I will be a Ute til I die...but tonight its not Go Utes...Its Go Irish!

NBC Replay: Notre Dame vs. Utah

Well, if you missed the game - or, you just want to SEE IT AGAIN!  Here's your link to the replay of Notre Dame's convincing 28-3 victory over the 14th ranked Utah Utes yesterday at Notre Dame Stadium.  Photo courtesy of Marcus Marten/South Bend Tribune

LINK:  NBC REPLAY

Mike Lee -- Wins With First Round TKO!

Notre Dame grad Mike Lee '09 won his third professional fight last night -- in front of a crowd of 41,738 at Cowboys Stadium -- with a first round knock-out of Keith Dabow.  Lee, who was a "three time" Bengal Bouts Champion while a student at Notre Dame -- landed a devastating left hook-overhand right combination into the head of Debow, and the referee prevented the fight from continuing at the 1:33 marker. The bout was part of the undercard of the much anticipated Pacqiuo vs. Margarito fight -- which Pacquio won in an unanimous decision.  Mike Lee is now 3-0 in his pro boxing career with two wins by knock-out!  Congratulations Mike!

The Morning After -- The Media's Take...

It's been a long time since the Fighting Irish of Notre Dame beat an opponent they weren't expected to -- and in such grand fashion.  Notre Dame's 28-3 win yesterday over an 8-1 Utah team who just eight days ago was ranked 5th in the country -- was convincing.  However, that's how us Notre Dame fans saw it -- here's the media's "take" on the Irish victory:

LINK:  NEW YORK TIMES

LINK:  ESPN

LINK:  CHICAGO TRIBUNE

LINK:  CHICAGO SUN TIMES

LINK:  SALT LAKE TRIBUNE

LINK:  DESERET NEWS

LINK:  WNDU-TV

LINK:  WSBT-TV

LINK:  SOUTH BEND TRIBUNE

Notre Dame 28 - Utah 3 -- A TEAM VICTORY!

A football season that's been about as difficult as you could imagine for a university, a team, a coach and his staff -- CHANGED TODAY!  Notre Dame's 28-3 victory over the #14th ranked Utes of Utah was so big,  on so many fronts.  And, the Notre Dame Family's reaction at game's end -- ICING ON THE CAKE!

Folks, this was an 8-1 team, that was ranked #5 in the country eight days ago -- and our boys stood "toe to toe" with them -- and WON all three phases of the game;  offense, defense and special teams.

I truly believe this is the moment we'll all look back upon -- when NOTRE DAME became NOTRE DAME -- once again!

Enjoy the links below to -- ALL OF THE FUN -- after today's game:

LINK:  NBC'S POSTGAME

LINK:  NBC'S GAME HIGHLIGHTS

LINK:  NBC'S INTERVIEW OF TOMMY REES & GARY GRAY

LINK:  COACH KELLY POST GAME PRESS CONFERENCE

LINK:  NOTRE DAME POST GAME & LOCKER ROOM CELEBRATION

LINK:  ROBERT BLANTON INTERVIEW

LINK:  MANTI TEO INTERVIEW

LINK:  BRIAN SMITH INTERVIEW

LINK:  TOMMY REES INTERVIEW

Boy, Did We Need This Win Or WHAT!!!

You've got to hand it to Brian Kelly, his coaching staff and HIS KIDS!  If ever a school, a team and a coach needed a win like this -- IT WAS TODAY!  Notre Dame beats the #14 ranked team (Utah) in the country 28-3 -- impressive!  I am so happy for the Fighting Irish Family.  Isn't this a great photo that was "tweeted" by @fightingirishff !!!

Irish Lead 28-3 in 4th Quarter!

The Irish are on their way to beating #14 ranked Utah today.  Here's another photo "tweeted" by @fightingirishff --  of freshman Prince Shembo and teammates celebrating another defensive stop for Notre Dame.  Utah came into this game averaging 41 points per game -- they have 3 right now!

Michael Floyd's 25th Career TD Catch!

It's halftime at Notre Dame Stadium -- Irish lead the #14 Utah Utes 14-3!  Here's a photo, just tweeted by @fightingirishff -- of Michael Floyd's three-yard TD catch, the 25th of his career, from Tommy Rees.

Lou Holtz on Phone With "Peggy"

Former Notre Dame and College Football Hall of Fame Coach -- Lou Holtz -- is starring in a Discover Card commercial with "Peggy" a call center customer service agent...  Enjoy:

LINK:  CAN LOU INSPIRE PEGGY?

A Good Omen? -- ND Beats Utah Last Night!

The University of Notre Dame Men's & Women's Swimming & Diving Team took on the Utah Utes last night in front of a "standing room" only crowd at the Rolf Aquatic Center -- and the Irish won both meets! The Men won 13 of the 16 events -- scoring a convincing 184 to 116 over Utah.  While the Women won 12 of their 16 events -- in their 185.5 to 112.5 victory.  Congratulations Irish!  Here are links to the results:

LINK: MEN'S RESULTS

LINK:  WOMEN'S RESULTS

Game Day @ Notre Dame!

Today's game is the last home game of the season at Notre Dame and the last home game for 36 seniors on the Notre Dame team.  If you're like me -- and you're not going to the Utah game today -- here's how you can keep occupied leading up to kick-off.  We really need a win today -- GO IRISH!

LINK:  NOTRE DAME GAME DAY RADIO SHOW --  starts at 9 AM EST

LINK:  UND.COM LIVE STADIUM CAM -- watch Notre Dame Stadium fill up, starts at 11 AM EST

LINK:  UND.COM PRE GAME BLOG -- starts at 1:30 PM EST

KICK OFF:  2:41 PM EST

LINK:  NBC.COM SIMULCAST OF GAME

LINK:  UND.COM LIVE POST GAME SHOW -- starts immediately after game's end

Notre Dame Teams Go 6 -1 Last Night!

Seven of the University of Notre Dame's athletic teams -- had a very busy night last night -- and many would say a successful night!

The women's soccer team kicked off their NCAA Championship run with a convincing 3-0 first round victory over New Mexico last night.  The 7th ranked Irish were led by senior co-captain Lauren Fowlkes who scored two goals and by junior Melissa Henderson's 50th career goal.  The Fighting Irish now play USC -- this Sunday -- at Notre Dame's Alumni Stadium, in second round play.

LINK:  NOTRE DAME WOMEN'S SOCCER

The women's basketball team tipped off their regular season last night at home -- with a convincing 99-48 win over New Hampshire.  The 12th ranked Irish were led by senior Devereaux Peters who scored 23 points and had 8 rebounds in only sixteen minutes of play.  All thirteen members of the Fighting Irish scored in last night's game.  The women set a school record 36 steals last night as well.  The Irish play next Monday night, at home, against Morehead State.

LINK:  NOTRE DAME WOMEN'S BASKETBALL

The men's basketball team played their home opener last night as well and they didn't waste any time letting Georgia Southern know they meant business.  Hitting 15 of their first 18 shots -- the Irish rolled out to a 36 point lead less than 13 minutes into the game -- and they cruised to a 98-61 win.  Ben Hasbrough led the Irish with 20 points as every play on the team saw at least five minutes of action.  The Irish are back in action tomorrow when they host Liberty -- for a 2 PM tip-off.

LINK:  NOTRE DAME MEN'S BASKETBALL

The 11th ranked Irish hockey team played the #9 ranked Michigan Wolverines up in Ann Arbor last night and Jeff Jackson's gang won 3-1!  Notre Dame outshot Michigan 33-24 in the victory -- upping their CCHA record to 5-1-1-1 and puts them in first place!  These same two teams meet again tonight at 7:35 PM at Michigan's Yost Arena.

LINK:  NOTRE DAME HOCKEY

The 11th ranked men's soccer team -- took on the #1 ranked team in the country, Louisville, in the Big East Championship Semi-Finals.  Unfortunately, Notre Dame's perfect night ended when Louisville scored the game's only goal early in the second half.  The Fighting Irish now await the seeding for the Men's NCAA Soccer Championship -- which will be announced Monday.

LINK:  NOTRE DAME MEN'S SOCCER

Notre Dame's Men's & Women's Swimming and Diving Teams competed last night against Utah and both were victorious -- see stand alone story on blog, above.

Not a bad night for Notre Dame -- did you notice the national rankings of four of the seven teams!!!

What the Money's Sayin' -- ND vs. Utah

As has become tradition at the ND GO IRISH BLOG -- we turn to the "experts" in Vegas -- to check in on how they're analyzing Notre Dame's game with Utah.  The Utes are ranked #14th in the country -- and bring one of the best offenses and defenses to town.  The Irish are on a two-game losing streak -- WE NEED A WIN!  Here's a few links:

LINK:  CAPPERSPICKS

LINK:  PREDICTEM

LINK:  SPORTSBETTINGWORLD

LINK:  TOUTHOUSE

LINK:  ODDSSHARK

Rocket Ismail's Message to the Irish Nation!

Folks, this might be the best pep rally speech at the University of Notre Dame in some time.  It's an INSTANT CLASSIC -- and it came from none other than Raghib "The Rocket" Ismail.  The Rocket's message -- "UNBELIEF, we don't have time for you!"  SO WELL SAID!  GO IRISH!  Here's a link to the Pep Rally video -- the photo was "tweeted" by Irish LB Carlo Calabrese during the Pep Rally:

LINK:  ROCKET BRINGS DOWN THE HOUSE

Coca-Cola Happiness Machine @ ND Today!

Coca-Cola brought it's  Happiness Machine to the Notre Dame campus today -- and it was quite the attraction!  WNDU brought its news team over to LaFortune today to catch this unique vending machine in action.  Enjoy!

LINK:  NOT YOUR TYPICAL VENDING MACHINE

Coach Kelly @ Friday Football Luncheon

The gang at UND.COM posted this video today of University of Notre Dame Football Coach, Brian Kelly -- and his appearance at the Friday Football Luncheon today at the Joyce Athletic Center.  Here's a link:

LINK:  COACH KELLY'S COMMENTS

Yankee Stadium -- ND's Home Next Saturday!

Here's one of the latest photos -- released by the New York Yankees -- of the transformation of their $1.5 billion stadium into the home of the University of Notre Dame Fighting Irish football team.  Note, no logos on the field and the vertical stripes in the far end-zone -- being painted -- just like Notre Dame Stadium!  (Click on the photo to enlarge)

Will the Newton Investigation Expose the SEC?

The news surrounding the rumored recruitment of Auburn QB Cam Newton -- isn't getting any better for all those involved.  The latest has a former Mississippi State player,  named Kenny Rogers, who told ESPN that Cam Newton's father (Cecil Newton) told him it's going to take "between $100,000 and $180,000 to deliver Cam." And, that he was present when Cecil Newton asked Mississippi coaches for money to sign his son. (see link below)

It makes you wonder where Mr. Newton came up with the idea that Mississippi State would be willing to pay and pay big to get his son to commit to his school?  Was it because he was paid by the Florida Gators, three years earlier -- to commit to their program -- the same football team where current Mississippi State Head Coach, Dan Mullen, was Cam Newton's Offensive Coordinator and QB Coach at the time?

Do you think ol' Urban Meyer might be squirming a little bit -- especially now that the FBI is involved in the investigation?

I'm guessing "Old Man Newton" is taking calls from "intermediaries representing" a few SEC schools right now, asking him  -- "what's it going to take to keep you quiet...?"

Will this be the case that blows the doors off the illegal recruiting practices and NCAA violations -- that have been long rumored to be rampant in the SEC?

LINK:  THE GOING RATE FOR A STARTING QB IN THE SEC

Coach Kelly After Thursday's Practice

University of Notre Dame Head Football Coach, Brian Kelly -- met with the media after yesterday's practice -- as the Irish prepare for their last home game at Notre Dame Stadium this Saturday against the #15th ranked Utah Utes.  Here's a link:

LINK:  COACH KELLY AFTER PRACTICE

Football Weekend Weather @ Notre Dame

Looks like today is going to be absolutely glorious!  And, Saturday -- not so good...  Better be prepared for some rain if you're going to the Utah game tomorrow.  Here's a link to WNDU's Storm 16 Interactive Radar:

LINK:  WEATHER RADAR -- NOTRE DAME

Notre Dame's MBA Program -- Top 25!

Bloomberg Businessweek just released their biennial survey of The Best U.S. Business Schools 2010 -- and the University of Notre Dame's Mendoza College of Business MBA Program was ranked 24th best in the country.  You'll recall, that earlier this year, Bloomberg Businessweek ranked the University of Notre Dame's Mendoza College of Business undergraduate program #1 in America.   Congratulations to Dean Carolyn Woo and her team!  Here's a link to the rankings of MBA programs:

LINK:  ONE OF THE BEST!

A Walk On's Last Home Game...

James "J.T." Redshaw (North Huntington, PA) is a Notre Dame football player.  He's "five foot nuttin' and a hundred and nuttin" -- and he will be wearing the gold helmet this Saturday for the last time inside Notre Dame Stadium.  Redshaw, a walk-on, is a pre-med major and he carries a perfect 4.0 in the classroom!  Maybe we'll hear a "J.T" chant in the stands late in tomorrow's game? Notre Dame's student newspaper (Observer) ran a story on J.T. yesterday that I thought you'd enjoy:

LINK:  HIS LAST HOME GAME

Notre Dame's #1 Fan?

And I thought I was a Notre Dame fan...  The South Bend Tribune profiled -- Glenn Cooper from Groton, South Dakota yesterday.  Glenn's home is 600 miles away from the Notre Dame campus -- yet, he's a season ticket holder for every Notre Dame sports team -- except hockey.  You see, Glenn spends the school year in a home he bought in South Bend -- then he spends the summer back at his home South Dakota.  THIS IS A NOTRE DAME FAN!  Here's a link to the story.

LINK:  NOTRE DAME'S #1 FAN