Three ND Players Receive Mid-Season Honors

Phil Steele, who publishes Phil Steele's College Football Preview -- just released his "Mid-Season All American Team" and three Notre Dame Football players received All American honors;  Manti Teo, Michael Floyd and Kyle Rudolph.  Teo was named 2nd team All-American linebacker, Floyd and Rudolph were named 4th team All-Americans at their respective positions.  Manti Teo was also named to Sports Illustrated's Mid-Season All-American team -- as a 2nd team linebacker.  Here are the links to the teams:

LINK:  PHIL STEELE'S MID-SEASON ALL AMERICANS

LINK:  SPORTS ILLUSTRATED'S MID-SEASON ALL AMERICANS

Notre Dame Releases Football Schedules

The University of Notre Dame released its 2011 and 2012 football schedules yesterday -- and they contain some new opponents, some past opponents and those you've come to expect.  Notre Dame alum, Skip Holtz (son of Lou) will bring his University of South Florida Bulls into Notre Dame Stadium to kick-off the 2011 season.  It will mark the first time the Irish have played this school in football.  That same trend carries on later in the year when Notre Dame will travel to Winston-Salem, NC to take on another "first time opponent" in the Deamon Deacons of Wake Forest -- in its 31,500 seat stadium.  This just might be the smallest football stadium (pictured) the Irish have played in, since the days of Rockne.  Other highlights of the 2011 season include the first night game in the history of Michigan Stadium -- as the Irish will play the Wolverines "under the lights" on September 10th.  And, a neutral site game in Washington D.C. -- as the Irish will take on Maryland at the Redskins' Fed-Ex Field.  The 2012 season kicks of in Ireland -- as the Irish will travel to Dublin to take on Navy.  This season will see the return to the Notre Dame football schedule of some of the bigger names in college football; Oklahoma, Miami and BYU.  The Miami game will be held at Chicago's Soldier Field. Here's the FUN FACT OF THE YEAR:  Ten of the twelve Notre Dame's opponents, on the 2012 schedule, have won a NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP in football.  Here are the ten schools; Navy, Purdue, Michigan State, Michigan, Miami, Stanford, BYU, Oklahoma, Pittsburgh and USC.  The only two schools on the 2012 schedule that haven't; Boston College and Wake Forest.  Is anyone playing a schedule like that in the country?  Here's a link to the 2011 & 2012 schedules:

LINK:  NOTRE DAME'S 2011 & 2012 SCHEDULE

PHOTO OF THE DAY -- Buffet's Office Sign

Legendary Berkshire Hathaway investor, Warren Buffet -- was interviewed by USA Today about his love for Nebraska football.  Buffet, who's lived in the same home in Omaha, NE -- that he bought for $31,500 in 1958 -- says "his heart is with the Huskers..."  Well, it look's like his "head/brain" is with the IRISH -- see the sign behind him.  Go Irish!

How Navy Plays the Game of Football...

I have the utmost respect for the Naval Academy -- one of my best friends growing up is a graduate of this prestigious institution.  The commitment these young men and women have made to our country should never be questioned.  They are heroes.  Having said that -- I'm not a fan of how they play the game of football.  Undoubtedly, we're going to hear a CBS Announcer, this Saturday, talk about how the "undermanned Naval Academy plays with great discipline..." -- in a complimentary fashion.  What they don't have the guts to say is this: Navy football has become synonymous with -- CHEAP SHOTS.  Case in point, here's a video of the game last year at Notre Dame Stadium.  The video catches a Navy football player -- on the other side of the field from the play -- attempting to end the career of a Notre Dame football player (Robert Blanton).  Here's the link:

LINK:  NAVY FOOTBALL HAS "SUNK" TO THIS

Legendary Irish Coach Dies at Age 93

Tom Fallon who retired from the University of Notre Dame in 1987 as the WINNINGEST COACH IN IRISH ATHLETICS HISTORY -- died yesterday at the age of 93 of natural causes at his South Bend home.  Fallon was Notre Dame's men's tennis coach for 31 seasons (1957 - 1987) taking his 1959 team to a Co-National Championship.  He retired with an overall record of 514-194 good for a 72.6% winning percentage -- earning him a spot in the Intercollegiate Tennis Association Hall of Fame.  Fallon also found time to coach the Notre Dame Wrestling team -- as he started this program in 1952 at Notre Dame and led it for its first 15 seasons.  Fallon's combined win total for his wrestling and tennis teams was 579 wins.  Here's a link to Notre Dame's story on Tom's death:

LINK:  ALL TIME NOTRE DAME COACHING GREAT

Notre Dame's Offense -- National Rankings

It's Wednesday -- which means 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 SEVEN 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 how this week's opponent: NAVY's offense, defense and special teams compare in the same categories.

OFFENSIVE TEAM STATISTICS

Total First Downs:  2010 Rank - #26 with 146 first downs -- in 2009 we had 293 first downs for the season, ranking us #13 -- Tulsa leads the country with 183 first downs.  Navy has 122 first downs for the season, ranking them #84 in the country.

Third Down Conversions:  2010 Rank - #78 with a 35.8% conversion rate -- in 2009 we had a 39.1% conversion rate for the season, ranking us #48 -- Nevada leads the country converting 57.8% of their third downs.  Navy has converted 43.5% of its third down conversions this season, ranking them #23 in the country.

Passing Yardage:  2010 Rank - #18 with 2,006 passing yards (287 yards per game)  -- in 2009 we passed for 3,882 yards (323 yards per game) for the season, ranking us #7 -- Hawaii leads the country with 2,817 passing yards (402 yards per game).  Navy's defense has given up an average of 160 passing yards per game this season, ranking them #9 in the country.

Rushing Yardage:  2010 Rank - #97 with 791 rushing yards (113 yards per game) -- in 2009 we rushed for 1,539 yards (127 yards per game) for the season, ranking us #88 -- Air Force leads the country with 2,428 rushing yards ( 347 yards per game).  Navy's defense has given up an average of 163 rushing yards per game this season, ranking them #78 in the country.

Fewest QB Sacks Given Up:  2010 Rank -- #70 giving up 15 QB sacks -- in 2009 we gave up 25 QB sacks for the season, ranking us #66 -- Boise State leads the country having only given up 1 QB sack.  Navy's defense has sacked the QB 8 times this season, ranking them #95 in the country.

Turnovers Lost:  2010 Rank - #70 with 13 turnovers lost -- in 2009 we had 14 turnovers for the season, ranking us #7 -- Oregon State leads the country with 4 turnovers lost for the season.  Navy's defense and special teams has gained 13 turnovers this season, ranking them #31 in the country.

Total Offense:  2010 Rank -- #50 with 2,797 yards (399 per game)  of offense -- in 2009 we had 5,421 yards (451 yards per game) of offense for the season, ranking us #8 -- Oregon leads the country with 3,402 yards (567 per game) of offense.  Navy's defense has given up 323 yards per game this season, ranking them #27 in the country.

Points Per Game:  2010 Rank -- #68 with 27.14 points per game -- in 2009 we averaged 30.1 points per game for the season, ranking us #32 -- Oregon leads the country scoring 54.3 points per game.  Navy's defense has given up an average of 18.17 points per game this season, ranking them #22 in the country.

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TEAM STATISTICS

Fewest Penalties:  2010 Rank - #29 with 36 penalties -- in 2009 we had 75 penalties for the season, ranking us #50 -- Penn State leads the country in the fewest penalties with 20.  Navy is ranked #6 in the country for fewest penalties with 27 on the season.

Fewest Penalty Yards:  2010 Rank -- #56 with 340 total yards in penalties -- in 2009 we had 666 yards in penalties, ranking us #60 -- Penn State leads the country in fewest penalty yards with 131.  Navy is ranked #7 in the country for fewest penalty yards this season with 226.

Net Punting Yards:  2010 Rank -- #37 with an average net of 37.87 yards per punt -- in 2009 we averaged 32.1 yards per punt, ranking us #112 -- Pittsburgh leads the country with 44.83 net yards per punt.  Navy is averaging 7 yards per punt return this season, ranking them #76 in the country.

Field Goals -- 2010 Rank -- #8 with 12 field goals made this season.  The Irish are 12 for 12 -- one of seven teams in the FBS who have 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.  Navy has made 5 field goals this season,  ranking them #82 in the country.   Making 5 of 8 in the process.

HERE'S A LINK TO YESTERDAY'S ANALYSIS OF THE IRISH DEFENSE

PHOTO OF THE DAY -- Saint Andre Bessette

This photo is of the tapestry of Saint Andre Bessette, of the Holy Cross Congregation -- the founders of the University of Notre Dame -- which was displayed on the facade of St. Peter's Basilica during the Canonization Mass celebrated by Pope Benedict XVI in St. Peter's square at the Vatican on Sunday.  The University of Notre Dame's delegation, led by Fr. Jenkins, arrived in Rome Sunday morning in time for the celebration.  An estimated crowd of 50,000 was in attendance.  Saint Andre Bessette is the first member of the Holy Cross Congregation to be so honored.

Notre Dame's Defense -- National Ranking

It's Tuesday -- which means 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 SEVEN 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 how this week's opponent: NAVY's offense compares in the same categories.

DEFENSE -- TEAM STATISTICS

Quarterback Sacks:  2010 Rank - #10 with 19 QB sacks -- in 2009 we had 19 QB sacks for the season, ranking us #92 -- Florida State leads the country with 30 QB sacks.  Navy has only given up 4 QB sacks this season, ranking them at #26 for fewest QB sacks given up.

Tackles for Loss:  2010 Rank - #50 with an average of 6.29 tackles for loss per game -- in 2009 we averaged 6.0 tackles for loss per game, ranking us #48 in the country.  Miami (FL) leads the country with an average of 9.5 tackles for loss per game.  Navy's offense has only allowed 4.67 tackles for loss per game this season, ranking them #23 for fewest given up.

Interceptions:  2010 Rank - #13 with 10 interceptions -- in 2009 we had 12 interceptions for the season, ranking us #50 -- Florida and Alabama leads the country with 13 interceptions.  Navy has thrown 4 interceptions for the season, ranking them #19 for fewest interceptions thrown.

Passes Deflected:  2010 Rank - #28 with 23 pass deflections -- in 2009 we had 28 pass deflections for the season, ranking us #99 -- Oregon leads the country with 37 pass deflections.

Third Down Conversion Rate:  2010 Rank - #13 allowing only 31.58% conversion rate on third down -- in 2009 we allowed a 39.5% conversion rate, ranking us #67 -- TCU leads the country allowing only a 22.47%  conversion rate.  Navy's offense has converted 43.5% of its third downs, ranking it #23 in the country.

Turnovers Gained:  2010 Rank - #22 with 14 turnovers gained -- in 2009 we gained 19 turnovers for the season, ranking us #80 -- Oregon leads the country with 22 turnovers gained this season.  Navy's offense has only turned the ball over 6 times this season, ranking them #6 in the country for fewest turnovers.

Rushing Yards:  2010 Rank - #41 giving up an average of 130 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 58 yards rushing per game.  Navy's offense averages 259 yards rushing per game, ranking them #9 in the country.

Passing Yards:  2010 Rank - #102 giving up an average of 256 yards passing per game -- in 2009 we gave up an average of 227 yards passing per game, ranking us #76 in the country.  Nebraska leads the country giving up an average of 117 yards passing per game.  Navy's offense averages 109 yards passing per game, ranking them #117 in the country.

Total Yards:  2010 Rank - #82 giving up 386 yards per game -- in 2009 we gave up an average of 397 yards per game, ranking us #86 -- Boise State leads the country giving up 210 yards per game.  Navy's offense has gained an average of 368 yards per game, ranking them #68 in the country.

Points Allowed Per Game:  2010 Rank - #53 giving up 23 points per game -- in 2009 we gave up 25.3 points per game, ranking us #63 -- TCU leads the country giving up 9.3 points per game.  Navy's offense has averaged 21 points per game, ranking them #96 in the country.

DEFENSE -- INDIVIDUAL STATISTICS

Tackles Per Game:

• Manti Teo -- averaging 11.29 tackles per game -- ranked #10 in the country

Sacks Per Game:

• Darius Fleming -- averages .50 sacks per game -- ranked #84 in the country
• Ethan Johnson -- averages .50 sacks per game -- ranked #84 in the country

Passes Deflected Per Game:

• Harrison Smith -- averages .86 pass deflections per game -- ranked #72 in the country

TOMORROW AN ANALYSIS OF THE NOTRE DAME OFFENSE

Should Jimmy Clausen Have Stayed Home?

Former Notre Dame QB, Jimmy Clausen -- who was the starter for the last three games for the NFL Carolina Panthers -- spent the NFL Bye weekend visiting friends and former teammates at Notre Dame.  Unfortunately, Jimmy returned home to Charlotte to learn that he's no longer the starting QB for the Panthers.  Matt Moore was named, this afternoon, by John Fox (Carolina's Head Coach) as their starter for this Sunday's game against the San Francisco 49'ers.  The Panthers are winless on the season 0-5.  Clausen's completed 47.3% of his passes for 454 yards and 1 TD against 3 interceptions. Maybe Jimmy should have stayed in Charlotte and looked at film this weekend?  Ironically, Clausen is ranked 33rd amongst NFL QB's and his replacment (Matt Moore) is currently ranked 35th.  Maybe it's not the QB?  Here's a link to the story -- along with a link to the current NFL Passing statistics:

LINK:  CLAUSEN DEMOTED

LINK:  NFL PASSING STATISTICS

Brian & Paqui Kelly -- NBC Interview

Notre Dame Head Football Coach, Brian Kelly -- has a 5'-4" hero in his household, his wife Paqui.  Mrs. Kelly is a two-time cancer survivor and the driving force behind the Kelly Cares Foundation.  NBC ran an interview this past Saturday, with the Kelly's, during halftime of their telecast of the Notre Dame vs. Western Michigan game.  You'll enjoy this story -- which was quite appropriate -- since October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month.  Here's a link:

LINK:  BRIAN & PAQUI KELLY -- NBC INTERVIEW

PHOTOS OF THE DAY -- ND GAME DAY!

I ran into these Notre Dame fans Saturday -- outside of Notre Dame Stadium -- offering further proof that we have the greatest fans in the world!

Notre Dame Post Game Celebration

The gang at UND.COM have been granted unprecedented access this season to Notre Dame football -- and it continued after the Irish's 44-20 win over Western Michigan on Saturday.  Here's a link to a video that captures the coaches meeting at midfield at game's end -- right through to the singing of the Victory March in the locker room.  Enjoy!



LINK:  POST GAME CELEBRATION -- NOTRE DAME FOOTBALL

NBC Replay: Notre Dame vs. Western Michigan

Here's a link to NBC's replay of Notre Dame's 44-20 win over Western Michigan on Saturday.  Warning -- they have commercials (that you can't avoid) when watching the replay.

LINK:   NBC REPLAY

NFL Commissioner Visits Notre Dame Saturday

The Commissioner of the National Football League, Roger Goodell, made the trip to the University of Notre Dame for the first time this Saturday -- visiting a niece who's a freshman student and taking in his first Notre Dame football game from the Irish sideline.  During the game, NBC sideline reporter, Alex Flanagan caught up with Commissioner Goodell (seen here in the photo with Flanagan sporting a ND hat and jacket) and asked him about his trip to ND and a number of issues facing the NFL.  Here's a link to the interview:

LINK:  ROGER GOODELL VISITS NOTRE DAME

ND Women's Soccer: 75 Game Unbeaten Streak!

The University of Notre Dame extended their unbeaten streak against Big East Conference foes to a NCAA Division I record of 75 games -- with their 3-1 win over Providence yesterday.  The win also clinched the Irish's sixth consecutive BIG EAST National Division title and its 13th conference regular-season crown (division or overall) since joining the BIG EAST in 1995-96.  The #4 ranked Irish are now 14-1-1 for the season and will close out the regular season this weekend at Villanova & Georgetown before competing in the Big East Championship.  Congratulations Irish!!!

Notre Dame's Ethical Stem Cell Research

We first reported on Notre Dame Professor David Hyde's ground-breaking work with Zebrafish on May 22nd of this year.  This weekend, Notre Dame re-released a TV spot promoting Hyde's work with restoring site to Zebrafish -- in his research to find a cure for human blindness.  It's part of Notre Dame's award winning "What Are You Fighting For" series.  Here's a link to the video:

LINK:  RESTORING VISION

Wolfard '02 and Haney -- Survive Another Week!

CBS's The Amazing Race -- Season 17, moved this week from the heat of Africa to the cold and snow of the Arctic Cirle.  This globe trotting adventure race stars a Notre Dame alum, Thomas Wolfard '02, and his girlfriend Jill Haney (pictured) competing against other two person teams to win the The Amazing Race.  So far -- so good, as last night Thomas and Jill finished fifth -- though they did have to use their Express Pass in doing so.  Their fifth place finish ensures that they'll be moving on to the next episode -- as the top eight finishing teams moved on to the next race.  CBS's The Amazing Race airs each Sunday evening -- don't miss it!  Here's a few links to keep up with Thomas and Jill's great adventure:

LINK:  THOMAS & JILL -- WHY THEY GAVE UP THE EXPRESS PASS

LINK:  REPLAY:  THE AMAZING RACE -- SEASON 17 -- EPISODE 4

LINK:  THOMAS & JILL'S FACEBOOK PAGE

The Sunday Conversation -- Coach Kelly

University of Notre Dame Head Football Coach, Brian Kelly -- sat down with UND.COM's Jack Nolan for their weekly Sunday conversation.  They talked about Saturday's win over Western Michigan University -- the third straight for the Irish.  Here's the link:

LINK:  COACH KELLY'S SUNDAY CONVERSATION

Enjoy: The Band of the Fighting Irish

Here's a video taken this Football Weekend @ Notre Dame -- of The Band of the Fighting Irish -- and a number of their performances.  You'll see; Trumpets in the Dome, March Out, Concert on the Steps, Pre-Game, etc.  Here's the link:

LINK:  THE BAND OF THE FIGHTING IRISH

The "Money's" Saying This -- ND vs. Western

As I've shared on a number of occasions -- I don't bet.  Yet, I do enjoy reviewing the manner in which the oddsmakers in Vegas analyze and place the "line" on the game.  Last week, Notre Dame was a "six point" favorite over Pitt -- NOTRE DAME wins by six.  How do they do that?  So, here's what a number of the betting sites have to say about Notre Dame vs. Western Michigan University:

LINK:  CAPPERSPICKS BLOG

LINK:  TONY'S PICKS

LINK:  BANG THE BOOK

LINK:  ACCUSCORE