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!!!