NOTRE DAME'S FINAL DEFENSIVE RANKINGS!

It's time for our FINAL look at where Notre Dame football team's Defense ranks in certain statistical categories amongst the 120 teams in the NCAA Football Bowl Subdivision -- FOR 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.  Please note:  The Notre Dame Defense faced many of the top offensive teams in the country -- 10 of them will be playing in bowl games:

OPPONENTS OFFENSIVE RANKING -- TOTAL OFFENSE:

• #5 in the country -- Tulsa
• #6 in the country -- Michigan
• #14 in the country -- Stanford
• #30 in the country -- USC
• #36 in the country -- Navy
• #37 in the country -- Western Michigan
• #39 in the country -- Michigan State
• #42 in the country -- Utah

NOTRE DAME DEFENSE -- TEAM STATISTICS

Quarterback Sacks:  2010 Rank - #45 with 26 QB sacks -- in 2009 we had 19 QB sacks for the season, ranking us #92 -- Florida State leads the country with 43 QB sacks.  IMPROVEMENT!

Tackles for Loss:  2010 Rank - #65 with an average of 5.63 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 8.58 tackles for loss per game.  

Interceptions:  2010 Rank - #32 with 14 interceptions -- in 2009 we had 12 interceptions for the season, ranking us #50 -- Alabama leads the country with 21 interceptions.  IMPROVEMENT!

First Downs:  2010 Rank - #30 allowing an average of 17.92 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 11.33 first downs per game.  IMPROVEMENT!

Third Down Conversion Rate:  2010 Rank - #22 allowing only 35.08% conversion rate on third down -- in 2009 we allowed a 39.5% conversion rate, ranking us #67 -- TCU leads the country allowing only a 21.85% conversion rate.  IMPROVEMENT!

Red Zone Efficiency:  2010 Rank - #53 allowing the team to score 81% of the time -- in 2009 we allowed teams to score 75% of the time, ranking us #15 -- Missouri leads the country allowing teams to score 55% of the time.

Turnovers Gained:  2010 Rank - #54 with 21 turnovers gained -- in 2009 we gained 19 turnovers for the season, ranking us #80 -- Hawaii and Toledo lead the country with 33 turnovers gained this season.  IMPROVEMENT!

Rushing Yards:  2010 Rank - #57 giving up an average of 147 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 80 yards rushing per game.  IMPROVEMENT!

Passing Yards:  2010 Rank - #44 giving up an average of 206 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 126 yards passing per game.  IMPROVEMENT!

Total Yards:  2010 Rank - #49 giving up 353 yards per game -- in 2009 we gave up an average of 397 yards per game, ranking us #86 -- TCU leads the country giving up 215 yards per game.  IMPROVEMENT!

Points Allowed Per Game:  2010 Rank - #29 giving up 20.5 points per game -- in 2009 we gave up 25.3 points per game, ranking us #63 -- TCU leads the country giving up 11.42 points per game.  IMPROVEMENT!

NOTRE DAME DEFENSE -- INDIVIDUAL STATISTICS

Tackles Per Game:

• Manti Teo -- averaged 10.58 tackles per game -- ranked #16 in the country

Solo Tackles Per Game:

• Manti Teo -- averaged 5.42 solo tackles per game -- ranked #26 in the country

Sacks:

• Darius Fleming -- 5.5 sacks this season -- ranked #81 in the country
• Ethan Johnson --  5.0 sacks this season -- ranked #97 in the country

Passes Defended:

• Harrison Smith -- .92 passes defended per game -- ranked #42 in the country 

Interceptions

• Harrison Smith -- 4 interceptions this season -- ranked #27 in the country
• Darrin Walls -- 3 interceptions this season -- ranked #61 in the country

NOT BAD FOR A DEFENSE THAT ESPN'S KIRK HERBSTREIT CALLED

"HIGH SCHOOL"

Notre Dame Research Project: Why We Give

University of Notre Dame sociology professor, Christian Smith -- is leading an interesting research initiative that will merge economic, sociological, neurological and psychological studies to explain why some people give and some don't.  The John Templeton Foundation gave Notre Dame a $5 million grant to create the Science of Generosity Initiative.  Here's a link to the USA Today story:

LINK:  NOTRE DAME RESEARCH PROJECT

Notre Dame's Opponents: Win / Loss Records

At the beginning of this football season -- many, if not every -- Notre Dame fan thought we had an "easy" schedule...  Well, nothing could have been further from the truth.  Ready for two FUN FACTS you can share with your pals -- whose favorite school might be playing in a BCS Championship Bowl?  Here goes:

• Fun Fact #1:  Notre Dame played more bowl eligible teams this year -- than any college football team in America.  10 of Notre Dame's 12 opponents are bowl eligible -- the only teams that were not;  Purdue (only 4 wins) and USC (NCAA probation), who's won seven games going into Saturday's game against UCLA.
• Fun Fact #2:  Notre Dame's opponents have won more games than any other team's opponents in FBS.  Notre Dame's opponents have an overall Win/Loss record of:  92-48

Here's how the top 10 Teams in the BCS Rankings stack up against Notre Dame in these two aforementioned categories:

1. Auburn:  Played 8 bowl eligible teams this year -- Opponents Win/Loss:  83-60
2. Oregon:  Played 3 bowl eligible teams this year -- Opponents Win/Loss:  60-77
3. TCU:  Played 6 bowl eligible teams this year -- Opponents Win/Loss:  65-77
4. Stanford:  Played 3 bowl eligible teams this year -- Opponents Win/Loss:  67-69
5. Wisconsin:  Played 5 bowl eligible teams this year -- Opponents Win/Loss:  65-77
6. Ohio State:  Played 7 bowl eligible teams this year -- Opponents Win/Loss:  72-72
7. Arkansas:  Played 8 bowl eligible teams this year -- Opponents Win/Loss:  83-58
8. Michigan State:  Played 8 bowl eligible teams this year -- Opponents Win/Loss:  72-70
9. Oklahoma:  Played 7 bowl eligible teams this year -- Opponents Win/Loss:  83-58
10. LSU:  Played 9 bowl eligible teams this year -- Opponents Win/Loss:  84-58

Notre Dame & South Bend: National Award!

It was announced today that the National League of Cities 2010 Gold Award for Municipal Excellence will go to South Bend, IN for the Northeast Neighborhood Revitalization program (a joint effort between the University of Notre Dame and South Bend) to redevelop the area near the Notre Dame campus.  The program has led to numerous new developments across the city, including the Eddy Street Commons, a mixed-use development area; a new facility for the Indiana University School of Medicine at South Bend; and Innovation Park at Notre Dame, a state-certified technology park.  South Bend is just one of four cities in the country to receive the Gold Award -- the other three are:

• New York City
• Kingsport, TN
• Newport News, VA

Bowl Game Options For Notre Dame...

With Notre Dame's win over USC -- giving them a final record of 7 wins and 5 losses the Irish are still not a "given" to any of the Bowl Games potentially available to them.  Believe it or not -- Notre Dame's bowl destination could be riding on the outcomes of the Washington vs. Washington State game and the Oregon vs. Oregon State games this week.  Here's why:

1. Notre Dame has only one deal in place with a Bowl Game and that's the Champs Bowl.  The Champs Bowl has the option of selecting the Irish over a Big East team -- once, every four years.  
2. Beyond that deal -- the Irish are left to choose from any Bowl Game that doesn't have "qualifiers" from its conference affiliations.  This year -- the most options reside with the PAC 10 Conference -- where they have only 3 qualifiers (Oregon, Stanford and Arizona) for the six Bowl Games they have deals in place with.  Oregon and Stanford are locks for BCS Championship Bowl Games (one of the two will end up in the Rose Bowl) -- meaning the PAC 10 has one team currently qualified for their five other Bowl deals:  Bridgepoint Education Holiday Bowl, Valero Alamo Bowl, Hyundai Sun Bowl, MAACO Las Vegas Bowl and the Kraft Fight Hunger Bowl.

The feeling by a few -- is Notre Dame will pass on the Champs Bowl this year -- "keeping this game in their back pocket" as an option for next year, because of all of the potential openings in the PAC 10 Bowl Games this year.  Please note -- there are conflicting reports as to whether Notre Dame could turn down a Champs Bowl invitation...

So, if we assume this to be true -- here's the remaining bowl options for the Irish.  Please note:  I've already taken the Valero Alamo Bowl out of play for Notre Dame -- most expect them to select the third place team in the PAC 10 Arizona.  Here's what's potentially left for the Irish -- depending on whether Oregon State and Washington become bowl eligible this weekend:

• Bridgepoint Education Holiday Bowl -- December 30th -- San Diego, CA
• Hyundai Sun Bowl -- December 31st -- El Paso, TX 
• MAACO Las Vegas Bowl -- December 22nd -- Las Vegas, NV
• Kraft Fight Hunger Bowl -- January 9th -- San Francisco, CA

Thus -- with all this said, if ND decides to hold off on the Champs Bowl this year (where they would more than likely play North Carolina State or Maryland) -- don't expect to hear ND's bowl destination until Sunday at the earliest. If Washington wins this Saturday -- as expected -- they will surely end up in San Diego for the Bridgepoint Education Holiday Bowl.  Which would leave the potential for a Notre Dame vs. Miami, FL game in El Paso at the Hyundai Sun Bowl.

Muffet's Irish Win WBCA Tournament Title!

The Fighting Irish of Notre Dame's women's basketball team won the WBCA Women's Classic Basketball Tournament yesterday with a convincing 85-54 win over Butler in the championship game.  The Irish were led by Natalie Novosel (pictured) who scored a game high 20 points and was named the Tournament MVP!  Natalie was joined on the All Tournament team by her teammates; Devereaux Peters and Erica Solomon.  This was the 14th regular season tournament title win for the Notre Dame Women's Basketball program!  Here's a link to the South Bend Tribune story:

LINK:  IRISH WIN WBCA TOURNAMENT!

Wolfard '02 and Haney Survive Another Week!

Notre Dame alum, Thomas Wolfard '02 and his girlfriend Jill Haney are competing in CBS's The Amazing Race -- and competing well!  The two were in Hong Kong this week -- in this globe trotting adventure race.  And, if not for problems tracking down a taxi at the very end of the race -- they would have racked up another win -- as they seek the million dollar prize that goes to the winners!  Their second place finish ensured them they would move on to the next race -- only to learn that all four remaining teams advanced after the last place team wasn't eliminated from the competition.  The Amazing Race airs every Sunday night on CBS -- be sure to check in on "TEAM NOTRE DAME!"  Go Irish!  Here's a link to an interview of Thomas and Jill along with a replay of last night's episode:

LINK:  THOMAS AND JILL -- INTERVIEW

LINK:  THE AMAZING RACE -- HONG KONG

Irish Win Old Spice Classic Over Wisconsin!!!

 Mike Brey's Fighting Irish of Notre Dame -- beat Wisconsin tonight -- 58-51 to win the Old Spice Classic at Disney's Wide World of Sports!  A big time 15-0 run in the last four minutes of the game, reversed Wisconsin's eleven point lead -- as the Irish became the 7th team from the Big East to win a tournament this weekend!  Tim Abromatis was named Tournament MVP and Carlton Scott joined him on the All Tournament Team.  Congratulations!  The win vaults the Irish into the #25 spot in the latest AP Rankings.  Here's a link to the Milwaukee Journal story:

LINK:  IRISH WIN CHAMPIONSHIP!

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