THE AMAZING RACE: Another Win for Irish!

Notre Dame Alum, Thomas Wolfard '02 and his girlfriend Jill Haney won again last night -- reaching the finish line in South Korea before the other three teams!  This means they're among the final three teams left competing for the $1 million first prize -- in season 18 of CBS's globe-trotting adventure race.  Here's a link to an interview with Thomas and Jill -- after their win last night along with a replay of the entire episode:

LINK:  THOMAS AND JILL INTERVIEW 

LINK:  REPLAY -- CBS'S THE AMAZING RACE

THE HYUNDAI SUN BOWL IT IS FOR IRISH!!!

The University of Notre Dame accepted an invitation to the Hyundai Sun Bowl to take on the Miami Hurricanes @ Noon EST on New Year's Eve!  The game is played in El Paso, TX and will renew one of the most "INTENSE" rivalries in college history.  Hyundai Sun Bowl Chairman had this to say about their bowl game:  "We never in our wildest dreams in 77 years of bowl business thought we'd have a matchup like that.  This is the greatest thing that's ever happened to our community."

Yeah, Notre Dame is irrelevant...  Here's a few stories about the announcement -- along with video of a "teary eyed" Sun Bowl Official talking about "getting Notre Dame."

LINK:  KTSM-TV STORY

LINK:  SUN SENTINEL STORY

LINK:  MIAMI HERALD STORY 

LINK:  EL PASO TIMES STORY

LINK:  KVIA-TV STORY

LINK:  SOUTH BEND TRIBUNE STORY

LINK:  WNDU-TV STORY

LINK:  HYUNDAI SUN BOWL -- OFFICIAL WEBSITE

NOTRE DAME -- NATIONAL CHAMPIONS!!!!!!

The University of Notre Dame Women's Soccer Team beat Stanford this afternoon to win the 2010 NCAA Women's Soccer National Championship!!! The Irish only needed one goal, from freshman Adriana Leon, eleven minutes in the second half -- in their 1-0 win over the #1 ranked and undefeated Stanford Cardinal. Two Fun Facts from the NCAA Women's Soccer Championships:  Notre's last four goals in the tournament were scored by FRESHMAN!  And, Notre Dame is now undefeated -- the last three years -- every time junior, Melissa Henderson gets an assist!  Melissa assisted Leon's winning goal.  Here's a link to all of the coverage following today's THIRD NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP FOR NOTRE DAME'S WOMEN'S SOCCER PROGRAM!!!!

YOU CAN WELCOME HOME THE NATIONAL CHAMPS 

AT 8:30 PM THIS EVENING @ PURCELL PAVILLION!!!

LINK:  ESPN GAME STORY

LINK:  NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP HIGHLIGHTS

LINK:  SOUTH BEND TRIBUNE -- GAME STORY

Irish Play for NCAA CHAMPIONSHIP @ NOON!!!

The Fighting Irish of Notre Dame's Women's Soccer Team is playing in the National Championship game today at NOON EST against the top ranked, and undefeated, Stanford Cardinal.  It's the fourth time in the last seven years, and the eighth time overall. that the Irish will be playing in the National Championship final -- having won this game in 1995 and 2004.  This game will also mark the 300th game in Randy Waldrum's coaching career at Notre Dame.  The game will be televised on ESPN2 and ESPN3.com   Here's a link to the 2010 College Cup Tournament Central website where you'll see a video of Saturday's press conference and a link to today's South Bend Tribune story.   GO IRISH!!!!

LINK:  GAME DAY CENTRAL -- NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP GAME

Are the Irish Heading to El Paso?

With both West Virginia and UCONN winning today -- and Washington beating Washington State -- all signs point to Notre Dame heading to El Paso, TX to play in the Hyundai Sun Bowl on New Year's Eve!  And, don't be surprised if the Irish will be taking on the Miami Hurricanes -- in an "early renewal" of the "CATHOLICS vs. CONVICTS" series.  Notre Dame has called a press conference for Sunday to officially announce where the Irish will be "bowling!"  Here's a link to the Hyundai's Sun Bowl official website:

LINK:  HYUNDAI SUN BOWL -- OFFICIAL WEBSITE

Irish Hockey Beats 5th Ranked Miami!

Jeff Jackson's 12th ranked Fighting Irish over came a two goal deficit last night -- scoring three times in the last period -- beating the Miami Red Hawks last night 5-4 -- moving Notre Dame back into first place in the CCHA!  A big "thank you" to Dr. Jim Callahan (Philadelphia, PA) for reminding me that the winning goal last night was scored by freshman, T.J. Tyner -- who was named National Rookie of the Month! Here's the South Bend Tribune game story:



LINK:  IRISH BACK INTO FIRST PLACE!

LINK:  UND.COM -- GAME NOTES

"Domer" Haywood Leads Team to MAC Title!

Former University of Notre Dame football player and Offensive Coordinator -- Mike Haywood -- led his Miami of Ohio "Redhawks" to a Mid American Conference Championship last night when they upset (the 25th ranked)  Northern Illinois, with a TD in the final 33 seconds, 26-21 in the MAC Championship game!  Haywood (in photo holding trophy), in his second-year as a Head Coach, was 1-11 in his first year at Miami....  Now, they're the 9-4 Mid American Conference Champs and off to a bowl game!!!  INCREDIBLE TURN AROUND!  Here's a link to some video highlights and the post game press conference -- and story from last night's game:

LINK:  GAME HIGHLIGHTS AND HAYWOOD'S POST GAME PRESS CONFERENCE

LINK:  GAME STORY -- CHICAGO BREAKING SPORTS

Irish Soccer -- In National Championship Game!

Randy Waldrum's Fighting Irish beat Ohio State 1-0 today in the Semi-Finals of the College Cup -- Women's Soccer's Final Four -- to advance to Sunday's National Championship game against Stanford!!!  Notre Dame's loan goal was scored by freshman, Mandy Laddish (#2 in photo) -- her second goal of the season.  COULD BE A MOVIE HERE!  The game for the National Championship will be at NOON EST on Sunday -- on ESPN2.  It will match the undefeated and #1 ranked Cardinal of Stanford against the 7th ranked 20-2-2 Notre Dame Fighting Irish.  Here's a link to the "post game" press conference and the game highlights including the winning goal:  CONGRATULATIONS IRISH!!!!

LINK:  POST GAME PRESS CONFERENCE

LINK:  IRISH WIN! -- GAME HIGHLIGHTS!!!

Utah's Attempt @ "Welcome to Notre Dame"

Notre Dame fans and its opponents fans -- have come to expect to be greeted with the words; "Welcome to Notre Dame" (multiple times) when they attend a football game at Notre Dame Stadium.  The man responsible for this is -- Cappy Gagnon '66 -- Notre Dame's Program Manager, Crowd Control.  Cappy and his team of 857 ushers -- make the "Notre Dame Experience" -- world class and the envy of every opponents' fans who visit.  A letter ran today in the Salt Lake City Tribune -- that spoke to Utah's attempt to "re-create" the Notre Dame experience at their game this past Saturday with BYU.  Thought you would enjoy this!

LINK:  THE NOTRE DAME WAY...

Irish Women's Soccer On ESPN2 @ 4 PM EST

The 7th ranked Fighting Irish of Notre Dame will take on the 17th ranked Ohio State Buckeyes today in the first Semi-Final game of the Women's College Cup -- the 2010 National Championship!  The game will be televised on ESPN2 -- beginning at 4 PM EST.  It's the fifth straight year that Randy Waldrum's Irish are competing in Women's Soccer "Final Four."  Go IRISH!!!

Mike Brey Radio Show: Tonight @ 7 PM EST

University of Notre Dame Men's Basketball Coach, Mike Brey -- will be airing his first LIVE Radio Show this evening from Legends of Notre Dame at 7 PM EST.  UND.COM's Jack Nolan will sit alongside Coach Brey and co-host -- with what's planned to be an "every Thursday" event during the basketball season.  Notre Dame freshman, Jerian Grant is tonight's guest.  Here's a link to the show:

LINK:  MIKE BREY RADIO SHOW -- WATCH IT LIVE!

Irish Gear Up for Women Soccer's FINAL FOUR!

The Fighting Irish of Notre Dame Women's Soccer Team is in Cary, NC today getting ready for tomorrow's Semi-Final game against Ohio State in the 2010 College Cup.  It's the fifth consecutive year that the Irish have made it this far!  Game time is 4:00 PM EST on ESPN2.  Here's a link to today's press conference with Irish Head Coach, Randy Waldrum and student athletes; Lauren Fowlkes and Jessica Schuveiller:

LINK:  NOTRE DAME GOES FOR THE NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP!

Where Are They Now? -- Bob Golic

These days, this former "two-time" First Team All-American Linebacker, member of the 1977 National Championship team (and something I didn't know) "two time" All-American wrestler  -- is better known as the "big brother" of Mike Golic of ESPN fame.  Don't tell him that!!!  Bob Golic, who played 13 years in the NFL and was a three time NFL Pro Bowl selection -- left the NFL for "Hollywood" where he starred in the sitcom "Saved by the Bell:  The College Years."  You also may recall seeing Bob in some "Nutri-System" commercials where he served as a spokesperson losing 140 lbs!  For the past five years, Golic has hosted his own daily "afternoon drive time" radio show 3 PM to 7 PM EST) in Akron at WNIR 101 FM - and when he's not on the radio you might find him in the downtown Cleveland's Warehouse District at his; Bob Golic's Sports Bar & Grille.  I'll never forget Golic's response to a question from a reporter about what it was like to play "Nose Tackle in the NFL" -- Bob's response:  "It's like being a fire hydrant at a dog show..."  Here's some links to websites on where you can catch up with Bob including a link to his radio show:

LINK:  BOB GOLIC'S OFFICIAL WEBSITE

LINK:  OFFICIAL WEBSITE FOR BOB GOLIC'S SPORTS BAR & GRILLE

LINK:  BOB GOLIC'S RADIO SHOW -- LISTEN LIVE!

NOTRE DAME'S FINAL OFFENSIVE RANKINGS

It's time for our FINAL look at where Notre Dame Football 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 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 - #57 with 19.83 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 27.08 first downs per game.  

Third Down Conversions:  2010 Rank - #76 with a 37.5% conversion rate -- in 2009 we had a 39.1% conversion rate for the season, ranking us #48 -- Stanford leads the country converting 57.76% of their third downs.  

Passing Yards Per Attempt:  2010 Rank - #75 with 6.8 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 10.3 yards per attempt.

Passing Yardage:  2010 Rank - #29 with 257 yards per game  (3,089 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 385 yards passing per game (4,618 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.  IMPROVEMENT!

Rushing Yardage:  2010 Rank - #97 with 121 yards rushing per game (1,450 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 327 yards rushing per game (3,924 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.  

Fewest Pass Interceptions Thrown:  2010 Rank -- #105 having thrown 16 pass interceptions this season -- in 2009 we threw 5 interceptions for the season, raking us #4  -- Army leads the country having thrown the few pass interceptions this season with 3.

Fewest Fumbles Lost:  2010 Rank -- #31 having lost 8 fumbles this season -- in 2009 we lost 9 fumbles for the season ranking us #39 -- Ohio State leads the country in fewest fumbles lost this season with 2.  IMPROVEMENT!

Fewest  Turnovers Lost:  2010 Rank - #84 with 24 turnovers lost -- in 2009 we had 14 turnovers for the season, ranking us #7 -- Iowa and Wisconsin lead the country with 9 turnovers lost for the season.  

Total Offense:  2010 Rank -- #63 with 378 yards per game of offense -- in 2009 we had 451 yards per game of offense, ranking us #8 -- Oregon leads the country 541 yards per game of offense. 

Points Per Game:  2010 Rank -- #73 with 25.75 points per game -- in 2009 we averaged 30.1 points per game for the season, ranking us #32 -- Oregon leads the country scoring 50.45 points per game.  

.

TEAM STATISTICS

Fewest Penalties:  2010 Rank - #10 with 55 penalties -- in 2009 we had 75 penalties for the season, ranking us #50 -- Wisconsin leads the country in the fewest penalties with 35.  IMPROVEMENT!

Fewest Penalty Yards:  2010 Rank -- #25 with 511 yards in penalties -- in 2009 we had 666 yards in penalties, ranking us #60 -- Navy leads the country in fewest penalty yards with 320.  IMPROVEMENT!

Net Punting Yards:  2010 Rank -- #72 with an average net of 36.9 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.  IMPROVEMENT! 

Field Goals -- 2010 Rank -- #32 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 #38 in the country with 226 passing yards, per game

-Ranked #72 in the country with 2,033 yards passing, for the season
-Ranked #45 in the country with 234 yards of total offense, per game

-Ranked #56 in the country with 15 TD passes
-Ranked #57 in the country with a 129.34 QB rating

-Ranked #65 in the country with a 59.2% pass completion percentage

-Ranked #77 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 #29 in the country

David Ruffer:

-Ranked #1 in the country with most field goals made without a miss (15)
-Ranked #32 in the country in most field goals made with 15

-Ranked #35 in the country for longest field goal made - 50 yards
-Ranked #96 in scoring per game with a 6.58 points average

Michael Floyd:
-Ranked #24 in the country with 83 yards receiving per game

-Ranked #31 in the country with 916 yards receiving for the season

-Ranked #21 in the country with 73 pass receptions

-Ranked #13 in the country with 10 TD catches

-Ranked #29 in the country with an 80 yard catch

Kyle Rudolph:

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

Tommy Rees:
-Ranked #61 in the country for most pass interceptions thrown with 8

ND Football Players -- Eligible for a Fifth Year

I received this question today from ND GO IRISH BLOG regular, R.J. Doyle: "What Notre Dame football players are eligible for a fifth year next season?"  A very good question -- let's first start with the list of seniors, who played this year for the Irish, who still have a fifth year of eligibility left.  Here goes:

Notre Dame Senior Football Players -- Eligible for a Fifth Year:

1. Taylor Dever, OT
2. Gary Gray, DB
3. Andrew Nuss, OG
4. Emeka Nwankwo, DE
5. Steve Paskorz, LB
6. Mike Ragone, TE
7. Matt Romine, OT
8. David Ruffer, K
9. Harrison Smith, S
10. Brandon Walker, K
11. Dan Wenger, C -- is seeking a "medical 6th year" of eligibility from the NCAA

If I had to make an educated guess -- I would suspect the following players have been asked by Coach Kelly to come back for a "fifth year:"  Dever, Gray, Nuss, Ragone, Romine, Ruffer and Smith.  And, I believe Notre Dame is doing what it can to assist Wenger in getting a sixth year of eligibility. 

We should know later this month!

The 25th Ranked Irish -- Beat Indiana State!

Mike Brey's Fighting Irish are now 8-0 after last nights 81-72 win over Larry Bird's alma mater, Indiana State.  This was a "tune-up" game for Notre Dame, as they get ready for the big game next Wednesday -- when they take on John Calipari's 10th ranked Kentucky Wildcats.  Here's a link to the South Bend Tribune's game story, along with a links to game highlights -- and Mike Brey's post game comments.  Go Irish!  Photo courtesy of the South Bend Tribune.

LINK:  SOUTH BEND TRIBUNE -- GAME STORY

LINK:  GAME HIGHLIGHTS -- ND vs. INDIANA STATE

LINK:  MIKE BREY'S POST GAME COMMENTS

A Domer's First Book -- An Autobiography?

Betsy Ross (we're not talking about the "flag maker") is a Notre Dame alum who you may recall seeing on ESPN's SportsCenter -- where she worked for five years in the late 90's.  Well, now you can add "author" to Betsy's resume -- her book "Playing Ball With The Boys" captures what it was like for a number of women who were the "pioneers" in sports, broadcasting and sports management.  After learning what Ross has done in her own life -- she probably could have just called this an "autobiography."  Betsy is president and founder of Game Day Communications and has more than 20 years of experience as a sports and news anchor.  Before anchoring SportsCenter and ESPN News, Ross worked at NBC News Channel and Cincinnati’s NBC affiliate, WLWT-TV.  And, she continues to be involved in sports broadcasting as play-by-play anchor for women’s college basketball for ESPN, Fox Sports and other national and regional outlets, and as a sports reporter for Cincinnati’s FOX 19.  Here's a link to a Cincinnati website's story on Betsy and a link to where you can buy her book!

LINK: A CINCINNATI.COM STORY ABOUT BETSY

LINK:  PLAYING BALL WITH THE BOYS -- AMAZON

A Christmas Message From Notre Dame...

I received an email today from the University of Notre Dame -- "A Christmas Message..."  Thought I'd share it with all of you.  Here's the link:

LINK:  A CHRISTMAS MESSAGE FROM NOTRE DAME


 

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