About two months ago, I made the decision to make a gift to South Bend's Center for the Homeless of $1,842 -- and in return, they sent me this wonderful present -- see image above.
The ND Monogram is made of bricks from the old Corby Hall that was just re-built here on the University of Notre Dame campus -- a building that goes back to 1895.
South Bend's Center for the Homeless is led by a Domer named Steve Camilleri -- he and his team are doing wonderful things for those who are struggling in our community.
Here's my "two cents" as it relates to the most favorable outcomes in Saturday's Conference Championship games involving top ranked teams:
NOON ET Kick-off: Oklahoma State (+5.5 pts) vs. Baylor (on ABC)
Notre Dame will hope that Baylor finds a way to beat the Cowboys
If they do -- Notre Dame moves up to #5 in rankings
4:00 PM ET Kick-off: Georgia (+6.5 pts) vs. Alabama (on CBS)
Notre Dame will hope that Georgia beats Bama by 14+ points
If the game is closer than that, I fear Bama stays in top 4 -- though they have no business doing so with their very difficult wins over some average teams these last few weeks
Georgia's average margin of victory this season: 32.4 points
If Bama gets walloped -- Notre Dame moves up in the rankings
4:00 PM ET Kick-off: Cincinnati (+10.5 pts) vs. Houston (on ABC)
Notre Dame needs Houston to beat Cincinnati -- but not by much
If Cincinnati loses -- Notre Dame moves up in the rankings
8:00 PM ET Kick-off: Michigan (+10.5 pts) vs. Iowa (on FOX)
Notre Dame needs Iowa to beat Michigan
This would more than likely be the biggest upset of the day
So, here is our best route to the College Football Playoffs:
Decisive win for Georgia over Alabama -- this is a must
Get Bama out of top 4 in final poll
And, then we just need one upset in the next three games
Bettors believe the closest game will be Baylor vs. Oklahoma State
If this happens -- we have a GREAT shot of making the CFB Playoffs
Took a lap around the worldwide web this morning to see what the media has to say about the news that Marcus Freeman would be named the Dick Corbett Head Football Coach at the University of Notre Dame. Here's what I found:
Here are some of the highlights of Brian Kelly's deal that apparently makes him the "highest paid coach" in college football:
10 year base salary worth $95 million
A "stay at LSU" bonus of $500,000 -- paid out every July 1st he is employed at LSU
A "bowl bonus" of $500,000 for every bowl game LSU plays in
A "SEC Championship game appearance" and he gets a bonus of $75,000
A "SEC Championship" win and he gets a $150,000 bonus
A "National Championship" win and he gets at $500,000 bonus
Win the first "SEC Championship" and his compensation increases $250,000 -- every year for the life of his contract
Win a "National Championship" and his compensation increases $500,000 -- every year for the life of his contract
Two car allowance of $1,000 a month
An interest free loan of $1.2 million to purchase a home
50 hours of travel per year on private jets
If Kelly is fired "without cause" -- LSU still owes him 90% of the balance of the ten-year salary
If Kelly leaves while the current Athletic Director is employed:
He would pay a $4 million "buyout" if he left in the next year
He would pay a $3 million "buyout" if he left in year two of his contract
He would pay a $2 million "buyout" if he left in any year after two years into his contract
If the LSU Athletic Director leaves while Kelly is the Head Coach -- Kelly does not owe LSU a contract buyout fee if he leaves before his contract ends.
