Zibby Wins Unanimous Decision -- Last Night!

Tommy Zbikowski won his third professional fight last night with a four-round unanimous decision over Caleb "True Grit" Grummet -- the first time Zibby has had to go the distance in a pro fight.  You'll find the story linked below quite interesting -- and quite graphic -- as the writer details what happened on Zibby's way to the locker room after the fight.  Way to go Zibby!

LINK:  ZIBBY WINS!

PHOTO OF THE DAY: ND Spring Practice

Here's what practice looks like "indoors" at the Loftus Center on the campus of the University of Notre Dame.  The Irish are involved in practice #3 of the Spring Season.  Photo courtesy of Brian Hamilton of the Chicago Tribune -- he "tweeted" this photo.

Muffet's Irish -- on ESPN at 2:30 PM EDT Today!

The "Sweet Sixteen" Fighting Irish of Notre Dame take on Oklahoma today in Dayton, OH.  The winner advances to the Elite Eight -- and one step closer to the FINAL FOUR.  Last year Oklahoma knocked out ND in the NCAA Tournament -- REVENGE TIME!  The game will be televised by ESPN beginning at 2:30 PM EDT.

To get you ready for today's game -- you'll want to click on the links below:


LINK:  ND vs. OKLAHOMA PREVIEW

LINK:  MUFFET'S PRESS CONFERENCE

LINK:  ND PLAYERS -- PRESS CONFERENCE

Zibby Fighting Again -- TONIGHT ON HBO!

Former Notre Dame football star and current NFL Baltimore Raven -- Tommy Zbikowski, is fighting again tonight.  He's in Atlantic City, NJ fighting in a four-round "undercard" bout on HBO's "Boxing After Dark" telecast -- and he'll have "Hall-a-Famer" Emanuel Steward in his corner.  HBO will have "highlights" of Tommy's fight during their telecast tonight which begins at 9:45 PM ET.

Steward is one of the all-time great boxing trainers -- working out of his KRONK gym in Detroit.  Zibby and Steward teamed up for this fight and it appears Zibby intends to move to Detroit after the fight to continue his quest to become the Heavyweight Champion of the World!  (Photo above of Emmanuel Steward and Tommy Zbikowski)

Just something to do while the NFL is on strike...

The New York Post and The Press of Atlantic City ran stories this morning about Tommy's fight -- see links below.  And, there's a third link to an interview with Zibby about tonight's fight -- just fast forward the video to the 10:30 mark and you'll find his interview. 

LINK:  NEW YORK POST STORY

LINK:  THE PRESS OF ATLANTIC CITY

LINK:  ZIBBY TV INTERVIEW

The "Not So" Elite Eight: Student-Athletes

Over the next two-days, the nation's attention will be on the ELITE EIGHT -- the last teams standing in the 2011 NCAA Men's Division I Basketball Championship.  We will hear story after story about how great these teams are on the wood floor.  But, I can bet -- CBS and BANK NCAA won't be alerting all of you to this story...

Back in 1906 the NCAA was formed (in their own words) to "protect young people from the dangerous and exploitive athletics practices of the time."  This was 105 years ago -- long before the NCAA became a bank in Indianapolis.

Here's the story you won't be hearing today or tomorrow -- and it's about the "exploitation" of the "student" half of the misplaced term -- student-athlete.  If you were to properly identify the guys wearing basketball uniforms -- on TV sets these next two days -- they would be placed in two categories:

Student-Athletes or Rented-Athletes.   

Behind closed doors BANK NCAA calls the latter; "short-term assets."

Of the teams left in the Elite Eight -- here's how the teams should be identified -- based on BANK NCAA's GSR score -- (it's not a credit score) -- it's the Graduation Success Rate of its bank account holders.

Student-Athletes:

• North Carolina -- a GSR of 88 
• Butler -- a GSR of 83
• Kansas -- a GSR of 80 

Rented-Athletes or Short Term Assets:

• VCU -- a GSR of 56
• Kentucky -- a GSR of 44
• Florida -- a GSR of 44
• UCONN -- a GSR of 31
• Arizona -- a GSR of 20  

It makes you wonder why BANK NCAA even seeks a GSR score for its bank account holders?  Have you ever heard a story about BANK NCAA "turning down" VCU, Kentucky, Florida, UCONN or Arizona as a customer -- for their low GSR score?  I haven't.  From what I can see, BANK NCAA just keeps taking deposits -- from all of their account holders.

This is the story you won't hear today or tomorrow -- BANK ON IT!

PHOTO OF THE DAY: ND Coaches Clinic

The "guest speakers" at the University of Notre Dame Football Coaches Clinic this weekend are seen here in this picture with Coach Brian Kelly;  Urban Meyer and Chip Kelly.  A big "thank you" goes out to Coach Kelly for "tweeting" this photo!

Spring Practice Update -- Friday, March 25th

The gang at UND.COM was at practice again -- this morning at the University of Notre Dame -- as Brian Kelly's crew was back on the indoor field for Spring Practice #2.  Here's a link to a feature they produced on the QB competition -- along with links to interviews with the two top returning QB's on the roster (Crist and Rees): 

LINK:  QB COMPETITION AT NOTRE DAME

LINK:  DAYNE CRIST INTERVIEW

LINK:  TOMMY REES INTERVIEW

Jeff Samardzija On Opening Day Cub's Roster!

Former Notre Dame football and baseball star, Jeff Samardzija -- will be in the Chicago Cubs bullpen when the season starts next weekend.  Here's a link to ESPN's story:

LINK:  THE SHARK MAKES THE CUBS ROSTER

The NCAA Is Really the Name of a Bank in Indy

The news the past few months out of Columbus (OH), Auburn (AL) and Eugene (OR) -- and the lack of any action out of the NCAA proves my point -- the NCAA is just the name of a "bank" located in Indianapolis, IN.

Five Ohio State athletes -- sell merchandise given to them to a "shady character" in Columbus.  We now know that their head coach knew about it last April -- yet, they all are eligible to play in their BCS Bowl Game.  Why you ask (?) -- just take a look at the deposit slips at BANK NCAA.

Auburn's starting QB's family seeks $150,000 + for their son's signature on a scholarship offer -- and the proof is there that it happened -- yet, BANK NCAA lets him play in the National Championship game.   Why you ask (?) -- just take a look at the deposit slips at BANK NCAA.

Oregon, the other team in the National Championship game this past January -- paid $25,000 to a Houston based "recruiting service" shortly after a star high-school player by the name of Seastrunk signed a National Letter of Intent with the Ducks -- in February of 2010.  Will Lyles was the recipient of the $25,000 and he was the kid's "personal trainer."   The check wasn't sent to Lyles from a "booster" -- it was sent directly to him by Oregon's Athletic Department.  FYI -- Oregon had sent Lyles a check for $16,500 the previous year as well.

Life must be good for "personal trainers" around the country of athletes being recruited by Oregon!

Yet, once again -- the Ducks were allowed to play in the National Championship Game.  Why (?) -- just take a look at the deposit slips at BANK NCAA.

Folks -- it's quite obvious that BANK NCAA only makes rulings when they don't impact their savings account.  If they had ruled on these three teams before the bowl games -- ratings might have dropped -- which would have impacted future contract negotiations (BANK DEPOSITS) with the TV networks.
 
So, BANK NCAA will wait, wait, wait and wait -- to charge any penalties to their account holders -- until after the CHECKS HAVE CLEARED.

Thus -- the message to athletic departments is this:  If you're willing to go "all-in" to win a National Championship -- meaning, break any rule you want.  You can -- and you won't be penalized until years after you've won that Championship -- after the checks have cleared BANK NCAA.

Sad -- but true.

Notre Dame To Go Dark This Weekend!

In honor of Earth Day -- the University of Notre Dame will "turn off the lights" on the "Golden Dome" and "Touchdown Jesus" for a sixty hour period this weekend.  Here's a link to the story:

LINK:  TURN OFF THE LIGHTS!

ND Fencing in 1st Place at NCAA -- Day 1

The #1 ranked Fighting Irish of Notre Dame are in first place after Day 1 of the NCAA Championships.  Notre Dame is seeking its ninth National Championship in Fencing.  Here's a link to the NCAA coverage of the event:

LINK:  NCAA CHAMPIONSHIPS -- ND IN FIRST PLACE!

Golic and Newman -- Don't Try This @ Home!

Was just sent a link to this video of Notre Dame football players; Mike Golic, Jr. and Brandon Newman performing the band TOTO's song "Africa" -- in what appears to be a lecture hall at the University of Notre Dame.  You will get a laugh out of this...

LINK:  GOLIC JR. AND NEWMAN

CFN Projects ND Sweep of Big 10!

College Football News published a story today predicting the results for each Big Ten team for the upcoming 2011 season.  And, for the three Big Ten teams that play the Fighting Irish of Notre Dame in 2011; Michigan, Michigan State and Purdue -- CFN is predicting Notre Dame wins over all three Big Ten opponents!  So, does that make Notre Dame a LEADER and a LEGEND?  Here's a link to the story:

LINK:  IRISH "UNDEFEATED" AGAINST THE BIG TEN IN 2011

ND Alum -- Half Way Across America!

He's run 1,885.1 miles over the past 63 days -- and he's a Domer!

His name is Jeff Grabowsky -- he's a 2005 graduate of the University of Notre Dame and he's running across America -- pushing an 80 lb. stroller that contains all of his gear.  Yesterday, he ran 38.5 miles in six hours -- think about that!!!  This morning he's in Springfield, MO -- on his way to New York's Times Square -- where he should arrive sometime between May 25th and May 28th.

You can follow Jeff's run across America -- at the link below.  God Bless You Jeff!!!

LINK:  JEFF RUNS AMERICA

"Dr. Lou" -- Back in Notre Dame Stadium!

The University of Notre Dame announced today that former Notre Dame coaching legend -- Lou Holtz -- will be given an honorary "DOCTORATE" degree!  Coach Holtz -- who's been playing a character called "Dr. Lou" -- on ESPN during the college football season, will now have the "paper" to go with the title!  Notre Dame's Commencement is set for Sunday, May 22nd inside Notre Dame Stadium -- a fitting place for Dr. Lou!  Congratulations Coach!  Here's a link to the ESPN story:

LINK:  THE REAL DR. LOU!

Muffet's Irish -- Sweet 16 AGAIN!

I'm almost 48 hours late in getting a number of the stories out on Notre Dame Women's basketball -- I'm still in mourning over Sunday night's debacle in Chicago...

So, now I'm OFFICIALLY on the "bandwagon" of Muffet's team -- as they head to Dayton, OH to take on the Sooners of Oklahoma -- this Saturday at 2 PM EDT on ESPN. Here's a link to UND.COM's NCAA TOURNAMENT CENTRAL -- with "hoop to hoop" coverage of the Fighting Irish -- you'll enjoy!

LINK:  NCAA TOURNAMENT CENTRAL

ND Spring Football -- First Practice Report!

The Fighting Irish of Notre Dame hit the practice field for their first of 14 practices before the Blue Gold Game on Saturday, April 16th.  Here's a few links to a report from practice and post practice interviews today -- with Head Coach Brian Kelly, Coach Diaco, Coach Molnar, Coach Alford and Coach Elston from the good folks at UND.COM.  Keep an ear and eye out for "HELMET CAM" on the Notre Dame QB's -- in this report -- pretty cool coaching tool:

LINK:  PRACTICE REPORT -- #1

LINK:  COACH KELLY -- POST PRACTICE WITH MEDIA

LINK:  ASSISTANT COACHES -- POST PRACTICE WITH MEDIA

Over 100,000 Unique Visitors!!!

At 6:42 AM EDT -- at a computer in Reading, PA this morning -- a Notre Dame fan became the 100,000th Unique Visitor to the ND GO IRISH BLOG! 

THANK YOU to all of the Notre Dame Family members who've made this blog part of your daily "Notre Dame Fix" on the web.  Remember, our goal is to surpass the "stated" attendance for  the largest football stadium in America -- which will remain nameless.  We have a few thousand more to go!!!

Coach Kelly News Conference -- Today!

Football is back!!!  The Fighting Irish of Notre Dame kick-off Spring Practice -- tomorrow!  To get things rolling, Coach Kelly met with the media this afternoon.  Here's a link to his press conference:

LINK:  COACH KELLY PRESS CONFERENCE

Will Irish Join Big Ten for Hockey?

This was the rumor going around the CCHA Championship at Joe Louis Arena this weekend: Notre Dame will be following Michigan, Ohio State and Michigan State to a hockey league the Big Ten will be starting for the 2012 - 2013 season.  Folks in the college hockey world -- were talking as if it was a "done deal." 

I say "NOT SO FAST MY FRIEND..."

Here's a quick note today about the Big Ten's plans for hockey:

LINK:  BIG TEN TO ADD MEN'S HOCKEY

Michael Floyd Suspended -- Indefinitely!

The great news of January -- that Michael Floyd would be returning for his senior season -- took a significant "U" turn Sunday morning.  The Notre Dame football star was arrested for DUI by police.  This afternoon -- Head Coach, Brian Kelly released a statement with the football program's decision to suspend Floyd "indefinitely" from all football related activities.  Here's a link to the story along with Floyd's statement:

LINK:  MICHAEL FLOYD SUSPENDED -- INDEFINITELY

Photo of the Day: 3-D Photo of Grotto

The University of Notre Dame brought in a firm to take a 3-D photo of its Grotto of Our Lady of Lourdes.  Here's a link to the South Bend Tribune story:

LINK:  3-D PHOTO OF GROTTO

Jackson's Irish Learn NCAA Seed -- 11:30 AM

Notre Dame hockey fans will be tuning into ESPN2 at 11:30 AM EDT this morning to learn what "seed" the Irish will be given, who they will be playing, when and where in the upcoming NCAA Division I Men's Hockey Tournament.  The Irish didn't help themselves this weekend at Joe Louis Arena (losses to Western Michigan and Michigan) -- but, their second place finish in the CCHA, should be enough to earn them a #10 or #11 seed in the tournament.  FYI: Only sixteen teams make the tournament and each team is seeded 1 to 16.  Here's a story I found from a hockey fan who took a stab at seeding the tournament:

LINK:  THE ROAD TO THE FROZEN FOUR

ND's NCAA Game Today @ 9:40 PM EDT!

The #2 seeded Fighting Irish of Notre Dame play their THIRD ROUND NCAA Tournament game tonight in Chicago against "Free Shoes U" -- the #10 seeded Florida State University.  The game matches one of the better offensive teams (IRISH) in the country -- against one of the "BIGGER" and better defensive teams (Seminoles) in the country.  Tip-off is scheduled for 9:40 PM EDT -- and it will be televised on TBS -- so take a nap this afternoon!!!

Here's a link to the wonderful coverage the folks at UND.COM are providing of the Irish's tournament run:

LINK:  SATURDAY'S PRACTICE REPORT

LINK:  COACH BREY TALKIN' -- FLORIDA STATE

LINK:  IRISH PLAYERS TALKIN' -- FLORIDA STATE

Irish Win "AWAY" Game at Utah -- NCAA

If you were to ask Muffet McGraw "off the record" what she thought about being the only #1 or #2 seed in the NCAA Tournament who had to play an opening game on the opponent's HOME FLOOR -- I believe she would tell you she wasn't too happy. 

Yet, the Irish prevailed 67 - 54 over Utah -- in a game that was in doubt at half-time and as late as eight minutes to go in the game when the Utes were within five points.  The Irish were led by Skylar Diggins and Natalie Novosel with 20 points each. 

Up next -- #10 seeded Temple who clobbered  #7 seeded Arizona State 63 - 45.  The game is scheduled for Monday -- still waiting on the time for the game.  Here are link to the Salt Lake Tribune and Sports Illustrated stories -- along with a link to the NCAA Women's Bracket:

LINK:  SALT LAKE TRIBUNE

LINK:  SPORTS ILLUSTRATED

LINK:  NCAA WOMEN'S BRACKET

Diggin's Diary -- Talkin' the NCAA Tournament

University of Notre Dame's Skylar Diggins -- continues her diary for ESPNW, from Utah.  Here's a link to her story:

LINK:  DIGGIN'S DIARY

Muffet's Irish on ESPN2 Today at 6:35 PM!

The other #2 seeded Fighting Irish of Notre Dame basketball team gets their NCAA Tournament run started this afternoon at 6:35 PM EDT on ESPN2.  The Irish take on the #15 seeded Utah -- on the Utes home floor.  (The photo above is courtesy of the South Bend Tribune -- showing the Irish at practice yesterday) Here's a link to the GAME NOTES for today's game:

LINK:  GAME NOTES:  IRISH vs. UTES

Scott & Martin -- Lead the Irish to Victory!

It wasn't easy, it wasn't pretty (14 turnovers) -- yet, it was a WIN.  The Akron Head Coach -- in an interview with a TBS courtside reporter -- called out the IRISH in his 'post half time' comments.  He inferred the IRISH played "soft" on the inside -- and they did, in the first half.

Not in the second!!!

Scott Martin got off to a fast start in the second half on the offensive end -- and Carleton Scott took control of the defensive boards as the Irish cruised to a 69 - 56 win.  It's now on to play the winner of Florida State vs. Texas A&M on Sunday.  GO IRISH!

LINK:  NCAA FAN FEED

Irish Up 4 @ Halftime -- Over Akron...

A "shaky" first half for the Fighting Irish -- if they don't hit the backboards better, it's going to be a long ride home to South Bend this evening.  Leading by eleven early -- the halftime score is 34 - 30.  It's being televised on TBS.  C'MON IRISH!

Graduation Success Rates -- NCAA Tournament

I took a look at the 64 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament teams -- and compiled their Graduation Success Rate by Region, giving them a new seeding based on their GSR.  Here's some of the highlights -- along with a link below to a Washington Post story on graduation rates of the teams in the Tournament:

• Seven (7) Teams have a perfect GSR of 100 -- and you have Princeton who is not GSR rated by the NCAA
• Thirteen (13) Teams have a GSR of under 50
• The Region that "graduates the most student-athletes" is the Southeast Region -- with an average GSR of 72.13
• The Region that "graduates the fewest student-athletes" is the West Region -- with an average GSR of 56.81
• The Second Round Game with the greatest disparity in GSR is the Notre Dame's 100 GSR vs. Akron's 38 GSR
• The Second Round Game between BYU vs. Wofford matched two teams with 100 GSR's
• The Second Round Game with the worst combined GSR is Michigan's 36 GSR vs. Tennessee's 40 GSR
• Here's the average GSR for the (5) Southeast Conference teams in the Tournament:  51.4 GSR
• Here's the average GSR for the (7) Big Ten teams in the Tournament:  67.57 GSR
• Here's the average GSR for the (11) Big East teams in the Tournament:  69.27 GSR
• Here's the average GSR for the (3) Pac 10 Conference teams in the Tournament:  44.67 GSR
• Here's the average GSR for the (4) ACC teams in the Tournament:  78.75 GSR
• Here's the average GSR for the (5) Big 12 teams in the Tournament:  54 GSR

EAST REGION
#1:  Princeton -- IVY LEAGUE
#2:  Villanova -- 100 GSR
#3:  Xavier -- 92 GSR
#4:  Marquette -- 91 GSR
#5:  North Carolina -- 88 GSR
#6:  Long Island -- 78 GSR
#7:  West Virginia -- 71 GSR
#8:  Clemson -- 71 GSR
#9:  George Mason -- 67 GSR
#10:  Indiana State -- 67 GSR
#12:  Ohio State -- 64 GSR
#13:  Syracuse -- 54 GSR
#14:  University of Texas San Antonio -- 50 GSR
#15:  Kentucky -- 44 GSR
#16:  Georgia -- 36 GSR

SOUTHWEST REGION
#1:  Notre Dame -- 100 GSR
#2:  Illinois -- 100 GSR
#3:  Vanderbilt -- 93 GSR
#4:  Boston U -- 90 GSR
#5:  Richmond -- 83 GSR
#6:  Kansas -- 80 GSR
#7:  Georgetown -- 78 GSR
#8:  Florida State -- 73 GSR
#9:  St. Peter's -- 70 GSR
#10:  Purdue -- 67 GSR
#11:  UNLV -- 67 GSR
#12:  Texas A&M -- 64 GSR
#13:  VCU -- 56 GSR
#14:  Louisville -- 50 GSR
#15:  Moorehead State -- 43 GSR
#16:  Akron -- 38 GSR

SOUTHEAST REGION
#1:  BYU -- 100 GSR
#2:  Utah State -- 100 GSR
#3:  Belmont -- 100 GSR
#4:  Wofford -- 100 GSR
#5:  Butler -- 83 GSR
#6:  UC Santa Barbara -- 77 GSR
#7:  Gonzaga -- 73 GSR
#8:  Wisconsin -- 70 GSR
#9:  St. John's -- 70 GSR
#10 UCLA -- 70 GSR
#11:  Pittsburgh -- 64 GSR
#12:  Old Dominion -- 63 GSR
#13:  Michigan State -- 50 GSR
#14: UNC Asheville -- 50 GSR
#15:  Florida -- 44 GSR
#16:  Kansas State -- 40 GSR

WEST REGION
#1:  Univ. North Colorado -- 92 GSR
#2:  Bucknell -- 91 GSR
#3:  Penn State -- 86 GSR
#4:  Duke -- 83 GSR
#5:  Oakland -- 75 GSR
#6:  Hampton -- 67 GSR
#7:  San Diego State -- 58 GSR
#8:  Memphis -- 58 GSR
#9:  Cincinnati -- 53 GSR
#10:  Missouri -- 44 GSR
#11:  Texas -- 42 GSR
#12:  Tennessee -- 40 GSR
#13:  Michigan -- 36 GSR
#14:  Temple -- 33 GSR
#15:  UCONN -- 31 GSR
#16:  Arizona -- 20 GSR

LINK:  WASHINGTON POST STORY -- GRADUATION RATES

Skylar Diggins -- Her Diary on ESPNW

Notre Dame Women's Basketball's sophomore sensation -- Skylar Diggins, is publishing her own diary on ESPNW these days.  The fun began yesterday -- as she posted a story about the last two days since SELECTION MONDAY for the Women's NCAA Basketball Tournament.  I'm guessing she'll be publishing a story from "time to time" during the tournament.  Here's a link to her first story:

LINK:  DIGGIN'S DIARY

It's Notre Dame Day @ VERSUS

In honor of St. Patrick's Day -- I'M JUST GUESSING -- the good folks at the VERSUS cable network will air an afternoon and evening (six straight hours) of CLASSIC NOTRE DAME FOOTBALL games.  The fun begins at 5 PM EDT -- today with the 1992 "Snow Bowl" versus Penn State followed two hours later by the "Bush Push" game in 2005 vs. USC and at 9 PM the "#1 vs. #2" game in 1993 vs. Florida State.  So, forget the NCAA Tournament -- the IRISH play tomorrow -- tune-in to ND Football!  And, while you're at it -- click on the link below and vote for your "10 Most Memorable Moments on NBC."

LINK:   10 MOST MEMORABLE MOMENTS ON NBC

Notre Dame -- Starring in Adidas TV Spot!

Adidas -- the official partner of Notre Dame Athletics -- showed their hand two weeks ago when they chose the University of Notre Dame to star in their new TV commercials.  That "school in Ann Arbor" made a claim a few years back that they "have the best deal with Adidas."  Really?  If that was the case Michigan -- why aren't you starring in these ads with Katy Perry?  Here's a link:

LINK:  NOTRE DAME "ALL IN" WITH ADIDAS

ND Law Grads -- Among Highest Paid!

Forbes just released a ranking of the "mid-career" salaries of law school grads -- from the top law schools in America.  Notre Dame Law School grads -- ranked 10th overall with a "median" mid career salary of $191,000.  Here's a link to the top ten schools:

LINK:  FORBES:  RANKING OF SALARIES OF LAW SCHOOL GRADS

Charlie Weis -- Meets With the Media

Former Notre Dame Football Coach, Charlie Weis '78 -- met with the media today for the first time wearing the colors of the Florida Gators.  You can catch Weis at approximately 33.30 minute mark of the video.  Just fast forward to that point. 

LINK:  WEIS TALKIN' GATORS

Muffet's Irish -- Also a #2 Seed in NCAA!

Not a bad year -- so far -- for basketball at the University of Notre Dame.  Both teams have been consistently ranked in the TOP TEN in 2011 and in the past two days -- both teams were given a #2 seed for their respective NCAA Tournaments.  The only "unfortunate" break seems to be that Muffet's Irish have to travel to Salt Lake City to take on UTAH -- and ND's one of the top seeds in the tournament.  Doesn't make much sense does it!?  Well, here's what the media has to say about Notre Dame Women's Basketball's chances:

LINK:  SALT LAKE CITY'S DESERET NEWS

LINK:  CHICAGO TRIBUNE

LINK:  SALT LAKE TRIBUNE

LINK:  ESPN

Irish Obstacles -- Road to the Final Four

For the #2 Seeded Fighting Irish of Notre Dame -- here's what the road to the FINAL FOUR (the first four opponents) -- could look like, if the Top Seeds in the Southwest Region win their games:

1. Round Two:  Akron (23 - 12) -- no common opponents with the Irish
2. Round Three:  Texas A&M (24 - 8) -- no common opponents with the Irish
3. Round Four:  Purdue (25 - 7) -- Indiana State, West Virginia and Wisconsin common opponents with the Irish
4. Round Five:  Kansas (32 - 2) -- no common opponents with the Irish

It won't be easy -- but, it's also not impossible for Notre Dame to make its first FINAL FOUR appearance since 1978!  Game One -- this Friday night against Akron!!!  Here's a link to a story that gives an overview of what's ahead for Notre Dame:

LINK:  NOTRE DAME'S ROAD TO THE FINAL FOUR

Notre Dame "Selection Sunday" Show

Here's a link to UND.COM's coverage of Notre Dame basketball's "Selection Sunday" -- you'll enjoy!

LINK:  COACH BREY

LINK:  HANSBROUGH & SCOTT

LINK:  ABROMAITIS

Notre Dame a #2 Seed -- NCAA TOURNAMENT!

The University of Notre Dame Fighting Irish were awarded for a fantastic year this evening with a #2 seed in the NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament.  While it looked like the Irish would get a #1 seed after Pitt's early exit from the Big East Tournament -- the NCAA Selection Committee gave Pitt a #1 seed (awarding them for their regular season) and apparently moved Duke into a #1 seed after their ACC Tournament win -- bumping the Irish out of that spot.  Obviously, ND's loss to Louisville Friday night -- did them in.  Oh well, it's just a number in front of your name -- it won't score you any more points or grab you any more rebounds.  It's time to play ball -- and the IRISH will get going on Friday night in Chicago against the Akron Zips in the Southwest Region.  The #1 seed in the Southwest Region is Kansas.  Looks like the Irish were ranked 6th overall -- based on their draw.  GO IRISH!

LINK:  NCAA TOURNAMENT BRACKET

Zibby Wins Fight in First Round!!!

Former Notre Dame football star and current Baltimore Raven safety -- Tommy Zbikowski, returned to the boxing ring in Las Vegas last night and the referee stopped the fight 1:45 into the first round!  As you'll see in the photo -- Zibby knocked down his opponent.  Here's a link to the South Bend Tribune story:

LINK:  ZIBBY WINS FIGHT!

NCAA "Selection Sunday" -- CBS at 6 PM EST!

This evening at 6 PM EST -- the world will know what seed the NCAA Tournament Committee has given the Fighting Irish of Notre Dame.  I was feeling good a bout a #1 seed until I saw a show last night that listed ND's RPI at #7.  However, ESPN's Joe Lunardi -- still has the IRISH a #1 seed playing in the Southeast Region -- with their first round games in CHICAGO!!!  I believe the worst case scenario -- the IRISH end up a #2 seed -- and, are put in the West Region because of their drawing power and the lack of top teams on the "left coast."  Ironically, the Chairman of the NCAA Tournament Committee is a "domer" -- Gene Smith, the Athletic Director at The Ohio State University.  Here's what the media believe the NCAA will do today at 6 PM EST on CBS:

LINK:  ESPN's BRACKETOLOGY

LINK:  CBS SPORTS

LINK:  LAS VEGAS REVIEW JOURNAL

LINK:  THE EXAMINER

LINK:  PITTSBURGH POST GAZETTE

LINK:  FORT WAYNE JOURNAL

Tough Loss -- Still a #1 Seed!!!

It's taken me about fourteen hours to get over that second half performance of the Irish.  Wow -- the Louisville press just wore them out.  And, our "star" picked the wrong night to have his most difficult game of the season.  However, I still think the convincing win over Cincinnati gets them a #1 seed.  We'll know in about 27 hours.  Here's what the media is saying today about our Irish:

LINK:  NEW YORK TIMES

LINK:  LEXINGTON HERALD LEDGER

LINK:  CHICAGO TRIBUNE

LINK:  SOUTH BEND TRIBUNE

WOW! Irish Beat Bearcats 89 - 51 !!!

Well, the Irish just might have secured a #1 seed last night on the floor of Madison Square Garden -- as they destroyed the Cincinnati Bearcats 89 - 51 in the 2nd most lopsided loss in Big East Tournament history!  WOW!!!  Here's what the media is sayin' this morning:

LINK:  ESPN

LINK:  ESPN #2

LINK:  NEW YORK TIMES

LINK:  CHICAGO TRIBUNE

LINK:  SOUTH BEND TRIBUNE

Does a Win Tonight -- Secure a #1 Seed?

With UCONN's upset this afternoon of Pittsburgh -- the door has been opened for Notre Dame to secure a #1 seed in the NCAA Tournament for the first time since 1979!  The question now is -- will it require one win, two wins or three wins in the Big East Tournament?  I'm betting it will require two wins for Notre Dame to secure a #1 seed -- we'll know Sunday night!!!

What Makes Notre Dame -- Notre Dame!!!

You're going to enjoy this story in today's New York Times -- it was authored by former ND basketball player Zach Hillesland.  First off -- it's well written, not a surprise.  And, Zach tells a good story.  I want to thank Mike Sullivan (a Domer working for Notre Dame) -- for alerting the ND GO IRISH BLOG to this story.  You're going to enjoy!

LINK:  YEAH, NOTRE DAME IS GOOD!

ND Plays Cinci Tonight on ESPN @ 7 PM EST!

The Big East Tournament begins tonight for the #4 ranked Fighting Irish of Notre Dame.  Mike Brey's boys have been in Manhattan since Tuesday -- awaiting word on who they would be playing tonight at 7 PM EST.  Well -- that team is the Cincnnati Bearcats, who hung a 25 point whipping last night on the University of South Florida.  The Irish and the Bearcats played a game at Purcell Pavillion in January -- with ND winning 66 - 58.  The game should tip-off at 7 PM EST on ESPN.  Here's a link to UND.COM'S Game Day Central:  GO IRISH!

LINK:  GAME NOTES:  ND vs. CINCINNATI

Irish Wait For Their Opponent - Day 2 in NYC!

The folks at UND.COM have been working overtime these past couple of days in Manhattan.  Here's a few interviews that took place in the past 24 hours with all of the "award winners" for the Irish!  You'll enjoy this:

LINK:  DAY 2 @ THE BIG EAST

Choosing the "Stick" Over the "Scalpel"

Former University of Notre Dame hockey goalie, Jordan Pearce is playing these days for the Grand Rapids Griffins in the American Hockey League.  Pearce, a top-notch student at ND -- had his choice of professional hockey or Med School -- he chose the former, the latter can wait. 

Looks like it was a good decision for Jordan.   I won't be surprised if someday soon -- Detroit Red Wings fans will see him wearing the "red-wheeled wing!"  Here's a link to a wonderful story about Jordan's progress in pro hockey along with a link to a Grand Rapids Press story:

LINK:  A DOMER DOING WELL!

LINK:  GRAND RAPIDS PRESS ARTICLE

Graduation Success Rates -- Top 20 Teams

Here's the most current NCAA Graduation Success Rates (see definition below) for the teams in this week's TOP-TWENTY rankings for Men's College Basketball - as determined by the ESPN/USA Today/Coaches Poll.

You will note that three schools in the top-twenty have a "perfect" GSR; Notre Dame, Brigham Young and Utah State.   And, five schools have a GSR under 50; Texas, Florida, Arizona, Kentucky and UCONN.

Thought you would find this quite interesting -- since we know CBS and ESPN won't be talking about this over the next few weeks of their coverage of  "MARCH MADNESS."

I look forward to the day when the TV networks and news media begin placing a school's GSR  next to their football or basketball rankings -- when they publish their TOP TWENTY POLLS.   Or, why doesn't the NCAA force CBS and ESPN to put every team's GSR next to their SEEDING in the Tournament Bracket during their broadcast of "Selection Sunday?"  

FYI:  I'm not holding my breath!!!

Here is how the NCAA defines GSR:  Graduation rates are based on the IPEDS-GRS which is defined as a six-year proportion of those student-athletes who graduated versus those who entered an institution on institutional aid.  In addition to the student-athlete data in the graduation-rates data, the GSR accounts for student-athletes who transfer into an institution while discounting student-athletes who separate from the institution and would have been academically eligible to compete had they returned.

Here's the TOP-TWENTY Teams in Men's College Basketball with their GSR:

#1:  Ohio State:  64 GSR
#2:  Kansas:  80 GSR
#3:  Pittsburgh:  64 GSR
#4:  NOTRE DAME:  100 GSR
#5:  Duke:  83 GSR
#6:  San Diego State:  58 GSR
#7:  North Carolina:  88 GSR
#8:  Brigham Young:  100 GSR
#9:  Purdue:  67 GSR
#10:  Texas:  42 GSR
#11:  Syracuse:  54 GSR
#12:  Florida:  44 GSR
#13:  Wisconsin:  70 GSR
#14:  Louisville:  50 GSR
#15:  Arizona:  20 GSR
#16:  Kentucky:  44 GSR
#17:  Utah State:  100 GSR
#18:  St. John's:  70 GSR
#19:  Connecticut:  31 GSR
#20:  Xavier:  92 GSR


SOURCE:  NCAA GSR DATABASE

Hansbrough & Brey -- Big East Honors!!!

Ben Hansbrough was named Big East Player of the Year tonight -- and his coach, Mike Brey was named Big East Coach of the Year!!!  Congratulations!  Here's a link to the Big East's coverage of these major awards:

LINK:  NOTRE DAME TAKES TWO TOP AWARDS!