NCAA Offensive Statistics After Week #3

It's time again for our weekly look at where Notre Dame Football ranks in certain statistical categories amongst the 120 teams in the NCAA Football Bowl Subdivision -- FOR THE 2011 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 2010 and 2009 and the current national leader in each category:

OFFENSIVE TEAM STATISTICS

First Downs:  2011 after game #3:  24.33 first downs -- ranked #24 in the country.  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 #13.  2011 NCAA Leader:  The University of South Florida with an average of 30.67 first downs per game.

Third Down Conversions:  2011 after game #3:  45% -- ranked #44 in the country.  2010 Rank #76 with a 37.5% conversion rate -- in 2009 we had a 39.1% conversion rate for the season, ranking us #48.  2011 NCAA Leader:  Georgia Tech with a 70.59% third down conversion rate.

Passing Yards Per Attempt:  2011 after game #3:  7.6 yards per passing attempt -- ranked #52 in the country.  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.  2011 NCAA Leader:  Georgia Tech averaging 22.5 yards per pass attempt.

  

Passing Yardage:  2011 after game #3:  289 yards per game -- ranked #27 in the country.  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.  2011 NCAA Leader:  University of Houston and Oklahoma State University averaging 408 passing yards per game.

Rushing Yards Per Attempt:  2011 after game #3:  4.6 yards per game -- ranked #46 in the country.  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.  2011 NCAA Leader:  Georgia Tech averaging 7.9 yards per rushing attempt.

Rushing Yardage:  2011 after game #3:  143 rushing yards per game -- ranked #70 in the country.  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.  2011 NCAA Leader:  Georgia Tech averaging 427.67 rushing yards per game.

Most QB Sacks Given Up:  2011 after game #3:  3 sacks given up -- ranked #25 in the country.  2010 Rank #66 giving up 19 QB sacks -- in 2009 we gave up 25 QB sacks for the season, ranking us #66.  2011 NCAA Leader:  Five teams have yet to give up a sack this season.

Fewest Pass Interceptions Thrown: 2011 after game #3:  6 interceptions thrown -- ranked #114.  2010 Rank #105 having thrown 16 pass interceptions -- in 2009 we threw 5 interceptions for the season, raking us #4.  2011 NCAA Leader:  12 schools have yet to throw an interception this season.

Fewest Fumbles Lost:  2011 after game #3:  7 fumbles lost -- ranked #120 in the country -- Notre Dame leads the country in most fumbles lost.  2010 Rank #31 having lost 8 fumbles -- in 2009 we lost 9 fumbles for the season ranking us #39.  2011 NCAA Leader:  14 schools have yet to lose a fumble.

Fewest  Turnovers Lost:  2011 after game #3:  13 turnovers lost -- ranked #119 (last) in the country -- in a tie with Western Kentucky for most turnovers lost.  2010 Rank #84 with 24 turnovers lost -- in 2009 we had 14 turnovers for the season, ranking us #7.  2011 NCAA Leader:  9 schools have had one turnover this season.

Total Offense:  2011 after game #3:  432 yards per game -- ranked #37 in the country.  2010 Rank #63 with 378 yards per game of offense -- in 2009 we had 451 yards per game of offense, ranking us #8.  2011 NCAA Leader:  Georgia Tech with 675.33 yards per game in total offense.

Points Per Game:  2011 after game #3:  27.33 points per game -- ranked #69 in the country.  2010 Rank #73 with 25.75 points per game -- in 2009 we averaged 30.1 points per game for the season, ranking us #32.  2011 NCAA Leader:  Georgia Tech averaging 59.33 points per game.

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TEAM STATISTICS

Fewest Penalties:  2011 after game #3: 23 penalties -- ranked #97 in the country.  2010 Rank #10 with 55 penalties -- in 2009 we had 75 penalties for the season, ranking us #50.  2011 NCAA Leader:  East Carolina University only has 3 penalties this season.

Fewest Penalty Yards:  2011 after game #3:  67 yards in penalties per game -- ranked #102 in the country.  2010 Rank #25 with 511 yards in penalties -- in 2009 we had 666 yards in penalties, ranking us #60.  2011 NCAA Leader:  Naval Academy averaging only 11.67 penalty yards per game.

Net Punting Yards:  2011 after game #3:  35.8 yards per game -- ranked #78 in the country.  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.  2011 NCAA Leader:  Bowling Green averaging 49.5 net yards per punt.

Field Goals:  2011 after game #3:  2 field goals made -- ranked #68 in the country.  2010 Rank #32 with 15 field goals made.  In 2009 we made 19 field goals, ranking us #22 -- while going 19 for 22 in the process.  2011 NCAA Leader:  Florida and Virginia are tied with nine field goals made this season.

OT: Photo of the Day -- Helmet Stickers

Thought college football fans would enjoy this "close up" of Terrelle Pryor's football helmet this past year at The Ohio State University. 

NBC's Game Replay: ND vs. MSU

Here's the full game replay of NBC's telecast of Notre Dame's 31 - 13 win yesterday over Michigan State.  Just click on the link below:

LINK:  REPLAY OF NOTRE DAME vs. MICHIGAN STATE

Post Game Interviews -- ND's Win Over MSU

Here's the UND.COM coverage after Notre Dame's big win over Michigan State yesterday.  Just click on the links below:

LINK:  PLAYER INTERVIEWS

LINK:  COACH KELLY PRESS CONFERENCE

The Morning After Notre Dame's Win Over MSU

It's always better going to Mass on Sunday morning in Michigan when the Irish beat Michigan State the day before!  Here's what the media is sayin' the mornin' after Notre Dame's 31 - 13 win over the Spartans.  Enjoy!

LINK:  CHICAGO SUN TIMES

LINK:  POST TRIBUNE

LINK:  FORT WAYNE JOURNAL GAZETTE

LINK:  SOUTH BEND TRIBUNE -- JACK WALDEN

LINK:  ESPN BLOG

LINK:  GRAND RAPIDS PRESS

LINK:  CHICAGO TRIBUNE

LINK:  SOUTH BEND TRIBUNE -- ERIC HANSEN

LINK:  LANSING STATE JOURNAL

LINK:  DETROIT FREE PRESS -- ROSENBERG

LINK:  DETROIT FREE PRESS -- SIPPLE

LINK:  DETROIT NEWS -- HENNING

Notre Dame Locker Room Celebration

Can't say enough things about the gang at UND.COM and the work they're doing to cover Notre Dame football.  Here's their video from the NOTRE DAME locker room after the big win over MSU:

LINK:  NOTRE DAME LOCKER ROOM

George Atkinson III -- First Notre Dame TD

Here's the video of George Atkinson III's 89 yard kick-off return for a TD this afternoon in the 1st quarter of Notre Dame's 31 - 13 win over the 15th ranked Michigan State Spartans.  Atkinson, a freshman, showed his sprinter's speed -- here's the link:

LINK:  GEORGE ATKINSON KICK-OFF RETURN

Watch the Post Game Live on NBC!

Folks, we needed this win!  Here's a link to the live web coverage of Coach Kelly's press conference after today's win against the Spartans:

LINK:  COACH KELLY -- LIVE WEBCAST OF PRESSER

Predictions: Michigan State vs. Notre Dame

\Here's what a few of the media experts have to say about tomorrow afternoon's MSU vs. ND football game.  The Spartans have won six of the last seven at Notre Dame Stadium -- it's time we turn the tables IRISH!!!!  Here are their picks:


LINK:  DETROIT FREE PRESS

LINK:  DETROIT NEWS

LINK:  GRAND RAPIDS PRESS

LINK:  CHICAGO TRIBUNE

Michigan State Week: The Night Before...

Well, it's less than seventeen hours to kick-off of the 2011 MSU vs. ND football game -- and it's a game most Irish fans don't have a clue which way it will go.  Will we play error free and dominate?  Or, will we continue to be our own worst enemy?  WHO KNOWS!!!  Here's a glimpse of what the mood was like on campus today as the 1966 National Championship Team came home:

LINK:  PEP RALLY

LINK:  QB LUNCHEON -- COACH KELLY

LINK:  QB LUNCHEON -- INTERVIEWS

LINK:  QB LUNCHEON -- 1966 NATIONAL CHAMPS

Michigan State Week: Thursday ND Update

Took a lap around the web tonight to get all of you caught up with who's saying what about Notre Dame's game with Michigan State University.  Here you go!

LINK:  BRIAN KELLY POST PRACTICE

LINK:  CHICAGO SUN TIMES

LINK:  CHICAGO TRIBUNE

LINK:  SOUTH BEND TRIBUNE

LINK:  DETROIT NEWS

LINK:  DETROIT FREE PRESS

LINK:  LANSING STATE JOURNAL

Herbstreit Believes In The Irish!

ESPN's Kirk Herbstreit sat down with the Chicago Tribune's Brian Hamilton to talk Notre Dame football.  Here's what ol' "Mr. High School Defense" had to say about the Irish:

LINK:  HERBSTREIT ON THE IRISH

A Look At How Nike Would Handle Notre Dame

The folks at Michigan State University are asking out loud "I thought our colors were GREEN & WHITE?"  You'd never know that with Nike's helmet and jersey/pant designs for their game in October with Michigan.  Looks more like a uniform combo Nike might try to sell our Fighting Irish.  Do you like?

Michigan State Week: Tuesday ND Update

Add caption

Coach Brian Kelly met with the media today for his typical Tuesday press conference.  If you'd like to know what he has to say about the Irish and Michigan State -- click on the link below:

LINK:  BRIAN KELLY PRESSER

LINK:  IRISH CONNECTION

What Michigan State's Media Is Sayin'

Took a lap around the web this evening at all of the Michigan based media outlets to see what they have to say about this Saturday's game with Michigan State University.  Here you go!

LINK:  LANSING STATE JOURNAL

LINK:  DETROIT NEWS

LINK:  DETROIT FREE PRESS

LINK:  GRAND RAPIDS PRESS

Brian Kelly's Post Game Presser -- Michigan

If you're so inclined -- here's a link to Brian Kelly's post game press conference after the loss to Michigan last night.

LINK:  BRIAN KELLY -- POST GAME

I Will Always Be a Notre Dame Fighting Irish Fan

Folks I'm as upset as anyone in the world about our football team's start to this season.  It's the season of "what could go wrong, will go wrong and has gone wrong."  Ten turnovers in two games -- to put that in perspective -- two season ago Notre Dame had fourteen turnovers for the entire season.

Yet, after all the heartbreak and disappointment -- I still know one thing.  I'm proud to be a Notre Dame fan and I always will be!

What though the odds be great or SMALL...

Mike Lee Public Workout @ ND on Tuesday!

Notre Dame fans will have a unique opportunity this Tuesday @ 4 PM as professional boxer Mike Lee will be working out in Purcell Pavillion in preparation for Friday night's first ever pro boxing event at ND.  This event is FREE and open to all Irish fans!  Tickets to Friday's fight are still available -- just click on the link below.

Lee, a 2009 Notre Dame grad and three time Bengal Bouts Champion -- is undefeated as a professional.  This past Monday, Mike appeared in his first ever TV commercial for Subway -- just click on the video player above.

LINK:  TICKETS TO MIKE LEE'S FIGHT AT ND

THE GREAT GIVEAWAY -- PART II

NOTRE DAME Fans -- it's getting ridiculous...

• Ten turnovers in two games -- five inside the red zone going in for scores
• 23 seconds left and 80 yards for Michigan to go -- two plays later, game over
• We've had a rusher gain more than 100 yards in back to back games
• We've had a receiver gain more than 100 yards in back to back games
• Michigan only has 11 completions yet gains 338 yards
• Michigan scores 28 points in the fourth quarter -- 14 points in the last 72 seconds

WE ARE 0 - 2.

We are better than this.

Maybe the IRISH Should Be More Like Dogs...

If you haven't seen this video -- YOU MUST!  Coastal Carolina's football coach David Bennett met with the media this week and he shared a little "story."  This is a classic!

LINK:  WE DON'T NEED MEEOWS

BIG Time Recruits @ Game Tonight!

When I say BIG -- I mean it.  Zach Banner (photo above), who stands 6'-9" and weighs 310 lbs will be standing on the Michigan sideline during tonight's game with the Irish.  Banner is a top recruiting prospect for both schools as is wide receiver Jordan Payton -- out of Jimmy Clausen's HS in CA.  Here's hoping these two root for the boys in white tonight!  Here's a South Bend Tribune story about these two:

LINK:  BIG TIME RECRUITS

21 Hours Away -- But Who's Counting!

Well, I just took a lap around the web to see what the "experts" are saying about tomorrow's PRIME TIME game between the Fighting Irish of Notre Dame and the Wolverines of Michigan.  Can't we for once just BLOW THESE GUYS OUT!!!  Is that too much to ask for!

Here's what the media has to say the day before the war:

LINK:  ESPN BLOG

LINK:  ESPN GAMEDAY 

LINK:  ESPN'S COLIN COWHERD

LINK:  ESPN PREVIEW

LINK:  ESPN -- DESMOND HOWARD

LINK:  SOUTH BEND TRIBUNE -- HANSEN

LINK:  SOUTH BEND TRIBUNE -- LESAR

LINK:  CHICAGO SUN TIMES

LINK:  CHICAGO TRIBUNE

LINK:  ANN ARBOR NEWS

LINK:  DETROIT FREE PRESS

LINK:  DETROIT NEWS

LINK:  CBS SPORTS

LINK:  FOX SPORTS

LINK:  CNNSI

LINK:  FORT WAYNE JOURNAL GAZETTE

LINK:  COLLEGE FOOTBALL NEWS

Michigan Week: Thursday Irish Update

We're about 47 hours to kick-off and I have to admit I'm a little nervous about this game.  My prediction -- if the Irish lead after Quarter #1 -- GAME OVER, IRISH WIN!

Here's what's being said today about Saturday's game with Michigan -- starting with Coach Kelly after practice:

LINK:  COACH KELLY AFTER PRACTICE

LINK:  ESPN

LINK:  SOUTH BEND TRIBUNE

LINK:  DETROIT FREE PRESS

LINK:  DETROIT NEWS

LINK:  ANN ARBOR NEWS

LINK:  CHICAGO TRIBUNE

LINK:  CHICAGO SUN TIMES

National Rankings -- Where the Irish "D" Ranks

Notre Dame fans will be sick to their stomach after reviewing the defensive rankings of our Fighting Irish and realizing we're 0 - 1 on the season.  Those turnovers were devastating!  

Here's a look at where Notre Dame's "D BOYS" are ranked among their peers in college football after Week 1 of the 2011 season.  You'll also see how we fared in 2010 and 2009.

NOTRE DAME DEFENSE -- 2011 TEAM STATISTICS

Quarterback Sacks:  2011 after game #1:  2 sacks, ranked #37 in the country.  2010 Rank #45 with 26 QB sacks -- in 2009 we had 19 QB sacks for the season, ranking us #92.

Tackles for Loss:  2011 after game #1:  6 tackles for loss, ranked #55 in the country.  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. 

Interceptions:  2011 after game #1:  0 interceptions, ranked #74 in the country.  2010 Rank #32 with 14 interceptions -- in 2009 we had 12 interceptions for the season, ranking us #50.

First Downs:  2011 after game #1:  20 first downs allowed, ranked #62 in the country.  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.

Third Down Conversion Rate:  2011 after game #1:  allowed a 14.29% conversion rate on third down, ranked #2 in the country.  2010 Rank #22 allowing only 35.08% conversion rate on third down -- in 2009 we allowed a 39.5% conversion rate, ranking us #67. 

Red Zone Efficiency:  2011 after game #1:  allowed opponents to score 100% of the time, ranked #60 in the country.  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.

Turnovers Gained:  2011 after game #1:  0 turnovers gained, ranked #98 in the country.  2010 Rank - #54 with 21 turnovers gained -- in 2009 we gained 19 turnovers for the season, ranking us #80.

Rushing Yards:  2011 after game #1:  126 rushing yards given up, ranked #56 in the country.  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.

Passing Yards:  2011 after game #1:  128 passing yards given up, ranked #20 in the country.  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. 

Total Yards:  2011 after game #1:  254 yards of total offense given up, ranked #24 in the country.  2010 Rank #49 giving up 353 yards per game -- in 2009 we gave up an average of 397 yards per game, ranking us #86.

Points Allowed Per Game:  2011 after game #1:  23 points allowed, ranked #64 in the country.  2010 Rank - #29 giving up 20.5 points per game -- in 2009 we gave up 25.3 points per game, ranking us #63.

LINK:  NOTRE DAME'S OFFENSE -- NATIONAL RANKINGS

Mike Lee to Star in Subway TV Spot Tonight!

Notre Dame fans -- if you're planning on watching tonight's NFL opening game (Saints vs. Packers) -- please keep an eye out for Mike Lee '09 and his Subway commercial debut at the TWO MINUTE WARNING commercial break in the first half of tonight's game on NBC.  The telecast begins at 8:30 PM ET.

And, don't forget that tickets are still available for Mike's fight at Notre Dame on Friday, September 16th -- the first professional boxing match ever on the ND campus.

LINK:  TICKETS TO MIKE LEE'S FIGHT AT ND!

Just Passed the 200,000 Unique Visitor Mark!

At 10:01 PM this evening a Notre Dame fan from Baton Rouge, LA became unique visitor #200,000 to the ND GO IRISH BLOG -- THANK YOU!

This blog was launched 19 months ago as a project to prove whether I could create content that would attract an audience.  Well, the site's growing faster than I would have ever dreamed.  Just goes to prove the power of the Notre Dame brand -- no other school could generate such demand on the web for a blog created by one fan.

The ND GO IRISH BLOG is now ranked among the top 9% of all blogs on the worldwide web...

Notre Dame fans, this post will be the 1,882nd story I've written on this site -- it's been great fun!  Thanks for making the ND GO IRISH BLOG part of your daily Notre Dame 'fix' on the web!

Can we say 300,000!!!!

Michigan Week: Wednesday Report on ND

The University of Notre Dame is one day closer to erasing the memory of the GREAT GIVEAWAY GAME against USF -- and playing in the first night game at Michigan Stadium.  Here's what's happening around the Irish football program:

LINK:  COACH KELLY WITH THE MEDIA AFTER PRACTICE

LINK:  IRISH CONNECTION

2011 NCAA Offensive Rankings After Game #1

It's time for our FIRST look at where Notre Dame Football ranks in certain statistical categories amongst the 120 teams in the NCAA Football Bowl Subdivision -- FOR THE 2011 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 2010 and 2009.

OFFENSIVE TEAM STATISTICS

First Downs:  2011 after game #1:  27 first downs -- ranked #10 in the country.  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 #13.

Third Down Conversions:  2011 after game #1:  28.6% -- ranked #82 in the country.  2010 Rank #76 with a 37.5% conversion rate -- in 2009 we had a 39.1% conversion rate for the season, ranking us #48.

Passing Yards Per Attempt:  2011 after game #1:  8.0 yards per passing attempt -- ranked #43 in the country.  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.
  

Passing Yardage:  2011 after game #1:  391 yards per game -- ranked #5 in the country.  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.

Rushing Yards Per Attempt:  2011 after game #1:  4.0 yards per game -- ranked #64 in the country.  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.  

Rushing Yardage:  2011 after game #1:  117 rushing yards -- ranked #83 in the country.  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.

Most QB Sacks Given Up:  2011 after game #1:  2 sacks given up -- ranked #32 in the country.  2010 Rank #66 giving up 19 QB sacks -- in 2009 we gave up 25 QB sacks for the season, ranking us #66. 

Fewest Pass Interceptions Thrown: 2011 after game #1:  3 interceptions thrown -- ranked #112.  2010 Rank #105 having thrown 16 pass interceptions -- in 2009 we threw 5 interceptions for the season, raking us #4.

Fewest Fumbles Lost:  2011 after game #1:  2 fumbles -- ranked #89 in the country.  2010 Rank #31 having lost 8 fumbles -- in 2009 we lost 9 fumbles for the season ranking us #39.

Fewest  Turnovers Lost:  2011 after game #1:  5 turnovers lost -- ranked #108 (last) in the country.  2010 Rank #84 with 24 turnovers lost -- in 2009 we had 14 turnovers for the season, ranking us #7.

Total Offense:  2011 after game #1:  508 yards per game -- ranked #15 in the country.  2010 Rank #63 with 378 yards per game of offense -- in 2009 we had 451 yards per game of offense, ranking us #8.

Points Per Game:  2011 after game #1:  20 points per game -- ranked #84 in the country.  2010 Rank #73 with 25.75 points per game -- in 2009 we averaged 30.1 points per game for the season, ranking us #32.

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TEAM STATISTICS

Fewest Penalties:  2011 after game #1:  8 penalties -- ranked #85 in the country.  2010 Rank #10 with 55 penalties -- in 2009 we had 75 penalties for the season, ranking us #50.

Fewest Penalty Yards:  2011 after game #1:  73 yards in penalties -- ranked #95 in the country.  2010 Rank #25 with 511 yards in penalties -- in 2009 we had 666 yards in penalties, ranking us #60.

Net Punting Yards:  2011 after game #1:  34.6 yards per game -- ranked #73 in the country.  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.

Field Goals:  2011 after game #1:  0 field goals made -- ranked #75 in the country.  2010 Rank #32 with 15 field goals made.  In 2009 we made 19 field goals, ranking us #22 -- while going 19 for 22 in the process.     

CNNSI Interview of Coach Kelly

Here's a link to a CNNSI.com interview of Notre Dame head football coach the day after the loss to the University of South Florida -- also known as the "GREAT GIVEAWAY GAME."  Here's a link to the interview:

LINK:  BRIAN KELLY CNNSI.COM INTERVIEW

Tommy Rees Named Notre Dame's Starting QB

To no surprise to most Notre Dame football fans -- Tommy Rees was named today as the starting QB for the Irish.  Rees is a calm, cool customer -- who apparently doesn't get too rattled.  And, he's accurate and he's productive -- a must for his head coach.  Here's what Coach Kelly had to say about the decision at today's press conference -- and here's a look at how the NEW GUY behind center has to think.  I also threw in a few "talking heads" in Bristol, CT just for kicks:

LINK:  COACH KELLY PRESS CONFERENCE

LINK:  TOMMY REES PRESS CONFERENCE

LINK:  ESPN

LINK:  ESPN #2

LINK:  ESPN BLOG

Where's the Home Field Advantage?

The University of Notre Dame football team has won 13 of their last 28 games inside Notre Dame Stadium.  Think about that...

Michigan Coach Press Conference -- ND Week

University of Michigan's Brady Hoke met with the media today.  Here's what he had to say about their win over Western Michigan on Saturday and their game this week against the Fighting Irish of Notre Dame. 

LINK:  BRADY HOKE PRESS CONFERENCE

Brian Kelly's Sunday Press Conference

Notre Dame head football coach took calls over the phone from the media on Sunday about the 23 - 20 loss to the University of South Florida.  Here's the link to the podcast:

LINK:  BRIAN KELLY PRESS CONFERENCE

T Boone Pickens -- Takes A Shot @ Notre Dame

The same man who gave his alma mater $165 million in cash and then required that Oklahoma State let him manage it for them - and lost most of it -- ripped the University of Notre Dame yesterday calling them "damaged goods."

Really?

LINK:  T BOONE PICKENS -- HAS HE LOST IT?

ND Players Who Have A Job in the NFL Today

The NFL required its teams to get down to their 53 man roster yesterday -- as they get ready to open up the 2011 season this week.  As you'll see in the updated report, we have a few of our former Irish football stars looking for jobs today.  Here's a list of many of the ex-Notre Dame players who were battling for a job in the NFL -- and where they stand this morning:

LINK:  JIMMY CLAUSEN -- CAROLINA PANTHERS

LINK:  GOLDEN TATE -- SEATTLE SEAHAWKS

LINK:  BRADY QUINN -- DENVER BRONCOS

LINK:  ANTHONY FASANO -- MIAMI DOLPHINS

LINK:  BRIAN SMITH -- FREE AGENT

LINK:  CHRIS STEWART -- FREE AGENT

LINK:  KERRY NEAL -- FREE AGENT

LINK:  TOMMY ZBIKOWSKI -- BALTIMORE RAVENS

LINK:  RYAN GRANT -- GREEN BAY PACKERS

LINK:  JUSTIN TUCK -- NEW YORK GIANTS

LINK:  SAM YOUNG -- DALLAS COWBOYS

LINK:  KYLE MCCARTHY -- FREE AGENT

LINK:  KYLE RUDOLPH -- MINNESOTA VIKINGS

LINK:  JOHN CARLSON -- SEATTLE SEAHAWKS (OUT FOR SEASON)

LINK:  DEREK LANDRI -- FREE AGENT

LINK:  CHINEDUM NDUKWE -- FREE AGENT

LINK:  IAN WILLIAMS -- SAN FRANCISCO 49ERS

LINK:  TERRAIL LAMBERT -- FREE AGENT

LINK:  RYAN HARRIS -- FREE AGENT

LINK:  DAVID BRUTON -- DENVER BRONCOS

LINK:  JOHN SULLIVAN -- MINNESOTA VIKINGS

LINK:  VICTOR ABIAMIRI -- PHILADELPHIA EAGLES -- PUP LIST

LINK:  TREVOR LAWS -- PHILADELPHIA EAGLES

LINK:  MAURICE STOVALL -- DETROIT LIONS

LINK:  ARNAZ BATTLE -- PITTSBURGH STEELERS

LINK:  SERGIO BROWN -- NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS

LINK:  ERIC OLSEN -- FREE AGENT

LINK:  ROBERT HUGHES -- FREE AGENT

LINK:  DARRIN WALLS -- ATLANTA FALCONS

LINK:  ARMANDO ALLEN -- FREE AGENT

THIS WAS WAY TOO CLOSE!

The Notre Dame fans standing outside of Gate D last night, during the first rain delay, witnessed a pretty scary moment that NBC caught on TV (my wife and I were standing just inside Gate D's concourse).  Thankfully, no one was struck!

LINK:  SHAKE DOWN THE THUNDER AT NOTRE DAME

Which Team LOST This Game? -- THE TEST

Just to prove that STATS ARE FOR LOSERS, Notre Dame football fans can give this test to a SKUNKBEAR fan this week (those are the Walmart Wolverines we've grown to love here in Michigan) to see if they're smart enough to figure out who won this college football game:

FIRST DOWNS:

• Team #1:  20 First Downs
• Team #2:  27 First Downs

TOTAL YARDS OF OFFENSE:

• Team #1:  254 Yards
• Team #2:  508 Yards

LEADING RUSHER FOR EACH TEAM:

• Team #1:  14 carries for 40 yards -- 2.9 yard average
• Team #2:  21 carries for 104 yards -- 4.9 yard average

LEADING RECEIVER FOR EACH TEAM:

• Team #1:  8 catches for 75 yards -- 9.4 yard average
• Team #2:  12 catches for 154 yards -- 12.8 yard average

THIRD DOWN CONVERSION:

• Team #1:  2 for 14
• Team #2:  5 for 14

LONGEST RUNNING PLAY FROM SCRIMMAGE:

• Team #1:  12 yards
• Team #2:  18 yards

LONGEST PASSING PLAY FROM SCRIMMAGE:

• Team #1:  18 yards
• Team #2:  37 yards

OFFENSIVE TOUCHDOWNS:

• Team #1:  1
• Team #2:  3

FIELD GOALS:

• Team #1:  3 for 4
• Team #2:  0 for 1

TOTAL PENALTIES:

• Team #1:  9 penalties
• Team #2:  8 penalties

TOTAL TURNOVERS:

• Team #1:  0 turnovers
• Team #2:  5 turnovers

NBC Replay -- Notre Dame vs. USF

If you dare -- you can watch NBC's replay of the "great giveaway" today at Notre Dame Stadium as the Irish turn the ball over five times in a 23 - 20 loss to the University of South Florida:

LINK:  NBC REPLAY 

What the Media is Sayin: USF 23 - ND 20

Just got back to Motown after the marathon AKA the "GREAT GIVEAWAY" at the University of Notre Dame this afternoon and evening.  I don't believe ND fans will enjoy reliving this experience -- but, here's what the media is saying about our IRISH hours after this difficult defeat to the University of South Florida:

LINK:  NBC'S NOTRE DAME CENTRAL

LINK:  CHICAGO TRIBUNE

LINK:  SOUTH BEND TRIBUNE -- AL LESAR

LINK:  SOUTH BEND TRIBUNE -- ERIC HANSEN

LINK:  ESPN

LINK:  CHICAGO SUN TIMES

LINK:  ST. PETERSBURG TIMES

LINK:  TAMPA BAY ONLINE

LINK:  ST. PETERSBURG TIMES #2

LINK:  WNDU-TV

LINK:  WNDU-TV -- SKIP HOLTZ PRESSER

LINK:  CNNSI

LINK:  FOX SPORTS

Stats Are For Losers...

I made a promise last January when I launched this blog that I'd never go NEGATIVE on the University of Notre Dame.  Thus, I've got nothin' to say after spending 2 1/2 hours sitting on cement in the ND Stadium concourse this evening -- waiting for the storms to pass -- watching the Irish just give a game away to the University of South Florida.  BRUTAL.

LINK:  BRIAN KELLY POST GAME

LINK:  PLAYERS' POST GAME 

LINK:  GAME LOWLIGHTS

ND to Host a Number of Big Time Recruits!

The South Bend Tribune did a nice job today outlining ND's recruiting plans for this weekend -- here's a link to a couple of stories:

LINK:  OFFICIAL & UNOFFICIAL VISITORS -- THIS WEEKEND!

LINK:  TOP RECRUIT IN COUNTRY

I've Always Wanted ND to Have One of These!

The University of Notre Dame football program received a "present today' -- and it's well over due!  I've always wanted the Fighting Irish to paint up a truck to promote ND Football -- and they finally did!  I suspect we'll see a model of the truck for sale in the Hammes Notre Dame Bookstore -- before too long!  Here's a link to the UND.COM feature on the truck:

LINK:  NOTRE DAME EQUIPMENT TRUCK

Football Weekend @ Notre Dame!

Just got back from spending this evening on the University of Notre Dame campus.  Took a group from work down to "America's Holy Land" to take in the Band of the Fighting Irish, the Irish Green, South Dining Hall for dinner and the Pep Rally.

Having been to a number of Pep Rally's in my day -- I must admit not feeling the LOVE at this rally.  Sure hope there's more excitement tomorrow in Notre Dame Stadium!  Here's links to a number of the gatherings on campus today:

LINK:  DILLON HALL PEP RALLY 

LINK:  FRIDAY'S QB LUNCHEON 

LINK:  COACH WARRINER -- QB LUNCHEON

LINK:  BRAXSTON CAVE & TREVOR ROBINSON

LINK:  KEITH ARNOLD -- USF GAME PREVIEW

An Enhanced Experience @ Rock's House!

The University of Notre Dame has teamed up with CENTERPLATE, the hospitality partner of choice to many of the largest athletic and entertainment venues in the country -- to enhance the gameday experience for Irish football fans.  Well, more than 80,000 of us will be the judge of that this weekend!  Here's a link to a release that speaks to what's planned:

LINK:  SOMETHING NEW AT NOTRE DAME STADIUM