Win the Ultimate Trip to Every Bowl Game!

The promotional people at Cooper Tires sent the ND GO IRISH BLOG a note asking if we would be willing to let Notre Dame fans know about their Ultimate Bowl Tour Challenge. It sounds like something we'd like to win -- so here it is: This college football season Cooper Tires is awarding the most driven fan with a once-in-a-lifetime trip to attend five of the biggest BCS bowl games including the Rose Bowl, Orange Bowl, Sugar Bowl, Cotton Bowl, and the National Championship Game. The winner of the Copper Tires Ultimate Bowl Tour and three very lucky friends will be whisked away on a private jet, making stops in Pasadena, Miami, New Orleans, Dallas and Glendale, AZ. I say Notre Dame fans would look great in that private jet wearing our blue & gold at every Bowl Game! Here's the link to play:

LINK: ULTIMATE BOWL TOUR CHALLENGE

Brian Kelly Radio Show -- 7 PM EST TONIGHT!

Coach Kelly's radio show starts at 7PM EST from Legends of Notre Dame. Here's a link to where you can watch the show online or a link to where you can listen to the radio broadcast only.

LINK: LIVE VIDEO FEED OF SHOW

LINK: LIVE RADIO FEED OF SHOW

Notre Dame's New Admissions Director

Now, that's not what they call this position anymore. The official title is Associate Vice President for Undergraduate Admissions -- and the person 'soon to be sitting' in that office at Notre Dame is Donald Bishop. Bishop was announced yesterday as the replacement for the retired Dan Saracino -- effective December 1st. He's a former ND grad, Class of 1977, who previously worked for eight years in Notre Dame's Admissions department before stints at Cornell, Creighton, Ohio Weleyan and Embry Riddle. So, if you want to get your son or daughter into Notre Dame -- it will be his team making those decisions starting this December!

A Notre Dame Internet Browser -- For Free!

CBS Sports and Brand Thunder, Inc. have teamed up to create college themed browsers for sixty schools. And, wouldn't you know it -- Notre Dame is on that list. Whether you have a PC and use Internet Explorer or a MAC and use Firefox -- they have a free download for you! All you have to do is click on the link below and follow the instructions to theme your internet experience with Notre Dame -- Go Irish!

LINK: FREE NOTRE DAME BROWSER

Access Hollywood Visits Regis & Notre Dame

Access Hollywood's Maria Menuounos (pictured) spent some time with Regis Philbin '53, in his New York office, talking what else -- Notre Dame football! And, Menuonos did her best to experience the sites and sounds of Game Day at Notre Dame for Access Hollywood -- as she visited campus for Saturday's game against Michigan. Here's a link to the story:

LINK: ACCESS HOLLYWOOD COMES TO ND

Clausen's First Endorsement Deal

Former Notre Dame QB and maybe Sunday's starter for the Carolina Panthers, Jimmy Clausen, has signed on as a paid endorser of FLO TV. FLO TV allows you to watch live television on your cell phone, computer, in your car, etc. Here's an article in which the ESPN reporter weaved in "Notre Dame" into Clausen's use of the FLO TV product he's representing. Here's the link:


LINK: CLAUSEN ON NOTRE DAME

MSU vs. ND -- Rain Storm 2006!

On the Monday after Notre Dame's thrilling, come from way behind, win over the Spartans -- in a rain storm -- a Detroit sports talk radio host "WENT OFF ON HIS SPARTANS." His name is Mike Valenti and his rant over the Spartans collapse against the Irish -- has become radio legend. His diatribe runs for fifteen minutes or so -- thus, you'll see links to Part 1 and Part 2 below. As you'll hear, Valenti, a Michigan State grad, is passionate about his Spartans and wasn't too happy with the outcome of this game. YOU MUST LISTEN TO THIS!

LINK: MSU FAN'S RANT - PART 1

LINK: MSU FAN'S RANT - PART 2

Johnny Lattner on Reggie Bush...

Former Heisman Trophy Winner and Notre Dame "All-Everything" Johnny Lattner, was asked by the Chicago Tribune -- the day before Reggie Bush's announcement -- "should Reggie Bush keep his Heisman?" You might be surprised with his answer:

LINK: LATTNER ON BUSH

Official Ground Breaking: "Hockey Cathedral"

This past Saturday, the University of Notre Dame's President; Rev. John Jenkins, presided over a ceremony to bless and dedicate the Compton Family Center -- the future home of the Irish Hockey program. "The Compton" is named after Kevin and Gayla Compton, who also happen to be the owners of the NHL's San Jose Sharks. Kevin and Gayla made a generous lead gift to Notre Dame to fund what is being called by some as college hockey's "Cathedral." The $53 million structure, which opens in October 2011 -- will immediately become the finest college hockey facility in the world. Here's a few links to a number of architectural renderings of this world-class facility:

LINK: PHOTOS OF STADIUM'S EXTERIOR

LINK: TEAM LOCKER ROOM

LINK: STADIUM'S MAIN CONCOURSE

LINK: STADIUM'S CLUB LEVEL

LINK: STADIUM SITE LINES

Notre Dame is Different...

Folks, Gregg Easterbrook's blog post at ESPN today -- is something you need to keep in your back pocket (if/when) the subject of "student-athlete" ever comes up with your friends in the; Big Ten, SEC, ACC, Pac 10, Big 12, WAC, etc. You'll find near the end of Easterbrook's lengthy blog post -- a story about Notre Dame football player Chris Stewart. Stewart is a Law Student at the University of Notre Dame -- who just happens to be a starting offensive lineman. You see, at Notre Dame you're expected to graduate in four years and if you want a fifth year on the gridiron, you've graduated and have enrolled in grad school. Here's the link:

LINK: A NOTRE DAME STUDENT-ATHLETE

Coach Kelly's Media Session Today

Notre Dame Head Football Coach Brian Kelly, met with the media today at noon -- in his weekly Tuesday press briefing. Here's a link to www.und.com's coverage:

LINK: COACH KELLY PRESS CONFERENCE

NBC was the WINNER Saturday!

NBC Sports is experiencing the excitement that Brian Kelly has brought to the Fighting Irish football program -- first hand. For the second week in a row -- TV ratings are up big time. The Michigan vs. Notre Dame game was the most watched Notre Dame football game in the past five-years and the most watched featuring these two teams in sixteen-years. It was the twelfth largest audience ever for a NBC telecast of a Notre Dame football game in their twenty-year history with the Irish -- and largest audience ever for two un-ranked opponents. 7 million viewers tuned in to the game -- and the two-game viewership average is the best in four years for Notre Dame football. Here are the five largest TV audiences ever for a NBC broadcast of Notre Dame vs. Michigan football game:

1: #6 Michigan 26, #3 Notre Dame 24 September 10, 1994 10.1 million
2: #3 Notre Dame 17, #6 Michigan 17 September 12, 1992 7.3 million
3: Michigan 28, Notre Dame 24 September 11, 2010 7.0 million
4: #22 Notre Dame 36, #5 Michigan 20 September 5, 1998 6.6 million
5: #20 Notre Dame 25, #7 Michigan 23 September 14, 2002 6.5 million

Pogo Back Flip Record Set on Regis & Kelly!

Former Notre Dame alum, Regis Philbin '53, hosted a Guiness Book of World Records attempt on his Regis & Kelly Show yesterday. It's "Record Breaker Week" as they've partnered with Guiness Book of World Records to break a record -- LIVE -- every day this week. On Monday's show a young man from Akron (Fred Grzybowski) set the world record for most consecutive back flips on a pogo stick! He did nine back flips -- breaking the old record of eight. I didn't know there was such a record -- but I do now! You've got to see this video:

LINK: WORLD RECORD!

Samardzjia: First Career Win as a Starter!

Jeff Samardzjia earned his first Major League victory as a starter -- pitching 5 2/3 innings of shut out baseball in the Cubs 5-1 victory over the Cardinals last night. The former Notre Dame All-American wide receiver struck out four -- and helped his own cause with an RBI single in the 2nd. The "Shark" was just brought up from the Iowa Cubs -- where he was 11-3 this season. Here's a link to the MLB site and some video of Jeff's big night:

LINK: SAMARDZJIA'S BIG NIGHT

Notre Dame Featured in Coke Zero Promotion

I've been approached on a number of occasions, since this blogged launched this past January, to sell advertising. Each time I've declined. That continues today -- the only reason I'm mentioning this promotion is because it involves our favorite school this week - the University of Notre Dame. Coke Zero is running a contest online (see link below) called the PLAYBOOK CHALLENGE and is giving away some great prizes. It's free -- and it's fun -- a good combination these days! Like any contest, you can't win if you don't play -- here's the link:

LINK: COKE ZERO'S PLAYBOOK CHALLENGE

PHOTO OF THE DAY: Is Manti Being Held?

This is a close-up of a photo (below) of Michigan's winning TD in the last minute of Saturday's game with the Irish. Is Teo being held by the collar, is it "hands to the face" or, is this just a great block? You be the Big Ten referee! Photo courtesy of Mike Doyle.

Samardzjia: Gets Cubs Start Tonight!

Former Notre Dame All-American wide receiver, Jeff Samardzjia, gets the start tonight for the Chicago Cubs in their game against the St. Louis Cardinals. Samardzjia was called up from the Iowa Cubs after going 11-3 for the Cubbies top minor league team this season. You can catch the action on WGN-TV or you can click on the link below and listen to the radio broadcast -- Samardzjia's first pitch is at 8:15 PM EST:

LINK: LISTEN TO THE SHARK'S START TONIGHT

Coach Kelly's Half Time Talk to Team

Jack Nolan sat down with Coach Kelly yesterday to talk about the Michigan game. I found Brian Kelly's quick and direct answer to what he said at halftime to his Irish quite enlightening. Here's the link:

LINK: COACH KELLY CONVERSATION

ND Receives $34.7 Million in Stimulus Money

The South Bend Tribune reported that the University of Notre Dame has received $34.7 million to date in federal stimulus money since May 2009 to fund 32 projects. Now to keep this in perspective; Purdue University has received $130.3 million and Indiana University $62.7 million. Here's the story:

LINK: ND STIMULUS MONEY

A Detroit Blogger's Reaction to Notre Dame

Found this blog post from the Detroit Free Press's Mark Snyder concerning Notre Dame Football's traditional "WALK" from the Basilica of the Sacred Heart to the stadium. Click on link below:

LINK: NOTRE DAME TRADITIONS

Charlie's Chiefs on Monday Night Football

Former Notre Dame Head Football Coach, Charlie Weis '78 -- takes his offensive play calling to the NFL's biggest stage tonight as the Kansas City Chiefs take on the San Diego Chargers in the Monday Night Football game on ESPN. You can bet, the camera will be on Coach Weis often as he makes his return to the pro game. The Chiefs vs. Chargers game is the second game tonight on ESPN's Monday Night Football doubleheader with a 10:15 PM EST kick-off. The first game (Ravens vs. Jets) kicks off at 7:00 PM EST. Here's a link to a Q&A with Coach Weis last month:

LINK: Q&A WITH CHARLIE WEIS

New York Town Hires Notre Dame

The village of Skaneateles, NY (located in the Finger Lakes region) recently contracted with six University of Notre Dame graduate students and their professor to assist them in developing their master plan. The town's Comprehensive Plan Review Committee hired the Urban Design Studio students for $10,000 to assist them in planning their future. The Notre Dame students will be meeting with Skaneateles residents this week (September 14th - 16th) and will be presenting their completed work in December. Here's a link to the story:

LINK: NOTRE DAME COMES TO TOWN

Former NFL Great's "Twins" Are Irish!

Former Oakland Raider great, George Atkinson's twin sons; George III and Josh gave their verbal commitment to Brian Kelly and the Fighting Irish this morning. George III is a top wide receiver / running back prospect and brother Josh is a defensive back. Dad, seen here in the photo with his boys, is a radio analyst for the Raiders these days. Here's a video of George III from his junior year:

LINK: IRISH COMMIT

Clausen's NFL Debut...

Former Notre Dame QB, Jimmy Clausen -- made his NFL debut today in the Carolina Panthers 31-18 loss to the New York Giants in the first "official" NFL game played in the Giants & Jets new $1.6 billion stadium. Clausen got into the game late -- when the Panthers starting QB, Mal Moore, was shaken up. Moore was taken to a New York hospital after the game for observation. Jimmy attempted two passes -- but neither was caught. Ironically, Clausen's NFL Passer Rating ended up higher than his teammate Moore's -- can someone please explain to me how you can have an NFL Passer Rating when you don't complete a pass? Here's a link to the statistics:

LINK: CLAUSEN'S NFL PASSER RATING

PHOTO OF THE DAY: A Little Wet @ ND!

It was a rainy day yesterday at Notre Dame. Thought this sign in South Quad was quite appropriate!

Replay: A Tough One to Watch...

We rolled into our driveway around 1:50 AM this morning -- the I-69 Exit off of the Indiana Toll Road isn't much fun after a Michigan or Michigan State game -- what a mess! Much like the first half and last three minutes of the game against Michigan yesterday -- not in any hurry to relive any of those moments! So, if you dare -- here's a link to NBC's replay of yesterday's game:

LINK: A DIFFICULT LOSS

It's Football Saturday @ Notre Dame!

Folks, we're about an hour away from leaving Motown for Notre Dame and our seats in Section 119 -- there will be sixteen of us Irish fans sitting in amongst the Michigan fans (God help us!). The nation will be watching to see if Notre Dame is on its way back -- FYI: WE ARE! For those of you who will rooting for the Irish from home -- here's a few options to get you ready for kick-off:

1. At 9 AM EST -- click on this link and listen to WSBT 960 AM's Notre Dame Football Show -- it goes all morning long - right up to kick-off!

2. At 11 AM EST -- click on this link and watch Notre Dame Stadium fill up and watch the Irish come out of the Student Section on to the field for pre-game warmups

3. At 2:30 PM EST -- click on this link and watch NBC's online pre-game show

4. And, at 3:41 PM EST -- kick-off of the Notre Dame vs. Michigan game on NBC or online

Go IRISH!!!

Replay: Pep Rally - Michigan Week

The Fighting Irish Football Team started Football Weekend with a trip to the Pep Rally at the Irish Green on the Notre Dame campus. The photo was taken from the cell phone of one Brian Smith #58 -- senior linebacker for the Irish. Here's a link to the Pep Rally -- Go Irish!

LINK: Pep Rally

You'll Enjoy This Access to the Irish!

I just got done watching this video just posted by the gang at www.und.com -- this might be their best effort yet! Coach Kelly truly gave them ALL ACCESS for his first game. This video takes you from their last practice on Friday afternoon to inside the Irish Locker Room after the game. CLICK ON THE TOTAL ACCESS VIDEO -- you'll like this!

LINK: IRISH ALL ACCESS -- THE FIRST GAME

Game Day Weather Forecast

Just took a look at AccuWeather's forecast for South Bend, IN tomorrow -- and it's not that bad! If you look at the "hourly" forecast, they're predicting no rain from 11 AM to 7 PM -- let's hope they're correct!!! Here's the link:

LINK: HOURLY WEATHER FORECAST -- IRISH vs. WOLVERINES

Lemming Talking ND Recruiting - Today!

College football recruiting expert, Tom Lemming, will be joining the boys at WSBT 906 AM's Weekday SportsBeat -- today from 5:00 PM EST to 6:00 PM EST -- as they broadcast from the Irish Green. Here's a link to listen to them live on the web:

LINK: TOM LEMMING ON WEEKDAY SPORTSBEAT

Will They Be Back?

Mega Country-Pop star Taylor Swift and her side-kick Selena Gomez, of Disney Channel Fame, (pictured) generated a great deal of buzz this past Saturday inside Notre Dame Stadium. Will they be back again tomorrow? I'm sure their fans will be on the look out - and maybe a few football players too!

Replay: Brian Kelly Radio Show

Coach Kelly was back at Legend's of Notre Dame last night for his second radio show. Here's a link to video coverage of the show:

LINK: BRIAN KELLY RADIO SHOW - September 9th

LIVE CHAT with Notre Dame Football

The gang at www.und.com will be hosting a LIVE CHAT @ NOON today with a number of Notre Dame Football players. To join the chat - click on this link below:

LIVE CHAT WITH ND FOOTBALL PLAYERS

Notre Dame's Fight For Kids With Autism

Folks, it's work like this going on at the University of Notre Dame -- that makes me proud to be a fan. I'm sure most know someone who has a child who's dealing with Autism. Here's a story told by Notre Dame's Office of Public Affairs & Communications -- that will touch your soul! KLEENEX ALERT! Click on the link below:


LINK: FIGHTING AUTISM

On Campus? -- They're Painting the Helmets!

The University of Notre Dame announced earlier in the week that they were moving the painting of the helmets to this afternoon at 3:00 PM -- inside Notre Dame Stadium. Fans can come to GATE E (Student Entrance) and watch one of the great college football traditions -- the painting of the Notre Dame football helmets! Here's an Adidas TV commercial from 1996 about this uniquely Notre Dame tradition -- that you'll enjoy:

LINK: THERE'S FOOTBALL -- AND THEN THERE'S NOTRE DAME FOOTBALL

A Notre Dame Icon -- To Retire

The University of Notre Dame's long time Executive Director of its Alumni Association, Chuck Lennon '61 -- announced his retirement yesterday -- effective next June 2011. Chuck's 30 years of service to his Alma Mater left Notre Dame a much better place. Lennon was a fixture at Pep Rally's with his "Raise the Roof" cheer (SEE VIDEO LINK BELOW) -- and never missed an opportunity to make a fellow Alum or visitor feel at home when they crossed his path at Notre Dame. He epitomizes what it means to be a "Notre Dame Man." I'm certain there will be tribute after tribute for this "Man and his Notre Dame sweater" -- over these next nine months. Thank You Chuck Lennon!

LINK: "RAISE THE ROOF"

LINK: A BONUS VIDEO OF CHUCK IN ACTION!

Michigan Week: #1 vs. #2 in 1989

It's the game in which Rocket Ismail broke Bo Schembechler's heart and became Irish legend -- with his two kick-off returns for TD's as the #1 ranked Irish beat #2 ranked Michigan in the so called "Big House." Here is Keith Jackson's call on ABC:

LINK: YOU DON'T KICK TO ROCKET!

Brian Kelly Radio Show -- Tonight!

Just a quick reminder -- every Thursday night during the Notre Dame football season -- Head Coach Brian Kelly will be hosting his own radio show at Legends of Notre Dame. The radio show runs from 7 PM EST to 8 PM EST on a number of radio stations. You can also watch it live on www.und.com -- ALL ACCESS. Here's two links to where you'll find Coach Kelly's radio show tonight live on the web:

LINK: LIVE ON THE WEB

LINK: LIVE ON THE RADIO

The Montana vs. Rudy Story -- Part II

Looks like the "journalists" at TMZ won't let this story go away. Yesterday, Joe Montana was on the Dan Patrick Radio Show and he was asked about the Rudy movie. I wasn't crazy about Joe's response -- as you may have read in an earlier post. Well, it looks like a former teammate, Jay Achterhoff, wasn't as well. Here's a link to TMZ's report:

LINK: MONTANA vs. RUDY

Brian Kelly on Dan Patrick Radio Show this AM

Here's a link to Brian Kelly's conversation this morning with Dan Patrick on his nationally syndicated radio show:

LINK: COACH KELLY WITH DAN PATRICK

Get Your GREEN ON -- This Saturday!

Folks, it's time we made a "statement" beyond the student section inside Notre Dame Stadium. We have a school coming in that has similar colors to ours "Maize is not GOLD" -- that also has an Adidas contract. Our team apparel is from the same designer -- so, if you wear your blue, white or gold shirts in the stands -- you might be mistaken for one of "those guys." Remember when Nebraska came to town a few years ago and the statement their fans made with all of the red they wore in Notre Dame Stadium? THIS IS OUR HOUSE -- get your GREEN ON inside Notre Dame Stadium this Saturday! Let's force ESPN's Sports Center to talk about "ALL OF THE FANS WEARING GREEN at Notre Dame Stadium" -- when they show their post game coverage of our victory over Michigan! It's time to let the world know that not only are the FIGHTING IRISH BACK -- but so are their MILLIONS OF FANS! GET YOUR GREEN ON!

Michigan Week: Irish Roll in Rain!

The weather man isn't giving us the greatest of forecasts for this Saturday's game against Michigan -- so I decided to bring out the video of the last time the Wolverines came to Notre Dame Stadium. If you recall -- it poured -- and we rolled over Michigan 35-17! Here's a link to a video of the 2008 game:


LINK: WE CAN BEAT YOU IN THE RAIN

His Grandpa Was Smiling in Heaven...

The University of Notre Dame's Leprchaun, David Zimmer, grew up in a family of Purdue grads and fans. In fact, "Diz" spent his first year in college at Purdue, after not being accepted into ND out of high school. Zimmer applied again after his freshman year and was accepted -- transferring into Notre Dame his sophomore year. It was Diz's Grandpa who had always encouraged him to attend Notre Dame, and when Zimmer received the news that he was going to be Irish -- the first call was to Grandpa. Unfortunately, Grandpa never got to see his grandson roaming the sidelines of his first game as the Leprechaun from a seat inside Notre Dame Stadium -- against, of all teams, Purdue. You see -- Grandpa had a better seat for this game. Diz and his family buried Grandpa -- last Thursday, two days before the Purdue game. Here's a link to a wonderful story -- you might have missed -- that aired last Friday on WNDU-TV and a story that ran when Diz was named the Leprechaun:

LINK: HIS GRANDPA'S DREAM

LINK: HE'S THE NOTRE DAME LEPRECHAUN!

Notre Dame Coaching Staff to Honor Heroes...

To commemorate the ninth anniversary of the events that took place on 9/11/01 -- Brian Kelly & coaching staff will be wearing the Notre Dame Heroes Collection -- during this Saturday's game against Michigan. You can purchase the Heroes Collection in the Notre Dame Hammes Bookstore. Here's a link to purchase the official hat:

LINK: NOTRE DAME HEROES HAT

Biometric Sampling of Twins @ Notre Dame

Every August in a town in Ohio aptly named "Twinsburg" -- almost 2,000 sets of twins attend "The Twins Day Festival" -- which is generally regarded as the largest official gathering of twins in the world. And it's an event that researchers from the University of Notre Dame's Department of Computer Science and Engineering attend -- to do some field work! Notre Dame's Kevin Bowyer and Patrick Flynn spent the weekend in Twinsburg convincing sets of twins to sit at the center of a half-circle arc surrounded by five cameras which took high resolution color photographs from different angles. These volunteers also posed for iris and 3-D face imaging cameras. Flynn and Bowyer have been developing and assessing image-based biometrics and multi-biometrics technologies since 2001, including first-of-kind comparisons of face photographs, face thermograms, 3-D face images, iris images, video of human gait, and even ear and hand shapes. A biometric is a stable and distinctive physiological feature of a person that can be measured and used to identify that person; the fingerprint is the most familiar example. In the wake of the terrorist attacks of Sept. 11, 2001, federal agencies have become increasingly interested in the feasibility of facial and iris recognition technologies. Here's a link to Notre Dame's official release:

LINK: BIOMETRIC SAMPLING

Michigan Week: Irish Upset #5 Ranked Michigan

It was the opening game of the 1998 season for the Irish against the 5th ranked Wolverines -- who were coming off of their National Championship season. Bob Davie's 22nd ranked Irish rolled over Michigan 36 to 20 that day -- a Wolverine team led by Tom Brady. Who's seen here fumbling after being sacked by the Irish. Here's a link to a video of the game highlights:

LINK: THE IRISH UPSET MICHIGAN

Last Day to Win Tickets to Saturday's Game!

If you'd like to enter the contest to win tickets to Notre Dame's game this Saturday against Michigan -- you need to get moving! The contest at Every Game Counts ends today - here's the link to enter a chance to win two tickets:

LINK: EVERY GAME COUNTS CONTEST

Montana Talks "Rudy" -- Did He Have To?

Former Notre Dame QB and Super Bowl Champion, Joe Montana -- was a guest on the Dan Patrick Radio Show this morning. The subject of "Rudy" came up and Joe's response, in essence, let everyone "behind the curtain." Did he have to do that? You take a listen:



LINK: JOE MONTANA ON "RUDY"