Michael Floyd -- ND's Decision a Shocker!

The University of Notre Dame surprised most loyal ND followers with the news yesterday afternoon that Michael Floyd will not be suspended from school -- and will not be kept off the football field.

Michael Floyd is still suspended "indefinitely" by Brian Kelly from the Notre Dame football team.

However, I wouldn't be surprised if Brian Kelly "reinstates" him to team activities in JUNE, when the team returns for the summer semester.  Yet, I wouldn't be shocked if Coach Kelly decides to sit him for the "home opener" against the University of South Florida...

Here's a link to a video at Irish Illustrated of Coach Kelly commenting this morning on the Michael Floyd situation -- along with a link to the South Bend Tribune story:

LINK:  MICHAEL FLOYD NOT SUSPENDED FROM SCHOOL!

LINK:  SOUTH BEND TRIBUNE STORY

ND Spring Practice -- Update #10

The Fighting Irish of Notre Dame completed their 10th practice of the Spring Season -- yesterday -- and the gang at UND.COM was there to catch the action.  Here's their report:

LINK:  WIDE RECEIVER UPDATE

LINK:  DAYNE CRIST INTERVIEW

Video of NFL Pro Day @ Notre Dame

Nine former football stars at Notre Dame worked out on Thursday for NFL Scouts inside the Loftus Center on the campus of the University of Notre Dame.  Here's a link to UND.COM's coverage of NFL Pro Day @ Notre Dame:

LINK:  NFL PRO DAY @ NOTRE DAME

Will He Become the First American Born Pope?

Timothy Dolan -- is the "larger than life" Archbishop of the New York Diocese.  Living in the Detroit suburbs and Diocese, I must admit I knew nothing about Dolan -- that changed after his 60 Minutes interview last month.  Called "THE HOLY BULLDOZER" -- I couldn't get enough of Archbishop Dolan!

Here's a link to that 60 Minutes story -- and a link to his Saint Patrick's Day Pastoral Letter.  Hey ND -- he would make a great Commencement Speaker!

LINK:  DOLAN'S 60 MINUTES INTERVIEW

LINK:  SAINT PATRICK'S DAY PASTORAL LETTER

Notre Dame NFL PRO DAY -- Results!

NBC's Notre Dame Beat Reporter -- Keith Arnold is reporting on the results of today's NFL PRO DAY at Notre Dame for nine former Irish players.  Here's the link to his story along with links to stories from The Sporting News and Sports Illustrated:

LINK:  NFL PRO DAY @ NOTRE DAME

LINK:  TSN -- RUDOLPH HEALTHY

LINK:  SI -- PRO DAY AT ND

Notre Dame Spring Practice #9 -- Update

Coach Brian Kelly met with the media after yesterday's practice -- as the IRISH completed practice #9 "OUTSIDE FOR THE FIRST TIME" leading up to next Saturday's BLUE GOLD game.  Here's a link to that media session along with a UND.COM's practice report and interview of Bob Diaco and Charley Molnar:

LINK:  UND.COM -- POST PRACTICE REPORT

LINK:  COACH KELLY -- MEETS WITH THE MEDIA

LINK:  COACH MOLNAR -- MEETS WITH THE MEDIA

LINK:  COACH DIACO -- MEETS WITH THE MEDIA

NFL PRO DAY @ NOTRE DAME TODAY!

Nine former Notre Dame football stars will be showcasing their strength, skill and speed today in front of a number of NFL Scouts -- as it's NFL PRO DAY @ NOTRE DAME.

Armando Allen, Robert Hughes, Ian Williams, Kyle Rudolph, Duval Kamara, Kerry Neal, Brian Smith, Chris Stewart and Darrin Walls -- will be on display.  Here's a link to some media coverage about today's event!

LINK:  IAN WILLIAMS' DIARY

LINK:  BLEACHER REPORT

ND @ Frozen Four -- 5 PM EDT on ESPN2

Jeff Jackson's University of Notre Dame's Men's Hockey team plays this afternoon in the National Semi-Final of the FROZEN FOUR!!!  The Irish will be playing Minnesota-Duluth -- with the winner advancing to Saturday's National Championship game against the winner of the Michigan vs. North Dakota game.  Here's what the media is sayin' about today's game:

LINK:  MINNEAPOLIS STAR TRIBUNE

LINK:  INSIDE COLLEGE HOCKEY

LINK:  SB NATION -- MINNESOTA

LINK:  COLORADO SPRINGS GAZETTE

LINK:  SOUTH BEND TRIBUNE

Blue Gold Weekend -- Latest Weather Forecast!

The weather forecast is getting better and better for next week's Blue Gold Weekend @ Notre Dame!  Here's the link:

LINK:  BLUE GOLD WEEKEND -- WEATHER FORECAST

The Frozen Four -- Irish Play Tomorrow!

The Fighting Irish of Notre Dame Men's Hockey team takes the ice tomorrow afternoon at 5 PM EDT against Minnesota-Duluth in the National Semi-Final game in the Frozen Four!  Here's a photo from ND's practice today at the Excel Energy Center in Saint Paul, MN. 

The Irish met with the media today -- here's a link to the press conference -- along with a link to their practice:

LINK:  IRISH HOCKEY PRACTICE -- FROZEN FOUR

LINK:  NOTRE DAME'S FROZEN FOUR -- PRESS CONFERENCE

A "Confident" Cierre Wood -- Talkin' to ESPN

University of Notre Dame running back Cierre Wood -- is now the "man" -- in the Irish backfield.  Today, the folks at ESPN released an interview of Wood at ESPN.COM -- here's the link:

LINK:  CIERRE WOOD -- ESPN INTERVIEW

Irish Hockey @ The Frozen Four!

Jeff Jackson and his "young" Fighting Irish arrived in Minneapolis last night for the NCAA Men's Hockey Division 1 National Championship's -- FROZEN FOUR.  I just love that twist on the Final Four!  Here's a photo "tweeted" last night by one of the Notre Dame hockey players as they visited the Xcel Energy Center in Saint Paul, MN.

The Irish play Minnesota-Duluth tomorrow afternoon (Thursday) at 5 PM EDT in the Semi-Finals.  The game will be televised LIVE on ESPN2 beginning at 5 PM EDT.   GO IRISH!

LADY IRISH -- YOU MADE US PROUD!!!

Well, I would have "bet the house" at halftime that Notre Dame would have won this game tonight...  I'm glad I didn't!!!

It wasn't the ending we all had hoped for -- yet, we can't overlook what Notre Dame did these past few weeks.  I'm already looking forward to next season -- and what I suspect will be a TOP FIVE pre-season ranking -- with all but one player coming back for the IRISH!

Becka Bruszewski -- thank you for leading this team and making it tough enough to beat TENNESSEE and UCONN in the same week.  Something no team has ever done in the NCAA Tournament. 

Here's a link to the post game press conference:  KEEP YOUR HEADS UP!

ON TO IRISH HOCKEY and the FROZEN FOUR!!!!

PHOTO FROM INDY -- ND ARRIVES!!!

Here's a photo "tweeted" by @Jo_Rae from CONSECO FIELDHOUSE in the past eight minutes.

ND Football & Basketball Team in Indy Tonight!

Just heard that Brian Kelly and Mike Brey have taken their respective teams to Indianapolis this afternoon to cheer on their classmates to a NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP!  Don't know how many went -- just know they boarded buses this afternoon for the drive to Indy.  GO IRISH!

Top Hoops Recruit -- Commits to Lady Irish!!!

Hannah Huffman, the #38 ranked player in the country out of the Class of 2012 -- committed to Muffet McGraw and the Fighting Irish yesterday!!!  The 5'-9" combo guard, out of Northern California -- grew up a fan of Notre Dame.

Her dad, Larry Huffman, is a 1986 ND and former member of the golf team -- think he's PROUD TODAY!

Huffman chose Notre Dame over UCLA and Cal Berkley.  Here's a link to the ESPN story:

LINK:  HUFFMAN CHOOSES NOTRE DAME!

IRISH MEN: 2 - 0 vs. National Champ UCONN

The University of Notre Dame Men's Basketball team watched UCONN beat Butler last night -- knowing they were the last team to beat UCONN -- and one of two teams in the country who were 2-0 vs. the gang from Storrs, CT.  (Louisville was the other)

Shows you how close -- and how far away -- you can be to a National Championship in basketball.

UCONN finished ninth in the Big East Conference (they were 9-9 in the conference) -- yet, they're on top of the world this morning!

Women's National Championship -- 8:30 PM!

The University of Notre Dame Women's Basketball team is less than 13 hours away from the most important 40 minutes -- of their lifetime.  At 8:30 PM EDT -- tip off of the NCAA Women's Basketball National Championship is scheduled -- and I'm expecting a "green background" in CONSECO FIELDHOUSE!!!

It's going to a great night of TV -- unfortunately, we're more than likely going to have to listen to ESPN's Doris Burke talk about UCONN throughout the game -- and we're going to have to do our best not to change the channel when ESPN plays another tribute to Maya Moore this evening...

OH WELL -- the good news is we're playing, they're not!!!  GO IRISH -- BEAT DOWN THE AGGIES!!! 

Here's a link to what the media is sayin' this morning about tonight's National Championship game:

LINK:  HOUSTON CHRONICLE

LINK:  USA TODAY

LINK:  PHILADELPHIA INQUIRER

LINK:  INDY STAR

LINK:  FORT WAYNE JOURNAL GAZETTE

LINK:  BOSTON GLOBE

LINK:  ABC NEWS

LINK:  ESPN BLOG

LINK:  SOUTH BEND TRIBUNE

ND's Skylar Diggins -- As Good As Advertised!

Notre Dame fans will remember two years ago when word got out that Skylar Diggins walked into the ND locker room after a game -- wearing her high school varsity jacket -- to let Muffet McGraw know she was IRISH!

At the time -- Skylar was the most acclaimed high school star -- to ever commit to a University of Notre Dame women's athletic team.  Well, she's been as good as advertised.  On the biggest stage of her life last night -- she calmly led the Irish by the "bully" in women's college basketball. 

Can she do it again tomorrow night?  I believe she will do just that.

It's definitely going to be fun to watch!  And, you can be sure all eyes -- ESPECIALLY IRISH EYES -- will be on Skylar!  Here's a few links to some stories today about her importance to Notre Dame:

LINK:  ESPN BLOG -- #1

LINK:  ESPN BLOG -- #2

LINK:  ESPN BLOG -- #3

LINK:  NEW YORK TIMES

LINK:  SOUTH BEND TRIBUNE

The Day After -- the Day Before the Final Game!

The Fighting Irish of Notre Dame spent the morning after last night's win over UCONN by meeting a "rap star" -- and meeting with the media.  Here's a link to UND.COM's continuing coverage of Notre Dame's National Championship run in Indianapolis!!!

LINK:  IRISH MEET "D.M.C."

LINK:  PLAYERS PRESS CONFERENCE -- NCAA CHAMPIONSHIP

LINK:  MUFFET'S PRESS CONFERENCE -- NCAA CHAMPIONSHIP

Muffet's Irish -- Play for National Championship!

It still feels good the "morning after" -- trust me!!!  Muffet McGraw has another team in the NCAA Championship game -- ten years after she led her IRISH to our first National Championship in basketball in 2001.

What shouldn't be overlooked is this -- the past two games, Notre Dame beat teams with a combined 70 - 3 record.  The Lady Vols were 34 - 2 when they took on the Irish and UCONN was 36 - 1.

These two teams have won 15 of the last 23 National Championships -- think about that!

Here's a few links to UND.COM's video coverage of the big win for the IRISH last night -- along with a few of the media stories:

LINK:  GAME HIGHLIGHTS -- IRISH BEAT UCONN!

LINK:  POST GAME CELEBRATION -- IRISH BEAT UCONN! 

LINK:  ND POST GAME PRESS CONFERENCE 

LINK:  INDY STAR

LINK:  CHICAGO TRIBUNE


LINK:  LOS ANGELES TIMES

LINK:  HARTFORD COURANT

LINK:  SOUTH BEND TRIBUNE

THE PHOTO OF THE NIGHT -- WINNING!

Young lady -- you led the IRISH to one of its guttiest wins of all time -- we're so proud of you and your teammates!  GO IRISH!!!!

Here's a link to what ESPN is sayin' right now...

LINK:  ESPN'S FIRST TAKE ON IRISH WIN!

Fourth Photo of the Night -- NEXT!!!!

The Fighting Irish of Notre Dame -- move on to the National Championship game Tuesday night against Texas A&M.  ND beat UCONN 72 - 63!

Third Photo of the Night -- Skylar Diggans!

This young lady -- assumed the mantle of the top player in college basketball tonight -- and what a time to do just that!!!

Second Photo of the Night! -- The Fighting Irish!

The Lady Irish have been the toughest team in America the past two weeks -- THE FIGHTING IRISH ARE BACK!!!

First Photo of the Night! -- Sorry Geno!!!

 

UCONN Coach Geno Auriemma -- thinking about where he's going to watch the Irish play on Tuesday night!

TAKE THAT ESPN! -- IRISH ON TO TUESDAY!

We had to listen to the ESPN "UCONN SPECIAL -- for more than two hours -- yet, they can shut up now -- CUZ THE IRISH ARE IN THE CHAMPIONSHIP GAME!!!  GO IRISH!!!!

If you'd like to watch the replay -- it's right here:

LINK:  REPLAY OF IRISH'S WIN OVER UCONN!!

LINK:  INDY STAR -- GAME RECAP

4 Hours to the IRISH BEAT DOWN of UCONN!

I can feel it!!!!

We're four hours from the very best 40 minute performance -- of this season --  in women's college basketball.  THE IRISH ARE GOING TO WIN!!!  Here's a last look at ND from yesterday and a preview of tonight's game -- from our friends at UND.COM:

LINK:  ND vs. UCONN -- GAME PREVIEW

LINK:  IRISH OPEN PRACTICE

LINK:  IRISH VISIT THE INDY ZOO

ND's Chief Investment Officer -- National Award!

Scott Malpass, ND's "money guy" -- will receive Institutional Investor's "Large Endowment Manager of the Year" award -- at an event in NYC on May 16th.  Malpass manages Notre Dame's $6.2 billion endowment -- the 14th largest in Higher Education and the largest at any Catholic university.  Here's a link to Institutional Investor's announcement:

LINK:  SCOTT MALPASS GETS TOP HONOR!

ND Blue Gold Game -- First Weather Forecast

Here's the first look at weather for the Blue Gold Weekend at Notre Dame.  It won't be cold -- but, it might be a little wet.  Here you go:

LINK:  EARLY WEATHER FORECAST -- BLUE GOLD WEEKEND

ND Tight Ends -- UND.COM Feature

Here's a link to a UND.COM feature on the Tight End position at the University of Notre Dame.  Enjoy!

LINK:  A POSITION OF EXCELLENCE

ND Football's "Party on the Patio"

During Saturday's practice -- the ND Football program hosted 35 women from the University who have played a role in the Notre Dame Football program.  UND.COM was on hand to tell the event's story.  Here's the link:

LINK:  NOTRE DAME'S "PARTY ON THE PATIO"

Final Press Conferences @ THE FINAL FOUR

The good folks at UND.COM were working hard again yesterday in Indianapolis -- covering the final Press Conferences before tonight's game against UCONN.  Remember to take a nap this afternoon -- the game tips off around 9:30 PM ET!  Here are the links:

LINK:  MUFFET McGRAW'S -- FINAL PRESS CONFERENCE

LINK:  NOTRE DAME PLAYERS -- FINAL FOUR PRESS CONFERENCE

Final Four Headquarters -- 13 Hours to Tip-Off!

Tonight's the night Notre Dame beats UCONN in women's basketball.  We're going to find a way to control Maya Moore -- and we're going to dominate the backboards.  I can feel it.  This is not as talented a team as we're use to seeing from Auriemma -- and, we match up quite well.  The key is this -- we need to win the first five minutes of the game.

To get you ready for tonight's contest -- here's a look around the media world this AM -- and all that is being said about THE GAME.  Remember -- tip off is slated for around 9:30 PM ET on ESPN. 

GO IRISH!!!

LINK:  INDIANAPOLIS STAR -- STORY #1

LINK:  ESPNW BLOG

LINK:  FORT WAYNE JOURNAL

LINK:  ESPN

LINK:  SOUTH BEND TRIBUNE

LINK:  USA TODAY

LINK:  THE TIMES LEADER 

LINK:  WASHINGTON POST

LINK:  SAN ANTONIO EXPRESS

LINK:  ABC NEWS

LINK:  SEATTLE POST INTELLIGENCER

LINK:  SPORTS ILLUSTRATED

LINK:  HARTFORD CURRENT

OT -- The Butler Bulldogs are Flying High!!

Here's a photo of the Butler Bulldog -- their mascot -- posing with the pilots on their flight to Houston.  Looks like the DOG will be on TV again Monday night!  Congratulations Butler -- OUR IRISH could learn something from you!!!

The Fighting Irish @ The Final Four!

Here's some interesting "behind the scenes" videos of the Fighting Irish getting ready for tomorrow's game against UCONN -- produced by the Women's Basketball Media Relations Team at ND.  Enjoy!

LINK:  NOTRE DAME IN INDY

LINK:  DAY 1 @ THE FINAL FOUR!

Irish Men's Golf -- A Fashion Statement?

Just saw this photo of Notre Dame's Chris Walker -- sporting the "knee high" socks on the golf course.  Do you think Chris might have lost a bet?  WOW!!!

Skylar Diggins -- All American!!!

Here is a video from this morning's announcement that Skylar Diggins was named to State Farm Coaches All American team.  Skylar is the third Notre Dame women's basketball player in history to be named to this ten member team (Ruth Riley 2001 - Jacqueline Bateast 2005).  Thanks to the gang at UND.COM for their quick turn around on this breaking story.  CONGRATULATIONS SKYLAR!!!

LINK:  SKYLAR DIGGINS -- ALL AMERICAN!

Will Coach Kelly Get a Jumbotron @ ND?

Coach Kelly made some news this week when he met with some students at Siegfried Hall on the campus of the University of Notre Dame.   Besides talking about some uniform changes for the Irish this fall -- he was asked a question whether he would like to see a "jumbotron" in Notre Dame Stadium.  His answer:  "YES..."

Last June, a Notre Dame alum -- who's an architect -- posted these architectural renderings (click on them to enlarge) of how he would re-design Notre Dame Stadium.  As you can see -- a JUMBOTRON is part of his proposed re-design in the south end of the Stadium -- opposite "Touchdown Jesus."  And, a few private suites to add to the Stadium's seating capacity.  What do you think?

Coach Brey -- Piling Up the National Awards!

University of Notre Dame Men's Basketball Coach -- Mike Brey, is going to need a bigger office on campus to showcase all of the hardware he's won over the past few weeks.  Yesterday, the Associated Press named Coach Brey their National Coach of the Year.  Ten days ago, the National Basketball Writers Association named him their National Coach of the Year -- as did Yahoo! Sports a few weeks prior.

Coach Brey has been awarded SEVEN (7) NATIONAL COACH OF THE YEAR HONORS this post season!

He was also named the Big East Coach of the Year -- the third time in the last five years.  Congratulations Coach!

LINK:  AP -- NATIONAL COACH OF THE YEAR

LINK:  USBWA -- NATIONAL COACH OF THE YEAR

LINK:  YAHOO! SPORTS -- NATIONAL COACH OF THE YEAR

LINK:  UND.COM -- VIDEO FEATURE

PHOTOS OF THE DAY: Irish @ Final Four!

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The Notre Dame Women's Basketball team is in Indianapolis for the Final Four -- last night, the teams walked the "red carpet" to attend an event called "Cirque du Salute."  These photos (courtesy of the Indianapolis Star) show the IRISH -- out of uniform -- not too shabby!!!  FYI:  Did you notice the  "Leprechaun" on top of the last photo -- an omen?!

Brothers' Atkinson -- Speed in the 'Bend!

When you find three minutes this weekend -- you're going to want to take a look at this highlight video of George Atkinson III.  George and his twin brother Josh are out of California -- and they'll both be playing for the Fighting Irish this fall.  (That's Josh on the left and George on the right in the photo.) George is an athlete who could play WR or RB in Brian Kelly's offense -- because he never gets tackled!!!  George has run the 100 Meters in 10.59 and the 200 Meters in 21.3.

Josh is expected to line up at defensive back for the Irish.  His best time in the 100 Meters is 10.57 -- and a 21.65 in the 200 Meters.  Josh's 100 Meter time was the 18th fastest in the country last year and George's was the 28th -- amongst the junior class in the USA.  Josh never received the level of national acclaim as George did -- but, I think that's going to change when he gets to South Bend.  These two young men are just what the "doctor" ordered for Notre Dame football.  They're going to be fun to watch!!!  Please click on the links below.

LINK:  GEORGE ATKINSON III -- HIGHLIGHT VIDEO

LINK:  GEORGE ATKINSON III -- TRACK TIMES

LINK:  JOSH ATKINSON -- TRACK TIMES

LINK:  NATIONAL RANKINGS -- 100 METER DASH

Now the "LITTLE HOUSE" in Ann Arbor!!!

At 8:12 AM ET on Thursday, March 31st -- the ND GO IRISH BLOG surpassed the "capacity" of the largest football stadium in the country -- now to be forever called the "LITTLE HOUSE" in Ann Arbor.

ND GO IRISH BLOG regulars will recall our most recent goal here was to surpass the 109,901 UNIQUE VISITOR mark -- Michigan Stadium's seating capacity -- well, we kind of "BLUE" by that number over the past 24 hours.

A Notre Dame fan from Tuscaloosa, AL logged on yesterday morning to become "UNIQUE VISITOR #109,902" -- making ND GO IRISH BLOG the largest "college venue" in America!!! 

As of 4:41 PM EST -- we now have had 120,643 UNIQUE VISITORS to the ND GO IRISH BLOG since its launch in January of 2011.  It's been an unbelievable 36 hour period for traffic to this site -- with more than 17,000 Notre Dame fans visiting this blog.  THANK YOU!

Irish Arrive in INDY for the FINAL FOUR!

The Women's Final Four's official activities began Thursday night -- even though the Irish don't play UCONN until Sunday evening at 9:30 PM ET.  The photo above shows the Fighting Irish arriving at their Indianapolis  hotel.  Here's a link to UND.COM's coverage of the FINAL FOUR -- and the motorcade bringing the IRISH to town!

LINK:  IRISH AT THE FINAL FOUR!

Spring Practice #6 -- Notre Dame Football

Coach Kelly met with the media after Friday morning's practice at the University of Notre Dame.  This was practice #6 of fifteen (including the Blue Gold Game) for the Fighting Irish during the Spring Season.  Here's a link to the interview along with a second link to a UND.COM feature on the Linebackers:

LINK:  COACH KELLY WITH THE MEDIA

LINK:  ND LINEBACKERS