Irish Beat #19 UCONN 50 - 48 on the Road!

What was expected to be a down year for the Fighting Irish -- now looks more like a Notre Dame team that could be headed to the NCAA TOURNAMENT!

For the fourth time in a few weeks, NOTRE DAME has beaten a ranked opponent -- the second time on the road!  The Irish have beaten #12 Pittsburgh, #10 Louisville, #1 Syracuse and now #19 UCONN.

The Irish have now won four of the last five against UCONN.

IMPRESSIVE WIN!

LINK:  BOX SCORE

LINK:  NOTRE DAME LOCKER ROOM

LINK:  POST GAME PRESS CONFERENCE

LINK:  GAME HIGHLIGHTS

LINK:  ESPN (IT'S ALL ABOUT UCONN) HIGHLIGHTS

$8,000 in Cash, Airplane Tickets and a Car...

That's the benefits that UCONN freshman basketball player Ryan Boatright and his mother "admitted to" receiving for committing to play basketball for Jim Calhoun's program.

And, he's playing today against the IRISH -- serving only a nine game suspension for the $8,000 in cash, free airplane tickets and car... 

You can't make this stuff up.

So, what's the lesson learned here:  You might as well take the money, tickets and cars -- because if you get caught, you'll only miss a few games... 

UNBELIEVABLE.

LINK:  UCONN PLAYER REINSTATED -- NCAA REPORT

ND's "Mad Bomber" -- Daryle Lamonica

ND GO IRISH BLOG friend Cappy Gagnon -- was kind enough to forward me this YOUTUBE video this morning of former Irish QB Daryle Lamonica, from his days in the AFL and NFL.  Lamonica, a three-year starter for Notre Dame -- left his professional football career as one of the all-time greats.  Take a look at this resume:

• 78.4% winning percentage as a NFL starter (66 - 16 - 4) -- 2nd best all-time!
• 90% wining percentage a a AFL starter (40 - 4 - 1) 1st all-time!
• 2 Time AFL MVP:  1967 & 1969
• 3 Time AFL All-Star:  1965, 1967, 1969
• 2 Time NFL Pro Bowl:  1970 & 1972
• 3 Time AFL Champion:  1964, 1965, 1967

Please note:  the photo above was from Super Bowl II -- Lamonica threw 2 TD passes in the game.

LINK:  DARYLE LAMONICA HIGHLIGHTS

Best Selling Domer -- Takes Questions...

Former University of Notre Dame track star Nicholas Sparks '88 -- has been busy writing BEST SELLER AFTER BEST SELLER -- since his days in South Bend.  Six of his books have been adapted to movies; Message in a Bottle, A Walk to Remember, The Notebook, Nights in Rodanthe, Dear John and The Last Song. Two more are in various stages of development. The Lucky One will be released as a film April 20, 2012. "Safe Haven" is expected to be in theaters February 2013.

ABC purchased the TV rights to a Spark's archangel love story drama called The Watchers -- which will be his first foray into a television series.  We'll have to keep an eye out for this...

A few weeks ago, the folks at CNN.COM were able to get Nicholas to sit down and take some questions from his fans.  Enjoy!

LINK:  NICHOLAS SPARKS TAKES QUESTIONS

George Atkinson III Takes 7th in 60m Dash

University of Notre Dame's George Atkinson III competed this afternoon in the Men's 60 Meter Dash at the Indiana University Relays in Bloomington, IN.  Atkinson III, who showed off his speed during his rookie football season with the IRISH (running back two kick-offs for TD's), finished 7th in a time of 6.92 seconds.  He ran a 6.88 in the Semi-Finals.  His brother Josh Atkinson, finished 13th with a time of 6.97 in the Semi-Finals.  Photo:  You've just got to love the ND Leprechaun in the background on this TD against USC.

LINK:  INDIANA UNIVERSITY RELAYS

Is this the "NEXT" Great Hoops Star @ ND?

The name is Demetrius Jackson and he plays basketball at nearby Marian High School (Mishawaka, IN).  He's ranked by Rivals as one of the TOP TEN point guards in the country and it appears to be a battle between Michigan State, Butler and Notre Dame for his commitment.  THE VIDEO BELOW IS MUST SEE! 

GO IRISH!

LINK:  A SLAM DUNK YOU MUST SEE

LINK:  HIGHLIGHT VIDEO

Harrison Smith Playing in Senior Bowl Today!

Notre Dame fans can see former Irish football captain, Harrison Smith, wear his GOLD HELMET for the last time today at 4 PM ET on the NFL NETWORK -- as he suits up for the NORTH in the Senior Bowl.  Good luck Harrison!

LINK:  HARRISON SMITH -- ESPN INTERVIEW

LINK:  CHICAGO TRIBUNE STORY

Will There Be More Wearing the Gold Helmet?

National Signing Day is next Wednesday (February 1) and as of this very moment, the Fighting Irish of Notre Dame can expect to add a class of seventeen talented high school stars.  Three of them are already on campus taking classes;  Gunner Kiel, Tee Shepard and Sheldon Day. 

Here's some of the accolades/achievements bestowed on these young men:

• Top QB in the country -- Gunner Kiel
• Top DB in the country -- Tee Shepard
• California's Mr. Football -- Deontay Greenberry
• Top Long Snapper in the country -- Scott Daly
• Top Triple Jumper in the country -- Chris Brown
• High School All-American honors:  Gunner Kiel, Tee Shepard, Deontay Greenberry, Sheldon Day, Elijah Shumate, KeiVarae Russell, Mark Harrell, Ronnie Stanley, Jarron Jones, Justin Ferguson

Here's a look at a highlight video of every player who's verbally committed to ND:

LINK:  GUNNER KEIL, QB

LINK:  TEE SHEPARD, DB

LINK:  SHELDON DAY, DL

LINK:  DEONTAY GREENBERRY, WR

LINK:  JARRON JONES, DL / OL

LINK:  WILLIAM MAHONE, RB

LINK:  KEIVARAE RUSSELL, RB / WR

LINK:  ELIJAH SHUMATE, DB

LINK:  RONNIE STANLEY, OL

LINK:  NICKY BARATTI, DB

LINK:  CHRIS BROWN, WR

LINK:  JUSTIN FERGUSON, WR

LINK:  MARK HARRELL, OL

LINK:  ROMEO OKWARA, DL

LINK:  C.J. PROSISE, DB

LINK:  JOHN TURNER, DB

LINK:  SCOTT DALY, LS

Are You Smarter Than an NFL QB?

Over the next few months we're going to be hearing about NFL hopefuls and their "WONDERLIC SCORES."  Some of the more famous Wonderlic scores among QB's:

• Ryan Fitzpatrick:  48
• Blaine Gabbert:  42 
• Alex Smith:  40
• Eli Manning:  39
• Colin Kaepernick:  38
• Matt Stafford:  38
• Tony Romo:  37
• Sam Bradford:  36
• Aaron Rodgers:  35
• Matt Leinart:  35
• Christian Ponder:  35
• Tom Brady:  33
• Matt Ryan:  32
• Matt Schaub:  31
• Rick Mirer:  31
• Phillip Rivers:  30
• Brady Quinn:  29
• Andy Dalton:  29
• John Elway:  29
• Mark Sanchez:  28
• Peyton Manning:  28
• Drew Brees:  28
• Josh Freeman:  27
• Joe Flacco:  27
• Ryan Mallett:  26 
• Carson Palmer:  26
• Jay Cutler:  26
• Ben Roethlisberger:  25
• Colt McCoy:  25
• Jamarcus Russell:  24
• Jimmy Clausen:  23
• Tim Tebow:  22
• Brett Favre:  22
• Cam Newton:  21 
• Michael Vick:  20
• Jake Locker:  20
• Dan Marino:  16
• Terry Bradshaw:  15
• Jim Kelly:  15
• Randall Cunningham:  15
• Donovan McNabb:  14
• Jeff George:  10
• Chris Leak:  8
• Terrelle Pryor:  7
• Vince Young:  6

LINK:  TAKE THE TEST!

Harrison Smith Impressing @ Senior Bowl!

Former University of Notre Dame football captain, Harrison Smith -- is turning NFL heads this week at the Senior Bowl.  So much so, that the ESPN gang decided to report on this!  HINT:  Quite a testament to Coach Longo and his team!

LINK:  HARRISON SMITH -- NFL'S FIRST TEST!

The Best Campus in College Football!

The folks at Bleacher Report came out today with their rankings of the top-50 college football campuses in America -- and, to no surprise here -- the University of Notre Dame campus was picked #1!   Special thanks to ND GO IRISH BLOG regular contributor Ken Devine for alerting me to this!

Here's a link to their rankings of the top 50:

LINK:  TOP FOOTBALL CAMPUS IN AMERICA!

NIKE Calls it Platinum -- I See Gray...

 

Here's the latest "creative" look coming out of the folks in Beaverton -- the NIKE PLATINUM uniform.  The gang at Adidas must just shake their head -- how do they get ahead?

UCONN will debut the new uniform this Sunday in their game against Notre Dame.

LINK:  THE NIKE PLATINUM -- ESPN STORY

Mike Floyd in All-Star Football Challenge!

University of Notre Dame WR Michael Floyd, has agreed to participate in the 14th Annual All-Star Football Challenge (ASFC).  Floyd and eleven other college football stars will compete in these individual events;  FRS Healthy Performance QB Scramble, U.S. Marines Obstacle Course, Wide Receiver Hands Competition and the Lineman Challenge. 

ND fans will be able to watch the ASFC on ESPN2 -- Super Bowl Sunday at 4 PM ET.  If you'd like to watch this in person -- the ASFC takes place on February 2nd in Indianapolis at the SportZone.  The doors open up at 6 PM with the competition set to begin at 7 PM.  Admission is not guaranteed and limited -- so arrive early!

If you'd like to see the Wide Receiver Hands Competition and the Obstacle Course from last season -- click on the video below:

LINK:  WHAT MIKE FLOYD WILL BE DOING...

Joe Montana's Home For Sale: $35 Million!

Former Notre Dame QB and Super Bowl Champion, Joe Montana -- just dropped the price of his home $14 million -- to a more "reasonable" price of $35,000,000.  The home is set on 500 acres of incredible real estate in northern California.  Here's a link to the story about the sale of the house and plenty of additional photos.  Good Luck Joe!

LINK:  MONTANA'S HOME FOR SALE

Justin Tuck Returns to the Super Bowl!

He wears #91 for the New York Giants -- Notre Dame fans will remember the #44 he wore with the GOLD HELMET.

Over the next two weeks, Mr. Tuck will be the focus of many interviews as he's become one of the media's "favorite gets" with the New York football Giants and he's a TEAM CAPTAIN.

Here's a few stories that have run in the past two days since Tuck & Company beat the 49'ers.  Enjoy!

LINK:  TUCK RETURNS TO THE SITE OF HIS GREATEST MOMENT

LINK:  ESPN'S "TUCK NOTEBOOK"

LINK:  TUCK'S TOUGHEST YEAR

#2 Irish Roll Over #9 Tennessee 72 - 44!

After a first half that would best be classified as SLOPPY -- Muffet's IRISH put away the Tennessee Vols with a second half burst that carried Notre Dame to a lopsided victory.  It just goes to show you how good this year's edition of the Fighting Irish is -- they played one half of basketball and beat the #9 team in the country by 28 points.

It was a special moment before the game when the Notre Dame crowd gave the all-time winningest coach in college basketball history, Tennessee's Pat Summitt, a very warm welcome when she was introduced.  Coach Summitt is fighting a very public battle with dementia -- a tough fight for a proud lady.  I know ND fans join me in wishing her all the best.

Here's a link to the game recap from ESPN and highlights from UND.COM:

LINK:  IRISH ROLL OVER VOLS

LINK:  GAME HIGHLIGHTS

Irish vs. Volunteers -- ESPN2's Big Monday!

Our #2 ranked Fighting Irish take on the #9 ranked Lady Vols tonight at 7 PM ET on ESPN2.  The perennial powers will be playing at Notre Dame's Purcell Pavillion.  The Irish have only beaten Tennessee once in women's basketball in 21 games -- that victory came last season.  Will Muffet add to her winning streak against Pat Summitt...  I believe she will!

LINK:  GAME NOTES

Photo of the Day: Sergio's Super Bowl Bound!

Domer Sergio Brown just "tweeted" this photo of him laying on the field at Gillette Stadium -- hours after he and his New England Patriot teammates earned a trip to Indianapolis, next week, to play in Super Bowl XLVI after beating the Baltimore Ravens 23 - 20.

Congratulations Sergio!

Hoops Across America -- Visits Notre Dame!

The folks at ESPNW are visiting sixteen college women's hoops programs -- and this week it was Notre Dame.  Here's a look at their story entitled "Love of the Irish drives volunteers."

LINK:  HOOPS ACROSS AMERICA

Coach Paterno, May You Rest In Peace...

Penn State University's "COACH" Joe Paterno, passed away this morning at the age of 85.  Here's a link to the ESPN & CNN stories along with a link to a FACEBOOK page where you can share your thoughts about Coach Paterno.

LINK:  ESPN STORY

LINK:  FACEBOOK PAGE

LINK:  CNN COVERAGE -- FANS MOURN PATERNO'S DEATH

Mornin' After Last Night's Historic Win!

For the eighth time in the 107 year history of Notre Dame basketball -- the Fighting Irish of Notre Dame beat the top ranked team in college basketball -- the seventh time at PURCELL PAVILLION.  Here's the highlights from ND's 67 - 58 win over Syracuse -- as well as links to what the media is sayin' about the game:

LINK:  GAME HIGHLIGHTS

LINK:  SOUTH BEND TRIBUNE STORY #1

LINK:  SOUTH BEND TRIBUNE STORY #2

LINK:  CHICAGO TRIBUNE

LINK:  ASSOCIATED PRESS

LINK:  SYRACUSE POST STANDARD

LINK:  SYRACUSE STUDENT NEWSPAPER

Where #1 Goes to LOSE! -- WOW!!!

Nine times in the 107 year history of Notre Dame basketball, the #1 team in the nation has come to campus to play the IRISH.  And, now SEVEN OUT OF NINE TIMES -- the IRISH BEAT #1!

My wife Susan and I are spending our first weekend at Notre Dame (after starting the new job at ND on Monday) and we watched the IRISH beat MICHIGAN (3 - 1) last night in hockey at a sold-out Compton Family Ice Arena...

And, we just watched the IRISH beat undefeated and #1 SYRACUSE (67 - 58) in a sold-out Purcell Pavillion!  The eighth time Notre Dame has beaten a #1 in basketball -- which ties them for fourth all time!

What a first weekend on the job!

The photo was taken by Susan at game's end -- what a scene!

GO IRISH!

LINK:  ESPN BLOG STORY

LINK:  LOCKER ROOM AFTER BIG WIN!

LINK:  COACH BREY PRESS CONFERENCE

LINK:  IRISH CONNECTION RECAP -- YOU'LL LOVE THIS!

Irish vs. #1 Syracuse: 6 PM ET on ESPN

Mike Brey's Fighting Irish take on their toughest test this evening when Jim Boeheim's (pictured) #1 ranked and undefeated -- Syracuse Orangemen come to Purcell Pavillion.  The game tips off at 6 PM ET TODAY on ESPN.

As I sit here (writing this blog post) ESPN's "High Def" production trucks are rolling onto campus.  Should be quite the show!

Here's a story published this morning by the Syracuse Post Standard -- you'll enjoy!

LINK:  NOTRE DAME -- WHERE #1 TEAMS GO TO LOSE

Will Twitter Take a College Dream Away?

A high school football star in New Jersey (ranked #40 in the country by ESPN) finds himself expelled from his high school and possibly off the recruitable lists of many of the top colleges in America for a series of "tweets" on the TWITTER social media channel.

Notre Dame is one of the schools that has been recruiting Yuri Wright -- a Army All-American DB out of Don Bosco Prep.

Here's a link to the ESPN.COM story about Yuri Wright's situation:

LINK:  A TWITTER OUTCOME

Photo of the Day: Snow & The Dome!

This photo of the University of Notre Dame's Main Building (back side) -- was "tweeted" tonight by Geoff Barcus @notoriousgnb

Irish Hockey Breaks Michigan's 9 Game Streak!

Jeff Jackson's #6 ranked Fighting Irish beat the #10 Michigan Wolverines 3 -1 tonight in front of a sold-out crowd at the Compton Family Ice Arena.  The win moves the Irish into a tie with Michigan for 3rd or 4th place in the CCHA, depending on how Lake Superior fared this evening.  It was also the first loss for Michigan in their last nine games.  Congratulations Irish! 

LINK:  COACH JACKSON POSTGAME PRESS CONFERENCE

LINK:  IRISH / MICHIGAN HOCKEY HIGHLIGHTS FROM NBC

The First Time In 24 Years -- #1 Is In Town!

Syracuse University's #1 ranked basketball team comes into Notre Dame's Purcell Pavillion tomorrow night -- marking the first time in 24 years that a #1 ranked team has come into town to play the Irish basketball team.

Now, believe it or not -- the ODDS are in Notre Dame's favor that we'll UPSET #1 in our building.

Over the years, EIGHT teams have come into South Bend ranked #1 -- and on SIX occasions -- the IRISH were VICTORIOUS!  So, lookout Syracuse!

Here's a link to a look-back at #1's coming into Purcell Pavillion:

LINK:  #1 GOES HOME WITH A LOSS!

Will Kansas Change Its Colors to Blue & Gold?

 

In a matter of just a few weeks, former Notre Dame football coach Charlie Weis '79 has turned the Kansas Jayhawk football program into the Notre Dame Club of Lawrence (KS). 

As of today, there are seven (7) former ND football players and coaches learning "ROCK CHOCK JAYHAWK:"

• Charlie Weis '79
• Ron Powlus '97
• Tim Grunhard '90
• Rob Ianello (ND Coach 2005 - 2009)
• Mo Crum '09
• Dayne Crist '12
• Mike Ragone '11

LINK:  KANSAS FOOTBALL ROSTER

SI Feature: ND's Only NBA Head Coach

Sports Illustrated published a story today on former ND basketball star Monty Williams '94.  Williams is the head coach of the NBA's New Orleans Hornets -- a team that was ravaged during the NBA's extended off-season.  In his second year in the NBA's "first seat" -- Monty is facing a challenge most couldn't handle.  You'll enjoy this story.

LINK:  MONTY WILLIAMS -- A ND MAN

Golden Tate the Only "Perfect" WR in NFL!

The folks at PRO FOOTBALL FOCUS have just released a statistic on "catchable" balls this season and former Notre Dame All-American Golden Tate (Seattle Seahawks) is the only NFL wide receiver who CAUGHT EVERY CATCHABLE BALL THROWN TO HIM this season!

Think about that!

Seattle Seahawk QB's threw 35 "catchable" balls to Golden this season and he caught every single one.  To people who follow this kind of stuff -- they're not surprised -- since Golden only dropped one catchable ball in his rookie season.

ONE DROP IN TWO SEASONS IN THE NFL!

Here's a link to the stats on "catchable" balls

LINK:  CALL HIM MR. PERFECT!

Kelly Hires Son of Former Michigan Coach

It appears Brian Kelly has now filled all of the open spots on his coaching staff.  The story broke today that Bobby Elliott, son of former Michigan head football coach Bump Elliott -- will be joining the Notre Dame football coaching staff as early as this week.

Elliott, is expected to coach the Irish defensive backs -- a position group he's coached at a number of schools.  Ironically, two of his former players are on the staff he'll be joining;  Bob Diaco and Kerry Cooks.

The three new coaches joining Brian Kelly's staff;  Scott Booker (wide receivers or running backs), Harry Hiestand (offensive line) and Elliott (defensive backs).

Here's a link to the Des Moines Register story about Elliott's move to ND:

LINK:  BOBBY ELLIOTT TO JOIN IRISH STAFF

Domer Retires After 16 Year MLB Career!

Notre Dame alum, Craig Counsell '92 announced his retirement yesterday after a "championship" 16-year career in Major League Baseball.  The former Fighting Irish baseball MVP earned World Series rings with the Florida Marlins in 1997 and with the Arizona Diamonbacks in 2007 -- the first and only World Series titles for both franchises.

Craig's Dad John '64, is a former player and assistant coach with the Notre Dame baseball program.

Counsell has accepted a position in the front office of his hometown Milwaukee Brewers -- the last of five National Leagues teams (Colorado, Florida, Los Angeles Dodgers, Arizona and Milwaukee) he played for.

Here's a link to Craig's retirement press conference:

LINK:  NOTRE DAME BASEBALL STAR

LINK:  CRAIG'S CAREER STATS

Muffet's Irish "Put 120" on the Pitt Panthers!

How do you score 120 points in a college basketball game against a legitimate Division 1 program?

Well, Muffet McGraw's #2 ranked team know the answer to that question!

Last night the Lady Irish roared pass Pittsburgh 120 - 44.  And, to think this isn't the highest scoring night for Notre Dame this season.  That took place 19 days ago when the Irish scored 124 in a rout of Mercer in Atlanta.

Last night's victory margin -- 76 points is the largest ever for ND over a Big East opponent.  The Irish set or tied six school records:

1. Most field goals made:  48 -- also a Big East record for most field goals made in the regular season, old record was 46 by Providence back in 1986
2. Margin of victory in Big East game: 76 points 
3. Margin of victory in a home game:  76 points  (tied a record set last January)
4. Most points in a home game:  120 points
5. Most points in a Big East game:  120 points
6. Most players in double figures:  Eight (tied a record set in 2009)

LINK:  GAME HIGHLIGHTS

LINK:  POST GAME PRESS CONFERENCE

Next Up for the IRISH -- The Armstead Men!

 

Armond and Arik Armstead are back at their California home tonight, mulling over the decision on what school they will enroll (in the next few days) for the Spring semester!

It appears the race is down to Notre Dame or Auburn -- with many feeling pretty good about ND's chances.  Here's why ND fans should be excited about this pending news:

• Armond Armstead -- is a USC grad who was not cleared to play football this past season for the Trojans due to a medical situation.  Armond is a 6'-5" 290 lb. defensive lineman.  He started 17 games for USC, primarily at the defensive end position.  After Armond's junior year at USC, he was rated as a second or third round NFL pick.  Armond has one year of eligibility remaining.
• Arik Armstead -- is rated by Scout as the #1 OT prospect in the country and the #4 DL prospect in the country by Rivals.  At 6'-8" and  275 lbs., Arik is also being recruited by ND's basketball coach Mike Brey to player power forward for the Irish.  Arik is a big-time talent!  Here's a link to his highlight video.

Here's a few links to some of the stories on their recruitment.   Don't be surprised if we know as early as tomorrow if they're both IRISH!  Stay tuned!!!

LINK:  NBC SPORTS

LINK:  THE BIRMINGHAM PRESS

LINK:  MAX PREPS

LINK:  WNDU-TV

Dayne Crist -- New KU QB Media Session

Former ND QB, Dayne Crist '12 -- met with the media yesterday, as the three "big transfers" into the Jayhawk football program took questions for the first time.  Here's a link:

LINK:  DAYNE CRIST WITH THE MEDIA

Gunner Kiel -- The Talk of the Day...

The University of Notre Dame secured the commitment of Gunner Kiel (5-STAR QB) when he enrolled in classes today for the Spring semester.  And, the media is talkin' -- here's a link to what's being said:

LINK:  ESPN STORY

LINK:  ESPN -- BREAKING THE STORY

LINK:  USA TODAY 

LINK:  INDY STAR

LINK:  CHICAGO SUN TIMES

LINK:  WSBT-TV

LINK:  RIVALS -- VIDEO OF GUNNER KIEL

Just When Many Thought ND Football...

...was done adding players to this recruiting class.

Along came a 5-star QB named Gunner Kiel and now what seemed to be a recruiting season that might go out like a lamb -- is now looking more like a lion!

In the past 12-hours, the University of Notre Dame football program picked up the #1 rated QB in the country and they've hosted another top "transfer" prospect from USC (Armond Armstead), who's been projected as a 2nd round draft pick in the NFL.

And, the word is -- where Armond goes -- so will his kid brother Arik Armstead who just happens to be a 5-star defensive lineman, who will be given the opportunity to play football and basketball for Notre Dame.

The Armstead's have apparently been given an extension until January 24 to arrive at ND to begin classes for the Spring semester, which officially started today.  Their decision appears to be coming down to battle between ND and Auburn.

In addition, last night, Notre Dame coaches were in the homes of 5-star athlete Nelson Algohor and 4-star Ronald Darby -- still seeking commitments to the IRISH.

These next 15 days 'til National Signing Day are going to be fun!

Gunner Kiel to Notre Dame!

Folks, it just goes to show you that recruiting is never over...

A few weeks ago, America's top drop back QB chose to attend LSU over the Fighting Irish.  Well, it appears that tomorrow morning, Mr. Gunner Kiel will be enrolling at the University of Notre Dame.

Don't know much more than this -- other than LSU has reported that Gunner did not show up in Baton Rouge today as expected -- and recruiting experts everywhere are now reporting that Kiel is ND BOUND!

ND Band: Dublin's St. Patrick's Day Parade!

A small group of members from the Band of the Fighting Irish will be making the trek to Dublin, Ireland to perform in their St. Patrick's Day Parade on March 17th!  The investment to fly the entire band (380 members) to Dublin is too expensive.  Here's a video clip of last year's St. Patrick's Day Parade in Dublin:

LINK:  ST. PATRICK'S DAY PARADE -- DUBLIN

Lake Dawson Front Runner for NFL Rams Gig

Former Notre Dame WR Lake Dawson, is apparently the front-runner for the General Manager position with the St. Louis Rams.  Dawson, currently the Vice President of Football Operations with the Tennessee Titans is expected to join former Titans coach Jeff Fisher -- who was just hired as the Rams new head coach.  Expect a decision this week.  Here's what the media's reporting:

LINK:  SPORTING NEWS STORY

LINK:  ESPN STORY

LINK:  TITANS BIO FOR LAKE DAWSON

Irish vs. UCONN in "BRUNCH" Match on ESPN2

Notre Dame's 29-game home winning streak will face a huge test this morning when the #16 ranked UCONN Huskies come rolling into Purcell Pavillion at 11:00 AM!  That's right -- a morning matinee -- for the Fighting Irish.  The game will be televised on ESPN2.  Here's a link to Coach Brey's preview of UCONN:

LINK:  MIKE BREY TALKS UCONN

How Many More Will Commit to Notre Dame?

National Signing Day is just a little more than three weeks (February 1) away and there's still a number of players who could potentially commit to our Fighting Irish.  Here's the list of players who have yet to pick a school and are still actively considering Notre Dame:

• Arik Armstead -- a huge defensive end out of California, is going to make his pick on Monday or Tuesday -- as he's scheduled to enroll in college this next week.  It appears it's a race between Auburn, California and Notre Dame.  Armstead is being recruited to play football and basketball for ND.  I don't believe there are many experts who feel he'll end up wearing the GOLD HELMET.  I haven't given up hope and think he may just end up being our BIG RECRUITING SURPRISE this year. 
• Ronald Darby -- had verbally committed to ND back in April.  Last week he "de-committed" and is on a recruiting trip this weekend to Florida State.  It's now become a race between FSU, LSU and still possibly Notre Dame.  Here's another player that many have given up on.  Not so fast my friends!  Darby, is a world-class sprinter who appears to love to hit people.  We need this young man in a GOLD HELMET.  Coach Kelly still has an in-home visit left with Darby -- if the family will allow it -- and, I wouldn't bet against Kelly if he's allowed in the house!
• Yuri Wright -- is a big time athlete out of Jersey whose high school teammate, Elijah Shumate, committed to the Irish last week at the Army All American game.  Wright is a defensive back, just like Darby -- who probably isn't as ready to play as Darby -- but, has great upside potential.  I like ND's chances in landing Wright.  It will probably come down to a choice between hometown Rutgers vs. the Irish.
• Davonte Neal -- another big time athlete who would play receiver for the Irish.  He's out of Arizona.  If he signed with the Irish he would definitely see the field next year.  I'm not as optimistic with Mr. Neal -- I see him playing for Urban Meyer at OSU. 
• Devin Fuller -- a QB / Athlete out of Jersey who's mother was a professional singer and his uncle is the comedian/actor Sinbad.  Fuller played in the Army All American game as a receiver -- and he showed off his wheels on a couple of reverses.  ND is trying to get him to visit -- and is recruiting him as a QB.  I think if he visits -- he's Irish.  Keep your fingers crossed.
• Ken Ekanem -- a LB out of Virginia.  He's down to ND and Va Tech.  Ekanem will be visiting ND before Signing Day so there's still a chance here.
• Josh Garnett -- an OL out of Washington.  He's a super smart kid who intends to go to Med School (after the NFL).  For a long time it seemed he was Michigan bound.  Now, it's probably a Stanford vs. ND competition.  Unfortunately, I think he ends up on the FARM.
• Anthony Standifer -- a CB out of Illinois who had originally committed to Michigan -- is now considering ND.  He'll be visiting the Irish next weekend -- so there's a chance here.

There's a few other players who've yet to officially say NO to ND -- that I don't think we have any chance at landing.  Of the eight players listed here -- I would predict we only lead with Yuri Wright at this very moment....

However, plenty could change in the next nineteen days!

Two ND Soccer Stars Taken in MLS DRAFT

Major League Soccer conducted its 2012 MLS SUPERDRAFT today and two Notre Dame seniors -- NAMED AARON -- were taken among the 38 players drafted!

In the first round, with the 12th overall pick -- Toronto FC drafted Notre Dame central defender Aaron Maund (Dorchester, MA).  And, in the second round, with the 27th overall pick -- the Portland Timbers selected Notre Dame senior midfielder Aaron King (Naperville, IL).  Photos: Aaron Maund is on the left and Aaron King is on the right.

Here's a link to the MLS SUPERDRAFT website and the details on today's draft along with a news story at UND.COM:

LINK:  MAJOR LEAGUE SOCCER WEBSITE

LINK:  IRISH SOCCER STARS TAKEN IN MLS DRAFT

Blue-Gold Game -- Just 100 Days Away!

On a day when snow is forecasted to return to winter, here in the Midwest, I decided to look ahead to the next big day for Notre Dame football (after National Signing Day next month)...

And that day is 100 DAYS AWAY!

The University of Notre Dame's annual Blue-Gold Game is scheduled for Saturday, April 21.  If you've never made the pilgrimage to Notre Dame for this weekend -- you've missed out!  Get it on your schedule today!

I'd like to think if the weather is good, we'll see a pretty good crowd in Notre Dame Stadium to witness the QB competition between Tommy Rees, Andrew Hendrix and Everett Golson.

Here's a link to the South Bend / Mishawaka Visitors & Convention Bureau to book your hotel rooms!

LINK:  HOTEL ROOMS FOR BLUE-GOLD GAME

Looks Like Coach Kelly Hired an OL Coach

His name is Harry Hiestand and apparently (if you believe all of the internet chatter) he's leaving the University of Tennessee to join Coach Kelly's staff at the University of Notre Dame.  Hiestand is a long-time offensive line coach who has five years of experience in the NFL with the Chicago Bears.  He'll be replacing Ed Warriner who has apparently moved on to coach at the Ohio State University.

Welcome Coach Hiestand to the Notre Dame Family!

Here's a link to a video of Coach Hiestand with the media after a spring practice last April.  You'll appreciate the cadence of his delivery -- he's a coach.

LINK:  WELCOME TO THE NOTRE DAME FAMILY!

LINK:  HARRY HIESTAND WIKI