OT: The Brilliance of Robin Williams "The Flag"

Must See: Robin Williams telling the story of our American Flag.  What a talent he was...

LINK:  THE FLAG

Know Thy Opponent: Rice Owls Video Update

With Notre Dame 127th football season just 7 days away -- I took a look around the worldwide web to see what I could find about our first opponent, the Rice Owls. 

Just click on the links below:

LINK:  VIDEO REPORT -- SCRIMMAGE #2

LINK:  VIDEO REPORT -- SCRIMMAGE #1

LINK:  VIDEO REPORT -- PRACTICE #4

LINK:  VIDEO REPORT -- FIRST DAY IN PADS

LINK:  MEDIA DAY -- HEAD COACH

LINK:  MEDIA DAY -- DEFENSIVE COORDINATOR

LINK:  LSU TRANSFER JOINS RICE TEAM

ND Volleyball -- Experiences "The Program"

Debbie Brown's Fighting Irish were caught off guard with a two-day experience they won't soon forget!

LINK:  THE PROGRAM

Story: A Dad Drops His Son Off at Notre Dame

If you haven't had the honor of dropping off a son or daughter at college -- please know you're in for a rush of emotions that will hit you like Niagara Falls...

I remember all three of our "drop-offs" at college -- I balled my eyes out -- every time.

Well today, ND GO IRISH BLOG regular Rick Becker had the great honor of dropping off his son Ben at the University of Notre Dame.  Here is Rick's story -- a MUST READ!

Rick, thanks for sharing -- and yes, it's going to be alright!

LINK:  "STAY WITH YOUR VEHICLE"

Leaving Locker Room for Team Photo Today!

Here's a look at the Fighting Irish of Notre Dame dressed in their new Under Armour gear -- walking down the steps from the locker room towards the PLAY LIKE A CHAMPION TODAY sign...

The photo above is of the players at the Tight End position at the University of Notre Dame and their coach Scott Booker.

LINK:  IT STARTS HERE!

Game Day "Dress Rehearsal" for Notre Dame

The Fighting Irish of Notre Dame -- rehearsed their GAME DAY preparations for next Saturday's opener with the Rice Owls.  Here's a video of them practicing the entrance during warm-ups from the Student Section of Notre Dame Stadium.

LINK:  DRESS REHEARSAL

First Look at Notre Dame's "Red Army" Hat!

This is the Under Armour hat you'll see the Notre Dame QB's wearing on the sidelines during the games...

Shamrock Series Helmets in Brian Kelly's Office

Notre Dame head football coach Brian Kelly has a number of football helmets on display in his office -- here are the Shamrock Series helmets...

National Championship Rings for ND Fencers!

These are the rings created for Notre Dame Fencing's two individual NCAA National Champions -- Gerek Meinhardt and Lee Kiefer!

2014 Strength of Schedule vs. Notre Dame

This is the second segment of the ND GO IRISH BLOG's look at the  TOP 25 teams in the AP POLL and their strength of schedule (SOS) vs. Notre Dame's.  These are the teams ranked 6 to 10 and their SOS vs. the Fighting Irish.

Folks -- the PLAYOFF COMMITTEE better be looking at this!

#17 NOTRE DAME

• Opponents Won / Loss Record in 2013:  103 - 56
• Opponents With Double Digit Wins in 2013:  6
• Opponents Ranked in 2014 Top-25:  5

#6 AUBURN

• Opponents Won / Loss Record in 2013:  93 - 60
• Opponents With Double Digit Wins in 2013:  3
• Opponents Ranked in 2014 Top-25: 6

#7 UCLA

• Opponents Won / Loss Record in 2013:  82 - 72
• Opponents With Double Digit Wins in 2013: 4
• Opponents Ranked in 2014 Top-25:5

#8 MICHIGAN STATE

• Opponents Won / Loss Record in 2013: 82 - 71
• Opponents With Double Digit Wins in 2013:  3
• Opponents Ranked in 2014 Top-25: 3

#9 SOUTH CAROLINA

• Opponents Won / Loss Record in 2013:  96 - 59
• Opponents With Double Digit Wins in 2013: 4
• Opponents Ranked in 2014 Top-25:  5

#10 BAYLOR

• Opponents Won / Loss Record in 2013:  78 - 72
• Opponents With Double Digit Wins in 2013: 2
• Opponents Ranked in 2014 Top-25: 1

LINK:  TEAMS #1 - #5 -- STRENGTH OF SCHEDULE 

The Greg Bryant Era -- Only 8 Days From Now!

This is a photo of Notre Dame running back Greg Bryant -- posing for the NBC TV cameras...

"Irish Chocolate" May See His First NFL Action

Former Notre Dame student-athlete Louis Nix '14 has yet to play in Houston's first two NFL exhibition games due to knee surgery.

That may change this Saturday when the Texan's take on Peyton Manning and the Denver Broncos.

Here's the story:

LINK:  LOUIS NIX

Notre Dame's Shamrock Series' Under Armour

Here's the look...

A Very Nice Story on Domer Jonas Gray

Former Notre Dame student-athlete Jonas Gray had a big game this weekend for the New England Patriots gaining 98 yards on 12 carries. 

Found this great story about Jonas in the News Telegram -- must see!

That's Jonas #35 -- in the photo above.

LINK:  JONAS GRAY

Ireland Golf Caddie's Fighting Irish Tattoo!

The Notre Dame Women's Golf Team was in Ireland last week on a six-day golf tour...

The photo above is of Notre Dame's Director of Athletics Advancement Sara Liebscher -- with her caddy at Old Head Golf Links -- who just happens to sport a Notre Dame Fighting Irish tattoo on his upper arm.

Potentially FIVE NFL ND Rookie Starters

I wouldn't be surprised to learn that the following players are in the starting line-up for their respective teams in a couple of weeks.   

When was the last time Notre Dame had five ROOKIE STARTERS in the NFL?

• Zack Martin -- given, will start at right guard for Cowboys
• Troy Niklas -- could start for the Cardinals at tight end
• Stephon Tuitt -- could start at the defensive end position for the Steelers
• Chris Watt -- could start at the right guard position for the Chargers
• Prince Shembo -- could start at middle linebacker for the Falcons

For that matter -- when was the last time any college team had that many rookie starters?

2014 Strength of Schedule vs. Notre Dame

Over the next few days the ND GO IRISH BLOG will be looking at the TOP 25 teams in the AP POLL and their strength of schedule (SOS) vs. Notre Dame's.  First -- the top FIVE ranked teams' SOS vs. the Fighting Irish.

Folks -- the PLAYOFF COMMITTEE better be looking at this!

#17 NOTRE DAME

• Opponents Won / Loss Record in 2013:  103 - 56
• Opponents With Double Digit Wins in 2013:  6
• Opponents Ranked in 2014 Top-25:  5

#1 FLORIDA STATE

• Opponents Won / Loss Record in 2013:  83 -69
• Opponents With Double Digit Wins in 2013:  3
• Opponents Ranked in 2014 Top-25:  2

#2 ALABAMA

• Opponents Won / Loss Record in 2013:  71 - 79
• Opponents With Double Digit Wins in 2013:  2
• Opponents Ranked in 2014 Top-25: 4

#3 OREGON

• Opponents Won / Loss Record in 2013: 80 - 73
• Opponents With Double Digit Wins in 2013:  3
• Opponents Ranked in 2014 Top-25:  4

#4  OKLAHOMA

• Opponents Won / Loss Record in 2013:  71 - 78
• Opponents With Double Digit Wins in 2013:  2
• Opponents Ranked in 2014 Top-25:   2

#5 OHIO STATE

• Opponents Won / Loss Record in 2013:  87 - 66
• Opponents With Double Digit Wins in 2013:  1
• Opponents Ranked in 2014 Top-25:  1

Bob Diaco Names His Starting QB -- I Think...

You have got to watch this out of Storrs, CT.  Coach Diaco names his starting QB yesterday -- I think...

LINK:  DIACO

There's a "New Sheriff" in Notre Dame Town!

You've got to love this photo of Coach Van Gorder at today's Notre Dame football practice!

Coverage of Notre Dame Football Media Day

Here's all of the coverage I've been able to find of today's MEDIA DAY for the Notre Dame Football program.  Just click on the links below:

LINK:  COACH KELLY'S PRESSER

LINK:  JACK NOLAN INTERVIEW OF COACH KELLY

LINK:  CODY RIGGS INTERVIEW

LINK:  CHRISTIAN LOMBARD INTERVIEW

LINK:  AUSTIN COLLINSWORTH INTERVIEW

LINK:  JACK NOLAN & REGGIE BROOKS

The Story of the Shamrock Series Gear for ND

The folks at Under Armour shared their story today regarding the making of the Shamrock Series helmet and uniform for the University of Notre Dame.   As a storyteller -- it's nice to see their interest in telling a story...

I LIKE THE STORY!

You must watch the video linked below:

LINK:  THE STORY

LINK:  NOTRE DAME'S UNVEIL

Notre Dame's Under Armour Football Uniforms

Well, here's what we've been waiting for...

Looks like we have a different shade of gold with the pants.

This "early reveal" paves the way for the much anticipated SHAMROCK SERIES helmet and uniform unveil which should happen this afternoon -- click on the link below to watch LIVE.  Starts at 1 PM ET:

LINK:  SHAMROCK SERIES UNIFORM REVEAL

New Addition to ND's Labar Athletics Complex

A privacy screen has been added to the eastern edge of Notre Dame's Labar Athletics Complex -- where the Fighting Irish Football Team practices.

I'm quite sure this move was precipitated by the OVERLOOK at NOTRE DAME apartment complex -- on Twyckenham -- just east of the practice fields.  The Overlook at Notre Dame is a four-story building housing graduate students.

You never know ("WINK-WINK"), there just might be a Michigan, USC, Florida State alum or two or three in those apartments attending grad school at Notre Dame...

LINK:  OVERLOOK AT NOTRE DAME

WATCH LIVE: Media Day Today at 1 PM ET

The Notre Dame Football team will hold its annual MEDIA DAY today at 1 PM ET -- and you can watch it LIVE at the link below:

LINK:  MEDIA DAY

NFL Highlights of ND Players This Weekend

Here's a look at some highlights of former Notre Dame student-athletes from this weekend of NFL Exhibition football.  Just click on the former player's name and you'll see their highlight video:

LINK:  GOLDEN TATE TD CATCH

LINK:  STEPHON TUITT'S -- TACKLE DOWN FIELD

LINK:  KYLE RUDOLPH'S 51 YARD TD CATCH

LINK:  ROBERT HUGHES' TD RUN

ND Football -- A Look at the Wide Receivers

The Fighting Irish are expected to be throwing the ball all over the field this season -- here's a look at the position that should be on the other end of many of Everett Golson's passes...

LINK:  NOTRE DAME WIDE RECEIVERS

ND Football Media Day -- LIVE at 1 PM ET

Notre Dame Football's annual MEDIA DAY is scheduled for Tuesday at 1 PM ET -- here's a link below to the LIVE coverage:

LINK:  TUESDAY @ 1 PM ET

Fr. Jenkins Accepts ALS Ice Bucket Challenge!

University of Notre Dame president Rev. John I. Jenkins, C.S.C., accepted the ALS Ice Bucket Challenge on the steps of the Golden Dome.  Here's a video replay:

LINK:  FR. JENKINS

Notre Dame Ranked #17 in AP Preseason Poll

The Fighting Irish of Notre Dame are ranked #17 in the AP's preseason poll released today.  Brian Kelly's crew will play FIVE teams ranked in the Top-25 this season:

• #1 Florida State
• #11 Stanford
• #15 USC
• #19 Arizona State
• #23 North Carolina

LINK:  PRESEASON AP TOP 25

Video of Theo Riddick's Great Run After Catch

You'll want to see this!

LINK:  THEO RIDDICK

Domer Jonas Gray Rushes for 98 Yards in WIn!

Former Notre Dame student-athlete Jonas Gray rushed for 98 yards on 12 carries in the New England Patriots 42 - 35 win over the Philadelphia Eagles last night!!! 

He also had a 20 yard TD run called back because of penalty...

I am so happy for Jonas!

LINK:  JONAS GRAY

Brady Quinn a "Perfect" 4-4 in Dolphins Debut

Former Notre Dame All-American Brady Quinn -- signed earlier this week -- played in his first game in a Dolphins uniform tonight, going 4 for 4 (22 yards) in his limited duty against the Buccaneers.

LINK:  BOX SCORE

A Look at the Notre Dame Linebackers!

The folks at Fighting Irish Digital Media featured the Notre Dame linebackers in this report. 

LINK:  LINEBACKERS

Notre Dame Practiced Inside ND Stadium Today

Here's a look at today's practice in Notre Dame Stadium -- in front of Faculty and Staff.  Enjoy!

LINK:  PRACTICE REPORT

Coach Brian Kelly Meets With the Media Today

Every Notre Dame fan is aware of the news involving our football program.  Coach Kelly addressed the situation -- after today's practice:

LINK:  COACH KELLY

Domer Charlie Weis '78 -- ALS ICE Challenge

Notre Dame alum and Kansas head football coach -- Charlie Weis '78 -- accepted the ALS Ice Bucket Challenge today at practice.  Here's a link to the video:

LINK:  WEIS

Golden Tate Scores First TD in Lions Uniform

Former Notre Dame All-American Golden Tate is in Oakland this evening -- and he scored his first TD wearing the Lions' "honolulu blue and silver."

That's Golden prancing into the endzone in the top photo -- and celebrating with his QB Matt Stafford in the bottom photo.

Golden caught  3 passes for 41 yards -- the TD went for 28 yards...

NFL Uniforms of Former Notre Dame Players

If you're looking to purchase the NFL uniform of a former Notre Dame football player -- here's your chance!  Just click on their name below and you'll find their jersey:

LINK:  JUSTIN TUCK

LINK:  CHRIS WATT

LINK:  MANTI TE'O

LINK:  KYLE RUDOLPH

LINK:  MICHAEL FLOYD

LINK:  TROY NIKLAS

LINK:  JOHN CARLSON

LINK:  HARRISON SMITH

LINK:  JOHN SULLIVAN

LINK:  RJ BLANTON

LINK:  GOLDEN TATE

LINK:  THEO RIDDICK

LINK:  T.J. JONES

LINK:  STEPHON TUITT

LINK:  ZACK MARTIN

LINK:  PRINCE SHEMBO

LINK:  LOUIS NIX

LINK:  TREVOR ROBINSON

LINK:  TYLER EIFERT

LINK:  ANTHONY FASANO

LINK:  DAN FOX

LINK:  BENNETT JACKSON

LINK:  SERGIO BROWN

LINK:  IAN WILLIAMS

LINK:  KAPRON LEWIS-MOORE

LINK:  DAVID BRUTON

LINK:  RYAN HARRIS

LINK:  ZEKE MOTTA

LINK:  DARRIN WALLS

Chris Watt Talks First NFL Game This Weekend

Former Notre Dame student-athlete Chris Watt '13 talks with the media after practice as he prepares for his first NFL GAME ACTION this weekend against the Super Bowl Champs.  Just click on the link below:

LINK:  CHRIS WATT

Video Update: Notre Dame Defensive Line

This will be the group -- along with the linebackers -- that's bound to face the most scrutiny from Notre Dame fans fall -- just because they're young and inexperienced.

Here's a look at the Fighting Irish defensive line:

LINK:  NOTRE DAME D-LINE

Free Press Story Today on Lions' T.J. Jones

Former Notre Dame student-athlete T.J. Jones has had a frustrating start to his professional football career with the Lions.  Here's a story in today's Detroit Free Press about his desire to still contribute this season...

LINK:  T.J. JONES

Louis Nix III Cleared to Practice After Surgery

Former Notre Dame nose tackle Louis "Irish Chocolate" Nix was back on the practice field for the Houston Texans yesterday after missing a few weeks recovering from arthroscopic knee surgery.  Here's the story:

LINK:  NIX BACK

A Candid Interview With "Domer" Ian Williams

Former Notre Dame student-athlete Ian Williams -- who's coming off of "four" surgeries in the last eleven months on his injured ankle -- was back at practice yesterday with the San Francisco 49ers.

Williams was very candid about the challenge he will face in getting back on the field.

LINK:  IAN WILLIAMS