Bright Spots Amidst Depression

Okay, say you’re really, really depressed right now -– which puts you in synch with the one billion Notre Dame fans world-wide. You’re looking for something positive from the Michigan debacle, which likely cost the Irish any chance of a national title –- losing that bad at home almost certainly negates any advantage you get from an early loss –- and cost Brady Quinn a chance to win the Heisman.

Now, if Ohio State’s Troy Smith throws four interceptions in a loss to Michigan or Oklahoma’s Adrian Peterson fumbles four times in a loss to Nebraska, Quinn might slip back into the picture. But, realistically, that ain’t happening.

Anyway, there were two bright spots in Saturday’s game. First, and most obvious, was punter Geoff Price averaging 51.9 yards on his seven punts. He had a long of 59 yards. He nailed two punts inside the 20-yard line.

This was no surprise considering he entered the game averaging 48.0 yards a punt. What was surprising was that he punted almost as many times against Michigan and he did total in the first two games (eight). That’s indicative of the Wolverines’ stout defense and Notre Dame’s surprising offensive inconsistency.

That brings us to left tackle Ryan Harris, who coach Charlie Weis praised today as having a good game against Michigan. Not a perfect game, but good enough that, if his teammates had duplicated his effort, the Irish would have rushed for more than four yards, done better than 2-for-14 on third-down conversions and, in short, actually had a chance against the Wolverines.

They get to redeem themselves Saturday night at Michigan State in a game that probably will end around midnight. No matter. Notre Dame has to win. If it doesn’t, well, no sense in depressing you any more than you already are.