Notre Dame Notes

Tight End Konrad Reuland To Transfer

2007-09-24T16:17:00.000-04:00

It’s more bad publicity for Notre Dame football. Tight end Konrad Reuland has decided to transfer to another school. His departure lacks the drama associated with Demetrius Jones, who left a couple of weeks ago for Northern Illinois.

Reuland, a sophomore, was highly regarded upon arriving at Notre Dame in 2006 and was once expected to be a mainstay starting next year after the graduation of senior tight end John Carlson. But with talented young guys like Will Yeatman and Mike Ragone around, Reuland’s future prospects were uncertain.

Of course, given the 0-4 state of the Irish, uncertainty is everywhere you look. Anyway, here’s a statement by coach Charlie Weis:

“After meeting with Konrad Reuland on Sunday, he has decided he will leave the team and withdraw from Notre Dame. I appreciate all Konrad has done forNotre Dame and I wish him nothing but the best.”

Reuland leaving isn't the worst news Notre Dame could face. Still, it doesn't look good when two players leave less than a month into what looms as the worst season in school history.

Jones' Release Will Include Northern Illinois

2007-09-21T22:57:00.001-04:00

It looks like Notre Dame finally got it right in the Demetrius Jones saga. The Irish have agreed to release the quarterback to any school he wants that does not appear on a future Irish schedule. That figures to be Northern Illinois, where Jones has been attending class for the last week.

Notre Dame released a statement Friday evening saying Jones and his family met with Irish athletic administrators earlier in the day, and that athletic director Kevin White agreed to the release.

Northern Illinois is not on the Irish schedule. Jones will sit out this season and then have three years of eligibility remaining.

Notre Dame officials could have saved themselves a lot of public relations grief by doing this sooner. Now that it’s done, the focus can return to where it needs to be –- improving play and winning games.

Irish Should Put Northern Illinois On Release List

2007-09-21T12:14:00.000-04:00

It seems Notre Dame still doesn't understand the PR mess it's created over first not releasing, and now releasing, Demetrius Jones from his scholarship.

It's making both coach Charlie Weis and atheltic director Kevin White look bad, and potentially hurting recruiting in the talent-rich Chicago area. Do they really need that right now?

Of course they don't.

Irish officials have said they'll release Jones to any school not on their future schedule. That's not quite true. It's any school not on their future schedule -- and Northern Illinois.

Jones, of course, has already enrolled at Northern Illinois and is taking classes there. Officials are still making him pay for his poorly handled way of leaving the team.

Yes, Jones could have handled it better. But he's still young and immature and, well, acting very much his age. Especially when he was, in essence, jerked around about his true starting quarterback prospects.

Weis and White, of course, can't use the young and immature excuse. They don't need to act petty. Yes, other coaches at other programs refuse to release athletes who have left teams badly. Usually no one notices. But Notre Dame's high profile, and the national scrutiny over the quarterback situation, ensures that everyone notices.

It makes the Irish look bad, builds more sympathy for Jones and adds another negative to a season that doesn't need anymore. So put Northern Illinois on the list, let Jones go in peace and make this situation go away.

And then go and beat Michigan State.

Jones To Get Notre Dame Release

2007-09-20T22:45:00.000-04:00

It looks like Notre Dame will take the high road after all in regard to former quarterback Demetrius Jones. Whether this will enable him to play football at Northern Illinois is less certain, but at least it’s a start.

Notre Dame athletic director Kevin White had earlier said the Irish would not grant Jones a release, thus forcing him to pay his own way to college for a year. But heavy criticism followed and White mellowed that position during a released statement Thursday night that said, “We have reached out to (Jones) to assist him and his family in ascertaining his athletic and academic future plans. It’s our hope that Demetrius can enroll at an institution at which he might be able to receiver a scholarship, possibly be eligible for the 2008 season, and continue to make progress toward his degree without interruption.”

Jones is already enrolled at Northern Illinois. However, if he wants an athletic scholarship, he might have to transfer to another school. White said in the release that, “We are helping Demetrius compile a list of prospective schools that are not on our immediate future football schedules.”

Northern Illinois is not on any future Notre Dame schedule.

For Notre Dame, Give Jones a Release, Beat Spartans

2007-09-20T16:13:00.001-04:00

If Charlie Weis were smart, he’d do everything he could to ensure Demetrius Jones gets his release from Notre Dame so that the transfer to Northern Illinois won’t have any long-term negative recruiting implications, especially in the talent-rich Chicago area that produced Jones.

Yes, Jones could have handled it a lot better. But he’s young and admittedly immature and felt he was jerked around and treated unfairly. Which he probably was. So he decided to pay Weis back, and made himself look bad in the process.

It also didn't help Weis' suddenly vulnerable image. The guy could use all the friends he can get these days, especially if one of those friends develops into superstar offensively lineman in the years ahead.

For now, Weis says he’s not part of any official release decision. He did say he talked with Jones Monday night. Weis and an assistant coach finally tracked Jones down after Jones didn’t return his phone call.

“I said, let’s run him down and get this over with,” Weis said. “Am I supposed to chase him down? The right thing would be for him to call me.”

Weis described the conversation as “cordial.” “We cleared up what was going on. He said he’s moved on. I wished him well and that was about it.”

Weis said he would have considered moving Jones to another position if Jones was receptive. That never happened.

“I told him when we were recruiting him that we were recruiting him as a quarterback. If he wanted to play another position, that wasn’t a problem. I told him I’d never lie to him. I didn’t want to bring him here to make him a safety.

“He could have played another position, but that’s not what he wanted to do.”

The Irish, of course, have more pressing matters than a guy who’s no longer part of the program. Beating Michigan State Saturday is huge. It would finally be a reward after three weeks of misery, and show the return-to-training camp approach was a good idea.

But if Notre Dame gets smashed again, to make it six straight lopsided losses and the first 0-4 start in school history, well, who knows how much more misery awaits.

Jones Talks About Transfer

2007-09-17T12:00:00.000-04:00

Eric Hansen of the South Bend Tribune did a great job in tracking down the elusive Demetrius Jones and getting the sophomore quarterback's take on his decision to transfer to Northern Illinois. Jones admitted he should have handled the departure better, but he felt it was in his best interests to move on. He and coach Charlie Weis have yet to talk, and they have to before he can get his official release and be able to talk to Northern Illinois coaches. Jones has enrolled at the school and starts classes today.

As far as the Irish, Weis canceled his weekly Sunday press conference to focus on his return to training camp mode -- a return to fundamentals as it was the first few days of training camp. He's also canceled his weekly Tuesday press conference and won't be available to discuss Saturday's Michigan State game until Thursday. Perhaps by then he'll have a better indication on whether this approach, and yes it borders on desperation, will work. In fact, it had better if Notre Dame is to salvage this season and avoid what could be the worst season in school history.

Jones To Northern Illinois?

2007-09-15T15:02:00.000-04:00

It looks like Notre Dame quarterback Demetrius Jones will transfer to Northern Illinois, and it makes perfect sense.

Nothing is official, but if Jones enrolls at the DeKalb, Ill., school by Wednesday, he will be able to redshirt this season and be eligible for next season. It has to do with a NCAA rule that you must enroll within the first 12 days of the start of class. Plus, Jones will be close to his Chicago home town, and he’ll most likely be the starter for the next three years.

That wasn’t going to happen at Notre Dame. Freshman Jimmy Clausen will be the guy for the foreseeable future. Jones likely had dropped to third string behind Evan Sharpley.

In truth, Jones never had a chance at Notre Dame. Clausen was No. 1 coming out of spring, a fact coach Charlie Weis never told anyone. At least, he didn’t tell anyone publicly. What was said behind closed doors remains as murky as a Bill Belichick press conference.

Weis had a good reason to keep things vague -- he didn’t know how Clausen would recover from elbow surgery and he wanted to make sure he had solid candidates in case Clausen couldn’t go. That left Sharpley and Jones still in the hunt for No. 1 and ensured they wouldn’t transfer.

Anyway, Jones started against Georgia Tech, but was benched by halftime. He likely wasn’t going to play ever again at Notre Dame (although there was some speculation he might see action against Michigan because of his running ability; that ended when Jones didn't make the bus trip to Ann Arbor on Friday, although he did practice during the week) unless he changed positions.

This move, if it is finalized, would be in Jones’ best interest. And it won’t hurt Notre Dame except, perhaps, for public relation reasons. The Irish, of course, have far more pressing issues than that.

More Notre Dame Misery Looms

2007-09-03T12:20:00.000-04:00

Not to be depressing, but if you look at Notre Dame's schedule over the next seven weeks, if you consider the ineptitude of its play in the 33-3 season-opening loss to Georgia Tech, well, an 0-8 start is more likely than 3-5.

The Irish play at Penn State and at Michigan the next two weeks. Yes, that's the same Michigan that just got stunned by Appalachian State, the one directed by soon-to-be-ex-coach Lloyd Carr. Still, figure the Wolverines will bounce back strong, especially at home.

After that Notre Dame hosts Michigan State (which always seems to win at Notre Dame Stadium). Then it travels to Purdue and UCLA. Then it hosts Boston College (which always beats the Irish) and No. 1 USC.

In fact, Notre Dame might not be favored in any of those games. And while much of the focus is on quarterback uncertainty, the real key involves the offensive line. The Irish couldn't handle Georgia Tech's blitzing, so figure everybody will blitz them until that changes. And if it doesn't change, well, Saturday's miserable showing will be repeated for the next two months.

Sure, the problems can be fixed. But it has to happen fast. This schedule doesn't allow for extra development time.

Hey, it could be worse. Charlie Weis could be walking in Carr's shoes this week.

Skip The Secrecy Next Time

2007-09-01T16:17:00.001-04:00

All that quarterback secrecy was a big waste of time. Georgia Tech stuffed the Notre Dame offense behind starter Demetrius Jones into first-half futility.

This wasn't necessarily Jones' fault. Georgia Tech has a strong defense and wasn't about to let the Irish get into any offensive rhythm. All coach Charlie Weis did by keeping everyone guessing about who would replace Brady Quinn was, it seemed, confuse the Irish.

Weis made his reputation as an offensive guru via the pass. But you'd have never known it in the first quarter. Jones only tried one pass in the first 14 minutes, which was incomplete. By comparison, he ran four times.

The result was an offense that went nowhere. However, a bend-but-don't-break defense (helped by blocking a Georgia Tech field goal) kept the Irish in the game, trailing 6-0.

Seeking A Sign

2007-09-01T15:25:00.000-04:00

Here we are, about 20 minutes before kickoff and still no definitive sign on who will start at quarterback for Notre Dame against Georgia Tech. The three contenders -- Demetrius Jones, Evan Sharpley and Jimmy Clausen -- all took about the same number of pre-game snaps. They did this under the watchful eye of coach Charlie Weis.

They also, we can assume, did it under the watchful eye of at least one Georgia Tech coach. Still, you wonder if all the elaborate secrecy is worth the effort. The Yellow Jackets have a veteran staff. They have it covered. This won't decide the game. The ND defense will decide this game -- along with the Georgia Tech defense.

Keeping The ND QB Secret

2007-08-23T22:11:00.001-04:00

You’ve got to hand it to Charlie Weis. The guy knows how to keep a secret.

Weis admitted after Thursday's practice that he knows who the starting Notre Dame quarterback will be. In fact, he’s known for at least a week.

The interesting part is Weis hasn’t told the quarterback yet. Or, it seems, anyone outside of the coaching staff, and we’re really not sure about the staff.

Weis wants the starter to be a surprise for Georgia Tech in the Sept. 1 season opener. He wants Tech to prepare for all three candidates -– Demetrius Jones, Evan Sharpley and Jimmy Clausen.

The only way to keep a secret, or keep the players from lying about it, is to not tell anyone. All three quarterbacks continue to work with the first team, although you figure the starter is getting more reps. It’s hard to know for sure because practices are closed except for the first 15 minutes or so, and most of that time is devoted to stretching and drills.

Figure Jones will play because of his athleticism and dual-threat capability, although he might not start. Instinct suggests that Sharpley will be the other quarterback to play, and the most likely starter. He is, in fact, the quarterback with the most experience.

Remember, of course, that the first-game starter might not make it through the season. That will depend on individual performance as well as victories. Winning remains paramount, and that won’t change, even if the quarterbacks do.

Spotlight Finds Clausen

2007-08-21T14:37:00.001-04:00

No, Jimmy Clausen is not football’s version of Britney and Lindsay or even Amy (as in Winehouse, the British soul singer) and heading toward a path of damnation.

Yes, the Notre Dame freshman quarterback did get a citation for transporting alcohol as a minor, which made the major news circuits for those who follow the Irish.

But if you listen to coach Charlie Weis, and we do, there was no evil intent, no reckless behavior. There was, however, ignorance of the Indiana law that bans minors from driving with alcohol in the vehicle unless accompanied by a parent.

“Did he have bad judgment in being at the wrong place at the wrong time? Absolutely,” Weis said. “But I think it was out of ignorance, and by ignorance I mean lack of knowledge (about the law). I don't think he defiantly was trying to get himself in trouble with the law."

Clausen unwanted spotlight time reflects the attention Notre Dame quarterbacks get, even ones who have yet to play a game.

"That’s the way it is,” Weis said. “You have to roll with the punches. You won’t like everything that comes with it. When you’re the quarterback or the head coach at Notre Dame, when things go good you get more credit than you deserve. When they go bad you get more blame than you deserve.”

So now you know that. But did you know that (how’s this for a great transition), that Notre Dame ranks second in the nation in sales of college sports merchandise. At least that’s the result of research done by Collegiate Licensing Co. Texas is No. 1 for the second straight year. Florida jumped from No. 6 to No. 3.

Who Do You Like As ND QB?

2007-05-30T22:09:00.000-04:00

So who do you like in the suddenly three-horse Notre Dame quarterback race?

Is it the young guy with the big-time prep rep, Jimmy Clausen?

Is it the older guy, if you can call Evan Sharpley old when he has all of two college passes to his name?

Or is it the best athlete, Demetrius Jones, who is the closet thing the Irish have to Troy Smith?

You have all summer to debate that because, as Charlie Weis has informed us, those three will go into August camp contending for the job Brady Quinn owned for four years.

One of those guys will lead an offense that just might be, at least at first, more run oriented than Weis prefers. We say might because, just because the Irish ran a lot in the spring, just because they’ll have a new quarterback and new offensive linemen, doesn’t mean the pass will be forgotten.

No, Weis is not a Wishbone, Power-I coach. Notre Dame will throw and, you suspect, will throw well. It’s just a matter of figuring out who will do it. For now fans, just like the players and coaches, will have to be patient.

Walker Should Have Stayed

2007-04-30T07:45:00.000-04:00

Darius Walker was rewarded for his decision to enter the NFL draft a year early with, well, nothing.

The Notre Dame running back was not drafted by anybody. That makes his decision to skip his final year look even worse than it already did, and it looked bad when he first announced it.

He eventually signed as an undrafted free agent with the Chicago Bears.

The news was better for cornerback Mike Richardson. A guy who wasn’t even invited to the NFL Draft Combine in February wound up getting selected by New England in the sixth round.

“I try to keep a positive mindset through the whole process and hope for the best,” he said.

Richardson had sympathy for quarterback Brady Quinn, who was a projected top-three pick before falling to No. 22 with Cleveland.

“It’s tough to watch someone you have been close to go through something like that,” he said, “but we knew he would end up in a place that really needed him and where he wanted to go.”

Five other Irish were drafted, but only one got the news on his way to Dairy Queen -– offensive lineman Ryan Harris. He went in the third round to Denver and when the waiting got to be too much, he needed some fresh air.

And, as it turned out, a Blizzard. He never got it because Denver called, which is fine with him.

“I always felt that Denver would be the perfect fit for me,” he said. “I’m versatile. I can play guard or tackle. I’ve got speed and coming from a pro scheme, that will help.”

Also drafted were defensive end Victor Abiamiri (second round by Philadelphia), defensive tackle Derek Landri (fifth round Jacksonville), offensive lineman Dan Santucci (seventh round by Cincinnati) and defensive back Chinedum Ndukwe (seventh round by Cincinnati).

The seven Irish players drafted was the most since 10 went in 1994.

And so you know, the draft consisted of seven rounds and 255 players.

Irish Land Another QB Standout

2007-04-20T08:41:00.000-04:00

So what’s with all these elite quarterbacks coming to Notre Dame? Isn’t anybody afraid of competition anymore or worried about holding clipboards rather than throwing footballs?

Apparently not. Coach Charlie Weis, it seems, is too good a recruiter, too good at developing quarterbacks.

Notre Dame isn’t a bad school, either.

And so high-profile prep star Dayne Crist has orally committed to the Irish. Already there is high-profile prep star Jimmy Clausen, the No. 1 high school player in the nation. Both, in fact, are from Southern California. Both were heavily recruited by USC. Both are good friends.

No matter. They will battle it out for future playing time, along with Demetrius Jones, Zach Frazer and Evan Sharpley. Sharpley was considered the nation’s No. 15 pro-style quarterback coming out of high school. Frazer was No. 9. Jones was the No. 3 dual-threat quarterback.

As you can see, that’s a lot of competition. A less confident guy might pass on that, but confidence is not something Crist lacks.

How good is Crist? Good enough to throw for 17 touchdowns and three interceptions in just seven games (injury limited his playing time). Good enough to rank among the top three prep quarterbacks in the nation.

He is also 6-5 and 221 pounds, so he has NFL caliber size, and if you don’t think pro possibilities entered into the decision, then you don’t understand college football these days.

Notre Dame, by the way, now has eight commitments. That includes Bishop Dwenger receiver John Goodman. Most of those are expected to attend Saturday’s spring game.

The commitments aren't binding until they sign a national letter of intent, which can't happen until next February.

Notre Dame QB Update

2007-04-18T21:40:00.001-04:00

Okay, we now have the starting quarterbacks for Saturday’s Notre Dame spring game and if you think this is a big deal, then you must really be intrigued by coin tosses.

Yes, Jimmy Clausen and Zach Frazer will start, with Demetrius Jones and Evan Sharpley as the backups.

So does this mean we now know who the leaders will be heading into August’s preseason camp? Not even close.

Clausen and Frazer get to start because they won a coin toss. That’s it. Don’t read any more into it than that.

In fact, what this means is that Clausen and Frazer will quarterback the odd-numbered offensive series, while Jones and Sharpley will run the show during even-numbered series.

Coach Charlie Weis reiterated that the coaching staff won’t start evaluating everything until late May. Figure a decision will be made by early June. Even then, that decision will be who are the No. 1 and No. 2 candidates entering preseason camp. The actual starter will be based on performance in the weeks leading up to the season opener against Georgia Tech.

So now you know.

Irish Get Fifth Commitment

2007-03-28T11:31:00.000-04:00

If you want to thrive on offense, and you bet Charlie Weis wants to thrive, you need all the weapons you can get, and for the Irish, that certainly includes the tight end.

No, not as run blockers or even pass blockers. Receiving tight ends can really disrupt an offense already concerned about so many other things, and Weis has exploited that with guys such as Anthony Fasano and John Carlson. They’ve caught plenty of passes the last two years. Both were Mackey Award finalists, which goes annually to the nation’s top tight end.

That didn't go unnoticed by tight end Kyle Rudolph of Cincinnati. He orally committed after catching 30 passes for 400 yards and seven touchdowns last season as a junior.

Recruiting expert Tom Lemming rates the 6-7, 225-pound Rudolph as one of the top-four tight ends in the country.

That’s nothing new under Weis. The Irish already have a couple of highly regarded young tight ends in freshmen Konrad Reuland and Will Yeatman. Plus, incoming freshman Mike Ragone is considered by most experts as the nation’s top high school tight end.

Rudolph is the fifth high school player to commit to the Irish. The others are Bishop Dwenger receiver John Goodman, Penn offensive lineman Braxton Cave, Connecticut offensive lineman Mike Golic Jr. and Illinois defensive lineman Sean Cwynar.

So that’s four offensive players and one defensive player. Yes, Weis will get more defensive commitments. But if you love offense, you gotta love the Irish.

Notre Dame Recruiting Keeps Rolling

2007-03-06T08:10:00.000-05:00

So Bishop Dwenger receiver John Goodman knew in his heart he was going to be a Fighting Irish the moment Notre Dame coach Charlie Weis answered all his questions.

So why wait?

Goodman didn’t and now he’s orally committed to the Irish, although he can’t officially sign until February of 2008 and won’t arrive on campus until that summer.

No matter. Goodman is 6-4 and 190 pounds and almost certainly will fill out more by then. He could be a big receiver in the mold of Jeff Samardzija, although only time will tell if he can be as productive as that All-America.

He was productive at Dwenger last year, catching 44 passes for 815 yards and 16 touchdowns. He also returned punts and kickoffs.

Goodman chose Notre Dame over Indiana, Purdue, Michigan, Kentucky, Iowa, Minnesota and Ball State.

Goodman wasn’t the only bit of good recruiting news for Weis. Also committing was Penn center Braxton Cave, who is 6-4 and 294 pounds. He has good speed for a guy that big and even on the offensive line, you can’t be fast enough. Also in his recruiting picture were Purdue, Indiana, Florida, Michigan and Iowa.

With current Notre Dame center John Sullivan set to play in his final season, that position could be wide open.

Both Goodman and Cave committed in the aftermath of attending last Sunday’s junior day gathering. That’s when about 40 high school juniors showed to see why Notre Dame might be the best school for them.

As expected, plenty of studs attended such as receiver Warren Reuland of California (he’s the younger brother of Notre Dame tight end Konrad Reuland), Chicago linebacker Steven Filer, Ohio safety Dan McCarthy (the younger brother of Irish safety Kyle McCarthy), Nebraska offensive lineman Trevor Robinson and Illinois defensive lineman Sean Cwynar.

Notre Dame now has three commitments for its class of 2008. The other is Connecticut center Mike Golic Jr.

Yes, it's early, but it looks like Weis is well on his way to a third straight outstanding class.

Zibby Set To Be Big Hit Again

2007-02-27T22:30:00.000-05:00

So it looks like Tom Zbikowski won’t have to wait for spring practice to hit somebody. The Notre Dame safety is planning a boxing exhibition in South Bend next week.

Yes, it will be a chance for the public to see his boxing skills. They barely did during last summer’s pro debut, when Zbikowski knocked out Robert Bell in 49 seconds.

Who’s Robert Bell, you ask.

Who cares.

Anyway, this time Zbikowski will box for charity with a goal of raising $50,000, or about as much as Mike Tyson lost every three hours, not that we’re picking on No-Longer-Iron Mike.

With tickets ranging from $20 to $1,000 for a ringside table for 10, the money could add up fast. It will go to the Make-A-Wish and Cystic Fibrosis foundations, plus to Hannah and Friends, Notre Dame coach Charlie Weis’ charity. It is named for his 11-year-old daughter and helps people with special needs.

So if you like Zbikowski and really like to see him knock the stuffing out of somebody and really, really like to help people, this is the event for you. And if you don't, well, get a life.

Good, Bad News For Weis

2007-02-21T07:31:00.000-05:00

It’s been an interesting couple of days for Charlie Weis. The biggest news, at least personally, was the fact his malpractice suit was declared a mistrial after a juror collapsed and was helped by several doctors, including two who Weis was suing.

Weis claimed the two doctors botched his 2002 gastric bypass surgery. The juror collapsed while listening to testimony Tuesday. The trial was expected to go to the jury today. Weis’ attorney asked for the mistrial and the judge agreed.

The second bit of news was Weis got his first verbal commitment for 2008 from Mike Golic Jr., a lineman from Connecticut. Yes, that’s the same Mike Golic who is the son of former Notre Dame players Mike (his dad) and Bob (his uncle).

Golic is 6-5 and 260 pounds and can play offense or defense, although he’s projected to end up a center in college.

Notre Dame Signs 18

2007-02-07T14:17:00.000-05:00

If you’ve heard the rumors swirling around that highly touted quarterback Jimmy Clausen has injured his throwing arm, relax.

The nation’s No. 1 football recruit is just fine. He’s already enrolled at Notre Dame, is taking classes and will participate in spring practice.

What is true is that Clausen threw a lot in games and in practice this past season. Coach Charlie Weis wants him to rest his arm to avoid any overuse issues.

“I told him I did not want him throwing a ball until end of February,” Weis said. “I’ve shut him down. I’ve mandated him not to throw. It’s not because he has some dire condition.”

Clausen was one of 18 recruits who signed today in what experts agree is a top-10 class.

Weis said the Irish addressed all their needs and if some players, particularly on defense, don’t bring gaudy ratings, that doesn’t mean they won’t be impact players some day.

“These guys are just what we’re looking for,” Weis says.

For more information, check out tomorrow’s News-Sentinel.

Samardzija Passes On NFL For Baseball

2007-01-19T21:34:00.001-05:00

Jeff Samardzija didn’t wait for the NFL draft. Not when the Chicago Cubs offered the Notre Dame wide receiver a five-year deal worth a reported $10 million that likely will leave him financially comfortable for the rest of his life.

Unless, of course, he hires Mike Tyson as his business manager.

Anyway, Samardzija has decided to give up his football career and concentrate solely on pitching. He will report to the Cubs spring training camp in Mesa, Ariz., on Feb. 14.

Why forego his NFL prospects?

“I have concluded that playing two sports professionally is impossible,” Samardzija said in a statement.

Samardzija was Chicago’s fifth-round selection last summer. He made seven starts and posted a 2.70 earned run average. Baseball America rated him as the Cubs’ fourth-best pitching prospect.

In football for the Irish this season, he caught 78 passes for 1,017 yards. As a junior, he set school records for touchdown catches (15) and yards receiving (1,249).

“I understand some people may be skeptical of my intentions,” he said. “I cannot lie. Leaving football will not be easy. But playing baseball is my first love. It is what I want to do for a living.”
At least for now, Samardzija insists he’s done with football, although if baseball doesn’t work out, who knows what might happen.

“This does not mean I have lost my passion for (football),” he said. “I will always love football. My four years at Notre Dame were amazing. I could not have asked more from my teammates, our fans and our coaches. I appreciate fully that another amazing experience awaited me in the NFL.”

Instead, that experience looms in baseball. And that’s not bad.

ND Kickoff Times Set

2007-01-17T11:53:00.001-05:00

In case you’re dying to know, here are the kickoff times for Notre Dame’s seven home football games next season. Georgia Tech (Sept. 1), Michigan State (Sept. 22), Boston College (Oct. 13) and USC (Oct. 20) all start at 3:30. Navy (Nov. 3), Air Force (Nov. 10) and Duke (Nov. 17) all start at 2:30. All the home games will be televised by NBC.

As you probably noticed, the Irish play Boston College and USC on consecutive Saturdays. Not to be negative, but recent history suggests this won’t go well for the home team. They are 0-9 against those teams in recent years (0-5 against USC, 0-4 against Boston College).

The good news is they follow with a two-week stretch against Navy and Air Force. They are 54-1 combined against those teams in recent years.

And now you know.

Notre Dame Coaching Shake Up

2007-01-14T12:09:00.000-05:00

It looks like defensive coordinator Rick Minter and quarterbacks coach Peter Vass are out at Notre Dame as coach Charlie Weis shakes up his staff in the aftermath of a second straight bowl debacle.

Indications are that New York Jets assistant coach Corwin Brown will replace Minter. Former Notre Dame quarterback Ron Powlus, the Irish’s director of personnel development, is expected to replace Vaas.

Nothing is official, but the South Bend Tribune and writer Eric Hansen got the story, with confirmation expected in the coming days.

Brown, 36, played in the NFL for eight years, including with the New England Patriots while Weis was there. He also starred at Michigan. He coached the defensive backs at New York.

Let’s face it. Weis had to do something after a second straight poor defensive effort. This past season Notre Dame ranked 90^th out of 119 Division I-A teams in pass-efficiency defense, 61^st in rushing defense and 67^th in scoring defense. Those numbers were worse than the previous year despite returning nine starters. they were worse, in fact, than the numbers produced during the Tyrone Willingham era.

The defense was at its worst in bowl games. Ohio State totaled 617 yards against the Irish in the 2006 Fiesta Bowl, the more yards ever allowed by a Notre Dame team. LSU had 577 yards while blowing out the Irish in the Sugar Bowl.

You could blame this on inferior personnel, and that’s true to an extent, but the bottom line is Notre Dame didn’t improve and didn’t play to its potential and expectations. Somebody has to answer for that and, it seems, that answer started with Minter.

Walker Leaving to Enter NFL Draft

2007-01-11T13:55:00.000-05:00

Darius Walker has provided a post-Sugar Bowl shock -- he's skipping his final year of eligibility to enter the NFL draft.

To this we say -- are you kidding me?

Yes, we can understand someone like Reggie Bush or JaMarcus Russell or Dwayne Jarrett making the move. But Darius Walker? Yes, he's a good back. Yes, he can play in the NFL. The junior has, after all, rushed for more than 3,200 yards and had consecutive seasons of more than 1,100 yards. He was on pace to break Autry Denson's school rushing record of 4,318 yards. And he demonstrated his versatility by catching more than 100 passes in his last two seasons.

Still, at 5-11 and 205 pounds, he does not dominate games. Another season would help his development and, you would think, his draft stock.

That, it seems, won't happen.

Walker said it's been his dream to play in the NFL.

"It's the right thing to go on now rather than wait," he said.

Coach Charlie Weis didn't have much to say about it (in fact, Notre Dame officials told the media not to bother him during a book signing in South Bend tonight) except this released statement: "He guaranteed he would graduate in the near future. Although disappointed, we wish him nothing but the best."

Walker said he only made this decision after careful consideration. He said the fact Notre Dame is losing a lot of offensive players to graduation, and the fact he might have to share playing time next season, were not factors.

"This was not a blind move for me. It's not something just all of a sudden I woke up one day, hey, let me go to the NFL and see if I can make it. It's definitely something that I put time and research in, something that I feel is right now."

Feeling right doesn't make it right. We'll get a better idea about that come April.

In the meantime, Weis announced that nine players with a final year of eligibility have asked permission to return, including safety Tom Zbikowski, center John Sullivan, defensive end Trevor Laws and linebacker Travis Thomas.

Recruiting Consequences

2007-01-07T08:47:00.000-05:00

Yes, there might have been some recruiting consequences in the wake of Notre Dame's Sugar Bowl blow-out loss to LSU.

Three heralded recruits -- defensive end Ben Martin, linebacker Chris Donald and offensive lineman Chris Little -- passed on the Irish. Martin and Donald both chose Tennessee. Little chose Florida State. All three made their announcements during Saturday's U.S. Army All-America Bowl in San Antonio, Texas. The event featured some of the country's top high school prospects.

It wasn't all bad. Notre Dame did get an oral commitment from 6-6, 270-pound offensive lineman Matt Romine from Oklahoma.

The bowl also featured California quarterback Jimmy Clausen, a Notre Dame commitment who will enroll at the university for the second semester. He completed 6 of 11 passes for 58 yards. He did throw an interception.

Don't let that performance depress you. This was an all-star setting with minimal practice time, so it's not a true indication of potential. Wait until Irish coach Charlie Weis gets a chance to work with Clausen.

As far as the overall recruiting, Notre Dame is still positioned to have an outstanding class, and likely will land a few more studs before the February signing period. The Irish should reap those consequences for years to come.

Irish Play To Talent Not Expectations

2007-01-04T22:16:00.000-05:00

In the end, Notre Dame lost like you knew it would. In the end, Louisiana State exposed all the vulnerability that made the Irish the worst of the BCS bowl teams.

Yes, that sounds harsh, but, in truth Notre Dame played to its potential. The problem was the expectations were so high, the belief so strong, that this group was national championship material.

It was not, of course. Remember, this remains a game of talent more than coaching. Former coach Tyrone Willingham's last recruiting class was not loaded with prime-time talent. Neither was current coach Charlie Weis' first group.

Notre Dame got hammered by LSU and USC and Michigan this season not because of scheme deficiencies or gambles gone bad, but by a lack of elite players.

That is changing. The current group of highly touted freshmen is likely to be the cornerstone of a resurgence. Weis is lining up another strong class, and likely will continue to do so.

In fact, if you want to see some of the new talent, check out Saturday's U.S. Army All-American Bowl. The San Antonio game will feature as many as eight Irish recruits, including stud quarterback Jimmy Clausen of California.

Don't expect a BCS bowl next year. After that, things will get interesting. After that, we might see just how good a Weis-coached team can be.

Sugar Bowl Drama

2007-01-03T21:46:00.000-05:00

Okay, so it wasn't the fast start Notre Dame had hoped for in the Sugar Bowl. Still, here we were late in the first half and the Irish were very much in the game, trailing 14-7 and driving.

Forgotten man Darius Walker had become a running factor. The defense was containing LSU quarterback JaMarcus Russell.

But then the Tigers' relentless defense forced quarterback Brady Quinn into throwing an interception. It came a few minutes an apparent LSU interception was over-ruled via instant replay.

The Tigers regained momentum. Russell regained his form.

Yes, the Irish were once again in big trouble, but they got out of it when LSU missed a 31-yard field goal.

So what did Notre Dame do? Simply drive 80 yards for the tying touchdown, capped by Quinn's 10-yard TD pass to Jeff Samardzija. It was set up by some big-time running from Walker, who had 117 yards on 16 carries, plus 30 more yards on receptions.

The Russell connected on a 58-yard bomb to Early Doucet that set up Russell's 5-yard touchdown run and a 21-14 LSU lead.

No matter. Looks like we're heading for a dramatic second half.

A Few Sugar Bowl Thoughts

2007-01-03T18:39:00.000-05:00

A few thoughts a few hours before the Sugar Bowl and the must-see matchup between Notre Dame and LSU:

1) Bourbon Street is a very unique place, and by that I mean it is not necessarily for those with young children, unless you want them exposed to things far beyond their years. Newspaper decorum makes it difficult to go into details, but let’s just say I saw a guy arrested outside an establishment that would break about 1,000 city ordinances in Fort Wayne.

No, I did not go inside.

However, there also were some great blues bands performing, including one 70-something guy named Rooster who put on a heck of a show.

2) Notre Dame remains an eight-point underdog, which should give coach Charlie Weis his last bit of motivation. It doesn’t hurt that ESPN is reporting that four Tigers will be suspended for at least the first quarter for blowing curfew last night. Unfortunately for the Irish, none of them was quarterback JaMarcus Russell.

Still, it could have an impact considering they include starting safety Jessie Daniels and kick returner Trindon Holliday. Holliday averages 32.4 yards a kickoff return and also has rushed for 161 yards. Daniels will be replaced by Craig Stoltz, who has a team-leading four interceptions in yet another example of LSU’s talent pool.

3) Watch out for the Fox announcing team of Terry Bradshaw and Howie Long. They've never done a college game before. Bradshaw has never announced a game before, although he did some practice games in preparation. So who knows what you'll hear.

3) New Orleans has a Harrahs Casino a few blocks from the media hotel. I am not a gambler. I don’t like to lose and I especially don’t like to lose money. Still, for a few seconds, I was tempted. My 13-year-old son, Vince, called and, during the conversation, warned me not to bet anything.

The last time he offered advice during a bowl trip was last year’s Fiesta Bowl in Tempe, Ariz. Next to the media hotel was a very large building that looked like a museum. We’re talking a cost of millions and millions of dollars.

My son and I walked over to investigate. As we got closer, he insisted that we turn around, that this was somebody’s house. I told him, in no uncertain terms, that it was NOT somebody’s house, that I was his father and his elder and knew what I was talking about and, by gum, we were going to investigate.

A man came out of the building. “Can I help you?” he asked.

“Sure. I was just wondering what this building was.”

“It’s my house,” he said.

“Your house!” I said. “Well, it’s very nice.”

“Thanks,” he said.

“I’ll be leaving now,” I said.

“That’s fine,” he said.

Yes, I soon got a stern I-told-you-so lecture from my son.

“You should have listened to me,” he said.

I agreed. I bring that up because, in the casino issue, I decided not to listen to him again. So I played $5 dollars in a 25 cent slot machine and lost it all in about 3 minutes. Yes, it’s not a checking account wrecking total (although you should see my checking account), but I have learned my lesson. I will listen to my son’s advice.

Oh, by the way, he thinks Notre Dame will win tonight.

Looking For A Notre Dame Ending

2007-01-03T11:06:00.000-05:00

The college football world is rocking, and not just because Nick Saban is back in the game (leaving the NFL's Miami Dolphins for Alabama for about $600 million a year). No, tonight Notre Dame plays Louisiana State in a Sugar Bowl epic designed to restore more of the luster to a New Orleans city that still needs it.

This bowl could pump about $200 million into the economy, which would rank fifth in recent tourism-generated events according to the Baton Rouge's The Advocate.

No. 1 is the 2002 Super Bowl at $350 million followed by $300 million for the 2006 New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival, the $250 million for the 2004 Sugar Bowl (national title game where LSU beat Oklahoma) and the $221 million for the 2003 Mardi Gras.

What does this have to do with Notre Dame's chances? Nothing, of course, but the understanding that a lot of Irish fans are contributing to the city's economic recovery.

As far as the game, consider LSU is 10-2, has won six straight games and has won seven of its last nine bowl games. Notre Dame is also 10-2, but not nearly as well regarded coming off a blowout loss at USC. It has also lost a record-tying eight straight bowl games.

No matter. This is a chance to set a tone for the future while winning for the seniors and it starts, but certainly doesn't end, with quarterback Brady Quinn. He has 36 school records for his career. He's thrown for 35 touchdowns this season against five interceptions. He's completed 63.4 percent of his passes and totaled 3,278 yards.

In an ideal Notre Dame world, he would go out a winner. This, of course, isn't always an ideal world. But tonight, at least, the Irish can do their part to see that it is.

Weis Not Leaving

2006-12-31T11:26:00.000-05:00

Charlie Weis wants to make this perfectly clear -– again. He is not interested in leaving Notre Dame for any reason, and certainly not for an NFL job.

He’s had to address the issue during Sugar Bowl preparations in the wake of New York newspaper speculation that Weis would be a leading candidate for the New York Giants job.

Of course, the job isn’t open. Tom Coughlin remains in charge, although he’s under enormous heat in the wake of a late-season slump that jeopardized the Giants’ playoff hopes. New York gave itself a playoff chance with Saturday night’s victory over the Washington Redskins that enabled it to finish 8-8, or probably three games below expectations.

Weis, meanwhile, is happy with coaching the Irish. He’s a Notre Dame grad who has restored his school to national relevance, even if this season was a disappointment. He has signed a contract extension that will keep him in South Bend for then next thousand years (give or take a few hundred). The contract includes an enormous buyout certain to discourage even the wealthiest of suitors. He has built a big, new, expensive home in the South Bend area, which he wouldn’t have done if he was looking to move on.

Still, figure this will be a yearly occurrence. Consider it the price of success. And, really, is that so bad?

No Compromise With Weis

2006-12-30T17:21:00.000-05:00

Charlie Weis is not compromising his Sugar Bowl curfew policy and to show he means business, he does many of the bed checks. Players had better be in their beds or they’re heading home.

"I had bed check (Thursday night),” he said. “It was late, but they know if they are not there they are going home. Case closed. Non-negotiable. I don't know if there were people running up the stairs two minutes beforehand, but I did bed check and everyone was there sleeping or faking like they were sleeping."

Also, the Irish have a connection with Louisiana State with running backs coach Mike Haywood. He coached running backs and special teams at LSU from 1995-2002. He spent two years as running backs coach at Texas before coming to Notre Dame.

Ironically, LSU and Texas both won national titles the year after Haywood left.

"I'm trying to get rid of him,” Weis said with a laugh. “I told him I am trying to get him a job so we could have a chance."

That, of course, is a story for next year. For now, the Irish are looking to exploit their underdog role and upset the Tigers. Weis is continuing his practice policy of having short, up-tempo sessions to ensure his players start Wednesday’s game at full speed.

Speed and fast starts are crucial if Notre Dame is to end its eight-bowl losing streak. There’s no compromise there.

Quinn Looks To Go Out On Top

2006-12-28T09:26:00.001-05:00

Quarterback Brady Quinn will leave Notre Dame with enough honors and records for five players, but one thing he hasn’t done is win a bowl game and, yes, that burns at him.

In his two previous bowl opportunities, the Irish lost 38-21 to Oregon State in the Insight Bowl and 34-20 to Ohio State in the Fiesta Bowl.

Quinn played solid in both games -– totaling 500 passing yards, two touchdowns and one interception –- but it wasn’t nearly enough to overcome shaky defense.

Now comes next Wednesday’s final opportunity -– Louisiana State and the Sugar Bowl -– and Quinn hopes to make the most of it.

“I’ve had a great time at Notre Dame, and things obviously never go as well as you’d like them to. But I’m hoping with a win in this bowl game you could put somewhat of a happy ending to my career here.”

The two other co-captains –- linebacker-running back Travis Thomas and safety Tom Zbikowski –- also could be playing in last final Notre Dame game, although both have a final year of eligibility and could return. Neither has made a final decision.

“It would be something to cap off my career,” Thomas said, “and it would end the season on a positive note, considering we lost our last regular season game.

“That's all we're working for is to win. There's no point in going down there if there's any doubt in your mind you're not going to be able to win. It would definitely be the icing on the cake.”

Added Zbikowski: “I don't think in my years we've finished with a win in the last game. It always makes the off-season a little easier and you've always got that momentum when you finish with a win, especially in a BCS game.”

You figure Notre Dame’s eight bowl losing streak has to end sometime. Why not next week?

Notre Dame Recruiting Never Rests

2006-12-27T08:50:00.000-05:00

Sure, Notre Dame remains focused on next Wednesday’s Sugar Bowl battle with Louisiana State in New Orleans, but that doesn’t mean coaches have slowed down their recruiting pace.

In fact, they are targeting stud linebacker Chris Donald out of Tennessee, the state’s No. 1 player whole could help boost an area that badly needs it.

It might help that the Irish just got an oral commitment from another Tennessee high school player, highly regarded safety Harrison Smith. He picked Notre Dame over the Volunteers despite the fact his high school is just a few miles from the Tennessee campus and the fact both his parents are Tennessee grads.

Smith can run a 4.4 in the 40-yard dash, which is significant considering Notre Dame’s rep for lacking defensive speed. In fact, it’s no coincidence that both Smith and Donald are defensive players. You figure with coach Charlie Weis around, the Irish will never have a problem with offense. Defense, however, remains a concern, and the better the players you have there, the better your chances.

In all, Notre Dame has 16 commitments. Coaches can’t comment until signing day, which is in February. Besides, they have a more immediate goal in mind – beating LSU and ending their eight bowl losing streak.

Irish To Help Out

2006-12-22T14:34:00.000-05:00

For Notre Dame, the Sugar Bowl is about a lot more than just a football game or a chance to show the Irish really can beat one of America’s elite teams.

Hundreds of people associated with the university -– students, alumni, staff and administrators –- will participate in service events in the New Orleans area to help in the on-going recovery in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina.

Those events will include volunteering with cleanup work, a park beautification project and home restoration

These activities were organized by Notre Dame’s Alumni Association and Center for Social Concerns, and Catholic Charities.

Irish players also will help out when they arrive in New Orleans on Dec. 28. They’ll help with a project to restore a troubled youth building.

Irish Have Brains and Brawn

2006-12-21T21:59:00.000-05:00

Notre Dame’s football success hasn’t come at the cost of its academics. The Irish finished with a fall semester team grade point average of more than 3.0 on a 4.0 scale. The final cumulative semester GPA will be determined at a later date, but it marks the third straight semester they have surpassed 3.0.

Every player is academically eligible for the next semester, led by tight end John Carlson. He made the ESPN The Magazine Academic All-America team with his 3.59 GPA. The history major is the first Notre Dame football academic All-American since Tim Ruddy in 1993.

Of course, academics won’t help Notre Dame beat Louisiana State in the Jan. 3 Sugar Bowl, but it demonstrates it is possible to excel in the classroom and in the athletic arena.

The goal is to have that excellence translate into a bowl victory and thus snap the Irish’s eight-game bowl losing streak.

How likely is that? Well, when you get to this level, where the mental aspect can surpass sheer physical ability, being smart –- or at least playing smart -- can be the deciding factor. Maybe Notre Dame will have that edge, and then exploit it.

Irish Are Looking Good

2006-12-19T16:07:00.000-05:00

Good news for those sweating out whether Notre Dame will lose some football players due to academic ineligibility -– relax.

The Irish all passed their first semester courses, so all will be available for the Jan. 3 Sugar Bowl battle with Louisiana State.

“We had a couple of guys rally down the stretch,” coach Charlie Weis said, “so that was good news walking in the door.”

Players got last weekend off after last week’s finals. They resumed practice on Monday. Weis said he hopes to have the team’s grade point average available by Thursday.

Among the highlights of Tuesday’s media day was the fact that Weis had completed his evaluation process with potential fifth-year players such as safety Tom Zbikowski, tight end John Carlson and defensive tackle Trevor Laws.

Because all Irish players are required to graduate in four years, there is no redshirting. Players who don’t play their first year and want to go a fifth year must apply.

Zbikowski, Carlson and Laws all can apply for that fifth year of eligibility. Or, they could enter the NFL Draft. Or they could enter the work force.

Weis would only say that he’s completed his evaluation process with them and that, when everything is settled, “Notre Dame fans will be happy with the results.”

That suggests that most, if not all, will stay one more year.

Offensive Lineman Commits to Notre Dame

2006-12-16T08:59:00.000-05:00

Notre Dame's December recruiting surge continues with yet another commitment from a California high school player.

This time it's offensive tackle Taylor Dever, who is rated No. 51 nationally by rivals.com. He is 6-6 and 289 pounds, which means he has the frame to end up well over 300 pounds. Dever chose the Irish over Nebraska, Arizona State, Miami and Oregon.

Notre Dame now has 15 oral commitments. They can't sign until February, so until then coaches can't talk about them. But this is shaping up as another top-10 class. The talent upgrade continues, so it might not be too much longer before the Irish do unto, say, USC, what the Trojans have done to them.

Sugar Bowl Ticket Lottery Starts

2006-12-14T08:41:00.000-05:00

Notre Dame hasn’t lost its ability to send fans to bowl games. The university has once again sold out its allotment of bowl tickets.

The Irish received 24,635 requests for 17,500 tickets for the Sugar Bowl. That means for the third straight BCS bowl officials will resort to a lottery to determine who gets tickets for the Jan. 3 New Orleans game between Notre Dame and LSU.

Requests came from contributing alumni, current students, parents of current students, Monogram Club members, benefactors and current faculty-staff members.

Lottery results will be available Friday by calling 574-631-7356 or by checking www.und.com/tickets (ticket account number needed for access). Tickets will be shipped Friday via Federal Express two-day delivery. Refunds will be mailed in January.

Of course, there are other ways to get tickets for those with the money, means and will. Do you have what it takes?

Notre Dame Adds Recruits

2006-12-13T08:02:00.000-05:00

Notre Dame’s Sugar Bowl battle with LSU could have more than just game stakes. It could determine if the Irish land heralded defensive tackle Will Blackwell.

The 6-4, 295-pounder is from West Monroe, La., and has narrowed his finalists to Notre Dame and LSU. And, yes, his decision could come down to who wins the Sugar Bowl.

Speaking of recruiting, Notre Dame has received three more oral commitments to boost their total to 14. All three are from the South, yet another indication that coach Charlie Weis leaves no part of the country unaccounted for.

Tailback Armando Allen from Hialeah, Fla, gives the Irish another speed back. Defensive tackle Ian Williams from Florida and athlete Golden Tate from Tennessee are instant impact type players.

Tate played quarterback, tailback, receiver, defensive back and kick returner. He even had a 40-yard punting average. This past season he rushed for 1,413 yards and had 510 receiving yards while totaling 29 touchdowns. He also plans to play baseball at Notre Dame.

He picked the Irish over Florida, Alabama, Vanderbilt and South Carolina.

Williams is a crucial recruit consider Notre Dame will love defensive tackle Derek Landri and, possible, Trevor Laws. He is 6-2 and 294 and is ranked No. 28 among defensive tackles by rivals.com, an Internet recruiting service.

Notre Dame’s No. 1 commitment is quarterback Jimmy Clausen from California. Other commitments are wide receiver Duval Kamara, tight end Mike Ragone, offensive linemen Andrew Nuss and Emeka Nwankwo, defensive linemen Kerry Neal and Justin Trattou, linebacker Aaron Nagel, cornerback Gary Gray and athletes Steve Paskorz and Greg Little.

The class could get to 25 by the time February's signing period arrives.

Quinn's Big Day Will Come

2006-12-11T10:26:00.000-05:00

So now that the Heisman race is over, Brady Quinn and the rest of the Notre Dame Irish can focus on what REALLY matters -- beating LSU in the Sugar Bowl.

Yes, Quinn will get his big day once the NFL draft rolls around. He has the classic size, arm strength and talent to be a future star, and the fact he's thrived in Charlie Weis' pro-style offense is a big plus.

Quinn is likely to get the edge over Heisman winner Troy Smith when it comes to being drafted -- and landing a huge contract (not that Smith's will be small). Smith lacks the height most NFL teams want, although the same was said about Drew Brees and Michael Vick, and they've done all right.

For now, though, there are finals to finish and a LSU team to prepare for. The Tigers just might have the best overall defense Notre Dame has faced all season. Quinn will have to be at his best if the Irish are to have a chance.

Pricing Sugar Bowl Tickets

2006-12-08T15:23:00.000-05:00

So say you’re a Notre Dame fan and you just have to have a Sugar Bowl ticket because you know, absolutely know, the Irish will beat LSU and end all that bowl futility.

Ticket demand indicates Notre Dame’s allotment of tickets already have been sold, which might really depress you until you realize you have all sorts of money available in the kids’ college fund.

Sorry. Only kidding. That’s what you have your retirement fund for.

Anyway, so what do you do? Well, you could try the classified ads looking for tickets, or you could try internet sites such as StubHub.com, which provides tickets for big-time events.

As you might have guessed, the Sugar Bowl is a big-time event. According to StubHub.com numbers, it’s the third-highest ranked bowl game after the national title game and Rose Bowl based on gross sales.

Sugar Bowl tickets are available on-line between $250 and $1,900, for an average of $352 per ticket. By comparison, the title game between Ohio State and Florida has tickets available between $1,100 and $17,000, for an average of $1,466 a ticket. The only tickets that ever cost more on StubHub.com was Super Bowl XL.

The Rose Bowl has an average ticket price of $511. The Fiesta Bowl is at $280. The Orange Bowl is at $212.

Hopefully this gives you an idea of what you’re dealing with. And if you don’t have to tap the kids or retirement funds, all the better.

Forget Heisman, Just Beat LSU

2006-12-08T08:56:00.000-05:00

Okay, so the entire civilized world knows that Brady Quinn will not win the Heisman. Troy Smith looks like the run-away winner, with stiffarmtrophy.com projecting Smith to set a record with 95.7 percent of the vote. Quinn projects to finish third behind Arkansas running back Darren McFadden.

Quinn will move on, with the main emphasis on the Sugar Bowl and, after that, the NFL draft.
And it's not like he hasn't been honored this season. He just won the Maxwell Award for college player of the year, beating out Smith along the way. He has a slew of Notre Dame awards. He has the look of a future NFL No. 1 pick, with millions of dollars to follow.

So life is good for him. There's just one thing that will make it better, and it has nothing to do with that famous trophy.

Beat LSU.

Seniors Have More Bowl Plans

2006-12-06T12:22:00.000-05:00

It’s going to be a busy January for eight Notre Dame seniors. Not only do they get to play LSU in the Sugar Bowl in New Orleans that month, they also will participate in postseason all-star games.

Quarterback Brady Quinn, defensive end Victor Abiamiri, offensive tackle Ryan Harris and wide receivers Jeff Samardzija and Rhema McKnight will play in the Senior Bowl. That’s scheduled for Jan. 27 in Mobile, Ala. This bowl generally features the nation’s best NFL prospects. More than 700 coaches and scouts will be on hand. Practices and the game will be televised on the NFL Network.

Defensive tackle Derek Landri and offensive guard Dan Santucci will play in the East-West Shrine All-Star Game on Jan. 20 in Houston, Texas. The 82-year-old Shrine game is the second-oldest postseason event behind the Rose Bowl. This year’s coaches will be Hall of Famers Don Shula and Dan Reeves.

Offensive lineman Bob Morton might have made out the best, at least as far as location, by going to the Hula Bowl on Jan. 14. Yes, that’s in Honolulu, Hawaii. Coaches are Fresno State’s Pat Hill, Georgia’s Mark Richt, West Virginia’s Rich Rodriguez and Houston’s Art Briles.

These events are usually for players who have used up their eligibility. Players such as Tom Zbikowski, who is a senior academically but a junior athletically, has yet to decide whether he’ll return for a final season or enter the draft.

Rating The Irish

2006-12-05T08:51:00.000-05:00

So now that the BCS controversy has settled -- at least if you don't live in Michigan, support Michigan football or base your happiness on Michigan football opportunity -- we can analyze what Notre Dame means to fellow coaches. We can do this because of the coaches' poll. The final votes were made public, so we can see who voted who where.

Okay, that might not be gramatically smooth, but the point is, we can tell what everyone thinks of the Irish, as well as the Florida-Michigan debate.

Notre Dame was picked as high as seventh (thank Phillip Fulmer of Tennessee) and as low as 16th (what was South Carolina's Steve Spurrier thinking?). Indiana's Terry Hoeppner had the Irish 10th.

Tyrone Willingham, who is now at Washington, picked Notre Dame 13th.

What did Charlie Weis do? Well, he had Notre Dame eighth, which, coincidentally or not, is the last BCS spot to receive an automatic BCS bowl bid.

All of this is moot now that the final BCS rankings are out and the Irish are safely in the Sugar Bowl. Okay, "safe" might not be the right word considering Notre Dame's eight-bowl losing streak and the strength of its opponent, LSU, but you get the idea. What better way to end this streak than in a BCS bowl against a high-profile opponent.

Let's face it. Next year could be a bit of a struggle considering how many high-quality seniors the Irish will lose. Winning this game would be a big momentum boost, sort of like a final gift from these seniors to the program. Because nobody -- nobody -- who is involved with the program wants to deal with any more talk about a bowl losing streak.

Irish Need a Fast Start

2006-12-04T07:27:00.000-05:00

Yes, we know all about Notre Dame’s recent run of bowl misery –- a NCAA record-tying eight straight losses. Facing a powerful Louisiana State team in the Sugar Bowl won’t make ending that streak any easier. For instance, the Tigers have quarterback JaMarcus Russell (pictured) who has thrown for 26 touchdowns and just six interceptions. They also have one of the nation's top defenses.

This is the fourth time in the last calendar year the Irish have played a team in the top 5 of the BCS standings. They got hammered the first three times –- by Ohio State, Michigan and USC.

So how does Notre Dame change things? Easy, said quarterback Brady Quinn. Start fast.

“We're going to have to get off to a strong start," he said. "All those games we got behind. We had a great game plan going into the game. It's tough to get behind two scores, three scores. We can't allow ourselves to get into a hole right from the get-go."

Quinn offered that advice Sunday night while on a teleconference. He was in Green Bay watching his brother in law, Packers rookie linebacker A.J. Hawk, the former Ohio State standout, play the New York Jets.

The Packers didn’t have much luck, losing 38-10. The Irish can only hope they have better luck against the Tigers.

Intriguing Sugar Bowl Matchup

2006-12-03T23:28:00.000-05:00

Okay, now we know Notre Dame is heading to New Orleans to face LSU in the Sugar Bowl. We know this matchup is full of intrigue, with the Irish mystique against the Tigers southern power (they won the national title in 2004). We know LSU will have a home field advantage given the relative short distance from the New Orleans Superdome to its campus in Baton Rouge, La.

Still, Notre Dame figured to play Florida in the Sugar Bowl until the Gators somehow jumped Michigan in the two human polls and wound up in the national title game against No. 1 Ohio State.

That leads to the obvious question -- both Irish coach Charlie Weis and LSU coach Les Miles voted on the coaches' poll. So who did they vote for?

"From my end," Weis said, "it was a fairly easy decision. Not to be disrespectful to Florida. I agree going 12-1 and winning the SEC is a high-end accolade. But it's only right to show respect to a team that beat you soundly at home, so I voted for Michigan."

Miles, a Michigan graduate and former long-time Wolverine assistant coach, had a different viewpoint.

"I felt the SEC winner with one loss might deserve the opportunity (to play in the national championship game)," he said. "I had to vote for what was right."

In his view, that was Florida.

Does that sound right to you? Do you care? If so, let us know and we'll tabulate and post the results.

In the meantime, consider this -- Notre Dame has lost eight straight bowl games, which ties a NCAA record. LSU has won seven of its last nine, and is 2-0 in BCS events. The Tigers are swift and athletic, and the Irish have not fared well against those kind of teams lately.

The odds favor LSU. But maybe this year, this year, the odds can even out.

Carlson In Line For Mackey Award

2006-11-30T21:59:00.000-05:00

It’s been quite a day for senior tight end John Carlson. First, he was named first team academic All-American by ESPN The Magazine. Then, he was named one of three finalists for the John Mackey Award, given to the nation’s best tight end.

Now, if he can just get his knee healthy in time for a bowl game.

Let’s start with the academic honor. Carlson has a cumulative grade point average of 3.59 and earned a 3.8 GPA last spring. He’s a member of the Academic Honors program and is on the Student-Athlete Advisory Committee.

As far as his on-field accomplishments, Carlson has 46 catches for 621 yards and four touchdowns. He missed two and a half games because of his knee injury.

The other finalists are Arizona State’s Zach Miller (41 catches, 420 yards, three touchdowns) and Minnesota’s Matt Spaeth (47 catches, 564 yards, four touchdowns).

The winner will be announced next Thursday.

Carlson was a receiving non-factor in his first two seasons, totaling 13 catches for 87 yards and a touchdown while being used mostly as a blocker and special teams players (18 tackles, one forced fumble). He’s made the most of his opportunity. Will it be enough to win the Mackey Award? Our guess is yes, it will.

For Notre Dame, Sugar Is Great, But Just Win

2006-11-27T07:09:00.000-05:00

The latest BCS rankings are in, and here's what we know -- Notre Dame is in the running for a BCS bowl, but not guaranteed a spot. Given its clout and fan base and TV appeal, however, there's almost no way a BCS bowl will not chose the Irish.

First, Notre Dame dropped from fifth to 10th in the BCS rankings with the loss to USC. Only the top eight receive automatic bids, so the Irish must get in with an at-large bid. The top 12 are eligible for that, so they seem safe.

The Rose Bowl has the first shot at picking an at-large team, followed by the Sugar, Orange and Fiesta Bowls. With USC having passed Michigan for the No. 2 slot, it appears the Trojans will face Ohio State in the national title game, with the Wolverines dropping to the Rose Bowl.

Yes, the Rose Bowl would love to have Notre Dame, which hasn't been in Pasadena since the Knute Rockne era (1925). But do Rose Bowl officials really want an Irish rematch with Michigan, which has already whipped them, and likely would again? It would not be the most compelling of matchups.

All indications are that the Sugar Bowl is the best bet to take Notre Dame. That would mean facing Florida, Arkansas or LSU. If Florida beats Arkansas in the SEC title game, and assuming it doesn't move ahead of USC in the BCS rankings, it would go to Sugar Bowl. That would create an interesting matchup between Irish coach Charlie Weis and Florida coach Urban Meyer. Meyer, as you surely remember, was the first coach Notre Dame officials wanted after firing Tyrone Willingham. Meyer passed to take the Florida job.

That would be a compelling matchup.

And if the Rose and Sugar pass on Notre Dame, about as likely as the Pittsburgh Steelers making the NFL playoffs, surely the Orange or Fiesta Bowls won't. And if they all do, then the Irish will get either the Gator or Cotton Bowls.

Don't worry. No BCS bowl in its right mind would pass on a 10-2 Notre Dame team.

The regular season ends this Saturday with the conference title games and the USC-UCLA rivalry showdown, so a lot of possibilities remain (say if UCLA upsets USC). BCS bids go out on Sunday.

So be a little more patient before making your bowl trip plans. And while you're waiting consider this -- Notre Dame has to win whatever bowl it gets. After eight straight bowl losses, it's time to show the Irish are, indeed, ready to make the jump to true consistent national contender status and that can't happen until they start winning bowls.

Quinn, Irish Still Have Much To Prove

2006-11-26T15:01:00.000-05:00

Okay, so Brady Quinn didn’t have the all-world performance against USC to suggest, however unlikely, that he would beat out Troy Smith for the Heisman Trophy.

With just a week left in the regular season it would take a stunning surprise -– and generate cause for a recount -– if Smith didn’t win the award. He’s too consistently good, too consistently dominating, to not win.

And I say this as a Heisman voter.

Quinn, meanwhile, hit just 22-of-45 passes for 274 yards and three touchdowns. He even added a career-long 60-yard scramble run. It was a decent showing that would have been better if Irish receivers could have avoided a mid-game flurry of drops, but it still wouldn’t have made a difference. USC’s defense was too good.

“It was a gutty performance,” coach Charlie Weis said. “He didn’t get a lot of help. Yes, he was far from perfect. Join the club. I was far from perfect, too.”

Weis still believes Quinn’s NFL worthiness will be displayed during the spring’s NFL Draft (scouts from the Chicago Bears, Jacksonville Jaguars and Tampa Bay Buccaneers were at Saturday’s game). In the meantime the Irish (10-2) have a bowl game left. The Sugar Bowl is the most likely spot, although if BCS opportunity falls they’ll wind up in the Gator or Cotton bowls.

“This is a tough loss,” Weis says, “but fortunately there’s enough time to recover. Our seniors will have to suck it up and get ready to go to a bowl.”

After losing its last four big-time games (twice to USC, once each to Michigan and Ohio State), Notre Dame needs to show it’s ready for elite. That needs to come from a bowl victory against an elite opponent. Remember, three losses in a season isn’t nearly good enough.

USC Is Too Good

2006-11-25T23:19:00.000-05:00

Okay, so USC is too good, and wide receive Dwayne Jarrett is Superman, which comes a year after Reggie Bush proved he was Superman, which is a year after Matt Leinart was Superman, which tells you the Trojans have way too much talent to be fair.

USC waxed Notre Dame, which likely puts the Irish into the Sugar Bowl, where it belongs. Far, far away from the likes of USC, Michigan and Ohio State.

Still, a 10-2 regular season record, with a chance at 11-2, isn't bad.

USC Takes 21-10 Halftime Lead

2006-11-25T22:03:00.000-05:00

Thank heaven for Steve Quinn who is not, no matter how much you might want it to be true, related to Brady.

Steve, a seldom-used Notre Dame linebacker, gave the Irish a chance with a momentum-sparking second-quarter blocked punt that set up Notre Dame’s first touchdown – Brady Quinn to Marcus Freeman and provided hope that a 21-3 deficit wasn’t insurmountable.

Thank heaven for Mike Richardson, whose interception after that first touchdown seemed to suggest a major rally, until Rhema McKnight had his second drop of what should have been a first-down-making reception.

Thank heaven for Trevor Laws –- Trevor Laws! –- whose interception seconds later again rejuvenated Irish hopes.

They were dashed, of course. Why? Because the much-hyped offense, and not the much-maligned defense, couldn’t make a play. Quinn was just 8-for-23, in part because of McKnight drops, in part because of his own inaccuracy and poor choices.

The result was a 21-10 USC lead.

USC won the toss and deferred, which meant Notre Dame would receive, which was just the way coach Charlie Weis wanted it.

Quinn went deep the first play. Rhema McKnight made a great 38-yard sideline catch over tight coverage by Terrell Thomas. For a moment, the Irish had the momentum.

Notre Dame faced fourth and 9 at the USC 29. Of course Weis went for it. The Irish lack a reliable field goal kicker, and why mess with a punt when the odds favored it going into the end zone for a touchback, giving USC the ball on the 20.

The gamble didn’t work. A pressured Quinn might have run for the first down, but he overthrew McKnight instead.

USC then marched ruthlessly for a touchdown and the early lead.

That was not the way Weis wanted it.

It wouldn’t be the last time it happened in a first half of missed Irish opportunities.

A Spectacular View

2006-11-25T19:46:00.000-05:00

We're a half hour before the ND-USC kickoff and the view is spectacular. The San Gabriel Mountains -- glowing from the setting sun -- are in the distance. So is downtown L.A.

The Coliseum itself, built in 1923, was the site of the 1932 Olympic Games. USC has played here since 1923.

The temperature is cooling rapidly, but fan enthusiasm is heating up. So is the focus of representatives of the Rose, Fiesta, Sugar bowls, who are all here.

Notre Dame is almost certain to go to the Sugar Bowl (meeting either Florida, Arkansas or LSU), unless it manages to make the national title game, which is set in Phoenix (also the site of the Fiesta Bowl).

Meanwhile, for a little extra color, consider Tommy Trojan, USC's life-size bronze statue. It's covered up, not because of concern of what Notre Dame fans would do to it, but because of UCLA fans. The L.A. rivals meet next week and Bruin fans have a history of pranks against the statue in the week leading up to the game, usually by painting it in the UCLA colors. To protect against it, USC officials wrap it up for protection.

Perceptions Before THE Game

2006-11-25T19:00:00.000-05:00

USC students don’t discriminate here 90 minutes before the kickoff that could determine the national championship. They boo Notre Dame players as they warm up on the Los Angeles Coliseum field. They boo the coaches. They boo the five unfortunate Irish fans who have seats in the middle of their section.

Notre Dame receiver Jeff Samardzija gets extra attention.

“Stay with baseball!” they chanted.

Samardzija, of course, ignored them.

The students, and many adults, were equally boisterous when the Notre Dame team arrived at the Coliseum two hours before kickoff. The band played the USC fight song while fans sang it to the Irish.

They, too, ignored it.

That I was able to see all this is a relief. Earlier in the afternoon, I had taken a wrong turn on the way to the Coliseum. This put me in an area that, to be politically correct, was unnerving. Think Chevy Chase in National Lampoon’s Vacation asking for directions and you’ll get the idea.

Tapping into my male roots, I didn’t ask for directions. And I did make it.

I also got to check out the USC campus, which is very, very nice. It’s just north of the Coliseum, which is situated in a park that includes a rose garden and a science museum.

Because it’s sunny and warm, you have fans in shorts, fans in tank tops, fans in the kind of attire you’d see on a beach. It’s supposed to cool off by halftime, so they might need a change of clothes.

That, of course, is of no consequences for this game. USC pushes its national title game prospects with the motto, “Leave No Doubt,” as in whip the Irish to all but clinch a shot at No. 1 Ohio State.

Notre Dame, of course, has other ideas. Brace yourself. It should be very interesting.

Weis, Carroll Battle On, Off Field

2006-11-24T09:29:00.000-05:00

Charlie Weis and Pete Carroll had a memorable football battle last year at Notre Dame Stadium. We could see another one Saturday at the Los Angeles Coliseum. But it’s the unseen battle, the recruiting war, that could determine how this rivalry plays out in the future.

Notre Dame has 12 Californians on the roster and is looking to sign more, which is why Weis will take advantage of his time in Los Angeles to recruit. Along the way he might bump into Carroll, the USC coach who has restored Trojan luster through great recruiting.

“Pete is a tireless recruiter,” Weis said. “That’s probably my biggest complaint. I wish he’d stay home. Every time I’m on the road, there’s a handful of (coaches) that are out there either coming right before me, right after me or on the same day. Unfortunately, he’s one of them.”

The results are obvious -– USC has won 54 of its last 57 games and two national titles.

“He’s not willing to rest on his laurels and sit home and take for granted, hey, this is USC, you want to come here. He’s a very big competitor off the field, especially in recruiting, as he is on the field.”

Weis is just as competitive (witness his 19-4 record and outstanding recruiting), which should make for some compelling drama, on and off the field, in the years ahead.

ND Recruiting Never Ends

2006-11-23T20:46:00.000-05:00

Saturday’s game at USC is not the end of the world, or even of the season, which is why coach Charlie Weis will not be joining his players on their return home. He has more important matters to consider –- like getting more players good enough to keep the Irish in national title contention.

Weis says he plans to stay out West and recruit, slowly making his way east back to South Bend. Several members of his coaching staff will do the same thing. Given the high school talent in California, that seems a wise use of time.

“I’m well received,” Weis says, “but that doesn’t mean my presence is going to win out on every kid you end up visiting.”

Weis visits a lot of high school players, which means meeting their families and, at times, their extended families.

“There’s anywhere from just a couple of people to everyone within three states,” Weis says. “I have a presentation that I do, then I answer questions. It’s their call on how many people are there. It’s their terms, not mine.”

Of course, once a player signs and gets to campus, Weis sets the terms. And with a 19-4 record, those terms seem to be working out, no matter what happens in the national title game race.

Weis Is A Finalist

2006-11-21T18:14:00.000-05:00

Charlie Weis continues to make national coaching waves. This time he's in line for the George Munger Award that goes annually to the best coach. Weis is a finalist along with Ohio State's Jim Tressel and Rutger's Greg Schiano.

Notre Dame is 10-1 this year and ranked sixth in the polls, fifth in the BCS standings. Weis is 19-4 in his two seasons, making him the first Irish coach to reach 19 victories in his first two seasons.

Division I coaches and members of the media vote for the award, which will be announced Dec. 7.

All this is fine, but let's get to the question you're really asking yourself -- who's George Munger? Well, he's the former standout head coach from the University of Pennsylvania.

How likely is Weis to win this award? Given Ohio State's unbeaten status, not very. But then, a win over USC would certainly help.

The Practical Weis Approach

2006-11-21T16:42:00.000-05:00

Here’s the deal with Notre Dame’s national title game prospects. It not only has to beat USC Saturday, it was to win in dominating fashion. That’s the same USC team that has won 54 of 57 games, the same USC team that hasn’t lost by more than 11 points since Pete Carroll took charge six years ago.

At least publicly, Notre Dame coach Charlie Weis isn’t talking about trying to generate enough offense for a blowout win. He spent today talking about being patient and controlling the ball, which is not conducive to a blowout victory unless the Trojans commit about six turnovers.

That ain't happening.

That doesn’t mean Weis is in concession mode. He pushes all available motivational buttons. He mentions Notre Dame’s four-game losing streak to USC and how good it would be for the seniors, “To walk out of here with one win over those guys.” He played every USC song known to man during Sunday night’s team meeting so the players would know what to expect when they entered the Los Angeles Coliseum. Before last Saturday’s Army game he had already seen every offensive and defensive play USC has run in the last three weeks.

Weis is prepared. His Irish will be prepared. That might be enough to produce a victory, but will it be enough to propel Notre Dame into the national title game? He sounds like he doesn’t think so.

“Really, you’d like to go out there and get this little losing streak (to USC) out of the way and put yourself in position to be in a strong BCS game, with a very, very long shot of playing for it all.

“It would only be after an extremely convincing win. The odds of that happening -- they haven’t lost by more than seven (in the last 57 games). You’d need a very convincing win to even get into the discussion.

“If that materialized, sign me up. But let’s be practical. That’s the way it is.”

Heisman Trophy Reality

2006-11-21T15:52:00.000-05:00

You’ve got to give Charlie Weis credit. The Notre Dame coach knows the truth when he sees it. And after seeing Troy Smith’s performance in Ohio State’s win over Michigan, he came close to conceding the Heisman Trophy race.

No, he didn’t say he’d pick Smith over Brady Quinn. But he acknowledged the difficulty Quinn faces no matter how well he plays Saturday against USC.

“Watching that guy (Smith) play, look, I’m prejudiced,” Weis said. “My view is tainted because I don’t know what the description of the Heisman Trophy is. To me, who is the most valuable player of their team? Who has done more for their team to be in the position we’re in than anyone else in the country? I think my guy qualifies under that criteria.

“If the criteria is who is the best player on the best team, we can’t match that. But there can’t be anyone in the country who means more to his team than Brady Quinn means to Notre Dame.”

If it doesn’t make a difference in the Heisman voting, it just might during next April’s NFL draft.

“Because it looks as though it’s going in Troy’s direction (winning the Heisman), people look at that like that’s being a failure,” Weis said. “My answer to that is, let’s wait till draft day and see where (Quinn) ends up.”

ND-USC Has High Recruiting Stakes

2006-11-20T19:53:00.000-05:00

You bet Notre Dame and USC recruit many of the same players. Why wouldn’t they? Both are gunning for national championships and you don’t win them with stiffs.

So as you watch Saturday’s showdown, consider the recruiting implications. You know Charlie Weis is.

“We go after a lot of the same guys, and he (USC coach Pete Carroll) wins some and we win some,” Weis said. “The only way you’re every going to get any good recruiting is if you’re willing to go against the best. Whether or not you get them, you have to be willing to go against the best.”

Weis, in case you’ve forgotten, is very willing.

“It’s important not to be afraid to lose in recruiting. You don’t concede a guy to an opponent. It’s important to go after the best guys, the high-character guys, the guys who can read and write and play.

“Everybody wants those guys.”

Not everybody gets them. But as last year’s recruiting class shows, under Weis, Notre Dame is getting more of them.

Pick Your Top 5

2006-11-20T08:54:00.000-05:00

OK, let's say you're an unbiased voter set to pick your top five college football teams. Or even if you are biased. How would you list them? Send it to us and we'll tabulate it and run it. Will it make a difference in the BCS standings? Probably not, but then, it never hurts to try.

In the meantime, there's that little game in Los Angeles to contemplate. Yes, it's about the players, but for many, it's also about the coaches. Here's a few numbers to consider while you're picking your top-5:

USC coach Pete Carroll is 19-0 in November and 63-11 overall. He has never lost by more than 11 points. He's also won 32 straight home games.

Notre Dame coach Charlie Weis is 7-0 in November and has never lost a night game or a true road game.

Bottom line -- the Irish have to crush the Trojans to have a shot at the title game. That likely won't happen. But with a few twists, they could get a rematch against either Michigan or USC in the Rose Bowl. More likely, they'll play Florida or Arkansas in the Sugar Bowl.

The anticipation is growing. Can you feel it?

Notre Dame's National Title Push

2006-11-19T20:38:00.000-05:00

Once again Notre Dame lost for winning. This time Arkansas passed the Irish in the coaches’ poll. They are now sixth in both polls, which might be worrisome, except for the fact they stayed fifth in the BCS rankings, with only USC left.

Of course, that’s a very big USC, and that helps. The Trojans’ win over California ensured Saturday’s showdown in Los Angeles will rank just behind the Ohio State-Michigan thriller for national impact, although people bracing for Florida-Arkansas in the SEC title game might disagree.

To heck with them.

Anyway, to move past three other teams to reach the national title game opposite Ohio State, Notre Dame not only has to beat USC, but win impressively. Even then, that might not be enough to pass a Michigan team that drubbed the Irish in South Bend two months ago.

In fact, it won’t be enough, but why take away hope now. Enjoy the week. Enjoy the hype. And if you get to enjoy the USC game aftermath (a tough task considering the Trojans have won 32 straight home games, 54 of 57 overall, with coach Pete Carroll 19-0 in November), well, don’t sweat the rest of it. After all, the Rose or Sugar bowls are a nice consolation prize.

Who knows? If there’s an Ohio State-Michigan II, there might also be a USC-Notre Dame II.

Quinn Heisman Hopes Take a Hit

2006-11-18T21:33:00.000-05:00

Bad news for all you Brady-Quinn-for-Heisman fans -- it almost certainly won't happen.

No, Quinn didn't do anything wrong during Notre Dame's easy win over Army. He threw for three touchdowns and more than 200 yards, and was 22-for-30. He did throw an interception for the first time in more than a month, but that was no big deal.

What was a big deal was Ohio State quarterback Troy Smith's performance in the Buckeyes' victory over Michigan. He threw for four touchdowns and more than 300 yards against what might be the nation's best defense. He came up big in the year's biggest game, just as he has so often all season.

And remember, Quinn struggled against Michigan with three interceptions.

At this point, Quinn's only hope is to have the game of all games next Saturday at USC while leading Notre Dame to victory. If that happens, he has a chance (although not a big one). You lead a team to an undefeated season and a spot in the national title game, as Smith has done, you've earned the glory.

But Irish fans can take consolation in this fact -- if Notre Dame beats USC , it might get a bowl rematch against Smith and Ohio State. You can bet that Quinn would rather have a national title than a Heisman. Of course, he'd probably rather have both, but you can't always get what you want. At least, that's what Mick Jagger tells us.

And The Winners Are...

2006-11-18T13:16:00.000-05:00

It's not like you didn't know it, but just in case you didn't, receiver Jeff Samardzija and tight end John Carlson are among the best at their position in the country. How do we know this? Because they are in the running for national awards.

Samardzija is one of three finalists for the Biletnikoff Award, which is nothing new. He was a finalist last year, losing to Oregon State's Mike Hass.

This year Samardzija's competition is Georgia Tech's Calvin Johnson and Rice's Jarrett Dillard.

Carlson, who is out with a knee injury, is one of eight semifinalists for the John Mackey Award, given annually to the nation's best tight end.

They are among the reasons why quarterback Brady Quinn is having such a big year.

We'll know by Dec. 7 who the winners are.

Quinn, Smith and Clooney -- You Decide

2006-11-17T12:00:00.000-05:00

Are you shocked that George Clooney -- George Clooney!!! -- was named the sexiest man alive instead of Brady Quinn? Are you looking for payback?

Well, get a hold of yourself. There's football to be played and Quinn's Heisman Trophy prospects could very well be decided Saturday.

No, it doesn't have much to do with Notre Dame's game against Army. Quinn could lose the Heisman with a really bad game, but that won't happen. He'll play well, put up some good numbers and lead the Irish to a victory.

Quinn's chances likely rest with Troy Smith and the Ohio State-Michigan game.

Unless you've just returned after a long abduction by aliens -- so that's what happened to Regis Philbin lately -- you know that Ohio State and Michigan might well be playing for the national championship and that Smith is Quinn's biggest rival for the Heisman.

Their numbers are very similar, although Smith has the slight edge in completion percentage and quarterback rating. The fact his Buckeyes are No. 1 and 11-0 is the biggest plus.

Here's the deal, and I know something about the deal because I am a Heisman voter. If Smith plays well and leads Ohio State to a victory, it's over. He's the Heisman winner. Quinn, after all, had his Michigan chance and look what happened there.

If Smith plays OK and the Buckeyes win, Quinn has a chance. If he plays well and the Buckeyes lose, Quinn has a chance. If he struggles and Ohio State loses, Quinn moves into the driver's seat, with this big qualifier -- it will come down to his performance the next week at USC.

So if you're a Notre Dame fan, which means you're also a Quinn fan, you'd better be rooting for Michigan and the Wolverines sacking Smith about 10 times.

And as for that Clooney guy? How many football games has he won?

Good Body Guards Are Hard To Find

2006-11-15T14:00:00.000-05:00

Coaching is a tough business, and not just because you can get fired for a few too many losses. The injury to Penn State's Joe Paterno shows that even standing on the sidelines can be dangerous.

Charlie Weis understands that as well as anyone. He remembers twice during his New England days getting rocked by opposing players.

He was coming off stomach by-pass surgery and needed a cane for support. He told the two backup quarterbacks, Damon Huard and Rowan Davie, that their job was to protect him. They were to stand on either side of him and ensure he stayed safe. Nothing else was more important.

"You're not playing," Weis said, "so just protect me."

Instead, Weis twice got flattened -- once against the New York Giants, once against the Buffalo Bills.

"I got run over," Weis said. "I went right to my back. Fortunately, I didn't get hurt in either one."

Pain was left for the next day's game film review session.

"Not only did I get humiliated as they rewound me getting run over about a hundred times, but you can bet Damon and Rowan were taking a verbal beating from me at the same time."

The gist of that verbal message -- one job, one job, and you screwed it up.

So what does this have to do with Saturday's Notre Dame-Army game? If you have to ask, you'll never understand.

You Pick The Irish Kicker

2006-11-14T17:05:00.000-05:00

Looks like it's time to tell Carl Gioia to take a hike. No, not literally, but he's on the verge of losing his kicking job. Actually, he's spending this week trying to win it back.

Coach Charlie Weis had enough after three missed extra points against Air Force. No, it didn't matter that two were blocked.

Gioia has now missed four extra points this season, which is really bad. He's made 7 of 11 field goals, which isn't terrible, although Weis only lets him kick in situations he has a realistic chance of making.

Anyway, Gioia, Ryan Burkhart and Bobby Renkes will compete this week to see who kicks against Army, and, perhaps the rest of the season.

Let's face it. The Irish won't need a kicker Saturday against Army. They will the next week against UCS and they will against whatever bowl opponent they face.

So who would you like to see kick? Let us know and we'll post your comments

No Sweat -- Notre Dame Will Cruise Over Army

2006-11-14T08:06:00.000-05:00

What would you say the odds are that Notre Dame loses to Army on Saturday? A thousand to one? A million to one?

Let's face it. The Cadets have no chance in this game. Zero. Unless an earthquake swallows up the Irish during their game-day walk to Notre Dame Stadium, it ain't happening.

Saying Army has problems is like saying the sun will rise in the East. It has no set starting quarterback. Its best player, Caleb Cambell, is out for the season with a torn ACL. One of its best players, defensive end Cameron Craig, is hindered by a sprained ankle. It has committed 32 turnovers this season, the most in the nation. It has lost four in a row, including a miserable 43-7 performance against Air Force.

Yes, that's the same Air Force Notre Dame whipped last Saturday.

The Irish (9-1) have one game before next week's epic showdown at USC and they are not about to blow it. Not with these stakes. Not on Senior Day.

So if you bleed for the Blue & Gold, you can relax this week. Next week you'll have plenty of time to sweat.

Live Your Notre Dame Fantasy

2006-11-13T19:40:00.000-05:00

Did you ever want to be a Notre Dame football player, but were too small, too slow, too clumsy or too athletically challenged? Now you get a second chance to dream the Fighting Irish dream because a second session of the fifth annual ND Football Fantasy Camp has been added.

That means 60 more men of all ages -– sorry, no women –- who are free from July 1-5 and who want to experience instruction from the Irish coaching staff (and get meet and greet head coach Charlie Weis) can sign up.

The first session, June 27 to July 1, is already sold out.

Besides getting to bond with Notre Dame coaches and former players -- and even play a game at Notre Dame Stadium -- participants will get official home and away jerseys, game pants, practice apparel and a lot more. For more information contact camp director Patrick Steengerge at 817-219-7274, Patrick@globalfootball.com or go to www.NDfootballfantasycamp.com.

Oh, and just in case you didn't realize it, this dream is not free.

Believe It -- Irish Back In Title Hunt

2006-11-13T07:33:00.000-05:00

If you think Notre Dame's national title hopes will be decided in two weeks, take a deep breath. There are still those darned conference championship games to decide, which means the SEC championship, which means Florida, which means Dec. 2.

First, the Irish have to take care of their own business, which means beating Army and suddenly refocused USC. Army should be a blowout. Guys like senior receiver Rhema McKnight (pictured) should thrive. It's Notre Dame's last home game, Senior Day, a big emotional event. This should be a 40-point laugher.

USC will be a rock-the-college world event. Not as big as Michigan-Ohio State, but very, very close. That comes with one big stipulation -- the No. 3 Trojans have to beat California this Saturday. The more impressive they win, the better it will be for Notre Dame.

So say the Irish win out. Then they need a large victory margin by the Michigan-Ohio State winner -- large enough to drop the loser to at least No. 3 in the polls.

Then they need No. 4 Florida to lose -- either to rival Florida State on Nov. 25 (not likely) or in the SEC title game the following week (Arkansas will be a major challenge). To be safe, No. 6 Rutgers needs to lose to anybody, although I can't see the Scarlet Knights passing Notre Dame unless the Irish lose.

So take a deep breath. These next few weeks figure to be awfully exciting.

Notre Dame Moves Up In Rankings

2006-11-12T20:29:00.000-05:00

The BCS rankings are out, the polls are out and Notre Dame took a jump. It moved up four spots to fifth in the BCS standings, which puts it solidly within the top 8 needed to earn an automatic BCS bowl bid.

To nobody's surprise, Ohio State and Michigan remain No. 1 and No. 2. USC is third and Florida is fourth. Rutgers made the biggest move, jumping seven spots to No. 6.

In the coaches poll, Notre Dame is fifth. It's sixth in the AP poll, with Arkansas slipping in at No. 5.

All this is the result of Saturday's flurry of upsets. Texas, Auburn and California lost. Louisville lost on Thursday. Yes, the Irish notice. In fact, they found out the result of the Texas-Kansas State game as soon as their flight home from Air Force Saturday night landed.

"You should have heard the roar from the back of the plane when the K-State/Texas game was announced," coach Charlie Weis said today. "They are well aware of what's going on. These kids are dialed in just like the rest of us."

Who knows? A few more upsets, a couple of dominating performances against Army and USC, and the Irish might earn a national title berth after all.

Notre Dame Set To Jump In Polls

2006-11-11T20:14:00.000-05:00

Hey, if you're a Notre Dame fan, you gotta love this.

No. 3 Louisville loses. No. 5 Auburn loses. No. 8 Cal loses. No. 6 Florida should have lost (we'll see if slipping past a mediocre South Carolina squad 17-16 hurts them in the polls).

The No. 9 Irish, meanwhile, rolled over Air Force 39-17 to improve to 9-1. It's the first time they've had back to back 9-win seasons in 13 years.

As usual, quarterback Brady Quinn was spectacularly efficient (207 yards passing, four touchdowns), receiver Jeff Samardzija had his usual big plays (six catches, 106 yards, one touchdown) and tailback Darius Walker busted loose for 153 yards and a score.

Add it up and you figure Notre Dame will make a big jump in the polls. How big? That depends on No. 4 Texas and No. 7 USC, who have yet to play. If they both win, and Notre Dame impressed enough to pass Florida, it could be No. 5. If they both lose, the Irish could jump all the way to third.

So brace yourself. These BCS prospects are looking better all the time.

Explaining The BCS Part III

2006-11-10T17:45:00.000-05:00

Here's the last of the information in how the BCS selects its teams.

Team-Selection Procedures

The bowls will select their participants from two pools: (1) automatic qualifiers, all of which must be selected, and, (2) at-large teams, if fewer than 10 teams qualify automatically. The following sequence will be used when establishing pairings:

1. The top two teams in the final BCS Standings will be placed in the National Championship Game (“NCG”).

2. Unless they qualify to play in the NCG, the champions of selected conferences are contractually committed to host selected games:

Atlantic Coast Conference—Orange Bowl

Big Ten Conference—Rose Bowl

Big 12 Conference—Fiesta Bowl

Pac-10 Conference—Rose Bowl

Southeastern Conference—Sugar Bowl

3. If a bowl loses a host team to the NCG, then such bowl shall select a replacement team from among the automatic-qualifying teams and the at-large teams before any other selections are made. If two bowls lose host teams to the NCG, each bowl will get a replacement pick before any other selections are made. In such case, the bowl losing the No. 1 team gets the first replacement pick, and the bowl losing the No. 2 team gets the second replacement pick. If the Rose Bowl loses both the Big Ten and Pac-10 champions to the NCG, it will receive two replacement picks.

A bowl choosing a replacement team may not select any of the following:

A. A team in the NCG;

B. The host team for another
BCS Bowl;

C. When two bowls lose host teams, then the bowl losing the number one team may not select a replacement team from the same conference as the number two team, unless the bowl losing the number two team consents.

4. After steps No. 1, 2 and 3 have been completed, any bowl with an unfilled slot shall select a team from the automatic qualifiers and/or at-large teams in the following order:

A. The bowl played on the date nearest to the National Championship Game (in 2007, Sugar Bowl January 3) will pick first;

B. The bowl played on the date second-nearest to the National Championship Game (in 2007, Orange Bowl January 2) will pick second;

C. The bowl hosting the game that is played in the time slot immediately after the Rose Bowl game (in 2007, Fiesta Bowl) will pick third.

The rotation noted in paragraphs A, B and C will be as follows:

January 2007 games: Sugar, Orange, Fiesta

January 2008 games: Orange, Fiesta, Sugar

January 2009 games: Fiesta, Sugar, Orange

January 2010 games: Orange, Fiesta, Sugar

All teams earning automatic berths must be selected. No more than two teams from any single conference may play in BCS games in a single year, regardless of whether they are automatic qualifiers or at-large picks.

5. After completion of the selection process as described in Paragraph Nos. 1-4, the Conferences

and Notre Dame may, but are not required to, adjust the pairings taking into consideration the following:

A. whether the same team will be playing in the same bowl game for two consecutive years;

B. whether two teams that played against one another in the regular season will be paired against one another in a bowl game;

C. whether the same two teams will play against each other in a bowl game for two consecutive years; and

D. whether alternative pairings may have greater or lesser appeal to college football fans as measured by expected ticket sales for the bowls and by expected television interest, and the consequent financial impact on Fox and the bowls.

Explaining The BCS Part II

2006-11-10T17:40:00.000-05:00

Here's more insight into the BCS selection procedure:

At-Large Eligibility

If there are fewer than 10 automatic qualifiers, then the bowls will select at-large participants to fill the remaining berths. An at-large team is any Division I-A team that is bowl-eligible and meets the following requirements:

A. Has won at least nine regular-season games, and

B. Is among the top 14 teams in the final BCS Standings.

Note: in order to participate in a BCS Bowl game, a team (i) must be eligible for post-season play under the rules of the NCAA and, if it not an independent, under the rules of its conference and (ii) must not have imposed sanctions upon itself prohibiting participation in a post-season game for infractions of the rules of the NCAA or the rules of its conference.

Explaining the BCS Part I

2006-11-10T17:38:00.000-05:00

In the interest of clarity, we're going to list the official BCS selection procedures so there is no confusion about what Notre Dame's chances are. In the interest of brevity, we're going to divide it into categories. Here's the first.

Automatic Qualification

1. The top two teams in the final BCS Standings shall play in the National Championship Game.

2. The champions of the ACC, Big East, Big Ten, Big 12, Pac-10, and Southeastern conferences will have automatic berths in one of the participating bowls after the 2006 and 2007 regular seasons.

3. The champion of Conference USA, the Mid-American Conference, the Mountain West Conference, the Sun Belt Conference, or the Western Athletic Conference will earn an automatic berth in a BCS bowl game if either:

A. Such team is ranked in the top 12 of the final BCS Standings, or,

B. Such team is ranked in the top 16 of the final BCS Standings and its ranking in the final BCS Standings is higher than that of a champion of a conference that has an annual automatic berth in one of the BCS bowls.

No more than one such team from Conference USA, the Mid-American Conference, the Mountain West Conference, the Sun Belt Conference, and the Western Athletic Conference shall earn an automatic berth in any year. If two or more teams from those conferences satisfy the provisions for an automatic berth, then the team with the highest finish in the final BCS Standings will receive the automatic berth, and the remaining team or teams will be considered for at-large selection if it meets the criteria.

4. Notre Dame will have an automatic berth if it is in the top eight of the final BCS Standings.

5. If any of the 10 slots remain open after application of provisions 1 through 4, and an at-large team from a conference with an annual automatic berth for its champion is ranked No. 3 in the final BCS Standings, that team will become an automatic qualifier, provided that no at-large team from the same conference qualifies for the national championship game.

6. If any of the 10 slots remain open after application of provisions 1 through 5, and if no team qualifies under paragraph No. 5 and an at-large team from a conference with an annual automatic berth for its champion is ranked No. 4 in the final BCS Standings, that team will become an automatic qualifier provided that no at-large team from the same conference qualifies for the national championship game.

At Notre Dame, Grades Do Matter

2006-11-10T10:39:00.000-05:00

OK, here's the smart aleck comment of the day -- What's with Notre Dame? Heck, it can't even lead the nation in graduation rates, let alone football performance.

Sure, the football team is 8-1 and likely to make a BCS bowl. Yes, most of its athletic teams thrive at the highest levels.

Still, how can the Irish finish second to Navy in graduation rates? They have to be better than that. If you're not first, you're no where.

All right. I'm done venting. I needed a release after discoving the email I just got from a guy guaranteeing me 25 percent of 15 million sterling pounds (whatever that comes out to) was bogus. Anyway, Notre Dame continues to set impressive standards in the classroom as well as the athletic fields. For more on this, check out this Indianapolis Star story.

Rutgers Does Notre Dame a Favor

2006-11-09T23:30:00.000-05:00

Can you say, 'Thank you, Rutgers.' Of course you can. The Scarlet Knights just did Notre Dame, and Texas and Florida and USC and every other one-loss team a big favor by upsetting previously undefeated Louisville.

Third-ranked Louisville is likely to take a big drop in the BCS standings, which means teams such as Notre Dame are likely to move up. If enough upsets happen in the next few weeks, the Irish (8-1) could slip into the national title game -- assuming they keep winning.

Yes, that national title shot is probably overly optimistic, but they will certainly lock up a BCS bowl bid if they finish 11-1. Who knows? Maybe 10-2 might make it after all.

Brady Quinn Up For O'Brien Award

2006-11-09T19:49:00.000-05:00

Are you like me? Do you see that Brady Quinn is a semifinalist for the Davey O’Brien Award and ask yourself, who the heck is Davey O’Brien?

Well, good news. We have the answer. Davey O’Brien was an outstanding quarterback at Texas Christian University in the late 1930s. He was the first person to win the Heisman, Maxwell and Walter Camp awards in the same season. He had an outstanding NFL rookie year with the Philadelphia Eagles before retiring to join the FBI. He was named to the College Football Hall of Fame in 1956. He died of cancer in 1977.

Anyway, back to Brady, who is in the running for enough awards to fill a room. He already has thrown for 2,579 yards and 25 touchdowns, against just four interceptions. He’s completing 63.6 percent of his passes and he recently became the 32^nd player in NCAA Division I-A history to throw for more than 10,000 career yards. He’s on pace to throw more than 90 touchdown passes and more than 12,000 yards.

He’s one of 18 semifinalists for this award, which is presented annually to the nation’s top college quarterback. Other semifinalists include Louisville’s Brian Brohm, Florida’s Chris Leak, Ohio State’s Troy Smith, West Virginia’s Pat White, Michigan’s Chad Henne and Texas’ Colt McCoy.

The winner will be announced on Dec. 7, with an awards dinner set for Feb. 19. Former Irish great Paul Hornung also will be honored with a legends award.

So now you know.

Let Weis Worry, Bring On USC

2006-11-09T08:01:00.000-05:00

Are you ready to start thinking about USC? Do you just blow past the next two weeks with Air Force and Army to ponder the game that will REALLY impact Notre Dame's postseason future?

Well, that's fine with you, but don't bother Charlie Weis about such nonsense. He's very much focused on the present, which starts with Saturday's game at Air Force. The Nov. 25 game at USC might as well come in the next century.

"We are not talking about USC," Weis said. "We will not even breathe one word about USC until it gets to that week. We will just be talking about Air Force."

A cynic could argue that Air Force is mediocre and Army is worse and let's get the hype going. Weis doesn't bite.

"We don't think that way. We don't talk that way. We know that game is three weeks away. We're cognizant of that fact. It isn't like we're oblivious to it. We know what they are.

"We lose to Air Force, lose to Army, think about how much less importance that game will have. You better be worrying about Air Force. That's what we will be worrying about."

And us? We don't worry. We second guess.

Bouncing Back Boosts Irish

2006-11-08T22:16:00.000-05:00

What do you think the biggest challenge Charlie Weis has faced this year? Would it be the inconsistent offensive line play? How about that darned defense, which still is perceived as the team's Achilles Heel?

Actually, Weis said the biggest challenge was getting the Irish to bounce back from the Michigan loss. That defeat was so decisive, so surprising, so deflating, that it knocked them out of the national title picture. Not even a six-game winning streak could restore the luster, at least when it came to poll voters' perspectives.

"The one thing was the egg we laid against Michigan," Weis said. "That was the biggest challenge. When you go into the year with high expectations, and all of a sudden you turn the ball over five times...

"I take credit for the loss now. I think overcoming that, getting the players to fight as hard as they have, a lot of times these kids don't get enough credit. A disheartening loss early in the year can break a team's spirit. It didn't break their spirit. I've really grown to admire the fight that these guys have."

That fight has left Notre Dame positioned for a BCS bowl. It's not the national title so many had hoped for, but it's not a bad consolation prize. If, and this is a big if, the Irish win out.

Teams To Honor Lewis' Son

2006-11-07T20:19:00.000-05:00

Notre Dame and Air Force will honor the son of Irish defensive backs coach Bill Lewis during Saturday’s game at Colorado Springs.

Greg Lewis was an Air Force graduate and helicopter pilot who was killed during a 1998 training mission in Nevada. He was a walk-on football player for the Falcons in the late 1980s. He flew for the 66^th Rescue Squadron in Nevada and the unit had an insignia representing the Jolly Green Giant’s feet. That insignia will be part of a decal both teams will wear on the backs of their helmets during Saturday’s game.

The idea came from another of Bill Lewis’ sons, Jeff, who emailed coach Charlie Weis about doing something to honor his brother. Weis set everything up before telling Bill Lewis (pictured).

“Bill and I have talked about this multiple times,” Weis said. “There’s nothing worse than losing one of your kids. I think any parent in the world would feel that way.”

The elder Lewis was previously the head coach at East Carolina and Georgia Tech before moving the to NFL as an assistant coach for nine seasons. He joined the Irish last season when Weis was hired.

Zibby A Thorpe Award Semifinalist

2006-11-07T10:37:00.000-05:00

Tom Zbikowski is one of 11 finalists for the Jim Thorpe Award, given annually to the nation's best defensive back.

Competition includes Michigan's Leon Hall and Ohio State's Antonio Smith.

The award is based on performance, athletic ability and character. If it also included a good left hook, Zbikowski would be a lock. Instead, its up to a panel of voters, who will narrow the list to three on Nov. 20. The awards ceremony is Dec. 7 in Oklahoma City.

Zbikowski is a threat to score from all over the field. He's scored seven touchdowns via punt return, interception return and fumble return. You wonder what would happen if coach Charlie Weis put him in on a few goal-line situations.

We'll have to remain wondering. That won't happen.

Get Angry America -- Irish Not On Major TV

2006-11-07T07:00:00.000-05:00

You need to get angry. You need to get your priorities together. Call your congressman. Call the governor. Call the President. Yes, today might be a little busy with elections and the future of city, state and country, but it's time to do something about what really matters:

Notre Dame is not on major television this Saturday.

That's right. If you want to see the Irish stomp all over Air Force, you'll have to tune into something called CSTV. What's that? It's a college sports network looking to make a big splash onto the national scene, and what better way to do it than with Notre Dame football.

So instead of turning to NBC, ABC, CBS or ESPN, you have to go to CSTV, which, conveniently, is being offered free this weekend at a cable operator near you. The problem -- not all cable operators are accepting it. You can also watch the game on your computer -- for a fee, which seems, well, un-American.

So this is where you have to call somebody with clout, power and the ability to change lives. Somebody like Larry the Cable Guy. Or Bob Costas. Or, if all else fails, the guy that owns the local bar. Surely he can get access to CSTV.

In the meantime, take comfort in the fact the game that really matters -- USC -- is on ABC.

Forget Nice -- Irish Need To Get Mean

2006-11-06T11:52:00.000-05:00

Okay, it's time to analyze the latest BCS ratings and see what that means for Notre Dame.

First, the Irish have to play better. They've got Air Force and Army the next two weeks and that won't impress poll voters or computers. They have to win big. Yes, I know about the sportsmanship deal, but they need to win like 35-0 in both games to show the offense is still clicking and the defense can stop somebody on a consistent basis.

Then, they have to beat USC, which means they have to stop the pass, which means they have to stop the big play. The coaches know it, the players know it, heck, even the cheerleaders know it.

Will they do it? That is what will make these next few weeks so intriguing.

Notre Dame is ninth in the BCS standings. That's significant because only the top 8 receive an automatic BCS bid. You have to be in the top 12 for an at-large BCS bid, and that's where things get tricky.

First, if the Irish win out, they are in the BCS and will enjoy a really nice postseason. Not as nice as being in Tempe for the national title game, but after the Michigan debacle, you take what you can get.

If they lose to USC, but it's close, they'll be 10-2 and have a decent BCS shot. They have enough national clout (can you say lots of fans willing to travel to bowls and spend lots of money) to be on any bowl's wish list. Certainly BCS officials would give Notre Dame a long look.

If the Irish get crushed by USC, they'll be at the Gator or Cotton bowls. If they stumble against Air Force or Army, they'll be at the Gator or Cotton bowls in body. In spirit, they'll be right where the Pittsburgh Steelers are -- in misery.

But that won't happen. It's time for Notre Dame to play like a national championship contender, which means beating the heck out of people. The time to start is now.

Did Notre Dame Impress You?

2006-11-04T17:36:00.000-05:00

Notre Dame got its season high in points. It got a convincing -- well, sort of -- victory. It beat the oh so beatable foe (North Carolina).

Now, is that enough to make a big BCS impression? You tell us. Is beating up on hapless North Carolina -- despite a series of defensive lapses that doesn't bode well for the future -- enough to move the Irish into more secure BCS standing, especially when you compare it to the less-than-dominating performances of Michigan, Auburn and Florida?

That's for the poll voters and computer experts to decide. For now, consider that Notre Dame has won six straight games, which is six more than, say, West Virginia has won in a row. That, in the end, might make all the difference.

Chicago, A Cow and the Irish

2006-11-04T15:42:00.000-05:00

So here we are, 11 minutes before halftime of a game Notre Dame cannot lose and the most dramatic moment at Notre Dame Stadium comes during a timeout break, when members of the rock band, "Chicago," go out on the field for a brief ceremony. Who's Chicago? They were popular back when Mrs. O'Leary's cow was causing downtown Windy City havoc.

Sorry. Chicago isn't that old, although by all the gray hair visible from the press box, they aren't ready to dominate the MTV airwaves anytime soon, either.

Meanwhile, the Irish are doing what they should be doing -- dominating hapless North Carolina. They need to impress voters and nothing impresses like a well-played game. So far, they doing just that, especially since the Tar Heels seem to have decided not to bother covering receivers today.

Irish Eyes On Key Matchup

2006-11-02T21:38:00.000-05:00

You can bet the Notre Dame coaches are following tonight's key matchup between unbeaten West Virginia and unbeaten Louisville closely. The loser will drop, if only slightly, in the polls, and if that's not enough for the Irish to pass them, it should be enough to close the gap.

Notre Dame needs a bunch of teams to lose to move into range for a national title shot. That's unlikely to happen, but it's game such as West Virginia-Louisville that can help the Irish move up in the polls -- if they win decisively.

No matter what happens in that race, there's another race to consider -- the Heisman Trophy. A strong surge has propelled quarterbackBrady Quinn back into the hunt, although he still has a ways to go to catch and pass Ohio State quarterback Troy Smith. Still, it seems to be a two-man race, as this South Bend Tribune story suggests.

Weis Gets His Payback

2006-11-01T16:55:00.000-05:00

If you seek enlightenment over the consequences of Brady Quinn's agreement on 60 Minutes that coach Charlie Weis can be a jerk sometimes, you'll be disappointed. Why? Because neither party will reveal exactly what the punishment was.

To recap, Weis was portrayed in a Sunday 60-Minutes piece during which he said some very family-unfriendly things (yes, they were bleeped out). Some of them were directed to assistant coach Brian Polian, who has gotten a lot of grief from the players this week (safety Tom Zbikowski made it a point to give Polian a hard time about it). At one point Quinn was asked if Weis could be a jerk and Quinn agreed, with a smile.

Weis said on Tuesday he had already paid Quinn back for that remark, but wouldn't reveal what it was. Quinn said today he had paid a price, but declined to reveal it.

"I can't go into what the payback was," Quinn said, "but there was payback and he's the head man, so he's in a position to do things. I don't know how many more times I'm going to be able to take some of those conseqences."

Quinn also implied the remark was taken out of context, an excuse that apparently didn't convince Weis.

"I was asked, can (Weis) be rough. At times Coach can be tough. He would be somebody you would not necessarily call your friend at that particular time. But you need that in order to win. It takes that sort of attitude. If you want to call it being a jerk, I'm sure everyone in that locker rom would say, 'Yeah, I want a coach who is going to be a jerk and who is going to win ever game.'"

That, apparently, is about as much enlightenment as we're going to get.

Weis, Quinn And Being Appropriate

2006-10-31T18:19:00.000-05:00

Okay, a couple of things as we consider Charlie Weis, the 60 Minutes profile and being nice.

First, I had to remove a previous post because of an inappropriate comment. Please, we can disagree, but be respectful. This is a family newspaper, even if this is an on-line forum, so use language that a child could handle.

Enough of the lecture. The Weis profile showed the coach in all his colorful splendor, which included bleeped out language and a touch of his confidence -- some might say arrogance. Weis was asked about his thoughts on the show during today's press conference.

Overall, he seemed to give it a thumb's up.

"I think that with every person there is good and bad," he said. "I'm far from perfect, as we all know, but I think that ?? I thought it was fairly realistic. Do I have some detriments or some flaws? Absolutely. But I think realistically it's tough to be in the coaching profession and simultaneously be a loving husband and father and be the molder of young men, where at the same time your job is to win football games. There are a lot of conflicting things going on at the same time, and it's just how each person in that role can establish within their own personality to try to get all those things done at the same time.

"I can tell you this, that some of the things that you might have said or heard, you know, on the football field, are not tolerated in the Weis house by Maura Weis. That's a fair answer."

Also on the 60 Minutes profile, quarterback Brady Quinn laughingly admitted that Weis could sometimes be a jerk.

"He's right," Weis said. "You know what they say about payback? Well, he's already been paid back. He's gotten the worse end of the deal."

And what was the payback?

"Ask him," Weis said. "He has his own press conference."

That happens on Wednesday. And then, perhaps, we'll know what Weis payback really means.

Notre Dame Stuck in Polls

2006-10-29T21:25:00.000-05:00

Notre Dame might have played its most complete game of the season while beating Navy on Saturday, but it didn't get any national reward.

The Irish (7-1) remained No. 10 in the coaches' poll and No. 11 in the AP poll. Still, they figure to move into strong BCS consideration in the next three weeks. The reason -- their next three opponents are, and we're trying to be polite here, mediocre.

Notre Dame hosts North Carolina (1-7) on Saturday. It also plays Air Force (3-4) and Army (3-6) before ending the regular season at USC, which is coming off its first loss of the season. The Trojan loss won't help the Irish in their bid to move up the polls.

Still, if Notre Dame wins out, it makes a BCS bowl for the second straight season. It's not a national championship, but there are worse fates to have.

Irish Roll Over Navy

2006-10-28T15:23:00.000-04:00

All is right with the football world. Quarterback Brady Quinn was his usual efficient passing self, tailback Darius Walker regained his running mojo and Notre Dame rolled to its 43rd straight victory over Navy.

The fact they did it in convincing fashion –- 38-14 -- was a big boost considering their recent cliffhangers that did not impress the poll voters.

What does this mean in the big picture? First, the Irish (7-1) will likely move back into the top 10. Second, they are still in the BCS hunt. And, third? Well, anytime this group rushes for 185 yards, it’s a very good day. This was a very good day.

SI Rates Quinn at No. 3

2006-10-27T16:09:00.000-04:00

Just in case you're wondering where Brady Quinn stacks up among NFL Draft hopefuls, SI.com has released a list that shows the Notre Dame senior quarterback as the No. 3 prospect.

He trails Georgia Tech receiver Calvin Johnson and Oklahoma tailback Adrian Peterson.

Not on SI.com's midseason list is Ohio State quarterback Troy Smith, the Heisman Trophy favorite.

Quinn will get a chance to put up some big numbers Saturday when the Irish (6-1) take on Navy (5-2) in Baltimore. That's the same Navy team that lost 34-0 to Rutgers in its last game and that has lost 42 straight to the Irish.

Feisty Or Not, Irish Need To Win

2006-10-27T12:52:00.000-04:00

Sometimes Charlie Weis can get feisty. Hey, it’s the New Jersey upbringing in him. It’s the coaching mentality in him.

So, when he was asked about the lack of pressure Notre Dame put on the UCLA quarterback, things got a little testy.

For instance:

Reporter: “You talked about bringing more pressure and you were unhappy about the fact that sometimes the safeties or whoever didn't get to the quarterback…”

Weis: “I didn't say anything about the safeties.”

Reporter: “You said the blitzers didn't get to the quarterback…”

Weis: “It could be linebackers. You're putting words in my mouth.”

Reporter: “I know it was the safety.”

Weis: “Write your own story then. What are you asking me for?”

Reporter: “Here is the question: Other than that aspect of it, were you happy with the way it worked out?”

Weis: “I think the pressure disrupted their passing game. I think that when you have a relatively inexperienced quarterback, which they have, if you let him just stand there and throw, they're going to be like everyone else and they're going to completing some passes. So even when you're not getting there, it disrupts the timing of the passing game. The whole thing is, we're disrupting them, now let's get there. Let's finish it off and get there.”

Of course, the Irish got their enough for a dramatic 20-17 victory. Now comes Navy on Saturday and don’t expect drama. With Clemson losing, they have a chance to move up in the polls. Of course, they could blow it with a loss or a shaky victory. That won’t happen.

Weis Mum on Navy Streak

2006-10-25T16:39:00.000-04:00

If you think Charlie Weis is going to emphasize Notre Dame's 42-game winning streak against Navy, you must be confused. He says he's not even going to mention it as the Irish prepare to play Navy on Saturday in Baltimore.

He's more interested in getting his team to play to its potential. He wants the offense to dominate, and not just because he's the play caller. The Irish have talent, such as quarterback Brady Quinn (pictured) and have yet to maximize it. That's especially true of the running attack, which has been far too inconsistent for Weis' liking. That will have to change. In fact, it's being changed as we speak.

Beyond that, Weis is concerned that Navy has had two weeks to prepare for the Irish because of a bye week. Of course, the fact Navy lost its starting quarterback negates some of that preparation time. Still, Notre Dame needs a decisive win in the worst way. On Saturday we'll know if it got it.

Falling Irish

2006-10-23T22:38:00.000-04:00

Okay, Notre Dame has taken a hit in the polls and, as a result, in the BCS rankings. Is that a problem? Not if the Irish win out or, at least, play USC to a thriller loss.

But Saturday’s comeback against UCLA -- can you say thank you Brady Quinn (pictured) and Jeff Samardzija -- didn’t seem to impress the voters. Notre Dame dropped one spot, to No. 11, in the AP poll. It fell two spots in the USA Today coaches’ poll, to No. 10. It dropped to 10^th in the BCS standings, troubling considering only the top 8 are guaranteed a BCS berth (the top 12 get consideration).

The bottom line –- the Irish need impressive victories. They need to blow out teams by 20 or more points, and the schedule is soft enough for that to happen. Navy, North Carolina, Air Force and Army is not exactly a brutal stretch. Notre Dame needs to breeze through that and enter the season-ending USC battle with lots of momentum.

It would help if USC was unbeaten for that game, but the Irish can’t control that. They can control their performance and they need to be at their best the rest of the way, something that hasn’t been true so far.

Where's The Pressure

2006-10-22T14:59:00.000-04:00

In the aftermath of Notre Dame’s 20-17 victory over UCLA, consider this -- thank goodness the Bruins decided to play coverage instead of go after quarterback Brady Quinn on that last drive.

Quinn had time to hit three straight passes, the last the 45-yard game winner to Jeff Samardzija.

You could almost hear the criticism from UCLA defensive end Justin Hickman, who said, “We didn’t get enough pressure on the quarterback and we were getting pressure on him all day. He had too much time to find his receivers. We had the game won and didn’t finish. They went 80 yards in three plays, there’s nothing else to say.”

So we won’t.

Rare Fumble

2006-10-22T14:56:00.000-04:00

Hey, you knew the UCLA game wasn’t going to be easy when Irish tailback Darius Walker, who fumbles as often as Jeff Suppan blows postseason starts, fumbled for the first time in 405 carries.

Did it matter? Not at all, but it was indicative of the Bruins’ stingy run defense. Walker managed just 53 yards rushing on 21 carries. Notre Dame gained just 41 yards total on 35 carries.

Still, that was better than UCLA, which rushed for 26 yards on 28 carries.

So much for the thought Notre Dame is defensively challenged.

Irish Rise To The Challenge

2006-10-22T00:39:00.000-04:00

So what does Notre Dame's dramatic come-from-behind victory over UCLA tell you? For one, the Irish (6-1) are experienced and poised and mentally tough when it matters most.

Defensively, they made stops when they had to. Offensively, on their final drive, they were flawless. Of course, it helps to have a quarterback such as Brady Quinn, who gave his Heisman stock a dramatic boost, and a receiver such as Jeff Samardzija (pictured), who has a knack for rising to the occasion.

Still, Notre Dame has to play better. UCLA (4-3) was a good, but not great team, and if the Irish are to remain a BCS factor, they need more offensive production, especially from the line, and can't allow big passing plays.

The schedule is in their favor for the next four weeks, so they should rolll until their trip to USC in late November.

And if you want to criticize the victory, stay far away from Charlie Weis. At least for a day, he's going to savor this.

What's Up With The Irish?

2006-10-21T17:43:00.000-04:00

Are you like me? Are you wondering when Notre Dame's offensive excellence is going to emerge against UCLA?

Here we are, early in the fourth quarter and the Bruins' highly touted defensive has stifled the Irish. That's the same defense that was torched by Oregon last week.

Consider this -- Oregon rushed for 256 yards against UCLA. Notre Dame had 40 yards on 31 carries after three quarters.

Instead, Notre Dame struggles and whether it's lost rythym from the bye week or a sound UCLA scheme, it doesn't matter. If the Irish lose, they blow their BCS opportunity. Then, we're talking the Gator or Cotton bowls or, less likely the Sun Bowl.

Notre Dame still has a chance, trailing 14-13, but it's running out of time. There's only so many Michigan State comebacks you can have in a season.

Scheduling for Success

2006-10-21T14:37:00.000-04:00

Kevin White has a lot to consider these days, and the football schedule certainly takes top priority. The athletic director is trying to devise future schedules that fit a format of seven home games and one neutral site contest, along with four road games.

The goal is to retain the tradition of a opponent diversity as befits an independent university with a national following, without making it so difficult as to ruin any chance for national success.

That means occasionally getting teams such as San Diego State, which will open the Irish's 2008 schedule. It won't necessarily mean an easier schedule (it's hard to predict how good teams will be years in advance), but it should be one more in tune to what, say, Michigan, faces.

For more on this, check out this South Bend Tribune column. And for more on today's game with UCLA in general, Irish safety Tom Zbikowski in particular, check out my column.