Irish Blogger Gathering: THIS IS NOT THE SPARTA WITH WHICH YOU ARE FAMILIAR!

This week's Gathering is hosted by Sarah over at Bad Trade, where she's waiting to see everyone else's answers before giving her own. Clever girl.

1. Still trying to get the taste of last weekend's game out of my mouth, so let's start with something fun. With Sparty on its way into South Bend, give me your favorite memory of the ND-MSU series. I don't care what it is: John L. Smith losing it, the image of MSU guarding against nothing, an actual game memory, whatever.
   It's short, it's sweet, and when it happened, it was the first time that my naive, stupid, 20-something mind thought, "We're gonna win a lot of games with Ty Willingham at the helm!" Note to our regular readers: Yes. I am that stupid. But to be fair, Bad Kermit dressed as Ty with angel wings that year for Halloween.
   
   
   
   
2. Since 1997, Michigan State has won 9 of 12 games against the Irish. I view this as a classic case of Sparty having ND's number. What worries you most about Michigan State this weekend?
   Coach Mark Dantonio. I don't think he's some sort of savant or even probably within the top 5 or 10 coaches in CFB, but I do think he's got the background and the good sense to really, truly coach good, fundamental football. And I think their big loss last weekend will really bring him back to his comfort zone this week in practice. The result: A MSU that may not have all of their questions answered, and may not have near the talent of Notre Dame, but will almost certainly play a good, solid, fundamentally sound game that could serve as a trip-wire for Charlie Weis and the high-flying Irish.
3. Between my lingering bad feelings from last weekend and the history of this series in the last decade plus, give me a good reason or two or three to feel optimistic about a change in fortune for the Irish, because right now, I could use some optimism.
   The most interesting: These are not the Spartans of old. No more Ringer, and, can it be, no more running game? The Spartans are currently ranked 72nd in rushing offense. And it's not as though their first 2 opponents, Montana State and Central Michigan are Goliaths of the rushing defense. Still, their offense has seemingly improved their passing offense, now ranking at 14th in pass efficiency. This match-up should mesh well with what was perceived, before the season, as ND's strengths in the defensive backfield. That said, here are 4 other reasons to feel good: Clausen, Floyd, Tate, and Rudoplh. Michigan State ranks 79th in pass efficiency defense.
4. As it is my week, I get to address my current ND obsession. Have the last two games changed your opinion/reinforced your opinion re: Charlie in the box versus Charlie on the field?
   Notre Dame is 17th in total offensive production, 10th in passing offense, apparently far better than last year rushing the ball, and tied for 1st in sacks allowed. I'm feeling okay with Weis on the sideline.
5. If nothing else, I can count on one thing to look forward to on Saturday - tailgating. Anyone have a good recipe for me to try? I make no limitations on what it can be - a drink recipe, dessert, appetizer. So long as it can be made on a grill, camp stove, or ahead of time, I am happy to listen. The better the suggestion, the more likely you are to get invited to my own tailgate.
   Just tried this one, and it's pretty good:
   

   1 8oz package of cream cheese
   1 regular sized bottle of ranch dressing
   2 ribs of celery, chopped
   5 ribs of celery, cut into strips (for dipping)
   2 chicken breasts, cooked and chopped
   Frank's Red Hotsauce, to taste
   2 long loaves of bread

   Place cream cheese in microwave to soften a bit.

   Mix together cream cheese and ranch dressing.

   Add hotsauce to taste.

   Stir in chicken and chopped celery.

   Hollow out one of the long loaves of bread. Place dip inside.

   Chop hollowed up bread into cubes. Cut remaining loaf of bread into cubes.

   Serve dip in bread loaf bowl, with bread cubes and celery strips for dipping.

6. Finally, any predictions for the game? I encourage your predictions to involve something other than a final score, but otherwise, I make no suggestions.
   Kyle Rudolph, possibly the best TE in the country, has only 7 receptions for 67 yards to date. I predict a doubling of both of those totals by the end of the game Saturday.

We present other answers to the same questions below as we stumble upon them...

• OFD wants to Circle the Wagons
• Charlie's Nasties listens to a clip that really takes 'em back.
• Subway Domer just flat out takes it away.