This morning, The Observer reported on The Shirt's unveiling, and the article contained a quote from Kristin Andrejko, The Shirt committee's vice president. According to the article, she said, "I think it's special because I've never seen a Shirt that captures a moment in the stadium, and I think this Shirt really does just that. It's the players walking out at the beginning of the game, holding hands, a sign of unity … and it's the chills you get when you hear 'There's a magic in the sound of … [Read more...]
At Least it Wasn’t Gold: Blue Gold Weekend 2017
Once again, I was fortunate enough to enjoy Blue Gold Weekend from the relative comforts of the 504 area code. To be fair, at my age and with my systolic, I was lucky to just be alive. But in any event, and with my history with The Shirt, I look forward to its unveiling and to that of next season's forlorn hope with a mixture of excitement and nausea. This year's The Shirt does to the eyes what a heaving ocean does to the stomach. There are worse horrors in the world, but if we can send a … [Read more...]
Catfish and New Orleans: Perfect Together
"My name is Manti Te'o, and I know a thing or two about catfish, which is why I eat at..." Sometimes, the jokes, and commercials, write themselves. That the erstwhile captain of the 2012 season is now signed to a two-year deal in New Orleans, where catfish is something of a thing, speaks to the larger dark humor that pervades football at all levels. The Saints announced Tuesday that the former San Diego Charger is a Saint. People don't want Manti to succeed. I don't mean people in New … [Read more...]
Considering Conference: Does Football Need It?
This is a piece about basketball, football, and conference membership, and it's one of those pieces that drives a lot of people to distraction, seeing as it's mostly devoid of statistics and objectivity. The ones of people who read this either be staunch proponents of our football independence or at-peace with our football independence. That said, I cannot help but consider our position relative to the ACC whenever tournament time rolls around. To say that conference membership has been good … [Read more...]
Notre Dame Spring Practice Schedule and Press Conference
Tomorrow, March 7, Notre Dame kicks off Campaign 2017 with a press conference by Head Football Coach Brian Kelly at noon South Bend Time. The conference will be live-streamed at und.com. Actual practice starts on the 8th at 7:30 a.m. and I feel exhausted already. The Irish are allowed fourteen (14) total practices before the annual Blue-Gold Game, which will take place on April 22. The BG Game's website will go live next week. It's finally happening... … [Read more...]
Writer’s Blocking Scheme
"It's been a busy week on Lakes St. Joseph and St. Mary." I tried to snap myself out from under my writer's block by channeling Garrison Keillor. It didn't work. So I tried some Earnest Hemmingway: "Brian Kelly's fingers ached. Great drops of rain plonked against the window. He hated Twitter." But neither worked. I did, however learn, that I might be able to write as well as Brian Kelly and I might know as much about Notre Dame sports as does the creator of A Prairie Home Companion. As the … [Read more...]
Just the Fax: Notre Dame’s National Signing Day
National Signing Day 2017 has come and gone. To be honest, I'm pleasantly surprised at where the Irish finished the day. Credit that to a staff that weathered significant turnover and new arrivals who hit the recruiting trail running. Credit, too, to an Athletic Director who took an active, and rare, personal role in the success of #IRISHEL17E. Notre Dame finished somewhere in the top fifteen, nationally, depending on the service to which you subscribe. ESPN has ND ranked 16th overall, … [Read more...]
Kizer Declares
In a move that is perhaps surprising, Notre Dame's QB1, DeShone Kizer, has declared for the NFL Draft. Via Twitter-dot-com, Kizer made it official some minutes ago: Thank you @NotreDame pic.twitter.com/LDjdlCf9nw — DeShone Kizer (@DKizer_14) December 12, 2016 Despite just two years under center, and difficulties at the position this year, Kizer's move vaults Brandon Wimbush, the wunderkind from Saint Peter's Prep, into the starter's job. One hopes that Winbush's talent and … [Read more...]
The Lines Have Lost It: Drawing Conclusions After Three Games
Last night's loss to Michigan State exposed Notre Dame for what it is: an extraordinarily talented and athletic football team that is at the mercy of its under-performing offensive and defensive lines. Through three games, the Irish are showing that they cannot run when they must and they cannot stop their opponent when they have to. While perhaps expected (?) along the defensive front, the decline in performance along the offensive line is surprising. No matter the side, it looks like the lines … [Read more...]
Communication: Despite the Bright Lights, Little is Clear from Kelly
You just knew that this second meeting between the University of Notre Dame and the University of Texas would be one for the ages. As Notre Dame fans, we expect such moments to go our way. As it is, at the end of two overtimes, the Irish fell just short and their season's trajectory is less than apparent. From the quarterback position, to the defense, to the meaning of "targeting," nothing is clear about what comes next. Head football coach Brian Kelly, now in his seventh season, stuck to his … [Read more...]
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