One Foot Down threw down the questions this week as we look forward to a game played at night in unfamiliar territory on Halloween. Spooky. Hey, everybody, guess what Biscuit once dressed as for Halloween when we were in college. Hint: He was entirely green.
- The 7-4-1 scheduling model has been the subject of much heated debate amongst Irish fans since it was first announced back in 2006. This week the Fighting Irish will play the first neutral site “barnstorming game†in said model so now is as good of a time as any to weigh in on the controversial subject. What do you think about a) 7-4-1 as a whole, b) the neutral site/ barnstorming game in general and c) specifically playing Washington State in San Antonio.
A) I think it’s not only un-Notre Dame. It’s un-American. b) This is only a neutral site game. It is most decidedly not a “barnstorming” game. Look up the word in the dictionary. Barnstorming requires theatrics. Barnstorming requires hype. This game doesn’t have theatrics or hype. It’s just a home game for the Irish where both teams have to make adjustments to their academic schedules in order to play. It’s just a dumb pain in the rear, and C) it’s against Washington State! In Texas! Hey, let’s go play the Japanese National team in Prague next!
- I have personally had this game circled on the schedule for quite some time as the one “sure thing.†After the last few games I have really been looking forward to a drama free victory. As luck would have it I started looking at the Cougars more closely this morning and it appears that freshman quarterback Jeff Tuel went 28 of 42 for 354 yards and 2 TD’s in a losing effort against Cal over the weekend. With the Irish secondary still struggling to get it together what are the chances that yet another freshman signal caller makes this one way more interesting than it should be on Saturday night in San Antonio?
Well, that depends. Notice the move of Kyle McCarthy to the starting Free Safety this weekend? Yep. That’s right. That’s not a typo in the depth chart. One of the surest tacklers on the team wont be creeping up to the line of scrimmage to help shut down the run anymore. But does that mean our woes in making sure Irish DBs are in the right place against the passing game will come to an end? Should this move work, look for the Irish DBs to look much, much better – not just against WSU, but for the remainder of the season. But pray it wont come to the humiliating detriment of the relatively strong Irish rush defense. That said, I think the coaches had to make this move. You either do it against the 116th ranked rushing offense in the country, and make it work, or the season is lost. Mark it: If this experiment looks like it’s not working, the Irish are in for 2 more losses this season. Anyway, to answer the original question: No. This QB wont get much done against the Irish.
- Assuming that the Fighting Irish are able to take care of business and put this one away early what non-starters would you most like to see get some reps this week? Why?
I want to see more of the linebackers who are waiting in the wings. I want to see what promise next year holds for that group whether or not T’eo takes his mission.
- With the game being played on Halloween Night chances are that if you are not traveling to San Antonio you most likely have a scheduling conflict. Whether you are supposed to be at a party dressed as Fat Elvis, taking your kids trick-or-treating or just dealing with your doorbell ringing nonstop how do you plan to watch the game? If you are going what are you most looking forward to?
I have a toddler, and after she started to yell and point at a television anytime she sees anyone playing football on it, I’ve stopped watching the games as they happen with such an active interest. I’ll be quite happy to answer the door while wearing my t-shirt that says, “This is my scary costume,” and hand out candy to the kiddies while intermittently checking on the score. Then once all is said and done, all the candy should be gone, and I’ll watch the entire thing dispassionately via the DVR. My heart will thank me.
- Trick or Treat? Predictions please.
Trick. We’ve been looking for the absolution of Charlie Weis since week 1 and haven’t found it. Why start now? WSU is probably the weakest team in a BCS conference this year. No good will come of this game. I predict an injury to a key player that will make us all hate that we played freaking WSU in freaking San Antonio. And I predict the Irish will win but wont reach 40 points.
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trey
Just one comment on this one from me because I don’t want to upset anyone unintentionally with this rant. But frankly, I’m kind of getting sick of every time this matchup is brought up we have to hear how crummy San Antonio is as a site for the game. I don’t know what it is about this community, but I can’t imagine it’s anything other than ignorance that you rip this town. There is a very good reason that the NCAA has been clamoring to schedule NCAA Final Fours, super Regionals, Pre-season tourneys of all kinds here. Not to mention we have numerous NFL, MLB, and MLS teams begging to be let out of their stadium leases so they can move to the Alamo City.
I have never heard of anyone who has actually been here that has anything negative to say about the town, and I assume most of you haven’t visited before and that is the reason for the slanders.
Now, I will agree with all of you that the OPPONENT for the matchup sucks a big one, and that too, may be an explanation for the general crummy attitude so far. I wonder if we were playing Clemson, Florida State, Wisconsin, or something similar would you still have the same opinions?
The neutral site idea is a great plan, IMHO. Maybe not a permanent 7-4-1, but perhaps a 6-5-1 or a 7-4-1 one year and 7-5 the next would work out better? The exposure the Irish get from coming to places down here where there is a recruiting hotbed and a vibrant ND fan base is amazing, and I feel like we’ve been neglecting this area in recruiting for too long. I remember growing up and seeing about half the team filled with Texans, but now it seems like the only solid players we have are from the greater chicago area or a smattering of SoCal kids. Expand the brand, expose yourself to the HS recruits, and reap the rewards.
That is all.
The Biscuit
Trey, I really think you’re missing DMQ’s point. It’s literally NOTHING to do with San Antone. It’s the fact that ND is playing WASHINGTON STATE in San Antone. It’s nonsensical. There’s just no reason for the matchup. Like MQ said, it’s like playing Mexico in China. It’s just way out of left field. DMQ isn’t hating on your town. He’s hating on the scheduling philosophy. I’m sure you have a great town, and I’m super happy you get to go to the game, along with other ND fans in the area. But the matchup is still stupid. So, please don’t be offended by us or others on that – I dont think it has anything to do with your town. But I do disagree on the neutral site being a great plan. For ‘special’ games (e.g. Army in Yankee Stadium or Navy in Dublin), I get it. As a regularly scheduled event? Nope.
trey
Biscuit, like I said, it wasn’t just THIS post. Pre-season and last year when this was discussed by the board admins and fans comment’s a lot of crap was thrown at the game site and the city. Now, I’m not a San A native, but I’m a lifelong Texan and like anyone, I get a bit testy when people come after our great state.
And again, I’m TOTALLY with you in b***ing about the team we’re playing. Like the W. Michigan thing, scheduling teams like this is chicken s*** and completely unacceptable at this university. Im like you in that I would prefer to see Texas Tech(Big XII media rights are retarded), a home and home with A&M, or even a Tennessee, Maryland, Va Tech neutral site matchup.
DeepTeaKup
No guesses on Bicuit’s costume? Was it the Incredible Hulk? A Booger?
DeepTeaKup
trey,
Unless you are on the SA Chamber of Commerce or Tourism board, you are taking this stuff way too seriously.
The Biscuit
DTK, thanks for guessing. Not quite there. I am shocked we havent gotten more input on this. My Halloween costume in 1998 should be a HUGE topic on this site. I dont get it…
DeepTeaKup
Okay, now it’s starting to bug me a bit. Leprechaun is too easy. A bag of weed? The turf at ND stadium? Can I get another hint?
Yes, before you ask, I am that bored at work today.
The Biscuit
You’re not even close. Think about the ho’s.
DeepTeaKup
A dollar bill?
The Biscuit
think about 3 ho’s.
DeepTeaKup
Green Giant?
The Biscuit
Not quite, but a solid guess. Since you don’t know my height relative to my roommate’s (not DMQ), I’ll give it to you though: My roommate P-Diddy, who is huge, went as the Green Giant. I (all 5’8″ of me), went as The Sprout. Money.
DeepTeaKup
So close.
I should have known you were short, you seem to have a mild Napoleon complex (kidding).
The Biscuit
i am solidly average. and trust me, my ego more than makes up for any (perceived) height issue. no one in the world wants me tall, including me. would be bad.
Leon E. Pearson
cctv wikipedia