Let’s face it, it’s been one hell of a week.
We upgraded HLS to 3.0, adding several new toys, a revamped news section, a place for videos, a true recruiting section, and even a curated Amazon store. Once we completed that, we came back to SwatchWatch and eventually had a uniform reveal that went about as well as expected (read: yep, people are pissed). A once respected columnist decided to take some lazy pot-shots at ND for pageviews in the middle of that mess.
So yeah, not exactly a normal week in August for a ND fan.
However, the weekend is now upon us and we only have to bear two more Saturdays without ND football. Then we can all enjoy bitching about the play on the field instead of focusing on hack-jobs recycling articles, field turf/jumbotron debates, and alternate uniforms. Perhaps it is time we all take a deep breath before the insanity of football season falls upon us.
Now, I’m not saying there isn’t plenty to be upset about. Nor do I want to give the impression that any anger over any of the above developments isn’t valid.
In the end, it’s all noise.
Last year’s Shamrock Series helmet not only sucked, but didn’t even match the uniform we wore. How often did we seriously bother talking about that after the Maryland game? After the annual ND is overrated/too special/overhyped/to hell with it I need pageviews/irrelevant articles are published, we (and the rest of the nation, whether they admit it or not) go back to talking actual Fighting Irish football.
So vent the anger, have your gnashing of teeth, but be sure to relax. Far more important matters will soon be upon us.
The Roundup
The Big East can breathe a little easier. They have a new commish.
However, the WAC may want to hit the panic button. I mean when freakin’ Idaho would just rather go independent, you are pretty screwed.
The Pac 12 is ready to give the coaches’ poll the finger. On the heels of Lane Kiffin saying “to hell with it“, Larry Scott backed him up. Strong actions for a poll that will be dead in two years.
Speaking of USC… Reggie Bush did, in fact, turn in his Heisman trophy. So, I guess we can sleep easier now?
The other announcement for the Miami game. We now know who will be taking over Jacory Harris’ interception duties.
I haven’t picked on the SEC yet. So, let’s just marvel at the fact that Michael Dyer, once national champion, managed to derp his way out of playing any football at all this season.
Meanwhile, in the Big Ten: /crickets
Some required non-ND reading: Spencer Hall of Everyday Should be Saturday, has started a countdown series. This twenty part series attempts to find a college football team for one of his friends to cheer for. In the process, he pretty much sums up the strange psychosis that all college football fans suffer from in all its unique wonder and glory. Here’s part one. You’re welcome.
Some required ND reading: One Foot Down has released a digital magazine previewing the Irish. It’s only 99 cents, so dig up the change and go buy it.
Rick Reily wasn’t the only one running his mouth over at the “World Wide Leader”. Colin Cowherd had to chime in on how academic fraud wasn’t really that big of a deal. Everyone does it! Steve in Iowa begs to differ, he’s been on the inside and he knows it can and is done right if people give a damn.
And a happy one year anniversary. Congrats to Josh Flynt who has spent the past year blogging and tweeting for the Irish in an official capacity for a year. He takes a look back and I can’t help but be jealous that this is actually a real job these days.
The Beer
This week, I’m going with the Spaten Optimator.
Why, you ask?
Well, it sounds a lot like Optimize which is what I will be continuing to do with the HLS redesign (so if you have any complaints/suggestions, help me out). Also it is a solid 7.6% ABV rating, which will definitely help me relax. It also tastes delicious.
No, I don’t need any other reasons.
Ryan Ritter
Texan by birth, Irish by choice.
Born and raised in the great state of Texas, Tex is a first-generation Domer and a former student manager. After graduation, he left the cold winters of South Bend behind and returned back to his home state with a computer engineering degree in tow. Missing the daily grind of working football practices and talking football with fellow Irish fans every day, he took to blogging, a path which eventually led him to Her Loyal Sons. Continuously diving into stats and game film, Tex strives to break down every aspect of Fighting Irish football--even though it's determined to kill him.
Latest posts by Ryan Ritter (see all)
- HLS Podcast: Welcome to the Offseason, Everything’s Crazy - January 15, 2020
- HLS Podcast: National Championship Sim – #1 LSU vs #3 Clemson - January 10, 2020
- HLS Podcast: Back to the Futures Plus National Title Pick - January 9, 2020
