Hey IrishGuy23: thanks for reading and for commenting. You raise a very fair point. I’m not trying to explain the quote away other than to say that it was certainly in the context of the NCG — Kevin’s question was how do you stack our athletes against [Alabama’s]? If that wasn’t clear, the fault’s on me. I don’t know that the quote can be limited to the NCG, but it arose well inside that context and I don’t know that it goes beyond it.

…I laughed at this. After the games Notre Dame won and pulled out this season…..this was really an analysis they had?

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MMMM beer. And stogies. Thanks for reading and commenting.

JMichael: Thanks for reading and for commenting. I could talk to them forever — incredible guys. I speak with OMac often enough, but what really struck me is how easy it was to speak with Kevin after more than a few years — and how ready he was to talk. They were both very open. Substantively, I think the secondary is going to be a strength — and how great would a #FreeSlaughter sixth year be in that regard? I think you’ll be hearing a lot about Kiel in the run up to the Spring Game. But I think it’s Golson’s position to lose.

Terry: thanks for reading and for commenting. I’m a fan of Coach Kelly and I think (I hope) that the team’s performance this season turns down the volume on any “Kelly Must Go” chatter for at least two seasons. But this coming season is, in fact, very important because EVERY player (mostly) will be his. I don’t know that we get back to the Big Game, but surely another major bowl appearance (I don’t want to use BCS in case that’s gone somehow). I want to see another Top Five finish. Heck, I’d like another shot at the title.

GB: thanks for reading and for commenting. And for pointing out my mistake. The sentence is my fault alone.