This week, I have been able to celebrate a little more freedom than usual. Sure, there was the celebration of my country’s freedom yesterday, but I’ve also had some additional freedom from work, some freedom from HLS, and even some freedom from my fiancée.
Don’t get me wrong, I am a huge fan of all three (especially my future bride); however, it is always nice to get these additional freedoms and breaks from what has become the norm. It’s simply refreshing and allows you to get back to business like never before.
Notre Dame got a similar dose of freedom earlier this week from their norm. Now free from the shaky foundation of the Big East (now the Athletic American Conference or “The American”), I am hoping that all Irish teams get a similar refreshing boost in their new environment.
It’s a fresh start, new opponents, and new history to be made. Perhaps the Irish can even leave some uglier parts of their Big East past behind (looking at you men’s basketball and your awful MSG curse).
Even our independent football program gets some new life, leaving behind Big East opponents (and Michigan) in 2014. They have been traded in for some old hated foes such as Florida State and Miami, and will be treated to previously rare matchups (and road trips) against schools like Clemson and some never before seen like Virginia Tech.
There is quite a load of excitement that this new-found freedom will bring, but that will come in the future. For now, it’s time for my return to the Roundup before I get back to celebrating the last bit of my own freedom.
The Roundup
Pot, kettle, black, etc. I know this is from “sources” (…and Clay Travis…) and all, but Urban Meyer crying foul play in recruiting is just hilarious (even if he denies the whole thing).
I wonder if this kind of stadium addition would freak ND alumni out. Kyle Field at Texas A&M has a tomato growing in the upper deck. Well, had.
Sanctions or not, Oregon has a Death Star. Phil Knight is just going to dump all the cash into that program. ALL OF IT.
Mark Richt has lost control of his kickers. Law & Order: Drunk Boating has debuted with the Bulldogs.
And now, your moment of Irish Chocolate. If you haven’t watched this yet, you need to.
The Beer Freedom to Booze
Yes, yes normally I would suggest a beer here. The 4th of July in particular should give me a great excuse to pick out an All-American brew.
However, I am going to take a bit of freedom here and suggest an alternative. It’s also an American classic and worthy of your copious consumption this weekend: bourbon.
Whether it is Jim Beam, Maker’s Mark or your favorite variation of this wonderful brown liquid, poor yourself a glass or ten.
Texan by birth, Irish by choice.
First-generation Domer and a former student manager, HLS podcast host, HLS Sim creator, Extra Life streamer, and technical problem haver. You can find more non-Notre Dame related writing on his Patreon.
- Epilogue - January 3, 2022
- HLS Podcast Finale - January 2, 2022
- The Final Fiesta: Notre Dame vs Oklahoma State NCAA ’14 Sim - December 31, 2021
JACK ISN’T BOURBON. Cmon son.
Whoops, meant to type Jim Beam but my brain was apparently in Tennessee or something. Oh well.