The two teams have met once previously. In 2009, Michael Floyd and the Irish smacked Colin Kaepernick and the Wolf Pack 35-0! This year, the Wolf Pack will show up looking to score.

STARTERS RETURN ON OFFENSE 

The scariest part of the Wolf Pack is their plethora of returning starters on offense. The returners include a 1,000 yard rusher in James Butler as well as all their wide-receivers. Three tight ends who made starts will return and the offensive line welcomes back all primary starters. 

James Butler (Credit: Yahoo)

The most valuable of the returners will be Butler. After averaging 6.47 yards per carry as a sophomore, many conference experts say he has the potential to be named the best tailback in the Mountain West.

QUARTERBACK QUESTIONS 

DEFENSE BY THE EXPERTS

• Michigan State
• Duke
• Syracuse
• NC State
• Stanford
• Miami
• Navy
• Army
• Virginia Tech
• USC

The post Scouting Report: Nevada appeared first on Her Loyal Sons.

David Cutcliffe

DUKE ON THE RISE

The scariest part of this Duke team is their improved play over the last several years. Duke is no longer the joke football program at a basketball school. The Blue Devils have put together three consecutive winning seasons in a tough ACC. The improvement doesn’t seem to be slowing down either, as the most recent recruiting class is considered by some to be the best in Duke’s history. Under head coach David Cutcliffe, Duke has risen up the ranks in the ACC thanks in part to a much improved offense (the Blue Devils averaged 31.5 points per game in 2015).

THE RETURN OF THE QB  

Senior quarterback Thomas Sirk ruptured his Achilles tendon in February, casting uncertainty about his ability to participate in fall camp. But Sirk returned to camp this week, a welcome surprise for Duke fans who expected an offense led by the less experienced Parker Boehme. Sirk threw for 2,625 yards – good enough for third in the ACC – and found the end zone 24 times (16 pass, 8 run). He also led the Blue Devils in all rushing categories.

“That’s not to say there isn’t plenty of room for improvement,” writes Brian Evans of DukeReport.com. “There were times when the Duke offense became very stagnant and predictable and other times when Sirk really struggled to connect on down the field routes. Sirk needs to improve on his 58% completion percentage as well.”

Sirk, who was injured during the Blue Devils’ Coastal Division championship run in 2013, said he wants to lead the team back to ACC glory.

“It means everything to me, coming back for my senior year and being there with the guys I came in with and finishing what we started,” Sirk said. “We want to win an ACC championship. I think we have that caliber of talent on our team. … I feel like I still have unfinished business and I want to make my senior year the best I can for myself and my team.”

T.J. Rahming / Credit: goduke.com

SKILL POSITIONS

Duke running backs Jela Duncan and Shaun Wilson, who combined for nearly 900 yards rushing last year, will likely split carries again this season. At wide receiver, keep an eye on sophomore T.J. Rahming. He is coming off an impressive season in which he logged 43 receptions, 571 yards and two touchdowns. The Georgia native was a U.S. Army All-American in high school and appears to be emerging as the No. 1 receiver Duke needs in the passing game. Max McCaffery, who led the Blue Devils receivers in receptions, yards and touchdowns, is now in the NFL.

DEFENSE BY THE EXPERTS

The post Scouting Report: Duke appeared first on Her Loyal Sons.

Credit: statefansnation.com

NEW OFFENSIVE COORDINATOR

The major change for the Wolfpack this year will be a new offensive coordinator by the name of Eliah Drinkwitz. Last year, under Drinkwitz, the Boise State offense was ranked 15th nationally in scoring (39.1 points per game) and total offense (501.3 yards per game). Athlon Sports also noted that the Broncos were just one of 10 FBS schools to average at least 39 points and 500 yards of offense per game. Although the ACC will surely have more talented defensive units than those in the Mountain West Conference, Drinkwitz has a proven track record of scoring and winning in bunches. He was also part of the Auburn Tigers team that won a national championship in 2010.

REPLACING A STAR 

Last year, star Quarterback Jacoby Brissett led NC State with 33.2 points per game, the third highest average in school history according to AthlonSports. Brissett’s replacement will be either redshirt sophomore Jalan McClendon or redshirt freshman Jakobi Meyers. Meyers isn’t a big quarterback (6-2, 188), but he is a dual threat. McClendon is built more like Brissett (6-5, 212) and he has also been in the program a year longer than Meyers.

Another option for NC State is graduate transfer Ryan Finley, who was a Drinkwitz pupil at Boise State. While, McClendon is still the favorite, Finley has a shot because of his knowledge of the system and the coordinator according to College Football News.

from vavel.com

BRIGHTER DAYES AHEAD 

The Wolfpack will welcome the return and recovery of running back Matt Dayes. Last season, Dayes rushed for 865 yards before tearing a ligament in his toe with five games to play. His 6.5 yards per carry ranked third in the ACC, trailing only Florida State’s Dalvin Cook (7.4) and North Carolina’s Elijah Hood (6.7).

THE EXPERTS TALK DEFENSE

“Under coordinator Dave Huxtable, the defense has improved incrementally the past two seasons. Expect the trend to continue in 2016. The D is one of the hidden gems in Raleigh, especially with so many starters back from a year ago. The line is not just talented but also deep, sporting a thick rotation of playmaking ends and tackles. DE Bradley Chubb and NT B.J. Hill are the headliners, but they’ll get plenty of help and breathers from the supporting cast. The Pack linebackers are scrappy, including leading returning tackler Airius Moore and a trimmer Jerod Fernandez. … For this defense to take the next step, the secondary must do a better job of keeping the ball in front it. That’ll require corners Jack Tocho, Mike Stevens and converted wide receiver Johnathan Alston to step up their coverage game”- Rich Cirminiello (collegefootballnews.com)

“The most experienced unit in 2016 will be the defense. NC State is projected to return eight starters on defense with the two headliners being linebackers Airuis Moore and Bradley Chubb. Moore had 77 tackles in 2015 with Chubb recording 69 stops while leading the team in tackles for a loss with 12.5. NC State finished the 2015 season 29th in total defense, giving up an average of 350.7 yards per game.” – Antwan Staley (AthlonSports)

BEFORE PACK-IRISH

With a back-loaded schedule, there is a good chance that the Wolfpack will be 4-0 and ranked when they face the Irish. The game is Oct. 8 at NC State. It is 1 of only 3 true away games on the Irish schedule.

The post Scouting Report: NC State appeared first on Her Loyal Sons.

nba.com

Pat Connaughton may have led the league in minutes played this summer. He averaged around 30 minutes per game. This is a good sign for his future with the Portland Trailblazers. Pat started the summer league with a bang, dunking one down early against Spurs. He then shot poorly vs Suns, going only 1-for-7 from beyond the 3 point-line. However, he adapted by scoring 14 points on hard drives and drawing fouls. Pat’s leaping ability was also on display on the defensive side as he managed a block or two per game. In one of the more exciting summer league games, Pat hit four 3-pointers and scored 19 points in OT win over Jazz. Watch this video of Pat’s late game heroics against the Jazz. In the final summer league game for the Blazers, Pat played big minutes once again and ended the day with 23 points, four rebounds and shooting 3-for-10 from downtown. The Blazers have shown great confidence in Connaughton this summer and we will surely be seeing more of him in this upcoming season.

pippenainteasy.com

Jerian Grant had a roller-coaster of a summer league. He started against Sixers and a plus of 12 with seven points and a couple assists. Grant’s best moment of that game was getting two steals in a row while pressuring the inbound. It is obvious that Grant is still gaining confidence on shot. He had 14 points against the Celtics, but went 2-for-8 from 3. Against the Wizards, Grant put up eight assists but also missed all seven threes that he attempted. Jerian hit his stride in the second half of the semi-final game when he scored 13 points to lead the Bulls to a comeback victory over the Cavs. Then Grant won MVP of the summer league finale! He collected 24 points, 10 rebounds (!) and five assists in the final game and was also clutch in overtime. His Chicago Bulls ended up being the only undefeated team this summer. It was also nice to see Grant and the 14th overall pick Denzel Valentine playing together in the backcourt as opposed to subbing for each other. Jon Barry, an ABC/ESPN analyst, likes Jerian Grant, saying “he’s a nice young talent.”

pippenainteasy.com

Jack Cooley was a a welcome surprise for me and for the Bulls. Against the Philadelphia 76ers, Jack provided a defensive spark with two blocks, while also getting a couple buckets. Jack looks stronger than most players down low, but he is also a little short, especially against the exceptionally long Sixers team. Jack subbed in real well against the Celtics. He battled for 11 points and eight rebounds (including five offensive) in only 16 minutes of play. Jack has a knack for making the most of his minutes, in only seven minutes against the Spurs, he managed six rebounds, two steals, and a bigman’s three-point-play. And in only 10 minutes of play, Jack put up seven points and eight rebounds against the Wizards. He did not play in final game. Did you know Jack Cooley once got a 27 point 29 board game in d-league play??   Watch this video of Jack being Jack. I think he should shoot more 3’s!

lakeshowlife.com

Zach Auguste was a spark for the Lakers against the Sixers. In 20 minutes, Zach recorded eight points, seven boards, two steals, and a block. While Zach did have a play where he drove hard and fell over himself, he finished at the basket well. It was nice to see Zach’s usual passion and hustle on display. In 15 minutes against the Cavs, Zach collected five rebounds, drew fouls, and he even ran the fast-break on a couple of plays! He has seemed to amp up his aggressiveness on both sides of the ball, whether demanding the ball in the post on offense or contesting shots on defense. Unfortunately, in the same game against the Cavs, Zach only went 2-for-8 from the free throw line and showed some frustration in that regard. Auguste started in the final summer league game for the Lakers, but only played 12 minutes collecting two points and two assists. The Lakers have plenty of bigs on the roster including the recently signed Timofey Mozgov, Ivica Zubac, Robert Sacre, and Tarik Black. In my opinion, Zach outplayed Zubac this summer. However, because Zubac was actually drafted, he has already signed on with the Lakers. Given the crowded roster I imagine Zach will be playing in the D-league or perhaps finding a home on another NBA team or even overseas.

Credit: Bart Young/NBAE

Demetrius Jackson put his leaping ability and defensive prowess on display this summer. Jackson picked up guards full court and managed almost two steals per game in limited minutes. In 14 minutes against the 76ers, Jackson got two steals and two assists. He started against the Spurs and played well, collecting 11 points, two steals, three boards, and shooting 3-for-4 from deep. The highlight of Demetrius’s summer league was getting two-and-1 plays in a row against Cavs. This was also the same moment in which Jon Barry said he was impressed with Jackson’s NBA ready strength and physique. Jackson had mixed results with his high flying drives to the hoop as he got blocked four times against the Cavs in the first round of the tournament. He started the final game but only tallied 14 minutes, managing four points, three assists, a steal and a block. Jackson has some stiff competition in Terry Rozier. The Celtics GM Danny Ainge even said Rozier was his best player in summer league. Isaiah Thomas, of course remains the starter and former All-Star for the Celtics at point guard. Meanwhile, rumors are circulating about Russell Westbrook coming over in a trade. As long as things remain up-in-the-air for the Celtics, so too does it for Demetrius. Getting signed to a guaranteed deal is a positive first step.

The post Checking in on Former Irish Now in the NBA appeared first on Her Loyal Sons.

SEASON OUTLOOK

With the hiring of a brand new head coach for the first time in nearly 30 years, it will be a season of change and adjustment for the Virginia Tech Hokies. While there may be growing pains, there is plenty of reason for optimism on the Hokies’ sideline. For one thing, the new hiring will bring Virginia Tech out of the dark ages that was the run-first-grind-it-out-offense and into the modern up-tempo offense favored by most players, coaches and fans.

Virginia Tech’s schedule is rather daunting. Aside from the first week against Liberty, the Hokies don’t really face any “weak” opponents. We Irish fans know not to overlook Boston College, Syracuse or Virginia. The prime time week 2 matchup against Tennessee will be Tech’s first big test. Their schedule also features four very tough road games against North Carolina, Duke, Pitt and, of course, Notre Dame.

Bovada has the Hokies as 13-to-4 favorite to win the ACC’s Coastal Division, trailing Miami (3-to-2) and Pitt (3-to-1). The Las Vegas sportsbook also gives Tech 14-to-1 odds to win the entire ACC this year, which is the sixth best odds of any ACC team. Vegas is unsurprisingly high on Clemson, the reigning champ, and Florida State, who won it the year prior.

NEW HEAD COACH

Justin Fuente / Credit: wjhl.com

Last year, Justin Fuente ran an up-tempo, spread offense at Memphis that resulted in nine wins. The 39-year-old has earned a reputation as a “QB whisperer” after having successfully managed both Paxton Lynch at Memphis and Andy Dalton at TCU. (Both now play on Sundays.)

How fast can Feuente right the ship? Who can be Feunte’s next Dalton or Paxton?

QUARTERBACK BATTLE

Jerod Evans, a junior college transfer, and fifth-year senior Brendan Motley, who captained the team when it lost starter Michael Brewer to a broken collarbone last year, have distinguished themselves from the group.

Evans, the top rated dual threat QB in the junior college ranks, had the best spring game performance – 8-of-15 for 104 yards and touch

chatsports.com

down. (Motley was 4-of-10 for 19 yards.)

“I think both of those kids had good springs and made progress,” Fuente said after the game. “I try not to make too much of one practice. This was one of 15, even though it was a spring game and it was a big deal – and we treat it like it’s a big deal.

“We’ll evaluate the entire body of work and see how we feel about those guys. I don’t know about the stats and I’m not concerned with that. I’m more concerned with how many times we were going where we were supposed to go with the football and how we operated. We’ll look at the film and see how we did.”

Fuente originally recruited Evans to play at Memphis, and it’s assumed the JUCO product has the edge leading into fall camp. Sophomore Dwayne Lawson offers depth to the position.

According to collegefootballnews.com, Evans impressed in the Hokies’ spring game and is the presumed leader for the starting job. Evans was also considered the top rated dual threat QB coming out of Junior college. For these reasons, and the fact that Coach Fuente originally recruited the young man to play for Memphis, Evans has the clear edge heading into fall. Senior QB Brenden Motley, who showed glimpses of brilliance in limited time last year will put up a good fight. While, rising sophomore Dwayne Lawson offers even greater depth to the position.

RETURNING TALENT

Travon McMillian, the team’s leading rusher with more than 1,000 yards, is back. So too is senior fullback Sam Rogers, who had almost 500 all-purpose yards last year. In addition, the Hokies return experience among the wideouts with Isaiah Ford, Cam Phillips and giant TE Bucky Hodges, each of whom are considered to be among the ACC’s best. Four offensive linemen with starts under their belts will also be in uniform next season.

Preseason Award Watch List:

• Travon McMillian — Maxwell (player of the year)
• Isaiah Ford — Maxwell (player of the year)
• Chuck Clark — Bednarik (defensive player of the year)
• Joey Slye — Groza (top kicker)
• Bucky Hodges — Mackey (top tight end)
• Eric Gallo — Rimington (top center)
• Wyatt Teller — Outland (top interior lineman)
• Ken Ekanem — Nagurski (defensive player of the year)

CAN THE DEFENSE BOUNCE BACK?

In 2015-16, Defensive Coordinator Bud Foster and the Hokies had their worst defensive year in decades. After giving up 52 points to Tulsa in their bowl game, they finished the season with an adjusted points per game (defensive S&P+) of 23.9, 37th best in the nation and only four points better than their offensive S&P+.

“Foster needs to shore up a back seven that’s currently pedestrian at linebacker and thin at cornerback,” said College Football News’ Rich Cirminello.  “Yeah, the Hokies were air-tight versus the pass last fall, but more help is needed for versatile FS Chuck Clark. In an ideal world, CB Brandon Facyson gets healthy and recaptures his 2013 form, when he looked liked a budding superstar. Fortunately, Foster will lose no sleep over his D-line, which could be the strongest unit of the entire team.”

WHAT THE EXPERTS SAY

Cirminello, College Football News: “The season will be a success if the Hokies avoid a third-straight seven-win campaign, capturing eight games in Justin Fuente’s debut. Tech wants to begin turning the tide, while kicking off the Fuente era with enough positive signs to build upon in 2017 and beyond. The schedule features the usual land-mines, including tough outings with Tennessee, North Carolina, Miami, Pitt and Notre Dame. But the new staff inherited ample talent from Frank Beamer to finish 8-5 or 9-4 and even compete for the always-competitive Coastal Division crown.”

Jon Kinne, Athlon Sports: “The Hokies needed a shot in the arm and they will get it in the young, aggressive Fuente. Fuente teaming with Foster looks like an outstanding long-term combination at Tech. But there will be some bumps next fall. Defensively, a team cannot lose as many key components as Virginia Tech has and stay the same, Bud Foster or no Bud Foster. Basically, from the front to the back the Virginia Tech defense will go through an adjustment period.”

Travis Haney, ESPN Insider: “Hop aboard the Fuente bandwagon while you still can. Coaches around the country, including his mentor, Gary Patterson, believe wholeheartedly in his ability to build a program. And, really, we already know that after seeing him take Memphis from seven wins in his first two seasons to 19 in his final two. It’s hard not to be impressed by that. The Hokies are in a division that could allow them to make a quick rise with better quarterback play — an issue I expect Fuente to quickly resolve. To that point: Look out for JUCO Jerod Evans this fall.”

The post Scouting Report: Virginia Tech appeared first on Her Loyal Sons.

Demetrius Jackson will be sticking with the Irish theme and heading to Boston. Not only are the Celtics already considered one of the best teams in the East, but they also had eight picks in this draft! Jackson will be joining a beefy and talented roster, to say the least.

The Celtics already have 4 point guards: All-star Isaiah Thomas, big guard Marcus Smart, defensive specialist Avery Bradley, and point-forward Evan Turner. Honestly though, the latter 3 can all play at shooting guard or forward. Jackson, on the other hand, is a pure point guard much like Thomas. D.J. is definitely stronger than Thomas. And he may even be faster? But, Jackson can learn a few things from the veteran Isaiah on the offensive end.

On the defensive side, Jackson has indicated a desire and shown an ability to become elite. I think a Jackson/Bradley backcourt would be a tough defensive lineup for any team to face. Every time I see D.J. play, he reminds me of a Derrick Rose or even Russell Westbrook type of player. All three use superior strength and athleticism to get to the hoop. And they all have incredible leaping ability (D.J. jumped 43.5 inches in the vertical jump).

Although, he slipped into the mid-second round, I think Demetrius can surprise a lot of people and may even give Thomas fits during practice.

One thing is for sure, though: We can all look forward to watching Demetrius Jackson in the NBA playoffs next year!

The post NBA Draft: Demetrius Jackson appeared first on Her Loyal Sons.

Well, for starters these games tend to be against teams that are ranked just outside the Top 25. This, of course, means a win over the Irish is sure to catapult them into the Top 25 in the subsequent week’s rankings. Another aspect of trap games include the level of play. Either the unranked underdog plays up to Notre Dame’s talent level or, unfortunately, the Irish seep down to the underdog’s level of play. When both of these happen simultaneously, it is a recipe for disaster.

A trap game is further defined by the scheduling of the game. For example, a game like Virginia Tech can foolishly be overlooked in anticipation of the big show down with USC. In my estimation, the Irish have at least 4 trap games in 2016. Here’s part 1, which looks at Duke and Nevada.

NC State

Finishing 7-6 last year and going 8-5 in 2015, NC State has played two bowl games in a row and looks like a program on the rise. The major change for the Wolfpack this year will be a new offensive coordinator by the name of Eliah Drinkwitz.

Under Drinkwitz, the Boise State offense last year was 15th nationally in scoring (39.1 points per game) and total offense (501.3 yards per game). Athlon Sports noted that the Broncos were just one of 10 FBS schools to average at least 39 points and 500 yards of offense per game.

Although the ACC will surely have more talented defensive units than those in the Mountain West Conference, Drinkwitz has a proven record of scoring and winning in bunches. He was also part of the Auburn Tigers team that won a national championship in 2010.

from vavel.com

Meanwhile, the Wolfpack will welcome the return/recovery of running back Matt Dayes. Dayes rushed for 865 yards before tearing a ligament in his toe with five games to play. His 6.5 yards per carry ranked third in the ACC, trailing only Florida State’s Dalvin Cook (7.4) and North Carolina’s Elijah Hood (6.7).

The Wolfpack will rely heavily on Dayes this year, with last year’s star, QB Jacoby Brissett, having graduated. Brissett’s replacement will be either redshirt sophomore Jalan McClendon or redshirt freshman Jakobi Meyers. (It appears NC State only recruits QB’s whose first names start with “Ja…”)

Perhaps, the most dangerous aspect of the Wolfpack is its returning defense. The unit is expected to return eight starters from a defense that finished a very respectable 29th in total defense last year.

Because of a backloaded schedule, the Wolfpack may be undefeated (and highly ranked) when they face the Irish on Oct. 8. While this possibility doesn’t scream trap game, other factors do. It will be a true away game (which seems rare nowadays) and also a week before the Irish’s big showdown with Stanford. And it’s against a program that truly is on the rise. For these reasons, the Irish must once again be wary of the wolves!

Virginia Tech

Justin Fuente / Credit: wjhl.com

The Hokies went 7-6 last year, but four of those losses were by one score or less. (Their loss to Ohio State had an eerily similar result as the Irish’s own defeat at the hand of the Buckeyes.)

For the first time in nearly 30 years, Virginia Tech will have a brand new head coach. Justin Fuente ran an up-tempo, spread offense at Memphis that resulted in nine wins. Can his success there translate to Blacksburg?

To Fuente’s benefit, the Hokies return running back Travon McMillian, who rushed for more than 1,000 yards last year. While McMillian is expected to receive the lion’s share of carries, fullback Sam Rogers will supplment. The Hokies also return experience among their wideouts: Isaiah Ford, Cam Phillips and tight end Bucky Hodges are among the ACC’s best.

Jerod Evans, a Texas junior college transfer, impressed the most in the Hokies’ spring game and is the presumed leader for the starting quarterback job. For more on the Hokies, read Athlon Sports’ preview.

Looking at the schedule, the Virginia Tech game is a perfect example of a trap. Not only is the game played on Senior Day, but it’s also a week before the regular season finale against USC. Along with these intangibles, the Hokies really do have a solid team that the Irish must not overlook. A team that should be well acclimated to new Coach Fuente’s offense and coaching style by the time they face the IRISH. Watch out! It’s a trap.

The post Notre Dame Football: Trap Games 2016 (Part 2) appeared first on Her Loyal Sons.

It’s hard to tell but that mouse is wearing a mini Notre Dame jersey.

What are trap games?

Well, for starters these games tend to be against teams that are ranked just outside the Top 25. This, of course, means a win over the Irish is sure to catapult them into the Top 25 in the subsequent week’s rankings. Another aspect of trap games include the level of play. Either the unranked underdog plays up to Notre Dame’s talent level or, unfortunately, the Irish seep down to the underdog’s level of play. When both of these happen simultaneously, it is a recipe for disaster.

A trap game is further defined by the scheduling of the game. For example, a game like Virginia Tech can foolishly be overlooked in anticipation of the big show down with USC. In my estimation, the Irish have at least 4 trap games in 2016.

Nevada (7-6)

First of all, the Nevada game is sandwiched between two huge games: at Texas and home vs Michigan State. Nevada will also be the first home game of 2016 season, which can often times be the most nerve-racking game for players and fans alike.

Beyond the schedule, the scariest part of the Wolf Pack is their plethora of returning starters – 11 on each side of the ball! The returners include a 1,000 yard rusher in James Butler as well as all their wide-receivers. Three tight ends who made starts will return and the offensive line welcomes back all primary starters. 

James Butler (Credit: Yahoo)

The most valuable of the returners will be RB James Butler. After averaging 6.47 yards per carry as a sophomore, many conference experts say he has the potential to be named the best tailback in the Mountain West.

Duke (8-5)

Head Coach David Cutcliffe

The scariest part of this Duke team is their improved play over the last several years. Since the beginning of time, the Duke football program was nothing more than a joke at a basketball school. But now, the Blue Devils have put together three winning seasons in a row. The improvement doesn’t seem to be slowing down either, as the most recent recruiting class is considered by some to be the best in Duke’s history.

Coming soon: Two more teams Notre Dame cannot afford to overlook this season.

The post Notre Dame Football: Trap Games 2016 (Part 1) appeared first on Her Loyal Sons.

I’ve had my first Notre Dame related dream/nightmare of the 2016 season. Usually, these dreams come to me midseason, but I think this constant blogging has put my subconscious ahead of schedule.

Like all dreams, this one was riddled with inaccuracy. We are playing Navy, but I am 100 percent sure that it is the season opener. Also, I am playing safety. I must be playing very poorly – which would actually be accurate – because the score is 45 to 37 in favor of Navy.

Don’t ask me why, but Navy is lining up for a 2-point conversion despite already being ahead by 8. Just as Navy wouldn’t do in real life, they decide on an empty backfield. The ball is snapped and I am really hoping it doesn’t come my way. Luckily, Andrew Trumbetti hurries the QB just enough for an errant pass and a Drue Tranquill interception!

The crowd goes crazy as Drue looks to be going all the way!

He’s at the 20!

The 10!

The 5!

The…fumble!?

It looks like one of those nerve induced cough-up fumbles, Drue simply tossing it across the goal-line and into Navy hands. Suddenly, Navy is coming all the way back down the field! To my horror, I am the final hope to stop them. Unfortunately, my friend from elementary school (Zach), who also has no business being on the field, is holding me. I yell out for a call, along with Coach Kelly and others on the sideline, but no flag is thrown and Navy walks in for 2 more…

Yet, I guess there is enough time to mount a comeback as there is a communal feeling hope in the air. Also, we have already scored 37 points so I assume Malik Zaire has played well (and yes, it was Zaire starting). That being said, Coach Kelly is looking to me as quarterback for the next drive! But, all of a sudden, I am wearing nothing but a towel around my waist! I tell Coach Kelly to ‘hold on’ while I get dressed….and so ends the dream. Probably a good thing I woke up before Kelly screamed my ear off.

Is this dream a sign of things to come? Well, I sure hope we don’t let Navy score more than 40 on us! However, there is a good chance of Zaire getting the starting nod. It is also possible that we see a lot more of Trumbetti and Tranquill making plays this season; hopefully a goal line fumble won’t be one of them. I think, as long as I’m not out there running around naked and afraid we will be OK in the real world.

For a few years now, I have been writing down some of my oddest and most memorable dreams. I recommend this practice to everyone. It can be quite fun and, frankly, rather disappointing when you can no longer remember that weird one you had the night before. My Notre Dame related dreams are some of the most vivid. Last year, I was especially haunted by the Clemson game – DeShone Kizer’s 2-point conversion attempt and all those fumbles often replaying in a loop. In another, I was on campus meeting Demetrius Jackson for the first time. He was in a hurry, jumped over a very high fence and went off to class. Do you ever have Notre Dame dreams?

The post Notre Dame Nightmares appeared first on Her Loyal Sons.

Credit: Getty Images

Team captain (and team barber) Zach Auguste leaves the University of Notre Dame with quite a legacy.

Always a vital piece of size and skill for the Irish, Zach helped the team reach two elite 8 appearances in a row! Now he could make even more *Irish history* if selected in this year’s NBA draft.

Early on in his Notre Dame career Zach had a rather frustrating tendency to merely stand straight up on defense. I often found myself yelling “JUMP!” at the TV during his junior year. However, Zach made great strides in that regard and improved his shot blocking numbers from a mere 0.7 per game (junior year) to 1.1 per game as a senior.

In each game this year Zach seemed to have at least one emphatic help-side rejection. The most notable swat was against Duke’s Brandon Ingram in this year’s epic ACC quarterfinal comeback, in which Auguste also collected 19 points and 22 rebounds! Look up Zach Auguste’s top 5 games for more reasons to miss the big guy…

ESPN’s Chad Ford projects Auguste as either a late second round pick or an undrafted prospect. Ford noted lack of elite size and improvement needed on defense as Auguste’s main weaknesses. His greatest virtues include Zach’s soft touch around the rim and surprisingly solid ball handling skills which help him reach said rim. Lofty shooting percentages of 62% in his junior year and 56% senior year provide the evidence.

Given his vast improvement on defense from his junior to senior year, I think there is good reason to believe Auguste can continue to develop in the NBA. However, I also wonder if his lack of elite size will push Zach into more of a stretch-four role. Shooting long jump-shots may be deemed necessary for his survival in the league. Can you imagine Zach shooting threes for a living? Yet, when it’s all said and done, Auguste is an interesting character who plays with tenacity and heart. Even if not selected in the draft, I know he will work hard for a signing – whether in the NBA or abroad.

Bonzie Colson

If Auguste does get picked in the 2016 draft, NDInsider.com said it would be the first time that multiple Notre Dame players have been selected in consecutive drafts since 1980-81.

BONZIE’S BACK

Bonzie Colson III is one of my favorites! At only 6’5 but with a 7 foot wingspan, Bonzie averaged 11 points and nearly 7 rebounds last year. For many Irish fans, it is Bonzie’s return this season that makes the loss of Auguste a much easier transition. Bonzie has a proven ability to score. Just check out highlights from Bonzie’s 31 point explosion against Duke in January and another 24 point outing against Indiana. Note the quality of competition in these games as well. Plus, when it comes to the defensive side of the ball, Bonzie has shown more aggressiveness than Auguste ever did. His evolutionary wingspan is helping him greatly in that regard.

However, Irish fans also know that – despite his ridiculous wingspan – Bonzie will need a taller teammate presence to help against the centers and the larger power-forwards of the ACC. While Coach Brey will no doubt utilize Bonzie at the center position whenever he can play a smaller lineup, there will be times – such as the start of each game – where a taller presence will be needed. Hence, the 3 solid prospects below…

Credit: NDInsider.com

TORRES HAS HUSTLE

This year, Austin Torres is to be a Senior at 6’7 228. In his limited time, Austin Torres has shown Irish fans what we love most: effort and hustle. This is especially evident on the defensive side of the ball, where Torres has provided noticeable energy off the bench. In fact, one can argue that Torres is a foil of Auguste (i.e. Torres is steady on defense and needs to prove himself on offense, while Auguste is the opposite). That being said, there is reason to believe Torres can improve offensively, especially given his shooting percentage at nearly 62% (although that’s only from a total of 55 shots).

I believe Torres has the inside track to becoming the starting center this season, since he’s a senior and he’s actually seen the floor. But he may have some stiff competition from the ballers below…

BURNS HAS UNTAPPED POTENTIAL

Big man Elijah Burns is heading into his sophomore year. He is 6’9, 232 pounds and was a former 4 star recruit according to ESPN. Most Irish fans know very little about this young talent because he hasn’t played. However, ESPN gave Burns some very high praise when he committed to the Irish. With Zach’s departure, the team will need all the height they can get. There is no doubt Burns will get plenty of opportunity to impress and play in this upcoming season. Based on the ESPN analysis, one can argue that Burns has the highest potential for stardom among the Irish bigs.

“Burns is a powerful four-man with a good intellect for the game. He owns a strong, college ready body (and this was written 2 years ago), is a well schooled interior defender, and consistent presence on the glass. He consistently knocks down mid-range jumpers, has a dependable jump hook on the block, and is gradually expanding his face-up game farther from the basket. He is now a threat to make an open three at the top of the key and a very underrated passer.”

Credit: DailyHerald.com

GEBEN GETTING READY TO PLAY MORE

This upcoming season, the 6-foot-9-inch, 255 pound Martinas “Martin” Geben will be a junior. Geben is from Vilnius, Lithuania. Last year, all of Geben’s time on the floor was as a member of the cleanup crew. (He only went in when the Irish were either ahead by a lot or very very desperate for some kind of spark.)

This summer and beyond, Geben will have ample opportunity to impress coaches and compete for minutes. Besides his NBA ready size, one great thing going for Geben is his touch from the free-throw line. A big man that shoots well from the line is huuuge in this quick whistle sport. Martin made all 10 of his free throws in 2016! Admittedly, it’s a small sample size – but a hopeful sign nonetheless.

Conclusion: The IRISH front-court will be vital for another good showing in the super competitive ACC. Fans should keep one eye on Bonzie Colson’s development as a starter and the other eye on which of these 3 unproven bigs impresses Mike Brey the most.

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