Now that Douglas Farmer has unveiled the consensus top 25, much like last year, I was ready to defend my picks and hot ranking takes…except I don’t think I really need to.

This was perhaps the toughest year to rank the Irish roster and for the best reasons. When I looked back on the consensus rankings, I really didn’t have much of a problem with any variance and was surprised how much I was in line with this little Irish think-tank.

Top 25 Irish for 2019

Consensus Top 25, HLS Unranked

#25 Jayson Ademilola – Ademilola was in a group of five players that just missed my ballot. Really, this was more of a matter of “should I really rank another D-lineman over someone else?” than anything. Yeah, the big guys up front are indeed that good and I already felt like ranked damn near the whole two-deep and that’s just really wild to say.

#20 Jeremiah Owusu-Kormamoah – The downside to this year’s ballot is that we didn’t get the benefit of practice reports or film to watch before we submitted our ballots. Owusu-Kormamoah was absolutely on my radar being the first true rover recruited, but just didn’t have much data on him. I’m quite happy that people more plugged in where already in on him before the reports that he is progressing as hoped so far early in fall camp.

#18 Jarrett Patterson – Patterson was also in my group of five players that I just left off. At the end of the day, again, I didn’t have enough data even though internal scuttlebutt was already rather high on him. Another case of me deciding to take a shot on someone else.

HLS Top 25, Consensus Unranked

Kyle Hamilton (HLS #25) – I believe that this is the first time that I’ve ever done this exercise and only put in one freshman. This is also the first time that my “bottom” three in my ranking were the only ones that didn’t make it. This is also the first time that I believe I’ve grossly under-ranked a freshman.

Unless y’all have been living under a rock, Kyle Hamilton is the damn truth. Ryan Harris dropped by our annual ND Dallas Kickoff event, had the crowd repeat his name over and over, and then said he was going to win a Heisman.

You know what, I wouldn’t doubt it.

Kevin Austin (HLS #24) – I wasn’t the only one that had Austin, who is this year’s double-secret-probation award winner much like Kevin Stepherson and Dexter Williams before him, on their ballot. While I don’t think he’s going to make a Dex-like impact when he finally gets some touches, this kid has loads of talent.

I’m just hoping he gets out of the dog house enough to flash it. Even if he doesn’t, the crew of Chase Claypool, Michael Young, and Chris Finke (all consensus top 25) will be more than enough firepower.

Houston Griffith (HLS #23) – I only worry that Griffith is lost the Kyle Hamilton shuffle right now. There’s good talent there, but it’s a matter of figuring out where to put him and, right now, my gut is the focus is getting Hamilton on to the field first.

Don’t sleep on Griffith though, I’m still expecting a big impact from him before he leaves ND.

Closing Thoughts

How in the world was Jafar Armstrong (Consensus #11, HLS #5) rated so low?! My best guess is there is both a concern of durability from last year’s injury and the fact that he’s a converted WR.

From where I sit, Jafar is a key cog in the Irish offense not just on the ground, but in the passing game as well. Only Dexter Williams had more receptions than Jafar did last season and that kind of a reliable target is key in a spread offense to counter…let’s say a strong front seven of an SEC East favorite on the road.

The biggest variance I had with the crowd was with Shaun Crawford (Consensus #23, HLS #15) which I somewhat expected, but perhaps not with an eight-spot difference. Yes, I understand the health concerns, but that wasn’t the ask. It’s if they play, who’s got the talent.

Bottom line: Crawford makes plays.

In the two games he saw action in 2016, Crawford had a pick. In 2017, he had two INTs, a forced fumble that prevented a Sparty TD (and basically was the turning point in the game), had another fumble recovery against BC, and had 1.5 sacks and 1.5 TFLs to boot.

He’s not going to be the standout stud in the secondary, but there’s a reason why he’s cross-training at nickel and safety right now: ND wants him on the field.

I’m happy to see I’m not on an island this year in ranking Asmar Bilal (Consensus #19, HLS #14), but I’m going to keep stumping for him like I did last season. People see the shifting in positions as a downside of “hasn’t found a fit”, but I see “Bilal plays his way into the starting lineup.”

The only returning players with more TFL in 2018 than Bilal are Khalid Kareem and Julian Okwara–not too shabby for playing a position that’s a linebacker/safety hybrid that wasn’t his “natural” position.

Finally, I would like to take a victory lap from 2018 in being one of the four that had the courage to rank Ian Book (Consensus #2, HLS #3) in their top 25. The only thing I regret was not being the one that had him ranked the highest last season.

The post Notre Dame Roster Top 25 Countdown 2019 appeared first on Her Loyal Sons.

Both teams see this game as an opportunity to add a notable, significant win to their postseason resume. For the Spartans, a win essentially guarantees them a top-ten ranking in next week’s polls, especially with #2 Florida State vs. #10 Louisville and #3 Ohio State vs. #14 Oklahoma also on this week’s schedule.

For the Fighting Irish, they need to seize any opportunity they get against a top team in the country. After a heartbreaking loss to Texas in week one, the Irish cannot afford another loss this early in the season. The Spartans are coming off a bye week and had two full weeks to prepare for this game. Let’s see how the Irish stack up against Sparty as we dive into this week’s matchups.

Top: Richard Shiro / Associated Press
Bottom: Mike Carter / USA Today

Torii Hunter Jr. vs. Darian Hicks

Senior captain Torii Hunter Jr. may not be the leading receiver for the Irish so far, but is still the number one receiver. Hunter did not play in Notre Dame’s game against Nevada due to a concussion he suffered in the third quarter against Texas. Hunter is very confident he will play against MSU, as he was basically a full participant in practice this week, going through one-on-ones, seven-on-sevens, and 11-on-11. Hunter acted as a leader, as he did not make this about himself. He said: “It was also a good time for the younger guys to make some plays and put some pressure on them, get them some experience and everything like that.”

Equanimeous St. Brown stepped it up with Hunter on the sideline, as the sophomore grabbed six balls for 85 yards. Even though St. Brown has better numbers than Hunter, MSU senior cornerback Darian Hicks will still focus on Hunter. DeShone Kizer and the offense will probably go after Hicks, who is prone to pass interference penalties for Michigan State. It’ll be fun to watch this matchup of seniors all night.

Mike McGlinchey & Offensive Line vs. Chris Frey

Senior tackle Mike McGlinchey and the offensive line will have figure out how to stop linebacker Chris Frey. Frey was all over the field for the Spartans in their only game this season, totaling nine tackles in the MSU victory. McGlinchey is excited about the matchup saying,  “It’s why I play college football. It’s a really great opportunity against a really great defensive front. They’re a hard-nosed, well-coached football team, and they’re going to do a fantastic job of competing and playing hard.”

The offensive line will have their hands full with a terrific linebacker trio that includes Frey, Andrew Dowell, and Byron Bullough, along with standout defensive tackle Malik McDowell.

Notre Dame’s Nick Coleman (24) breaks up a pass to Massachusetts’ Shaquille Harris (14) during the Notre Dame-Massachusetts game. SBT Photo/ROBERT FRANKLIN

Young Irish Secondary vs. Young MSU Receiving Core

The Irish secondary got thinner last week as they lost sophomore cornerback Shaun Crawford, who went down with a torn Achilles. Cornerback Devin Butler remains suspended indefinitely. Safety Max Redfield was dismissed from the team. Sophomore Nick Coleman and freshmen Julian Love and Donte Vaughn will be thrown into the fire in this big game. With R.J. Shelton banged up but ready to go, sophomores Felton Davis III, Madre London, and freshman Donnie Corley will have their chances to make plays against the young Irish secondary. Corley was recently suspended for prioritizing the Yankees schedule over Notre Dames. The Irish secondary has allowed 439 passing yards in two games this season.

The Irish have more at stake in this game, as they can’t afford another loss this early in the season. The offensive line will be challenged up front, along with the young secondary. Brian Kelly will have to instill confidence in his young team, in what will probably be a playoff atmosphere at home on Saturday night.

The post Key Matchups Against Michigan State appeared first on Her Loyal Sons.

FROM OUR SITE

• Notre Dame vs. Nevada: A Twitter summary

LAST GAME: NOTRE DAME 39, NEVADA 10

• Blue & Gold Illustrated: Notre Dame vs. Nevada: News & notes
• Blue & Gold Illustrated: Players of the game – A closer look
• Blue & Gold Illustrated: From the locker room…
• Blue & Gold Illustrated: Notre Dame vs. Nevada: On paper revisited
• Goshen News: Crawford tears Achilles; Irish secondary reshuffled
• Inside the Irish: The good, the bad and ugly: Notre Dame vs. Nevada
• Irish Illustrated ($): Tim Prister’s point after
• Irish Illustrated: Irish notes: Back on track
• Irish Illustrated ($): Notre Dame report card: Nevada
• Irish247 ($): Irish defense report card: Nevada
• Irish247 ($): Irish offense report card: Nevada
• Irish247: Watch: All the top plays from Notre Dame’s win over Nevada
• News 4: Nevada falls to Notre Dame 39-10
• NWI: Young Irish no longer a mystery
• Slap the Sign: Gradebook: Assessing Notre Dame’s win over Nevada
• UHND: Beyond the boxscore: Notre Dame v. Nevada ’16
• UND: Sunday brunch: The next Saturday couldn’t come fast enough
• UND: University of Notre Dame Fighting Irish media conference

NEXT GAME: MICHIGAN STATE (7:30 p.m. ET SATURDAY, NBC)

• Blue & Gold Illustrated: Day of washing away vs. Nevada sets up Michigan State showdown
• Free Press: On 50th anniversary, remembering MSU-Notre Dame “Game of the Century”
• Free Press: Michigan State faces a Notre Dame secondary that keeps getting thinner
• Irish Illustrated ($): Crossing the lines
• MLive: Notre Dame passes mental test against Nevada, braces for physical Michigan State
• ND Insider: Analysis: Sizing up Notre Dame’s growth curve heading into showdown with MSU

2016 TEAM

• College Football Talk: AP Top 25: No. 1 Alabama stays ahead of rising Florida State, Ohio State and Michigan
• CSN Chicago: Notre Dame No. 18 in both AP and coaches polls
• Irish Illustrated ($): Irish identity about to be unveiled
• Irish Sports Daily ($): Frank commentary
• Irish Sports Daily ($): Sunday thoughts
• Irish247: Notre Dame checks in at No. 18 in coaches, AP polls
• One Foot Down: Notre Dame poll watch: It’s good not to lose
• WSBT: Notre Dame solid in national rankings

OFFENSE

• College Football Talk: Notre Dame WR Torii Hunter Jr. to return to practice this week
• Irish Illustrated: Irish optimistic on Hunter return
• Today’s U: Notre Dame receiver Torii Hunter Jr. will practice Tuesday

DEFENSE

• Blue & Gold Illustrated: Notre Dame secondary becomes primary topic
• Blue & Gold Illustrated: On the beat: Notre Dame’s thin secondary takes another hit
• CSN Chicago: Medical redshirt on the table for Nick Watkins as Notre Dame sorts through CBs
• Irish Sports Daily ($): Kelly seeing improvement in secondary
• ND Insider: Notre Dame defense finds footing in bounce back win over Nevada

RECRUITING

• Blue & Gold Illustrated: Notre Dame legacy Colin Grunhard talks visit, walk-on possibilities
• Blue & Gold Illustrated: Notre Dame visit ‘without a doubt’ exceeds expectations for Jacob Lacey
• Irish Illustrated ($): Irish hard after 2019 DT Jacob Lacey
• Irish Sports Daily ($): 2018 MA OL impressed with ND
• Irish Sports Daily: ND commit takes in first ND game
• Irish Sports Daily: Devine inspired by ND
• Irish Sports Daily ($): Carman coming back

SCHEDULE

• CSN Chicago: Notre Dame schedule watch: Army off to first 2-0 start in 20 years, Navy slips past UConn

MISC.

• Tribune Democrat: Johnstown’s Duranko tackled football opponents, then ALS

The post Morning Roundup: Sept. 12, 2016 appeared first on Her Loyal Sons.

LAST GAME: NOTRE DAME 39, NEVADA 10

• AP: Kizer leads No. 18 Notre Dame to 39-10 win over Nevada
• ASAP Sports: Brian Polian press conference
• Bleacher Report: Nevada vs. Notre Dame: Game grades, analysis for Irish
• College Football News: Florida, Alabama, USC, Notre Dame, Wisconsin: 5 things that matter
• CSN Chicago: Notre Dame CB Shaun Crawford out for the season with reporter torn Achilles
• CSN Chicago: On day of upsets and scares, Notre Dame cruises past Nevada
• CSN Chicago: Notre Dame’s defense gains momentum with Michigan State looming
• Goshen News: Notre Dame rebounds to take care of Nevada, 39-10
• Inside the Irish: Five things we learned: Notre Dame 39, Nevada 10
• Irish Illustrated: Player reaction: Kizer, Luke, Jones and Adams
• Irish Illustrated ($): Snap judgments: Nevada vs. Notre Dame
• Irish Illustrated: Video: Kelly high on Kizer, Adams
• Irish Illustrated: Gallery: Notre Dame vs. Nevada
• Irish Illustrated ($): Instant analysis: Watch and learn
• Irish Illustrated: Irish rebound, hammer Nevada
• Irish Sports Daily: Irish bounce back in home opener
• Irish Sports Daily ($): Instant reaction: Notre Dame 39, Nevada 10
• Irish Sports Daily ($): BK notebook: Nevada
• Irish Sports Daily: Video: Post Nevada
• Irish247 ($): Sharpley’s halftime adjustments
• Irish247: Watch: Dexter Williams finds the end zone for the Irish
• Irish247 ($): Sharpley’s snap judgments: Notre Dame vs. Nevada
• Irish247 ($): Witfong: ND gets exactly the performance needed in win
• Irish247: Impressions: Notre Dame vs. Nevada
• Irish247: Shaun Crawford comments on his injury
• MLive: Notre Dame overcomes sloppy start, rolls Nevada to set up Michigan State showdown
• ND Insider: Photos: ND vs. Nevada pregame photos
• ND Insider: Photos: Notre Dame vs. Nevada (first half)
• ND Insider: Notre Dame runs away from Nevada in home opener
• ND Insider: Scoring summary: Notre Dame 39, Nevada 10
• ND Insider: Notre Dame’s Jarron Jones dedicates his interception to his mother, No. 944
• ND Insider: Notre Dame running backs not looking out for No. 1
• ND Insider: Notre Dame defense finds footing in bounce-back win over Nevada
• One Foot Down: Cole Luke wearing No. 1, Studstill, Coney, Holmes and Sanders make first starts for Notre Dame
• One Foot Down: Notre Dame’s Shaun Crawford injures Achilles, leaves field on crutches
• One Foot Down: Notre Dame’s Jarron Jones interception leads to Stepherson’s first TD
• One Foot Down: Notre Dame vs. Nevada: Game recap
• Slap the Sign: Notre Dame thumps Nevada, 39-10, for first win of the season
• Sporting News: Notre Dame CB Shaun Crawford out for season with torn Achilles
• UHND: Notre Dame CB Shaun Crawford injury update: Torn Achilles
• UHND: Watch: Notre Dame NT Jarron Jones interception
• UHND: Notre Dame-Nevada ’16 highlights
• UHND: Notre Dame v. Nevada ’16: Post game six pack
• UND: Balanced attack dooms Nevada
• UND: Postgame quotes
• UND: Notre Dame-Nevada 2016: What the Irish learned in their home opener

NEXT GAME: vs. MICHIGAN STATE (7:30 p.m. ET SATURDAY, NBC)

• Chicago Tribune: Beating Nevada is nice, but can Notre Dame take down Michigan State?
• ND Insider: Lesar: Is this Notre Dame team good enough for Michigan State?

2016 TEAM

• College Football Talk: Brian Kelly talks Notre Dame, QBs and playoffs
• Inside the Irish: Behind the Irish: Playing for Notre Dame
• Irish Sports Daily ($): Youth movement shows progress

DEFENSE

• ND Insider: Notebook: Notre Dame defense must adjust again after losing CB Shaun Crawford

RECRUITING

• Irish247 ($): Notre Dame commits bond during visit

MISC.

• WNDU: Officer involved in altercation with ND football player removed from street patrol

The post Morning Roundup: Sept. 11, 2016 appeared first on Her Loyal Sons.

Credit: Robert Franklin / SB Tribune

You just knew that this second meeting between the University of Notre Dame and the University of Texas would be one for the ages. As Notre Dame fans, we expect such moments to go our way. As it is, at the end of two overtimes, the Irish fell just short and their season’s trajectory is less than apparent. From the quarterback position, to the defense, to the meaning of “targeting,” nothing is clear about what comes next.

Head football coach Brian Kelly, now in his seventh season, stuck to his scripted indecision regarding the quarterback program and played both Malik Zaire and DeShone Kizer into the second half. This, despite Kizer being far-and-away the better performer. Kizer finished the day with a QB rating of 206.5, a 62.5 percent completion percentage, 215 passing yards, 77 rushing yards, and five touchdown throws. Zaire was largely ineffective and, in a game that came down to double overtime and three points, any one of his wasted series could have decided the game for Notre Dame.

But “wasted” is far too harsh a word. As of late evening on Monday, Brian Kelly, at least publicly, had not made any decisions as to who, if either, had earned the position to himself. I’d like to think that Kelly is refusing to let anything play out in the press before he communicates directly with his players, but there’s a part of me that fears the premature consignment of Malik to permanent QB2-status could cause a revolt among the team.

At Monday’s telephone conference, Coach Kelly urged everyone to “tap the breaks and relax,” a phrase which may become his epitaph. How the phrase is ultimately read will depend in large part upon how DC Brian Van Gorder’s defense responds to its dismal performance yesterday. It wasn’t just that the corners and safeties got burned and gave up the big plays. It was that no one tackled and the line was porous as cheesecloth. The Irish surrendered 517 total yards. And yet, there they were, so close to winning it in the fourth quarter, much less in one of the overtimes.

Somehow, Van Gorder’s charges found a way to stone Texas after they kicked a field goal with 9:14 left in the third quarter. On Texas’s next series, Shaun Crawford picked off Shane Buechele and returned it 22 yards to the Texas six, which set up an Irish touchdown. Then, two Texas punts.

The Irish were denied if not a decisive touchdown, then at least a shot at one. With thirty seconds left in the third quarter, DeShone Kizer hit Torii Hunter Jr. in the end zone, where he was separated from the ball and control of his bodily functions by a Texas player’s helmet and/or shoulder. It was clearly targeting and it was neither called nor reviewed.

The ACC has already declared it a missed penalty. Somehow the Big12 has not. They must be too busy counting their ESPN blood money. 11.1 million people watched the ABC broadcast/ESPN live-stream, making the game the most-watched opening game ever.

So much more needs to be written about last night’s game. Hopefully, with time, will come clarity.

The post Communication: Despite the Bright Lights, Little is Clear from Kelly appeared first on Her Loyal Sons.

FROM OUR SITE

• Notre Dame at Texas: Predictions from deep in the heart of Texas

PODCASTS

• Irish247: Notre Dame-Texas preview
• Irish247: 1-on-1 with Jeff Howe of Horns247

NEXT GAME: at Texas (7:30 p.m. ET Sunday, ABC)

• Austin American Statesman: Texas countdown to football: 5 Texas-Notre Dame games to remember
• Burnt Orange Nation: Five non-QBs to watch on Sunday
• Burnt Orange Nation: How to watch Texas vs. Notre Dame: Game time, TV, live streaming and more
• Burnt Orange Nation: Showing improvement in 2016 is the biggest goal of all
• Chicago Tribune: Notre Dame linebacker Nyles Morgan returns to starting role at Texas
• CSN Chicago: Three keys and a prediction
• The Football Brainiacs: It’s here, finally!
• Hook ‘Em Headlines: Notre Dame game a recruiting event for Longhorns
• Houston Chronicle: Preview: Texas vs. No. 10 Notre Dame
• Irish247: Crawford confident heading into first start
• Irish247: Luke preparing young players for hostile environment
• Irish247: Staff predictions: Notre Dame at Texas
• Irish247: Keys for a Notre Dame victory
• iSportsWeb: Season opener and the two quarterback system
• KVUE: Tailgaters lining up early for UT-Notre Dame showdown
• SB Nation: Notre Dame vs. Texas, 2016 odds: Irish the road favorites on Sunday night
• Slap the Sign: Notre Dame’s X-factor player of the week: Nyles Morgan
• UND: Notre Dame-Texas 2016: Five things to watch
• USA Today: Notre Dame huge test of Charlie Strong’s future at Texas

OFFENSE

• Irish247: McGlinchey has high expectations for offensive line
• Irish247: Folston, Irish offense ready to run

RECRUITING

• Irish247: Jurkovec leads team to come-from-behind win
• Irish247: Jamire Calvin continues to dominate on the field

SCHEDULE

• Mercury General: Insurance and USC athletics offer Trojan football fans a chance to win a Notre Dame game VIP experience

IRISH IN THE NFL

• Dolphins Report: Miami Dolphins make cuts: Track them here (Sam Young)

MISC.

• Fox7: Notre Dame fans help Austin homeless
• UHND: #3 Leon Hart: Notre Dame football’s top 25 players

The post Morning Roundup: Sept. 4, 2016 appeared first on Her Loyal Sons.

FROM OUR SITE

• Good Fridays with Padre: Sunday Services
• Revisiting ND-Texas ’96: A Win and a Wedding (guest post from Jamie Reidy ’92)
• Friday Roundup: The “We Made It!” episode
• Scouting report: Texas

NEXT GAME: vs. Texas (7:30 p.m. ET Sunday, ABC)

• Barking Carnival: The Q&A: Texas vs. Notre Dame
• Bleacher Report: Get fired up as No. 10 Notre Dame takes on Texas in CFB’s huge opening weekend
• Blue & Gold Illustrated: Notre Dame-Texas: Irish not taking anything for granted
• Burnt Orange Nation: Staff predicts the Texas vs. Notre Dame game
• Burnt Orange Nation: How Texas can isolate the vulnerable Notre Dame secondary
• Burnt Orange Nation: Texas is seeking validation vs. Notre Dame, not redemption or revenge
• Burnt Orange Nation: Trench warfare will loom large in Texas-Notre Dame game
• Burnt Orange Nation: Texas preparing for both Notre Dame quarterbacks
• CBS Sports: Notre Dame at Texas line, game pick: Longhorns seek revenge against the Irish
• Chicago Tribune: Notre Dame’s two-QB experiment is about to go into the lab
• CNN Money: The most expensive college football ticket can be found here
• CSN Chicago: For Notre Dame (and Texas), plenty of questions to be answered Sunday night
• CSN Chicago: Notre Dame feels better prepared for turned-up Texas tempo
• Goshen News: Still much to learn about Irish, Texas ahead of opener
• Hook ‘Em Headlines: Texas football: Week 1 schedule, preview, prediction vs. Notre Dame
• Hook ‘Em Headlines: Trent Domingue X-factor for Longhorns vs Notre Dame
• Horns Digest: Call your shot: Texas vs. Notre Dame
• Inside the Irish: Pregame six pack: Sunday night special
• Irish247: Onwualu looking for repeat of last year’s Texas game
• Irish247: Rochell, team prepared for Texas’ tempo
• Irish247: Irish pore over Tulsa tape in advance of Sunday’s opener
• KVUE: Georgetown man plays at Notre Dame to coach at home
• ND Insider: How the game day shift from Saturday to Sunday may affect Notre Dame
• ND Insider: Notre Dame Club of Austin offers an array of events for Irish football fans
• NESN: Notre Dame or Texas: Which school has a better college football tradition?
• NewsOK: Tough Texas schedule starts with Notre Dame
• N2K Sports: Keys to victory: Notre Dame at Texas
• One Foot Down: Game preview: Notre Dame at Texas
• One Foot Down: Notre Dame vs. Texas: Staff picks
• Slap the Sign: When does Notre Dame vs Texas kick off and other questions
• SportsChatPlace: Pick, odds and prediction
• The Players’ Tribune: Dear Longhorns
• UHND: Frankie V’s prediction: Notre Dame vs. Texas
• USA Today: Week 1 games that most affect the College Football Playoff
• WIBC: Four arrested Notre Dame players suiting up for season opener
• ABC57: Notre Dame’s quarterbacks ready to play their first game of the season
• Armchair All-Americans: Big 12 road trip: Notre Dame at Texas
• Irish Sports Daily ($): The bigger picture: The importance of the Texas game

2016 TEAM

• Irish Sports Daily (Part free, part $): ISD Intel
• The Wave: Notre Dame football preview 2016

OFFENSE

• Irish247 ($): Hunter, Irish wideouts have something to prove
• Irish247: Folston looking to show he’s a top back nationally
• Irish247: Now a veteran, Hunter looks back at first time in Irish uniform
• ND Insider: Video: DeShone Kizer: “This is why you play football at Notre Dame”

DEFENSE

• Irish Sports Daily: Crawford ready for showtime

RECRUITING

• Irish247 ($): Notre Dame commit update (Sept. 2)
• Irish247 ($): Sharpley’s Notre Dame offense recruiting board No. 10-18

SCHEDULE

• Huffington Post: Notre Dame, Ohio State are college football’s priciest teams in 2016
• Irish Sports Daily ($): Frank’s 2016 predictions
• Irish Sports Daily ($): McCollum’s 2016 predictions
• Irish Sports Daily ($): Freeman’s 2016 predictions
• Irish Sports Daily ($): Uyeyama’s 2016 predictions
• Slap the Sign: Predicting Notre Dame football: Record and bowl game
• UND.com: All 2016 Irish home football games sold out
• Inside the Irish: Notre Dame announces sellout streak continues

IRISH IN THE NFL

• State of the Texans: The Houston Texans need to address some roster issues (Nick Martin)
• Viking Update: Minnesota Vikings teammates visit Teddy Bridgewater in the hospital (Kyle Rudolph)

MISC.

• Irish Sports Daily: ISD looking for passionate fans
• UHND: #4: The Four Horsemen: Notre Dame football’s top 25 players

The post Morning Roundup: Sept. 3, 2016 appeared first on Her Loyal Sons.

Depth, baby! Everything this fall will revolve around the exceptional depth that has slowly been built year over year. The coaching staff has recruited exceptionally well over the past few years (the 2017 class aka #IRISHEL17E and the 2018 class aka #IrishBouND18 are stacking up quite nicely as well) especially addressing specific positional needs.

The depth is far and above where it has been in years past. The offense returns multiple assets at every position. Proven running backs Tarean Folston and Josh Adams will lead the ground game along with Dexter Williams guaranteed to be fighting for carries.

The offensive line depth is nothing short of incredible considering it lost two future NFL starters from last year in Ronnie Stanley and Nick Martin. Junior guard Quenton Nelson has been named a Sports Illustrated preseason All-American and senior tackle Mike McGlinchey is garnering elite status as the 64th best player in the nation – according to ESPN. These two woolly mammoths will anchor the left side of the offensive line, and the right side anticipates a battle between junior Alex Bars and seniors Hunter Bivin and Colin McGovern.

Tight end, once a surging position of depth, took a hit in the academic ineligibility ruling against Alize Jones. As reported, Jones will miss the entire 2016 season. The return of transferring/not transferring Tyler Luatua provides the group with a huge (255 lbs. pun intended) veteran h-back, and his decision to not transfer now proves to be vital to the position group. Nic Weishar and Durham Smythe are both capable and consistent targets from a three point stance and split wide – this groups presence and overall utility within the red zone should not be understated.

Credit: Matt Cashore

The wide receiver cupboard is full – yet unproven. The only shoe-in to start is senior Torii Hunter Jr. Behind him will be an intriguing battle between Equanimeous St. Brown, Corey Holmes, Miles Boykin, C.J. Sanders, and potentially true freshman/early enrollee Kevin Stepherson. Finishing on the offensive side of the ball, who could forget the quarterback situation, in which the Irish arguably have the most collective talent at the position in the entire nation (including Brandon Wimbush)? *Insert your own opinions about the QB situation* and find my own here.

The defensive line (also unfortunately known as the Irish’s Achilles heel in recent years) is loaded with talent and (FINALLY) depth. Isaac Rochell, Jarron Jones and Daniel Cage are battle tested veterans while Andrew Trumbetti, Jay Hayes, Jerry Tillery, Jonathan Bonner, Micah Dew-Treadway and Elijah Taylor all look to make significant impacts and potentially break out. Also, look for the word “sub packages” to be thrown around as highly talented true freshman defensive ends Daelin Hayes and Khalid Kareem could be utilized as pass rushers in such schemes.

Nyles Morgan (Credit: Chicago Tribune)

Nyles Morgan is an automatic upgrade at the Mike linebacker position, and while replacing the “once in a century” freakish athleticism of Jaylon Smith is no small task, the linebacker corps is well stocked with young talent. Te’von Coney saw limited action last year and is reported to be fully recovered from a shoulder injury suffered in the Fiesta Bowl. His classmates and other blue chip linebacker recruits, Asmar Bilal (2015 defensive scout team player of the year) and Josh Barajas redshirted last year. This young talent will push upperclassmen, Greer Martini and James Onwaulu for reps.

The secondary returns Jekyll and Hyde aka Max Redfield along with sixth year Cal transfer Avery Sebastian and fan favorite Drue Tranquil – all at safety. Garnering spring ball notoriety was true freshman and early enrollee Devin Studstill, who was my “most likely to make an immediate impact” of the 2016 recruiting class.

Rounding out the secondary at cornerback is senior multi year starter Cole Luke along with juniors Nick Watkins and Devin Butler. They are surrounded by younger talent in sophomore Nick Coleman and Shaun Crawford, who was slated to be the team’s starting nickel back last year until suffering a torn ACL in fall camp. Crawford drew incredibly high praise during the 2015 fall camp before his injury, and his return provides a massive athletic boost to the secondary.

Credit: UHND.com

Over the past few years the Notre Dame special teams have often been regarded as the “not-so-special teams.” Last year, however, the group made great strides and improvements. Returning “The Big Three” key specialists in kicker Justin Yoon, punter Tyler Newsome, and long snapper Scott Daly should pay dividends for the special teams in 2016. DeShone Kizer has been relieved of his holding duties and he will be replaced by Montgomery VanGorder. The Irish also have the luxury of Sanders’ electric and ever-elusive return skills. As a true freshman, Sanders returned both a punt and a kickoff for a touchdown last season. The special teams should continue to build off of last year’s success.

With the well-rounded depth in place, #NDFB is primed for an entertaining fall. Don’t forget that it is your civic duty as a Domer to recite one Hail Mary each day of camp for the shake of keeping this vital depth healthy!

Cheers and Go Irish!

The post Analyzing the Fall Camp Depth Chart appeared first on Her Loyal Sons.

Mike Vorel wrote the magazine’s cover story, “Avoiding A Split Decision,” on the quarterback competition between redshirt sophomore DeShone Kizer and redshirt senior Malik Zaire. Vorel interviewed former Texas head coach Mack Brown, former Notre Dame quarterbacks Joe Theismann and Brady Quinn and ESPN’s Austin Ward, who covered a similar competition at Ohio State last season. These experts have all previously endured summer-long speculation on who starts and who sits, and know how the student athletes will be evaluated, what intangibles will give one the lead over the other and importance of establishing an identity around the player ultimately chosen.

Brown’s probably got the most interesting tidbit, in explaining to Vorel how Vince Young got the starting nod at Texas in 2003.

Chance Mock was the No. 1 passing efficiency quarterback in the country, but we were really young up front and we couldn’t pass protect. … Chance wasn’t a great runner. So we put Vince Young in when we had the No. 1 passing efficiency quarterback in the country, because we needed to run the ball. We just couldn’t throw. Then we won 30 games and lost two. Was it fair to Chance? Probably not. But it was the best thing at that time for our football team.

Eric Hansen, the Tribune’s ND Football Insider, writes about middle linebacker Nyles Morgan, who was blocked from playing time by captain Joe Schmidt. Now that Schmidt has graduated, great things are expected of Morgan at the middle linebacker position. Morgan, from Crete, Ill., told Hansen:

Even though I was playing behind him, people assumed we had bad blood, but I loved Joe. If I had a question, Joe would answer it anytime.

I love Hansen’s writing style, especially when he described Morgan’s practice partner, Quenton Nelson, as a “garage with arms and a snarl.”

In a separate article, Shane Walton shares with Hansen what he sees from the current Notre Dame secondary. Walton, a 2002 graduate, is the Irish’s last All-American at cornerback. Will this be the year that senior Max Redfield consistently displays the talent that earned him five stars from recruiting services in high school?

Hansen also got an one-on-one interview with Coach Brian Kelly, including his insights on quarterback gurus, academic suspensions and playing the Shamrock Series overseas. Tyler James, the Tribune’s football recruiting expert, offers a piece on the risks and rewards of offering scholarships to three-star recruits. He also talks to three of the recruiting world’s most respected analysts about how Notre Dame can become a consistent top 10 powerhouse.

The magazine also includes smaller stories written by Vorel, Hansen, James and Tribune columnist Al Lesar about freshman quarterback Ian Book, senior running back Tarean Folston, sophomore wide receiver Equanimeous St. Brown, nose-guard-turned-tight-end Jacob Matuska, junior offensive guard Alex Bars, junior defensive tackle Jay Hayes, sophomore linebacker Asmar Bilal, freshman safety Jalen Elliott, redshirt freshman cornerback Shaun Crawford and fifth-year senior long snapper Scott Daly. There’s also a preview of all 12 teams on Notre Dame’s 2016 schedule.

Lesar has a lead-off column that, frankly, befuddled me. He argued that, in light of a “dead heat,” that Kelly should pick Zaire because he is “brash,” the “biggest talker” and has “attitude” and “swagger.”

Trailing Michigan State by five with four minutes to play and the ball at the Irish 20, the Notre Dame offense won’t be able to look at a blueprint of how to mount a comeback. It’s going to take a unit determined to get the job done, led by a guy who defines the word moxie. He might not always have the most accurate passes or the most seamless execution, but Zaire isn’t timid about improvising his way to a successful outcome.

Perhaps Lesar missed last year’s Virginia and Temple games?

The digital edition contains audio and video segments that just can’t be included with the magazine. I’d definitely recommend paying the $4.99 for the digital version, although I’d do so only if you have an iPad or comparatively sized tablet. Even with a generous text size, it’s impossible to read the stories on an iPhone without zooming in, which in turn makes scrolling a hassle. If you’re old school, the magazine is available for $9.95 on local racks in the South Bend area. (It costs $12.95 for a mailed copy.) I’ll definitely be dog-earing my copy as the season progresses.

Buy the digital version (Android or Apple) and the hard copy here.

Disclosure: The South Bend Tribune provided Her Loyal Sons with a complimentary hard copy. I paid for the digital version.

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Devin Butler / Credit: 247 Sports

Senior cornerback Devin Butler, junior running back Justin Brent and junior cornerback Nick Watkins are among Irish injured during recent football activities, with Butler’s injury expected to sideline him until late September.

Coach Brian Kelly revealed Monday that Butler sustained a second fracture to his left foot. After starting in place of the injured KeiVarae Russell, Butler missed the Fiesta Bowl after breaking the long bone on the outside of his foot that connects to his little toe.

Kelly said Butler has had “a great semester academically. We really see him trending in the right way. And then to have an injury like that was very disappointing for him. And we’re disappointed for him.”

The 6-foot-1/2, 200 pound senior was expected to compete for an open position opposite fellow senior cornerback Cole Luke. Watkins, who suffered a fractured left humerus April 2, was also vying for the position. The junior is expected back when camp reconvenes in August.

Redshirt freshman Shaun Crawford, who may have already hopped Butler before his recent injured, is now a favorite to open the season with Luke at cornerback. Irish Sports Daily’s Jamie Uyeyama said sophomore Nick Coleman, who played primarily on special teams last year, and redshirt freshman Ashton White will probably get more attention for a spot behind Luke, Crawford and Watkins.

The Irish certainly lack experience at the corner position, with Butler giving them a little more than they’ll obviously have without him.

Justin Brent / Credit: 247 Sports

Butler started against Arizona State and USC in 2014; against the Trojans, he recorded a career-high 7 tackles. The junior also made seven tackles on special teams last year, third highest among the Irish. Butler also recovered a fumble on the opening kickoff of the second half against Navy, which ultimately resulted in a touchdown. He started against Stanford last year, recording three tackles.

Brent, who has struggled to crack the depth chart at running back, suffered a Lisfranc injury and had a screw inserted into his foot.

“He could be slowed for the first week or two,” Kelly told Blue Gold Illustrated’s Lou Somogyi.

Other injury news:

• Corey Robinson, who suffered multiple concussions during his football career, will announce Wednesday if he will continue to play. Robinson, who is the university’s student body president, is a senior with one year of eligibility remaining.
• Sophomore wide receiver C.J. Sanders is progressing nicely from surgery to repair a hip flexor. Kelly told Blue Gold Illustrated that “CJ is ahead of schedule by almost three weeks, which is really good news.” Sanders is expected to compete for the starting role at the slot position with redshirt sophomore Corey Holmes and may also be the Irish’s primary kick and punt returner.

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