September 2007 Entries
You have to figure Notre Dame's only shot is to score on all — or most — of its possessions, and I highly doubt that's possible. I just think Purdue is too good offensively for the Irish to keep up, especially this year's team. Last year's squad could have matched the Boilers score for score and we might have had a 56-49 game.And don't look for Purdue to go easy on the Irish either. Notre Dame's win over the Boilers two years ago at Ross-Ade was probably the biggest blowout of the Weis era, maybe not in score, but in...
You have to figure Notre Dame's only shot is to score on all — or most — of its possessions, and I highly doubt that's possible. I just think Purdue is too good offensively for the Irish to keep up, especially this year's team. Last year's squad could have matched the Boilers score for score and we might have had a 56-49 game.And don't look for Purdue to go easy on the Irish either. Notre Dame's win over the Boilers two years ago at Ross-Ade was probably the biggest blowout of the Weis era, maybe not in score, but in...
Freshman halfback Robert Hughes, the most recent player to earn coach Charlie Weis' distinction as a "big muchacho," had a big performance last week against Michigan State, running six times for 33 yards and a touchdown.For Hughes, it was the culmination of a long learning process and, he hopes, a sign of things to come."It was kind of a stepping-stone, just trying to know how to run and when to cut and when not to cut," Hughes said.Hughes has impressed Irish coaches with his physical running since he arrived on campus, but there's more than being physical to running at...
Freshman halfback Robert Hughes, the most recent player to earn coach Charlie Weis' distinction as a "big muchacho," had a big performance last week against Michigan State, running six times for 33 yards and a touchdown.For Hughes, it was the culmination of a long learning process and, he hopes, a sign of things to come."It was kind of a stepping-stone, just trying to know how to run and when to cut and when not to cut," Hughes said.Hughes has impressed Irish coaches with his physical running since he arrived on campus, but there's more than being physical to running at...
As is normal on Thursday, Notre Dame practiced inside the Loftus Center. Scouts from the Falcons, Titans and 49ers were on hand, and quickly moved over where the tight ends were practicing, presumably to check out John Carlson.A few notes from stretching:1. Justin Brown did not run laterally when the rest of the team did, and still ran pretty gingerly when moving straight ahead. I'm not sure what this means in relation to his availability for Saturday's game, but if he plays, it won't be at 100 percent.2. Ambrose Wooden waved at Robby Parris as stretching started and said, "Hey,...
As is normal on Thursday, Notre Dame practiced inside the Loftus Center. Scouts from the Falcons, Titans and 49ers were on hand, and quickly moved over where the tight ends were practicing, presumably to check out John Carlson.A few notes from stretching:1. Justin Brown did not run laterally when the rest of the team did, and still ran pretty gingerly when moving straight ahead. I'm not sure what this means in relation to his availability for Saturday's game, but if he plays, it won't be at 100 percent.2. Ambrose Wooden waved at Robby Parris as stretching started and said, "Hey,...
Charlie Weis weighed in Wednesday on the recent controversy at Oklahoma State, where coach Mike Gundy went off on a newspaper columnist. Weis was asked how much criticism of a player is appropriate."I'm sure all the coaches of America would side with the coaches, and most of the journalists would side with the jounalists," Weis said. "I'm just saying, as a dad, that would bother me. Let me take myself out of the coach and journalist role. As a dad, that would bother me."Weis said his son hasn't received much grief at his school, St. Joseph's High in South...
Charlie Weis weighed in Wednesday on the recent controversy at Oklahoma State, where coach Mike Gundy went off on a newspaper columnist. Weis was asked how much criticism of a player is appropriate."I'm sure all the coaches of America would side with the coaches, and most of the journalists would side with the jounalists," Weis said. "I'm just saying, as a dad, that would bother me. Let me take myself out of the coach and journalist role. As a dad, that would bother me."Weis said his son hasn't received much grief at his school, St. Joseph's High in South...
Notre Dame defensive coordinator Corwin Brown said Tuesday that Charlie Weis is doing his best coaching job this season, despite Notre Dame's 0-4 record and lack of competitiveness in some games."We've got good people around here," Brown said. "I've been a lot of places, I know a lot of people. I've been around. You take the situation that we have right now and you put the same situation at a lot of other places and it'll be chaotic. But here, everybody's kind of come together, we still continue to learn. Through everything that's gone on, we continue to learn. I've...
Notre Dame defensive coordinator Corwin Brown said Tuesday that Charlie Weis is doing his best coaching job this season, despite Notre Dame's 0-4 record and lack of competitiveness in some games."We've got good people around here," Brown said. "I've been a lot of places, I know a lot of people. I've been around. You take the situation that we have right now and you put the same situation at a lot of other places and it'll be chaotic. But here, everybody's kind of come together, we still continue to learn. Through everything that's gone on, we continue to learn. I've...
Notre Dame's defensive backs, with the help of a scout team, worked today on defending Purdue's spread offense, doing everything from running a Cover 4 defense to wrapping up the ball carrier on screen passes. It's clear the Irish expect the Boilermakers to throw everything at them on Saturday.DBs coach Bill Lewis stood in as a linebacker on one rep, since this drill was secondary-only, and on another, he had to correct safety David Bruton, who should have been in the alley instead of coming up to defend another player."Too late, David," Lewis said. "Run it again."Also, freshman Andrew Nuss...
Notre Dame's defensive backs, with the help of a scout team, worked today on defending Purdue's spread offense, doing everything from running a Cover 4 defense to wrapping up the ball carrier on screen passes. It's clear the Irish expect the Boilermakers to throw everything at them on Saturday.DBs coach Bill Lewis stood in as a linebacker on one rep, since this drill was secondary-only, and on another, he had to correct safety David Bruton, who should have been in the alley instead of coming up to defend another player."Too late, David," Lewis said. "Run it again."Also, freshman Andrew Nuss...
Notre Dame defensive end Justin Brown ran through the bags very gingerly today, seeming to favor his right ankle. That's not good news for Notre Dame, which was hoping to have Brown back this week against Purdue. It's still too early to say, of course, whether he will play, but right now he's operating at much less than 100 percent, in my opinion.Offensive lineman Dan Wenger also missed practice again, so Matt Carufel seems headed for his second consecutive start. I thought Carufel played OK last week. He definitely missed a few blocks, but had a good push on a...
Notre Dame defensive end Justin Brown ran through the bags very gingerly today, seeming to favor his right ankle. That's not good news for Notre Dame, which was hoping to have Brown back this week against Purdue. It's still too early to say, of course, whether he will play, but right now he's operating at much less than 100 percent, in my opinion.Offensive lineman Dan Wenger also missed practice again, so Matt Carufel seems headed for his second consecutive start. I thought Carufel played OK last week. He definitely missed a few blocks, but had a good push on a...
Notre Dame sophomore tight end Konrad Reuland has left the team following a meeting with Charlie Weis on Sunday. Here's a statement released by Weis:“After meeting with Konrad Reuland on Sunday, he has decided he will leavethe team and withdraw from Notre Dame. I appreciate all Konrad has done forNotre Dame and I wish him nothing but the best.”This doesn't do much to Notre Dame depth-wise, because Reuland was No. 3 and freshman Mike Ragone can plug in in his spot. Plus, the Irish have the No. 1 tight end in the nation, Kyle Rudolph of Cincinnati, coming in...
Notre Dame sophomore tight end Konrad Reuland has left the team following a meeting with Charlie Weis on Sunday. Here's a statement released by Weis:“After meeting with Konrad Reuland on Sunday, he has decided he will leavethe team and withdraw from Notre Dame. I appreciate all Konrad has done forNotre Dame and I wish him nothing but the best.”This doesn't do much to Notre Dame depth-wise, because Reuland was No. 3 and freshman Mike Ragone can plug in in his spot. Plus, the Irish have the No. 1 tight end in the nation, Kyle Rudolph of Cincinnati, coming in...
Here's a look at the five biggest problems I think Notre Dame has, with No. 1 being the most significant. I'm focusing on team aspects of the game here, not individual players or units, so I'm not calling the offensive line out specifically, for example, although that group certainly factors into a few of these problems.1. Running game. Yes, there was improvement Saturday against Michigan State, but you have to remember that 1) improvement was almost inevitable; and 2) 43 of Notre Dame's 117 yards came on one carry by James Aldridge. Throw that out and the Irish run for...
Here's a look at the five biggest problems I think Notre Dame has, with No. 1 being the most significant. I'm focusing on team aspects of the game here, not individual players or units, so I'm not calling the offensive line out specifically, for example, although that group certainly factors into a few of these problems.1. Running game. Yes, there was improvement Saturday against Michigan State, but you have to remember that 1) improvement was almost inevitable; and 2) 43 of Notre Dame's 117 yards came on one carry by James Aldridge. Throw that out and the Irish run for...
Three weeks into the season, I'm officially in "Show me" mode with this Irish football team. When they beat someone (or get to the Navy game), I'll think about picking them again.What it's going to take to beat Michigan State on Saturday is going to be the same things Notre Dame hasn't been able to do in three games this season. The Irish have to run the ball, protect the quarterback and stop the opponent from running the ball down their throats. I just don't think they can do those three things against the Spartans. If they can, they have...
Three weeks into the season, I'm officially in "Show me" mode with this Irish football team. When they beat someone (or get to the Navy game), I'll think about picking them again.What it's going to take to beat Michigan State on Saturday is going to be the same things Notre Dame hasn't been able to do in three games this season. The Irish have to run the ball, protect the quarterback and stop the opponent from running the ball down their throats. I just don't think they can do those three things against the Spartans. If they can, they have...
Former Irish quarterback Demetrius Jones and a member of his family met with Notre Dame athletics administrators today, who gave Jones an overview of the NCAA transfer rules and his options.Jones also met with athletic director Kevin White, who agreed to release him to any school of Jones' choice, provided that school does not appear on a future Notre Dame football schedule during the course of Jones' eligibility.That list now includes Northern Illinois, where Jones is now enrolled.
Former Irish quarterback Demetrius Jones and a member of his family met with Notre Dame athletics administrators today, who gave Jones an overview of the NCAA transfer rules and his options.Jones also met with athletic director Kevin White, who agreed to release him to any school of Jones' choice, provided that school does not appear on a future Notre Dame football schedule during the course of Jones' eligibility.That list now includes Northern Illinois, where Jones is now enrolled.
Charlie Weis didn't have time to waste hiding things from the media today, so once again we got to see some real plays. First, a few notes from stretching:• Looks like we have scouts from the Cleveland Browns and San Diego Chargers in attendance today.• Fan Keith Penrod carries a sign that says "Let's Get Physical — Just Do It!" and tells the players, "We're gonna get these guys" as he rolls past them in his wheelchair.• Offensive coordinator Mike Haywood goes over some footwork issues with tight end Will Yeatman.• Justin Brown stretches alone today. If Weis were the...
Charlie Weis didn't have time to waste hiding things from the media today, so once again we got to see some real plays. First, a few notes from stretching:• Looks like we have scouts from the Cleveland Browns and San Diego Chargers in attendance today.• Fan Keith Penrod carries a sign that says "Let's Get Physical — Just Do It!" and tells the players, "We're gonna get these guys" as he rolls past them in his wheelchair.• Offensive coordinator Mike Haywood goes over some footwork issues with tight end Will Yeatman.• Justin Brown stretches alone today. If Weis were the...
It's been a while since we took a close look at the Notre Dame depth chart here on the blog, so I thought it was worth doing today. We'll do this every four weeks, taking a look at the changes. If you've got any thoughts on who should play, who shouldn't and where I'm wrong here, post them below.OFFENSEQuarterbackWeek 1: Sharpley or Jones or ClausenWeek 4: Clausen, SharpleyComment: Well, there's one missing, isn't there? Seriously, Clausen is the right guy, both now and for the next four years, barring injury. Now if the line could just give him time to...
It's been a while since we took a close look at the Notre Dame depth chart here on the blog, so I thought it was worth doing today. We'll do this every four weeks, taking a look at the changes. If you've got any thoughts on who should play, who shouldn't and where I'm wrong here, post them below.OFFENSEQuarterbackWeek 1: Sharpley or Jones or ClausenWeek 4: Clausen, SharpleyComment: Well, there's one missing, isn't there? Seriously, Clausen is the right guy, both now and for the next four years, barring injury. Now if the line could just give him time to...
Notre Dame has apparently decided to release Demetrius Jones from his scholarship, provided he doesn't transfer to a school that Notre Dame is scheduled to play in the next few years. Northern Illinois, Jones' school of choice, isn't on that list.Here's a statement from athletic director Kevin White, who said earlier this week he wouldn't release Jones because he didn't believe Jones' departure was "handled properly":"Since learning of the situation surrounding the departure of Demetrius Jones on Friday, Sept. 14, the University of Notre Dame has been gathering facts to better assess his interest in transferring. Today, without formal confirmation...
Notre Dame has apparently decided to release Demetrius Jones from his scholarship, provided he doesn't transfer to a school that Notre Dame is scheduled to play in the next few years. Northern Illinois, Jones' school of choice, isn't on that list.Here's a statement from athletic director Kevin White, who said earlier this week he wouldn't release Jones because he didn't believe Jones' departure was "handled properly":"Since learning of the situation surrounding the departure of Demetrius Jones on Friday, Sept. 14, the University of Notre Dame has been gathering facts to better assess his interest in transferring. Today, without formal confirmation...
We've heard a lot this week about Notre Dame looking to find a "core" on offense — things it can run consistently with success.But the defense also has a "core," safety Tom Zbikowski said."Just really running our base stuff," Zbikowski said. "We have the players, we have the D-line that can play without really having to stunt a lot, because there's a lot of talent on the D-line. Just playing basic stuff and knowing we can make plays with it."Notre Dame hasn't been good against the run this year — the Irish rank 111th out of 119 teams — and...
We've heard a lot this week about Notre Dame looking to find a "core" on offense — things it can run consistently with success.But the defense also has a "core," safety Tom Zbikowski said."Just really running our base stuff," Zbikowski said. "We have the players, we have the D-line that can play without really having to stunt a lot, because there's a lot of talent on the D-line. Just playing basic stuff and knowing we can make plays with it."Notre Dame hasn't been good against the run this year — the Irish rank 111th out of 119 teams — and...
A shocker of sorts today on a sunny, breezy day at Cartier Field as Notre Dame actually ran a few plays in front of the media during the open portion of practice. On the first offensive play, here was the lineup (let's hope I can read my own scribbles here):QB: Jimmy ClausenHB: Armando AllenLT: Sam YoungLG: Mike TurkovichC: John SullivanRG: Matt Carufel (Dan Wenger wasn't at practice again today)RT: Paul DuncanTE: John CarlsonWR: David Grimes, George West, Robby ParrisThe second group:QB: Evan SharpleyHB: Junior JabbieLT: Taylor DeverLG: Eric OlsenC: Thomas BemenderferRG: Chris StewartRT: Bartley WebbTE: Will YeatmanWR: D.J. Hord, Barry...
A shocker of sorts today on a sunny, breezy day at Cartier Field as Notre Dame actually ran a few plays in front of the media during the open portion of practice. On the first offensive play, here was the lineup (let's hope I can read my own scribbles here):QB: Jimmy ClausenHB: Armando AllenLT: Sam YoungLG: Mike TurkovichC: John SullivanRG: Matt Carufel (Dan Wenger wasn't at practice again today)RT: Paul DuncanTE: John CarlsonWR: David Grimes, George West, Robby ParrisThe second group:QB: Evan SharpleyHB: Junior JabbieLT: Taylor DeverLG: Eric OlsenC: Thomas BemenderferRG: Chris StewartRT: Bartley WebbTE: Will YeatmanWR: D.J. Hord, Barry...
A shocker of sorts today on a sunny, breezy day at Cartier Field as Notre Dame actually ran a few plays in front of the media during the open portion of practice. On the first offensive play, here was the lineup (let's hope I can read my own scribbles here):QB: Jimmy ClausenHB: Armando AllenLT: Sam YoungLG: Mike TurkovichC: John SullivanRG: Matt Carufel (Dan Wenger wasn't at practice again today)RT: Paul DuncanTE: John CarlsonWR: David Grimes, George West, Robby ParrisThe second group:QB: Evan SharpleyHB: Junior JabbieLT: Taylor DeverLG: Eric OlsenC: Thomas BemenderferRG: Chris StewartRT: Bartley WebbTE: Will YeatmanWR: D.J. Hord, Barry...
• There won’t be a new depth chart until Thursday, but Charlie Weis said not to expect “major changes.”“What I didn’t want to do was come in there after that game and start firing people from their position, start making massive changes, because then what you’re doing is making sacrificial lambs,” Weis said. “You’re saying, ‘You’re the problem.’ When you lose 38-0, there’s plenty of problems out there. I’m part of the problem too, but I don’t play. I think the important thing as far as the roster goes is more guys are playing themselves into contention or out of...
• There won’t be a new depth chart until Thursday, but Charlie Weis said not to expect “major changes.”“What I didn’t want to do was come in there after that game and start firing people from their position, start making massive changes, because then what you’re doing is making sacrificial lambs,” Weis said. “You’re saying, ‘You’re the problem.’ When you lose 38-0, there’s plenty of problems out there. I’m part of the problem too, but I don’t play. I think the important thing as far as the roster goes is more guys are playing themselves into contention or out of...
Notre Dame training camp No. 2 continued today at Cartier Field, where temperatures were as high as they were during training camp No. 1. The Irish returned to the huddle-breaking cry of “Respect!” and wore full pads during the workout. Notre Dame ran practice drills we haven’t seen since the first training camp a month ago.Defensive coordinator Corwin Brown shouted “Energy! Energy!” as the teams separated into groups by position. He watched the linebackers step through the bags laterally and flashed random numbers of fingers at the players to force them to keep their heads up. Maurice Crum Jr., who...
Notre Dame training camp No. 2 continued today at Cartier Field, where temperatures were as high as they were during training camp No. 1. The Irish returned to the huddle-breaking cry of “Respect!” and wore full pads during the workout. Notre Dame ran practice drills we haven’t seen since the first training camp a month ago.Defensive coordinator Corwin Brown shouted “Energy! Energy!” as the teams separated into groups by position. He watched the linebackers step through the bags laterally and flashed random numbers of fingers at the players to force them to keep their heads up. Maurice Crum Jr., who...
Charlie Weis had more interesting things to say than I could possibly fit in my stories in Sunday's paper. Here's a sample:• On why the players won't be watching game film:“It doesn’t make any difference what happened in this game. One game is worse than the next game. So it doesn’t do any good to sit there and harp on that. What I really need to do is start trying to find a way to fix the problem rather than just try X’s and O’s and techniques and try to do something different each week. The only way I know...
Charlie Weis had more interesting things to say than I could possibly fit in my stories in Sunday's paper. Here's a sample:• On why the players won't be watching game film:“It doesn’t make any difference what happened in this game. One game is worse than the next game. So it doesn’t do any good to sit there and harp on that. What I really need to do is start trying to find a way to fix the problem rather than just try X’s and O’s and techniques and try to do something different each week. The only way I know...
For some reason I've had the great Ben Folds Five song "Battle of Who Could Care Less" in my head all week. Wonder why.This game is almost impossible to get a read on because there are so many plausible scenarios in play. For example, could you see Notre Dame getting an early score and the crowd here at The Big House turning against the Wolverines? I sure could. I know Notre Dame's offense has been bad, but so has Michigan's defense.On the other hand, could a visit from Notre Dame finally wake up the Wolverines, enabling Michigan to play...
For some reason I've had the great Ben Folds Five song "Battle of Who Could Care Less" in my head all week. Wonder why.This game is almost impossible to get a read on because there are so many plausible scenarios in play. For example, could you see Notre Dame getting an early score and the crowd here at The Big House turning against the Wolverines? I sure could. I know Notre Dame's offense has been bad, but so has Michigan's defense.On the other hand, could a visit from Notre Dame finally wake up the Wolverines, enabling Michigan to play...
Quarterback Demetrius Jones won't be making the trip to Michigan this weekend. Here's a statement from Charlie Weis:"At 2:30 today, while boarding the bus to Michigan, I was notified that Demetrius Jones had decided not to make the trip. I have not spoken to Demetrius and can only say that he missed the team bus. Any additional comment would be without all the facts."I don't have all the facts either at this point, but the best guess here is that Jones is transferring.
Quarterback Demetrius Jones won't be making the trip to Michigan this weekend. Here's a statement from Charlie Weis:"At 2:30 today, while boarding the bus to Michigan, I was notified that Demetrius Jones had decided not to make the trip. I have not spoken to Demetrius and can only say that he missed the team bus. Any additional comment would be without all the facts."I don't have all the facts either at this point, but the best guess here is that Jones is transferring.
Charlie Weis sat down at the table at his Thursday post-practice press conference and said, "The end of a wonderful week of media. You guys have enjoyed spending time with me? Great. As a matter of fact, it's the end of two wonderful weeks. I hope to have a lot bigger smile come Sunday."That would be a significant improvement on how he's felt after Notre Dame's two losses to start this season, which he said mark a new low in his career.“The worst feeling I’ve ever had in my life before the last couple weeks, football-wise, was losing the Super...
Charlie Weis sat down at the table at his Thursday post-practice press conference and said, "The end of a wonderful week of media. You guys have enjoyed spending time with me? Great. As a matter of fact, it's the end of two wonderful weeks. I hope to have a lot bigger smile come Sunday."That would be a significant improvement on how he's felt after Notre Dame's two losses to start this season, which he said mark a new low in his career.“The worst feeling I’ve ever had in my life before the last couple weeks, football-wise, was losing the Super...
Walking into Thursday's practice, which was held inside the Loftus Center, the first thing I heard was someone — maybe Robby Parris? — talking about wrestler Razor Ramon, so it was a great day already. The Loftus was actually well-lit and -ventilated today, thanks to having most of the doors around the perimeter of the field propped open. Those may have been shut later when Charlie Weis turned up the noise.Athletic director Kevin White was on hand for the workout today, as were a pair of scouts from the St. Louis Rams."Are you starting to get nervous?" defensive backs...
Walking into Thursday's practice, which was held inside the Loftus Center, the first thing I heard was someone — maybe Robby Parris? — talking about wrestler Razor Ramon, so it was a great day already. The Loftus was actually well-lit and -ventilated today, thanks to having most of the doors around the perimeter of the field propped open. Those may have been shut later when Charlie Weis turned up the noise.Athletic director Kevin White was on hand for the workout today, as were a pair of scouts from the St. Louis Rams."Are you starting to get nervous?" defensive backs...
Notre Dame defensive coordinator Corwin Brown said that Wednesday was the first time he's thought about his playing days at Michigan, where the Irish travel this week.But once he began thinking about them, the memories started coming back pretty quickly. The Reggie Brooks run in 1992 at Notre Dame Stadium when he was a senior with the Wolverines. Rocket Ismail's two returns at The Big House in Brown's first college game.All of those plays been showed in the Irish locker room this week.“From that game, I had a ton of good plays, but nobody remembers those because that’s...
Notre Dame defensive coordinator Corwin Brown said that Wednesday was the first time he's thought about his playing days at Michigan, where the Irish travel this week.But once he began thinking about them, the memories started coming back pretty quickly. The Reggie Brooks run in 1992 at Notre Dame Stadium when he was a senior with the Wolverines. Rocket Ismail's two returns at The Big House in Brown's first college game.All of those plays been showed in the Irish locker room this week.“From that game, I had a ton of good plays, but nobody remembers those because that’s...
It's a beautiful — if again cool — day in Northern Indiana and the Irish were out in full pads on Cartier Field. In adddition to the media, Notre Dame athletic director Kevin White was in attendance, and because the football team was using the westernmost practice field, White was able to keep tabs on both Charlie Weis' squad and the lacrosse team practicing on an adjacent patch of turf. That's some good athletic directin'.Darrin Walls and Evan Sharpley have a back-and-forth thing they do when the offense and defense run toward each other for stretching. Today Walls pretended to...
It's a beautiful — if again cool — day in Northern Indiana and the Irish were out in full pads on Cartier Field. In adddition to the media, Notre Dame athletic director Kevin White was in attendance, and because the football team was using the westernmost practice field, White was able to keep tabs on both Charlie Weis' squad and the lacrosse team practicing on an adjacent patch of turf. That's some good athletic directin'.Darrin Walls and Evan Sharpley have a back-and-forth thing they do when the offense and defense run toward each other for stretching. Today Walls pretended to...
Notre Dame's 0-2 start hasn't caused second thoughts among the team's current recruiting class, coach Charlie Weis said during his weekly press conference.Weis said that when he's talked to members of the high school class of 2008, he's asked them jokingly if they'd be able to play this week against Michigan. But Weis said that when a team struggles, recruits see an opportunity to play right away."So if there is a silver lining in the recruiting aspect and you're a young man who is already coming or thinking about coming and you just watched the game, you know, all these...
Notre Dame's 0-2 start hasn't caused second thoughts among the team's current recruiting class, coach Charlie Weis said during his weekly press conference.Weis said that when he's talked to members of the high school class of 2008, he's asked them jokingly if they'd be able to play this week against Michigan. But Weis said that when a team struggles, recruits see an opportunity to play right away."So if there is a silver lining in the recruiting aspect and you're a young man who is already coming or thinking about coming and you just watched the game, you know, all these...
For the first time this season, Corwin Brown didn't seem crazy for wearing sweatpants to Cartier Field for practice. It's getting cooler out there — fall is on its way. It probably didn't bother the squad, which was in full pads.We nearly had an embarrassing spill during the stretching. Cornerback Gary Gray almost went head over heels while backpedaling, kicking up some sod as he went. Punter Eric Maust gets credit for replacing Gray's divot.Quarterbacks coach Ron Powlus was a popular guy during stretching. Charlie Weis, Mike Haywood and Rob Ianello all requested audiences with Powlus on Tuesday.The word as...
For the first time this season, Corwin Brown didn't seem crazy for wearing sweatpants to Cartier Field for practice. It's getting cooler out there — fall is on its way. It probably didn't bother the squad, which was in full pads.We nearly had an embarrassing spill during the stretching. Cornerback Gary Gray almost went head over heels while backpedaling, kicking up some sod as he went. Punter Eric Maust gets credit for replacing Gray's divot.Quarterbacks coach Ron Powlus was a popular guy during stretching. Charlie Weis, Mike Haywood and Rob Ianello all requested audiences with Powlus on Tuesday.The word as...
The best way to describe Penn State on a football gameday is "Woodstock." People get off the highway at the State College exit, leave their cars right there and walk to the stadium. I parked in a lot near the Farm Sciences building (which explains the smell) and walked to Beaver Stadium, which is an impressive structure and should be even more so in a couple hours when it's filled up with people wearing white. Tailgating was great, as you'd expect. Best anti-Notre Dame T-shirt: "Notre Lame: A tradition of losing bowl games since 1995." This place is definitely amped-up...
The best way to describe Penn State on a football gameday is "Woodstock." People get off the highway at the State College exit, leave their cars right there and walk to the stadium. I parked in a lot near the Farm Sciences building (which explains the smell) and walked to Beaver Stadium, which is an impressive structure and should be even more so in a couple hours when it's filled up with people wearing white. Tailgating was great, as you'd expect. Best anti-Notre Dame T-shirt: "Notre Lame: A tradition of losing bowl games since 1995." This place is definitely amped-up...
Charlie Weis is looking for one sign from his players to know they're emotionally over last week's humbling defeat at the hands of Georgia Tech."I want to know that it's important to them," Weis said after Thursday's practice. "For certain people there's different ways of showing that it's important to them. You have some guys that are quiet types and all of a sudden they're playing at a much higher speed than they've been practicing at. That usually gives you evidence that they're getting ready to go. And really, it was pretty simple this week. First of all, I was...
Charlie Weis is looking for one sign from his players to know they're emotionally over last week's humbling defeat at the hands of Georgia Tech."I want to know that it's important to them," Weis said after Thursday's practice. "For certain people there's different ways of showing that it's important to them. You have some guys that are quiet types and all of a sudden they're playing at a much higher speed than they've been practicing at. That usually gives you evidence that they're getting ready to go. And really, it was pretty simple this week. First of all, I was...
On the Ben Ford Practice-ometer (patent pending), today's workout at the Loftus Center was about a 9 on a scale of 10 in terms of interesting things to see. The highlight was watching the Irish offense work on blitz pick-up, which didn't go too well for much of the time we were permitted to watch.The starting Irish offensive line participated, with walk-on Justin Gillett standing in at quarterback while the rest of the QBs worked with Ron Powlus on another part of the field. Running backs Travis Thomas and Junior Jabbie took reps in the backfield and tight ends John...
On the Ben Ford Practice-ometer (patent pending), today's workout at the Loftus Center was about a 9 on a scale of 10 in terms of interesting things to see. The highlight was watching the Irish offense work on blitz pick-up, which didn't go too well for much of the time we were permitted to watch.The starting Irish offensive line participated, with walk-on Justin Gillett standing in at quarterback while the rest of the QBs worked with Ron Powlus on another part of the field. Running backs Travis Thomas and Junior Jabbie took reps in the backfield and tight ends John...
Wednesday's practice was a real head-turner because Demetrius Jones started it by working with the running backs. Jones, still wearing a red jersey and a wristband with plays on it, ran the gauntlet with the backs. Since Notre Dame already has enough running backs, the reporters had to wonder what was up, but Charlie Weis explained it after practice."He was just working on ball possession," Weis said, referencing Jones' two fumbles against Georgia Tech. "That's just the logical thing to do to put an emphasis on ball possession. He went down there for about four or five minutes to go...
Wednesday's practice was a real head-turner because Demetrius Jones started it by working with the running backs. Jones, still wearing a red jersey and a wristband with plays on it, ran the gauntlet with the backs. Since Notre Dame already has enough running backs, the reporters had to wonder what was up, but Charlie Weis explained it after practice."He was just working on ball possession," Weis said, referencing Jones' two fumbles against Georgia Tech. "That's just the logical thing to do to put an emphasis on ball possession. He went down there for about four or five minutes to go...
Notre Dame released its men's basketball schedule today, which begins with an exhibition game at the Joyce Center on Friday, Nov. 2, the night before the Navy football game. The Irish also play in the Paradise Jam in the Virgin Islands in mid-November (which I won't be covering, sadly). They'll play three games there; here's the bracket.Then the schedule sort of descends into the usual parade of stiffs in December, broken up by a game against Kansas State at Madison Square Garden on the 4th. Let's just say the football team needs to pull it together so I have...
Notre Dame released its men's basketball schedule today, which begins with an exhibition game at the Joyce Center on Friday, Nov. 2, the night before the Navy football game. The Irish also play in the Paradise Jam in the Virgin Islands in mid-November (which I won't be covering, sadly). They'll play three games there; here's the bracket.Then the schedule sort of descends into the usual parade of stiffs in December, broken up by a game against Kansas State at Madison Square Garden on the 4th. Let's just say the football team needs to pull it together so I have...
It's not often that a six-carry, 19-yard game improves your standing on the depth chart, but James Aldridge is inching closer to Travis Thomas for the starting running back spot following Thomas' horrific seven-carry, minus-7-yard effort last Saturday against Georgia Tech."I don't even know if he's (No.) 2," Irish coach Charlie Weis said Tuesday. "He's almost slash-one. He just doesn't go in first. I think that James and Travis are very close. They are both very strong, physical running backs. Hopefully we'll give him a little more opportunity for success this week than we did last week."Aldridge, a sophomore from...
It's not often that a six-carry, 19-yard game improves your standing on the depth chart, but James Aldridge is inching closer to Travis Thomas for the starting running back spot following Thomas' horrific seven-carry, minus-7-yard effort last Saturday against Georgia Tech."I don't even know if he's (No.) 2," Irish coach Charlie Weis said Tuesday. "He's almost slash-one. He just doesn't go in first. I think that James and Travis are very close. They are both very strong, physical running backs. Hopefully we'll give him a little more opportunity for success this week than we did last week."Aldridge, a sophomore from...
Remember that happy-go-lucky football team I wrote about last month during training camp? The one that joked around at practice on occasion and seemed to be enjoying themselves during two-a-days? That team's gone now.Remember the coach that put that team through fun competitions to lighten the mood and kidded with the players as they were stretching? He's left the building.Notre Dame was all — and I mean all — business on Cartier Field this afternoon, practicing in full pads in temperatures that hit the upper 80s. The coaches chattered during stretching today, but I didn't hear anything out of the...
Remember that happy-go-lucky football team I wrote about last month during training camp? The one that joked around at practice on occasion and seemed to be enjoying themselves during two-a-days? That team's gone now.Remember the coach that put that team through fun competitions to lighten the mood and kidded with the players as they were stretching? He's left the building.Notre Dame was all — and I mean all — business on Cartier Field this afternoon, practicing in full pads in temperatures that hit the upper 80s. The coaches chattered during stretching today, but I didn't hear anything out of the...
Notre Dame coach Charlie Weis made it official this afternoon: Freshman Jimmy Clausen will start at quarterback Saturday at Penn State."He's ready to run the offense," Weis said at his weekly press conference. "If I didn't think he was ready, I wouldn't do this. He was always ready mentally. It's just that his arm wasn't a full-go until the end of last week. He had been getting reps all along. We just had been keeping him from overexerting himself."Clausen, the nation's No. 1 high school recruit last season, had surgery over the summer to remove a bone spur from his...
Notre Dame coach Charlie Weis made it official this afternoon: Freshman Jimmy Clausen will start at quarterback Saturday at Penn State."He's ready to run the offense," Weis said at his weekly press conference. "If I didn't think he was ready, I wouldn't do this. He was always ready mentally. It's just that his arm wasn't a full-go until the end of last week. He had been getting reps all along. We just had been keeping him from overexerting himself."Clausen, the nation's No. 1 high school recruit last season, had surgery over the summer to remove a bone spur from his...
Can this Notre Dame season be saved? Maybe, but that's hardly the point after Saturday's 33-3 pasting by Georgia Tech.As much as Charlie Weis feels he has a responsibilty to the fifth-year seniors to win this season, he also has a responsibility to the future of the program, and the best thing he can do for Notre Dame is start freshman quarterback Jimmy Clausen now and for the rest of the season, even if that means the Irish take a couple more poundings before they see some results. And if that's rebuilding, then so be it. Better to rebuild with...
Can this Notre Dame season be saved? Maybe, but that's hardly the point after Saturday's 33-3 pasting by Georgia Tech.As much as Charlie Weis feels he has a responsibilty to the fifth-year seniors to win this season, he also has a responsibility to the future of the program, and the best thing he can do for Notre Dame is start freshman quarterback Jimmy Clausen now and for the rest of the season, even if that means the Irish take a couple more poundings before they see some results. And if that's rebuilding, then so be it. Better to rebuild with...
I've known since Aug. 15 that Demetrius Jones would be Notre Dame's starting quarterback against Georgia Tech. (Unless, of course, he isn't, and then I'll feel even more like an idiot than I usually do.)I saw something at practice that day that clinched it in my mind, but this is the first time I'm mentioning it for a couple of reasons. Number one, what I saw was outside the 20-minute media viewing window (and was definitely something I wasn't meant to see), so I didn't think it was fair game to report. Secondly, I didn't want to be accused of...
I've known since Aug. 15 that Demetrius Jones would be Notre Dame's starting quarterback against Georgia Tech. (Unless, of course, he isn't, and then I'll feel even more like an idiot than I usually do.)I saw something at practice that day that clinched it in my mind, but this is the first time I'm mentioning it for a couple of reasons. Number one, what I saw was outside the 20-minute media viewing window (and was definitely something I wasn't meant to see), so I didn't think it was fair game to report. Secondly, I didn't want to be accused of...