October 2007 Entries
First of all, freshman running back Robert Hughes was back at practice Wednesday, a day after his brother was fatally shot in Chicago. Irish coach Charlie Weis had granted Hughes an indefinite leave, but Hughes was back today.Weis will drive Hughes back to Chicago after practice on Thursday and spend some time with the Hughes family then drive back alone on Thursday evening. Notre Dame will send at least one bus, and possibly two, to Earl Hughes' memorial service on Friday morning. Weis said he had to get this approved by Notre Dame's faculty board, compliance department and the NCAA.Weis...
First of all, freshman running back Robert Hughes was back at practice Wednesday, a day after his brother was fatally shot in Chicago. Irish coach Charlie Weis had granted Hughes an indefinite leave, but Hughes was back today.Weis will drive Hughes back to Chicago after practice on Thursday and spend some time with the Hughes family then drive back alone on Thursday evening. Notre Dame will send at least one bus, and possibly two, to Earl Hughes' memorial service on Friday morning. Weis said he had to get this approved by Notre Dame's faculty board, compliance department and the NCAA.Weis...
Notre Dame coach Charlie Weis said the "nip in the air" helped his team get back in the swing of things after the bye week, and that's good for them, but frankly, it doesn't do anything for me. I'd just as soon go back to the weather we had during training camp in August, though Tuesday's weather was about as nice as you could expect for late October.Injured running back James Aldridge ran forward, backward and laterally at practice, so he looks like a definite go for Saturday's game against Navy.Before practice began, Weis and assistant coach Brian Polian were...
Notre Dame coach Charlie Weis said the "nip in the air" helped his team get back in the swing of things after the bye week, and that's good for them, but frankly, it doesn't do anything for me. I'd just as soon go back to the weather we had during training camp in August, though Tuesday's weather was about as nice as you could expect for late October.Injured running back James Aldridge ran forward, backward and laterally at practice, so he looks like a definite go for Saturday's game against Navy.Before practice began, Weis and assistant coach Brian Polian were...
Notre Dame's 87th annual football banquet will be held on Friday, Dec. 7, in the north dome of the Joyce Center. A reception and silent auction in the Monogram Room begin at 5:45 p.m., with dinner to start at 7.Former Irish All-American Aaron Taylor will serve as the guest speaker. There will also be a video tribute to the 2007 Notre Dame team and awards will be presented.Tickets are $42 each (or $336 for a table of eight) and can be ordered at the Joyce Center ticket window or by phone at (574) 631-7356, fax at (574) 631-0854 or by...
Notre Dame's 87th annual football banquet will be held on Friday, Dec. 7, in the north dome of the Joyce Center. A reception and silent auction in the Monogram Room begin at 5:45 p.m., with dinner to start at 7.Former Irish All-American Aaron Taylor will serve as the guest speaker. There will also be a video tribute to the 2007 Notre Dame team and awards will be presented.Tickets are $42 each (or $336 for a table of eight) and can be ordered at the Joyce Center ticket window or by phone at (574) 631-7356, fax at (574) 631-0854 or by...
Oh yeah, you read that right — they gave us an extra period of practice to watch today at the Loftus Center. Before we get to that, though, a couple observations from stretching:1. This team was rowdy today. You better believe they're ready for a couple days off.2. The quarterbacks were wearing wristbands. Not long ago, Charlie Weis took those wristbands off the QBs, but they were back on today. I'm not sure why, or if it was just today they were back, but there they were. If I had to guess, I'd say it was because the offense was...
Oh yeah, you read that right — they gave us an extra period of practice to watch today at the Loftus Center. Before we get to that, though, a couple observations from stretching:1. This team was rowdy today. You better believe they're ready for a couple days off.2. The quarterbacks were wearing wristbands. Not long ago, Charlie Weis took those wristbands off the QBs, but they were back on today. I'm not sure why, or if it was just today they were back, but there they were. If I had to guess, I'd say it was because the offense was...
Since most Notre Dame fans are desperate to look forward to next season at this point, it's probably worth passing along that the Blue-Gold intrasquad scrimmage, which marks the final day of spring practice, is scheduled for April 19 at a time to be announced.Notre Dame's offense vs. Notre Dame's offense. I'll take the under.
Since most Notre Dame fans are desperate to look forward to next season at this point, it's probably worth passing along that the Blue-Gold intrasquad scrimmage, which marks the final day of spring practice, is scheduled for April 19 at a time to be announced.Notre Dame's offense vs. Notre Dame's offense. I'll take the under.
Notre Dame has picked up a verbal commitment from Detroit running back Jonas Gray, according to irishillustrated.com. If you're keeping score, that's 21 commitments for the Irish, with signing day more than three months away. Rivals.com, which has the current class rated No. 1 in the nation, grades Gray as a four-star recruit.Gray is 5-foot-10 and 213 pounds. He initially committed to Nebraska during a ceremony at his high school, Detroit Country Day, but re-opened his recruiting due to the uncertainty that program is facing at the moment and pledged his services to Notre Dame, telling Irish Illustrated the school...
Notre Dame has picked up a verbal commitment from Detroit running back Jonas Gray, according to irishillustrated.com. If you're keeping score, that's 21 commitments for the Irish, with signing day more than three months away. Rivals.com, which has the current class rated No. 1 in the nation, grades Gray as a four-star recruit.Gray is 5-foot-10 and 213 pounds. He initially committed to Nebraska during a ceremony at his high school, Detroit Country Day, but re-opened his recruiting due to the uncertainty that program is facing at the moment and pledged his services to Notre Dame, telling Irish Illustrated the school...
Notre Dame practiced in full pads at Cartier Field on Tuesday, and the practice began with Robby Parris and Jimmy Clausen arguing about which state produced better high school football talent: Ohio or California. Eventually, kicker Brandon Walker chimed in, saying the rankings went: 1. Florida; 2. Texas; 3. California; and 4. Ohio. I'm not sure where those came from. By the way, it didn't take long for Walker, who's from Findlay, Ohio, to mention that he attended the same high school as Ben Roethlisberger.Running back James Aldridge was at practice today (and yesterday; I forgot to mention it) with...
Notre Dame practiced in full pads at Cartier Field on Tuesday, and the practice began with Robby Parris and Jimmy Clausen arguing about which state produced better high school football talent: Ohio or California. Eventually, kicker Brandon Walker chimed in, saying the rankings went: 1. Florida; 2. Texas; 3. California; and 4. Ohio. I'm not sure where those came from. By the way, it didn't take long for Walker, who's from Findlay, Ohio, to mention that he attended the same high school as Ben Roethlisberger.Running back James Aldridge was at practice today (and yesterday; I forgot to mention it) with...
Welcome to a rare Monday edition of 20 Minutes!I don't mean to imply that Notre Dame is giving up on the season, but the clock in the weight room that counts down the hours, minutes and seconds until the next game with the sign "Beat (next opponent)!" is no longer up on the wall. It's probably been relocated or was taken down to be reset.Monday's practice was a shells-and-shorts affair at the Loftus Center. Wide receiver David Grimes, who saw very limited action against USC, was running at practice today, though not laterally with the rest of the team.Safety David...
Welcome to a rare Monday edition of 20 Minutes!I don't mean to imply that Notre Dame is giving up on the season, but the clock in the weight room that counts down the hours, minutes and seconds until the next game with the sign "Beat (next opponent)!" is no longer up on the wall. It's probably been relocated or was taken down to be reset.Monday's practice was a shells-and-shorts affair at the Loftus Center. Wide receiver David Grimes, who saw very limited action against USC, was running at practice today, though not laterally with the rest of the team.Safety David...
There are actually a lot of things working in Notre Dame's favor today: They're pumped up for this game, USC comes in banged-up and as shaky as it's been in years, it seems, and I could easily see the Irish rallying around Evan Sharpley. Players told us they don't care who's playing quarterback, but the results don't lie, and right now Sharpley is moving the ball and Jimmy Clausen isn't.But at this point, I still can't envision the Irish playing a mistake-free — or mostly mistake-free — game, and that's what they need to do to beat the Trojans, even...
There are actually a lot of things working in Notre Dame's favor today: They're pumped up for this game, USC comes in banged-up and as shaky as it's been in years, it seems, and I could easily see the Irish rallying around Evan Sharpley. Players told us they don't care who's playing quarterback, but the results don't lie, and right now Sharpley is moving the ball and Jimmy Clausen isn't.But at this point, I still can't envision the Irish playing a mistake-free — or mostly mistake-free — game, and that's what they need to do to beat the Trojans, even...
Mark Sanchez will start at quarterback for USC Saturday, coach Pete Carroll said today.John David Booty, the Trojans' regular starter, is healthy enough to play if called upon, but Sanchez took all of the first-team snaps at practice today according to this LA Times story.
Mark Sanchez will start at quarterback for USC Saturday, coach Pete Carroll said today.John David Booty, the Trojans' regular starter, is healthy enough to play if called upon, but Sanchez took all of the first-team snaps at practice today according to this LA Times story.
This snappy little ditty was playing as we entered practice at the Loftus Center on Thursday. I have to admit, if I had to listen to any college song over and over again, this might be the one. (Sorry, Irish fans.) Anyway, this was blaring — and I mean BLARING — for most of the stretching period of practice. When it was over, it would start all over again. Eventually, the music came to a sudden stop and a few Irish players let out some boos — jokingly, I assume."We'll get the East Coast music on after you get...
This snappy little ditty was playing as we entered practice at the Loftus Center on Thursday. I have to admit, if I had to listen to any college song over and over again, this might be the one. (Sorry, Irish fans.) Anyway, this was blaring — and I mean BLARING — for most of the stretching period of practice. When it was over, it would start all over again. Eventually, the music came to a sudden stop and a few Irish players let out some boos — jokingly, I assume."We'll get the East Coast music on after you get...
No James Aldridge for the second straight day at Notre Dame football practice, and it's looking less and less like he'll be available on Saturday for the USC game.Receiver David Grimes did practice, but wasn't running laterally or backward when the rest of the team did. Irish coach Charlie Weis said Grimes looked better Wednesday and is optimistic he'll be able to go Saturday.During stretching, receivers coach Rob Ianello made arrangements with offensive coordinator Mike Haywood to "borrow" burly walk-on halfback Nikolas Rodriguez for a drill. Rodriguez was to pose as a linebacker.Once the team broke into groups for position...
No James Aldridge for the second straight day at Notre Dame football practice, and it's looking less and less like he'll be available on Saturday for the USC game.Receiver David Grimes did practice, but wasn't running laterally or backward when the rest of the team did. Irish coach Charlie Weis said Grimes looked better Wednesday and is optimistic he'll be able to go Saturday.During stretching, receivers coach Rob Ianello made arrangements with offensive coordinator Mike Haywood to "borrow" burly walk-on halfback Nikolas Rodriguez for a drill. Rodriguez was to pose as a linebacker.Once the team broke into groups for position...
Replicas of the green jerseys Notre Dame will be wearing Saturday against USC are on sale at the Notre Dame online store. They're not as hideous as I expected, though when you throw in some yellow pants, it could get pretty ugly. I wish USC would wear some throwbacks too, though I could understand why they wouldn't want to reminisce about that game.Browsing YouTube, I came up with this clip of Digger Phelps and Keith Jackson speaking at the pep rally before the classic '77 clash between the Irish and Trojans. Here's the TV pregame, including the...
Replicas of the green jerseys Notre Dame will be wearing Saturday against USC are on sale at the Notre Dame online store. They're not as hideous as I expected, though when you throw in some yellow pants, it could get pretty ugly. I wish USC would wear some throwbacks too, though I could understand why they wouldn't want to reminisce about that game.Browsing YouTube, I came up with this clip of Digger Phelps and Keith Jackson speaking at the pep rally before the classic '77 clash between the Irish and Trojans. Here's the TV pregame, including the...
Notre Dame sophomore basketball forward Luke Harangody will miss three to six weeks with a torn ligament in his right thumb. Harangody was injured in practice on Monday and tests Tuesday revealed the ligament damage.Harangody will be in a cast for the next several weeks. A timetable for his return has yet to be determined. He will be evaluated in three weeks, or around Nov. 6. The Irish open the regular season at home against Long Island on Nov. 12.Harangody earned Big East Conference all-rookie team honors last season and was Notre Dame's fourth-leading scorer (11.2 points per game) and...
Notre Dame sophomore basketball forward Luke Harangody will miss three to six weeks with a torn ligament in his right thumb. Harangody was injured in practice on Monday and tests Tuesday revealed the ligament damage.Harangody will be in a cast for the next several weeks. A timetable for his return has yet to be determined. He will be evaluated in three weeks, or around Nov. 6. The Irish open the regular season at home against Long Island on Nov. 12.Harangody earned Big East Conference all-rookie team honors last season and was Notre Dame's fourth-leading scorer (11.2 points per game) and...
The most obvious — and probably important — change on Notre Dame's depth chart this week is Evan Sharpley taking the No. 1 spot at quarterback from Jimmy Clausen. But it's not the only change.With running back James Aldridge doubtful with a high ankle spot, there's a four-way tie for the top spot, with Travis Thomas listed first, followed by Armando Allen, Junior Jabbie and Robert Hughes.The starters at wide receiver are Duval Kamara and Robby Parris. Kamara is followed by George West and D.J. Hord and Parris by David Grimes and Golden Tate.Matt Carufel's departure leaves Notre Dame thin...
The most obvious — and probably important — change on Notre Dame's depth chart this week is Evan Sharpley taking the No. 1 spot at quarterback from Jimmy Clausen. But it's not the only change.With running back James Aldridge doubtful with a high ankle spot, there's a four-way tie for the top spot, with Travis Thomas listed first, followed by Armando Allen, Junior Jabbie and Robert Hughes.The starters at wide receiver are Duval Kamara and Robby Parris. Kamara is followed by George West and D.J. Hord and Parris by David Grimes and Golden Tate.Matt Carufel's departure leaves Notre Dame thin...
Today we saw the Notre Dame version of arena football, but more on that in a moment.First of all, checking in on the injured players, running back James Aldridge was not at practice Tuesday at the Loftus Center and was pronounced "doubful" for Saturday's game by coach Charlie Weis. Linebacker Maurice Crum Jr., who saw very limited action last week against Boston College because of turf toe, was at practice, but seemed to be slowed a bit. I'd say it's up in the air whether he plays against the Trojans.Again, Notre Dame opened with place-kicking, though the Irish didn't run...
Today we saw the Notre Dame version of arena football, but more on that in a moment.First of all, checking in on the injured players, running back James Aldridge was not at practice Tuesday at the Loftus Center and was pronounced "doubful" for Saturday's game by coach Charlie Weis. Linebacker Maurice Crum Jr., who saw very limited action last week against Boston College because of turf toe, was at practice, but seemed to be slowed a bit. I'd say it's up in the air whether he plays against the Trojans.Again, Notre Dame opened with place-kicking, though the Irish didn't run...
Charlie Weis said the loss to Boston College boiled down to six crucial plays, and that was to be his message to the team on Sunday."There's a lot of plays involved in the game, but they're the plays I'm going to emphasize with them, showing the difference between winning and losing," Weis said.If you watched the game, you can probably guess what those plays are, but here's the rundown:1. The 52-yard run by Andre Callender on BC's first possession that set up a touchdown."Because realistically, in this game, our defense really didn't give up one drive that didn't start in...
Charlie Weis said the loss to Boston College boiled down to six crucial plays, and that was to be his message to the team on Sunday."There's a lot of plays involved in the game, but they're the plays I'm going to emphasize with them, showing the difference between winning and losing," Weis said.If you watched the game, you can probably guess what those plays are, but here's the rundown:1. The 52-yard run by Andre Callender on BC's first possession that set up a touchdown."Because realistically, in this game, our defense really didn't give up one drive that didn't start in...
Charlie Weis said this afternoon that he didn't talk to running back James Aldridge before he left the stadium on Saturday, but that Aldridge wasn't wearing a boot or walking on crutches after the game.Aldridge suffered what appeared to be a right ankle or leg injury during the first quarter of the game against Boston College and did not return."I saw him walking out of the locker room from afar, just after the press conference when I was walking through and he was walking out," Weis said. "He wasn't in a boot, he wasn't on crutches. I didn't get a...
Charlie Weis said this afternoon that he didn't talk to running back James Aldridge before he left the stadium on Saturday, but that Aldridge wasn't wearing a boot or walking on crutches after the game.Aldridge suffered what appeared to be a right ankle or leg injury during the first quarter of the game against Boston College and did not return."I saw him walking out of the locker room from afar, just after the press conference when I was walking through and he was walking out," Weis said. "He wasn't in a boot, he wasn't on crutches. I didn't get a...
Notre Dame coach Charlie Weis said Sunday he hasn't decided whether Jimmy Clausen or Evan Sharpley will be the team's quarterback next week against USC."I'll let you know on Tuesday," Weis said.Weis said he hasn't watched the game with the offensive coaching staff yet and will make his decision after doing that. But so far this season, Clausen has outplayed Sharpley and has earned the starting job."Trust me, if I felt, together with Ron (Powlus) and Michael (Haywood) and the rest of the offensive staff, that Evan was the best, Evan would be playing, because I really don't care who...
Notre Dame coach Charlie Weis said Sunday he hasn't decided whether Jimmy Clausen or Evan Sharpley will be the team's quarterback next week against USC."I'll let you know on Tuesday," Weis said.Weis said he hasn't watched the game with the offensive coaching staff yet and will make his decision after doing that. But so far this season, Clausen has outplayed Sharpley and has earned the starting job."Trust me, if I felt, together with Ron (Powlus) and Michael (Haywood) and the rest of the offensive staff, that Evan was the best, Evan would be playing, because I really don't care who...
Notre Dame needed — and I mean really needed — a win last week against UCLA, and the Irish got it at the Rose Bowl. But I think that when they walked off the field with a '1' in the win column, their chances of beating Boston College today may have departed, too. There was a small chance that BC could have overlooked an 0-6 Notre Dame team, but I'm sure that win by the Irish last week got the Eagles' attention and they'll be ready to play this afternoon.The Irish come out on the short end of just about...
Notre Dame needed — and I mean really needed — a win last week against UCLA, and the Irish got it at the Rose Bowl. But I think that when they walked off the field with a '1' in the win column, their chances of beating Boston College today may have departed, too. There was a small chance that BC could have overlooked an 0-6 Notre Dame team, but I'm sure that win by the Irish last week got the Eagles' attention and they'll be ready to play this afternoon.The Irish come out on the short end of just about...
As with last Thursday's practice, today's workout was held at Cartier Field instead of the Loftus Center and was scheduled to be 20 minutes shorter than usual.The Irish were in shoulder pads and shorts, except for a select few that opted for sweat pants: Trevor Laws, Pat Kuntz, Justin Brown, Kyle McCarthy, Tom Zbikowski, Paddy Mullen, Derrell Hand, Chris Stewart, Robby Parris and Sergio Brown. Coaches Oliver, Polian and Mendoza toughed it out with most of the players and wore shorts.Former Irish baseball coach Paul Manieri, who now coaches at LSU, was at practice today. He's in town for a...
As with last Thursday's practice, today's workout was held at Cartier Field instead of the Loftus Center and was scheduled to be 20 minutes shorter than usual.The Irish were in shoulder pads and shorts, except for a select few that opted for sweat pants: Trevor Laws, Pat Kuntz, Justin Brown, Kyle McCarthy, Tom Zbikowski, Paddy Mullen, Derrell Hand, Chris Stewart, Robby Parris and Sergio Brown. Coaches Oliver, Polian and Mendoza toughed it out with most of the players and wore shorts.Former Irish baseball coach Paul Manieri, who now coaches at LSU, was at practice today. He's in town for a...
Anthony Vernaglia was recruited to Notre Dame as a safety, briefly considered asking to move to wide receiver, and began the season as an outside linebacker. Now he's being trained to play inside linebacker as well.Vernaglia said the coaching staff asked him to learn how to play the inside spot in the nickel package around the second week of the season and he embraced the move."Nickel is where you get to make plays," Vernaglia said Wednesday. "You can do some things at outside linebacker against regular, but mostly you're playing the run. Nickel's where you get a chance to shine...
Anthony Vernaglia was recruited to Notre Dame as a safety, briefly considered asking to move to wide receiver, and began the season as an outside linebacker. Now he's being trained to play inside linebacker as well.Vernaglia said the coaching staff asked him to learn how to play the inside spot in the nickel package around the second week of the season and he embraced the move."Nickel is where you get to make plays," Vernaglia said Wednesday. "You can do some things at outside linebacker against regular, but mostly you're playing the run. Nickel's where you get a chance to shine...
Media access to practice was delayed by about 10 minutes today while former Detroit Red Wings great Steve Yzerman addressed the team. I suppose that's a good reason to keep me waiting.Today was the most fall-like day of fall yet — chilly and rainy — so the Irish practiced inside the Loftus Center.After stretching, the defensive backs did a drill in which they backpedaled as if dropping into pass coverage, then stepped forward to take on a block, shed it and hit a ball-carrier. DBs coach Bill Lewis gave the ball-carriers, being played by reserve defensive backs, the freedom to...
Media access to practice was delayed by about 10 minutes today while former Detroit Red Wings great Steve Yzerman addressed the team. I suppose that's a good reason to keep me waiting.Today was the most fall-like day of fall yet — chilly and rainy — so the Irish practiced inside the Loftus Center.After stretching, the defensive backs did a drill in which they backpedaled as if dropping into pass coverage, then stepped forward to take on a block, shed it and hit a ball-carrier. DBs coach Bill Lewis gave the ball-carriers, being played by reserve defensive backs, the freedom to...
... in sophomore receiver Barry Gallup Jr., whose father, Barry Gallup Sr., is the Boston College assistant athletic director for football operations. The younger Gallup said Tuesday night that he talks to his father every day, but they're keeping the conversations "general" this week.The Irish wideout said he's been eyeing this Saturday's game at Notre Dame Stadium for a long time."It's been circled on my calendar since I got here," Gallup said.Because of his relationship to the BC program, Gallup knows many of the players on the Eagles' roster and also knows how much the game means to Boston College."I...
... in sophomore receiver Barry Gallup Jr., whose father, Barry Gallup Sr., is the Boston College assistant athletic director for football operations. The younger Gallup said Tuesday night that he talks to his father every day, but they're keeping the conversations "general" this week.The Irish wideout said he's been eyeing this Saturday's game at Notre Dame Stadium for a long time."It's been circled on my calendar since I got here," Gallup said.Because of his relationship to the BC program, Gallup knows many of the players on the Eagles' roster and also knows how much the game means to Boston College."I...
Notre Dame practiced in full pads Tuesday on a windy but cloudless day at Cartier Field, likely to be the warmest of the week if the weather forecasts are accurate.Receiver David Grimes was on the field at the start of practice, with his injured right ankle taped up pretty good. Coach Charlie Weis expects Grimes to play Saturday against Boston College, but he may not be 100 percent.The team broke the huddle by shouting: "Win!" (or maybe they were saying "Wind!" to warm the kickers, who took the field next, that they needed to adjust for the gusts.)Brandon Walker, the...
Notre Dame practiced in full pads Tuesday on a windy but cloudless day at Cartier Field, likely to be the warmest of the week if the weather forecasts are accurate.Receiver David Grimes was on the field at the start of practice, with his injured right ankle taped up pretty good. Coach Charlie Weis expects Grimes to play Saturday against Boston College, but he may not be 100 percent.The team broke the huddle by shouting: "Win!" (or maybe they were saying "Wind!" to warm the kickers, who took the field next, that they needed to adjust for the gusts.)Brandon Walker, the...
As I wind up a late, late Friday night in Southern California, it's dawning on me that I don't like UCLA to win this game as much as I like Notre Dame to lose it. I got a good look at the Bruins in the Washington game and wasn't overly impressed, and although that Utah loss doesn't look quite so bad after the Utes knocked off Louisville (which doesn't look quite so good these days), UCLA doesn't strike me as a particularly consistent or dominant team.That said, the poster children for inconsistency and feebleness this season have been the Irish,...
As I wind up a late, late Friday night in Southern California, it's dawning on me that I don't like UCLA to win this game as much as I like Notre Dame to lose it. I got a good look at the Bruins in the Washington game and wasn't overly impressed, and although that Utah loss doesn't look quite so bad after the Utes knocked off Louisville (which doesn't look quite so good these days), UCLA doesn't strike me as a particularly consistent or dominant team.That said, the poster children for inconsistency and feebleness this season have been the Irish,...
Notre Dame held practice outside at Cartier Field instead of at the Loftus Center so coach Charlie Weis could let the players go 20 minutes earlier than usual. When the Irish practice inside, which they generally do on Thursdays, they have to rotate offense, defense and special teams because there's only one field available. At Cartier, there are three, so the team can get the same amount of work done faster.The goal was to have the team fresh and ready to come out quickly Saturday night at UCLA — as opposed to falling behind in a hurry as it did...
Notre Dame held practice outside at Cartier Field instead of at the Loftus Center so coach Charlie Weis could let the players go 20 minutes earlier than usual. When the Irish practice inside, which they generally do on Thursdays, they have to rotate offense, defense and special teams because there's only one field available. At Cartier, there are three, so the team can get the same amount of work done faster.The goal was to have the team fresh and ready to come out quickly Saturday night at UCLA — as opposed to falling behind in a hurry as it did...
Matt Carufel has filled in at right guard while Dan Wenger rehabbed his ankle injury, and, from the sound of things, is sort of enjoying his starting role and isn't in a hurry to go back to the No. 2 spot."It's no secret we both want that spot," Carufel said. "He's a darn good player and I'm a good player. Only time will tell, but you can bet I'm not going to give that up if I have anything to do about it. Every day is a competition. There's nobody out there that's set in stone. If somebody's playing well,...
Matt Carufel has filled in at right guard while Dan Wenger rehabbed his ankle injury, and, from the sound of things, is sort of enjoying his starting role and isn't in a hurry to go back to the No. 2 spot."It's no secret we both want that spot," Carufel said. "He's a darn good player and I'm a good player. Only time will tell, but you can bet I'm not going to give that up if I have anything to do about it. Every day is a competition. There's nobody out there that's set in stone. If somebody's playing well,...
Wednesday's practice at sunny Cartier Field began with linebacker John Ryan running out for stretching and sliding, feet first, as if he was going into home plate. I'm gonna call him safe.Once again, Dan Wenger was at practice at David Grimes was not. Both are going to make the trip to Southern California this weekend in case they're able to play against UCLA. Quarterback Jimmy Clausen looked fine again during the media portion of practice, and coach Charlie Weis confirmed that afterward."I was really surprised yesterday that he moved almost completely normal yesterday, but he definitely looked normal today," Weis...
Wednesday's practice at sunny Cartier Field began with linebacker John Ryan running out for stretching and sliding, feet first, as if he was going into home plate. I'm gonna call him safe.Once again, Dan Wenger was at practice at David Grimes was not. Both are going to make the trip to Southern California this weekend in case they're able to play against UCLA. Quarterback Jimmy Clausen looked fine again during the media portion of practice, and coach Charlie Weis confirmed that afterward."I was really surprised yesterday that he moved almost completely normal yesterday, but he definitely looked normal today," Weis...
The highlight of Tuesday's practice were the full-speed reps in the kicking game, but before we get to that, let's get a few personnel issues out of the way. Wide receiver David Grimes was out Tuesday, and judging by the pronounced limp he walked with on his way out of the locker room last Saturday at Purdue, he's looking doubtful for UCLA. But offensive lineman Dan Wenger was back (though moving slowly), and so was offensive lineman Chris Stewart, who was excused from the team last week and considered transferring. Finally, Justin Brown was still running gingerly, but at least...
The highlight of Tuesday's practice were the full-speed reps in the kicking game, but before we get to that, let's get a few personnel issues out of the way. Wide receiver David Grimes was out Tuesday, and judging by the pronounced limp he walked with on his way out of the locker room last Saturday at Purdue, he's looking doubtful for UCLA. But offensive lineman Dan Wenger was back (though moving slowly), and so was offensive lineman Chris Stewart, who was excused from the team last week and considered transferring. Finally, Justin Brown was still running gingerly, but at least...