November 2007 Entries
NOTRE DAME — Notre Dame fifth-year seniors John Carlson and Trevor Laws have earned second-team academic All-America recognition from ESPN The Magazine and the College Sports Information Directors of America.The Irish have had a football player named an academic All-American on 51 occasions in the program’s history, second-most in the nation. Notre Dame has had 38 first-team selections, 12 second-team honorees and one honorable mention pick.Carlson, a 2006 first-team honoree, finished his career with the second-most receptions and third-most receiving yards by a tight end in Notre Dame history. He led the Irish this year with 40 catches and totaled...
NOTRE DAME — Notre Dame fifth-year seniors John Carlson and Trevor Laws have earned second-team academic All-America recognition from ESPN The Magazine and the College Sports Information Directors of America.The Irish have had a football player named an academic All-American on 51 occasions in the program’s history, second-most in the nation. Notre Dame has had 38 first-team selections, 12 second-team honorees and one honorable mention pick.Carlson, a 2006 first-team honoree, finished his career with the second-most receptions and third-most receiving yards by a tight end in Notre Dame history. He led the Irish this year with 40 catches and totaled...
During Notre Dame's win over Colgate on Monday at the Joyce Center, Irish coach Mike Brey figuratively tossed aside the clipboard on an out-of-bounds play."Just screen somebody," Brey told the team. "I don't know if we're going to call something. Just move, cut, screen, swing it, hit the open guy."The Irish were comfortably ahead at the time, of course, but it illustrates the trust Brey has in his players and in their ability to run his offensive system. After the game, Brey pointed out that that trust comes with experience."No team that runs the Princeton offense runs it when they...
During Notre Dame's win over Colgate on Monday at the Joyce Center, Irish coach Mike Brey figuratively tossed aside the clipboard on an out-of-bounds play."Just screen somebody," Brey told the team. "I don't know if we're going to call something. Just move, cut, screen, swing it, hit the open guy."The Irish were comfortably ahead at the time, of course, but it illustrates the trust Brey has in his players and in their ability to run his offensive system. After the game, Brey pointed out that that trust comes with experience."No team that runs the Princeton offense runs it when they...
I just flew in from San Francisco and (don't say it ... don't say it) boy, are my arms tired. (I knew I couldn't resist.) After a couple hours sleep on the red-eye and a couple hours nap at home, I'm at the Joyce Center for tonight's men's basketball game against Colgate.Don't have a lot of time before tipoff, but I want to get a prediction on record. Surprisingly, the teams have an opponent in common already — Monmouth, which the Raiders beat 63-60 in their opener and which Notre Dame beat 76-33 in the Virgin Islands.Colgate's top player is...
I just flew in from San Francisco and (don't say it ... don't say it) boy, are my arms tired. (I knew I couldn't resist.) After a couple hours sleep on the red-eye and a couple hours nap at home, I'm at the Joyce Center for tonight's men's basketball game against Colgate.Don't have a lot of time before tipoff, but I want to get a prediction on record. Surprisingly, the teams have an opponent in common already — Monmouth, which the Raiders beat 63-60 in their opener and which Notre Dame beat 76-33 in the Virgin Islands.Colgate's top player is...
What with football and Thanksgiving, I haven't had much time to look very closely at basketball this week, so I'm kind of flying blind here.I do think Youngstown State is better than a lot of the non-conference teams Notre Dame will be playing over the next five weeks or so, though that's not saying much. It's another team without much height, which means Luke Harangody should have another big game, and I'm sure the Irish are anxious to get back on the court after those two heart-breaking losses in the Virgin Islands. For those reasons, I'm taking Notre Dame.Notre Dame...
What with football and Thanksgiving, I haven't had much time to look very closely at basketball this week, so I'm kind of flying blind here.I do think Youngstown State is better than a lot of the non-conference teams Notre Dame will be playing over the next five weeks or so, though that's not saying much. It's another team without much height, which means Luke Harangody should have another big game, and I'm sure the Irish are anxious to get back on the court after those two heart-breaking losses in the Virgin Islands. For those reasons, I'm taking Notre Dame.Notre Dame...
Hello from San Francisco, where the predicted high tommorow is 65 degrees (under sunny skies)! Alas, I've been here before and know how quickly the weather changes.A win tomorrow would be huge for Notre Dame. The Irish could use the momentum going into the offseason, both from a team and recruiting standpoint. It would also help on a national level — they need to make it look like they've turned a corner. Beat Stanford and people start to think the worst is over. Well, the worst probably is over, but I just don't see Notre Dame winning and wrapping up...
Hello from San Francisco, where the predicted high tommorow is 65 degrees (under sunny skies)! Alas, I've been here before and know how quickly the weather changes.A win tomorrow would be huge for Notre Dame. The Irish could use the momentum going into the offseason, both from a team and recruiting standpoint. It would also help on a national level — they need to make it look like they've turned a corner. Beat Stanford and people start to think the worst is over. Well, the worst probably is over, but I just don't see Notre Dame winning and wrapping up...
It rained for at least 10 consecutive hours today in northern Indiana, so it was no surprise that the Notre Dame football team chose to practice inside the Loftus Center today. The players were all in pads with the notable exception of center John Sullivan, who wore shorts. Just like yesterday, Sullivan ran with the team, but when the players broke up for drills in their position groups, Sullivan stood by and watched with a wrap on his right knee. It's hard for me to see him playing on Saturday, but I'm sure Charlie Weis will put the senior in...
It rained for at least 10 consecutive hours today in northern Indiana, so it was no surprise that the Notre Dame football team chose to practice inside the Loftus Center today. The players were all in pads with the notable exception of center John Sullivan, who wore shorts. Just like yesterday, Sullivan ran with the team, but when the players broke up for drills in their position groups, Sullivan stood by and watched with a wrap on his right knee. It's hard for me to see him playing on Saturday, but I'm sure Charlie Weis will put the senior in...
Word has come down from on high (OK, from Bristol, Conn.) that Saturday's Notre Dame-Stanford game will be televised on ESPN, not ESPN2 as originally announced.Kickoff is still at 3:30 p.m. Eastern, and the announcers, are still Dave Lamont and Ed Cunningham. So that's great news for all you Lamont and Cunningham fans out there.
Word has come down from on high (OK, from Bristol, Conn.) that Saturday's Notre Dame-Stanford game will be televised on ESPN, not ESPN2 as originally announced.Kickoff is still at 3:30 p.m. Eastern, and the announcers, are still Dave Lamont and Ed Cunningham. So that's great news for all you Lamont and Cunningham fans out there.
You wouldn't think Charlie Weis would have much an opinion on things that happen at Michigan, but he weighed in on the retirement of Wolverines coach Lloyd Carr during his press conference on Tuesday.Weis said he tried to call Carr Tuesday morning, but Carr was boarding a plane. Weis left Carr his "double-secret probation" phone number, which should give you an idea of the esteem in which Weis holds his former rival."I really like Coach Carr," Weis said. "Before you even talk about him as a coach, as a matter of fact, I actually went up there and spoke at...
You wouldn't think Charlie Weis would have much an opinion on things that happen at Michigan, but he weighed in on the retirement of Wolverines coach Lloyd Carr during his press conference on Tuesday.Weis said he tried to call Carr Tuesday morning, but Carr was boarding a plane. Weis left Carr his "double-secret probation" phone number, which should give you an idea of the esteem in which Weis holds his former rival."I really like Coach Carr," Weis said. "Before you even talk about him as a coach, as a matter of fact, I actually went up there and spoke at...
Not much to talk about today, other than the injuries. Center John Sullivan, who's doubtful for Saturday's game at Stanford, ran with the team, but wasn't wearing pads and didn't participate in offensive line drills after stretching. Running back James Aldridge's right ankle was wrapped, but he was high-stepping through drills with the rest of the team.After stretching, it was on to kicking. Here's how Brandon Walker fared:• Extra point — Good.• 33-yard field goal from near right hash mark — No good ... or good. The student managers who stand underneath the uprights disagred on the call, one signaling...
Not much to talk about today, other than the injuries. Center John Sullivan, who's doubtful for Saturday's game at Stanford, ran with the team, but wasn't wearing pads and didn't participate in offensive line drills after stretching. Running back James Aldridge's right ankle was wrapped, but he was high-stepping through drills with the rest of the team.After stretching, it was on to kicking. Here's how Brandon Walker fared:• Extra point — Good.• 33-yard field goal from near right hash mark — No good ... or good. The student managers who stand underneath the uprights disagred on the call, one signaling...
I was able to watch most of Sunday night's game on TV, and the last 10 minutes or so were painful from an Irish perspective. Notre Dame seemed confused by Baylor's defense, took a number of bad shots and left the Bears' shooters open on the perimeter.The bright spot, I suppose, was that Georgia Tech lost its Paradise Jam semifinal game, too — also by blowing a second-half lead. That gives Notre Dame another chance for a win against a major-conference opponent outside of the Big East. If the Irish don't get it tonight, they'll only have one more chance...
I was able to watch most of Sunday night's game on TV, and the last 10 minutes or so were painful from an Irish perspective. Notre Dame seemed confused by Baylor's defense, took a number of bad shots and left the Bears' shooters open on the perimeter.The bright spot, I suppose, was that Georgia Tech lost its Paradise Jam semifinal game, too — also by blowing a second-half lead. That gives Notre Dame another chance for a win against a major-conference opponent outside of the Big East. If the Irish don't get it tonight, they'll only have one more chance...
Former Valparaiso coach Scott Drew has had a surprising amount of success at Baylor, both on the court (38-69) and in recruiting (three of his first four classes have been ranked in the top 20 nationally), considering the circumstances in which he took the job .Baylor (2-0) beat Wichita State 64-55 in the opening round of the Paradise Jam on the strength of 23 points by Curtis Jerrells, a 6-foot-1 junior guard. Jerrells has made seven of his 13 3-point shots this season and has 10 assists to just one turnover this season. The team's second-leading scorer is 6-9...
Former Valparaiso coach Scott Drew has had a surprising amount of success at Baylor, both on the court (38-69) and in recruiting (three of his first four classes have been ranked in the top 20 nationally), considering the circumstances in which he took the job .Baylor (2-0) beat Wichita State 64-55 in the opening round of the Paradise Jam on the strength of 23 points by Curtis Jerrells, a 6-foot-1 junior guard. Jerrells has made seven of his 13 3-point shots this season and has 10 assists to just one turnover this season. The team's second-leading scorer is 6-9...
I keep waiting for the "real" Notre Dame football team to show up this season, but after this many weeks of waiting, it's obvious that the 1-9 squad that will take the field this afternoon is the "real" Irish. But the one that plays Duke today may look something like the team Notre Dame fans expected to see at the start of the season.You've got Jimmy Clausen at quarterback, Duval Kamara at receiver, Armando Allen at halfback, Kerry Neal at linebacker ... all players that many expected to work their way into the rotation by this point in the season....
I keep waiting for the "real" Notre Dame football team to show up this season, but after this many weeks of waiting, it's obvious that the 1-9 squad that will take the field this afternoon is the "real" Irish. But the one that plays Duke today may look something like the team Notre Dame fans expected to see at the start of the season.You've got Jimmy Clausen at quarterback, Duval Kamara at receiver, Armando Allen at halfback, Kerry Neal at linebacker ... all players that many expected to work their way into the rotation by this point in the season....
You have to like how Notre Dame played in its season opener against Long Island, and I'd be surprised if that didn't carry over into tonight's game against Monmouth in the Virgin Islands.The Irish should be able to go to the inside game against against the undersized Hawks, and Notre Dame's ability to take care of the ball and numerous offensive weapons should be more than enough to prevent an upset.Notre Dame 78, Monmouth 66.
You have to like how Notre Dame played in its season opener against Long Island, and I'd be surprised if that didn't carry over into tonight's game against Monmouth in the Virgin Islands.The Irish should be able to go to the inside game against against the undersized Hawks, and Notre Dame's ability to take care of the ball and numerous offensive weapons should be more than enough to prevent an upset.Notre Dame 78, Monmouth 66.
Notre Dame actually came outside this afternoon for practice, braving the 30-degree temperatures. Charlie Weis, in full hoodie mode, glanced over toward the shivering media, noticed the hands in jacket pockets and said, "Not much writing going on."It was pick-on-the-media day at Notre Dame, apparently. Keith Penrod rode across the field with a sign that read "We don't need the media, just ourselves." (That's probably true, though I don't remember anybody complaining about the media when Notre Dame was going to the Sugar Bowl last season.) The highlight of practice Thursday — and maybe of the season — was Penrod...
Notre Dame actually came outside this afternoon for practice, braving the 30-degree temperatures. Charlie Weis, in full hoodie mode, glanced over toward the shivering media, noticed the hands in jacket pockets and said, "Not much writing going on."It was pick-on-the-media day at Notre Dame, apparently. Keith Penrod rode across the field with a sign that read "We don't need the media, just ourselves." (That's probably true, though I don't remember anybody complaining about the media when Notre Dame was going to the Sugar Bowl last season.) The highlight of practice Thursday — and maybe of the season — was Penrod...
“If it’s not sticking through the skin, he’s going to play,” Notre Dame defensive coordinator Corwin Brown said of linebacker Joe Brockington.Brockington proved him right on that statement earlier this season.Brockington suffered a dislocated right thumb during the first quarter of the season opener against Georgia Tech. After the play, he got up and walked to the huddle, shaking out his hand, thinking he’d jammed his thumb, but the injury turned out to be more serious. Not serious enough to keep Brockington from making seven tackles against the Yellow Jackets, but serious enough that there was a question as to...
“If it’s not sticking through the skin, he’s going to play,” Notre Dame defensive coordinator Corwin Brown said of linebacker Joe Brockington.Brockington proved him right on that statement earlier this season.Brockington suffered a dislocated right thumb during the first quarter of the season opener against Georgia Tech. After the play, he got up and walked to the huddle, shaking out his hand, thinking he’d jammed his thumb, but the injury turned out to be more serious. Not serious enough to keep Brockington from making seven tackles against the Yellow Jackets, but serious enough that there was a question as to...
Not a whole lot to pass on from Wednesday's practice, which was held inside the Loftus Center, but here's what I saw:On the injury front, safety Sergio Brown and nose tackle Pat Kuntz were not present, center John Sullivan was there but not in uniform and tight end Mike Ragone and punter Geoff Price were suited up and going through warm-ups with their teammates.Sullivan was wearing a polo shirt and sweatpants and had a practice schedule tucked into the front of his sweats, just like the coaches do. He stood next to line coach John Latina during stretching and then...
Not a whole lot to pass on from Wednesday's practice, which was held inside the Loftus Center, but here's what I saw:On the injury front, safety Sergio Brown and nose tackle Pat Kuntz were not present, center John Sullivan was there but not in uniform and tight end Mike Ragone and punter Geoff Price were suited up and going through warm-ups with their teammates.Sullivan was wearing a polo shirt and sweatpants and had a practice schedule tucked into the front of his sweats, just like the coaches do. He stood next to line coach John Latina during stretching and then...
Notre Dame receivers coach Rob Ianello and Duke head coach Ted Roof entered the coaching profession together and remain good friends, but Ianello said that friendship won't be much of a help as the Irish prepare to face the Blue Devils on Saturday."No, not at all," he said. "It makes it more interesting, that's all."Ianello and Roof were graduate assistants at Alabama in 1987 under former Tide coach Bill Curry and even roomed together for a time. Ianello didn't say who was Oscar and who was Felix."As GAs, you're always looking for somebody to bunk with, so we got an...
Notre Dame receivers coach Rob Ianello and Duke head coach Ted Roof entered the coaching profession together and remain good friends, but Ianello said that friendship won't be much of a help as the Irish prepare to face the Blue Devils on Saturday."No, not at all," he said. "It makes it more interesting, that's all."Ianello and Roof were graduate assistants at Alabama in 1987 under former Tide coach Bill Curry and even roomed together for a time. Ianello didn't say who was Oscar and who was Felix."As GAs, you're always looking for somebody to bunk with, so we got an...
Every time I think it's gone cold for good, we have another reasonably warm day, as we did on Tuesday. If these can hold out for the next week, I'm going to be thrilled.There were dueling whistles coordinating the warm-ups today — one by strength coach Ruben Mendoza for the offense and one by one of Mendoza's assistants to keep the defense moving in time. They were a little off, and I thought there was an echo on the practice field for a moment.After the teams broke the huddle, cornerback Darrin Walls, for the second consecutive Tuesday, took off in...
Every time I think it's gone cold for good, we have another reasonably warm day, as we did on Tuesday. If these can hold out for the next week, I'm going to be thrilled.There were dueling whistles coordinating the warm-ups today — one by strength coach Ruben Mendoza for the offense and one by one of Mendoza's assistants to keep the defense moving in time. They were a little off, and I thought there was an echo on the practice field for a moment.After the teams broke the huddle, cornerback Darrin Walls, for the second consecutive Tuesday, took off in...
Notre Dame center John Sullivan, nose tackle Pat Kuntz and safety Sergio Brown are out for Saturday's game against Duke, coach Charlie Weis said during Tuesday's press conference. Tight end Mike Ragone and punter Geoff Price are doubtful.So what does all this mean? First, Dan Wenger will start at center, with Thomas Bemenderfer the likely backup."Sullivan has been our best offensive lineman all year," Weis said. "He's been our No. 1 guy. Any time you're going from the first guy to the second guy there's a dropoff. But I think Danny is a really good football player."At nose, the start...
Notre Dame center John Sullivan, nose tackle Pat Kuntz and safety Sergio Brown are out for Saturday's game against Duke, coach Charlie Weis said during Tuesday's press conference. Tight end Mike Ragone and punter Geoff Price are doubtful.So what does all this mean? First, Dan Wenger will start at center, with Thomas Bemenderfer the likely backup."Sullivan has been our best offensive lineman all year," Weis said. "He's been our No. 1 guy. Any time you're going from the first guy to the second guy there's a dropoff. But I think Danny is a really good football player."At nose, the start...
No, not in football. If it was in football, I'd definitely go with the Irish, seeing as LIU doesn't have a team.This is for the men's basketball season opener. I thought I'd make predictions for these games, too, because there just aren't enough opportunities in the day to make myself look foolish. So check back on gamedays for those selections.Here's most of what I know about the Long Island University Blackbirds:• They have a sixth-year coach in Jim Ferry, who's 53-88 at the school;• they're picked to finish 11th in the 11-team Northeast Conference, which was won last season by...
No, not in football. If it was in football, I'd definitely go with the Irish, seeing as LIU doesn't have a team.This is for the men's basketball season opener. I thought I'd make predictions for these games, too, because there just aren't enough opportunities in the day to make myself look foolish. So check back on gamedays for those selections.Here's most of what I know about the Long Island University Blackbirds:• They have a sixth-year coach in Jim Ferry, who's 53-88 at the school;• they're picked to finish 11th in the 11-team Northeast Conference, which was won last season by...
The ideal scenario for this game would be for Brandon Walker to make a 40-yard field goal that barely clears the crossbar to beat Air Force, and Charlie Weis could then come into the interview room after the game and say, with a grin on his face, "See, I told you he couldn't hit from 41."But that would mean that something finally went right for Notre Dame, and as you know if you've seen the Irish play this year, things haven't gone right at all. I have a feeling, based on what I saw in practice this week and Weis'...
The ideal scenario for this game would be for Brandon Walker to make a 40-yard field goal that barely clears the crossbar to beat Air Force, and Charlie Weis could then come into the interview room after the game and say, with a grin on his face, "See, I told you he couldn't hit from 41."But that would mean that something finally went right for Notre Dame, and as you know if you've seen the Irish play this year, things haven't gone right at all. I have a feeling, based on what I saw in practice this week and Weis'...
One thing about Notre Dame's 1-8 start is it's brought reporters from every part of the country trying to figure out what's wrong with the Irish, asking variations of questions the regular reporters (and you too, probably) have been asking all year. (Irish coach Charlie Weis has been great about answering them, by the way.) Thursday, it was a reporter from Denver who asked Weis if he, because of the low number of seniors on the roster, saw this season coming.It sounded like Weis was prepared to struggle, but not as badly as Notre Dame has this year."You knew that...
One thing about Notre Dame's 1-8 start is it's brought reporters from every part of the country trying to figure out what's wrong with the Irish, asking variations of questions the regular reporters (and you too, probably) have been asking all year. (Irish coach Charlie Weis has been great about answering them, by the way.) Thursday, it was a reporter from Denver who asked Weis if he, because of the low number of seniors on the roster, saw this season coming.It sounded like Weis was prepared to struggle, but not as badly as Notre Dame has this year."You knew that...
Notre Dame players practiced in sweat pants and shoulder pads during Thursday's abbreviated workout at Cartier Field. Scouts from the New Orleans Saints and Carolina Panthers were on hand, as were a number of media members who were counting down the number of remaining practices. (I won't say who those reporters were. ... Oh, OK, it was all of us.)On the injury front, Pat Kuntz was again present and hit the blocking sled with the rest of the defensive linemen. Coach Charlie Weis said Kuntz told him he would be ready to play on Saturday. Tackle Sam Young had...
Notre Dame players practiced in sweat pants and shoulder pads during Thursday's abbreviated workout at Cartier Field. Scouts from the New Orleans Saints and Carolina Panthers were on hand, as were a number of media members who were counting down the number of remaining practices. (I won't say who those reporters were. ... Oh, OK, it was all of us.)On the injury front, Pat Kuntz was again present and hit the blocking sled with the rest of the defensive linemen. Coach Charlie Weis said Kuntz told him he would be ready to play on Saturday. Tackle Sam Young had...
Notre Dame practiced in full pads Wednesday at a very chilly Cartier Field. Receivers coach Rob Ianello seemed to be the most prepared for the weather, wearing so many layers he looked like almost like Randy from "A Christmas Story". Bet he was the warmest guy out there, though.The Irish seemed to have plenty of energy during the media portion of practice, but they could have just been trying to stay warm. As the linebackers started their group drills, coach Brian Polian said, "We're going to warm those legs up for you southerners who think it's cold out here!"...
Notre Dame practiced in full pads Wednesday at a very chilly Cartier Field. Receivers coach Rob Ianello seemed to be the most prepared for the weather, wearing so many layers he looked like almost like Randy from "A Christmas Story". Bet he was the warmest guy out there, though.The Irish seemed to have plenty of energy during the media portion of practice, but they could have just been trying to stay warm. As the linebackers started their group drills, coach Brian Polian said, "We're going to warm those legs up for you southerners who think it's cold out here!"...
Jimmy Clausen will be the starter at quarterback for Notre Dame Saturday against Air Force, Irish coach Charlie Weis announced Wednesday night without further comment.Weis is expected to speak more on the decision tomorrow night after practice.
Jimmy Clausen will be the starter at quarterback for Notre Dame Saturday against Air Force, Irish coach Charlie Weis announced Wednesday night without further comment.Weis is expected to speak more on the decision tomorrow night after practice.
Tickets for Notre Dame's games against Air Force and Duke the next two weeks are now on sale at the Notre Dame ticket office, by phone at (574) 631-7356 or at und.com.Tickets are $62 each — that's face value. If you're willing to take a chance on buying from someone on gameday and don't mind haggling, you can probably get them for half that, if not less, on Saturday. I was offered a ticket for $15 on my way into the stadium last week.
Tickets for Notre Dame's games against Air Force and Duke the next two weeks are now on sale at the Notre Dame ticket office, by phone at (574) 631-7356 or at und.com.Tickets are $62 each — that's face value. If you're willing to take a chance on buying from someone on gameday and don't mind haggling, you can probably get them for half that, if not less, on Saturday. I was offered a ticket for $15 on my way into the stadium last week.
Mike Brey won't be able to use the "We're just trying to get to New York" line after this season.The Presidents of the Big East Conference voted to include all 16 schools in the men’s and women’s basketball tournaments beginning in 2009. Currently, only the top 12 teams in the final regular-season standings advance to the tournaments.The top four teams will receive byes into the quarterfinals of the tournament and teams in fifth through eighth place will receive byes into the second round. The teams seeded 9 through 16 meet on the first day of competition. The matchups will be...
Mike Brey won't be able to use the "We're just trying to get to New York" line after this season.The Presidents of the Big East Conference voted to include all 16 schools in the men’s and women’s basketball tournaments beginning in 2009. Currently, only the top 12 teams in the final regular-season standings advance to the tournaments.The top four teams will receive byes into the quarterfinals of the tournament and teams in fifth through eighth place will receive byes into the second round. The teams seeded 9 through 16 meet on the first day of competition. The matchups will be...
One day after missing out on five-star recruit Tyler Zeller, Luke's brother, Notre Dame received a verbal commitment from Houston forward Joey Brooks, a member of the class of 2009.Brooks, who's 6-foot-4 and weighs 202 pounds, chose the Irish over Wake Forest, Oklahoma State, Marquette and Arizona State, according to rivals.com, which has Brooks rated as a three-star prospect.Brooks' commitment is Notre Dame's first for 2008 or 2009.
One day after missing out on five-star recruit Tyler Zeller, Luke's brother, Notre Dame received a verbal commitment from Houston forward Joey Brooks, a member of the class of 2009.Brooks, who's 6-foot-4 and weighs 202 pounds, chose the Irish over Wake Forest, Oklahoma State, Marquette and Arizona State, according to rivals.com, which has Brooks rated as a three-star prospect.Brooks' commitment is Notre Dame's first for 2008 or 2009.
If you're going to criticize Charlie Weis for something, as I did here on Sunday, it's important to give him credit when he deserves it, and after hearing Robert Hughes speak Tuesday night, it's obvious that Weis handled the death of Hughes' brother Earl about as well as anyone could have.I can't imagine how difficult it must have been for Weis and his staff to have to break the news of Earl's death to Robert, but from that moment forward, the Irish program has done everything right in this situation, from helping Hughes when he came back to campus...
If you're going to criticize Charlie Weis for something, as I did here on Sunday, it's important to give him credit when he deserves it, and after hearing Robert Hughes speak Tuesday night, it's obvious that Weis handled the death of Hughes' brother Earl about as well as anyone could have.I can't imagine how difficult it must have been for Weis and his staff to have to break the news of Earl's death to Robert, but from that moment forward, the Irish program has done everything right in this situation, from helping Hughes when he came back to campus...
Hey, Brandon Walker can hit a long field goal after all! OK, so it wasn't the same circumstances as the Irish were playing in against Navy last Saturday, but Walker did hit from 39, 43 and 45 yards Tuesday during practice at the Loftus Center.Walker had a nice day kicking in the friendly indoor confines, hitting an extra point, then missing a 32-yard field goal from the right hash. After that, he had five without a miss from 32, 35, 39, 43 and 45. The reps were not run at full speed, but the kicks were high enough that they...
Hey, Brandon Walker can hit a long field goal after all! OK, so it wasn't the same circumstances as the Irish were playing in against Navy last Saturday, but Walker did hit from 39, 43 and 45 yards Tuesday during practice at the Loftus Center.Walker had a nice day kicking in the friendly indoor confines, hitting an extra point, then missing a 32-yard field goal from the right hash. After that, he had five without a miss from 32, 35, 39, 43 and 45. The reps were not run at full speed, but the kicks were high enough that they...
The visitation and funeral for former Notre Dame track star Ryan Shay have been finalized. Here are the details:• The visitation is from 5-8 p.m. Friday and noon-8 p.m. Saturday at Mortensen Funeral Home in Central Lake, Mich.• The service will be held at 2 p.m. Sunday at Harvest Barn Church in East Jordan, Mich. There's also a visitation there from 1-2 p.m.Memorials may be sent to:The Ryan Shay Memorial Fund5873 Leisure LaneEast Jordan, MI 49727
The visitation and funeral for former Notre Dame track star Ryan Shay have been finalized. Here are the details:• The visitation is from 5-8 p.m. Friday and noon-8 p.m. Saturday at Mortensen Funeral Home in Central Lake, Mich.• The service will be held at 2 p.m. Sunday at Harvest Barn Church in East Jordan, Mich. There's also a visitation there from 1-2 p.m.Memorials may be sent to:The Ryan Shay Memorial Fund5873 Leisure LaneEast Jordan, MI 49727
I’ll get the necessary disclaimer out of the way right at the start: Charlie Weis is a thousand times the football coach I would ever be, and if I coached against him and we had identical teams, his team would probably beat mine by a hundred points.But even I know that Notre Dame should have attempted a 41-yard field goal with 45 seconds remaining against Navy on Saturday, and I would say that even if the Irish would have ended up beating the Middies.Not sending out Brandon Walker to kick to win the game goes against at least three things...
I’ll get the necessary disclaimer out of the way right at the start: Charlie Weis is a thousand times the football coach I would ever be, and if I coached against him and we had identical teams, his team would probably beat mine by a hundred points.But even I know that Notre Dame should have attempted a 41-yard field goal with 45 seconds remaining against Navy on Saturday, and I would say that even if the Irish would have ended up beating the Middies.Not sending out Brandon Walker to kick to win the game goes against at least three things...
OK, so maybe the losses are starting to take their toll on Charlie Weis.At about the 13-minute mark of today's press conference, when Weis was asked what he'd tell the team when he met with him today, he said he'd make sure they understood that "winning was never OK."We'll just assume he meant that "losing was never OK." I'm sure that sound bite won't turn up on any opponent fan sites this week ...
OK, so maybe the losses are starting to take their toll on Charlie Weis.At about the 13-minute mark of today's press conference, when Weis was asked what he'd tell the team when he met with him today, he said he'd make sure they understood that "winning was never OK."We'll just assume he meant that "losing was never OK." I'm sure that sound bite won't turn up on any opponent fan sites this week ...
In my view, this game comes down to who you want to put your faith in — Notre Dame's offense or Navy's defense. It's not an easy choice.Notre Dame has looked awful on offense, though against a pretty decent schedule, and Navy has looked just as bad on defense — against the likes of Duke and Delaware, among others. I'm guessing even Notre Dame's terrible offense will be able to move the ball on Navy by using its physical advantage on the line of scrimmage and its bigger receivers. But moving the ball won't be enough — the Irish need...
In my view, this game comes down to who you want to put your faith in — Notre Dame's offense or Navy's defense. It's not an easy choice.Notre Dame has looked awful on offense, though against a pretty decent schedule, and Navy has looked just as bad on defense — against the likes of Duke and Delaware, among others. I'm guessing even Notre Dame's terrible offense will be able to move the ball on Navy by using its physical advantage on the line of scrimmage and its bigger receivers. But moving the ball won't be enough — the Irish need...
Former Notre Dame kicker Nick Setta is the East Division's nominee for the Canadian Football League's Most Outstanding Rookie award.Through 17 games this season, Setta, who plays for the Hamilton Tiger-Cats, leads the CFL in field goal percentage (41-of-48 for 85.1 percent) and has the league's longest successful attempt this season — 52 yards.Setta is also punting for the Tiger-Cats. He's averaging 43.9 yards per punt and 40.1 yards net. Setta's total includes a 97-yard punt, which set a team record.The award will be announced on Thanksgiving Day.
Former Notre Dame kicker Nick Setta is the East Division's nominee for the Canadian Football League's Most Outstanding Rookie award.Through 17 games this season, Setta, who plays for the Hamilton Tiger-Cats, leads the CFL in field goal percentage (41-of-48 for 85.1 percent) and has the league's longest successful attempt this season — 52 yards.Setta is also punting for the Tiger-Cats. He's averaging 43.9 yards per punt and 40.1 yards net. Setta's total includes a 97-yard punt, which set a team record.The award will be announced on Thanksgiving Day.
Air Force and Duke have returned some of their ticket allotments for the upcoming games at Notre Dame and those tickets will go on sale Friday at 8:30 a.m.Tickets can be purchased at the Gate 1 ticket window, located on the second floor of the Joyce Center, or by calling (574) 631-7356. Tickets will be sold on a first-come, first-served basis while supplies last.
Air Force and Duke have returned some of their ticket allotments for the upcoming games at Notre Dame and those tickets will go on sale Friday at 8:30 a.m.Tickets can be purchased at the Gate 1 ticket window, located on the second floor of the Joyce Center, or by calling (574) 631-7356. Tickets will be sold on a first-come, first-served basis while supplies last.
It was cloudless but cool Thursday as Notre Dame worked out at Cartier Field. You have to wonder how many outdoor practices the Irish have remaining, seeing as there's snow in the forecast for next week. The players wore shoulder pads and shorts — well, most of them, anyway. Some guys opted for sweatpants. One player, Jimmy Clausen was wearing what I'll call "leggings." Coach Charlie Weis said, "You can always tell when it's below 70 degrees, because the quarterbacks bring out the sweats and tights."Assistant coach Rob Ianello's family was on hand today — his son shouted, "Goooo Irish!" —...
It was cloudless but cool Thursday as Notre Dame worked out at Cartier Field. You have to wonder how many outdoor practices the Irish have remaining, seeing as there's snow in the forecast for next week. The players wore shoulder pads and shorts — well, most of them, anyway. Some guys opted for sweatpants. One player, Jimmy Clausen was wearing what I'll call "leggings." Coach Charlie Weis said, "You can always tell when it's below 70 degrees, because the quarterbacks bring out the sweats and tights."Assistant coach Rob Ianello's family was on hand today — his son shouted, "Goooo Irish!" —...