September 2008 Entries
It turned into fall all of a sudden, so Notre Dame went inside the Loftus Center to avoid the 59-degree, rainy day. They brought in the gauntlet via fork lift from the LaBar Practice Complex and some students went out to bring in the ropes for the running backs to run through.Go figure: The only people who were hardy enough to brave the weather Tuesday were the kickers, who were heading back out into the elements after the stretching portion of practice was finished.Defensive line coach Jappy Oliver bellowed "I'm watching everybody!", and he was giving constructive criticism in every...
It turned into fall all of a sudden, so Notre Dame went inside the Loftus Center to avoid the 59-degree, rainy day. They brought in the gauntlet via fork lift from the LaBar Practice Complex and some students went out to bring in the ropes for the running backs to run through.Go figure: The only people who were hardy enough to brave the weather Tuesday were the kickers, who were heading back out into the elements after the stretching portion of practice was finished.Defensive line coach Jappy Oliver bellowed "I'm watching everybody!", and he was giving constructive criticism in every...
More on Notre Dame's rapidly improving freshman class tomorrow, but first, here are a few nuggets from Charlie Weis' Sunday press conference:• The videotape of Duval Kamara's catch/non-catch in the end zone is on its way to the Big East Conference office. The field officials were from the Big Ten, but the replay officials were from the Big East, so they'll be receiving the tape.Weis said if the play had been ruled a catch on the field, the replay officials probably wouldn't have changed the call — that's how close it was. He's probably right.My thought here: It didn't help...
More on Notre Dame's rapidly improving freshman class tomorrow, but first, here are a few nuggets from Charlie Weis' Sunday press conference:• The videotape of Duval Kamara's catch/non-catch in the end zone is on its way to the Big East Conference office. The field officials were from the Big Ten, but the replay officials were from the Big East, so they'll be receiving the tape.Weis said if the play had been ruled a catch on the field, the replay officials probably wouldn't have changed the call — that's how close it was. He's probably right.My thought here: It didn't help...
This is another one of those toss-up games on Notre Dame's schedule this season, and it's another one that has some major implications down the line. The Irish need to show that one loss isn't going to send them into a funk — that they're mature enough to bounce back against a pretty good opponent. I think they'll do that today against Purdue. If not, and things could get ugly on campus pretty quickly.I think Notre Dame is beginning to develop a bit of a swagger at home, helped immensely by that Michigan game a couple weeks ago, and that'll...
This is another one of those toss-up games on Notre Dame's schedule this season, and it's another one that has some major implications down the line. The Irish need to show that one loss isn't going to send them into a funk — that they're mature enough to bounce back against a pretty good opponent. I think they'll do that today against Purdue. If not, and things could get ugly on campus pretty quickly.I think Notre Dame is beginning to develop a bit of a swagger at home, helped immensely by that Michigan game a couple weeks ago, and that'll...
Nothing has changed regarding Will Yeatman’s legal issues, so the tight end is still out for Saturday’s game against Purdue.Yeatman missed portions of practice Tuesday and Wednesday to receive treatment for a shoulder injury, so it’s not clear if he’d be healthy enough to contribute even if he was cleared by theCharlie Weis said.Another tight end, Luke Schmidt, had a cognitive test Thursday evening after headaches kept him out of practice this week. The results of the test will determine whether he’ll be cleared for Saturday.Fullbacks Asaph Schwapp and Steve Paskorz could be used as “move” tight ends — the...
Nothing has changed regarding Will Yeatman’s legal issues, so the tight end is still out for Saturday’s game against Purdue.Yeatman missed portions of practice Tuesday and Wednesday to receive treatment for a shoulder injury, so it’s not clear if he’d be healthy enough to contribute even if he was cleared by theCharlie Weis said.Another tight end, Luke Schmidt, had a cognitive test Thursday evening after headaches kept him out of practice this week. The results of the test will determine whether he’ll be cleared for Saturday.Fullbacks Asaph Schwapp and Steve Paskorz could be used as “move” tight ends — the...
We thought "Crank Me Up" would be gone after last week's loss, but it was blaring as usual today at the start of practice, leading right into a Springsteen song. I'm not sure which Springsteen song it was — it was the one with Americana theme, blaring sax and unintelligible screeching from the lead singer. (Guess that doesn't narrow it down much.)There are now "Crank Me Up" T-shirts being sold on campus, by the way, proving that Notre Dame never misses a chance to cultivate some school spirit. (Or make a buck, depending on your view.)We heard a rap song...
We thought "Crank Me Up" would be gone after last week's loss, but it was blaring as usual today at the start of practice, leading right into a Springsteen song. I'm not sure which Springsteen song it was — it was the one with Americana theme, blaring sax and unintelligible screeching from the lead singer. (Guess that doesn't narrow it down much.)There are now "Crank Me Up" T-shirts being sold on campus, by the way, proving that Notre Dame never misses a chance to cultivate some school spirit. (Or make a buck, depending on your view.)We heard a rap song...
Sunny and warm again today at the LaBar Practice Complex, where we were given names to match some new faces on the Irish roster:• Tight end Bobby Burger, No. 88, is 6-foot-3 and 242 pounds and a transfer from the University of Dayton. He was listed as a sophomore by Notre Dame, though this bio from UD last season lists him as a junior. So we'll see on that one. We're also not sure if Burger would be eligible to play for the Irish this year, since he played defensive end for the Flyers last year.• Quarterback Matt Mulvey,...
Sunny and warm again today at the LaBar Practice Complex, where we were given names to match some new faces on the Irish roster:• Tight end Bobby Burger, No. 88, is 6-foot-3 and 242 pounds and a transfer from the University of Dayton. He was listed as a sophomore by Notre Dame, though this bio from UD last season lists him as a junior. So we'll see on that one. We're also not sure if Burger would be eligible to play for the Irish this year, since he played defensive end for the Flyers last year.• Quarterback Matt Mulvey,...
The award goes to ...Missouri, for its View-Master like approach in presenting quarterback Chase Daniel's All-American and Heisman Trophy qualifications. (I guess it worked, since I'm giving him a plug here.)Man, I wish I could use this thing to watch my old Spider-Man reels.
The award goes to ...Missouri, for its View-Master like approach in presenting quarterback Chase Daniel's All-American and Heisman Trophy qualifications. (I guess it worked, since I'm giving him a plug here.)Man, I wish I could use this thing to watch my old Spider-Man reels.
Former Notre Dame standout Dick Lynch, who scored the only touchdown in the 7-0 Irish victory over Oklahoma in 1957 that ended the Sooners' 47-game winning streak, has died.Lynch, who had been treated for leukemia, was 72.Lynch was a star cornerback with the New York Giants in the 1950s and '60s and was a longtime radio analyst for the team.
Former Notre Dame standout Dick Lynch, who scored the only touchdown in the 7-0 Irish victory over Oklahoma in 1957 that ended the Sooners' 47-game winning streak, has died.Lynch, who had been treated for leukemia, was 72.Lynch was a star cornerback with the New York Giants in the 1950s and '60s and was a longtime radio analyst for the team.
Sunny and 82 degrees out this afternoon, and it's supposed to stay like this through Saturday's game against Purdue.Thanks to the hot weather, Charlie Weis was in shorts, and he's wearing a smaller leg brace than he was last week. He can bend his knee now, which he couldn't have done in the old brace. He now takes the stairs instead of the elevator down to his place at the front of the auditorium for press conferences, too.The players were out in full pads today, and the Irish were hitting pretty hard, apparently anxious to put last Saturday's loss at...
Sunny and 82 degrees out this afternoon, and it's supposed to stay like this through Saturday's game against Purdue.Thanks to the hot weather, Charlie Weis was in shorts, and he's wearing a smaller leg brace than he was last week. He can bend his knee now, which he couldn't have done in the old brace. He now takes the stairs instead of the elevator down to his place at the front of the auditorium for press conferences, too.The players were out in full pads today, and the Irish were hitting pretty hard, apparently anxious to put last Saturday's loss at...
Charlie Weis gave another explanation today on the laptop-in-the-coaches-box controversy from Saturday's Notre Dame-Michigan State game. (I'm really trying to resist using the term "Laptopgate." I'm not sure this whole thing really even deserves a name anyway.)Turns out it was a student manager, not a coaching staff intern, who had the laptop.Here's Weis, word-for-word, from this afternoon:"What we do when we go on the road is a student manager is assigned to just, from the defensive staff's standpoint, because it's not on the offensive staff, is assigned to type in on a laptop the down and distance and...
Charlie Weis gave another explanation today on the laptop-in-the-coaches-box controversy from Saturday's Notre Dame-Michigan State game. (I'm really trying to resist using the term "Laptopgate." I'm not sure this whole thing really even deserves a name anyway.)Turns out it was a student manager, not a coaching staff intern, who had the laptop.Here's Weis, word-for-word, from this afternoon:"What we do when we go on the road is a student manager is assigned to just, from the defensive staff's standpoint, because it's not on the offensive staff, is assigned to type in on a laptop the down and distance and...
Well, I was on the right track last week, at least, when I predicted that turnovers would determine the Notre Dame-Michigan winner. I just thought the Irish, not the Wolverines, would be making those turnovers.As usual, I'm stumped about Saturday's game at Michigan State. MSU is not a terribly impressive team statistically, but Javon Ringer is a very impressive running back, and we've learned by now that the Spartans get really fired up for this game. We also know that home-field advantage doesn't mean much in this series.Notre Dame didn't tackle very well last week against Sam McGuffie of Michigan,...
Well, I was on the right track last week, at least, when I predicted that turnovers would determine the Notre Dame-Michigan winner. I just thought the Irish, not the Wolverines, would be making those turnovers.As usual, I'm stumped about Saturday's game at Michigan State. MSU is not a terribly impressive team statistically, but Javon Ringer is a very impressive running back, and we've learned by now that the Spartans get really fired up for this game. We also know that home-field advantage doesn't mean much in this series.Notre Dame didn't tackle very well last week against Sam McGuffie of Michigan,...
Another loud Thursday at the LaBar Practice Complex, with the music blaring. Some of today's selections: The Boss' "Born in the U.S.A." and "Wanted Dead or Alive" by Bon Jovi. And of course, there was a little "Crank Me Up" in there as well. The two guys who love that song the most are Golden Tate and Sergio Brown. And hey, even Ron Powlus was cranking it up today, too.Evan Sharpley wasn't running straight ahead again today, as I've been saying all week, and he wasn't the only offensive player — Armando Allen and Chris Stewart weren't, either. My guess:...
Another loud Thursday at the LaBar Practice Complex, with the music blaring. Some of today's selections: The Boss' "Born in the U.S.A." and "Wanted Dead or Alive" by Bon Jovi. And of course, there was a little "Crank Me Up" in there as well. The two guys who love that song the most are Golden Tate and Sergio Brown. And hey, even Ron Powlus was cranking it up today, too.Evan Sharpley wasn't running straight ahead again today, as I've been saying all week, and he wasn't the only offensive player — Armando Allen and Chris Stewart weren't, either. My guess:...
Some interesting doings at Irish football practice, held under a cloudless sky on a 77-degree Wednesday afternoon — including a possible ankle issue for halfback Robert Hughes. Let's take it chronologically.Offensive coaches Mike Haywood, Ron Powlus and Rob Ianello were having a little huddle when we got out to the field. Not sure what was being discussed, but it did look official.Charlie Weis was in shorts this afternoon, and you could see the big brace he was wearing on his left leg. Still, he was in very good spirits. Weis told his team, "We lead the nation in being the...
Some interesting doings at Irish football practice, held under a cloudless sky on a 77-degree Wednesday afternoon — including a possible ankle issue for halfback Robert Hughes. Let's take it chronologically.Offensive coaches Mike Haywood, Ron Powlus and Rob Ianello were having a little huddle when we got out to the field. Not sure what was being discussed, but it did look official.Charlie Weis was in shorts this afternoon, and you could see the big brace he was wearing on his left leg. Still, he was in very good spirits. Weis told his team, "We lead the nation in being the...
Saturday is Notre Dame's first non-national game telecast, so there's the always-consternating coverage map stuff to deal with. Most of the country will receive the Irish-Michigan State game on ABC; the rest will get it on ESPN.Here's the ABC map. If you don't live in a city in yellow, the game's on ESPN:
Saturday is Notre Dame's first non-national game telecast, so there's the always-consternating coverage map stuff to deal with. Most of the country will receive the Irish-Michigan State game on ABC; the rest will get it on ESPN.Here's the ABC map. If you don't live in a city in yellow, the game's on ESPN:
An interesting comment today from Notre Dame line coach John Latina, who admitted he was wrong in moving Mike Turkovich from tackle to guard last season."I moved him inside because I felt like he was better suited for inside and in hindsight, he's proven me wrong," Latina said. "I think he's better suited outside, and that's why he's back outside. I thought that he would be better suited inside because he's a tough guy and a physical guy and you play against bigger guys inside than you do at the edge. He's proven me wrong. He's played well for us...
An interesting comment today from Notre Dame line coach John Latina, who admitted he was wrong in moving Mike Turkovich from tackle to guard last season."I moved him inside because I felt like he was better suited for inside and in hindsight, he's proven me wrong," Latina said. "I think he's better suited outside, and that's why he's back outside. I thought that he would be better suited inside because he's a tough guy and a physical guy and you play against bigger guys inside than you do at the edge. He's proven me wrong. He's played well for us...
No David Grimes at Notre Dame practice Tuesday, but offensive lineman Chris Stewart was back despite his leg injury — as was Charlie Weis, who hobbled between the lines of players during stretching and later drove a golf cart from position group to position group.Backup quarterback Evan Sharpley also ran straight-ahead while the other guys were running laterally today during one portion of stretching. Not sure what that was about.When the running backs started hopping over the bags, offensive coordinator Mike Haywood said to freshman Jonas Gray, "You're looking better every day, 25. You're not running like a cut-necked chicken."Line...
No David Grimes at Notre Dame practice Tuesday, but offensive lineman Chris Stewart was back despite his leg injury — as was Charlie Weis, who hobbled between the lines of players during stretching and later drove a golf cart from position group to position group.Backup quarterback Evan Sharpley also ran straight-ahead while the other guys were running laterally today during one portion of stretching. Not sure what that was about.When the running backs started hopping over the bags, offensive coordinator Mike Haywood said to freshman Jonas Gray, "You're looking better every day, 25. You're not running like a cut-necked chicken."Line...
OK, pop quiz: When was Notre Dame's last "good win?" I get all the a win is a win stuff, but really, when was the last time the Irish played well in beating a team with comparable talent? Penn State in '06?The fact that it seems like it's been so long ago is the reason I'm not taking the Irish today against Michigan, even though just about every factor seems to be working in their favor. The Wolverines are team in transition to a new system (and have looked hopelessly overwhelmed at times in their first two games), have a...
OK, pop quiz: When was Notre Dame's last "good win?" I get all the a win is a win stuff, but really, when was the last time the Irish played well in beating a team with comparable talent? Penn State in '06?The fact that it seems like it's been so long ago is the reason I'm not taking the Irish today against Michigan, even though just about every factor seems to be working in their favor. The Wolverines are team in transition to a new system (and have looked hopelessly overwhelmed at times in their first two games), have a...
A couple of notable absences, and one notable presence, if you will, at Thursday's practice at the LaBar Complex. First the absences: Wide receiver David Grimes and tackle Chris Stewart were out with back and leg injuries, respectively. Coach Charlie Weis termed both "probable" for Saturday's game, but said neither would be 100 percent. Trevor Robinson worked with the first team in Stewart's stead, and Michael Floyd would probably fill in if Grimes finds he can't go on Saturday. Both are certainly capable of filling those holes, in my opinion.And you never know who you're going to see at a...
A couple of notable absences, and one notable presence, if you will, at Thursday's practice at the LaBar Complex. First the absences: Wide receiver David Grimes and tackle Chris Stewart were out with back and leg injuries, respectively. Coach Charlie Weis termed both "probable" for Saturday's game, but said neither would be 100 percent. Trevor Robinson worked with the first team in Stewart's stead, and Michael Floyd would probably fill in if Grimes finds he can't go on Saturday. Both are certainly capable of filling those holes, in my opinion.And you never know who you're going to see at a...
On and around the Notre Dame campus this weekend:• The 1988 Irish national championship team has an autograph session scheduled at the College Football Hall of Fame from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. You can find a price list for this event by clicking here.• Same deal with the pep rally as usual. Pick up your tickets at the stadium ticket windows at 5 p.m. The student portion of the rally starts at 5:45 and the team enters at 6:30.• The weekly block party in downtown South Bend runs from 7 to 10 p.m. as usual, near the College Football...
On and around the Notre Dame campus this weekend:• The 1988 Irish national championship team has an autograph session scheduled at the College Football Hall of Fame from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. You can find a price list for this event by clicking here.• Same deal with the pep rally as usual. Pick up your tickets at the stadium ticket windows at 5 p.m. The student portion of the rally starts at 5:45 and the team enters at 6:30.• The weekly block party in downtown South Bend runs from 7 to 10 p.m. as usual, near the College Football...
Sunny and 72 degrees on the practice fields Wednesday as Notre Dame continued its preparations for Saturday's game against Michigan.The Irish jumped the gun — or the whistle, I guess — on running out to their positions for stretching, so they had to go back and start over again. Might've been strength coach Ruben Mendoza getting his power fix. Usually when the players run out to stretch — defense from one end of the field, offense from the other — receiver David Grimes shakes hands with safety David Bruton, but today Barry Gallup Jr. filled in for Grimes, who missed the early...
Sunny and 72 degrees on the practice fields Wednesday as Notre Dame continued its preparations for Saturday's game against Michigan.The Irish jumped the gun — or the whistle, I guess — on running out to their positions for stretching, so they had to go back and start over again. Might've been strength coach Ruben Mendoza getting his power fix. Usually when the players run out to stretch — defense from one end of the field, offense from the other — receiver David Grimes shakes hands with safety David Bruton, but today Barry Gallup Jr. filled in for Grimes, who missed the early...
Notre Dame practiced Tuesday at the newly dedicated "LaBar Practice Complex," as the sign above the entrance to the practice fields now calls it. The dedication ceremony was held last Saturday.Mike Turkovich was late to the start of practice and didn't have a stretching partner right away until strength coach Ruben Mendoza sent Mike Golic Jr. over to help him out. Most of the stretches Notre Dame does require two people, so before Golic arrived, Turkovich was doing some sprinter-like stretches. Watch out, Usain Bolt!Wide receiver Duval Kamara had a wrap on his ankle after hurting it Saturday against San...
Notre Dame practiced Tuesday at the newly dedicated "LaBar Practice Complex," as the sign above the entrance to the practice fields now calls it. The dedication ceremony was held last Saturday.Mike Turkovich was late to the start of practice and didn't have a stretching partner right away until strength coach Ruben Mendoza sent Mike Golic Jr. over to help him out. Most of the stretches Notre Dame does require two people, so before Golic arrived, Turkovich was doing some sprinter-like stretches. Watch out, Usain Bolt!Wide receiver Duval Kamara had a wrap on his ankle after hurting it Saturday against San...
Mike Brey sure enjoyed Notre Dame's first football weekend of the season — it helped him pick up a verbal commitment.Hopkins, Minn., power forward Mike Broghammer committed to the Irish during his visit to campus Sunday morning, according to several Web sites.Broghammer's a 3-star player according to Rivals.com, and Notre Dame's third commitment from the Class of 2009.
Mike Brey sure enjoyed Notre Dame's first football weekend of the season — it helped him pick up a verbal commitment.Hopkins, Minn., power forward Mike Broghammer committed to the Irish during his visit to campus Sunday morning, according to several Web sites.Broghammer's a 3-star player according to Rivals.com, and Notre Dame's third commitment from the Class of 2009.
15:00 4th quarter2nd and 3 at 50: Henderson takes the swing pass and gets back to the line of scrimmage.3rd and 3 at 50: Lindley finds Kuwalok for the first down.1st and 10 at ND 46: Lindley hits Mougey down the center of the field for 27.1st and 10 at ND 19: Lindley rolls right and throws to Brown in the end zone, where David Bruton breaks it up.2nd and 10 at ND 19: Sullivan breaks a tackle in the backfield and runs for 2.3rd and 8 at ND 17: Henderson starts left, cuts back right and gains 13.1st and...
15:00 4th quarter2nd and 3 at 50: Henderson takes the swing pass and gets back to the line of scrimmage.3rd and 3 at 50: Lindley finds Kuwalok for the first down.1st and 10 at ND 46: Lindley hits Mougey down the center of the field for 27.1st and 10 at ND 19: Lindley rolls right and throws to Brown in the end zone, where David Bruton breaks it up.2nd and 10 at ND 19: Sullivan breaks a tackle in the backfield and runs for 2.3rd and 8 at ND 17: Henderson starts left, cuts back right and gains 13.1st and...
15:00 3rd quarterSan Diego State’s Bryan Shields kicks off to Allen who brings it back 29 yards. Darius Fleming is flagged for holding for Notre Dame.1st and 10 at ND 23: Allen finds nowhere to go on the left side and loses 3.2nd and 13 at ND 20: Clausen swings it out Allen, who picks up 3.3rd and 10 at ND 23: Clausen eludes the rush and throws to Rudolph, who can’t bring it in. A holding call on Mike Turkovich is declined.4th and 10 at ND 23: Maust’s punt goes 50 yards and Mike Anello limits the return to...
15:00 3rd quarterSan Diego State’s Bryan Shields kicks off to Allen who brings it back 29 yards. Darius Fleming is flagged for holding for Notre Dame.1st and 10 at ND 23: Allen finds nowhere to go on the left side and loses 3.2nd and 13 at ND 20: Clausen swings it out Allen, who picks up 3.3rd and 10 at ND 23: Clausen eludes the rush and throws to Rudolph, who can’t bring it in. A holding call on Mike Turkovich is declined.4th and 10 at ND 23: Maust’s punt goes 50 yards and Mike Anello limits the return to...
15:00 2nd quarter3rd and 1 at SDSU 38: Lindley tries a keeper and loses a yard.4th and 2 at SDSU 37: Stahovich punts and Allen lets it drop and kick out of bounds at the Notre Dame 24.14:16 2nd quarter14:16 2nd quarter1st and 10 at ND 24: Clausen finds Grimes on the right side for 16 yards.1st and 10 at ND 40: Clausen rolls right and hits Tate for 11 more.1st and 10 at SDSU 49: Robert Hughes finds a huge hole on the right side and takes it 12 yards, but a holding call on Grimes brings it most...
15:00 2nd quarter3rd and 1 at SDSU 38: Lindley tries a keeper and loses a yard.4th and 2 at SDSU 37: Stahovich punts and Allen lets it drop and kick out of bounds at the Notre Dame 24.14:16 2nd quarter14:16 2nd quarter1st and 10 at ND 24: Clausen finds Grimes on the right side for 16 yards.1st and 10 at ND 40: Clausen rolls right and hits Tate for 11 more.1st and 10 at SDSU 49: Robert Hughes finds a huge hole on the right side and takes it 12 yards, but a holding call on Grimes brings it most...
First QuarterNotre Dame won the toss and deferred. San Diego State will receive and defend the south goal.Ryan Burkhart kicks off to the San Diego State 6, where it’s returned to the 19, but a block in the back penalty on the Aztecs takes it back to the 10.1st and 10 at SDSU 10: Ryan Lindley’s pass is incomplete, but Notre Dame’s Kerry Neal is called for offsides.1st and 5 at SDSU 15: Lindley completes it over the middle to tight end Matthew Kawulok for a first down.1st and 10 at SDSU 30: Lindley throws behind receiver Roberto Wallace.2nd and...
First QuarterNotre Dame won the toss and deferred. San Diego State will receive and defend the south goal.Ryan Burkhart kicks off to the San Diego State 6, where it’s returned to the 19, but a block in the back penalty on the Aztecs takes it back to the 10.1st and 10 at SDSU 10: Ryan Lindley’s pass is incomplete, but Notre Dame’s Kerry Neal is called for offsides.1st and 5 at SDSU 15: Lindley completes it over the middle to tight end Matthew Kawulok for a first down.1st and 10 at SDSU 30: Lindley throws behind receiver Roberto Wallace.2nd and...
First things first, and I hope I'm stating the obvious at this point: There's no way — no way — Notre Dame could be as bad as they were last season. The key players have another year of experience, there's plenty of motivation and the schedule is much more forgiving.Still, there's plenty we won't know until later this afternoon and maybe until next week when Notre Dame plays a more talented team. Is the offensive line really better? Is Jimmy Clausen that much further ahead of where he was? Can the Irish blitz the heck out of teams the way...
First things first, and I hope I'm stating the obvious at this point: There's no way — no way — Notre Dame could be as bad as they were last season. The key players have another year of experience, there's plenty of motivation and the schedule is much more forgiving.Still, there's plenty we won't know until later this afternoon and maybe until next week when Notre Dame plays a more talented team. Is the offensive line really better? Is Jimmy Clausen that much further ahead of where he was? Can the Irish blitz the heck out of teams the way...
A steady rain forced practice into the Loftus Center this afternoon, giving Charlie Weis an opportunity to hook his iPod up to the speakers and let loose with some Jersey-style rock and roll. Songs by Bon Jovi and Bruce Springsteen were blaring, and the team was getting into it, singing along with the chorus of "It's My Life" and generally bouncing around on the field. I thought the Irish looked a little bit worn down yesterday, frankly, but the energy was back this afternoon.Quarterback Evan Sharpley turned a cartwheel to get to his spot for stretching — he even stuck...
A steady rain forced practice into the Loftus Center this afternoon, giving Charlie Weis an opportunity to hook his iPod up to the speakers and let loose with some Jersey-style rock and roll. Songs by Bon Jovi and Bruce Springsteen were blaring, and the team was getting into it, singing along with the chorus of "It's My Life" and generally bouncing around on the field. I thought the Irish looked a little bit worn down yesterday, frankly, but the energy was back this afternoon.Quarterback Evan Sharpley turned a cartwheel to get to his spot for stretching — he even stuck...
Practice was much more tolerable today, with temperatures down to 84 and a nice breeze blowing across the LaBar Practice Fields. It's only supposed to be in the mid-70s on Saturday. Shoulder pads and shorts for the players today.As the defensive line was working on the south end of the field, the first group was Justin Brown, Pat Kuntz, Ian Williams and John Ryan. The next four were Morrice Richardson, Emeka Nwankwo, Paddy Mullen and Kerry Neal. We'll find out Saturday afternoon if this means anything, but you have to assume for now that the first group are the starters.The...
Practice was much more tolerable today, with temperatures down to 84 and a nice breeze blowing across the LaBar Practice Fields. It's only supposed to be in the mid-70s on Saturday. Shoulder pads and shorts for the players today.As the defensive line was working on the south end of the field, the first group was Justin Brown, Pat Kuntz, Ian Williams and John Ryan. The next four were Morrice Richardson, Emeka Nwankwo, Paddy Mullen and Kerry Neal. We'll find out Saturday afternoon if this means anything, but you have to assume for now that the first group are the starters.The...
If you're planning on being around the Notre Dame campus this weekend, there's more than just the Notre Dame-San Diego State football game.• The pep rally on Friday night will be held in the Joyce Center, with the ticket distribution beginning at 5 p.m. at the ticket windows on the east side of the stadium. The student portion of the rally begins at 5:45 and the team is scheduled to enter at 6:30.• While you're at the Joyce, you can check out the new and improved Heritage Hall on the second-floor concourse, which includes displays dedicated to each of Notre...
If you're planning on being around the Notre Dame campus this weekend, there's more than just the Notre Dame-San Diego State football game.• The pep rally on Friday night will be held in the Joyce Center, with the ticket distribution beginning at 5 p.m. at the ticket windows on the east side of the stadium. The student portion of the rally begins at 5:45 and the team is scheduled to enter at 6:30.• While you're at the Joyce, you can check out the new and improved Heritage Hall on the second-floor concourse, which includes displays dedicated to each of Notre...
Wow, the first practice of a game week already. The last month went by like it was only 10 years.This was the hottest day in northern Indiana since the players reported in early August — 92 degrees, heat index of 98 and not a cloud in the sky to give anyone any relief. It was probably hotter than 98 on that artificial turf on the practice fields, too. But still, Notre Dame players were in full pads. Defensive coordinator Corwin Brown was even in sweatpants, although one leg was rolled up just below the knee. Not many people can pull...
Wow, the first practice of a game week already. The last month went by like it was only 10 years.This was the hottest day in northern Indiana since the players reported in early August — 92 degrees, heat index of 98 and not a cloud in the sky to give anyone any relief. It was probably hotter than 98 on that artificial turf on the practice fields, too. But still, Notre Dame players were in full pads. Defensive coordinator Corwin Brown was even in sweatpants, although one leg was rolled up just below the knee. Not many people can pull...