Michigan State 31, Notre Dame 14or: The Charlie Weis Fact Sheet

"They played the way they did in the first half because of the full-contact practice. But... they played the way they did in the second half because of the full-contact practice." - Mike

"You gotta believe. This school was founded on faith and on belief. I told you last week how when Notre Dame burned down, Father Sorin said the mistake we made was that we didn't build it big enough. Everything here at Notre Dame has been done on faith and a commitment to excellence. A commitment to each other. At the luncheon yesterday I was asked what Notre Dame meant to me. One, it means religion. Two, it means family. Where people care about you. Not just because you win or because things go well, but they genuinely care. The other thing it means to me is a set of standards, a commitment. In 1986, people were saying Notre Dame would never win again. We had a group of guys that wanted to win but didn't know how. Then we progressed to the point where we had guys that wanted to win, knew how to win, then we progressed to the point where we have a group of guys that know how to win, but we sometimes don't exhibit it. That's a thing of the past. We're not going down defending anything. We're going out to fight for it, to compete for it. Nobody gives you anything in this world. The people can give you money, can give you wealth, can give you fame. The one thing nobody in this world can give you, men, is respect. The self-respect you have for yourself, the way you play the game, and the way you believe. The way you do things. This is a game of respect. You are Notre Dame. You are special. You represent Notre Dame. You represent everyone that came before you, and everyone that'll come after you. At Notre Dame there's a spirit. The spirit is something that's within you. And you gotta listen to that spirit, you gotta fight for it, and you gotta believe." - Lou Holtz

A new reader on the message board asked why no one seems to be calling for Charlie Weis's job, and why Notre Dame was so quick to fire Ty Willingham. I pulled up the Ty Willingham Fact Sheet not as another rationalization of Ty's firing. Instead, I'm using it to determine if and when Coach Weis should be put on the proverbial hot seat.

1. Tyrone Willingham has lost 8 games by at least 3 touchdowns. By comparison, Bob Davie lost 4 games by 3 touchdowns and Gerry Faust lost 3 games by 3 touchdowns. That means that in 3 years Tyrone Willingham has lost more games by 3 touchdowns than Bob Davie and Gerry Faust did in their 10 years combined.

Counting a 20-point loss to USC last year, Coach Weis has three such losses in each of the last two years. That ties Davie and Faust's totals.

2. Notre Dame was shut out by at least 30 points twice in 2003. The last time that happened was 1904.

It's already happened once in '07, and there are still eight games remaining.

3. In Tyrone Willingham’s first 3 years, Notre Dame has lost by at least 30 points 5 times. For perspective, in the previous 40 seasons (1961-2000), Notre Dame lost by at least 30 points a total of 4 times. Bob Davie only lost by 30 points 1 time, as did Gerry Faust.

There have been two such losses so far this year.

4. The 38-12 loss to 6-6 Syracuse was Notre Dame’s first 3 touchdown loss to an unranked team since 1960.

It's still early, but the Georgia Tech and Michigan losses both fall into this category.

5. From the 44-13 loss to Southern Cal in 2002 until the 20-17 loss to a 5-6 Brigham Young team, Notre Dame lost 10 games over a 15 game stretch. That was the worst 15 game stretch since 1960.

Notre Dame is 8-7 in their last 15 games, the worst 15 game stretch of Coach Weis' tenure.

6. Tyrone Willingham is the first Notre Dame coach since Joe Kuharich (17-23) to have fewer wins by 3 touchdowns (5) than he had losses by 3 touchdowns (8). Bob Davie had twice as many 3 touchdown wins as losses (8 wins, 4 losses). Gerry Faust had over 4 times as many (14 wins, 3 losses).

Coach Weis has 10 wins of 20+ points, and three more wins by 19 points. As noted above, Weis' teams have 6 losses by 20 or more.

7. In 2003, Tyrone Willingham became the first Notre Dame coach to have consecutive 4 TD losses to Southern Cal. In 2004, he had his 3rd in a row.

In the last two years, Notre Dame has lost to Michigan by a combined 62 points.

8. Tyrone Willingham has been a Notre Dame coach for 3 years out of the school’s 117 years (2.6% of the seasons) and has coached in 36 of Notre Dame’s 1,106 games (3.3%), however, he has coached in 23.8% (5 out of 21) of Notre Dame’s losses by at least 30 points.

Weis has overseen two 30 point losses, out of 23 for the program. That's 8.7%.

9. After starting out 8-0, Tyrone Willingham’s record since has been 13-15.

As stated above, the worst stretch of Weis' coaching career is his current 8-7 run.

10. When Tyrone Willingham took over, Notre Dame had the #1 all time winning percentage, with a record of 781-247-42 (.749), ahead of Michigan’s 813-265-36 (.746). At the end of the regular season of 2004, Michigan now has the #1 all time winning percentage, with a record of 842-274-36 (.747) while Notre Dame is #2 with a record of 802-261-42 (.745).

Michigan still has the lead, but it has shrunk to a mere .001, at .744 to .743. Obviously, though, both teams have slipped since the original fact sheet was written.

Conclusions
It's probably obvious at this point, but Coach Weis really needs to cut down on the blowout losses. He has had more big wins, but that doesn't serve to excuse or cancel out the big losses. But looking at criterion #1, Weis is in the same category as Faust and Davie, and that's not a good place to be.

Faust, Davie, and Willingham were all asked to make changes among their assistants following bad years. Coming into this year, Coach Weis brought in a new defensive coordinator. Presumably, more will be on the way after this year. If not, Weis may be the one moving on.

Finally, it's fairly easy to recruit following winning seasons. The difficult task is recruiting after losing seasons, or - Our Lady forbid - multiple consecutive losing seasons. Coach Weis' first recruiting challenge presumably comes this offseason, and it will be followed closely by the Irish faithful.

Notre Dame Football 2007Issue 4: Michigan State

MSU Rush Offense vs. ND Rush Defense

Once again, MSU's backfield feature some familiar faces. 23 Javon Ringer and 30 Jehuu Caulcrick have shared the load this year for a team that is averaging 194.7 yards per game on the ground. Ringer has the slight advantage in carries per game (18 to 15) and yards per game (85 to 72). But Caulcrick has been the man in goal line situations, scoring 6 of MSU's 8 rushing TDs. 20 AJ Jimmerson and 28 Andre Anderson have each carried the ball at least 8 times in relief duties. In addition, WRs 5 Devin Thomas and 6 Mark Dell each have multiple carries. FB 45 Andrew Hawken only has one rush on the season, for four yards. New starting QB 12 Brian Hoyer has a combined -31 rushing yards, so it doesn't look like he's much of a threat to run.
For all that you can say about the offense being unable to stay on the field, and the good rushing attacks faced, there's still no excuse for the Irish defense giving up 237 rushing yards per game. With a new quarterback and two experienced rushers, the Spartans would be more than happy to run the ball down ND's throat all day long. While the Irish defensive line has played decently this year, it's time for the linebackers to step up as a unit.

ND Rush Offense vs. MSU Rush Defense

Um, yeah. James Aldridge and Armando Allen are the closest ND has to a rushing attack right now. Aldridge is averaging 5-6 carries and 22 yards per game, and 3.9 yards per rush. Armando Allen is averaging 6-7 carries and 20 yards per game, and 3.0 yards per rush. But both can only do so much unless the line creates holes from them.
As usual, the Spartans are rather solid against the run, giving up 88.7 yards per game. However, they're only returning two starters along their front seven. Linebackers 43 Eric Gordon and 53 Greg Jones are tied for 3rd on the team with 18 tackles apiece; the pair have combined for 5.5 tackles for a loss.

MSU Pass Offense vs. ND Pass Defense

With a new QB and two experienced rushers, MSU has wisely gone with a 1.6:1 rush/pass ratio this year. Still, when Brian Hoyer has had to pass, he's been very effective. Hoyer's, average day consists of completing 15 of 25 passes for 211 yards and a touchdown, with maybe an interception thrown in there. (Hoyer was a year ahead of Robby Parris at St. Ignatius in Cleveland, so I'm assuming that he was Parris' high school QB. Oh, and on behalf of F-Bomb, go St. Ed's.) Devin Thomas is far and away the Spartans top receiver, averaging 4 catches and 105 yards per game. Those numbers are aided by a 76-yards touchdown reception, one of Thomas' two scores on the year. When Hoyer is in a pinch, he likes too loft the ball towards athletic 6'6" TE 80 Kellen Davis in the seam. Davis is averaging just over 2 catches and 35 yards per game, and has a TD reception on the year. Javon Ringer, Mark Dell, and WR 84 Deon Curry are each averaging 2 catches per game and 16-20 yards per game.
Presumably, Terrail Lambert will draw Thomas this week. But how will ND choose to guard Davis? With the 6'2 safety David Bruton, or with 6'3 former safety Anthony Vernaglia. And how will that assigment affect the run defense?

ND Pass Offense vs. MSU Pass Defense

Jimmy Clausen's average day consists of completing 10 or 11 of 18 attempts for 84 yards, and perhaps an interception. Armando Allen has been his primary receiver out of the backfield, averaging 3 catches and 15 yards per game. But David Grimes has quietly tied Allen for the team lead in catches (9); Grimes averages 19.7 receiving yards per game. George West, John Carlson, Robby Parris, and Duval Kamara are all averaging more than one reception and 13-24 yards per game.
The good news for Irish fans is that Michigan State's two leading tacklers are a cornerback (38 Kendell Davis-Clark, 22 tackles) and a safety (13 Travis Key, 19). The bad news is that DE 94 Jonal Saint-Dic has 5 sacks, and 6 overall TFL. LB Greg Jones has added 2.5 sacks. TE Kellen Davis is sometimes used as a rush end, and he has 2 sacks on the season. S 21 Otis Wiley leads the team with two interceptions.

Special Teams

14 Brett Swenson is back as MSU's field goal kicker. He's 3 for 5 on the year, missing in the 20-29 and 40-49 ranges. For Notre Dame, Brandon Walker is 2 for 2 from inside 30 yards, while Nate Whitaker has missed a 50-yarder.
Freshman 18 Aaron Bates is the new Spartans punter. He's averaging 5 punts per game, and 39 yards per punt. Six of his punts have been fair caught. For the Irish, Geoff Price is now averaging 8 punts per game, and 42.3 yards per punt.
Star WR Devin Thomas also returns kicks for the Spartans. On 8 attempts, he's averaging 29.5 yards per return with a long of 39 Nate Whitaker is now getting 61 yards per kickoff. But the Irish are giving up 25 yards per return, meaning opponents start at the 34 on average.
It looks like Golden Tate may have one the primary kick return job for the Irish, although Armando Allen still has the most returns of anyone on the team. Tate is averaging 26.7 yards per return with a long of 40; Allen, 19 yards per return with a long of 25. 15 Todd Boleski is MSU's kickoff specialist. He's averaging just under 65 yards per kick, and MSU's coverage team is surrendering 22.6 yards per return. That gives opponents an average start at the 28.
Receivers Mark Dell and 18 Terry Love have each returned 2 punts for the Spartans. Dell is averaging 1.5 yards per return; Love 12.5. Notre Dame's coverage team is giving up a medicre 12.2 yards per punt return.
ND's Tom Zbikowski is averaging a decent 14.4 yards per punt return, with a long of 47. MSU's punt coverage team has been very good, giving up just 7 yards per return.

Look for a big game from Clausen, Parris, the O-Line (especially Tom Bemenderfer, whose older brother is a very cool guy), Trevor Laws, Pat Kuntz, Vernaglia.


ND 20, MSU 17: MSU is decent, but they're nowhere near the level of talent ND has seen to start the season. The Spartans have their flaws, and the Irish need to exploit them. It may take bonus football, but Notre Dame will finally get the job done.

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Content Dump

There is a brief Michigan wrapup below, if you really want to read it. Otherwise, check out the random cleaning out of KankaNation's inbox...

First, courtesy Andy Gray and SI on Campus, a tailgate report card from the Georgia Tech game.

Second, Juiced sports takes on a Plain Dealer sports mailbag column.

Third, a few Fire Mark May-esque celebrity blogs form Yardbarker.
http://yardbarker.com/users/BartScott
http://yardbarker.com/users/DonovanMcNabb
http://yardbarker.com/users/DianaTaurasi

Finally, catching up on the Sports Minutes, again.

The National Lampoon Sports Minute (Or So)
Written by Steve Hofstetter, Adam Hofstetter, Cody Marley, Ryan Murphy, Rich Ragains, Elliot Steingart, and Chris Strait

Harrah's has announced that it intends to build an arena in Las Vegas capable of housing an NBA team. Tim Donaghy has already volunteered to referee all 41 home games.

The Houston Rockets have made a contract offer to defensive specialist Dikembe Mutombo. The offer is for one year or six points, whichever comes first.

Mavericks owner Mark Cuban will be a cast member of Dancing With the Stars. We're not sure how he'll be able to stay on his feet while they're constantly in his mouth.

A judge has set bond at $5 million each for the two men accused of robbing Antoine Walker's home. Ironically, that's almost as much money as Walker stole from the Heat last season.

Barry Bonds was honored in San Francisco when the mayor presented him with the key to the city. Given Bonds' popularity, we're surprised he didn't just leave the key under the mat. Next up is a visit to the Wizard to finally get a heart.

Red Sox reliever Jonathan Papelpon invented a new pitch: a combination cutter and slider that he calls a slutter. The pitch is also known as "The Paris Hilton."

After being cut by the Padres, David Wells has joined the Los Angeles Dodgers. The Dodgers are looking forward to increased sales of Dodger Dogs. However, fans are complaining about the loss of a handicapped parking spot.

And Gary Sheffield will miss several games with a sore shoulder. Sheffield has already come out against the shoulder for being racist.

For more of the Sports Minute (Or So), visit minuteorso.com

The National Lampoon Sports Minute (Or So)
Written by Steve Hofstetter, Adam Hofstetter, Cody Marley, Ryan Murphy, Rich Ragains, Elliot Steingart, and Chris Strait

We can't predict the future, but we'd like to wish Michigan head coach Lloyd Carr good luck on the new job he'll probably have soon.

NFL coaches Mike Nolan and Jack Del Rio will be outfitted exclusively by suit maker Joseph Abboud this year. Unfortunately for Bill Belichick, Abboud does not create oversized sweatshirts.

The son of Philadelphia Eagles coach Andy Reid has been charged with drugs and DUI. Who does this kid think he is, a football player?

Speaking of drunk, the Tampa City Council will not allow the Buccaneers to sell hard liquor at Raymond James Stadium. Clearly, the city council has never had to sit through an entire Buccs game.

Tough break for the Minnesota Timberwolves. A bum shoulder from a jet skiing accident could cause Mark Madsen to miss three months. Only three months. The Wolves are currently trying to negotiate a torn ACL.

In other injury news, one of Canada's top gymnasts broke both his legs while practicing, forever silencing anyone who'd ever wished him luck.

And 1967 Masters champion Gay Brewer died at age 75, still hating his parents. But ironically loving beer. Gay Brewer. We had no idea Mike Piazza had been traded to Milwaukee.

For more of the Sports Minute (Or So), visit minuteorso.com

The National Lampoon Sports Minute (Or So)
Written by Steve Hofstetter, Adam Hofstetter, Cody Marley, Ryan Murphy, Elliot Steingart, and Chris Strait

The Milwaukee Brewers are making postseason tickets available to their fans for the first time in 15 years. Milwaukee fans will have to dress for the cold because hell has frozen over.

How bad are the Pittsburgh Pirates? A day after the Honus Wagner baseball card sold for $2.8 million, it batted fifth.

A Cubs fan built a one-third-size replica of Wrigley Field so he'll only have to wait one-third of a century for a World Series. Wow. You can really get a lot done when you're not distracted by women or friends.

Los Angeles Lakers guard Kobe Bryant is on a five-city tour of Asia. That's how far he has to go to find people who still like him.

Speaking of people who don't like Kobe Bryant, Shaquille O'Neal plans to return to the Heat after shedding over 120 pounds of useless weight this off-season. His ex-wife.

Chivas USA Soccer has hired former NHL and NBA exec Shawn Hunter to help increase home attendance, by one.

A neurologist has concluded that former WWE star Chris Benoit suffered from brain damage. The brain damage was brought on by years and years of watching wrestling.

A punter who was cut by the Patriots was charged with assaulting his own father later that night. Convicting him will be easy, since Bill Belichick probably taped it.

And world champion Tyson Gay has decided to pull out of the Golden League 100 meters due to fatigue. Gay was exhausted after years spent running from his last name.

For more of the Sports Minute (Or So), visit minuteorso.com

An Open Letter to Appalachian State Fans

Congratulations! Last week, you pulled off one of the greatest upsets in the history of sports. Since then, your merchandise has been on back order, your website crashed due to all the traffic, and your 16,000 seat stadium is sold out for the first time. Way to go. You've really put Boone, North Carolina on the map. Enjoy it, because any day now, you'll wake up and remember that you're in Boone, North Carolina.

It is true that you won a football game. But consider that tomorrow and for the rest of your college career, you will be attending classes on a remote mountain top while the Wolverines will be in Ann Arbor, home to the largest population of hot slutty chicks north of the Mason-Dixon. Ann Arbor has so many hot chicks you could still get laid if you were a paraplegic midget wearing an Appalachian State shirt. Seriously, if you can't get any in Ann Arbor, cut it off.

Actually, looks like Boone is getting a hot chick, because your rigorous admission standards allowed that idiot miss South Carolina to enroll there next fall. That's right - all it takes to go to Appalachian State is a complete disregard for knowledge and the utter inability to make sense. The Mountaineers may have won in Ann Arbor, but they're going to lose in South Africa and the Iraq and everywhere like such as. I'm surprised she can spell Appalachian State, let alone enroll. It's nice that you put Boone on the map - now if only more U.S. Americans had maps. That girl is so dumb your football players are going to end up tutoring her.

Yes, you had your way with the Michigan Defense like they were an attractive cousin after a box of wine. But the reason everyone is going so crazy over your win is because normally you suck. You're one of the best teams that the I-AA subdivision has to offer. Which makes you the 121st best team in the country. Yay. Look, the Kansas City Royals have a team MVP every year, but you don't see him bragging. The only thing this victory did was prove that moonshine just might make you invincible.

Yes, you took down Goliath. Congratulations David, but you're still I-AA. That's three steps up from intramurals. It was great that you won the game - and maybe you'll do it again when you go back to playing community colleges. That blowout this weekend against Lenoir-Rhyne College was something. All 16,000 people in attendance must have really enjoyed it. 16,000. That's adorable. More people go to hockey games.

Michigan may have been ranked number five when you beat them. But this weekend's loss to Oregon clearly shows that Michigan was not a true number five. I wish you were playing USC this Saturday so you could be knocked back down a peg. You'd fare as well against the Trojans as Miss South Carolina would on Jeopardy. Forget Jeopardy - that girl wouldn't make the cut for Wheel of Fortune.

"I'd like to solve the puzzle Pat. Is it 'The Iraq'?"

You've got two alumni in the NFL right now. Michigan had more than that go in one round of this year's draft. Michigan has won eleven national championships and your division isn't even eligible to compete for one. Michigan could lose every game for the rest of the season and they'd still be the winningest college football team in history. Remember what you were doing last year when Michigan was playing in the Rose Bowl? Watching the Rose bowl. Yes, you're the two-time reigning I-AA champions. I'm sure Lenoir-Rhyne College is jealous.

Yes, it was embarrassing for Michigan to lose to you. But that's because you're not an actual college football team. Were you normally any good, that game wouldn't have even made sportscenter. If the Knicks lost to the Rutgers women's basketball team, it'd be a big story, too. The headlines would all read "Nappy Headed Hos Lose to Rutgers."

Everyone cares because you suck so much. So bask in your temporary non-suckiness because pretty soon you will fade into the answer to a trivia question. Maybe Disney will make a movie about your improbable ability to win a pre-season non-conference exhibition game. It could star Hannah Montana as Miss South Carolina, and Cuba Gooding Jr. as the retarded fan who thinks this game actually matters in the long run.

Enjoy the moment, because that's what this is - a moment. When it's all over, you'll have to be content with going back to being simply a good academic school. With your classes in Ainglish and the History and everywhere like such as.

Michigan 38, Notre Dame 0

Not many positives came from this one. Two things did stand out to me, though. First, there's that old adage about controlling the line of scrimmage. On both sides of the ball, Michigan move the line of scrimmage two yards on every single play. They dominated the rushing stats 289 to -6. But ND's rushing stats would have been a lot worse if it wasn't for James Aldridge's performance against Michigan's second team. Aldridge finished with 51 yards rushing. But against the first team defense, Aldridge tried to wait for blocks that simply didn't develop and he was eaten alive.

The second thing is something that scares me - fundamentally unsound play on both sides of the ball. You can say what you want about Notre Dame's talent, depth, and experience this year. But it doesn't take any of those three ingredients to play at a basically fundamental level. When fundamentals are in question at the college level, the finger of doubt gets pointed directly at the coaching staff. With all that being said, I never played organized football and still have much to learn about the game. So I hope I'm just wrong.

Jimmy Clausen is still learning on the job. He's starting to throw downfield a little more, but eight sacks are never a good thing. He'll learn, but it will take time. And don't forget - Michigan may have struggled mightily in their first two games, but they're still a very good team.

The defensive front seven was simply outsized by Michigan's line. The Irish will have another tough test next week against familiar faces Javon Ringer and Jehuu Caulcrick of Michigan State. MSU has a new starter at quarterback, so the Spartans would love to take the ball out of his hands and feed Ringer and Caulcrick all day long.

That's all I have to say right now. We can't do anything now about the last three games, so we just have to look forward towards the rest of the schedule. Go Irish.

Notre Dame Football 2007Issue 3: Michigan

Michigan Rush Offense vs. ND Rush Defense

For another year, 20 Mike Hart is Michigan's workhorse. At this point, he's one of the few things that's gone right for UM. Hart has averaged 24 carries and 158 yards over the first two games, and has 3 total rushing touchdowns. Backup 4 Brandon Minor has also gotten his fair share of carries, averaging 10 rushes and 4- yards per game. WR 86 Mario Manningham has 3 carries for 25 so far. As one of the Wolverines' top weapons, I'm sure he's been used on both end-arounds and flat passes. Michigan fullbacks have yet to record a carry. Saturday's starting QB 15 Ryan Mallet is not a mobile quarterback; last week, he recorded 5 attempts for -16 yards.
Notre Dame's run defense has shown flashes of competence, yet is still giving up 211.5 yards per game. This team isn't as deep as it looks, and when the offense can't stay on the field, the defense will tire. That's how teams have days of 200+ rushing yards against the Irish. With a freshman QB, look for steady doses of the veteran Hart if the Wolverines get a lead over the Irish.

ND Rush Offense vs. Michigan Rush Defense

Well, if you take out the sacks... Notre Dame's run offense is still lousy. Junior Jabbie is the only runner with a decent YPC - 5.0 - but he's only had one carry. That's the definition of a small sample size. Armando Allen has looked the best out of any Notre Dame back so far, at 3.3 YPC. Allen is averaging 5 carries and 18 yards per game so far. James Aldrige is averaging 3-4 carries for 8 yards, and Travis Thomas 6 carries and 2.5 yards. Jimmy Clausen, like Mallet, is not a mobile quarterback. So far, Clausen has 12 rushing attempts for -39 yards.
Michigan has struggled mightily against the run this year, largely due to Appalachian State and Oregon's spread option attacks. Does that mean Demetrius Jones will make an appearance for the Irish? I doubt it. Coach Weis has named Clausen his starter, and even one play with Jones would seem like a vote of no confidence in Clausen. Michigan's front seven returns only two starters, DT 67 Terrence Taylor and OLB 2 Shawn Crable. Taylor and Crable share the team lead in tackles for a loss, with 4. Crable also leads the team with 18 total tackles.

Michigan Pass Offense vs. ND Pass Defense

7 Chad Henne was injured last week, and won't be back to face the Irish. After finally figuring out how his helmet, chin strap, and mouth guard worked together, Ryan Mallet made his Michigan debut. The results weren't pretty, as Mallet completed only 6 of 17 passes for 49 yards. He also had one interception. Still, Michigan's wide receivers scare me to death.(TM) Mario Manningham is averaging 5-6 receptions and 92 yards per game. 16 Adrian Arrington and 13 Greg Mathews are right behind Manningham. Arrington is averaging 5 catches for 61 yards, Mathews 4 for 37, and each has a TD reception. Starting TE 83 Mike Massey has 3 catches on the season, and lanky backup TE 85 Carson Butler has 2. Backup RB Brandon Minor has 2 receptions out of the backfield.
Notre Dame's pass defense has surrendered 126 yards per game. Are they that good, or is it simply a case of opponents not needing to run. Opponents have averaged 23 pass attempts per game, but they are completing only 50%. To me, that indicates a combination of the two situations. Of course, what do I know?

ND Pass Offense vs. Michigan Pass Defense

In two games, Jimmy Clausen has looked like a freshman with promise. So far, he's connected on 55% of his pass attempts. Thanks largely to Coach Weis' gameplan last week, Armando Allen is ND's leading receiver, with 7 catches. David Grimes is right behind with 6, followed by Robby Parris, George West, and John Carlson with 4 each.
Michigan has looked poor against the pass as well, giving up 260 yards per game. Crabel and Taylor each have 2 sacks, and S 31 Brandent Engelmon and CB 14 Morgan Trent each have an interception.

Special Teams

Michigan is breaking in a new field goal kicker, 34 Jason Gingell. It's been rough going so far, as Gingell has made only 2 of 5 field goals, including 2 famous blocks in the ASU game. For Notre Dame, Brandon Walker is 2 for 2 from inside 30 yards, while Nate Whitaker has missed a 50-yarder.
41 Zultan Mesko has won Michigan's punting job, and it's little surprise why. Mesko has had 9 opportunities to kick the ball away, and he is averaging 46.8 yards per. For the Irish, Geoff Price is now averaging 41.9 yards per punt.
CB 25 Johnny Sears is now Michigan's primary kick returner. He's averaging 22 yards per return after 6 tries, with a long of 31. Backup RB Carlos Brown has made 3 returns and is averaging 21 yards per, with a long of 24. Nate Whitaker has done fairly well as ND's kickoff specialist, getting 62 yards per kick. But the Irish are giving up 26 yards per return, meaning opponents start at the 34 on average.
Armando Allen has been ND's primary kick returner, averaging 19 yards per on 8 returns, with a long of 25. Golden Tate has returned 2 cicks for 20 and 34 yards, respectively. 43 Bryan Wright kicks off for the Wolverines. He's averaging 65 yards per kick with one touchback. Michigan is giving up 20 yards per return, meaning opponents on average start at the 25.
Michigan has only had 3 chances to return punts, and two of those returns have been by Johnny Sears. His returns have been for 0 and 14 yards, respectively. Notre Dame's coverage team is giving up 15 yards per punt return.
It's been all or nothing for Tom Zbikowski as a punt returner. He's had two returns - one for -1 yard and one for 47. Michigan's punt coverage team is holding opponents to a very respectable 8 yards per punt return.

Look for a big game from Allen, Parris, Carlson, Trevor Laws, David Bruton.


ND 20, Michigan 17: Allen breaks through, Clausen finds Carlson in the back of the end zone bread-and-butter, and Walker chips in two.

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Penn State 31, Notre Dame 10

Quarterback:

Courtesy AP/Gene J. Puskar

Well, it's a start. Coach Weis kept things simple at first, allowing Jimmy Clausen to throw only screens and swing passes. He handled those well, and threw downfield later on. Despite his early success, though, Clausen completed just over 50% of his passes, was sacked 6 times, and threw a pick

Running Back: Four backs combined for 25 yards on 16 carries against Penn State's stout front seven. Armando Allen, who got the starting nod alongside his fellow freshman, did have success catching passes out of the backfield. Allen led the team with 6 catches and totalled 38 yards.

Fullback: Asaph Schwapp did not touch the football in this game.

Receiver: David Grimes stepped up as best he could, with 5 catches for a team-high 45 yards. George West had 2 catches for 9, Duval Kamara had one for 6, and Robby Paris had a big one for 35.

Tight End: John Carlson has struggled so far this season. Of course, he spent most of this game helping with the pass blocking. He finished with 1 catch for 5 yards. Will Yeatman added one catch for 6 yards.

O-Line: Six sacks and 0 net rushing yards. Going across the line, Paul Duncan got his name called far more often than a lineman should have. Michael Turkovich gets credit for playing hard despite getting popped in the mouth early, but looked slow on plays when he was required to pull. (But in Turkovich's defense, Allen does need to learn to wait for his blocks.) John Sullivan actually played well, but there's only one of him. Dan Wenger looked overmatched. Sam Young appears to be trying to hard, assumedly because he feels a need to take a leadership role as the line's second most veteran member. Then again, it's not his fault that that's the case.

D-Line: Trevor Laws had a busy day, tying for the team lead with 10 tackles and recovering a fumble. Pat Kuntz also came up big with 8 tackles, 0.5 for a loss. Justin Brown was demoted to backup, perhaps due to his ejection from last week's game, but he still managed 3 tackles and half a sack. Ian Williams added 3 of his own in a backup role.

Linebacker: Once again, Joe Brockington has quietly but deservedly worked his way into the starting lineup. Brockington had 10 tackles, 1.5 for a loss, and recovered a fumble. Mo Crum added 6 tackles, John Ryan added 4, including the other half of Brown's sack, Anthony Vernaglia had 3 tackles, and Mo Richardson had a sack.

Safety: Tom Zbikowski turned in a decent performance, recording 6 tackles and forcing two fumbles in run support. David Bruton added 2 tackles, and in an increasing role Kyle McCarthy had one stop.

Cornerback:

Courtesy AP/Gene J. Puskar

It was the highlight of the game for the Irish, but unfortunately one play's worth of momentum does not a win make. Still, Darrin Walls made a spectacular interception and finally got a good chance to show off his return skills (after what may be considered a failed experiment as a kick returner last year) with a 73-yard touchdown. Walls, Ambrose Wooden, and Leo Ferrine - who came in after an injury to Terrail Lambert - each had 2 tackles.

Kicker: Nate Whitaker missed his first collegiate field goal attempt, from 50 yards. But it had the distance and was simply wide, so I'll take that as a positive. Brandon Walker made his attempt from 22 yards.

Punter: Geoff Price is back, averaging 44.8 yards per punt with a long of 57. Eric Maust added a 45 yard punt of his own.

Kick Returner: Armando Allen averaged 22 yards on 3 returns, while Golden Tate's lone return went for 34 yards.

Punt Returner: Thanks to solid work from Penn State, Tom Zbikowski managed only one punt return. Of course, he did take that one for 47 yards.

Special Teams: Derrick Williams should have been stopped for no gain on a punt return. Instead, he sidestepped a tackle and went 78 yards for a backbreaking touchdown. Notre Dame gave up 25 yards per punt return and 32 per kick return. Bluntly, neither is an acceptable number.

Notre Dame Football 2007Issue 2: Penn State

Penn State Rush Offense vs. ND Rush Defense

33 Austin Scott steps in as Penn State's starting tailback this year. Last week, he ran 11 times for 47 yards and two scores. He's backed up by 20 Rodney Kinlaw and 22 Evan Royster, who both had good showings against Florida International to the tune of 8 carries and 8+ yards per carry. Starting fullback 34 Matt Hahn did not have a carry in the game, but backup fullbacks 38 Dan Lawlor had 5 and 44 Larry Federoff had one. Receivers 24 Jordan Norwood and 2 Derrick Williams also had a carry apiece. Penn State isn't afraid to let anyone, except maybe QB 14 Anthony Morelli, run the ball. Like last year, I'd expect to see a Lions receiver line up at QB a few times, especially after GT's success in that package last week.
Notre Dame's new front seven showed some growing pains last week, to the tune of 265 rushing yards. Middle linebackers Maurice Crum and Joe Brockington combined for 16 tackles. But the entire front seven had only one tackle for a loss (Crum), which perhaps tells a story of their inability to penetrate into the backfield. ND did have one interesting formation where they entered Kyle McCarthy as a third safety, essentially dropping Tom Zbikowski down to linebacker. Of course, both Zbikowski and McCarthy watched the Tech back run right by them, so that particular formation wasn't too effective in that particular situation. This defense will mesh as a unit over time, but Penn State isn't going to make that meshing process any easier.

ND Rush Offense vs. Penn State Rush Defense

Notre Dame gained 92 yards on the ground last week... but lost 100. It seemed like every skill player on the team except Luke Schmidt played, and overall four backs had carries. Armando Allen had the most success, gaining 25 yards on 3 attemts, mostly out of the spread option look. James Aldridge's 3.2 yards per carry on 6 attempts isn't bad for a big back, but it isn't that great, either. Travis Thomas and Asaph Schwapp had terrible days running the ball. Thomas finished with 7 tries for -7 yards. Meanwhile, on a "here's what's coming, try and stop it" fullback dive, Georgia Tech did stop Schwapp for -1 yards.
Florida International actually had a better day than the Irish running the ball. They picked up a whopping -3 yards on the ground against Penn State. The Nittany Lions are again led by LB 40 Dan Connor, who had 5 tackles last week. 45 Sean Lee, PSU's other returning starter at LB, led the team with 7 stops, including 2 for losses. If there's any hope, it's in the fact that Notre Dame's young offensive line is facing a Penn State defensive line with only one returning starter. Of course, guys like Connor and Lee more than make up for any experience among the down linemen.

Penn State Pass Offense vs. ND Pass Defense

Anthony Morelli sure wasn't afraid to pass last week. The second year starter threw the ball 38 times, completing 28, or 60.5%. Morelli also 3 touchdowns to 0 interceptions, and 295 total passing yards. His primary receiver was Jordan Norwood, with 5 catches and 92 yards. WR Derrick Williams and TE 82 Mickey Shuler each had 4 catches. As with their running game, PSU likes to spread the wealth in the passing game. Ten players caught passes in the FIU game, including the 4 by Shuler, 1 by RB Rodney Kinlaw, and 1 by FB Matt Hahn.
Notre Dame actually did a good job defending the pass last week. One could argue that Georgia Tech simply didn't need to pass that much thanks to their success on the ground. But GT quarterbacks did attempt 24 passes, completing only 11. ND had decent pressure at times, but finished with only one sack. That sack came from FS David Bruton, who had a busy day. He tied for the team lead with 9 tackles, some coming after the front seven failed to stop the run, but others coming from well-timed blitzes. Bruton also led the team with 2 tackles for a loss (one being the sack). One one of Tech's lone big plays, safety Tom Zbikowski bit on an underneath route, leaving Terrail Lambert alone in single coverage. But it still took a spectacular catch by the Tech receiver to beat Lambert, who had a solid game. Darrin Walls left the game last week in favor of Ambrose Wooden, and there were grumblings that it was due to injury. It will be interesting to see if Walls is back out there this week. But it looks like ND may finally have the guns to let the corners play in single coverage. Hopefully.

ND Pass Offense vs. Penn State Pass Defense

I somehow doubt that this humble blog is your lone source of ND football news. So I'm sure everyone knows by now that Jimmy Clausen is starting for the Irish on Saturday. Clausen is the beneficiary of the Quinn Defense: yes, he did well against GT's backups. But he also did well with ND's backups. Those backups include Robby Parris, who tied John Carlson for the team lead with 3 catches. Watching the young quarterbacks work with Parris and Duval Kamara (2 catches) reminded me ofBrady Quinn's, when he used garbage time to build a rapport with Jeff Samardzija. That worked out pretty well, didn't it? As I mentioned about, almost all of ND's skill players saw action in this game. Nine Irish players made at least one catch, including Parris, Carlson, George West (2), Kamara, Will Yeatman, DJ Hord, David Grimes, Junior Jabbie (who appears to be ND's third down back, good for him), and Armando Allen.
Penn State sacked Florida International seven times in their contest. Lee and DT 93 Chris Baker each had 2.

Special Teams

23 Kevin Kelly returns as Penn State's field goal kicker, and he has quite a leg. He made one from 45 yards last week, and missed from 50+. Brandon Walker provided ND's only scoring against Tech with a 24-yard field goal. It appears that Neil Whitaker will be used for longer field goals.
Penn State lost a Ray Guy finalist, and replaced him with 41 Jeremy Boone, who only averaged 47 yards per punt last week, with a long of 54. Boone actually had 5 punts against FIU - 3 of 50+ yards! I'm not sure if Penn State's offense was inconsistent, or these punts occurred after the backups were already in. On a day when seemingly nothing was going right for the Irish, Geoff Price averaged a mere 38.3 yards per punt. He did have a long of 55, which means he could have just had a bad day.
Who are Penn State's kick returners? Your guess is as good as mine. That's right, PSU put up a 0 in the kick return category last week. (FOr being shutout, FIU had one kickoff, a touchback.) Meanwhile, ND walk-on Nate Whitaker surprised by booming 67.5 yards per kickoff. His first kick went a few yards deep into the end zone. ND gave up an average of 14 yards per return, giving opponents an average start at the 16.5 yards line.
Armando Allen and Golden Tate are ND's kick returners, although George West also lined up there late in the game. Allen returned 5 kicks for a total of 84 yards (16.8 yard average), while Tate returned one for 20. Kevin Kelly averaged 62.7 per kickoff, a number probably hampered by the fact that his leg was numb after the 8 PATs, 2 field goal attempts, and 10 kickoffs. PSU did give up 22.8 yards per return, meaning opponents start on average at the 30.1 yard line.
Derrick Williams is PSU's primary punt returner, although CB 25 Brendan Perretta also got in on the act last week. On 4 returns, Williams averaged 13.2 yards with a long of 25. Perretta's lone return was for 2 yards.
43 Tyler Evans was Tech's best punt returner in terms of yards per return last year, at 9.6. For this, Evans was rewarded primary punt return duties this year.
Tom Zbikowski had one chance to return a punt last week, and it went for -1 yard.


Look for a big game from Clausen, Aldridge, Allen, Parris, Trevor Laws, Bruton.

ND 23, Penn State 17: We'll go with this score until it actually wins me something.

Know Thy EnemyPenn State

Back in Happy Valley
Black Shoe Diaries
Bleed Blue 'n White
50-Yard Lion
Fight On State
Lion in the Desert
The Nittany Line
Nittany Lines
The Nittany Notebook
The Nittany Turkey
Penn State Fan Letter
PSU Football Fanatics
Run Up the Score
There Is No Name On My Jersey
2 the Lion Football
Zombie Nation
Fanblogs Penn State
FanHouse Penn State

Eleven Ways To Make Sports In The United States More Delightfully English, In Increasing Magnitude Of Stereotypical Awfulness

by Klondike, 2007 KankaNation Laetare recipient

Editor's Note: Really? You'd rather see a GT wrapup? I'll include my thoughts in the PSU preview.

David Beckham was my inspiration for this month's attempt.

#11 - Soccer: Import some extremely well-paid English players. This seems so obvious, I'm not sure why nobody else has already thought of it. Also, the sport would have to be renamed "English Football".

#10 - Boxing: Boxing would be called "fisticuffs" instead. The common boxing stance would be modeled after the University of Notre Dame's leprechaun mascot. Wry commentary would be delivered in a dry monotone.

#9 - Tennis: Tennis would remain relatively the same. The main difference would be in scorekeeping: you wouldn't say things like "15 love" any more, but "15 luv". Also, clay courts would be eliminated. Clay courts are contemporarily French, which is by-definition not delightfully English.

#8 - Basketball: Pronounced acts of exuberance, such as slam dunks or congratulatory butt-slaps, would be replaced with exceptional displays of reserve and politeness. The sport would thenceforth be called "Ye Olde Baƒketballe".

#7 - Football: Traditional football pads would be replaced with full metal suits of armor. Physical trainers would be referred to as "pages", and the coach would be addressed as "my liege". Further, all instant replays would be depicted via cartoonish animation à la Monty Python.

#6 - Auto Racing: Instead of the normal stock or formula cars, we would race hackney carriages and double-decker busses. Also, the racetracks would all turn in the opposite direction. "Gentlemen, start your engines!" would be replaced with "Tally-ho and whatnot."

#5 - Polo: The only way this sport could be more delightfully English would be if they ground the horses into a variety of sausages. This would include the parts of the horse not normally considered meat, such as the kidneys. (The kidneys will be important later.)

#4 - Lacrosse: A large influx of hooligans would make Lacrosse more delightfully English, with the attendant riots before and after any given win or loss. Also, team names like "Titans" and "Roughnecks" would have to be replaced with names like "Whigs" and "Gentry".

#3 - Baseball: Umpires would wear tall, black, furry hats, and be trained not to show any emotion under any circumstances. Also, no more cold beers and hotdogs for the fans. Instead, they could get a warm beer and a delightfully English kidney pie. Finally, replace the bases with wickets.

#2 - Professional Wrestling: Most of the outside-the-ring drama would be replaced with frank but witty round-table discussions of differences. The convenient weapons of choice, such as folding chairs and ladders, would be replaced with pieces of Stonehenge and Holbein's portrait of Henry VIII.

#1 - Hockey: All players would skate around holding their hockey sticks in one hand and a cup of tea in the other. Pinkies out. Goalies, in keeping with their special equipment requirements, would hold teapots in lieu of trappers. Bad teeth would stop being an unfortunate occurrence and become a strict requirement.
All the best.

Notre Dame Football 2007Issue 1: Georgia Tech

Georgia Tech Rush Offense vs. ND Rush Defense

22 Tashard Choice returns as Tech's starter, after averaging 105 yards on approximately 20 carries per game in 2006. Choice also had 12 rushing TDs in 14 contests. With the departure of Reggie Ball and Calvin Johnson, Choice is arguably the centerpiece of this offense. He'll be aided by an offensive line that returns four starters. 20 Jamaal Evans and 3 Rashaun Grant return as Choice's backups, after each averaging about 3 carries per game in 2006. Fullback Mike Cox is an excellent blocker, but did not have a single carry last year.
If offensive linemen age like fine wine, Georgia Tech has a great set of blockers. The four returners are either true or redshirt seniors, and the new man is a redshirt junior. That will be an interesting challenge to Notre Dame, who will be debuting their 34 look. 98 Trevor Laws will continue to play like he always has. Some are trying to compare undersized NT Pat Kuntz to Chris Zorich, but first they should see if he can replicate Derek Landri's success from last year. 57 Dwight Stephenson and 94 Justin Brown are both hungry to prove that they deserve a starting end spot, just like 49 Toryan Smith and 52 Joe Brockington are hungry to show they deserve to start on the inside next to 40 Maurice Crum.

ND Rush Offense vs. Georgia Tech Rush Defense

To say Notre Dame has depth at running back this year is an understatement. To say they have experience, on the other hand, is another story. 26 Travis Thomas will be on offense full time once again, and begins the year as the starter. Thomas had 13 carries for 81 yards last year, including a 43 yard pickup on a fake punt. Three people are listed as Thomas' backup, 34 James Aldridge, who averaged 3.8 yards per carry last year; speedy freshman 5 Armando Allen; and the veteran 37 Junior Jabbie. Fullback Asaph Schwapp is back from an injury; he carried the ball 4 times in two games, averaging 3.8 YPC. He'll be backed up by sophomore Luke Schmidt.
Despite Georgia Tech's reputation for blitzing, offenses still averaged 104 rushing yards per game against the Jackets last year. Defensive end 42 Adamm Oliver had 11 tackles for a loss last season, and 70 stops overall.

Georgia Tech Pass Offense vs. ND Pass Defense

13 Taylor Bennett has been praised for his talent, and perhaps some of that praise has come from being directly compared to Reggie Ball. However, Bennett is a bit short on experience. Saturday will be his third career start. Bennett no longer has the benefit of Calvin Johnson, but he does have 89 James Johnson returning. James averaged 3 catches and 43 yards per game in 2006, and did have 7 total touchdown catches. Tashard Choice was the Jackets third leading receiver behind Johnson & Johnson, averaging a reception and 7 yards per game. After that, no returning player averaged more than one catch per game in 2006.
This is a matchup to watch. A veteran offensive line, but inexperienced receivers and quarterback, against a defense that hasn't been able to shut down the pass in a few years. On paper, Notre Dame's secondary looks more promising than it has in a while. Then again, the games aren't played on paper. 9 Tom Zbikowski returns for a fifth year after a disappointing 2006. He'll be joined by 27 David Bruton at safety. The starting cornerback positions were hard earned. 20 Terrail Lambert won his spot with his 2006 showing; 2 Darrin Walls won the other spot with his raw talent and showing in practice. 22 Ambrose Wooden, expected to retain his starting job from 2005 and 2006, will instead have to settle for steady work in nickel and dime packages. Up front, 90 John Ryan will be the pass rushing outside linebacker, backed up by 53 Morrice Richardson. On the other side, 54 Anthony Vernaglia won a starting OLB spot with his coverage skills.

ND Pass Offense vs. Georgia Tech Pass Defense

Who will it be? 13 Evan Sharpley has the experience. But rumors favoring 3 Demetrius Jones have popped up everywhere from NDNation to Facebook to wedding receptions. Whoever is starting will have to deal with the loss of ND's top three receivers in terms of catches. They will, however, have a big target in 89 John Carlson returning. Last year, Carlson averaged 4 catches and 58 yards per game. The receiving corps have been dubbed "The Smurfs," as most are on the short side of 6'0. Papa Smurf is 11 David Grimes, who averaged 2 catches and 28 yards per game in 2006. He did a good job as a tertiary option, but how will he fare as a secondary or primary option in this offense? Across from Grimes will be 19 George West, who last year had only one more catch (2) than carry (1). The backups are a talented but green bunch. 1 DJ Hord is trying to prove himself after losing 2006 to an injury; he reportedly hasn't dropped much of anything in practice. 82 Robby Parris had one catch last year, and he'll look to top that in the opener, given the chance.
Irish fans may may remember MLB 41 Philip Wheeler as the human torpedo who liked to lead with his helmet. But Wheeler was also Georgia Tech's sack master with 9, and 14.5 TFL overall. The Yellow jackets recorded 13 interceptions last year, and 9 of those came from players returning to the secondary in 2007, in the form of safeties 23 Djay Jones (4) and 4 Jamal Lewis (3) and corner 2 Kenny Scott (2).

Special Teams

Travis Bell is back for his third year as Tech's kicker. Bell made 12 of 18 field goals in 2006, including 10 of 12 from inside 40 yards. Notre Dame's place kicker is still to be determined, but it won't be 39 Ryan Burkhart. Burkhart failed to crack the two deep, but walk-on 35 Nate Whitaker and freshman 14 Brandon Walker
Tech also returns punter 39 Durant Brooks, who averaged 45.5 per punt in 2006, with a long of 63. That's only slightly better than 17 Geoff Price's 45.5 yards per last year. This will truly be a game of field position.
Rashaun Grant and Jamaal Evans return as Tech's kick returners, after averaging 16.2 and 22.8 yards per return, respectively, in 2006.
If and when Notre Dame receives the opening kick of 2007, a highly-touted freshman will be the first member of the blue and gold to touch the ball. Armando Allen and 23 Golden Tate are listed as Notre Dame's kick returners to start the game. If either falter, Darrin Walls and George West are waiting in the wings.
43 Tyler Evans was Tech's best punt returner in terms of yards per return last year, at 9.6. For this, Evans was rewarded primary punt return duties this year.
Tom Zbikowski is back for his third year as a punt returner. After averaging 14 yards per return in 14, Zibby had a pedestrian 9 yards per last year. He also had a 52-yard touchdown.


Look for a big game from Carlson, the O-Line, Crum, and Zbikowski.

ND 23, Georgia Tech 17: Aldrige plunges in, Grimes finds the end zone, one of the returners break one, and the placekicker makes up for a missed PAT with an easy field goal.

Know Thy Enemy

I plan on posting each team's "Know Thy Enemy Links" on the Monday or Tuesday before that week's game - so good luck getting any work done this fall. If I have left you off this list, screwed up your link, or grossly misinterpreted your blog title, please send an email to kanka@kankasports.zzn.com, or stop by our message board.

Georgia Tech

Georgia Tech Sports Blog
Golden Tornado
GT Sports Blog
Ramblin' On
Ramblin' Racket
AJC TechBlog
What's the Good Word?
YellowBlazer's World
Fanblogs Georgia Tech
FanHouse Georgia Tech

Penn State

Back in Happy Valley
Black Shoe Diaries
Bleed Blue 'n White
50-Yard Lion
Fight On State
Lion in the Desert
The Nittany Line
Nittany Lines
The Nittany Notebook
The Nittany Turkey
Penn State Fan Letter
PSU Football Fanatics
Run Up the Score
There Is No Name On My Jersey
2 the Lion Football
Zombie Nation
Fanblogs Penn State
FanHouse Penn State

Michigan

Ace of Sports
Autumn Thunder
Big House Football
Blah Me to Death
The Blog that Yost Built
Blue Cats and Red Sox
Dangerous Logic
The Diag
Football Outsiders
The Hoover Street Rag
iBlog for Cookies
Jim Harbaugh Scramble
MGoBlog
MVictors.com
The M Zone
Maize 'n' Brew
Michigan Against the World
Michigan Football Saturdays
Michigan Sports Center
Mr. Wolverine
Motown Sports Revival
Off Tackle
A Pudge is a Sandwich
Quo Vadimus
Rob in Madtown
Ronald Bellamy's Underachieving All-Stars
SportsLog Michigan
Stadium and Main
Straight Bangin'
Sweaty Men Endeavors
UMTailgate.com
Varsity Blue
Westsider Rider
Winged Helmets
Yet Another Michigan Sports Blog
Fanblogs Michigan
FanHouse Michigan

Michigan State

Bleeding Green
The Enlightened Spartan
SpartanBlog
Spartan Bob
A Spartan for All Seasons
Spartans Insider (was "Grinz on Green")
Spartan Tailgate
SpartyMSU Blog
Fanblogs MSU
FanHouse Michigan State

Purdue

Boiled Sports
Boiler Station
Boilermaker Banter
It Came from Black Background
Off the Tracks
Unrestricted View
Fanblogs Purdue
FanHouse Purdue

UCLA

Bruin Roar
Bruins Nation
Dump Dorrell
Inside UCLA
Insomniac's Lounge
LA Seitz of Chicago
Talking Bruins
What's Bruin(.net)
What's Bruin (LA Times)
What's Bruin, Dawg?
Fanblogs UCLA
FanHouse UCLA

Boston College

The Bricks House
Eagle in Atlanta
For Here Men are Men
Heights and Lows
News from the Hill
Fanblogs Boston College
FanHouse Boston College

USC

According to USC Trojan
Adam Rose
Attak Kat
Boi from Troy
A Choad's Guide to USC Football
Conquest Chronicles
Crazy Trojan Musings
Daily Trojan
DC Trojan
The Displaced Trojan
Fight on Forever
HeismanPundit
I Can't Complain
Inside USC
Irish Trojan
It's a Definite Maybe
Lex Icon
Play Tusk!
SC Football
Scott Wolf Inside USC
Student Body Right
Talking Trojans
Tommy Trojan's Blog
Tribute to Troy
Trojans Football News
TrojanWire
USC Football Fan
USC Football Tailgate
USC Herd
USC Trojan Football
We Are SC
Fanblogs USC
FanHouse USC

Navy

Adam Ballard 4 Heisman
The Birddog
Pitch Right
Fanblogs Navy
FanHouse Navy

Air Force

Fanblogs Air Force
FanHouse Air Force

Duke

News-Record Sports Extra
Fanblogs Duke
FanHouse Duke

Stanford

College Hotline
Stanford Tree
Fanblogs Stanford
FanHouse Stanford

... and Know Thyself

Notre Dame

The Blue-Gray Sky
Chris Wilson's Blog O' (Irish) Fun
Classic Ground
The College Game
Daily Contentions
Domer Law Blog
eTruth
The Extra Point
Fire Mark May
The Galvin Opinion
Haiku Notre Dame
Her Loyal Sons
Here Come the Irish
The House Rock Built
Irish Blue and Gold
The Irish Brogue
Irish Eyes Power Hour
Irish Insights
Irish Law
Irish Round Table
Irish Stew
John Walters
Kelly Green
Majorly English
Marchand Chronicles
Mark May be Wrong
Musings of a Domer
ND CHOO CHOO
NDNation Blog
OC Domer
Pass Right
Rakes of Mallow
Robot Charlie
The Rock Report
Running at the Mouth
A Season of Saturdays
Sports Syndicate
Tough Guy
UHND Blog
Unrestricted View
We is Notre Dame
What Thou the Odds
Fanblogs Notre Dame
FanHouse Notre Dame

Know Thy EnemyGeorgia Tech

Editor's Note: Look for a complete Know Thy Enemy, and Know Thyself post tomorrow, listing all ND and opponent blogs for the season.

In the meantime, if you have a GT blog that isn't listed below, or if something with your link or blog title is awry, please let me know via email or the message board. (Links are at the top of the page.)

Georgia Tech Sports Blog
Golden Tornado
Ramblin' On
Ramblin' Racket
AJC TechBlog
What's the Good Word?
Wreck Ramblin
YellowBlazer's World
Fanblogs Georgia Tech

The National Lampoon Sports Minute (Or So)

Editor's Note: Catching up, again. Also, if you've sent me a link request within the last 4-5 months, please resend it. I've done a terrible job of housekeeping this summer.

The National Lampoon Sports Minute (Or So)
Written by Steve Hofstetter, Adam Hofstetter, Cody Marley, Ryan Murphy, Rich Ragains, Elliot Steingart, and Chris Strait

More bad news for Michael Vick. Nike has decided to delay the release of his new $100 shoes because of the recent allegations of whipping, beating and torture. Of the Chinese workers who make the shoes.

Elsewhere in the NFL, a state appeals court ruled that the 49ers are allowed to pat down fans before they enter the stadium. There's no shortage of men in the Bay area applying for the job. They should pat someone down - they've been allowing opposing teams to go untouched since the 1990s.

In baseball, the Braves signed 48-year-old Julio Franco. At least he thinks that's what they said; they weren't speaking very loudly.

Two players on the Pittsburgh Pirates admitted that they have Attention Deficit Disorder. It's a special version of the affliction that only lasts for nine innings.

LeBron James has been invited to host the season premiere of Saturday Night Live in September. And we thought he had a bad supporting cast in Cleveland.

Knicks guard Stephon Marbury has expressed interest in playing in Italy. Sorry, Knicks fans have expressed interest in Stephon Marbury playing in Italy.

NHL commissioner Gary Bettman is expected to recommend that the league expand by two teams. Chicago is thrilled, as they haven't had a professional team for decades. Maybe the NHL might expand to new territory - like Canada.

And Johannesburg cyclist Robert Hunter won the 11th stage of the Tour de France with a sizzling time of 3 hours, 47 minutes and 50 seconds. It's the fastest a white South African has moved since the end of Apartheid.

For more of the Sports Minute (Or So), visit minuteorso.com

The National Lampoon Sports Minute (Or So)
Written by Steve Hofstetter, Adam Hofstetter, Cody Marley, Ryan Murphy, Rich Ragains, Elliot Steingart, and Chris Strait

The Pacers Jermaine O'Neal requested a trade to the Lakers. Kobe Bryant is thrilled, since he can't win without an O'Neal.

It was week of milestones as A-Rod hit his 500th home run, Tom Glavine won his 300th game, and Barry Bonds hit his 755th reporter. When Bonds hit his 755th home run, some in the stadium cheered while others booed. And that was just the Giants dugout.

Yao Ming married his 6 foot 2 girlfriend. Tallest canopy ever. The couple is looking forward to having many freakishly long babies.

The Cleveland Browns gave a $21 million contract to 22nd pick Brady Quinn. Wow - that's a million dollars for every player another team thought was better.

In Kentucky, new Knicks center Randolph Morris was arrested for reckless driving. Morris explained that's just how the Knicks play. We're surprised that more Knicks haven't been charged with reckless driving, shooting, and trading.

And the movie "Underdog" is flopping at the box office, despite a great performance from villain Michael Vick. In related news, the Southern Christian Leadership Conference has decided not to present an award to Vick. Not because of all the legal troubles, but because he plays for the Falcons.

For more of the Sports Minute (Or So), visit minuteorso.com

The National Lampoon Sports Minute (Or So)
Written by Steve Hofstetter, Adam Hofstetter, Cody Marley, Ryan Murphy, Rich Ragains, Elliot Steingart, and Chris Strait

This week, a key defendant in the Michael Vick case asked for a plea bargain. By barking.

David Beckham has released a new cologne named "Intimately Beckham." Sadly, the fragrance is only effective in Europe.

Update on Yao Ming's wedding - it could be his only chance to get a ring during his career.

Cal Ripken Jr. has been appointed a Special Sports Envoy by Condoleezza Rice. It's the first time the government has hired anyone who will show up to work every day. Ripken has already spent more days in Washington than President Bush.

Magic Johnson will hold a fundraiser to support Hillary Clinton's presidential bid. That's perfect, since most political pundits agree that it will take some magic to get her elected.

The Miami Heat signed Penny Hardaway. The deal has been applauded by the year 1995. Penny arrive in Miami shortly, in tiger print pants while doing the Macarena.

Hank Aaron told reporters that he was asleep at his home when Barry Bonds hit his 756th home run. Apparently that's what happens when you have a clear conscience.

And the bad news is that a Los Angeles fan was arrested for throwing a water bottle at the A's Mike Piazza. The good news is that next week he'll be pitching for the Dodgers.

For more of the Sports Minute (Or So), visit minuteorso.com

Notre Dame Football PreviewDefense, Special Teams, and Predictions

Defensive Line

Spotlight: Pat Kuntz

	G	Tackles	TFL	Sacks
2006	12	48	15	8

Also Returning: Justin Brown, Neil Kennedy, Trevor Laws, Dwight Stephenson, Jr.
Lost: Casey Cullen, Chris Frome, Derek Landri, Travis Leitko (graduation), John Ryan (position change), Ronald Talley (transfer), Derrell Hand (?)
Gained: Paddy Mullen, Kallen Wade (DNP as freshmen), Andrew Nuss, Emeka Nwankwo (freshmen)

One reason for the switch to the 3-4 is the talent available on this year's team. This is evident on the line, where experience is lacking and the top backup (Hand) may be unavailable for this season. 3-4 ends are bigger than 4-3 ends, and in the 3-4 the nose guard simply takes up space while the ends have more of an opportunity to make plays. That's why ND's top lineman, Trevor Laws, was moved to an end. Pat Kuntz gets his first chance to start, and he will be playing nosetackle despite his small size. But reports say he is a Derek Landri-style tackle - undersized, but with an unbeatable motor. After several years and several position changes, it looks like Dwight Stephenson, Jr. will finally see the starting lineup as the other end. If he doesn't, Justin Brown, one of the top backups from last year, will see playing time at the other end. After the starters and Brown, there isn't much experience but there is a ton of talent among many freshmen and sophomores who didn't see the field last year.

Linebacker

Spotlight: Toryan Smith

	G	Tackles	TFL	Sacks
2006	12	57	3.5	0

Also Returning: Maurice Crum, Jr., Joe Brockington, Steve Quinn, Scott Smith, Anthony Vernaglia, Kevin Washington
Lost: Nick Borseti, Kyle Charters, Mitchell Thomas (graduation), Travis Thomas (position change)
Gained: John Ryan, Morrice Richardson (position changes), Alex Lough, Kevin Smith (walk-ons), Aaron Nagel, Kerry Neal, Steve Paskorz, Brian Smith (freshmen)

Any one of the starting linebackers could have been put in the spotlight this year. Crum will again be expected to lead this unit. Highly touted out of high school, Vernaglia will finally get a crack at the starting lineup. He looks to earn a starting nod based on his all-around skills; the former safety should have superior coverage skills. Brought in as a defensive end, John Ryan becomes a pass rushing defensive end in the 3-4. Of course, Coach Weis promised that we could still see some 43 looks with 34 personnel, so that could be an indication that Ryan will play as a Willie McGinnest-style hybrid, occasionally lining up with his fingers on the ground. But Toryan Smith gets the spotlight because he has apparently stolen a starting inside linebacker spot. "Stolen" may be too harsh a word, considering the sophomore's talent. But the underrated Joe Brockington, who worked his way into the starting lineup last year, will again be coming off the bench thanks to Smith. Speaking of Smith, their are four Irish 'backers with that name, and it would be amusing to see them all on the field at once.

Safety

Spotlight: David Bruton

	G	Tackles	INT	Fum Rec
2006	12	52	2	4

Also Returning: Sergio Brown, Jashaad Gaines, Ray Herring, Kyle McCarthy, Tom Zbikowski
Lost: Chinedum Ndukwe (graduation)
Gained: Leonard Gordon (DNP as freshman), Harrison Smith (freshman)

Ironically, if you do a Google image search for David Bruton, one of the first results is from a high school all-star game... where he's getting burned by Mario Manningham. Bruton has good size for a safety at 6'2" and has been impressive on special teams. But as past years have shown, all the size, speed, and talent in the world don't help if you're not standing in the right location. Let's hope Bruton and Tom Zbikowski's technique and reads improve greatly under Corwin Brown, or else it could be another long season for the Irish. Following a disappointing 2006, Zbikowski surprisingly came back for another try in 2007. He'll be the veteran leader of this defense, and he appears to come back healthier, in better shape, and with a better focus on football. Ray Herring and Kyle McCarthy will be the top backups in this unit, and they should serve as rather competent backups to Bruton and Zbikowski.

Cornerback

Spotlight: Ambrose Wooden

	G	Tackles	INT	PBU
2006	12	74	2	5

Also Returning: Mike Anello, Leo Ferrine, Wade Iams, Terrail Lambert, Raeshon McNeil, Darrin Walls, William David Williams
Lost: Tim Kenney, Mike Richardson (graduation)
Gained: Munir Prince (position change), John Leonis (walk on), Gary Gray (freshman)

Wooden returns for his second year in the spotlight. Last time, it was because he was the closest thing ND had to a bright spot at corner in 2005. This year, it's because he was nearly forgotten thanks to injuries and the improved play of Lambert and Mike Richardson. Richardson is impressing in the NFL, while Lambert absolutely broke out with his performance against MSU. With Wooden and Lambert, ND is going into the season with two competent corners for the first time since the #15 jersey wasn't cursed. Speaking of that #15 jersey, Leo Ferrine was the nickelback two years ago, and now finds himself a third stringer. That's no slam on Ferrine, it's simply a testament to the guys who were recruited to replace him. Sophomores Walls and McNeil are the second stringers, with Walls likely playing the nickelback and McNeil coming in for dime situations. The highly touted Gary Gray has been hampered by injuries and will likely sit out this season. Meanwhile, the speedy but undersized Munir Prince will try to learn the cornerback position after a failed outing at running back.

Kicker

Spotlight: Ryan Burkhart

	G	FG	PAT	Points
2006	6	1-1	2-2	5

Also Returning:
Lost: Carl Gioia, Bobby Renkes (graduation)
Gained: Nate Whitaker (walk-on), Brandon Walker (freshman)

Well, Burhart is the experienced scholarship kicker, but that doesn't guarantee him anything. Brandon Walker is a talented freshman with a strong leg, but he may be more of a punter than a field goal kicker. Walk-on Nate Whitaker is the X-factor here, and a good showing in practice will get him on the field on Saturdays.

Punter

Spotlight: Geoff Price

	G	No	Avg	In 20
2006	0	0	0	0

Also Returning: Eric Maust
Lost: none
Gained: Xavier Burton (walk-on)

After years of looking like a bust, Price burst onto the scene in 2006 and instantly became a Ray Guy candidate. With a young offense and defense, Price could be the team MVP this year. Price will again be backed up by baseball's Eric Maust, and also by walk-on Xavier Burton

2007 Schedule

9-01-07 GEORGIA TECH
9-08-07 at Penn State
9-15-07 at Michigan
9-22-07 MICHIGAN STATE
9-29-07 @ Purdue
10-06-07 @ UCLA
10-13-07 BOSTON COLLEGE
10-20-07 SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA
11-03-07 NAVY
11-10-07 AIR FORCE
11-17-07 DUKE
11-24-07 at Stanford

Predicted Wins Legend (final record in parentheses)
Sure wins (4-8)
Win 4 of these 6, and I'll call it a successful season (8-4)
True fans go into every game thinking their team has a shot to win (12-0)

Notre Dame Football PreviewOffense

Quarterback

Spotlight: Demetrius Jones

	G	Att-Comp-Int	Yds	TD
2006	DNP

Also Returning: Evan Sharpley
Lost: Brady Quinn, Dan Gorski (graduation), Zach Frazer (transfer)
Gained: Darrin Bragg (position change), Justin Gillett (walk-on), Jimmy Clausen (freshman)

Those who do listen to Charlie Weis seem ready to annoint Sharpley as the starter. Those who don't listen to Weis seem ready to give the job to Clausen. But what about Jones? What happens when you combine Charlie Weis and a mobile quarterback?
Clausen has the arm and the golden boy reputation, but Sharpley has the experience (limited though it may be) and poise. Outside observers assume Sharpley is a pocket passer a la Clausen, but Weis keeps reminding everyone that Sharpley has a combination of Jones and Clausen's skills. My interpretation is that Sharley is a poor man's Brady Quinn athletically, able to elude a rusher and scramble when needed.

Running Back

Spotlight: James Aldridge

	G	Att	Yds	TD
2006	7	37	149	0

Also Returning: Junior Jabbie, Travis Thomas
Lost: John Lyons (graduation), Dex Cure, Munir Prince (position changes), Darius Walker (NFL)
Gained: Armando Allen, Robert Hughes (freshmen), Nikolas Rodrigues (walk-on)

Thomas is the proven commodity, at least as proven as anyone on this team. Fans can't stop raving about Hughes and Allen's thunder and lightning potential. But where does that leave Aldridge in the rotation?

Fullback

Spotlight: Luke Schmidt

	G	Att	Yds	TD
2006	DNP

Also Returning: Asaph Schwapp
Lost: Matt Augustyn, Ashley McConnell (graduation)
Gained: Dex Cure (position change), Mike Narvaez (walk-on)

Everyone knows what Schwapp can do, and he does it well. Unfortunately, though, Schwapp isn't much of an offensive threat. Is that where Schmidt comes in? Schmidt was a highly-touted as a freshman last year, but never saw the field. If Schmidt becomes the "offensive fullback," does he keep the job next year, or would he just be keeping it warm for Hughes?

Wide Receiver

Spotlight: David Grimes

	G	Rec	Yds	TD
2006	12	26	336	2

Also Returning: Brandon Erickson, Richard Jackson, Robby Parris, Kris Patterson, Nick Possley, Jake Richardville, George West
Lost: Chase Anastasio, Craig Cardillo, David Costanzo, Rhema McKnight, Jeff Samardzija (graduation), Darrin Bragg (position change)
Gained: DJ Hord (injury), Barry Gallup, Jr. (DNP as freshman), Sam Vos (walk-on), Duval Kamara, Golden Tate (freshmen)

The spotlight is on Grimes, but not because he's the only proven player in the receiving corps. Grimes has a huge responsibility this year - lead a young unit, prove to be a reliable option for an untested quarterback, and draw attention away from John Carlson. Grimes had a good year as Notre Dame's third, fourth, or fifth option. Fortunately, with Carlson still around, Grimes has another year as a secondary option to learn his craft.
As opposed to the height over the last two years, this year's receivers are, according to Coach Weis, the Smurfs. There's talent, but no size outside of Kamara. That will force this year's quarterback to be much more accurate. George West, actually shorter than Grimes, looks to have turned his limited 2006 experience into the other starting job.
The X factor here is D.J. Hord, who may be Notre Dame's #1 receiver this year if not for an injury that kept him out for all of 2006.

Tight End

Spotlight: John Carlson

Courtesy AP/Paul Sakuma

	G	Rec	Yds	TD
2006	11	46	634	4

Also Returning: Kevin Brooks, Konrad Reuland, Mike Talerico, Will Yeatman
Lost: Marcus Freeman, Michael Planalp (graduation)
Gained: Mike Ragone (freshman)

No surprise here. Carlson broke out in 2006, with one of the best seasons by a tight end in Notre Dame season. The lanky, athletic target will draw much more attention this year, especially as the only proven star on the offense.
But the rest of the tight ends are stars in the making. With the defense's attenton on Carlson, and short, unproven receivers, the Irish QB may find himself opting for a taller safety valve more often than not.

Offensive Line

Spotlight: John Sullivan

	G
2006	13

Also Returning: Matt Carufel, Paul Duncan, Eric Olsen, Jeff Tisak, Michael Turkovich, Sam Young
Lost: Dan Chervanik, Ryan Harris, Brian Mattes, Bob Morton, Dan Santucci (graduation)
Gained: Chris Stewart, Bartley Webb, Dan Wenger, (DNP as freshmen), Thomas Bemenderfer (transfer), Taylor Dever, Matt Romine (freshmen)

2006 was a rough year for the Irish line. Sullivan returns for his fourth year as a starter, and he will once again anchor the line at center. Duncan and Turkovich were the primary backups last year, and it looks like they'll anchor the right side of the line. Meanwhile, it appears that a new face will step in at the other guard.
Sullivan's backup will be Thomas Bemenderfer, a local product who just transferred from Northwestern. Bemenderfer's older brother was a walk-on defensive back, and I most certainly was not a walk-on defensive back.

Cleveland Browns 16, Kansas City Chiefs 12

Kansas City's two star running backs didn't even play. Their other top three offensive weapons only made token appearances. (Tony Gonzalez and Eddie Kennison started and each caught one pass. Damon Huard attempted 4 passed after relieving Brodie Croyle.) So it's no wonder their offense was nonexistent. Their touchdown was scored when Browns RB Jerome Harrison let a lateral sail over his head and failed to retrieve it. The safety was scored after Browns PR Brandon McDonald let a punt go by that was stopped at the one. And the final field goal was scored on the 3rd team defense.

That being said, the Browns managed to let the Chiefs stay in this game in spite of themselves. As was the case far too many times over the past two years, the Browns were able to move the ball down the field fairly well, but they fell apart in the red zone. Four trip inside the 20 resulted in three field goals and a botched attempt at a fourth. With time running down at the end of the half and no time outs left, Charlie Frye tried to improvise and scramble for a touchdown but fell well short.

Of Cleveland's starting QBs, Frye did look the best. Sure, most of his passes were checkdowns and dumpoffs, but 3 yards gained is better than no yards gained. Derek Anderson failed to find any rhythm at all, and most of his passes were either off target or forced into openings that just weren't there. Ken Dorsey was supposed to play the entire second half, but Romeo Crennel decided to give Anderson the first drive of the third quarter to attempt to redeem himself. He really didn't. Because of this, and because the game was still relatively close at the end, Dorsey stayed in for the remainder of the game. Despite chants of "Brady, Brady" starting late in the third period, Quinn stayed on the bench.

Jamal Lewis looked fair in his first appearance wearing brown and orange. He averaged 5 yards on 4 carries, and showed good hands hauling in 3 checkdown passes. A bulked up Jerome Harrison had a few good runs against the backup defense, while Jason Wright struggled. Twice the Browns tried to run up the middle on obvious 3rd and short situations, and twice they were stuffed. That's nothing new.

Buck Ortega was the star receiver, as the tight end caught four passes from former Hurricanes teammate Dorsey against the Chiefs third stringers. Seventh round pick Syndric Steptoe looked unimpressive both as a receiver and a returner.

On the line, Joe Thomas was called for holding twice. It could be a case of a rookie needing to adjust to the league, or it could just be a case of the refs calling him tight in his first game. But surely Browns announcer Doug Dieken felt right at home hearing holding called on his old number 73.

On the defensive front seven, Kamerion Wimbley again caused havoc, despite not recording a single tackle. He did however pressure Brodie Croyle into throwing an interception right to Leigh Bodden. Lineman David McMillan and linebackers Kris Griffin and Clifton Smith heard their names called often, which could help them stay on this ballclub.

The secondary played a very good game. On the first drive, rookie Eric Wright was tested on a deep ball. With his back to the play, he simply reached his arm up to knock the ball down. While that's perfectly legal in college, defenders are required in the NFL to turn around and face the pass. So that's something Wright will have to be careful about. Bodden, as mentioned above, had a gift-wrapped interception. Last year, after Bodden the corners weren't anything to write home about. But even those returning DBs played well. Daven Holly had a clean interception.

But the play of the game came with less than two minutes to go, when reserve RB Chris Barclay returned a kickoff for the go-ahead touchdown. With 95 seconds remaining, the Browns still needed to make a stop to seal the victory. They did, but just barely.

COACH WEIS: No gimmicks this year.

That is all. Carry on.

The National Lampoon Sports Minute (Or So)

Editor's Note: Real, original football content coming soon, I promise. Or at least I hope.

Written by Steve Hofstetter, Adam Hofstetter, Cody Marley, Ryan Murphy, Rich Ragains, Elliot Steingart, and Chris Strait

Tough week for Michael Vick. A spokesman for PETA announced that he has film of the Falcons quarterback throwing pigskins. Word is Vick is planning to sell his Virginia estate where the alleged dog fights took place, and buy a house closer to his job. In Canada.

Elsewhere in the NFL, some pipes broke and filled the Cleveland Browns locker room with raw sewage, reminding everyone of Tim Couch.

The Texas Rangers traded Mark Texiera to the Braves for four prospects, which they will eventually trade for a washed up pitcher.

Hoping to win back the public's trust, the NBA announced it's new head of officiating - Pete Rose.

In golf, Jim Furyk edged out Vijay Singh to win the Canadian Open. That's just like the US Open, but with nobody watching.

Kentucky Derby winning jockey Jose Santos announced his retirement, and is looking forward to eating again.

Evander Holyfield will fight for a version of the heavyweight title at age 44 in Moscow. In Russia he won't look old, he'll just look poisoned.

And the National Guard is in talks to sponsor Dale Earnhardt Jr's NASCAR team as a great way to recruit more poor people. The Army decided against sponsoring Jeff Gordon for unknown reasons. We didn't ask, they didn't tell.

For more of the Sports Minute (Or So), visit minuteorso.com