Wednesday, January 31, 2007
Top Travis Hafner Facts
by Dave Schmitt
Editor's note: My comments are in italics. -Kanka
These are the 10 best things I learned about Cleveland Indians' DH Travis "Pronk" Hafner in this week's incredible Sports Illustrated article:
Bingo Night in his small North Dakota hometown stops every time he comes up to bat
He has his own candy bar called the Pronk Bar
Unfortunately, they're only sold locally. I did see these in the mall the last time I was there, but regretfully I didn't pick one up.
For a pro athlete, his wife is surprisingly unattractive
I'm not saying I wouldn't.
He once ate Lucky Charms 30 days in a row
His only outfit is a pair of jeans and a pro wrestling t-shirt, of which he owns 50
Dave's jealous
His nickname Pronk is a combination of 2 nicknames from his rookie year: “Project,” because he was so raw, and “Donkey,” because he runs the bases like a clumsy donkey. Kanka claims that Donkey refers to the way he is hung
I've only heard the rumor, I can't confirm it. And the exact term I heard was "tripod."
His mother calls him Pronkinator
His parents’ house has black cement bears on the front lawn
He once shattered a backboard with a dunk in a high school basketball game
He learned to hit by whacking rocks in the backyard
Tuesday, January 30, 2007
Back Only to Ramble
- Notre Dame alumni on the move in the NBA: Troy Murphy was traded from Golden State to Indiana, a move that in a short five games has seen an improvement in minutes, rebounds, and scoring. Meanwhile, Matt Carroll has played his way into the starting lineup for the Charlotte Bobcats, as part of a small lineup that features two guards, two small forwards (including Carroll, unless you count him as a third guard), and Emeka Okafor. Carroll is averaging 11 points per game, and has scored more than 20 points six times since December 29. Carroll is also shooting an impressive 90% from the charity stripe, and 40% even from beyond the arc.
- Current ND basketball player not going anywhere: Kyle McAlarney was suspended for the semester after a drug-related arrest. A straw poll shows that this punishment seems to be in line with similar offenses by non-athletes, so it is good to see Notre Dame walking the walk. (There was a brief discussion about this on the message board, for those interested.) Despite rumored interest from Michigan State, Xavier, and Virginia, McAlarney will apply for readmittance into ND when his suspension is up at the end of this semester.
- Senior Bowl: It wasn't quite the Irish-centric spectacle Notre Dame fans had hoped for. Jeff Samardzija didn't play after committing to baseball, and Brady Quinn sat out with a knee. Ryan Harris had a poor showing in one-on-one drills. Rhema McKnight was praised for his hustle, but was said to lack top-end speed. Victor Abiamiri had a VA-like performance, good but not jaw-dropping.
- Samardzija knows baseball: Jeff Samardzija did give up football for a baseball-only contract with the Cubs. He said he was following his first love, and I certainly admire him for that. The fact that someone is paying him millions of dollars to follow that dream doesn't hurt, either. Samardzija, who is still more potential than polish on the mound, may be added to Chicago's 40 man roster soon. While I'm sure many Notre Dame fans would have loved to see the Shark remain a two sport athlete, the their were certain realities that needed to be faced. At his current weight, he's two wiry to go over the middle in the NFL (even at 6'5). However, if he did put on weight and muscle mass, it could have negatively affected his ability to pitch. (I know, I know, tell that to CC Sabathia....)
- Back to basketball, this time with brackets: CollegeRPI.com currently has the ND men ranked #44, and a projected 10 seed in the tournament. The women are projected at #33 and an 8 seed. While the men's record is 3.5 games better than the women's, the women have the edge in strength of schedule, 27 to 112. Of course, that number is due to improve for the men in the Big East, while the women are likely to drop with Tennessee and UConn already behind them on the schedule.
- You can call me "That Guy": The message board had a lively discussion on music video cameos. Feel free to join in, or to vote in the new poll off to the right.
- On the subject of music: Rodgers and Hammerstein may be a darkhorse for "Best Week Ever," as two of their songs from Sound of Music are being earwormed at every term. They're that car commercial featuring "So Long, Farewell," and of course the Gwen Stefani song featuring "The Lonely Goatherd."
- The Moondog is rolling in his grave: Are Stefani and Fergie just toying with us? Do they know that they'll get radio and TV play no matter what crap they put out? Perhaps. Pop radio stations need to start taking some chances. Instead of looping the same payola-screaming songs over and over, why not take chances? Alicia Keys? John Legend? Even throw in a little Ted Leo? Is Spoon still cool with the hipsters? Aren't there a million other underground hip artists that I'm not even cool enough to know about?
- 200+ days til football!: As you can see, the countdown clock is back up. Unfortunately, I didn't have the time to set up pictures counting down to my favorite holiday, Pitchers and Molinas. Boy does Yadier look hitterish in that picture. Only two weeks til baseball.
Monday, January 22, 2007
Notre Dame Alumni in the NFL Playoffs
Conference Championship Weekend
Jordan Black, T - Kansas City: Overall: Black started at left tackle for a team that was able to amass only 126 total yards (44 rushing) in a 23-8 loss to Indianapolis Wild Card weekend. Trent Green was sacked four times.
John Carney, K - New Orleans: This Week: Carney converted both extra point attempts. Billy Cundiff was called upon for a 57 yard field goal attempt and missed. Carney's career long is 54 yards, and his season long is 51. Cundiff hit a 56-yarder last year for the Cowboys. Overall: 2 field goals, 5 extra points in two games.
Rocky Boiman, LB - Indianapolis: This Week: Boiman recorded three special teams tackles in the win over New England. Overall: 3 tackles, 1 reception, -16 receiving yards in three games.
Jerome Collins, TE - Indianapolis: On the injured reserve since 12/21 with an Achilles' tendon injury.
Jeff Faine, C - New Orleans: This week: New Orleans outgained Chicago 375-340, but put up only 56 yards rushing. The Saints also gave up three sacks, including one for a safety that started the Bears rally. Overall: 810 yards, 6 sacks given up in two games.
Anthony Fasano, TE - Dallas: Overall: Fasano was held without a catch in Dallas' loss to the Seahawks.
Ryan Grant, RB - New York Giants: Ryan Grant has spent this season on New York's Reserve/Non-Football Injury list. He has a wrist.
Julius Jones, RB - Dallas: Overall: Julius did his part for the Cowboys. Jones had 112 yards on 22 carries, including a 35-yard run that helped put Dallas in field goal range for what would have been the winning score.
Mark LeVoir, T - Chicago: LeVoir is a member of Chicago's practice squad.
Corey Mays, LB - New England: This Week: Mays had a special teams tackle that forced a fumble. Unfortunately for the Patriots, a Colts player fell on the fumble. Overall: 2 tackles, 1 forced fumble in 3 games.
John Owens, TE - New Orleans: This week: Owens saw the playing field, but did not record a catch in the loss to the Bears. Overall: 1 catch for 21 yards in 2 games.
Luke Petitgout, LT - New York Giants: Luke was placed on the Injured Reserve after suffering a broken wrist.
Gerome Sapp, S - Baltimore: This Week: Sapp recorded one special teams tackle in the loss to the Colts.
Hunter Smith, P - Indianapolis: This Week: 4 punts, long of 58, average of 52.8, and several spectacular holds for Adam Vinatieri. Overall: 10 punts, long of 58, average of 46.7 in three games. 1 for 1 passing for -16 yards.
Justin Tuck, DE - New York Giants: Tuck joins his fellow Irish Alumni on the Giants Injured Reserve. He recently had surgery for a Lisfranc injury on his foot. (Our Chief Medical Expert quit, so you'll have to Google "Lisfranc" yourself.)
John DeFilippo, Offensive Quality Control - New York Giants (ND Graduate Assistant 2001-02): Overall: The Giants scored 20 point but only put up 305 total yards in their loss to the Eagles.
Jim Johnson, Defensive Coordinator - Philadelphia (ND Defensive Backs Coach 1977-83, Defensive Coordinator 1981-83, Assistant Head Coach 1983): Overall: 47 points and 740 yards of offense over the course of two games.
Dean Pees, Defensive Coordinator - New England (ND Secondary Coach 1994): This Week: Indianapolis ran all over their field turf to the tune of 455 yards, 32 first downs, and 38 points. Peyton Manning was sacked three times and intercepted once. The best offense in the league was "held" to 352 total yards and 21 points. The key was turnovers - the Chargers lost three fumbles, and Phillip Rivers was intercepted once. Overall: 75 points and 1154 yards over three games. (That's right, the Patriots gave up one more point in this game than they did in their first two combined.
Bill Sheridan, Linebackers Coach - New York Giants (ND Safties/Special Teams Coach 2001): Overall: Giants linebackers (including Chris Blackburn, who may or may not suck depending on the Goon Squad you're talking to) combined for 14 tackles and one of New York's two sacks.
Steven Wilks, Defensive Backs Coach - Chicago (ND Secondary Coach 2004): The Bears did give up 354 passing yards to the prolific Drew Brees, but they also accounted for 19 tackles, an interception, a forced fumble, and two fumble recoveries. Overall: 549 yards passing, 41 tackles, 2 interceptions, 1 forced fumble, 2 fumbles recovered in two games.
Trent Walters, Secondary Coach - Philadelphia (ND Secondary Coach 2002-03): Overall: The Eagles secondary recorded 37 tackles, an interception, and a forced fumble while giving up 404 passing yards over two games.
John Carney, K - New Orleans: This Week: Carney converted both extra point attempts. Billy Cundiff was called upon for a 57 yard field goal attempt and missed. Carney's career long is 54 yards, and his season long is 51. Cundiff hit a 56-yarder last year for the Cowboys. Overall: 2 field goals, 5 extra points in two games.
Rocky Boiman, LB - Indianapolis: This Week: Boiman recorded three special teams tackles in the win over New England. Overall: 3 tackles, 1 reception, -16 receiving yards in three games.
Jerome Collins, TE - Indianapolis: On the injured reserve since 12/21 with an Achilles' tendon injury.
Jeff Faine, C - New Orleans: This week: New Orleans outgained Chicago 375-340, but put up only 56 yards rushing. The Saints also gave up three sacks, including one for a safety that started the Bears rally. Overall: 810 yards, 6 sacks given up in two games.
Anthony Fasano, TE - Dallas: Overall: Fasano was held without a catch in Dallas' loss to the Seahawks.
Ryan Grant, RB - New York Giants: Ryan Grant has spent this season on New York's Reserve/Non-Football Injury list. He has a wrist.
Julius Jones, RB - Dallas: Overall: Julius did his part for the Cowboys. Jones had 112 yards on 22 carries, including a 35-yard run that helped put Dallas in field goal range for what would have been the winning score.
Mark LeVoir, T - Chicago: LeVoir is a member of Chicago's practice squad.
Corey Mays, LB - New England: This Week: Mays had a special teams tackle that forced a fumble. Unfortunately for the Patriots, a Colts player fell on the fumble. Overall: 2 tackles, 1 forced fumble in 3 games.
John Owens, TE - New Orleans: This week: Owens saw the playing field, but did not record a catch in the loss to the Bears. Overall: 1 catch for 21 yards in 2 games.
Luke Petitgout, LT - New York Giants: Luke was placed on the Injured Reserve after suffering a broken wrist.
Gerome Sapp, S - Baltimore: This Week: Sapp recorded one special teams tackle in the loss to the Colts.
Hunter Smith, P - Indianapolis: This Week: 4 punts, long of 58, average of 52.8, and several spectacular holds for Adam Vinatieri. Overall: 10 punts, long of 58, average of 46.7 in three games. 1 for 1 passing for -16 yards.
Justin Tuck, DE - New York Giants: Tuck joins his fellow Irish Alumni on the Giants Injured Reserve. He recently had surgery for a Lisfranc injury on his foot. (Our Chief Medical Expert quit, so you'll have to Google "Lisfranc" yourself.)
John DeFilippo, Offensive Quality Control - New York Giants (ND Graduate Assistant 2001-02): Overall: The Giants scored 20 point but only put up 305 total yards in their loss to the Eagles.
Jim Johnson, Defensive Coordinator - Philadelphia (ND Defensive Backs Coach 1977-83, Defensive Coordinator 1981-83, Assistant Head Coach 1983): Overall: 47 points and 740 yards of offense over the course of two games.
Dean Pees, Defensive Coordinator - New England (ND Secondary Coach 1994): This Week: Indianapolis ran all over their field turf to the tune of 455 yards, 32 first downs, and 38 points. Peyton Manning was sacked three times and intercepted once. The best offense in the league was "held" to 352 total yards and 21 points. The key was turnovers - the Chargers lost three fumbles, and Phillip Rivers was intercepted once. Overall: 75 points and 1154 yards over three games. (That's right, the Patriots gave up one more point in this game than they did in their first two combined.
Bill Sheridan, Linebackers Coach - New York Giants (ND Safties/Special Teams Coach 2001): Overall: Giants linebackers (including Chris Blackburn, who may or may not suck depending on the Goon Squad you're talking to) combined for 14 tackles and one of New York's two sacks.
Steven Wilks, Defensive Backs Coach - Chicago (ND Secondary Coach 2004): The Bears did give up 354 passing yards to the prolific Drew Brees, but they also accounted for 19 tackles, an interception, a forced fumble, and two fumble recoveries. Overall: 549 yards passing, 41 tackles, 2 interceptions, 1 forced fumble, 2 fumbles recovered in two games.
Trent Walters, Secondary Coach - Philadelphia (ND Secondary Coach 2002-03): Overall: The Eagles secondary recorded 37 tackles, an interception, and a forced fumble while giving up 404 passing yards over two games.
Friday, January 19, 2007
Samardzija Commits to Baseball
Per this official release at MLB.com, Jeff Samardzija has signed a five year deal with the Cubs, and has decided against playing in the NFL.
More to come (if I remember).
More to come (if I remember).
Thursday, January 18, 2007
Notre Dame Sports Update
Baseball After losing their two top pitchers, Jeff Samardzija and Jeff Manship, and their top hitter, Craig Cooper, National expectations are low. But new head coach Dave Schrage (who unfortunately lost his wife to liver cancer recently) brings hope to the program. Pitchers Wade Korpi and Kyle Weiland have been named to the Roger Clemens Award (top pitcher) watch list, and Korpi has also been named to the player-of-the-year watch list. After the team's Opening Night Dinner on February 12, this year featuring Craig Counsell and Jim Leyland, the team will start the season February 17 against Prairie View A&M and Texas State.
Men's Basketball 15-3/3-2 Big East/20 AP/20 ESPN USA Today The upstart men have ridden two big early season wins to a national ranking, but now comes the tough Big East schedule. Russell Carter is the new face of the team, and the young troops are playing like their energetic leader. The main challenge now is the point guard spot, an already thin position made even thinner with the loss of Kyle McAlarney. The men next tip of Sunday at 1 PM at home against South Florida.
Women's Basketball 12-5/3-1 Big East Notre Dame's other young basketball team has ridden a tough schedule to a 12-5 record. (The women's team has a much better RPI than the men thanks to a much better strength of schedule.) Charel Allen is leading the team at 15.4 points per game. Tough-as-nails freshman guard Ashley Barlow is averaging 10 points, 6 rebounds, and 2 steals per game. Barlow became my favorite player after one game, and I'm sure many will share that opinion after watching her.
Men's Cross Country 14 USTFCCCA The men finished 19rd overall at the NCAA Championships in November, led by Patrick Smyth's individual 36th place finish.
Women's Cross Country The women's lone representative at the NCAAs was Sunni Olding, who finished 142nd.
Fencing A Schumacher-less fencing squad begins the Notre Dame Duals this weekend, as Mariel Zagunis has taken a leave of absence from Notre Dame to prepare for 2008 Olympic qualifying.
Football 10-3/17 AP/19 USA Today A list of seniors playing in all-star bowls can be found here.
Men's Golf The men golfers finished between 2nd and 11th in ten matches this fall. The spring season starts on February 18 in Ponte Vedra, FL with the John Hayt Collegiate Invitational.
Women's Golf The women golfers had one first place, two second, and one third place finishes among ten events, and never finished lower than 12th. The spring season starts the weekend of February 19 in Parrish, FL.
Hockey 19-4-1/13-2-1 CCHA/3 USA Today/3 USCHO.com Jeff Jackson's icers have broken out this season to a top ranking, aided by wins over then-#1 Boston College, and a split weekend with top 5 Michigan State. The hockey team travels to Western Michigan for a two game series this weekend.
Men's Lacrosse 16 Inside Lacrosse The men's lacrosse team starts the season at home against Loyola (MD) on February 17.
Women's Lacrosse 5 Lacrosse Magasine Yet another program on the rise, the women's lacrosse team had only 3 wins in 2005, and this year is expected to finish 2nd in the Big East. The women start their season with an exhibition game at Penn on February 18. Pete, I expect you to be there promptly for the 9 AM start.
Women's Rowing It was a quiet fall for the women's rowing team. They competed in a non-score even in Rockford, Illinois, at the beginning of October. A home meet against Michigan State, the only other event on the schedule, was cancelled due to high winds.
Men's Soccer 15-6-2/8-3-0 Big East/6 NSCAA/21 Soccer America The men's soccer program is one on the rise. Following a second round loss in 2005, the men advanced to the NCAA quarterfinals before losing 3-2 to Virginia. Greg Dalby was named an All-American for the second straight year, and this time he was joined by Joseph Lapira. Lapira also won college soccer's top individual honor, the Hermann Trophy. Dalby and teammate Nate Norman were both taken in the second round of the MLS SuperDraft.
Women's Soccer 25-1-1/10-0-1 Big East/1 NSCAA/1 Soccer Times/1st Soccer Buzz/1 (Soccer America It never fails: no matter how good Notre Dame is, and how bad North Carolina is, the Tarheels always seem to have ND's number in the NCAA tournament. This year, the Irish women suffered their only loss of the season in the NCAA finals, to who else but UNC. On a positive note, Kerri Hanks was awarded the women's Hermann Trophy, making Notre Dame the only school to have players win both Hermanns in the same year.
Softball The softball team went 4-0 in a special fall tournament. Despite this success, they are predicted to finish only third in the Big East this year. The team's quest to prove the experts wrong will begin at the Tiger Invitational in Auburn, Alabama, on the weekend of February 16.
Men's Swimming & Diving 8-0/16 CSCAA The Irish backed up their 8-0 record with a 1st place finish in a quad meet at Cleveland State last weekend. This weekend, they face Northwestern at home, and next weekend they host the Shamrock Invitational.
Women's Swimming & Diving 4-0/19 CSCAA In addition to their 4-0 record, the Irish have managed to finish no lower than 3rd in four tournaments, including two first place finishes.
Men's Tennis 13 ITA The men's tennis season starts on January 26 with a trip to Virginia.
Women's Tennis 4 ITA Catrina and Christian Thompson kicked off the spring season with a win at last week's UNLV invitational. The women next play January 26 at Illinois.
Track & Field The Irish began the indoor season with non-scored meet at home and at Purdue. The season officially kicks off with the Notre Dame Indoor Opener Friday.
Volleyball 18-14/10-4 Big East It was an uncharacteristic down year for an Irish voleyball team that has dominated over the past few decades. For the third time in as many years, Wisconsin ended Notre Dame's season, this time in the first year of the NCAA tournament.
Men's Basketball 15-3/3-2 Big East/20 AP/20 ESPN USA Today The upstart men have ridden two big early season wins to a national ranking, but now comes the tough Big East schedule. Russell Carter is the new face of the team, and the young troops are playing like their energetic leader. The main challenge now is the point guard spot, an already thin position made even thinner with the loss of Kyle McAlarney. The men next tip of Sunday at 1 PM at home against South Florida.
Women's Basketball 12-5/3-1 Big East Notre Dame's other young basketball team has ridden a tough schedule to a 12-5 record. (The women's team has a much better RPI than the men thanks to a much better strength of schedule.) Charel Allen is leading the team at 15.4 points per game. Tough-as-nails freshman guard Ashley Barlow is averaging 10 points, 6 rebounds, and 2 steals per game. Barlow became my favorite player after one game, and I'm sure many will share that opinion after watching her.
Men's Cross Country 14 USTFCCCA The men finished 19rd overall at the NCAA Championships in November, led by Patrick Smyth's individual 36th place finish.
Women's Cross Country The women's lone representative at the NCAAs was Sunni Olding, who finished 142nd.
Fencing A Schumacher-less fencing squad begins the Notre Dame Duals this weekend, as Mariel Zagunis has taken a leave of absence from Notre Dame to prepare for 2008 Olympic qualifying.
Football 10-3/17 AP/19 USA Today A list of seniors playing in all-star bowls can be found here.
Men's Golf The men golfers finished between 2nd and 11th in ten matches this fall. The spring season starts on February 18 in Ponte Vedra, FL with the John Hayt Collegiate Invitational.
Women's Golf The women golfers had one first place, two second, and one third place finishes among ten events, and never finished lower than 12th. The spring season starts the weekend of February 19 in Parrish, FL.
Hockey 19-4-1/13-2-1 CCHA/3 USA Today/3 USCHO.com Jeff Jackson's icers have broken out this season to a top ranking, aided by wins over then-#1 Boston College, and a split weekend with top 5 Michigan State. The hockey team travels to Western Michigan for a two game series this weekend.
Men's Lacrosse 16 Inside Lacrosse The men's lacrosse team starts the season at home against Loyola (MD) on February 17.
Women's Lacrosse 5 Lacrosse Magasine Yet another program on the rise, the women's lacrosse team had only 3 wins in 2005, and this year is expected to finish 2nd in the Big East. The women start their season with an exhibition game at Penn on February 18. Pete, I expect you to be there promptly for the 9 AM start.
Women's Rowing It was a quiet fall for the women's rowing team. They competed in a non-score even in Rockford, Illinois, at the beginning of October. A home meet against Michigan State, the only other event on the schedule, was cancelled due to high winds.
Men's Soccer 15-6-2/8-3-0 Big East/6 NSCAA/21 Soccer America The men's soccer program is one on the rise. Following a second round loss in 2005, the men advanced to the NCAA quarterfinals before losing 3-2 to Virginia. Greg Dalby was named an All-American for the second straight year, and this time he was joined by Joseph Lapira. Lapira also won college soccer's top individual honor, the Hermann Trophy. Dalby and teammate Nate Norman were both taken in the second round of the MLS SuperDraft.
Women's Soccer 25-1-1/10-0-1 Big East/1 NSCAA/1 Soccer Times/1st Soccer Buzz/1 (Soccer America It never fails: no matter how good Notre Dame is, and how bad North Carolina is, the Tarheels always seem to have ND's number in the NCAA tournament. This year, the Irish women suffered their only loss of the season in the NCAA finals, to who else but UNC. On a positive note, Kerri Hanks was awarded the women's Hermann Trophy, making Notre Dame the only school to have players win both Hermanns in the same year.
Softball The softball team went 4-0 in a special fall tournament. Despite this success, they are predicted to finish only third in the Big East this year. The team's quest to prove the experts wrong will begin at the Tiger Invitational in Auburn, Alabama, on the weekend of February 16.
Men's Swimming & Diving 8-0/16 CSCAA The Irish backed up their 8-0 record with a 1st place finish in a quad meet at Cleveland State last weekend. This weekend, they face Northwestern at home, and next weekend they host the Shamrock Invitational.
Women's Swimming & Diving 4-0/19 CSCAA In addition to their 4-0 record, the Irish have managed to finish no lower than 3rd in four tournaments, including two first place finishes.
Men's Tennis 13 ITA The men's tennis season starts on January 26 with a trip to Virginia.
Women's Tennis 4 ITA Catrina and Christian Thompson kicked off the spring season with a win at last week's UNLV invitational. The women next play January 26 at Illinois.
Track & Field The Irish began the indoor season with non-scored meet at home and at Purdue. The season officially kicks off with the Notre Dame Indoor Opener Friday.
Volleyball 18-14/10-4 Big East It was an uncharacteristic down year for an Irish voleyball team that has dominated over the past few decades. For the third time in as many years, Wisconsin ended Notre Dame's season, this time in the first year of the NCAA tournament.
Tuesday, January 16, 2007
Annual Belated Baseball Hall of Fame Thoughts
It happens every year - I'll get an email from Dave, or Dave will get one from me, that basically starts like this;
In essence, then, a belated analysis of the candidates have become the status quo. So, after taking a glance at this year's results, take in what we think. Dave is in favor of preserving the elitism of the hall. As for me, I'm a traditionalist and like to uphold the high standards, but regular readers may know that I can be an awestruck gee whiz writer when it comes to baseball.
of course Jack Morris, and I think I said Gossage last year? Don't quite
remember. But those would be my 4.
My buddy at work just came over to inform me that Bobby Bo got 2 votes.
"Shit, it's all good. Ain't no thang," as Bobby Bo would say. (note: I
have no idea if he actually said it, only that this is what his body
languauge after every pop-up showed going through his mind)
Who the hell votes for these guys?! I can see some people voting for
anybody who got 50 or more votes - that shows reasonableness, to have
that many people agree with you. But come on - Paul O'Neill, Bret
Saberhagen, Dante Bichette?! Good players, had some very good seasons,
but it's just irresponsible. This bothers me way too much. And Jack
Morris didn't get in, again, which as it does every year, has ruined my
day. Daaaahh.
Hall of Fame announcements just came out. We forgot to
debate.
In essence, then, a belated analysis of the candidates have become the status quo. So, after taking a glance at this year's results, take in what we think. Dave is in favor of preserving the elitism of the hall. As for me, I'm a traditionalist and like to uphold the high standards, but regular readers may know that I can be an awestruck gee whiz writer when it comes to baseball.
Dave
I would've voted for Gwynn, Ripken,of course Jack Morris, and I think I said Gossage last year? Don't quite
remember. But those would be my 4.
My buddy at work just came over to inform me that Bobby Bo got 2 votes.
"Shit, it's all good. Ain't no thang," as Bobby Bo would say. (note: I
have no idea if he actually said it, only that this is what his body
languauge after every pop-up showed going through his mind)
Who the hell votes for these guys?! I can see some people voting for
anybody who got 50 or more votes - that shows reasonableness, to have
that many people agree with you. But come on - Paul O'Neill, Bret
Saberhagen, Dante Bichette?! Good players, had some very good seasons,
but it's just irresponsible. This bothers me way too much. And Jack
Morris didn't get in, again, which as it does every year, has ruined my
day. Daaaahh.
Kanka
I'll start by noting that last year I showed Goose Gossage's numbers next to Bruce Sutter's, and they looked very similar. I'm not taking a stand either way, just presenting a fact. Some quick thoughts:- I started from the bottom of the list and worked my way up. It was
hilarious to see Brosius get 0 votes... until I saw the 12 for Paul
O'Neill. - Growing up, my friend Scott always wanted to be Jay Buhner. I think
it came from a combination of Scott having a shaved head and
originally being a Ken Griffey, Jr. fan. By the way, Buhner and I
share a birthday. - Wow, Tony Fernandez got 4 votes? What, are there exactly 4 Canadian
voters? (Fernandez was the second baseman for the Blue Jays.) - Was Orel Hershiser not that good? I thought he dominated for a few
years. Don't I ask this every year? - Don Mattingly. Dah. Although, when Peter Gammons made his
acceptance speech for his Baseball America Lifetime Achievement Award,
he said that he made a major turnaround from his anyeurism after he
received a gold cross from Mattingly. He even pulled it out of his
shirt during the speech. - Fernandez, Hershiser, and Baines were all picked up by the Indians
during their "window of opportunity" in the 90s. Belle came up
through the minors.
Monday, January 15, 2007
Notre Dame Alumni in the NFL Playoffs
Divisional Weekend
Jordan Black, T - Kansas City: Overall: Black started at left tackle for a team that was able to amass only 126 total yards (44 rushing) in a 23-8 loss to Indianapolis Wild Card weekend. Trent Green was sacked four times.
John Carney, K - New Orleans: This Week: Carney had 9 points (2 field goals, 3 extra points) in New Orleans' 27-24 win over Philadelphia.
Rocky Boiman, LB - Indianapolis: This Week: Boiman played against the Ravens, but couldn't get his name on the scoresheet. Overall: 0 tackles, 1 reception, -16 receiving yards.
Jerome Collins, TE - Indianapolis: On the injured reserve since 12/21 with an Achilles' tendon injury.
Jeff Faine, C - New Orleans: This week: Deuce McAllister rushed for 143 of New Orleans' 435 total yards in the win. Drew Brees was sacked 3 times.
Anthony Fasano, TE - Dallas: Overall: Fasano was held without a catch in Dallas' loss to the Seahawks.
Ryan Grant, RB - New York Giants: Ryan Grant has spent this season on New York's Reserve/Non-Football Injury list. He has a wrist.
Julius Jones, RB - Dallas: Overall: Julius did his part for the Cowboys. Jones had 112 yards on 22 carries, including a 35-yard run that helped put Dallas in field goal range for what would have been the winning score.
Mark LeVoir, T - Chicago: LeVoir is a member of Chicago's practice squad.
Corey Mays, LB - New England: This Week: Mays recorded a special teams tackle in the win over San Diego. Overall: 1 tackle. (Did you know: NFL.com's GameCenter Game Stats do not list special teams tackles. You have to click on the "Game Book" link for the full box score, including participation reports.)
John Owens, TE - New Orleans: This week: Midway through the third quarter, the Saints scored a touchdown to go up 27-21, a lead they never relinquished. Owens aided on the drive with a key 21-yard reception.
Luke Petitgout, LT - New York Giants: Luke was placed on the Injured Reserve after suffering a broken wrist.
Gerome Sapp, S - Baltimore: This Week: Sapp recorded one special teams tackle in the loss to the Colts.
Hunter Smith, P - Indianapolis: This Week: 4 punts, long of 51, average of 45.0. Overall: 6 punts, long of 51, average of 42.7. 1 for 1 passing for -16 yards.
Justin Tuck, DE - New York Giants: Tuck joins his fellow Irish Alumni on the Giants Injured Reserve. He recently had surgery for a Lisfranc injury on his foot. (Our Chief Medical Expert quit, so you'll have to Google "Lisfranc" yourself.)
John DeFilippo, Offensive Quality Control - New York Giants (ND Graduate Assistant 2001-02): Overall: The Giants scored 20 point but only put up 305 total yards in their loss to the Eagles.
Jim Johnson, Defensive Coordinator - Philadelphia (ND Defensive Backs Coach 1977-83, Defensive Coordinator 1981-83, Assistant Head Coach 1983): This Week: The Eagles defense gave up 435 yards and 27 points in a loss to the Saints. The defense did sack Drew Brees three times and recover a Reggie Bush fumble. Overall: 47 points and 740 yards of offense over the course of two games.
Dean Pees, Defensive Coordinator - New England (ND Secondary Coach 1994): This Week: The best offense in the league was "held" to 352 total yards and 21 points. The key was turnovers - the Chargers lost three fumbles, and Phillip Rivers was intercepted once. Overall: 37 points and 699 yards over two games.
Bill Sheridan, Linebackers Coach - New York Giants (ND Safties/Special Teams Coach 2001): Overall: Giants linebackers (including Chris Blackburn, who may or may not suck depending on the Goon Squad you're talking to) combined for 14 tackles and one of New York's two sacks.
Steven Wilks, Defensive Backs Coach - Chicago (ND Secondary Coach 2004): Matt Hasselbeck threw for 195 yards and a touchdown. The Bears secondary combined for 22 tackles, and Ricky Manning, Jr. added an interception.
Trent Walters, Secondary Coach - Philadelphia (ND Secondary Coach 2002-03): This Week: Drew Brees threw for 243 yards and a touchdown. The DBs recorded 23 tackles in the game. Overall: The Eagles secondary recorded 37 tackles, an interception, and a forced fumble while giving up 404 passing yards over two games.
John Carney, K - New Orleans: This Week: Carney had 9 points (2 field goals, 3 extra points) in New Orleans' 27-24 win over Philadelphia.
Rocky Boiman, LB - Indianapolis: This Week: Boiman played against the Ravens, but couldn't get his name on the scoresheet. Overall: 0 tackles, 1 reception, -16 receiving yards.
Jerome Collins, TE - Indianapolis: On the injured reserve since 12/21 with an Achilles' tendon injury.
Jeff Faine, C - New Orleans: This week: Deuce McAllister rushed for 143 of New Orleans' 435 total yards in the win. Drew Brees was sacked 3 times.
Anthony Fasano, TE - Dallas: Overall: Fasano was held without a catch in Dallas' loss to the Seahawks.
Ryan Grant, RB - New York Giants: Ryan Grant has spent this season on New York's Reserve/Non-Football Injury list. He has a wrist.
Julius Jones, RB - Dallas: Overall: Julius did his part for the Cowboys. Jones had 112 yards on 22 carries, including a 35-yard run that helped put Dallas in field goal range for what would have been the winning score.
Mark LeVoir, T - Chicago: LeVoir is a member of Chicago's practice squad.
Corey Mays, LB - New England: This Week: Mays recorded a special teams tackle in the win over San Diego. Overall: 1 tackle. (Did you know: NFL.com's GameCenter Game Stats do not list special teams tackles. You have to click on the "Game Book" link for the full box score, including participation reports.)
John Owens, TE - New Orleans: This week: Midway through the third quarter, the Saints scored a touchdown to go up 27-21, a lead they never relinquished. Owens aided on the drive with a key 21-yard reception.
Luke Petitgout, LT - New York Giants: Luke was placed on the Injured Reserve after suffering a broken wrist.
Gerome Sapp, S - Baltimore: This Week: Sapp recorded one special teams tackle in the loss to the Colts.
Hunter Smith, P - Indianapolis: This Week: 4 punts, long of 51, average of 45.0. Overall: 6 punts, long of 51, average of 42.7. 1 for 1 passing for -16 yards.
Justin Tuck, DE - New York Giants: Tuck joins his fellow Irish Alumni on the Giants Injured Reserve. He recently had surgery for a Lisfranc injury on his foot. (Our Chief Medical Expert quit, so you'll have to Google "Lisfranc" yourself.)
John DeFilippo, Offensive Quality Control - New York Giants (ND Graduate Assistant 2001-02): Overall: The Giants scored 20 point but only put up 305 total yards in their loss to the Eagles.
Jim Johnson, Defensive Coordinator - Philadelphia (ND Defensive Backs Coach 1977-83, Defensive Coordinator 1981-83, Assistant Head Coach 1983): This Week: The Eagles defense gave up 435 yards and 27 points in a loss to the Saints. The defense did sack Drew Brees three times and recover a Reggie Bush fumble. Overall: 47 points and 740 yards of offense over the course of two games.
Dean Pees, Defensive Coordinator - New England (ND Secondary Coach 1994): This Week: The best offense in the league was "held" to 352 total yards and 21 points. The key was turnovers - the Chargers lost three fumbles, and Phillip Rivers was intercepted once. Overall: 37 points and 699 yards over two games.
Bill Sheridan, Linebackers Coach - New York Giants (ND Safties/Special Teams Coach 2001): Overall: Giants linebackers (including Chris Blackburn, who may or may not suck depending on the Goon Squad you're talking to) combined for 14 tackles and one of New York's two sacks.
Steven Wilks, Defensive Backs Coach - Chicago (ND Secondary Coach 2004): Matt Hasselbeck threw for 195 yards and a touchdown. The Bears secondary combined for 22 tackles, and Ricky Manning, Jr. added an interception.
 |  |
| Ricky Jr. | Ricky Sr.? |
Trent Walters, Secondary Coach - Philadelphia (ND Secondary Coach 2002-03): This Week: Drew Brees threw for 243 yards and a touchdown. The DBs recorded 23 tackles in the game. Overall: The Eagles secondary recorded 37 tackles, an interception, and a forced fumble while giving up 404 passing yards over two games.
Saturday, January 13, 2007
All-Star Bowling
...and not the kind of bowling that involves me in a Brady Quinn-as-freshman super squat, or the kind that involves me choking and letting Sarah win.
The college football senior all-star bowl circuit started Saturday with the Inta Juice North South All-Star Classic. No Irish alumni participated in that game, however,
On Sunday the 14th, Bob Morton will be wearing his familiar #76 and playing for Mark Richt's East/Aina squad. Morton is one of only four guards on the team, so he should see very good playing time. The Hula Bowl airs at 8:30 PM eastern on ESPN.
The East-West Shrine Game kicks off on Saturday, January 20, from Reliant Stadium in Texas. The game's website lists kickoff at 6 PM, and I'm assuming that's central time. It will air on ESPN2. Dan Santucci will wear his familiar #50 for Don Shula's East team. Santucci will be one of 10 offensive lineman for the East (the roster does not differentiate between tackles, guards, and centers). Derek Landri is expected to play in this game, but as of this writing was not listed on either team roster. Landri would be the ninth defensive lineman on the East squad, or the eighth on the West.
Jon Gruden will coach the Irish! Brady Quinn, Jeff Samardzija, Rhema McKnight, Ryan Harris, and Victor Abiamiri will play for Gruden's East team in this year's Senior Bowl. Complete rosters aren't available until January 21, but right now it's known that Quinn will share playing time with Troy Smith and Chris Leak. The top-caliber bowl will also feature Abiamiri sharing time with Purdue's Anthony Spencer, and Samardzija and McKnight sharing time with LSU's Dwayne Bowe and Craig Davis. The Senior Bowl starts at 3 PM on January 27. The game will be played at Ladd-Peebles Stadium in Mobile, AL, so I'm assuming that's 3 PM central time. The game will be "broadcast" "nationally" on the NFL Network. Dah.
The college football senior all-star bowl circuit started Saturday with the Inta Juice North South All-Star Classic. No Irish alumni participated in that game, however,
On Sunday the 14th, Bob Morton will be wearing his familiar #76 and playing for Mark Richt's East/Aina squad. Morton is one of only four guards on the team, so he should see very good playing time. The Hula Bowl airs at 8:30 PM eastern on ESPN.
The East-West Shrine Game kicks off on Saturday, January 20, from Reliant Stadium in Texas. The game's website lists kickoff at 6 PM, and I'm assuming that's central time. It will air on ESPN2. Dan Santucci will wear his familiar #50 for Don Shula's East team. Santucci will be one of 10 offensive lineman for the East (the roster does not differentiate between tackles, guards, and centers). Derek Landri is expected to play in this game, but as of this writing was not listed on either team roster. Landri would be the ninth defensive lineman on the East squad, or the eighth on the West.
Jon Gruden will coach the Irish! Brady Quinn, Jeff Samardzija, Rhema McKnight, Ryan Harris, and Victor Abiamiri will play for Gruden's East team in this year's Senior Bowl. Complete rosters aren't available until January 21, but right now it's known that Quinn will share playing time with Troy Smith and Chris Leak. The top-caliber bowl will also feature Abiamiri sharing time with Purdue's Anthony Spencer, and Samardzija and McKnight sharing time with LSU's Dwayne Bowe and Craig Davis. The Senior Bowl starts at 3 PM on January 27. The game will be played at Ladd-Peebles Stadium in Mobile, AL, so I'm assuming that's 3 PM central time. The game will be "broadcast" "nationally" on the NFL Network. Dah.
Thursday, January 11, 2007
Like a One Second Pop Quiz
The college football season is finally over, and that can only mean one thing: It's time to start counting down to the next college football season. Here at Kanka's Sports Page, that means the return of the somewhat-famous player countdown clock. The problem is, many of the faces on the clock are leaving. That's where you, the readers come in.
I'm asking you to help me pick out new faces for the player countdown clock. Like a coach looking for a cheap motivational tactic (or perhaps one not willing to tip his hand so soon before the season starts), I'm putting 9 of the 10 numbers up for grabs. That's right, even the returning players (Charlie excluded) can be replaced.
In case you couldn't tell, I try to relate the clock number to the player's jersey number. Here are some suggestions to get the discussion started. But you don't have to follow my suggestions - pick whomever you like: classmate, dormmate, gutsy walkon, secret crush, whatever. Post your ideas on the message board thread.
Current Face: Charlie Weis, Not going anywhere
Current Face: 10 Brady Quinn, Graduating
Best Suggestions: 1 DJ Hord, 11 David Grimes
Other Suggestions: 15 Leo Ferrine, 17 Geoff Price, 19 George West, 61 JJ Jansen, 71 Bartley Webb
Current Face: 15 Leo Ferrine, Returning
Best Suggestions: 2 Darrin Walls, 20 Terrail Lambert, 22 Ambrose Wooden
Other Suggestions: 12 Zach Frazer, 25 Munir Prince, 26 Travis Thomas, 27 David Bruton, 32 Luke Schmidt, 52 Joe Brockington
Current Face: 3 Darius Walker, Headed to the NFL
Best Suggestions: Walker (should he change his mind)
Other Suggestions: 13 Evan Sharpley, 32 Luke Schmidt, 34 James Aldridge
Current Face: 44 Asaph Schwapp, Returning
Best Suggestions: 4 Demetrius Jones, 40 Maurice Crum, Schwapp
Other Suggestions: 34 Aldridge, 54 Anthony Vernaglia, 74 Sam Young
Current Face: 5 Rhema McKnight, Graduating
Best Suggestions: 55 Eric Olsen
Other Suggestions: Ferrine, 25 Munir Prince, 52 Joe Brockington
Current Face: 66 Derek Landri, Graduating
Best Suggestions: 6 Ray Herring
Other Suggestions: 26 Travis Thomas, 61 JJ Jansen
Current Face: 68 Ryan Harris, Graduating
Best Suggestions: 77 Michael Turkovich
Other Suggestions: 17 Geoff Price, 27 David Bruton, 74 Sam Young, 78 John Sullivan, Jimmy Clausen
Current Face: 83 Jeff Samardzija, Graduating
Best Suggestions: 8 Raeshon McNeil, 80 Richard Jackson, 88 Konrad Reuland
Other Suggestions: 89 John Carlson, 78 John Sullivan, 98 Trevor Laws
Current Face: 9 Tom Zbikowski, Plans to return
Best Suggestions: Zbikowski, 90 John Ryan
Other Suggestions: 19 George West, 49 Toryan Smith, 59 Chris Stewart, 89 John Carlson, 98 Trevor Laws
Here's my "depth chart":
What do you think?
(Credit for the title of this post goes to Catholic Packer Fan.)
I'm asking you to help me pick out new faces for the player countdown clock. Like a coach looking for a cheap motivational tactic (or perhaps one not willing to tip his hand so soon before the season starts), I'm putting 9 of the 10 numbers up for grabs. That's right, even the returning players (Charlie excluded) can be replaced.
In case you couldn't tell, I try to relate the clock number to the player's jersey number. Here are some suggestions to get the discussion started. But you don't have to follow my suggestions - pick whomever you like: classmate, dormmate, gutsy walkon, secret crush, whatever. Post your ideas on the message board thread.
Current Face: Charlie Weis, Not going anywhere
Current Face: 10 Brady Quinn, Graduating
Best Suggestions: 1 DJ Hord, 11 David Grimes
Other Suggestions: 15 Leo Ferrine, 17 Geoff Price, 19 George West, 61 JJ Jansen, 71 Bartley Webb
Current Face: 15 Leo Ferrine, Returning
Best Suggestions: 2 Darrin Walls, 20 Terrail Lambert, 22 Ambrose Wooden
Other Suggestions: 12 Zach Frazer, 25 Munir Prince, 26 Travis Thomas, 27 David Bruton, 32 Luke Schmidt, 52 Joe Brockington
Current Face: 3 Darius Walker, Headed to the NFL
Best Suggestions: Walker (should he change his mind)
Other Suggestions: 13 Evan Sharpley, 32 Luke Schmidt, 34 James Aldridge
Current Face: 44 Asaph Schwapp, Returning
Best Suggestions: 4 Demetrius Jones, 40 Maurice Crum, Schwapp
Other Suggestions: 34 Aldridge, 54 Anthony Vernaglia, 74 Sam Young
Current Face: 5 Rhema McKnight, Graduating
Best Suggestions: 55 Eric Olsen
Other Suggestions: Ferrine, 25 Munir Prince, 52 Joe Brockington
Current Face: 66 Derek Landri, Graduating
Best Suggestions: 6 Ray Herring
Other Suggestions: 26 Travis Thomas, 61 JJ Jansen
Current Face: 68 Ryan Harris, Graduating
Best Suggestions: 77 Michael Turkovich
Other Suggestions: 17 Geoff Price, 27 David Bruton, 74 Sam Young, 78 John Sullivan, Jimmy Clausen
Current Face: 83 Jeff Samardzija, Graduating
Best Suggestions: 8 Raeshon McNeil, 80 Richard Jackson, 88 Konrad Reuland
Other Suggestions: 89 John Carlson, 78 John Sullivan, 98 Trevor Laws
Current Face: 9 Tom Zbikowski, Plans to return
Best Suggestions: Zbikowski, 90 John Ryan
Other Suggestions: 19 George West, 49 Toryan Smith, 59 Chris Stewart, 89 John Carlson, 98 Trevor Laws
Here's my "depth chart":
| 0 | Weis | ||
| 1 | Grimes | ||
| 2 | Thomas | Lambert | Wooden |
| 3 | Walker | Aldridge | |
| 4 | Schwapp | Crum | Jones |
| 5 | Brockington | ||
| 6 | Thomas | Jansen | Herring |
| 7 | Sullivan | Young | Bruton |
| 8 | Carlson | Laws | Sullivan |
| 9 | Zbikowski | Laws | Carlson |
What do you think?
(Credit for the title of this post goes to Catholic Packer Fan.)
Tuesday, January 09, 2007
Coaching Clipboard
Charlie Weis has said several times that he's not going to the New York Giants. Still, rocker Scott Weiland, son of a Notre Dame grad, wants to make absolutely sure. Perhaps Velvet Revolver can cover Butters' favorite Chicago song.
Ooh, someone's embedding YouTube clips now.
BGS's Jay thinks that Rick Minter's days at Notre Dame are numbered. It's time once again to start up the campaign bus for Coach Joe Yonto.
Ooh, someone's embedding YouTube clips now.
BGS's Jay thinks that Rick Minter's days at Notre Dame are numbered. It's time once again to start up the campaign bus for Coach Joe Yonto.
Monday, January 08, 2007
Notre Dame Alumni in the NFL Playoffs
Wildcard Weekend
Jordan Black, T - Kansas City: Black started at left tackle for a team that was able to amass only 126 total yards (44 rushing) in a 23-8 loss to Indianapolis. Trent Green was sacked four times.
John Carney, K - New Orleans: Bye
Rocky Boiman, LB - Indianapolis: 1 reception, 1-16 yards. That's right - Boiman caught a pass. It started with a muffed snap to Hunter The Punter Smith. The calamity that ensued created a serendipitous moment for followers of Notre Dame alumni in the NFL. Smith was able to toss the ball to Boiman, but the play still resulted in a loss of 16 yards. Boiman was flagged for illegal touching, as he was an ineligible receiver on the play. However, Kansas City wisely chose to decline the penalty and take the result of the play - a turnover on downs - meaning that Smith's completion and Boiman's reception still stand in the box score.
Jerome Collins, TE - Indianapolis: On the injured reserve since 12/21 with an Achilles' tendon injury.
Jeff Faine, C - New Orleans: Bye
Anthony Fasano, TE - Dallas: Fasano was held without a catch in Dallas' loss to the Seahawks.
Ryan Grant, RB - New York Giants: Ryan Grant has spent this season on New York's Reserve/Non-Football Injury list. He has a wrist.
Julius Jones, RB - Dallas: Julius did his part for the Cowboys. Jones had 112 yards on 22 carries, including a 35-yard run that helped put Dallas in field goal range for what would have been the winning score.
Mark LeVoir, T - Chicago: Bye
Corey Mays, LB - New England: Mays played but did not record a tackle in New England's win over the Jets.
John Owens, TE - New Orleans: Bye
Luke Petitgout, LT - New York Giants: Luke was placed on the Injured Reserve after suffering a broken wrist.
Gerome Sapp, S - Baltimore: Bye
Hunter Smith, P - Indianapolis: 2 punts, long of 43, average of 38.0 1 for 1 passing for -16 yards. (See the Rocky Boiman entry, because I'm not repeating it.)
Justin Tuck, DE - New York Giants: Tuck joins his fellow Irish Alumni on the Giants Injured Reserve. He recently had surgery for a Lisfranc injury on his foot. (Our Chief Medical Expert quit, so you'll have to Google "Lisfranc" yourself.)
John DeFilippo, Offensive Quality Control - New York Giants (ND Graduate Assistant 2001-02): Not a bad way to start your pro coaching career - as a quality control coach for the Giants after a brief stint as a college assistant. That's how Charlie Weis got started. The Giants scored 20 point but only put up 305 total yards in their loss to the Eagles.
Jim Johnson, Defensive Coordinator - Philadelphia (ND Defensive Backs Coach 1977-83, Defensive Coordinator 1981-83, Assistant Head Coach 1983): The Eagles defense did just enough to win this game. The Giants were held to 305 yards of total offense. New York did reach the red zone four times, but twice were held to only field goals.
Dean Pees, Defensive Coordinator - New England (ND Secondary Coach 1994): Pees' defense did give up 347 total yards, but they held the Jets to 16 points. Jets quarterback Chad Pennington was sacked 3 times and committed two turnovers in the game.
Bill Sheridan, Linebackers Coach - New York Giants (ND Safties/Special Teams Coach 2001): Giants linebackers (including Chris Blackburn, who may or may not suck depending on the Goon Squad you're talking to) combined for 14 tackles and one of New York's two sacks.
Steven Wilks, Defensive Backs Coach - Chicago (ND Secondary Coach 2004): Bye
Trent Walters, Secondary Coach - Philadelphia (ND Secondary Coach 2002-03): Eli Manning was held to 161 yards passing. The Eagles defensive backs combined for 14 tackles, one interception, and a forced fumble.
John Carney, K - New Orleans: Bye
Rocky Boiman, LB - Indianapolis: 1 reception, 1-16 yards. That's right - Boiman caught a pass. It started with a muffed snap to Hunter The Punter Smith. The calamity that ensued created a serendipitous moment for followers of Notre Dame alumni in the NFL. Smith was able to toss the ball to Boiman, but the play still resulted in a loss of 16 yards. Boiman was flagged for illegal touching, as he was an ineligible receiver on the play. However, Kansas City wisely chose to decline the penalty and take the result of the play - a turnover on downs - meaning that Smith's completion and Boiman's reception still stand in the box score.
Jerome Collins, TE - Indianapolis: On the injured reserve since 12/21 with an Achilles' tendon injury.
Jeff Faine, C - New Orleans: Bye
Anthony Fasano, TE - Dallas: Fasano was held without a catch in Dallas' loss to the Seahawks.
Ryan Grant, RB - New York Giants: Ryan Grant has spent this season on New York's Reserve/Non-Football Injury list. He has a wrist.
Julius Jones, RB - Dallas: Julius did his part for the Cowboys. Jones had 112 yards on 22 carries, including a 35-yard run that helped put Dallas in field goal range for what would have been the winning score.
Mark LeVoir, T - Chicago: Bye
Corey Mays, LB - New England: Mays played but did not record a tackle in New England's win over the Jets.
John Owens, TE - New Orleans: Bye
Luke Petitgout, LT - New York Giants: Luke was placed on the Injured Reserve after suffering a broken wrist.
Gerome Sapp, S - Baltimore: Bye
Hunter Smith, P - Indianapolis: 2 punts, long of 43, average of 38.0 1 for 1 passing for -16 yards. (See the Rocky Boiman entry, because I'm not repeating it.)
Justin Tuck, DE - New York Giants: Tuck joins his fellow Irish Alumni on the Giants Injured Reserve. He recently had surgery for a Lisfranc injury on his foot. (Our Chief Medical Expert quit, so you'll have to Google "Lisfranc" yourself.)
John DeFilippo, Offensive Quality Control - New York Giants (ND Graduate Assistant 2001-02): Not a bad way to start your pro coaching career - as a quality control coach for the Giants after a brief stint as a college assistant. That's how Charlie Weis got started. The Giants scored 20 point but only put up 305 total yards in their loss to the Eagles.
Jim Johnson, Defensive Coordinator - Philadelphia (ND Defensive Backs Coach 1977-83, Defensive Coordinator 1981-83, Assistant Head Coach 1983): The Eagles defense did just enough to win this game. The Giants were held to 305 yards of total offense. New York did reach the red zone four times, but twice were held to only field goals.
Dean Pees, Defensive Coordinator - New England (ND Secondary Coach 1994): Pees' defense did give up 347 total yards, but they held the Jets to 16 points. Jets quarterback Chad Pennington was sacked 3 times and committed two turnovers in the game.
Bill Sheridan, Linebackers Coach - New York Giants (ND Safties/Special Teams Coach 2001): Giants linebackers (including Chris Blackburn, who may or may not suck depending on the Goon Squad you're talking to) combined for 14 tackles and one of New York's two sacks.
Steven Wilks, Defensive Backs Coach - Chicago (ND Secondary Coach 2004): Bye
Trent Walters, Secondary Coach - Philadelphia (ND Secondary Coach 2002-03): Eli Manning was held to 161 yards passing. The Eagles defensive backs combined for 14 tackles, one interception, and a forced fumble.
Saturday, January 06, 2007
The Class of 2007
There were 9 ballots returned this year. The magic number for induction therefore was set at 5. No one got more than 5 votes, but two lucky candidates hit that total exactly.
Lou Holtz: This should come as no surprise, given the average age of the readers of this site. Those in their 20s grew up watching Lou Holtz lead dominant Irish teams onto the field every Saturday. He has inspired many people in many ways, and is one of the true motivational geniuses of our time. Holtz joins Joe Yonto and Charlie Weis as the third Notre Dame coach in the KankaNation Hall of Fame.
Jeff Samardzija: If you follow college football at all, you know The Shark's story. Now that he has finished setting records at Notre Dame, Samardzija will go on to live the dream of many a young boy or girl by playing not one but two sports for a living. Samardzija joins fellow former Irish players Gary Godsey, Darrell Campbell, and Dick Lynch in the hall.
And now, the also rans, with select quotes from the voters themselves. Young Patrick Hatton made a stunning debut on the charts, just missing induction on his first try. Meanwhile, my impassioned plea for Buck O'Neil's induction fell on deaf ears. And once again, Andy rounded out his ballot with food and buildings (and this time, a major region of the country).
Lou Holtz: This should come as no surprise, given the average age of the readers of this site. Those in their 20s grew up watching Lou Holtz lead dominant Irish teams onto the field every Saturday. He has inspired many people in many ways, and is one of the true motivational geniuses of our time. Holtz joins Joe Yonto and Charlie Weis as the third Notre Dame coach in the KankaNation Hall of Fame.
Jeff Samardzija: If you follow college football at all, you know The Shark's story. Now that he has finished setting records at Notre Dame, Samardzija will go on to live the dream of many a young boy or girl by playing not one but two sports for a living. Samardzija joins fellow former Irish players Gary Godsey, Darrell Campbell, and Dick Lynch in the hall.
And now, the also rans, with select quotes from the voters themselves. Young Patrick Hatton made a stunning debut on the charts, just missing induction on his first try. Meanwhile, my impassioned plea for Buck O'Neil's induction fell on deaf ears. And once again, Andy rounded out his ballot with food and buildings (and this time, a major region of the country).
| Name | Votes | Comment |
| Patrick Hatton | 4 | |
| Carl Monday | 3 | |
| Peter Gammons | 3 | |
| Charlie Weis, Jr. | 3 | |
| Brady Quinn | 3 | |
| Fr. Ted | 3 | |
| Fr. Sorin | 3 | Why not have the man who built the University(twice)? |
| Jerome Bettis | 2 | |
| Fr. Joyce | 2 | He was named after the JACC. That's just cool. |
| Knute Rockne | 2 | Without him, who would we cheer for on Saturday? |
| Wellington Mara | 1 | |
| ND Women's Soccer | 1 | |
| Kerri Hanks | 1 | |
| Travis Thomas | 1 | |
| Stonehenge War Memorial | 1 | |
| Rhema McKnight | 1 | |
| Terrail Lambert | 1 | Yes, in my mind, that one play will make up for all the bad ones. |
| Regis Philbin | 1 | |
| Bill Clinton | 1 | |
| Count Chocula | 1 | |
| Hillary Clinton | 1 | |
| The Aflac Duck | 1 | |
| Derek Landri | 1 | |
| Marco | 1 | |
| Colin Cowherd | 1 | For publicly stating Tee Time Ty is a terrible coach! |
| The Yule Log | 1 | |
| Bratwurst | 1 | Bratwurst...The perfect pre-game meal. |
| Nachos | 1 | The perfect game snack. |
| The Midwest | 1 | Ah, the real America. |
| Alan Page | 1 | aka Jon's Boss |
| Buck O'Neil | 1 | |
| Fake cell phones | 1 | beep boop beep beep boop |
Thursday, January 04, 2007
LSU 41, Notre Dame 14
Quarterback: How do you complete only 15 of 35 passes? Dropped balls. High throws. Forcing the ball downfield on 2nd-and- or 3rd-and- long. Wild, off-balance chucks that lead to interceptions. Feeling the need to go deep to make up for the defense's inability to make a stop. You name it.
Running Back:
Darius Walker averaged 5.8 yards per carry and picked up 128 yards - mostly in the first half - against a decent run defense. He looked downright fast on the Superdome turf. Unfortunately, most of those yards came in the first half because the Irish were again forced to go to the air in the second half to mount a comeback.
Receiver: Jeff Samardzija and Rhema McKnight spent more time looking for flags than they did looking for footballs. When you do that, you start paying more attention to the defender and less to the football - and that's when you drop passes. If you learn to shake off the Keyshawn Johnson-inspired sense of entitlement, you go back to focusing on the ball - and start making spectacular catches, even when the defender is legitimately interfering with you. The Big 12 refs were "letting them play" - which meant that McKnight could get away with a few holds on screen passes to Samardzija, but which also meant that interference calls weren't going to come easily.
On a positive note, David Grimes has shown that the receiving corps will be left in quite capable hands. Grimes made a spectacular catch for a touchdown while leaping between two defenders that made his 6'0, 168 pound frame look downright tiny. Grimes also had more than his share of outstanding blocks on outside runs by Walker.
Tight End: Charlie Weis learned his lesson from the last drive of the UCLA game. A max-protect scheme that kept John Carlson, Marcus Freeman, and/or Darius Walker in to block for most of the game did keep Brady Quinn off of his backside. Unfortunately, though, the scheme did limit Carlson to just one catch in his lauded return.
O-Line: The team rushed for 143 yards, and Brady Quinn was only sacked once. On most days, that would be enough against a top-flight defense.
D-Line: Notre Dame rotated seven linemen in this game. Yet, I can only remember two times when a lineman's name was called: when Travis Leitko fell on a fumble, and when Victor Abiamiri stunted to stop a JaMarcus Russell draw up the middle. For the most part, it didn't look like Abiamiri was being double-teamed - he just wasn't getting to Russell in time. Derek Landri, praised for a motor that made up for his size, was finally out-physicalled; Landri was held to zero tackles.
Linebacker:
Maurice Crum may have been the only returning starter at linebacker, but that's no excuse for him needing to tell the other linebackers (and defensive backs) where to line up right before the ball is snapped. Once may be understandable, but it seemed like this happened on every other play, especially when LSU went 3-, 4-, or 5-wide. Did it help that Notre Dame kept their base 4-3 set or nickel package in against 4- and 5-wide sets, leaving linebackers in man coverage against wide receivers? No. It also didn't help that Notre Dame's lack of size finally caught up to them against the larger LSU running backs. As a team, the Tigers averaged 6.6 yards per carry; I'm a little surprised that the number is that low.
Safety: LSU made Chinedum Ndukwe look like a former wide receiver in this game. I would imagine that Pop Warner coaches teach kids how to play safety by saying, "It's easy: don't ever let anyone run past you." Well, Pop Warner coaches and 7-year-old footballers alike were shaking their heads during this one. Tom Zbikowski spent most of the game trying to stop the run or blitz the quarterback. When it came to stopping the run, he did so-so. Zbikowski's 10 tackles were second only to Ndukwe's 12. His blitzes were picked up easily each time. I doubt Zbikowski could pick Russell out of a lineup, since he never got close enough to see what he looks like.
Cornerback: Like Zbikowski, Mike Richardson spent most of the game running right into blitz pickup. Here's a question for people who actually know about football: Coaches can send a quarterback to the line with multiple plays, and tell the quarterback which play to choose depending on which situation. Can the same thing be done on defense? Can the defensive captain or middle linebacker go to the line and say, "Hey, our blitz won't work against this formation, let's drop into coverage?" or "Hey, it looks like the blitz would work in this situation?"
When Richardson did drop into coverage, he once again looked like the player who was posterized by Pitt in 2004. I don't think the other cornerbacks can say that they have much to be proud of. Ambrose Wooden saw good playing time for the first time in months, and he almost had a momentum-changing strip. Of course, "almost" isn't good enough in big games.
Kicker: Carl Gioia missed his only try from 33 yards. Of course, Colt David missed one from 31, so it's not as easy as it looks.
Punter: Even with some unlucky bounces on the field turf, Geoff Price managed to average 47.4 yards per punt on 5 kicks, with a long of 55.
Kick Returner: As the game wore on, the Irish needed a spark of momentum from wherever they could get it. Unfortunately, David Grimes and George West were unable to provide that spark; in fact, they often struggled just to make it to the 20.
Punt Returner: Also unable to provide a spark was Tom Zbikowski, punter returner. Zbikowski was held without a punt return.
Special Teams: Positive note #2: Ndukwe had a bad game, but his backup didn't. On a day when the Irish defense demonstrated new ways to miss tackles, David Bruton made stop after stop in punt coverage. Bruton snuffed three punt returns with solid tackles, and added another good stop on a run play from scrimmage.
Running Back:
Darius Walker averaged 5.8 yards per carry and picked up 128 yards - mostly in the first half - against a decent run defense. He looked downright fast on the Superdome turf. Unfortunately, most of those yards came in the first half because the Irish were again forced to go to the air in the second half to mount a comeback.
Receiver: Jeff Samardzija and Rhema McKnight spent more time looking for flags than they did looking for footballs. When you do that, you start paying more attention to the defender and less to the football - and that's when you drop passes. If you learn to shake off the Keyshawn Johnson-inspired sense of entitlement, you go back to focusing on the ball - and start making spectacular catches, even when the defender is legitimately interfering with you. The Big 12 refs were "letting them play" - which meant that McKnight could get away with a few holds on screen passes to Samardzija, but which also meant that interference calls weren't going to come easily.
On a positive note, David Grimes has shown that the receiving corps will be left in quite capable hands. Grimes made a spectacular catch for a touchdown while leaping between two defenders that made his 6'0, 168 pound frame look downright tiny. Grimes also had more than his share of outstanding blocks on outside runs by Walker.
Tight End: Charlie Weis learned his lesson from the last drive of the UCLA game. A max-protect scheme that kept John Carlson, Marcus Freeman, and/or Darius Walker in to block for most of the game did keep Brady Quinn off of his backside. Unfortunately, though, the scheme did limit Carlson to just one catch in his lauded return.
O-Line: The team rushed for 143 yards, and Brady Quinn was only sacked once. On most days, that would be enough against a top-flight defense.
D-Line: Notre Dame rotated seven linemen in this game. Yet, I can only remember two times when a lineman's name was called: when Travis Leitko fell on a fumble, and when Victor Abiamiri stunted to stop a JaMarcus Russell draw up the middle. For the most part, it didn't look like Abiamiri was being double-teamed - he just wasn't getting to Russell in time. Derek Landri, praised for a motor that made up for his size, was finally out-physicalled; Landri was held to zero tackles.
Linebacker:
Maurice Crum may have been the only returning starter at linebacker, but that's no excuse for him needing to tell the other linebackers (and defensive backs) where to line up right before the ball is snapped. Once may be understandable, but it seemed like this happened on every other play, especially when LSU went 3-, 4-, or 5-wide. Did it help that Notre Dame kept their base 4-3 set or nickel package in against 4- and 5-wide sets, leaving linebackers in man coverage against wide receivers? No. It also didn't help that Notre Dame's lack of size finally caught up to them against the larger LSU running backs. As a team, the Tigers averaged 6.6 yards per carry; I'm a little surprised that the number is that low.
Safety: LSU made Chinedum Ndukwe look like a former wide receiver in this game. I would imagine that Pop Warner coaches teach kids how to play safety by saying, "It's easy: don't ever let anyone run past you." Well, Pop Warner coaches and 7-year-old footballers alike were shaking their heads during this one. Tom Zbikowski spent most of the game trying to stop the run or blitz the quarterback. When it came to stopping the run, he did so-so. Zbikowski's 10 tackles were second only to Ndukwe's 12. His blitzes were picked up easily each time. I doubt Zbikowski could pick Russell out of a lineup, since he never got close enough to see what he looks like.
Cornerback: Like Zbikowski, Mike Richardson spent most of the game running right into blitz pickup. Here's a question for people who actually know about football: Coaches can send a quarterback to the line with multiple plays, and tell the quarterback which play to choose depending on which situation. Can the same thing be done on defense? Can the defensive captain or middle linebacker go to the line and say, "Hey, our blitz won't work against this formation, let's drop into coverage?" or "Hey, it looks like the blitz would work in this situation?"
When Richardson did drop into coverage, he once again looked like the player who was posterized by Pitt in 2004. I don't think the other cornerbacks can say that they have much to be proud of. Ambrose Wooden saw good playing time for the first time in months, and he almost had a momentum-changing strip. Of course, "almost" isn't good enough in big games.
Kicker: Carl Gioia missed his only try from 33 yards. Of course, Colt David missed one from 31, so it's not as easy as it looks.
Punter: Even with some unlucky bounces on the field turf, Geoff Price managed to average 47.4 yards per punt on 5 kicks, with a long of 55.
Kick Returner: As the game wore on, the Irish needed a spark of momentum from wherever they could get it. Unfortunately, David Grimes and George West were unable to provide that spark; in fact, they often struggled just to make it to the 20.
Punt Returner: Also unable to provide a spark was Tom Zbikowski, punter returner. Zbikowski was held without a punt return.
Special Teams: Positive note #2: Ndukwe had a bad game, but his backup didn't. On a day when the Irish defense demonstrated new ways to miss tackles, David Bruton made stop after stop in punt coverage. Bruton snuffed three punt returns with solid tackles, and added another good stop on a run play from scrimmage.
Saturday, December 30, 2006
Notre Dame Football 2006
Issue 13: Sugar Bowl vs. LSU
LSU Rush Offense vs. ND Rush Defense
LSU has taken running back-by-committee to a new level, with 5 backs recording 45 or more carries this season. 18 Jacob Hester is the starter and the closest thing the Tigers have to a feature back. Hester averages 7-8 carries and 35 yards a game. He also leads the team with 6 rushing TDs. Keiland Williams similarly averages 7-8 carries and 41 yards per game, with 3 total touchdowns. 22 Alley Broussard is the power back. He averages 7 carries per game, but for only 28 yards per contest. Broussard has scored 4 times on the ground. 32 Charles Scott averages 6-7 carries and 40 yards per game, with 5 total touchdowns. 25 Justin Vincent, who has recorded 5 starts alongside Hester, is averaging 4 carries and 12 yards per game. Freshman wide receiver 8 Trindon Holliday, all 5'5" of him, has carried the ball 13 times this season - more than once a game. Holliday has been used effectively, averaging 12.4 yards per carry. Finally, quarterback 2 JaMarcus Russell is averaging 44 carries and 10 yards per game on the ground. All in all, the Tigers average 159 yards per game on the ground, so their system works.The Irish linebackers will have their hands full with the LSU backs. Marcus Crum and Joe Brockington are listed at 220 pounds and Travis Thomas at 215 pounds. Hester (228 lbs), Williams (223), Broussard (250), Scott (221), and Vincent (223) - and Russell (260) - all outweigh the Irish staring backers. (Russell is only 12 pounds lighter than Chris Frome.) Notre Dame's susceptibility to trick plays could also lead to several big gains for Holliday. The Irish will need to play with discipline and fundamentals, and flock to the ball without over-pursuing.
ND Rush Offense vs. LSU Rush Defense
Darius Walker averages 19 carries and 95 yards per game. However, Walker and the run game seem to disappear in big games. This can partially be attributed to Coach Weis' tendency to pass more when behind, and the tendency to save the run for late in the game to hold a lead. But Walker has averaged just 2 yards per carry in most of those big games, a number that can partially be attributed to inconsistent offensive line play. It will be interesting to see who backs up Walker in this game: James Aldridge, who is now third on the team in carries (behind Walker and Brady Quinn), or the veteran Travis Thomas, who is rumored to move back to running back full time next year. Aldridge now averages 6 carries and 23 yards per game. Thomas has only carred the ball 11 times this season, but is averaging 6.9 yards per carry (3.3 YPC if you discount his 43-yard fake punt run). Discounting sacks, Brady Quinn has carried 49 times for 288 yards this season, with a long of 60. Munir Prince is the only other Irish player to carry the ball more than 4 times. Prince has 15 carries, most coming in garbage time.At 93.2 yards per game, LSU's run defense is very good, but not impenetrable. Like their running game, though, their offense is very balanced. Linebackers 48 Darry Beckwith and 7 Ali Highsmith have 61 and 58 tackles, respectively. DT 72 Glenn Dorsey has 59 tackles, 8.5 for a loss.
LSU Pass Offense vs. ND Pass Defense
Apparently, this JaMarcus Russell guy is pretty good. The "Young Daunte Culpepper" is only completing 68.5% of his passes this season. Russell's average day consists of completing 18 of 26 passes for 233 yards. Russell has 26 TDs and 7 interceptions on the year. To paraphase a certain parody of a certain FOX baseball playoff announcer: As balanced as LSU is with their running backs, that's how as not balanced they are with their receivers. Russell focuses primarily on his top three wide receivers, who each have between 50 and 60 catches. 80 Dwayne Bowe averages 5 caches and 76 yards per game. He leads the team with 11 receiving touchdowns, almost one per game. 3 Craig Davis averages 4-5 catches and 72 yards per game. 9 Early Doucet is the number 3 receiver. He rarely starts, but he hasn't failed to put up impressive numbers. Doucet also averages 4-5 catches per game for 55 yards per. Doucet does know how to find the end zone, as he has 8 touchdowns on the year. After these three top receivers, halfback Jacob Hester has 34 catches, and no one else has more than 6. Hester averages 3 catches and 21 yards per game.Notre Dame's pass defense has been known to struggle in big games. However, knowing they only have to focus on 3 or 4 guys may help, as it allows for bracket coverages and other teams. Of course, coaches love to save the best for last, so don't be surprised if Les Miles decides to get his tight ends involved for the first time this season. Chinedum Ndukwe was injured in the USC game, but he is expected to be healthy for the Sugar Bowl. Victor Abiamiri started slow, but he ended with 10 sacks and 14.5 total TFL (and 14 quarterback hits). I was going to praise LSU's Duncan for having great numbers for a tackle, until I saw Derek Landri's: 65 tackles, 15.5 TFL, and 7 sacks.
ND Pass Offense vs. LSU Pass Defense
Don't forget - that Brady Quinn guy is pretty good, too. On the average day, Quinn completes 23 of 36 passes for 273 yards. Quinn has 35 touchdowns to only 5 interceptions. Once again, Quinn's leading receiver is Jeff Samardzija. Samardzija is averaging 6 catches and 80 yards per game. Right behind Samardzija is Rhema McKnight, who averages 5 catches and 74 yards per game. Samardzija has 11 touchdown catches to McKnight's team-leading 15. Darius Walker averages 4-5 catches and 30 yards per game. John Carlson, expected to return from a knee injury, averages 4-5 catches and 62 yards per game. Carlson has four touchdowns on the season. While Carlson was out, David Grimes matured into a reliable third option - and perhaps a reliable 1 or 2 option for next year. Grimes now has 25 catches on the season, and is averaging 28 yards per game.This is the matchup of the game, as LSU is giving up only 145.5 passing yards per game. If you look at just sacks and interceptions, LSU's pass defense doesn't look that impressive; the Tigers have only 8 more sacks and 4 more interceptions than Notre Dame's defense. But then you look at the other numbers. Pass breakups are arguable as an official stat, but you have to be impressed when starting DBs 21 Chevis Jackson and 19 Jonathan Zenon each have hit double digits in that category. End 93 Tyson Jackson has 8.5 sacks and 10 TFL. 94 Chase Pittman, the other defensive end, has 5.5 sacks and 6.5 tackles for a loss. Strong safety 16 Craig Steltz leads the team with 4 interceptions; Jonathan Zenon is second with 3. 30 LaRon Landry, the free safety, leads the team with 68 tackles.
Special Teams
LSU's placekicker is 6 Colt David. David has converted only 6 of 10 field goals, but all 4 misses have come from 40+ yards. His long is 45. For the Irish, Carl Gioia has converted 8 of 12 field goals, including 7 of 8 from inside 40 yards. His long is 40.41 Chris Jackson handles LSU's punting duties. On 35 kicks, he is averaging 41.8 yards with a long of 58. Notre Dame's Geoff Price is averaging 45.2 yards per punt. The long out of his 45 kicks is a 62-yarder.
Early Doucet and Trindon Holliday are LSU's kick returners. On 9 returns, Doucet averages 17 yards with a long of 36 yards. Holliday is averaging 32 yards on 5 returns, with a 92-yard touchdown. Ryan Burkhart has been kicking off for the Irish. He is averaging 59.2 yards per kick, with 8 of 42 kicks going for touchbacks. Notre Dame is giving up 20 yards per return, giving opponents an average start at the 25.
David Grimes and George West return kicks for the Irish. Grimes is averaging 25.5 yards on 17 returns, with a long of 50. West is averaging 20.3 yards on 10 returns, with a long of 33. Against USC, Tom Zbikowski returned 5 kicks for an average of 21.4 yards. His long was 28. Chris Jackson is also in charge of kickoffs for the Tigers. Jackson is averaging 61.6 yards per kick, with 22 of 67 kickoffs going for touchbacks. LSU is giving up 19.7 yards per kick return, giving opponents an average start at the 23.
DB 21 Chevis Jackson and Craig Davis have shared punt return duties for LSU. Jackson is averaging 6.7 yards on 15 returns, with a long of 22. Davis is averaging 14.2 yards on 10 returns, with a 77-yard touchdown. Notre Dame is giving up a mediocre 12.1 yards per punt return.
When healthy, Tom Zbikowski has returned punts for ND. He has averaged 9 yards on 16 returns. His long was a 52-yard TD. LSU is giving up 11.4 yards per punt return.
Look for a big game from Quinn, Walker, Samardzija, the secondary, and Carl Gioia.
ND 26, LSU 24: LSU has outscored opponents by an average of 33-13 this year. Against teams with winning records, that margin is a slightly-more-human 24-16. Notre Dame has outscored similar opponents 27-24. Look for touchdowns from McKnight, Walker, and a DB not named Terrail Lambert. (Lambert already has 2 TDs - let's give someone else a chance. Gioia will miss an extra point, but make up for it with two field goals.
Friday, December 29, 2006
Reminders
For those of you who don't visit the site on the weekend:
Hall of Fame Ballots (sent to kanka@kankasports.zzn.com) and Bowl Picks (Posted here, assuming the board wants to work today) are due Sunday.
Contingency plan for bowl picks: Post your picks for the winners of each of the January bowls, plus the score of the NC game, to the regular message board. Here's a list of bowls.
And a reminder for myself: You might want to write a Sugar Bowl preview before the game is played on next Wednesday.
Hall of Fame Ballots (sent to kanka@kankasports.zzn.com) and Bowl Picks (Posted here, assuming the board wants to work today) are due Sunday.
Contingency plan for bowl picks: Post your picks for the winners of each of the January bowls, plus the score of the NC game, to the regular message board. Here's a list of bowls.
And a reminder for myself: You might want to write a Sugar Bowl preview before the game is played on next Wednesday.
Tuesday, December 26, 2006
Nobody goes there anymore
It's too crowded.
Judging by these recent posts, there aren't too many Notre Dame fans headed down to the Fiesta Bowl. Maybe it's too small a sample set. Maybe it's just unfair to compare this year to last year, with the excitement over the Fiesta Bowl.
But here's the question: Why aren't you going to the Sugar Bowl? Sound off using the poll to the right, or on the message board.
Oh, and my Sugar Bowl preview is coming soon... I hope.
Judging by these recent posts, there aren't too many Notre Dame fans headed down to the Fiesta Bowl. Maybe it's too small a sample set. Maybe it's just unfair to compare this year to last year, with the excitement over the Fiesta Bowl.
But here's the question: Why aren't you going to the Sugar Bowl? Sound off using the poll to the right, or on the message board.
Oh, and my Sugar Bowl preview is coming soon... I hope.
Sunday, December 24, 2006
Know Thy Enemy:
LSU
And The Valley Shook
Bayou Bengals Blog
Captain Ken's Homespun Wisdom (No bandos, not that Captain Ken.)
CFBreport.com
The Highland Road Blog
LSUnpredictable
LSU Phootball
Tiger Droppings
Tiger Smack
Victory Is Mine (Perhaps this is LSU's answer to this site by ND alums.)
Wasted Shabbos (These Dudes don't roll on Saturdays, and they don't F with the Jesus.)
LSU Football at AOL Fanhouse
Fanblogs LSU
Also: Don't forget your Hall of Fame Nominations and Bowl Predictions, both due by December 31.
Bayou Bengals Blog
Captain Ken's Homespun Wisdom (No bandos, not that Captain Ken.)
CFBreport.com
The Highland Road Blog
LSUnpredictable
LSU Phootball
Tiger Droppings
Tiger Smack
Victory Is Mine (Perhaps this is LSU's answer to this site by ND alums.)
Wasted Shabbos (These Dudes don't roll on Saturdays, and they don't F with the Jesus.)
LSU Football at AOL Fanhouse
Fanblogs LSU
Also: Don't forget your Hall of Fame Nominations and Bowl Predictions, both due by December 31.
Thursday, December 21, 2006
Tuesday, December 19, 2006
KankaNation Gift Guide 2006
It's that time of year again. If I left you out, please yell at me. Repeatedly.
For Aflac, hourse of "that's what she said" enjoyment.
Assuming Dave doesn't want an autographed photo of a future Hall of Famer, I could give him something that shows off his devotion to Snoop Dogg.
For F-Bomb, a shirt that espouses two of his greatest passions.
For Mike and Patrick, matching attire.
Unfortunately, Jon and Andy may have to share this gift.
For Klondike, a gift to make him feel at home, and a second gift to keep the first one cold.
For nickyschu, there's no outliving his underclassman reputation.
Pete's gift allows him to showcase his two favorite emotions, pride for winning everything, and bitterness.
Finally, for Yonto, something to make him feel more at home.
For Aflac, hourse of "that's what she said" enjoyment.
Assuming Dave doesn't want an autographed photo of a future Hall of Famer, I could give him something that shows off his devotion to Snoop Dogg.
For F-Bomb, a shirt that espouses two of his greatest passions.
For Mike and Patrick, matching attire.
Unfortunately, Jon and Andy may have to share this gift.
For Klondike, a gift to make him feel at home, and a second gift to keep the first one cold.
For nickyschu, there's no outliving his underclassman reputation.
Pete's gift allows him to showcase his two favorite emotions, pride for winning everything, and bitterness.
Finally, for Yonto, something to make him feel more at home.
Sunday, December 17, 2006
Buck O'Neil: A True Class Act
When I received my Sportsman of the Year edition of Sports Illustrated and saw Dwayne Wade on the cover, I was forlorn. Sure, Wade did have a decent year. But a few weeks prior, one of SI's writers suggested that Buck O'Neil be named SOTY. Seeing that O'Neil wasn't SOTY, months after he wasn't included among the 17 Negro League figures inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame this year, I thought to myself, "Gee, this guy can't win anything."
Did Buck, who died on August 5, deserve to be a Baseball Hall of Famer? He won a few Negro League batting championships, but carried just a .288 career average. He won two Negro League championships as a manager. He had a long career as a Major League scout; his most notable signing was Lou Brock. In 1962, the Cubs made him the first African American coach in the majors. After he retired as a player, coach, and scout, he became an ambassador for the Negro Leagues, and for baseball in general. O'Neil helped open the Negro Leagues Baseball Museum in Kansas City in 1990. These accomplishments, though, apparently weren't good enough for the folks in Cooperstown.
Fortunately, in the time between I received my Dwayne Wade SI and the time I sat down to write this, a baseball owner found it proper to honor O'Neil when the baseball writers couldn't. On December 7, President George W. Bush honored Buck O'Neil posthumously with a Presidential Medal of Freedom - one of our country's highest civilian honors.
I could go on, but my words can't come close to the eloquence of Buck's. Imagine in your head the most pleasant 94-year-old man you've ever met addressing the Baseball Hall of Fame crowd and try to keep your eyes dry: http://www.americanrhetoric.com/speeches/buckoneilbaseballhalloffame.htm
Earlier this year, when Buck found out that he missed the Baseball Hall of Fame by one vote, he had the following to say:
I don't know about you, but Buck O'Neil is a Hall of Famer to me.
Did Buck, who died on August 5, deserve to be a Baseball Hall of Famer? He won a few Negro League batting championships, but carried just a .288 career average. He won two Negro League championships as a manager. He had a long career as a Major League scout; his most notable signing was Lou Brock. In 1962, the Cubs made him the first African American coach in the majors. After he retired as a player, coach, and scout, he became an ambassador for the Negro Leagues, and for baseball in general. O'Neil helped open the Negro Leagues Baseball Museum in Kansas City in 1990. These accomplishments, though, apparently weren't good enough for the folks in Cooperstown.
Fortunately, in the time between I received my Dwayne Wade SI and the time I sat down to write this, a baseball owner found it proper to honor O'Neil when the baseball writers couldn't. On December 7, President George W. Bush honored Buck O'Neil posthumously with a Presidential Medal of Freedom - one of our country's highest civilian honors.
I could go on, but my words can't come close to the eloquence of Buck's. Imagine in your head the most pleasant 94-year-old man you've ever met addressing the Baseball Hall of Fame crowd and try to keep your eyes dry: http://www.americanrhetoric.com/speeches/buckoneilbaseballhalloffame.htm
Earlier this year, when Buck found out that he missed the Baseball Hall of Fame by one vote, he had the following to say:
God's been good to me. You can see that, can't you? It didn't happen. They didn't think Buck was good enough to be in the Hall of Fame. That's the way they thought about it and that's the way it is, so we're going to live with that. Now, if I'm a Hall of Famer for you, that's all right with me. Just keep loving old Buck.
Don't shed any tears 'cause I'm not going to the Hall of Fame.
You think about this. Here I am, the grandson of a slave. And here the whole world was excited about whether I was going into the Hall of Fame or not. We've come a long ways. Before, we never even thought about anything like that. America, you've really grown and you're still growing.
I don't know about you, but Buck O'Neil is a Hall of Famer to me.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)