Category: Football

I already beat up on the uniform so this post will try to read into what the coaches and players were saying about the team the coaches teammates etc–you can go to und.com for they have a slew of videos of the days events. I’ve added a clip here of the actual practice on August 16th–sure looks like a lot of speed out there and better yet the guys look excited and motivated.

I can understand Kelly holding his cards close but I think he tipped his hand talking about Golson. He was explaining Golson’s consistency indicating Golson threw the ball (so far in practice) 126 times with just one interception. He then moved along but what is interesting that he did not bring up Hendrix’s name at all–so the only conclusion you can come to is–Golson will be the starter. We should learn more next week when we start prep for Navy.

Other insights include a few minor injuries with just Nicols out for a couple of weeks and a watch on Spond. Dan Fox was wearing a shoulder brace and that’s a concern since Calabrese will not play in the Navy Game.

The coach interviews were interesting especially Diaco who looks like a movie star but at the end of his interview I’m not sure what he said.

Swarbrick was non commital on field turf and jumbotron or anything else, I want both–anything to help the players and coaches win games and win recruits. I also think it’s time for names on the uniforms–I never bought into the Joe Paterno deal about team vs individuals. Let the players decide–names go both ways excellent play as well as scew ups. Also would help the viewer identify subs coming into the game.

Ok here’s the clip–good throws and catches–unfortunately can’t really tell who’s throwing the ball. Anyhow, enjoy for probably last view of a practice and we just have to wait for the Navy game September 1st.

I would guess by now that most Notre Dame fans have seen the new uniform for the Shamrock game against Miami in Chicago. C’mon let’s just get a little serious here–these uniforms are ghastly and comical. I simply cannot understand how the usual savvy Notre Dame publicity machine and Jack Swabrick could agree to such an atrocity. I also cannot understand how a savvy competitive organization like Adidas could even propose this uniform to Notre Dame.

Adidas is in a very competitive market and surely could come up with something cool/ hip but they come up with a clown uniform.

I’m all for having a little fun in the Shamrock Series–yea jazz things up a little but this defies all good marketing sense–just look at that abortion of a helmet–a grade schooler could do better.

I know Kelly wants to create a more energetic atmosphere for home games but everything he has done has backfired badly–think the night game against USC last year. What did we have–about 25 recruits and didn’t land any with the exception of a late Kiel commit. Despite all the hoopla Notre Dame came out flat and scared and lost a game they could have won. This whole thing reminds me how Kelly used theatrics at Cinncy and other places to promote his Div 2 teams and we looked like a Div 2 team against USC.

There is so much you can do with the ND history and colors and symbols to present a hip uniform and helmet but this outfit is laughable.

Forget night games–we do not have the players to stay up that late–they can barely play 4 quarters during the day games. I want it proved to me that this Longo stuff is actually doing anything better than previous strength coaches.

Another gripe I have is Manti Teo having to play every down even against bad or mediocre teams even when he’s hobbling around–we must have some backup that could spell him for a few plays and,of course, that builds depth. Same goes for other positions.

Right now too much smoke and mirrors hiding not enough good football.

Night games we could get smoked 1- Michigan State 2- Michigan 3- Miami.

You gotta check out Eric Murtaugh’s One Foot Down article today and film clips–will really pump you up–great plays from great team.
Great seeing all these players including Wes Pritchett, Ned Bolcar and Frank Stams on defense.

I always thought fullback Anthony Johnson was one of the best to ever play at ND.

As always Keith Arnold’s Irish NBC Sports article today is excellent.

You can find links on our sidebar.

While twiddling my thumbs came across a Bleacher Report Notre Dame All Time Team. Found this very interesting and for the most part agree–lot of old timers but they were fantastic players and played both ways. Here’s where I disagree:

1–QuarterBacks–1–Lujack 2– Montana

2–Linebackers–Irons, are you kidding me. I’d replace Stonebreaker and Irons with 1- Bob Golic 2– Bob Crable

3–Teo and Jim Martin–fine except Martin played end for the most part former frogman in WWII and I believe he won the heavyweight Bengal Bouts.
I’d rank Martin before Teo.

Of course their were others including Steve Niehaus–injured a lot though.

Anyhow fun to go thru and think of other greats.

The list from The Bleacher Report is below – to read the write ups for each position go here: Bleacher Report Notre Dame All Time Team