Suggestion to Coach Brian Kelly

Ditch the sombrero and stick with the sun visor.

GO IRISH BEAT THE CANES

Answers To: So You Think You Know College Football Eh? Beat the Wizard

Here the questions and answers. How’d ya do?

#1 In what year was the provision requiring the football to actually be touched to the end zone ground was removed? 1889 [We know that’s hard to believe, but remember the American game of football evolved out of Rugby and those basic rules]

#2 What bowl has ND played in the most? Cotton Bowl [Yes, this was way too easy. Susie our secretary came up with this one. She now is no longer allowed to submit any questions for anything.]

#3 The End Zone was added to the Gridiron because? Creation of the forward pass

#4 What is the width of the gridiron? 53 1/3 yards [We were surprised how many got this right]

#5 The football helmet became mandatory in what year? 1939

#6 The goal post was moved from the goal line to the back of the end zone because? For player safety [Ah, the dreaded “all of the above” caught some]

#7 What year did the drop kick become obsolete? 1934 [It hung around for a while, but they changed the football and made it more pointed to promote the forward pass and it became tough to drop and get a true bounce]

#8 Notre Dame football coach Jesse Harper attended what university? University of Chicago [Not many wanted to take a crack at this question]

#9 What are Mansfield State Normal and Wyoming Seminary famous for? First night game [This one was the hardest]

#10 What year was the plastic helmet introduced? 1939 [Trick question. Yes, the same year helmets were ruled mandatory in college. It took a number of years for the plastic helmet to finally replace the leather model though]

tOSU Football Memorabilia For Sale - Cheap

It’s never too late to Christmas Shop. Especially with a little help from the guys at tOSU.

Psssssssssss! Wanna buy some neat stuff?  Cheap?  No questions asked?  Cash only please.  Gotta pay for some tats.

Here’s what’s offered for a very, very limited time:

Sportsmanship Award 2009 Fiesa Bowl - One Previous Owner

$900 - $1,000

 

2008 Big Ten Championship Ring (Football) - At least three available

$1,000 - $1,200

 

 

Trinket - Gold Pants - Like new

$350

 

 

 

Game Gear Slightly Used - Consists of jersey, pants, and shoes

 

$1,000

 

Serious inquiries only !!

 

Max's Tattoo Parlor and Sports Emporium Columbus Ohio

Merry Chrislmas and Happy New Year From Subway Alumni Station

Well the birth of Jesus is getting close. We strongly suspect this will be the last post until after Christmas when the Football Wizard reveals the answers to his Ten Questions. If you haven’t voted, you got until the 26th.  Right side of Blog.


We want to wish you and yours a Very Merry Christmas, Prosperous, Healthy and Happy New Year. May God Bless each and every one of you.

To those listed below that provided comments, criticism, corrections, and encouragement to the Subway Alumni Station Blog thank you very much.  Especially Grim Jack and Tulsa Irish.  Who'd have thought, 163 posts of every make and model?

Bill H

ND67 AquaJock

Voice in the Wilderness

jim masterson

Eddy

Tulsa Irish

GB

Joe Subway

Dana Payne

ndfootball4ever

Erik 04

JM

Nate

Thundershaker

GrimJack

nd tacoma

Onehipdad

Love Thee Notre Dame

Fencing Irish

Franknbeans

Shady McFurkwaddle

Dan Powell

Jack J

Dusty D

bill w

tom

petoskey

GO IRISH BEAT THE CANES!!

 - Subway Alumni

The Wrong Kind of Guys

While riding the Red Line George our SAS archivist and I got into a discussion on the definition of a Kelly recruit.  Little did we realize that it would lead to this post.

RIGHT KIND OF GUYS

We first heard about Notre Dame's Coach Brian Kelly and his Right Kind of Guy (RKG) about a year ago when he and his new coaching staff hit what was left of the recruiting trail and some mighty slim pickings. Kelly ended up with a combination of Charlie Weis recruits and his (Kelly’s) RKG’s. Basically he defined the RKG as one that fits a specific height and weight for a particular position. Throw in desire, raw athleticism, potential, some gray matter between the ears and poof, a RKG.

At this past Sunday’s press conference, Kelly further defined his RKG, only the converse.

So says our coach:

"We have some guys that play because there are 81,000 in that stadium."

"But most of our guys---would play if not one fan showed up for the game. Those are the guys that I want."

"We had too many guys here that were interested in the walk from the basilica, wearing the Notre Dame helmet, and running out before 81,000. That can't be your prime reason for being at the University of Notre Dame. Now we've changed a lot of that."

OK, we can buy into that, gee who wouldn’t?  So have those dudes passed from the scene?  Has he pounded the RKG into any of the non-believers left? Any lingering Doubting Thomas still on the roster?

Just who were these guys doin the walk and wearin the golden helmet for themselves and $$$$? How are they doing today?

We assume these are guys who stepped up to the next level and are currently on roster in the NFL. Although that is one mighty big assumption. Through NFL week 14, here is what we have to offer.

Sergio Brown - Has played in eight games and recorded 11 tackles on defense and special teams.


Jimmy Clausen - Clausen has seen action in 10 games this season with seven starts. He has completed 115 of 224 pass attempts (51.3 percent) for 1,163 yards with a touchdown, seven interceptions and a passer rating of 55.0. He had his best game this past Sunday going 13-19 141 yards and 1 TD.  (Those stats not included above)


Kyle McCarthy - He has recorded two defensive and two special teams tackles. Currently on IR.

Eric Olsen – He has appeared in one game.

Golden Tate - He has played in nine games this season, and has 17 catches for 214 yards. He also has returned 16 punts for 202 yards per return with a long of 63 yards and a kickoff for 10 yards.


Sam Young – He has not seen any action since returning from an MCL injury.

Is Coach Kelly taking a shot at Jimmy and Golden for leaving Notre Dame early? Is it a subtle message to Floyd and Rudolph?

We think it is.  Good for Coach Kelly.

GO IRISH BEAT THE 'U'

What the Folks at Subway Alumni Station Want For Christmas

We here at SAS are very greedy and materialistic around Christmas Time.  Especially when it comes to Notre Dame Football.

We hauled out the old galvanized wash tub filled it full of everyone’s favorite beer and loaded it down with ice.



Next we all brought treats that ranged from Swedish Meatballs to Shrimp Platters to every kind of Christmas cookie, Sweet and Fat Boy Food known to man.  The objective was to get a little high, fat, and come up with our First Annual Notre Dame Christmas Wish List (but not in that particular order)

First Annual Notre Dame Christmas Wish List (in order)

++  Beat Miami in the Sun Bowl with a tenacious Defense and four solid quarters of Spread Offense.

++  Get the news that Michael Floyd and Kyle Rudolph are returning for their senior year.

++  David Ruffer is awarded a scholarship for a fifth year.

++  Recruits fall into place to make up for defections, graduation, and thin spots on the roster.

++  Come out of Spring Practice healthy.

++  Come out of Spring Practice with a clear #1, #2, and #3 quarterback.

++  From Spring Practice get a bunch of really pleasant surprises and breakout performances from some of the underclassmen.

++  Over the summer bulk and tone up the best in Notre Dame history.

++  Dayne Crist invite "His" receivers and backs to California for some intense personal practice.

++  For all other players, productive personal practices, drills, 7-on-7 and weight training over the summer at Notre Dame while attending summer school and achieving "A's" in class.

++  2011 solid victories over Michigan, Michigan State, Navy, U$C.

++  A BCS Bowl bid.

Editors Note:  You didn't believe we could be that greedy and materialistic huh?  It was the beer.

Question #10 So You Think You Know College Football Eh? Beat the Wizard

We changed our minds and decided to end the quiz a little early. The 10th question has been posted with the other nine on the right side of the Blog.  We will leave them up for a couple of days to give everyone a chance to test their knowledge.  Good Luck

A Riveting Play of the 2010 Notre Dame Football Season?

So what was the most riveting play? The game breaker? That definitional play of the Notre Dame 2010 season? Can it be even summed up in one play? One moment? One turning point in the season? What sticks in your craw? What could have been? What made you vomit? Why did you wail and nash your teeth? Wring your hands over an empty beer can. The play that made you cheer lustily and loud for old Notre Dame? Is it one play that can even sum up your feelings?


Well we assigned our video and tape assistant editor Suzanne to come up with the answer. In no particular order except in how they occurred here is what she dug up.

++ The 95 yard touchdown catch by Kyle Rudolph against Michigan that put Notre Dame temporarily in the lead very late in the fourth quarter.

++ The fake Michigan State Field goal in overtime that secured a victory for the Spartans?

++ The season ending hit absorbed by Dayne Crist against Tulsa?

++ The thrown interception by Tommy Rees in the end zone against Tulsa?

++ The bone crushing run into the end zone by Robert Hughes culminating a smash mouth drive against U$C securing a victory?

++ The interception by Harrison Smith in the waning seconds against U$C to stop a frantic effort?

It is easy to point to the USC game however look and think deeper. Did Suzanne miss something? Was/is there a turning point, a defining moment or is it a collage of plays, events, and games played to where Notre Dame is today, facing the University of Miami in the Sun Bowl? What could have been?

Why Kyle Rudolph and Michael Floyd Will Be Back For ND Football In 2011

Kyle Rudolph                                                    Michael Floyd

++  Both have unfinished business and things to prove concerning their college careers and Notre Dame.

++  The NFL is going to be very “iffy” in 2011. The threat of a lock-out or strike and the normal overall greed of the owners and players could make jumping early problematic and possibly pretty stupid.

++  Both have the tag of being injury prone during their first three seasons.

++  Both have played hurt and less than 100% which has effected there stats.

++  Neither lived up to 2010 preseason hype, All American billing and fan expectations.

++  Notre Dame Football is going to be exciting in 2011 with a good solid schedule and an obvious quarterback controversy.

++  The Team has a year of the Spread Offense and Brian Kelly under their belts. A victory in the Sun Bowl over Miami would be icing on the cake for closing out the 2010 season and laying the solid ground work for Spring Practice.

++  Rudolph had very serious surgery and will not be 100% ready for the NFL Combine.

++  Floyd’s mother wants him to complete his education.

++  Coach Kelly is actively recruiting them. It is suspected that the entire Notre Dame campus and ND Nation are as well.

++  Here are the lackluster, injury riddled receiving stats for 2010:

                              GP   No. Yards    Avg     TD   Long   Avg/G

FLOYD, Michael   11    73     916     12.5     10    80       83.3


RUDOLPH, Kyle   6     28     328      11.7     3      95        54.7

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Notre Dame Football Recruiting and Scholarship Status - 2010

With just about everybody getting hammered early this winter, we could not resist the picture.

If you have not come across this article on Notre Dame recruiting and scholarship status, you should take the time and give it a look.

It is accurate, well written and informative.

We know that is what the girl in the picture is doing.

Editor Note:  Eight questions have been posted.  Give them your best shot.

So You Think You Know College Football Eh? Beat the Wizard Question # 6

We snuck in question #5 and just have added #6.  Good luck.

How The Planets Are Going To have To Align For Notre Dame To Beat Miami

Mercury - Tommy Rees has got to stop throwing picks. Quit staring down his receivers and throw the ball as soon as a receiver comes open.

Venus – David Ruffer needs to be inserted at critical points in the game. i.e. near half-time or near end of the game as appropriate, as has not been done in the recent past..

Third rock from the Sun – The Wildcat a.k.a. Leprechaun needs to be available to take pressure off Rees if Mercury falls out of orbit. This maybe a tough one still both Rudolph and Allen were two of the three original Leprechaun initiators. John Goodman being the third. Can Cierre Wood throw the ball?

Mars – Keep Rees healthy. Come on O-line you can do it. Come on Tommy run for your life and throw it out of bounds. No one wants to see Nate Montana in the game, even Joe.

Jupiter – Wood and Hughes need to convince a reluctant Kelly that they can run in tandem/complimentary and gain yards and take pressure off Mercury from falling out of orbit. You got to prove yourselves early cuz Brian doesn’t have a lot of patience with the run.

Saturn – The defense has got to step up to the plate once again. Come on D. They have developed an attitude and a little swagger.  Keep it up.  Come on Manti, you breathe through your mouth anyway. Welcome back Ian. Smitty we need you to get us another pick. Darren this is your last Irish game Play like a Champion.

Uranus – Man oh man could we use a punt return for good yardage or a kick return to the house. What a solid way to put elusive points on the board and keep Mercury at bay.

Neptune - Keep doin what you been doing all year. Few mistakes. Few penalties. Confidence that you can pull it out and win. 

Pluto** – Floyd has to be more than a decoy. Sure he will be double-teamed. The rest of the receiving corps have to respond and step up to the plate. No tips. No deflections. No drops.

** I was taught by the good sisters of the Immaculate Heart of Mary that Pluto is a planet. I’m not going to change that perception just because a bunch of scientists say otherwise.

More Factoids About Bowl Swag Please!

Ok, as requested by several of you loyal SAS readers via e-mail. This is a tag-along post to the one below.

If the Irish had ended up in the Champs Sports Bowl, their Swag would have been:

$420 shopping spree at a local Best Buy and a watch from Timely Watch Company.

Here are the most numerous and common benefactor sponsors in the 35 Bowls:

Fossil -12

Ogio - 8

Oakey - 7

Timely – 5

Best Buy – 2

Common Gifts:

Fossil various Swag - 12

Backpacks – 8

Oakey various Swag - 7

Commemorate Footballs – 8

Duffle Bags 5

Watches – 5

Best Swag Bowls:

R&L Carriers Bowl: Apple iPod Touch and Commemorate ring

Beef O’ Brady St. Bowl: Microsoft xbox and Oakey stuff

Texas Bowl: Apple iPod Touch, T-shirt, backpack, belt buckle

Worst Swag Bowls:

Probably the Champs Sports Bowl (as noted above) and the Tostito’s BCS Championship Bowl:

Fossil stuff, cap, backpack

The Cotton, Meineke Car, New Era Pins Stripe, and Maaco Bowls did not report there Swag.

Sun Bowl and the Notre Dame SWAG

A little known pert for the Notre Dame lads comes in the form of a NCAA $500 limit on swag from the sponsors of the Sun Bowl. All Bowls do it and it’s a nice touch for the players.

Normally a Gift Suite is set up as a private event in which “game participants” and often Bowl VIPs are given an order form and allowed to select a gift or gifts up to the NCAA 500 bucks.

The Fightin Irish, coaches and other unknown team representatives will receive:

Watch from Timely Watch Co.

Majestic fleece pullover

Ball cap from Top of the World

Backpack from Ogio Politan

Hair dryer from Helen of Troy

Souvenir coin

So You Think You Know College Football Eh? Beat the Wizard Question # 4

Question # 4 is a good one.  But wait until you see #5!

Notre Dame and Miami – How They Rank

                                            


                                               Notre Dame        Miami

rushing offense                               96th                 26th

passing offense                               29th                 49th

total offense                                   63rd                 31st

scoring offense                               73rd                 58th

rushing defense                               55th                  81st

passing defense                              42nd                 2nd

total defense                                   47th                 16th

scoring defense                               29th                 21st

punting net                                      68th                19th

punt returns                                     96th                103rd

kickoff returns                                  83rd               104th

turnover margin                                74th                80th

fumbles recovered                            86th               23rd

passes intercepted                           34th               21st

ferwest penalties                              9th                 114th

punt return yardage defense              32nd              63rd

kick return yardage defense              16th               63rd

sacks                                               47th               6th

tackles for losses                              66th               1st

sacks allowed                                   3rd              26th

SOURCE:  The Official Website of NCAA Championship - Football : http://www.ncaa.com/sports/m-footbl/stats/ncaa-m-footbl-stats-index.html

Sun Bowl Facts

First of all thank you very much Pac-10 for fielding lousy teams and not having enough bowl-eligible so that Notre Dame could sneak in the back door of the Sun Bowl. This is so much better than going to

Orlando.

Second a security reminder for all Notre Dame fans: If traveling to Ciudad Juarez, be watchful for individuals wearing ski masks and hoodies carrying assault rifles. There is a 50-50 chance they are Miami fans.

FACTS The Sun Bowl, along with the Sugar Bowl and the Orange Bowl are the second-oldest bowl games in the country, behind the Rose Bowl.

Stadium Sun Bowl Stadium

Location El Paso, Texas

Previous stadiums Jones Stadium (1935–1937)

Kidd Field (1938–1962)

Operated January 1, 1935 – present

Conference tie-ins Pac-10, ACC

Previous conference tie-ins Big Ten (1995–2005)

Payout US $4,100,000 combined (As of 2010 update)

First Game – 1936 between El Paso High School All-Stars vs. Ranger (Texas) Two High School Teams

2009 Matchup:

Oklahoma vs. Stanford (OU 31-27)

Former Names:

Sun Bowl (1935–1985)

John Hancock Sun Bowl (1986–1988)

John Hancock Bowl (1989–1993)

Sun Bowl (1994–1995)

Norwest Sun Bowl (1996–1998)

Wells Fargo Sun Bowl (1999–2003)

Vitalis Sun Bowl (2004–2005)

Brut Sun Bowl (2006–2009)

Former and Present Sponsors:

John Hancock (1986–1993)

Norwest (1996–1998)

Wells Fargo (1999–2003)

Vitalis (2004–2005)

Brut (2006–2009)

Hyundai (2010–present)

2009 Color Commentator for CBS - Steve Beuerlein

1986 Color Commentator for CBS - Ara Parseghian (He also played in the Sun Bowl for Miami (O) 1948)

So You Think You Know College Football Eh? Beat the Wizard Question # 3

Question # 3 is on the right side of the Blog. If you havne't anwsered the first two question, there is still plently of time.  All questions will remain up until after the Irish victory in the Sun Bowl.

If you don’t know what we are babbling about, check it out here.

BTW, the 18 current Notre Dame Football recruits can be found along the right side of the Blog below the quiz questions.

So You Think You Know College Football Eh? Beat the Wizard Question # 2

Question # 2 is on the right side of the Blog.  If you havne't anwsered the first question, there is still plently of time.

If you don’t know what we are babbling about, check it out here.

So You Think You Know College Football Eh? Beat the Wizard

The College Football Wizard

After the euphoria and relief come Sunday night on the Bowl invite for Notre Dame, things are going to slow way down. Coach Brian Kelly is going to put the habius blackoutus on news concerning the Fightin Irish.  Well he should.

The folks here at SAS have developed a ten question quiz on college football. The questions will be doled out over the course of the wait to see Notre Dame once again in action on the gridiron. Frank Leahy honesty and fair play rules apply. No fair Googling for answers. Come on, its multiple guess.  Take home.  Correct your own test.

Questions will be on the right side of the SAS Blog.

Beat the Wizard.

Keep track of your answers!!

After the bowl game, all ten answers will be posted. Good Luck.

Notre Dame Punt Returns - An Exercise in Futility

A number of members of the SAS staff disagreed with the notion that we should have included punt returns as a Notre Dame Bitter Disappointment. (See previous post) It was decided to task Becky, one of our staff researchers with digging up some facts and statistics. Her assignment was to ferret out the state and status of the Irish punt return.  It should be noted that Becky wears short skirts to work and has great legs. Although that had absolutely nothing to do with the assignment.

**********************************

Oregon who just happens to be positioned as number one in the polls also has the best punt return record.

Oregon punt return ranked 1st --11 games, 35 returns, 671 yards, 5 touchdowns, 19.17 average.

Notre Dame punt return ranked 96th –12 games, 15 returns, 89 yards, 1 touchdown, 5.93 average.

Notre Dame received 75 punts. 1 was blocked and returned for a touchdown (Blanton), 4 went for a touchback, 31 fair caught, 24 went out of bounds, shanked, let go to bounce around, etc, 15 were returned.

Out of the 15 returned went for grand total of 89 yards:

Allen 2-47

Blanton 2-27

Goodman 11-15

Longest 38 yards (Allen)

Obviously Allen’s run and Blanton’s block skew the numbers even worse.

So how does the first year of the Kelly era compare with the immediate past?  Weis?  Willingham?:

2010 – 15— 89

2009 – 18 --- 232

2008 – 24 --- 227

2007 – 26 --- 237

2006 – 23 ---169

2005 – 28 --- 396

2004 -- 33 ---358

2003 -- 31 --- 381

2002 -- 53 --- 518

2001 -- 28 --- 282

2000 -- 32 ---484

Becky wanted to wake up the echoes with a number of Tim Brown punt return videos. She was voted down. She countered with maybe a couple of Tom Zbikowski’s? No we decided.

She threatened to quit.  Her legs won out, here is Tim Brown running through Michigan State.

We here at SAS are often criticized for our harsh reviews of Notre Dame Football. That could not be farther from the truth! We are loyal subway alumni sons who just feel 7-5 is not good enough. With that explicit credo, we invited Coach Brian Kelly to respond to this post. He begged off listing recruiting, a blurred bowl picture and some much needed time with the family.  Instead the following is offered up to try and understand and explain Notre Dame's apparent lack of a punt return game.

First the lecture:

Like most coaches, they try to put the best athletes on the field, but were willing to settle for the people with the best instincts versus trick plays.

From the standpoint of a field position and ball-security, you have to start with the punt returner -- a player with great confidence, fearlessness, and the ability to adjust and catch the ball. Speed and elusiveness would be the icing on the cake.

A normal goal pretty much standard is to return each punt a minimum of 10 yards. To always give the offense good field position. Handle each punt properly.

In a return specialist you want: Quick, tricky punt returnees who have sure hands and use their blockers. They must catch the ball. (Seldom let one hit the ground.) Fair catches should be almost non-existent when a return is called.

On the punt return team you want: Fast open field blockers using good judgment in blocking. No blocks in the back, no chipping. Must stay onside and avoid roughing the kicker on punt return.

Punt Return Philosophy:

Pressure all kicks.

Too many things have to be right to get a return. Perfect kick. Great timing in wall. Blocking above the waist.
Avoiding clips.

Rare to get them all but you will get all if there is flaw in the punting operation.

Some basic rules:

Punt Return

1. You must catch all punts. Allowing a punt to roll on the ground loses valuable yardage. (average –16 yards)

2. Know the return, block, or prevent scheme called.

3. Be aware of the wind direction, sideline and distance that the opponent can punt the ball.

4. Always look to the bench for instructions.

5. Make your fair catch signal a decisive one. Wave one arm overhead twice.

6. You do not have to catch a punt even though you have signaled for a fair catch. However, you cannot block after signaling for a fair catch.

7. If backed up deep in our own territory, set up on the 10-yard line. Handle all punts on or in front of the 10-yard line.  If the ball is punted inside the 10, let it go, drawing the coverage away. If the ball is going into the end zone, be a good actor and draw coverage to you and away from the ball.

8. Score a touchdown or make a first down (10-yard return).

9. “Peter…Peter” call - the term “Peter” means we do not want to touch the ball downfield. In certain prevent situations, on partially blocked punts and on shanked punts, you will often not want to risk fielding the ball. Make the “Peter” call and use a “wipe away” hand signal to alert our return team to get away from it. Let it roll!

10. Know the rule of first touch. The official’s whistle downs the ball.

11. Returners must communicate. Listen for “hot…hot” call by the corners. (This means to signal for a fair catch.)

After the lecture the reality.

At the beginning of the season our punt return depth chart looked something like: Allen, Riddick, Wood, Goodman.

Allen started to have early injury issues and eventually it was thought he should concentrate on the running back position. Cierre Wood never really had a chance when Armando and Theo went down and we ended up with John.  Wood needed to concentrate as running back as well.

We ended up being ultra conservative for a number of reasons other than personnel. Don’t get us wrong John did exactly what was wanted, sure hands, good instinct, nothing crazy back there. We were punted short and away from a considerable number of times. Honestly, our opponents were not very good at punting.

Also, the nature of punting appears to be changing. Punting shorter, defending with three against the block, playing it safe, avoiding the fake. If you ask any coach he will tell you that referees call too many blocks in the back. Teams are employing great speed and emphasizing the gunners more and more. Everything has to set up just right for a return, good long line drive kick, gunners getting blocked, linemen making and holding blocks and a fast shifty returner.

The problem with TV is that you never get the big picture.  Who is blocking?  Who fell down.  Was their any kind of a wal or wedge set up?  Where is the breakdown?

It obviously looked as if Notre Dame was playing for the fair catch.  If that is the case, why not rush ten.  The heck with blocking the gunners, send ten to block the punt.

What ever happened with the idea of having a short man?  One who takes on the first gunner to get through and spring that all important first block for the returner.

Also, it would appear that punt returns offers the best opportunity for freshman and walk-ons to get on the field.  Special Teams has always been a path to starting.  Get some of those hungry guys out there to set up blocking and sacrificing there bodies for the return.

It just seems that coaches are always looking for the edge.  Always looking for the weakness.  Games are close and every opportunity to score is critical.

What would Frank Beamer do?

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Subway Alumni Station Polls

We might as well take down our two contests concerning where the Fightin Irish will end up in the Polls and with what record. 20-20 hindsight would indicate these were pretty dumb ideas considering the end results of the Notre Dame Football Team.


Congratulations to the Six (6) for predicting a 7-5 record.

It is assumed they did not pick to lose to Tulsa or Navy.  If you did, then let's plan a trip to Vegas, we want to bet with you at the Craps Table.

The expectations were much too high for the Coach’s Poll. No one picked “Farther South” where obviously we ended up.

We are going to take down the Leprechaun Poll as well. Apparently it has garnered little interest. The girls on the staff thought it was sexist and the guys figured what the heck, let’s be Unsociably Correct.

GO IRISH – Beat Somebody in Some Bowl.

Notre Dame Football 2010 - 5 Sweet Surprises --- 5 Deep Disappointments

It is both hard and sad to believe that the regular season is over. So many expectations, such high hopes, many sweet dreams and some bitter agony.


FIVE SWEET SURPRISES

1.  David Ruffer 15 for 15 in converting field goals this year. 18-18 in his career. Light a candle at the Grotto that he will come back for a fifth year.

2.  Notre Dame 20 – U$C 16. Finally.

3.  Congratulations to Coach Kelly and his entire staff for keeping the Team focused and out of the TANK. Any one of these losses would undo a normal Team; Michigan, MSU, Navy and Tulsa. Then the terrible tragic accident with the student cameraman.

4.  18 year old Tommy Rees stepping up to the task and delivering albeit shaky, but delivering none the less.

5.  The complete turn-around of the defense. In a year full of high expectations for a high powered offense that really struggled at times and left the defense to salvage the day.

Honorable Mention: Manti Te’o 127 tackles. 65 OA – 62 A. 14th in FBS.


FIVE BITTER DISAPPOINTMENTS

1.  The season ending injuries to Dayne Crist, Armando Allen, Kyle Rudolph, Theo Riddick and Ian Williams. What could have been?

2.  At the end of the Tulsa game, continuing to drive for a touchdown (an interception) instead of working and positioning the ball for a field goal attempt to win the game.

3.  The utter entire dismantling of the Notre Dame Football Team by Navy and their coaching staff.  Navy 35 - Notre Dame 17)

4.  The total lack of a Special Teams Punt Return Play. 75 opportunities. 31 fair catches. 15 return attempts for a miserable 83 yards.

5.  The poor Special Teams play and coaching on the MSU fake field goal in overtime.

Also Ran: Lack of a Special Teams Kick-off return game. 48 attempts for 1004 yards. Less than 21 yards an attempt. It would have been better to take the touchbacks and save the wear and tear on Wood and Jackson.

Lou Holtz - 73 and Counting

I surely understand the wrinkles at 73.  I just don't understand the blonde hair.

Requiem for the Huddle

In Knute Rockne’s day and for many years thereafter, the center would position himself out of earshot from the enemy about ten yards behind the football. He would raise his arms and yell huddle up! A receiver or back would run into the huddle with the play from the coach and tell the quarterback. He would repeat the play, give a snap count and number to the center and that was it.

Well, gee not anymore. What has happened to the huddle?

Gone the way of the dinosaur, dodo bird, carrier pigeon and pay telephone?

Well not yet but getting closer.

In college football, more and more Teams are going with the no-huddle, hurry-up, two-minute drill type play-calling.

Why? To allow the QB more time to observe the defense, check-off to another play, not allow the defense to substitute in another defensive package or simply wear down the defensive players?

No.

The actual average college football game has gotten too long time wise. This is due to added commercials by the networks. NBC is one of the worst. Less and less plays are being called and thus less football being played and rooted for. Some shenanigan rules with the game clock are also to blame, but basically more plays needed to be called to liven up the game. The NFL solved this problem with receivers in the QB’s and the defensive team captains helmets. It will only be a matter of time until this happens in college ball as well. Until then we have signal calling from the sidelines utilizing a multitude of systems. One of the neatest is Notre Dame’s.

Brian Kelly employs three to four walk-on quarterbacks wearing distinctive red hats to signal in his plays. The skill players; QB, receivers, and backs digest the signal. The QB yells the play to the linemen or checks-off to something else depending on the defensive scheme. In that case he uses hand and arm signals to the receivers.

The injury to QB Dayne Crist and the untimely insertion of Tommy Rees required another aspect of signaling, a series of symbol signs held up behind the coach. Only ND and God knows what they stand for.

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Four Tongue-in-Cheek Photos from the ND vs. U$C Game 2010

What a Brick S***House with wheels looks like coming at you.

Lame Kitten wondering why he standing out in the rain.

Who said White guys can't jump?

About Time Eh?

What We Learned From Watching the ND – U$C Game - 2010

** ESPN3, Streaming, Windows7, and our Compaq computer do not get along. Every time we tried to mute the mind numbing Capital One Viking commercials, Windows7 would rear its ugly head and fight with everyone.  Invariably Windows would win.

** Who would of thought you could give up four horrific turnovers at your end of the field and lose the turnover ratio and WIN THE GAME?

** Tommy Rees has just got to stop throwing picks (85-135-8) with 10 TD's.

** The jury is still out on Kelly’s spread offense.

** 2010 Punt return statistic: 15 for 83 yards. 60 have been fair-caught. We stink.

** It does rain in California.

**  We had the ninth least penalties in the NCAA, and 22nd lowest in penalty yards per game. Last night, 1 penalty for 10 yards.

** Victory after 8 losses in a row to U$C is Sweet.

** A number of U$C linebackers and safeties are wondering this morning who was number 33 and why was he running as if possessed?

** How could the Notre Dame defense perform so crappy against Navy and so strong against U$C? Gave up 35 points to Navy and 34 since.

** Tommy Rees has just got to stop throwing those horrific picks.

** Apparently the ABC/ESPN producer does not (as the NBC producer does) like to show Brian Kelly yelling, ranting and raving at some poor Notre Dame player.

** Apparently the ABC/ESPN producer does like to show Lane Kiffin (who has been given the ‘handle” Lame Kitten over at NDNation) with the deer in the head light look.

** If you thought U$C was not tanked going into the game, they definitely are now.

** Robert Hughes is a Brick S*** House with wheels.

** Will somebody please tell Tommy Rees to quit throwing picks?

** You got wonder what kind of a career U$C QB Mitch Mustain would have had if he had stayed at Arkansas or gone to a school that was hurting for a QB.

** Notre Dame deferred from the coin toss. Sent out the defense. Maybe Kelly learned something from watching Lou.

** Next week U$C vs. UCLA. If we were a betting staff, we would NOT take U$C regardless of the point spread.

Women of Troy

Everybody has their rivalry whether it’s Army-Navy, Michigan-Ohio State, Alabama-Auburn or the best of all Notre Dame – Southern Cal.


The staff has done extensive research and once again have come up with the best looking cheerleaders.

This is a hands down, easy victory for the women of Troy.

The question remain. Are they on scholarship?

The Beach Boys sang it right: “Wish they all could be California Girls.”

Sunday Musings on the Notre Dame – Army Game

** Navy is going to hand Army their heads.

** Army looked flat, lacked rhythm and did not have the same level of skills in the Triple Option (TO) as Navy.

** Hellooooo Notre Dame Defense. Where you been darling?

** Michael Floyd looks about 75-80% and lacks his normal speed and fast juking ability.

** Would Cierre Wood please just hit the hole and run like crazy.

** Just because Notre Dame stopped Army and the TO, doesn’t mean that the Navy coaching staff won’t once again out-coach the Notre Dame coaching staff next year.

** We can beat U$C. Even with all our wounded. It appears U$C is tanked.

** Michael Floyd and Kyle Rudolph need to complete their educations next year at Notre Dame. They still have much to prove the NFL about their abilities and injury proneness.

** Do we have a quarterback controversy? Coach Kelly would be wise to open up the quarterback position to open competition especially if Crist is not ready for Spring Practice. But please don’t do it like the moronic way Charlie Weis did.

** Green jerseys for the tradition, the playing an old rival in Yankee Stadium, adding something special to the game? Fine, then outfit them with jerseys and pants from the 1930’s.

** Notre Dame has the worst punt return game in the history of football.

** Robby Toma an after-thought in recruiting Manti T’eo? Don’t you believe it.

** The chick that does the side line commentary (Alex Flanigan) did some of her best work last night.

Ah the pageantry, the rivalry, the nostalgia, the focus of college football and the sporting nation on the Army – Notre Dame Football game. The 1920’s 30’s, and even the early 40’s games that were played long before any of us were born, those were the days. The Blue-Gray Sky article, the win one for Reagan speech and the forward pass. Wooden H goal posts. 75,000+ fans cheering in Yankee Stadium, the house that Ruth built. Leather helmets to keep the opponent from chewing your ear off as you lay flattened at the bottom of a mass of bodies. Simple, dull uniforms made by Spaulding in America. Male cheerleaders running around carrying megaphones and hidden hip flasks. Diagonal hash lines in the end zone. Referees dressed in white shirts, goofy hats and knickers carrying flags to indicate out of bounds and stop the clock. Students played to have fun, obtain an education and get chicks.


Sadly today’s average college football player could care less and scoffs at the old grainy pictures and black-white too fast-moving film clips. It appears all so foreign.

Today it’s a jumbotron, cheerleaders with short dresses and great legs, in the house that Steinbrenner built. Football players today are sporting crazy looking tattoos on their necks and arms and long hair that begs a comb and scissor work. The worry today is making a bowl game or the future size of the paycheck. Now it is state of the art wearing apparel called a uniform with brash colors, stripes and team logos. (Some are down right frightening).  Helmets that you pump up with air. Names on the back so you don’t have to pay $10 for a program. Students today get recruited to play, receive a lot of money in the way of “scholarships,” seriously look forward to the next level at the NFL and to get chicks.

Well at least at the Notre Dame Stadium the end zone hash marks are still the same.

Steinbrenner Stadium

Notre Dame-Army football tickets available Tuesday

Press Release:  The University of Notre Dame will release a very limited quantity of reserved standing-room tickets for Saturday's Notre Dame-Army football game to be played at Yankee Stadium.
The sale will begin at 8:30 a.m. EST, on Tuesday.

Tickets are $175 each and may only be purchased by calling 574-631-7356.

Tickets are available on a first-come, first-served basis while supplies last.

**********************

Let’s get this straight. Since this is technically a “home game”, Notre Dame is running the show.

$175 bucks to stand and watch the game?

$175 buckaroos to stand on the hard concrete for four hours while NBC runs $50,000,000 worth of TV time-out commercials?

$175 American hard earned dollars to stand, then lose your place when you have to go tinkle?

$175 artificially under valued American $ by the Chinese to stand next to some drunk jerk?

$175 + $25 for parking, + $18 for three watery beers, + $11 for tacos and a limp hotdog, $5 to the kid to hold your spot while you tickle away the cheap beer, $25 for the ND hat, and $22 for the T-shirt commemorating your standing for four hours in the cold and possible rain.

OR

$175 which you could spend on premium beer, a ton of high-end snacks, delivered pizza’s, and still have enough left over to put in the Sunday collection plate and make the priest smile.

Plus, watching replays, tinkling during the NBC commercials, and taking a power nap before the game in the comfort of your own couch.

You decide.

How Notre Dame can defeat Army and the Triple Option

Coach Brian Kelly when asked Sunday November 14th:  On whether there are any tweaks to prep for the triple option: "Absolutely. No, I'm not sharing. We have to do a better job than we did against Navy and we are working hard at that right now."

We sincerely hope so Coach.  The SAS staff sat down and came up with the following Triple Option Defense.  It cost me a case of beer and three large everything on them pizzas.

THE DREADED TRIPLE OPTION

On the chalkboard

On the Field

It wasn’t that Notre Dame could not stop Navy’s triple option (TO) offense; it was that Notre Dame could not even stop the first leg of the option – the fullback off tackle. For gosh sakes Alexander Teich amassed 210 yards rushing that horrible day. (Navy 35 - Notre Dame 17 least we forget)

Here is a must see video, it speaks for itself. A methodical gutting of the Notre Dame defense by Navy during the Charlie Weis era. It does a better job of showing and explaining the TO than the Navy – ND game this year because Navy had to be more diverse in its option attack. Watch it twice. Once for observing all three running options, fullback (FB), quarterback (QB), halfback (HB) or slot back SB). Then watch the line of scrimmage, the response by the ND defensive line and the cut blocks.

SAS requested game film from West Point but were denied. So we are forced to assume that Army will initially show the basic/generic TO (see above pictures). It is interesting to note that Army finally decided to change offensive schemes after being pounded year after year by a TO Navy. Navy (Coach Paul Johnson) embraced the TO because it fits the caliber of athlete attending the Naval Academy. Army belatedly has finally figured that out.

The TO relies on the QB read and Team timing.   Like any other offense, disrupt the timing, confuse the QB, and force missed blocks and you got a chance.  TO plays off the supposed strength of the defense; size, bulk, domination of the line of scrimmage from end to end.

How Notre Dame can defeat Army and the TO.  Listen up Mike Diaco. You too Brian Kelly.

** The SAS defensive alignment is a basic 5-3-2-2 set to stop the run.

** Understand that the line of scrimmage really extends from side-line to side-line with the TO.

** In the typical 3-4-2-2 defensive scheme replace the 300+ lb nose guard (NG) and two 290+ lb tackles are replaced with mobile 260- lb linemen.

** Add two athletic/mobile defensive ends (DE).

** Teach the now five defensive linemen not to get into the three point stance. The stance should be similar to that of a linebacker.

** Teach the five linemen how to use their hands and feet to avoid the cut block. Lateral movement is key.  Push-off, grab and push, avoid getting rolled on, watch the QB.

** The two cornerbacks (CB) must bump and push the WRs at or near the line of scrimmage to disrupt the timing and pattern. A lot of man coverage is employed. You got to force the QB to pass.

** The two safeties (S) must first defend the deep pass from the TE, HB, and even the WR, then defend the run. They cannot bite on play fakes or commit to stopping the run too soon.

**  The DE away from the action, away from the run must relentless pursue the QB nonetheless.  He is in charge of stopping ends around, reverses, broken plays, trick plays, passes and the like.  The spy. 

** Deception:

**  The QB will hand off to the FB, if not he will run down the line reading the DE. If can see the DE number clearly, the QB knows the DE is coming at him and will run wide and/or pitch to the trailing HB. Therefore, at least four DEs must rotate through the two positions. Part of the rotation can be the switching the outside linebackers (OLB) with the DE. Both are basically the same physically. The QB will have to be a math major to remember all the numbers.

**  The three linebackers, one middle linebacker (MLB) and two OLB line up single file behind the 260 lb NG. After the QB makes his read and points to the MLB, [which should all be confusing to the QB] the LBs, break into their designated position at the last second. These final positions are dictated by the down and distance and called from the sideline.

** Killer plays:

The reverse, the flea flicker, a delayed pass play of any sorts. Ouch. Navy has them and uses them from time-to-time. Since Army wouldn’t send film we have to guess they will do so as well.

Simplistic? Naïve? Yes, but consider the source.