One more picture, and a few thoughts

In thinking about DG's comments on Charlie, and the qualities of successful coaches at ND, I can't help make comparisons between Charlie and Lou Holtz. Yes, both of them are students of the game, and they have sat in that same coaching seat. But are there other similarities? I don't see them.

Lou is funny, inspiring and led his teams both at ND and elsewhere to good records. He seems to have the personality that inspires his players to go beyond their talents and work together for a common goal. I don't see that with Charlie. His team seems disjointed, self-centered and uninspired to say the least.

We happened to be in the middle of campus when the team walked from the Basilica to the stadium. Bob commented that the kids seemed too lighthearted, unfocused and generally not ready to play by their demeanor of the laughing and joking of the guys as they went from one place to another. When we got to the stadium, we happened to be right at the entrance when the SU busses pulled up. Those players got off the bus with very serious expressions, almost as if they were being transported to a terrible fate. Those kids came to play, not sightsee, stroll about and have a marvelous time. I don't know if it's the coach who was responsible for that attitude, but maybe it's a symptom of one of the things wrong with our guys, they aren't focused, can't sustain a drive and don't seem to be able to work together for a common goal.

one more picture for you -- Jimmy walked by himself in the middle of the team, with that goofy expression that says to me either he isn't aware of the work he's supposed to be doing or he thinks he deserves to be honored just by being the ND quarterback. Well, Jimmy, there's a lot of guys who played QB for ND and people have a hard time remembering their names.