It feels good to laugh

Okay, we got the laugher I was hoping for last night. It was so relaxing that my son and I strolled back to my car during half-time and watched the end of the game at the hotel here in LA. We actually missed a touchdown while in transit.

Truly a complete game on both sides of the ball. Terrific balance on offense, stout run defense, five different guys scored, and, wait for it... NO TURNOVERS. OK, Tommy threw a couple scary passes and our special teams were dismal again but Kelly needs something to yell about! We now know how good we can play and have to adopt a no excuses policy from now on. Plenty of good teams on the schedule ahead but we have the talent to beat any of them.

Floyd got back into the offense and from my vantage point we tossed in a few new wrinkles into the play calling. Was sorry that Riddick was out of the action but all the other skill positions shined. Despite being down a couple players on the dline we still played great defense. What should we work on? Well punt returns to start; long snaps would be another thing. Special teams may become a factor later in the season so we have to improve there. Surprised to see Crist in there but Kelly said Dayne wanted to play despite the mop up situation. He threw a nice screen pass that should have been a BIG gainer if Atkinson had not tripped. Nice to see the back ups get some playing time in any case.

Fan notes. We watched the first half at the LA club game watch in Hollywood. Nice turnout of a youngish ND crowd including some subway alums. There was an older guy present that ran down the room with an Irish flag after every score. He also brought his trumpet and Timpressed us with ALL the school songs (including #4) with all the right notes. That was something. Exciting moment of the game was when we missed a catch in the end zone and one of the Purdue big bass drum dudes was taunting Eifert. The ref threw a flag and we thought we had witnessed our first band penalty but it turned out to be showboating by the Dback.

Now we have a winning record and I am hoping we are on a roll. Air force is no pushover but once again we should win. Then two weeks to prepare for the Trojans. I like the vibe.

Go Irish! Beat Falcons!