Before I start, congratulations to Kevin and Chris O’Brien, who successfully married off daughter Katie last week. And OB seems to like his new son-in-law, which is a plus! We’re all very happy for you OB!
And now back to our regularly scheduled programming.
We got ourselves a ballgame tomorrow!
But hopefully not much of a ballgame. Not when we’re 29.5 point favorites.
Ah, but we know what can happen in first games. 33-3 loss to Ga Tech in 2007, anyone?
Well, we know that’s not going to happen tomorrow. And I do believe we should acquit ourselves well and provide a good showing. Not sure that we’ll beat the spread, though.
As I said in my season preview, the pressure this year will be on the offense. Will we see TD Tommy or TO Tommy this year? And there aren’t many familiar names aligned to the skill positions. George Atkinson, TJ Jones and Troy Niklas are the three that I really remember from last season, so there’s plenty of opportunity for new blood to make names for themselves.
I can’t talk myself into getting concerned about this one, folks. Solid execution, no injuries, get our sea legs for that 175 mile trip to Ann Arbor next week for Big Test #1.
But again, I don’t think we’ll cover the spread. Irish 34, Owls 13. But it won’t feel that close. Owls get some points late to make it look more respectable than it was.
I’m sure you could hear the cool jazzy strains of Sadao Watanabe’s Ngoma Party playing as I typed this.
NGOMA!
And GO IRISH!!!! BEAT OWLS!!!!
The Colonel
Saturday, August 31, 2013
Friday, August 30, 2013
Trash Temple!
Ok, we finally get to see a college football game tomorrow!
What to watch:
What to watch:
- Tommy Rees at the helm. Has he become the starter we all hope he can be or does he still make a few mistakes?
- Is the defense actually even better than last year? Will we blitz a bit more because of all the talent?
- Will our special teams become more of a weapon?
- How many running backs will carry the ball?
- How many Band members will faint in the heat?
Regardless of the answers we will win.
ND 33, Temple 9
Go Irish! Beat Owls!
Under the Lights??
OK, either the countdown clock is 12 hours off, or I need to set my alarm to watch the game at 12:30 AM Saturday morning. Hope the clock is off!
Lucky 2013??
From Chris Dufresne in yesterday’s LA Times “Questions for a New Season” article: Can Notre Dame get back to the BCS title game if quarterback Tommy Rees cuts down on his turnovers? Yes, and Chris Christie could win Mr. Universe if he cuts down on his meat dishes.
Ouch—taking down ND Football and the NJ Governor in one fell swoop!
But there, in a nutshell, is the crux of the season. The defense will be sound, special teams acceptable, and it falls to the offense. And the offense falls to the QB. Tommy Rees, c’mon down!
The Godfather points out some very positive statistics ole TR brings into this season. And I don’t see that he has anyone in his immediate rear view mirror to make him anxious that one mistake could mean getting yanked. That should help. We know he’s not Coach Kelly’s prototypical QB, but, oh well, BK is going to have to make do.
I’ve seen us ranked as high as 9th, by SI. That sounds a bit on the optimistic side. That would probably mean 10-2, and if we lost two first half games (say Michigan and Oklahoma), then we’d have to beat Stanford at Stanford with perhaps their BCS championship berth at stake. Tough duty.
That being said, at least in the SI preseason poll, Stanford is our only opponent ranked ahead of us. Michigan, MSU and OU are in the 15-20 range and SC is unranked. I should note that even Dufresne in the LA Times does not have SC in the Top 25. He has us at 20, with Stanford, Michigan and Arizona ahead of us, Oklahoma 25th, and MSU unranked as well. He’s not an SC homer, but he does like to dig at the Irish when he gets the chance. BTW, Trojans did NOT look good at Hawaii last night. I’m not too worried about them this year.
I’m looking at the SI staff’s predictions, compiling the inputs of seven writers. Five of them pick ND as the “Flop of the Season”. One of the other predicts us for a BCS bowl. The all predict Stanford for a BCS bowl, with four predicting them in the championship game. Other ND opponents projected to make a BCS bowl: OU (3 writers); Michigan (2), and MSU (1). All seven predict Alabama in the championship game, against either Stanford (4), Oregon (2) or Ohio State (1). Interesting.
Godfather has it right—Michigan, OU and Stanford are our make or break games. I’m actually going to be an “optimist” this year and project 9-3. We’ll lose to two of these three teams, and maybe to Arizona State—new team, new venue for a “home” game, etc. I’ll be at MSU so of course we can’t lose that game, and as I said, SC doesn’t scare me this year.
So fasten those chinstraps boys and girls, it’s time to git your game on! Last season certainly was a special ride for the first 12 games anyway. Let’s hope we catch some pixie dust again this year and stay in the hunt. Enjoy the season, and I hope to see many of you for MSU in three weeks!
GO IRISH!!! BEAT OWLS!!!
The Colonel
Ouch—taking down ND Football and the NJ Governor in one fell swoop!
But there, in a nutshell, is the crux of the season. The defense will be sound, special teams acceptable, and it falls to the offense. And the offense falls to the QB. Tommy Rees, c’mon down!
The Godfather points out some very positive statistics ole TR brings into this season. And I don’t see that he has anyone in his immediate rear view mirror to make him anxious that one mistake could mean getting yanked. That should help. We know he’s not Coach Kelly’s prototypical QB, but, oh well, BK is going to have to make do.
I’ve seen us ranked as high as 9th, by SI. That sounds a bit on the optimistic side. That would probably mean 10-2, and if we lost two first half games (say Michigan and Oklahoma), then we’d have to beat Stanford at Stanford with perhaps their BCS championship berth at stake. Tough duty.
That being said, at least in the SI preseason poll, Stanford is our only opponent ranked ahead of us. Michigan, MSU and OU are in the 15-20 range and SC is unranked. I should note that even Dufresne in the LA Times does not have SC in the Top 25. He has us at 20, with Stanford, Michigan and Arizona ahead of us, Oklahoma 25th, and MSU unranked as well. He’s not an SC homer, but he does like to dig at the Irish when he gets the chance. BTW, Trojans did NOT look good at Hawaii last night. I’m not too worried about them this year.
I’m looking at the SI staff’s predictions, compiling the inputs of seven writers. Five of them pick ND as the “Flop of the Season”. One of the other predicts us for a BCS bowl. The all predict Stanford for a BCS bowl, with four predicting them in the championship game. Other ND opponents projected to make a BCS bowl: OU (3 writers); Michigan (2), and MSU (1). All seven predict Alabama in the championship game, against either Stanford (4), Oregon (2) or Ohio State (1). Interesting.
Godfather has it right—Michigan, OU and Stanford are our make or break games. I’m actually going to be an “optimist” this year and project 9-3. We’ll lose to two of these three teams, and maybe to Arizona State—new team, new venue for a “home” game, etc. I’ll be at MSU so of course we can’t lose that game, and as I said, SC doesn’t scare me this year.
So fasten those chinstraps boys and girls, it’s time to git your game on! Last season certainly was a special ride for the first 12 games anyway. Let’s hope we catch some pixie dust again this year and stay in the hunt. Enjoy the season, and I hope to see many of you for MSU in three weeks!
GO IRISH!!! BEAT OWLS!!!
The Colonel
Thursday, August 29, 2013
Good reading from Sports Illustrated Blogger Stewart Mandel
Stewart, Notre Dame in a BCS bowl? With "Turnover Tommy" Rees as quarterback? So it's only going to lose two of the following games (at Michigan, Michigan State, Oklahoma, USC, at Stanford)? Not a chance! -- Chris, D.C.
This will hardly come as a surprise, but I received more flak for my Notre Dame-to-the-BCS pick than all the other picks combined. Old habits die hard, I suppose. I'm not particularly worried about Rees. In between the turnovers, he somehow managed to win 78 percent of his starts, complete 64 percent of his passes and flat-out rescue the Irish on multiple occasions last season. If Notre Dame loses more than two games, it likely won't be because of the quarterback. And the reason I don't think they'll lose more than two of the games Chris cited? To be blunt, it's because the Irish are better than every one of those teams except Stanford. Sorry to break it to you, America, but Notre Dame is trending upward -- not downward -- under Brian Kelly. The roster is getting more -- not less -- talented, especially on defense. Last season, the Irish were playing with house money. That doesn't mean they're going to start 12-0 again. It took a whole bunch of breaks to go their way a year ago, and that's not likely to happen again. But 10 wins is a perfectly attainable number, and even 9-3 might be enough as long as the Irish finish in the top 14. Oregon State went 9-3 and finished 13th last season.
This will hardly come as a surprise, but I received more flak for my Notre Dame-to-the-BCS pick than all the other picks combined. Old habits die hard, I suppose. I'm not particularly worried about Rees. In between the turnovers, he somehow managed to win 78 percent of his starts, complete 64 percent of his passes and flat-out rescue the Irish on multiple occasions last season. If Notre Dame loses more than two games, it likely won't be because of the quarterback. And the reason I don't think they'll lose more than two of the games Chris cited? To be blunt, it's because the Irish are better than every one of those teams except Stanford. Sorry to break it to you, America, but Notre Dame is trending upward -- not downward -- under Brian Kelly. The roster is getting more -- not less -- talented, especially on defense. Last season, the Irish were playing with house money. That doesn't mean they're going to start 12-0 again. It took a whole bunch of breaks to go their way a year ago, and that's not likely to happen again. But 10 wins is a perfectly attainable number, and even 9-3 might be enough as long as the Irish finish in the top 14. Oregon State went 9-3 and finished 13th last season.
Thursday, August 22, 2013
Video!
And, here's a video of today's march out! (Courtesy of the Notre Dame Alumni Association). Don Ginocchio, I would say your assessment is right on!
Go Irish!
Let's Get This Party Started!
Once again the seemingly eternal off-season is drawing to a close and it is finally time for college football again! Despite my lack of preparation and research, I have decided to share my full season prediction in detail below. This will allow the Colonel to poke holes in my logic and choose a season record that is 2 games less optimistic than mine. Bring it on Donny!
I must start with a couple factoids for all you band nerds out there. Nina and I made our annual pilgrimage to watch the first ND Band Camp march-out this morning and had a chance to gather a couple insider tidbits for you. Turns out there were 40 guys signed up for the 4 open spots on the Irish Guard, but only 20 showed up today. I gather the seniors figure out they have no shot at it and drop before camp begins. I always enjoy watching those big guys lumber along out of step on the first march out but have to say today's bunch was particularly poorly coordinated. Will be interesting to see how they whip the new guys into shape. The "manager" team of 6 needs 3 new people and 7 have applied to try out. That thankless property job of moving the ladders and the water and the props (can you say fire extinguisher?) around takes an upbeat personality and willingness to live in the shadow of the musicians but it is very important to the overall band operation. The drummers looked like they know what they are doing. I imagine that section will be a tough cut to make as it always is these days. Here is wishing all the newbies the best as the try to make the 2013 Band of the Fighting Irish! SIX games (band going to Michigan and Purdue) in a row for the band starting next Saturday so they have their work cut out for them.
Well on to the football team. My headline for this coming season is we will continue to be good because the program has built some depth and some guts in the Kelly era. Probably not going the National Championship this year, but we could have had an outside shot if dunderhead Golson had done his homework. Instead we are stuck with old reliable Tommy Rees and I figure that will cost us a couple wins. The defense will be stellar again and hopefully the offense protects the ball and scores once in a while to get us the wins. Once again we face a challenging lineup and here is how I see it.
Laughers (5-0):
We should beat Temple, Purdue, Air Force, Navy and Pitt handily this year. That puts 5 W's in the bank.
Interesting (3-1):
MSU at home - they always play us tough, ASU in Dallas - the Sun Devils will give us a game but I expect the Shamrock Series helmets will carry the day, BYU at home - we should win but we barely got by these guys last year and we are not as good. USC - I think we have them outmanned again, but hey it is USC.
Trouble (1-2):
I have a bad feeling about another Michigan night game, particularly since they fall off our schedule in a couple years. Oklahoma is looking for revenge (though I think we will win). I have to pick Stanford in the final game - they are looking very strong and will be looking for revenge.
So add that all up sports fans and we will earn a 9-3 record. 10-2 not out of the question, either way we will be in the mix for another BCS bowl or top tier contest in the post-season.
I am totally psyched to get crackin'. Temple score prediction next week!
GO IRISH! BEAT OWLS!
I must start with a couple factoids for all you band nerds out there. Nina and I made our annual pilgrimage to watch the first ND Band Camp march-out this morning and had a chance to gather a couple insider tidbits for you. Turns out there were 40 guys signed up for the 4 open spots on the Irish Guard, but only 20 showed up today. I gather the seniors figure out they have no shot at it and drop before camp begins. I always enjoy watching those big guys lumber along out of step on the first march out but have to say today's bunch was particularly poorly coordinated. Will be interesting to see how they whip the new guys into shape. The "manager" team of 6 needs 3 new people and 7 have applied to try out. That thankless property job of moving the ladders and the water and the props (can you say fire extinguisher?) around takes an upbeat personality and willingness to live in the shadow of the musicians but it is very important to the overall band operation. The drummers looked like they know what they are doing. I imagine that section will be a tough cut to make as it always is these days. Here is wishing all the newbies the best as the try to make the 2013 Band of the Fighting Irish! SIX games (band going to Michigan and Purdue) in a row for the band starting next Saturday so they have their work cut out for them.
Well on to the football team. My headline for this coming season is we will continue to be good because the program has built some depth and some guts in the Kelly era. Probably not going the National Championship this year, but we could have had an outside shot if dunderhead Golson had done his homework. Instead we are stuck with old reliable Tommy Rees and I figure that will cost us a couple wins. The defense will be stellar again and hopefully the offense protects the ball and scores once in a while to get us the wins. Once again we face a challenging lineup and here is how I see it.
Laughers (5-0):
We should beat Temple, Purdue, Air Force, Navy and Pitt handily this year. That puts 5 W's in the bank.
Interesting (3-1):
MSU at home - they always play us tough, ASU in Dallas - the Sun Devils will give us a game but I expect the Shamrock Series helmets will carry the day, BYU at home - we should win but we barely got by these guys last year and we are not as good. USC - I think we have them outmanned again, but hey it is USC.
Trouble (1-2):
I have a bad feeling about another Michigan night game, particularly since they fall off our schedule in a couple years. Oklahoma is looking for revenge (though I think we will win). I have to pick Stanford in the final game - they are looking very strong and will be looking for revenge.
So add that all up sports fans and we will earn a 9-3 record. 10-2 not out of the question, either way we will be in the mix for another BCS bowl or top tier contest in the post-season.
I am totally psyched to get crackin'. Temple score prediction next week!
GO IRISH! BEAT OWLS!
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