Will Irish End a Tiller Trend?

Notre Dame must not lose to Purdue on Saturday. The Pitt game was the most important game of the season and that win and performance propelled the Irish to where they are now: 3-1 instead of 0-4 as many predicted. Notre Dame is heading into the middle of the schedule and this game with Purdue can be considered the make-or-break for the rest of the season.

There have been many trends thwarting ND'S success over the years. Lately, Purdue has been quite a trendsetter. The Boilermakers have provided the Irish with a painful experience over the last 2 years. The results of these games have been outright beatings; embarrassments. The Boilermakers have made the Irish look wimpy! Hopefully, that will end come this weekend.

The wreckage from the prior season's game was a disgusting result of very bad game planning and preparation. The play on the field was pathetic. Thus went the victory to Purdue, a slap to the face in a 41-16 beating of the Irish. Watching Kyle Orton repeatedly throw a quick pass right for big yards was more than enough to show that something was wrong with this Notre Dame team: that something would be Adjustment. The trend to pass above-below-beyond the Irish defense was in full display often last season--and continues this season, a fact Joe Tiller and his Boilermakers will try to exploit.

Irish quarterback Brady Quinn had what might have been his finest performance last season in yet another loss to Purdue. But, the trend for Brady's career so far remains--inconsistency. The Boilermakers' defense has been in full control of ND'S run game, which also has damaged their passing game. The Irish fortunes on the ground should change this weekend when Darius Walker gets the ball in his hands.

The Irish will need to be ready on both sides of the ball in order to win this game. Their effort will have to stay nasty and disciplined for 60 minutes. Coach Weis will have to come up with some play calling that has not been seen yet and his eye for detail will be needed. Purdue has a defense that is tough and has done well against both the pass and run this season. They can be weakened and confused as was seen against Minnesota. If young Walker can find the open holes and maneuver his way to a fifth consecutive game with 100 yards or more, the Boilermakers may be able to keep the game close but it will be difficult for them to take the win.

Brady Quinn and the receivers should be able to put on a show. If they have a great performance, this game will not be close. The play needs to be consistent for this to happen. Notre Dame's offensive line needs to come up with their finest performance to date. This will be crucial for ND to win. The Irish defense has some serious questions and it will be tested. As long as they hold strong and keep the score low and make the Boilermakers offense struggle to stay on the field, the Irish could win big. The defense must minimize giving up the big play.

This will be a game of Management. Will Notre Dame have the correct plan? The Irish will see the option. Can Notre Dame play focused? It will be a hostile atmosphere at night, and it will be cold! How much does Notre Dame want to win? Purdue will be ready for the Irish!

If Notre Dame can concentrate on finishing a drive with touchdowns as well as play mistake-free or as close to that as possible they will be in great position to win. The Irish will need to be creative and flexible in the play calling. The schemes need to be detailed, adjustments made, and how about more blitzing for this game?

The know-how to defeat Purdue has eluded the Irish the previous 2 years.

That trend is going out of style! When the lights go on Sateve, the lights go out for the Boilermakers.

---WEE LEPRECHAUN

INSTANT EDITORIAL: JeffSam: A Good Hands Man

So, what if Jeff Samarzdija was spared handsomeness. His fluid motion running routes makes this tall Scarecrow from Valpo a thing of beauty.

Of course he is self-confident, free-spirited and arrogant; but, by God, his ability matches and surpasses his arrogance.

His soft hands should be used for Allstate ads. This is a go-to, big-play guy. The body is from Valparaiso, but the hands are fromVelcrosville.

His stats to date: 21 receptions for 346 yards and 6 touchdowns.

He reminds this old timer of Jack Snow, one of the greatest pass-catchers in Notre Dame history: great instincts, great timing, great leaping. Full-service wideout.

He should garner All-American honors before he leaves South Bend in both football and baseball, where in his first year he was a Freshman AA as a pitcher. Last year he went 8-1 and showed a blazing 90-95mph fastball.

But, he excells on the diamond just to keep in shape for the gridiron--an ethic that is much admired by Charlie Weis, who will direct JeffSam to the NFL when that time comes.

For the time being, like in West Lafayette, Joe Tiller is surely devising defensive schemes and coverage to keep Samardzija from getting the ball. Gobs of Gorilla Glue on his cleats won't work.

Note to Tiller and his Purdue Boilermakers: forget it. If Brady Quinn lofts one in or near JS' path--el scoopo; high or low, he'll catch and run with it.

"You never know when your going to get a chance to make a play out there," he told The Chicago Sun-Times recently.

No need to be modest, Mr. Samardzija, your chances will be plenty and your plays will be big.

--Old Shillelagh

Pooh-Pooh and Poo Too, Purdue

God, how we love the Fighting Irish.

Talk about fanaticism:

I switched from Budweiser to something called O'Douls for the obvious reason.

However, a few chugs of that blank brew had me off to the bathroom. Shit storm in the stall. Yukksville.

Later, I decided to pee in a jar, take it to the lab, and have it analyzed.

The report came back: "Your horse died of Hepatitis." Yes, it was that bad.

That tale may be a little exaggerated, but the point is made; all things Irish. Almost.

Now, to the business at hand. The Purdue Boilermakers.

They have a good team--some facets of their offense are very good. They are angry, and they like to kick Irish butt regularly. They are beatable.

So much for our Saturday opponent.

Now, how does Notre Dame leave West Lafayette with a victory?

* An Aerial Blitzkrieg and Ground Attack.

The Boilers' pass defense is almost as porous as NDs. There is no reason why Brady Quinn should not have another superlative day through the air and, when called, the running of Darius Walker and Travis Thomas (hopefully, this speedster sees action) should grind out big yards. Lots of points on the board.

*A Blitz Barrage and Smothering Coverage.

Let's start with those three Weismen: Minter, Lewis, Oliver. Please find some schemes that help to get our line lads to the QB faster (and, this passer is no runner); call more creative blitzes (is there some rationale why they are rarely in the defensive mode?); and stop treating Tommy Z like a star. He's not a very good pass coverage guy and neither is the always-smiling Mike Richardson. They have to step up or step out in favor of youngsters like Lambert and Ferrine.

Have you ever considered Zbikowski for linebacking duties or sending him to the offense as a wide receiver?

The Irish need this victory big time--then going against USC at 4-1 after a week of mending hurt bodies and creating a game plan to squeeze by those Trojans.

God, how we hate the Boilermakers.

Please punish them for their earlier transgressions.

--Old Shillelagh

Pass On Any Defense For ND Defense

Well, we won.

3-1, not 0-4, as many predicted.

Watching tapes of the game( over and over), however, reveal that this was not even close to a blow-out as many have suggested.

Once again, the Irish made an average QB look good and exciting.

Once again, ND's pass defense was pathetic and will get the deserved very low ranking nationally; this for a team that is 3-1.

Let's face it:

*Our front four just can't mount an effective rush against the pass; what's to be done?

*It is rare that a blitz is run to challenge the QB; is there a good reason?

*Despite the luke-warm praise (or excuses), messrs. Zbikowski and Richardson and, yes Ndukwe, aren't doing the job consistently; they either over-run or lag behind a receiver. Wooden has performed better than expected, which is not to say that he is performing better than average.

Close inspection reveals that Lambert and Ferrine did well in coverage, and should get a shot at more playing time. Forgive the errant tap that young Leo made in the endzone. He was always with a receiver. Both lads have the speed, moves, and instinct to play solidly back there.

Now, about ND's passing offense:

*Who would not agree that Brady Quinn, Jeff S and A Fasano--along with the line--were outstanding? Passing, catching, and protection were of all-star calibre.....with some rare exceptions.

How do we get it altogether for the Purdue game? Light all the candles in the Grotto for an A-Game.

--Old Shillelagh

Ty-Bowl a Toilet Bowl: Pretty Crappy!

I will say a quick something about the "ty-bowl.." It was special to watch all those fine young men, okay?

Seriously, I am thinking it is time to put on some Tears for Fears? Yes, I think I will go right for "Shout" and dedicate it to the Irish secondary! Why you might ask? Well , because I have to let it all out and this particular secondary I can do without. Geez, the Irish secondary has to be among the worst, literally, after the ranking for pass defense shows up this coming week. After watching USC slap those silly Ducks around , I am thinking it will be quite a good idea to consider petitioning the NCAA for a one-game allowance of 25 players on the field for the Irish defense against USC. Heck, why not for the rest of ND's season. By the way, why was Mike Richardson smiling and looking like he was feeling so good on the sideline? Hey Mikey, I don't like it!

Purdue, oh yes Purdue, this game makes me shake. Thinking of that 6'9 giant Kyle Ingraham, how could I not? Behind those glasses sitting on Tiller's face, is a pair of eyes( and mind) that is devising a plan with the dreaded option involved, to boil some Irish potatoes. Then there is that Brandon Kirsch, and he can throw and run. Oh, and we must not forget the running of Kory Sheets. The ability of Charles Davis and Dorien Bryant as receivers reminds me I need to go put on some anti-perspirant/deodorant. Yes it does! But wait, suddenly, I feel hope! Yes, I do, but, I need a little more time to think about what that is, this hope.

I really do think it is time that Notre Dame whips Purdue, don't you? It seems that the Irish have been losing a lot to the Boilermakers, maybe, ahh, that's because they have been!


Hello Coach Weis! There is a big game this coming week. Could you tell me what's in store for practice this week? Coach, where exactly has the nasty gone? It is lacking, very lacking! Please Coach, I need an answer on this. The Irish are 3-1, I know, but there cannot be any let- ups. Remember about that complete game, yes that's right, the 60 minute thing. Well, it has not happened yet, but you can be sure that I will be looking for it to happen very very soon! You will get it done, I know. Win Coach, Win!

---Wee Leprechaun

No Battle in Seattle--Just a Big Win

"But at my back I always hear
Time's Winged Chariot Drawing near."

So much for a philosophical start to a football blog!

My cardiologist put it in the proper perspective: "Would you rather have an atrial fibrilation or have Notre Dame lose to Washington.?" Give me the Coumadin, I need to be in shape for the game and a big victory.

The idea that the Fighting Irish would lose to a bunch of Huskies mushing or being mushed by you-know-who would make Jack London turn over in his snowy grave and put me in intensive care.

Despite Charlie Weis' elevation of the UW football team, almost player by player, in his most recent press conference ("State of the Union," he called it), the Huskies are not a good football team, almost player by player. They're pretty bad, actually.

Perhaps, Tyrone Willingham has something to prove, a payback, revenge? For what?
That ND made him a millionaire, gave him ample time to get the UW job (which he was probably interviewing for), and plenty of time to recruit.

There can be no excuse for Notre Dame beating the University of Washington by less than 30 points. We should be able, probably on Pay-per-View in my case, to watch a number of lads getting playing time, even Vernaglia, Schiccitano, Stephenson, and all the Freshmen.

No need to analyze this game offense & defense, special teams, etc. UW is weak and no match for UND.

Charlie Weis does not have to prove he is a better coach than Ty Willingham. Is there any doubt?

Brady Quinn and company need only to prove that they can win the games they are suppose to win.

--Old Shillelagh

Brady Not Consistently Quinn-tessence

Brady Quinn is not yet a great quarterback. I will continue to believe that greatness may at some point be bestowed upon ND's QB, but I also must continue at this point to be among his crowd of critics.

Quinn has shown at times that he possesses the skills to make the strong accurate pass. He has also shown that he can be quite mobile in avoiding a sack and completing a downfield pass for a big gain. He has shown that he can be tough, while at the same time being very smart. He has shown that he can win games and win them convincingly.

Why can't he show this leadership all the time?

Unforunately, there are the times that Quinn either looks like a very bad quarterback or he shows once again that he simply cannot be consistent. There have been far too many of these times. It is very bothersome that Quinn shows such inconsistency. One game he looks outstanding, only to come out the next game, and look pathetic.

I hope that, as this season continues and as Weis takes on this molding project and works out the kinks, Quinn will begin to show a solid display of consistency. Brady Quinn needs a lot of work. He misses far too many receivers that are wide open, either by not seeing them or by throwing a very bad pass. He does not read pressure very well and thus does not pick up the blitz very often, which has resulted in either a sack, fumble, interception, an incomplete pass or a turnover on downs. Sometimes, his scrambling to get away from pressure reminds me of a baby trying to walk.

Brady's focus and attitude just might be the reason for his inconsistency. Look at this past game against Michigan State: he has 5 touchdown passes and racks up 487 yards passing. Now if you did not know anything else about the game, you might say that Quinn had one heck of an afternoon. I can tell you though that Quinn did not have one heck of a game, not even close to being outstanding. There were the bad passes, the missed receivers. There was the lack of attention to pressure coming on and the response to scramble showed little enthusiasm towards taking it on the run. During the Michigan State game, while Notre Dame was in the process of getting crushed, Quinn threw that horrendous pass for an interception, which by the way was so bad that even MSU's defender had a difficult time handling it.There was a certain moment that did stand out though. At one point towards the waning moments of the game, Quinn went over to the defense to get them keyed up. He wanted Off and Def to take this game over. This type of attitude needs to be shown more! Seriously, I don't doubt that Brady wants to win, it's just how much he wants to win is my question.

Until Quinn can be more consistent in displaying his abilities and be more consistent at winning, he is either not a very good quarterback, or he does not possess that desire--that particular desire, to be a great quarterback and win. After the loss against Michigan State, Brady had the following to say to several questions:

Q: What's the hardest part about a game like this, making the big comeback but falling short?

A: "Obviously just the let down in the end because when you come back like that, you've got a lot of emotion. You're feeling pretty good about yourself and then when you can't come through with a victory, I think there's the ability to be a big letdown."

Q: What does it take to turn big statistical games into wins?

A: "I think really it just comes down to making plays at the end, whatever that means, making something happen in order to put your team ahead or with the win at the end."

Q: How do you think this team will respond to the loss?

A: "I don't know. It is hard to tell right now. I think this team is pretty resilient but at the same time, a loss like this can do a lot of things. Hopefully guys will come back with their heads up, make the corrections we need to make and move on."

Q: As a captain, what will you say to your teammates?

A: "The biggest thing is just looking at the mistakes we made and how can we fix them. Obviously you don't want to be repeating the same mistakes last game because I'm sure we'll get similar looks, at least offensively, for some of the things we messed up on. I think the biggest key is just preparing yourself and fixing mistakes."

I am disappointed that Quinn was unsure how his team will respond to the loss against Michigan State. Why is it that he does not know? Why is it hard to tell right now? What it comes down to is desire. He uses the word resilient, but then continues on about how a loss like the Michigan State loss can do a lot of things. Hmmm, so, what Quinn is saying here is that it could be possible that the team(himself included) might be down about the loss and that it could lead to more losses because they are feeling sad. Gosh, you mean it just might have knocked the thick, quick, and nasty, right out of them. Whoa! Please!!! What happened to the Here Come the Irish!?

(Brady, why is it that you hope your teammates will come back with their heads up? Why is this not mandatory? They should be focused on what needs to be done. They should be ready for every remaining game and go at it like they cannot be stopped. The only thing you and your teammates should have been doing is screaming for practice to begin, so you could right the wrongs. This is your team Mr. Quinn. You are the captain and the quarterback. Get with the program!)

As a final note, I want to repeat that I believe that Brady Quinn can become a great quarterback. He needs to adjust his attitude and approach to every practice and every game. He needs to be consistent in all aspects of his play and showcase his abilities every game for a complete game. Oh, and one other thing, he needs to win. Simple, right? It should be, if you are the quarterback for the University of Notre Dame.

---Wee Leprechaun

MSU Victory Flag Pierced Our Hearts

Let's be honest, the Irish should be 3-0.

Losing to Michigan State is a big blow. Notre Dame is a much better football team, with much better talent, and a far superior coaching staff than Moo U. ND simply was not focused to win. We are not going to deny that some good will come out of this loss: a stronger Irish game plan that will show itself immediately, beginning in Seattle, and onto sustained success. The ND/MSU game had a lot of wrongs, and few rights. The Irish have a chance to win every remaining game. This will be a very large challenge, but it will be possible. Hopefully, the loss to MSU will contribute to a very big bang going into these games; a fired up, ass-kicking attitude that the Fighting Irish of Notre Dame cannot be messed with. Seriously, the nasty needs some attention, because it was sorely lacking in the defeat to MSU. Ouch!

Let's look at this for a moment, shall we? Home game, not to mention first of the season, oh, and also the first home game of Coach Charlie Weis' Golden Dome career--and it's the 75th anniversary of the stadium. Hmmm, let's see, what else, oh right, MSU has kicked Notre Dame's butt four consecutive times at home (make that 5 times). MSU now owns the record for most wins by any opponent at Notre Dame Stadium. That hurts! Frankly, we might even be able to say that MSU owns the Fighting Irish. And, furthermore, coming off two big wins and being ranked 10th! All this and not being focused. Not being focused! Wait!! Do I feel tears coming on...., no, no, it's just beads of angry sweat dropping down this Focused, truth-talking, shamrock-sniffing leprechaun's burning green cheeks. Watching those Spartans, implant their flag into the precious green field of Notre Dame Stadium with the face of Coach John L. Smith in my view, well, it makes me feel like I need to break out a fresh box of lucky charms, and see what the hell is on the other side of the rainbow, because that is one sick photo that I now cannot get out of my mind.....or my sad heart.

How could you lose, Irish? I hope it was an omen for great things to come!!!!

---Wee Leprechaun

Comeback Kids Crumble in Clutch....and Long Before!

Mea Culpa.

I thought the contest between the Irish and the Spartans would be hard fought and in the trenches, with Notre Dame bringing its A game to a victory. So much for wishful thinking. And, so much for betting on a "sure" thing.

ND played poorly--but, they still should have won. MSU is not an outstanding team: no superstars, gamechangers, pretty average team with a little better-than-average quarterback.
They simply out-toughed and out-stuffed our guys.

Why are we praising their comeback? They lost. Comebacks ending in a loss, unlike blowjobs, count against you. The Big L. Ask Charlie Weis, who, in our judgement, called a credible offensive game that was constantly marred by stupid penalties and tragic turnovers.....and a lot of other transgressions; among them, execution!

Brady Quinn broke records with his performance in a losing cause. He also broke our hearts with an over-all poor performance in a losing cause. Oops, too long. Oops, too wide. Oops, I didn't see that blitz coming. We shall continue to stand by--and pray--for him.

Maurice Stovall made some clutch grabs, but, when he had to double-clutch, he dropped the ball, as it were!

Where was the defense for the first, second, third and mid-fourth quarters. The three Weismen--Minter, Lewis, and Oliver--didn't seem to be very wise; nothing positive to be added to the players under their charge either.

Hats off to Jeff S and Anthony F. They came to play.

Now, if only the lads had come out in Kelly green jerseys on this anniversary day.

Now, that I have shaken most of the pain from this tired old body, I will set my sights on a big, big victory over the Washington Huskies. I only hope the players match and exceed my vision.

--Old Shillelagh

Dr. Weis Will Put MSU On Spartan Low-Gain Diet

Even the young Jack-Mormons at BYU, sneaking down from Provo to Las Vegas, might be too shaky to place a buck or two on this week's Big Casino in South Bend: ND 2-0 versus MSU 2-zip, with one old card still showing: the Spartans have whipped the Fighting Irish four in a row in games on the latter's home turf. Run, all you college boys, run! Don't bet your brew money on this one.

When we looked closely at NDs early schedule for this year, I told the Wee Leprechaun that Michigan State poses the biggest threat to our lads, not Michigan or Purdue. Then I forgot all about MSU and concentrated on all the other opponents. Having seen some tape and returned to reality, I worry even more about the Spartans high-octane offense and, yes, their ability to whip us at home, sometimes with ease. Let's face it, they're not very good guests.

Forget those first two paragraphs. Here's what is going to happen: By all unbiased accounts and analyses, this game is too close to call. It's up for grabs and, what an occasion--the 75th Anniversary of storied Notre Dame stadium. God, if only the Irish would come onto the field in Kelly green jerseys.

The atmosphere is going to be electric--wild and wacky, but this is not an open-air circus of dancing elephants and fornicating monkeys; this will be a grinding, grunt-and-groan grapple, with the Irish winning in the trenches.

The three Weis men--Messrs. Lewis, Oliver and Minter--will have their respective troops battle-ready on defense with their A game. Stanton sacked Again. No gain on that run up the middle.

On Offense, there will be bombs overhead, navigated by Brady Quinn--and on target; none wide of the mark. The special teams will be special; look for long runs and long punts by our guys.

ND's complete game will finally arrive after a couple of tune-ups, and it will be at MSU's
expense. Offense-Defense-Special Teams: All systems go!

--Old Shillelagh

Travels with Charlie. Part 2: Ann Arbor

The following is a subjective analysis at best, so take it for what it's worth. I am still ecstatic that Notre Dame is 2-0. Having beaten Michigan is a huge win no matter how the play was on the field. This Notre Dame team has come a long way in just two games and I am extremely excited to see what is to come for the rest of the season. To contemplate where this program was before September 3rd, and to know where it is now fills this shamrock-sniffer with glee. Notre Dame is on the cusp of great things, such as this program has not seen in quite awhile. It is definitely time to be excited about Notre Dame football. I am very happy for this program, for the students and for the University as a whole. The players are deserving of this and I am happy to see them winning and feeling like winners. I am happy for Coach Charlie Weis and the rest of the coaching staff, as they have taken grasp of this challenge and thus far, have dispayed outstanding traits in leading Notre Dame. I am very happy for the Alumni and Subway Alumni: this has been a vision for quite some time and it has finally arrived.

Now, looking back on the Michigan game, I thought the play was a big okay. A winner win's! A winner finds a way to win, and that is exactly what Notre Dame did. To go into the Big House and put a slap on the Woverines is outstanding to say the least. The play as a whole was also encouraging as certain things stood out that were not there from the Pitt game. The defense was good , special teams played well and the offense was not bad. The over-all play was not great, though this is not a concern as practice this week will focus on any breakdowns that were observed in the Michigan game.

I will put a little spin on the squad's play with separate analysis on each of the three facets of the game : offense, defense, and special teams.

Offense: The first drive was excellent. This drive was the best of the entire game, then it dropped down like Irish potatoes off the table; kinda bland after that.


Quarterback: Brady Quinn did not play bad. He certainly did not play great. His perception was off, which resulted in some errant throws that could have gone for big gains or touchdowns if on target. Quinn needs to focus and thread the line directly to the receiver. He must make these completions if we are to call him great. Quinn did not respond well to picking up pressure and needs to react better to the blitz. He needs to be consistent in making the correct decision. After some fine-tuning this week in practice by the Jersey Maestro, Quinn will be just fine.

Offensive Line: Ryan Harris played strong, had good wrap ups on blocks. He stayed active, not pausing on his feet. Harris needs to react better to the blitz. Bob Morton showed good agility, though he needs to close the unwanted space around him and better respond to the blitz. He got lost looking for someone to block. He needs to stay with the block once wrapped up. Mark LeVoir did a good job of wrapping up and pushing back, but he needed to continue to push and not break the block. He was getting faked. He needs to stay on his feet and not alone on the ground with no one underneath him. John Sullivan had some nice push backs and his follow thru completing the block looked good. He needs to be less in a rush and be more steady. Dan Stevenson showed good agility and did well at locking up the block. He needs to do better in anticipation. Dan Santucci was getting a good push and was doing well at getting to his spot to open the space. He does need to do a better job of anticipating. The offensive line needs to be stronger and more cohesive. If they tighten up, they will be a truly dominant force as the season continues.

The Running Backs: The group played tough. This was a good showing, not great. Darius Walker did a nice job of creating space, also trying to get open for the pass. He needs to pick up the blitz better and once he has a block needs to wrap it up longer. Rashon Powers-Neal showed some nice fakes but needs to anticipate better on where to go with the ball. He needs to stop continuously running into the pile. He did a good job of getting open for the pass. Asaph Schwapp played active and was eager to clear the space. He had two nice runs that picked up important yards. He needs to be consistent where he is going with the block. This group is going to be fine and, as the season continues, will be a stampeding herd--like some earlier Horsemen we all revere!

The receivers: Rhema Mcknight ran very nice routes and showed great moves in his ability to get open. His injury is a concern. I hope he returns and is ready to go very soon. Matt Shelton looked good in his routes. He used his speed to find access and had some nice grabs. Jeff Samardzija showed very well. He made some nice grabs. He highlighted his ability with great focus and concentration. Maurice Stovall had some good grabs. He needs to run better routes and find a way to consistently get open. If he does, Mo will prove to be a significant threat in every game. This group of receivers have already shown quite well, and if they stay focused, they will continue to be a big reason for the offense's success as the season progresses.

Tight Ends: Anthony Fasano did a very nice job of breaking off of the block to get open and displayed very nice hands with big grabs. He had some crunch blocks, though needs to be more consistent. Fasano is an outstanding tight end and his production is top notch. John Carlson is becoming a very good tight end. He needed to be stronger in his blocks when wrapping up in order to finish strong. He needed to respond better to picking up the blitz. Marcus Freeman did well in his routes and created space, as well as provided support on the block. The tight ends are going to be a very powerful part of making this offense go. They will help gain many yards and mucho touchdowns.

The defense played tough against Michigan. They played eager to get to the ball. Once this defense matures fully and, that should be sooner than later, heads will be rolling!

Defensive Line: Victor Abiamiri was getting good pressure and was getting his hands up to take away the pass. He could try a little change in his moves to get to the quarterback. He shows good speed and with a little better technique could rack up some big-time sacks. Chris Frome showed good speed. He needs to be more consistent in shifting around the block, rather than into the block to get to the quarterback. When he did he got good pressure. Derek Landri did a good job of beating the block on several plays and continued thru with his hands up forcing pressure and taking away the pass. He needs to stay away from getting bunched up which takes away his route to the quarterback. He needs to show more consistency in making an even bigger impact. Trevor Laws was getting a good push against the block but needs to get off the block quicker. He did a good job of closing space. He did a good job in anticipation, though he also needs to be more consistent and needs to get his hands up. Justin Brown showed some nice speed and good anticipation. He needs to work on his moves to get directly around the block and get his hands up. He needs to get a better push out off the block. Ronald Talley showed some nice moves and was quick. He did a good job of getting his hands up and responded well in anticipation. He was eager to make the play. He needs to shift from left to right more quickly with his head up. Brian Beidatsch displayed good movement and did well in anticipation. He did a good job in wrapping up on the tackle to get the sack. He needs to avoid the block better and keep his feet moving. The defensive line will get stronger and their impact will become much bigger as the season continues. A bevy of banshees.

The Linebackers: Brandon Hoyte did a great job stopping the run. He had good reaction to the pass but needs to stay locked in coverage. He had a tendency to get lost in coverage. If he does not assume coverage is taken he will be in on making more plays. When he anticipated the quick short pass, he had very good coverage. He made some big hits. Corey Mays is turning into a premier linebacker. He looked good against the run. He had good anticipation for the run. He needed to react better to the pass. He needs to keep his feet moving to get a quicker response to the ball. Mays was hitting hard. Maurice Crum Jr., showed good speed and nice vision on the blitz. He was getting good pressure on the ball and showed nice form on tackles. He had some big hits. He needs to respond better in pass coverage and be consistent in getting to the ball quickly. Joe Brockington showed good speed to the quarterback on the blitz. Scott Smith had some good speed and showed able recovery to make the tackle. The linebackers are becoming quite good and will be a big presence in every game this season.


The Secondary: The play of the secondary was not bad. There needs to be stronger mechanics displayed in order to consider this group very good. Mike Richardson did a decent job of getting to the ball to stop the run. He needs to be stronger in this area. In coverage Richardson needed to do a better job of locating the ball. He gets lost often and needs to do a better job of anticipating receiver/quarterback movements. Ambrose Wooden showed good speed and his coverage was not bad. He needs to be more consistent in locating the ball and he needs to react better to both the run and pass. Leo Ferrine needed to react better to receivers' movements in order to take away the pass as well as to make the tackle. He showed good speed and nice anticipation on one particular play as the game was concluding. He needs to be consistent. Chinedum Ndukwe was active in getting pressure to the ball though he needs to better anticipate the pass. Tom Zbikowski played active and did a nice job of getting to the ball in run coverage, though he needs to be even quicker. On certain plays he showed good ability to locate the ball in pass coverage, though once again, needed to be quicker once the ball is located. He had some big hits. The secondary is going to get better and it won't take them long.

The Special Teams: The play of the special teams was good. They looked fast and ready to make the play.

Kickers/Punters: D.J. Fitzpatrick had some very nice punts, though he needs to be consistent. He had nice form on the field goal. Carl Gioia had some nice kicks though needs to show he can put it out of the endzone if needed. He needs to show stronger kicks with more consistency. These two are decent, and they will progress in improvement as the season continues, quite possibly becoming very good.

Punt Returns/Kick Returns: On punts David Grimes played smart and showed nice hands in his ability to grab the ball with pressure coming on. Tom Zbikowski had a nice return and showed good vision and movement. Punt returners are good and will get better. On kick returns Justin Hoskins showed well with a good burst and good movement. Justin is going to improve and might sprint one for a touchdown soon.

Coverage/Protection: Terrail Lambert played fast which resulted in nice coverage and he showed good reaction in order to make the tackle. David Bruton got to the ball quickly and applied good pressure but needs to wrap up on tackle. Mitchell Thomas had nice coverage. Anthony Salvador was good in coverage and got good pressure on the ball. Ndukwe got good pressure, though he needs to not get locked up on the block so he can get to the ball handler. Stovall did a good job of getting to the ball, but he needs to wrap up on tackle. Scott Raridon did a nice job of getting to the ball quickly on the punt. Casey Cullen showed well getting to the ball and making the tackle. Zbikowski and Crum had good protection for Fitzpatrick. The special teams are doing well and will get stronger.

Well, my friends, those are the impressions that these young and tired eyes observed--on the big screen and from many, many tape re-runs.

Onward, to smash the Spartans!

--Wee Leprechaun

Irate Irish Faithful Ignore Enormity of Win

There are many among us, who are not altogether pleased--happy, but not pleased--with ND's victory over Michigan, complaining about another lackluster second half, mis-throws, missed balls, short rushing gainers, and giving the Wolverines ONE touchdown.

Get over it! This was a huge victory and, no less, in the face(s) of 112,000 screaming adversaries and against a top-tier team that pretty much had this game in its pocket going by preseason prognosticators and current ranking experts. Time and again, our lads found a way to stop UM, like a bunch of wee leprechauns standing at the urinals: Always on their toes when it mattered! There was some damn good playing in the clutch. (And, by the way, isn't young Talley looking good?

I'm sure that Charlie Weis will have a lot to say to the offense, and it won't be too positive. I do believe that his comments, for the most part, will be complimentary to the defense and the special teams. Be that as it may, CW is feeling real good right now.

We're pleased that, from our perch, the game went as we called it (although I thought our offense would lead the way to victory). Whooda thunk it that our much-maligned, suspect defense would shut-down the Wolverines.

It occurs to me that, at some point--hopefully beginning next week--the offense and defense will be on the same page and the complete game scenario will be a pleasure to behold, indeed.

--OLD SHILLELAGH

Weisguys will Carr-ve Wolverines for Saturday Brunch

There are a couple of things that stand-out about Michigan coach Lloyd Carr, at least from my vantage point: He was saved from handsomeness by two sunken cheeks, and he is no sideline coach, unable to change schemes and tactics as necessary; move over, Ty Willingham.

The Wolverines are 3rd in the national polls, and the Irish looking up from number 23.
But, as the little man with the big mouth always interrupts, "Not so fast, my friend." Michigan really didn't handle Northern Illinois last week. The weak Huskies beat themselves, time and time again. The Maize and Blue have an abundance of talent. They just don't have the coach and staff that efficiently coordinates and adjusts those players to a whole game of changes and circumstances. Just watch the tape(s) of last week's game. As long as opponents do not shrug the status quo of the UM game plan, offensively and defensively, the boys from Ann Arbor can beat anybody. But, alter ever so slightly, the cracks show. Game up for grabs.

Coach Carr is a whiner, mumbling that there will be new personnel to shore-up their now-exposed defense, which was found wanting. Despite some great ones(all offense)--Hart, Grady, Breaston and Henne--the Wolverines do not have a complete team on both sides of the ball-and special units--to be ranked that high and, in my judgement, to beat an equally talented squad with a great coach/staff like this current crop from Notre Dame, whose momemtum is running on all fours. The Irish know they can win. Hey, they beat a 23rd ranked team; why not a number 3, that doesn't play like it?!

Crafty Charlie Weis--who could design an innovative and acceptable scrimmage at the Sistine Chapel--will put together a game plan with plenty of eye-popping options, and make ongoing adjustments on the field of play, leading to a clear-cut victory Saturday.

Notre Dame will do it on offense, not on the arm of Brady Quinn, but sticking it to the Wolverines in a display of smash-mouth running by messrs. Walker, Powers-Neal, Schwapp and Thomas. The offensive line will again rise to the occasion, and better even last week's effort.

That's the opinion from these bleachers.....but, of course, we'll be grateful for a victory, however it happens.

--Old Shillelagh

Grinding Ground Game Garners Gains Galore

Darius Walker
(AP Photo/Keith Srakocic)


Darius Walker, fledgling college thespian, let's get one thing clear. You already are an accomplished actor. Your stage was Heinz Field and you have established yourself in a leading role. What does this mean?: Your status is now superstar. Those moves are beautiful and the vision that you possess is simply outstanding.

During the game against Pitt, commentator Dan Fouts made a comment about how Darius is not a great one (running back) yet. Mr Fouts, perhaps you were trying to be cautious in your words, but Darius Walker is great one now. This is clear to see. Going forward into this season, he is going to claim his spot in the all-time Notre Dame VIP (Very Important Player) book and make a push for being the best runner/halfback in the nation. The game against Pitt showcased the skills of Walker, with his cutting, shifting ability to outmaneuver those in front of him. His shake-and-bake was on display. He finished with 20 carries for 100 yards. Furthermore, not only were his running skills being used, he was in open arms for the ball as a receiver. Darius can catch just as good as he can run. He had a very nice run of 52 yards for a touchdown after a great grab. Once the ball is in his hands, his moves and ability to find the open space as well as create open space is dazzling.

Now, I am very happy to say that Rashon Powers-Neal had an excellent game. It has been my opinion that Powers-Neal has not been living up to his potential and not being used correctly. This has changed and was evident during the Pitt game. Powers-Neal looked great. He looked strong and fast. He was drilling the holes and bursting through. Powers-Neal finished the game against Pitt with 8 carries for 41 yards. He had 3 touchdowns. Rashon also showed nice hands in a pass reception for 18 yards. He is going to be a great factor towards Notre Dame's success this season. No mistake about it. Also, I am delighted to see Travis Thomas looking good, real good. Travis also was not utilized correctly and underperformed in the past. The Pitt game showed that he does not dwell in the past. He saw the space and swiftly blew right past those Pitt Panthers. He looked ready and it was evident when he racked up those yards. Thomas finished with 8 carries for 40 yards. His longest run was for 16 yards. Thomas has great strength in his ability to carry tacklers with him or to simply run over them. He will continue to see action and be a big part of a potent Notre Dame offense.

Now, let's talk about that Hartford hulk, Asaph Schwapp. One word that comes to mind when describing Asaph: awesome. He is a force and was one reason why Notre Dame pounded Pitt on September 3rd. We believe he will continue to be a factor in Notre Dame's winning ways. Schwapp is a grinding runner and his ability to create space for himself is impressive. The way he clears the space with his seek-and-destroy attitude as a blocker for the ball handler also is a joy to watch. Schwapp is going to get first downs as a runner, and he is going to produce crushing blocks that set up touchdowns; he also will be scoring TDs.

The Pitt game was the first game of the season and, as noted previously here at THE IRISH BROGUE in PITTafool? Sack That Idea!, it also was the most important; the tone and tenor have been set. It also created a foundation for a continued scenario of bombs bursting in air and, below, a fierce ground attack. Opponents should seek immediate cover!

--Wee Leprechaun

Panther Death Dance: Choreographed by Charlie Weis

This blog believed, as you know from our pre-game analysis last week, that Charlie Weis' play calling would be a major factor in deciding the outcome against Pitt; an aerial bombardment and ground assualt. The final tally, as we opined, would be a large margin that favored the Irish. And Brady Quinn's performance would garner some Heismann hype.

The talent has been there all along. It just needed the right choreographer to fashion a winning dance, so to speak; and, indeed, Quinn and the offensive line performed brilliantly to Charlie's masterful script. The rushing defense deserves kudos too; the passing defense does not. Palko eluded tacklers throughout the game, and the secondary, especially Mike Richardson, seemed puzzled and slow to react too often. Messrs. Lewis and Minter will make necessary corrections and adjustment this practice week and the lads will be better--much better, we hope--for the Wolverines' passing attack. The special teams covering kicks still need to improve their performance. They came-a-calling, and not a second too soon, just a tad late; and, where was the nastiness?

This was a great win and, in no small measure, helps to extinguish the unpleasant memories associated with Ty Willingham. I was among those who applauded his selection and also among those who lauded his termination. Despite the tales of woe from his apologists and hand-wringers, Ty made out like a bandit. He left Notre Dame a millionaire-plus, in time to negotiate with the Huskies (which he probably was doing earlier), and ample time to recruit Some mess!! No tears here. Those are my only and last words on that subject.

Hell, hell, to Michigan.

--Old Shillelagh