Number 1

Monday, August 10, 2009

The Echoes Are Much Closer

"Balls," cried the Queen, "if I had two, I'd be King!"

The King only laughed and said, "show me." (That sounds familiar).

Enter Prince Shembo. Well, next year, and we're delighted. (BTW, we're still pissed that Fauria left without a fight from Swarbrick and Weis...and they sure as hell didn't).

This season, it's all about The Schedule. At least, it seems to be, with a smattering of chattering about the offensive line, the running game, and Jimmy Clausen's leadership.

As for the schedule, it is not a cupcake. Remember this Notre Dame team was 6-6 in the regular season. They have a lot to prove and 12 opponents who are capable of proving that the Fighting Irish are about the same as last year. If you want to see a soft schedule, certainly outside the conference, take a look at Florida's opponents, beginning with Charleston Southern.

Friday, Charlie Weis opened preparation, leading to the Nevada game; don't take the Wolfpack lightly, they can throw and run with the best of 'em.

Coach Weis was more subdued, less expectant, without themes or predictions and, frankly, the look and actions of a hot-seater. These are all good characteristics for a mentor whose abilities so far have been outshone by his arrogance.

That said, don't be so humble and modest, Charlie, you're not that great.

We think, however, he's ready to get into the college game, bigtime!

And, he has the manpower to do just that.

This from an e-mailer, Boots Malone: "I think the stars are finally aligned in Notre Dame's direction (it's been more than 20 years since I've seen that formation). Weis seems to be ready to take this team to the next level, a legitimate shot at the Big Casino, an excellent cadre of coaches backing him up, and a helluva lot of experience and talent, the likes of which we have not seen for many years. What's your take on the coming season?"

Irish Brogue: We have no argument with your comments. It was clear to the media and anyone listening in and observing that the assistant coaches are coaching with considerable latitude, the players know they have a real chance to run the table, and CW is acting like a head mentor who also just happens to be the playcaller.

Look, we don't have to tell our readers and the ND faithful that the Irish passing game should be "bombs away," and that opponents who pass against the blue and gold secondary do so at their own peril. Those two components will match any similar tandems in the country.

Well, not all are believers.

Another e-mailer, Mexican Hat, writes: "I just don't see a better than 8-4 or 9-3. The OL has been an embarrassment and the same guys are in the trenches. The DL is too young and there are too many questions regarding the linebackers. Also, I am not convinced of Clausen's leadership capabilities nor his positive passing game after game behind Young, Olsen, et al.

I think this is going to be a real downer of a season. How am I wrong?"

Irish Brogue: Ah, Sombrero, you of little faith. Your out-of-touch comments make us wonder if you think cooking and fucking are cities in China. Talent trumps experience on the DL; both are present in the linebacking crew; and the offensive line, all beefed up and focused (not to mention under the right kind of coach) will help JC on a path to stardom.

We also feel that either of the freshmen kickers, especially Turk, can move right in and handle those duties like what you expect from, but have not seen in years, a Notre Dame kicking game.

Our big surprise players for the coming season: walk-ons Bobby Burger and Matt Hernandez. These guys can flat-out compete with the regulars and will see mucho PT ; James Aldridge, a position where he belongs and will perform; and Sergio Brown, when he's in the secondary, things happen. Positively!

Scuttlebutt from our guy who remains in South Bend: Keep your eye on Anthony McDonald and Deion Walker. If they don't see some light at the end of the proverbial tunnel, one heads west and the other goes east. That's news we don't like to hear. Fingers crossed.

--Wee Leprechaun and Old Shillelagh

13 Comments:

Anonymous Far and Away said...

Welcome back. I've missed your snide, sarcastic scribbles, but no argument with the views and profane comments in this edition.
ND will be back on top. They have as you point-out--The Manpower: a head coach who finally is up to the task, an excellent staff, and players with talent, experience,
speed and finally--focus. Go Irish!

1:57 PM  
Anonymous September 5 said...

I, too, could not understand why so many domers and analysts bespoke of a soft schedule. This is a tough schedule for a team that won 7 and lost 6 last year. Also, I did check the schedules of a handfull of top tier Division I teams. Talk about cupcakes! I'm glad that your attitude is positive (I think?). I do enjoy your different slant on things Irish football. Go Irish!

2:16 PM  
Anonymous Mexican Hat Dance said...

God love ya'll. It was a joy to read something on Notre Dame football that wasn't rehash after redundancy and I did appreciate the sense of humor, however vulgar,
in your comments and observations.

3:12 PM  
Anonymous BAM BAM said...

I got the feed that you were back around. It's about damn time! I'm jellin' and yellin' for the Irish lowdown. Bring it at me already brogue. You know what I mean?

6:16 PM  
Anonymous 19NotreDame80 said...

I'm a Californian and have seen Anthony play in High School. Terrific linebacker. I'm also concerned that he might leave ND in favor of strating/playing time out here on the West Coast. Say it isn't so, Bro. Good read today.

6:19 PM  
Anonymous Pint said...

Urban should be embarrassed with that schedule. That is just silly. Ok, Bobby Burger and Matt Hernandez? What??? I just don't see it. Why do you think these guys will see pt let alone actually seriously contribute?

9:23 PM  
Anonymous Irish in the Catskills said...

I was wondering about Burger's being able to "show me" he can break the lineup and get playing time; agreeing with Pint's doubts and questioning your high praise.
Then along comes Charlie Weis last night praising Burger and stating that he will be playing and constributing positively. That being said, I will give your Matt Hernandez a break as well. You may be on to something.

9:54 AM  
Anonymous Baltimore Bob said...

I was beginning to think that maybe you guys went over to the enemy. I am impressed that you are upbeat about this coming season. There is good reason to be optimistic. James Aldridge, as you point out, will be a positive surprise. Charlie Weis is surrounded by excellent assistant coaches and word is that he lets them do their thing. Go Irish!

12:29 PM  
Anonymous Shanahan said...

Prince Shembo - big win; Joesph Fauria - Bigger loss. I think you're right about Burger, he can play just about anywhere. I think and, it appears that you do to, that the Irish are going to make a run for it this year. Injuries at key positions must be avoided, however.

11:25 PM  
Anonymous Damn Dumb Domer said...

Yes, Charlie isn't that great. He does deserve to be humble, which seems the case so far. He does not appear to overshadow his assistants with that Jersey ego (a good thing, for sure). I like your soft, sometimes, rant and your positive faith that ND will prevail this season and get a good bowl selection. Go Irish!!

11:14 AM  
Anonymous IrishGlory said...

Go Irish! I hope that our kicking is much better than it has been. Saw where Walker was named to the Groza Award watch list. Really? Has our kicking become that good, that improved? Things really are looking up.

9:09 PM  
Anonymous OnlyND said...

That is exactly where Aldridge should have been all along.

6:13 PM  
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10:58 PM  

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