Q&A With Sports Analyst Scott Christopher
While I was trashing Charlie Weis two weeks ago for making himself unavailable to the media,
East Coast analyst and Notre Dame advocate Scott Christopher told me he believed it was because the embattled coach of the Irish was sitting on "something big" like possibly nabbing Manti Te'o from the clutches of USC on national signing day. But before we get into that matter with Chris, here's my first question:
The Irish Brogue: What-the-hell is going on with the ND basketball team.
Scott Christopher: First of all, when Brey lost his defense-minded assistant to Toledo, he lost his defense. Mike can't coach defense so it sticks. Also, what is clear to all, the team is not athletic, physical--they lack speed, as well. Brey is not a very good bench coach and the Irish don't have a very good bench, mostly untested for significant playing time. Hell, you can't start three white guys and win consistently! If Harangody stays, which he should, and the two transfers--along with Nash and Carleton step in and step up--ND could fare quite well in the Big East. Hopefully that so-called incoming freshman plays to his billing. As far as the rest of this year goes: 17 wins an 13 losses, enough of a margin to get them into the NIT.
The Irish Brogue: What's your take on the recruits?
Scott Christopher: With or without Te'o, I feel this is a good crop, under-rated by the "star"
gazers and ND faithful. Manti, Motta, Calabrese, and Fox are a stellar LB crew, perhaps the best freshmen tandem in many, many years. Stockton, Riddick, Watt, and Evans will see a lot of PT.
I think Stockton will be the big surprise impact. My "prediction" that ND would get Te'o was based on information from, of all sources, a non-Mormon player at BYU. He told me to go to the bank with it! Te'o, of course, will start at LB and NOT go on a mission after his freshman year.
The Irish Brogue: Who is the DL coach?
Scott Christopher: I don't have a clue. I have heard that Weis has lost out on two candidates. Shit, I wish that Zorich could handle that assisgment. He is one nasty bastard. I also hear that Charlie would be delighted if Aaron Taylor came aboard as OL/GA. No way, but Aaron would love to have that post if he could break free; he will have input. Look for a former ND O-player of recent vintage to fill that gap real soon.
The Irish Brogue: How does Notre Dame look going into spring practice?
Scott Christopher: Look, there is a lot of talent and experience on this squad. I think that the new hires on the offensive side will make a big difference, with Charlie calling plays from the booth (I hope). It's a damn shame that Sam Young is a bust at this level, but he is. Robinson looks like a big timer to me, and I think Wenger will come of age.
Tere is going to be some fierce and fine competition for O-line starting spots and at running back. You can't go wrong at TE and wide receiver. If the D-line performs in the spring, they will in the fall. I like Hafis Williams and that Lewis-Moore kid to move in. The LBs and DBs look solid to me--no matter who starts, and I see an All-American effort from Harrison Smith. This kid moves into the spot he was destined to play.
The Irish Brogue: Can ND get a wide margin of victories from its 2009 schedule?
Scott Christopher: Many feel this is a soft schedule. I don't. The Irish are coming off a 7-6 record against many of the same teams they played in 2008. However, I believe that this team can do the job and, by God, give USC a real run. I will have a better feel for wins and losses after the Blue-Gold game, but at this point: Y2009 - Notre Dame 9w/3l and a big bowl victory.
XXXXXXXX
--Old Shillelagh
East Coast analyst and Notre Dame advocate Scott Christopher told me he believed it was because the embattled coach of the Irish was sitting on "something big" like possibly nabbing Manti Te'o from the clutches of USC on national signing day. But before we get into that matter with Chris, here's my first question:
The Irish Brogue: What-the-hell is going on with the ND basketball team.
Scott Christopher: First of all, when Brey lost his defense-minded assistant to Toledo, he lost his defense. Mike can't coach defense so it sticks. Also, what is clear to all, the team is not athletic, physical--they lack speed, as well. Brey is not a very good bench coach and the Irish don't have a very good bench, mostly untested for significant playing time. Hell, you can't start three white guys and win consistently! If Harangody stays, which he should, and the two transfers--along with Nash and Carleton step in and step up--ND could fare quite well in the Big East. Hopefully that so-called incoming freshman plays to his billing. As far as the rest of this year goes: 17 wins an 13 losses, enough of a margin to get them into the NIT.
The Irish Brogue: What's your take on the recruits?
Scott Christopher: With or without Te'o, I feel this is a good crop, under-rated by the "star"
gazers and ND faithful. Manti, Motta, Calabrese, and Fox are a stellar LB crew, perhaps the best freshmen tandem in many, many years. Stockton, Riddick, Watt, and Evans will see a lot of PT.
I think Stockton will be the big surprise impact. My "prediction" that ND would get Te'o was based on information from, of all sources, a non-Mormon player at BYU. He told me to go to the bank with it! Te'o, of course, will start at LB and NOT go on a mission after his freshman year.
The Irish Brogue: Who is the DL coach?
Scott Christopher: I don't have a clue. I have heard that Weis has lost out on two candidates. Shit, I wish that Zorich could handle that assisgment. He is one nasty bastard. I also hear that Charlie would be delighted if Aaron Taylor came aboard as OL/GA. No way, but Aaron would love to have that post if he could break free; he will have input. Look for a former ND O-player of recent vintage to fill that gap real soon.
The Irish Brogue: How does Notre Dame look going into spring practice?
Scott Christopher: Look, there is a lot of talent and experience on this squad. I think that the new hires on the offensive side will make a big difference, with Charlie calling plays from the booth (I hope). It's a damn shame that Sam Young is a bust at this level, but he is. Robinson looks like a big timer to me, and I think Wenger will come of age.
Tere is going to be some fierce and fine competition for O-line starting spots and at running back. You can't go wrong at TE and wide receiver. If the D-line performs in the spring, they will in the fall. I like Hafis Williams and that Lewis-Moore kid to move in. The LBs and DBs look solid to me--no matter who starts, and I see an All-American effort from Harrison Smith. This kid moves into the spot he was destined to play.
The Irish Brogue: Can ND get a wide margin of victories from its 2009 schedule?
Scott Christopher: Many feel this is a soft schedule. I don't. The Irish are coming off a 7-6 record against many of the same teams they played in 2008. However, I believe that this team can do the job and, by God, give USC a real run. I will have a better feel for wins and losses after the Blue-Gold game, but at this point: Y2009 - Notre Dame 9w/3l and a big bowl victory.
XXXXXXXX
--Old Shillelagh
posted by OLD SHILLELAGH at 4:22 PM
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