Warmin' The Bench With Miscellany

OBSERVATION:  Fingers are crossed among the coaching staff and in every corner where the Notre Dame faithful reside that injuries will not plague the Irish this year as they did in the past. There have been a handful to date, with some very serious--Cam Roberson--to pings with pain for the likes of Mike Ragone (so what else is new). And, Mike Golic's broken arm a few days ago. Coach Brian Kelly doesn't play the "don't bang each other so hard" game that ended up backfiring on Charlie Weis. Thank you, BK. But, we all know the positions that are critical to the Irish winning a Leprechaun's share of games without the sound of "snap, crackle, and pop" bringing down (and out) an ND blue chip starter, especially in the offensive backfield. Keep your eye on the ball, faithful, but if you hear that sound, close your eyes and pray that you know what!

E-MAILS:  

(From John, Delaware): You guys have thumped the tub of Dayne Crist since he signed on as a Freshman.  He hasn't shown that well, IMO, and was bested by Tommy Rees last season as NDs stretch run will show.  Why should he start over TR?

(The Irish Brogue):  He has the better arm, especially for long-distance tosses to Michael Floyd. He has shown poise and leadship in camp and is ready to live up to the hype brought from California.  This is his year.

(From Francis, Pennsylvania):  What have you seen in the Freshmen crop that is different from previous years, Willingham through Weis?  

(The Irish Brogue):  That's simple.  High quality in large quantity.  Some of these lads are destined for greatness, maybe sooner than later: Lynch, Daniels, Tuitt, Koyak, Williams, for example. A real sleeper could be Terry's son---Conor Hanratty.

INSTANT EDITORIAL:  There's a another big scandal, the biggest ever actually, of hurricane force descending on the University of Miami campus--specifically its football field and basketball court. This wicked wind has a real bad odor and the smell permeates Coral Gables.  It is just too damn bad that Al Golden, the brand new football coach and Tom Larranaga, the equally new basketball coach have to work through the stink.  The U deserves to be punished big time; messrs. Golden and Larranaga, both of high character and integrity, deserve better.

ANALYSIS APROPOS---USF GAME:  A very strong Notre Dame veteran defense goes against a questionable University of South Florida offense. A better-than-average USF defense goes against an ND offense that has a top veteran offensive line, questions at QB and RB, and no problems at WR. Put all these factors together: The Fighting Irish by 17.

---ScottB

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