The 83rdannual Blue Gold game culminated spring practice for the 2012 season. The game helped shed light on the much talked about battle for the starting quarterback job. Inconsistent play and turnovers plagued the position last season, which has led to an open competition this spring, between candidates Tommy Rees, Andrew Hendrix, Everett Golson, and Gunner Kiel.
Rees was the starter for the Irish last season and presents the only experienced option at quarterback. Rees started every game for the Irish last season with the exception of the season opener versus USF. Rees holds a 12-4 career record as a starter with wins over programs such as USC, Miami, and Michigan State. However, Rees is turnover prone and inconsistent. Last season Rees recorded 2871 yards passing and 20 touchdowns, but also threw 14 interceptions. Rees also lacks the ability to extend plays with his feet, which is essential in a spread offense. Rees was sacked 13 times last season and had a season long run of only eight yards.
Rees started the Blue Gold game and went 7-14 passing for 84 yards and one interception, while struggling to make certain throws and looking largely mediocre.
Rees’s turnovers and lack of athletic ability was the difference between winning and losing in many games last season. With Rees lacking a strong arm and mobility the Irish are limited on offense, and with talented, athletic options behind him, Rees will need to improve because experience alone will not keep him atop the Irish depth chart.
The second player figuring into the Irish quarterback battle is Andrew Hendrix. Hendrix is the only other quarterback besides Rees to have seen playing time for the Irish in the past. Hendrix showed signs of brilliance in his relief appearance of Rees versus Stanford. Hendrix threw for 249 yards, a touchdown, and two interceptions last season, the majority of which coming versus Stanford.
Hendrix is a good athlete, with a solid arm and an ability to make plays in the running game. He represents a capable option for the quarterback position in the spread offense. Hendrix recorded 51 yards passing, one touchdown, and one interception, on 4-9 passing in the Blue Gold game. The only question that remains regarding Hendrix is his decision making. Last season Hendrix completed less than 50 percent of his passes, a trend that continued in the Blue Gold game. Also Hendrix is interception prone, and the Irish can’t afford to repeat last year’s performance on offense when it comes to turnovers.
The third and possibly most intriguing option at quarterback is redshirt freshman Everett Golson. Golson is the prototypical spread quarterback, possessing great speed and a cannon arm, allowing him to make all the throws required and open up space as the defense must respect his ability to run.
Golson was the third quarterback to get on the field in the spring game but quickly stole the show, recording 120 yards and two touchdowns on 11-15 passing, a performance that has led to the vast majority of fans clamoring for Golson to be the starter. However, Golson is unproven with no playing time at the college level yet, and with head coach Brian Kelly saying Golson’s decision making can give him heart attacks, it is unknown if Kelly will pin the season’s hopes on the redshirt freshman.
The final member of the quartet battling for the starting job at quarterback is true-freshman, blue-chip recruit, and Indiana native Gunner Kiel. Kiel did not see time in the spring game until the second half, in which the offense was made up of walk-ons and depth players.
Kiel went 5-10 passing, for 57 yards and one interception. Kiel also ran the ball well and didn’t shy away from contact electing to challenge tacklers instead of sliding. Despite his promise it is apparent that Kiel will likely redshirt this seasons barring injuries at the position.
With the poor play at the position last season and the fact a starter hasn’t been named yet the debate will continue as to who the starter should be. The recent arrest of Tommy Rees also clouds the picture as his future with the team is uncertain at the time. If Rees misses any practice time or is suspended for any length of time during the season his chances of winning the starting job would be crushed. It would appear the Irish must choose between the status quo of Rees who represents experience but lack of athletic ability, or the inexperience and potential of Hendrix or Golson.
Bad new Lo Wood is out for the year with an achillies, surgery will be this week.
Shazamrock,
What say you about the gimmicks like jumbotron, uniforms, etc.?
Do you think the Irish can answer the firestorm of criticism from the pimps at ESPN and their trailer park following?
C-Dog,
When it comes to “Gimmicks” I think ND needs to proceed carefully.
I think it is better to add to the stadium than take away and replace.
Remember, It took a long time and a lot of sweat and work to build it up.
Keep the traditional scoreboards and perhaps use some type of portable jumbo screen.
The uniform I saw for the miami game had pants, shoes, jersey, and gloves that I really liked… but please, don’t mess with the helmet!
The pimps at ESPN are just that. Win or lose, ND sells. Always has, always will.
They know it, and they use it.
Screw them!
The one good thing that could come of it… it could be that one thing that pulls a team together and motivates them. (the fans too)
If it puts more light on the program, and less on a bunch of 18,19 & 20 year olds, perhaps it’s a blessing in disguise.
We’ll see.
i still think swarbrick has turned something sacred into some gimmick, some commercial deal, always some commercial aspect, it makes me want to throw up
This site is less than mobile friendly sometimes. Ha
Anyway, another thing that has caught my attention is that it kind of sounds as if kelly has relinquished some of his role as the heavy hand to chuck martin. Thats not to say we won’t see any purple faced tirades or anything but just another thing i picked up listening to media day interviews.
GO IRISH
I think the only way we see hendrix is either golson tanks and kelly pulls him or golson lights navy up and its over by the 3rd quarter. Kelly said in his pc the other day that the reps were going to start getting split more in favor of the guy in the lead.(golson) After hearing some player comments I think this decision has already been made. Kelly also said that golson has had 126 throws in 11vs11 and has only thrown 1 int. I would say that is taking care of the football!
South bend tribune has a good write up on golson today. Apparently golson is even seeking advice from te’o as well. Te’o seems to have bought into him.
So Jack,
If BK is going to take EG and AH right down to the wire before picking a starter for the Navy game. Do you think he will go right down to game day?
As you know it is very difficult to predict or read BK’s outcomes pertaining to QB’s. What’s your thoughts?
GO IRISH!
I know this is for Jack, but I would guess we are going to see both guys play during the game. My guess is EG starts and AH plays a series or two in the first half. Hopefully, by the second half it doesn’t really matter. Otherwise we get the hot hand in the 2nd half.
JC,
I think BK is actually playing this one smart. Why name the QB in the press, it gives no advantage to the team. You give the guy you think is going to start more reps with the first team and the second guy a little less with the firs team. Per BK’s comments I think it’s going to be Golson, but you want Hendrix ready in case Golson gets hurt or doesn’t pan out. Either way the QB will not be the leader of this offense it will be the O-line unit and they are in tack.
swarbrick, adidas, the new helmets, it all a sad commercial joke, get me a new athletic director. this guy has no soul.
“The players absolutely love the uniforms designed by Adidas for this game and they will help make it a memorable night,” ND head coach Brian Kelly said in a statement.
The uniforms are for the kids,not for old farts. If they like then I am all for it. Oregon has basically created an entire program out of this.
And if they really don’t love them will they run naked as a j-bird around Dublin Stadium?
By the way, who are you calling “old farts?”
What the heck, new uniforms for every game! Why let Oregon get one up on us?
Go Irish!
Lets hope that doesn’t happen.
I meant it for all of us who’s eligibility has long since passed.
I’m a traditionalist at heart but it seems those days are over so i applaud Swarbrick and Kelly for at least trying.
Go Irish, 2 weeks!!!!
Irish’94,
Well you got your wish early!
USC #1 AP & ESPN rankings. As I said earlier, I believe USC is better than LSU.
I would suggest ESPN had an early influence talking-up USC. USC also has six bowl teams on their schedule.
However, I’m still with you hoping USC is still #1 when we get to them.
GO IRISH!
Those uniforms suck!
And Notre Dame’s traditions have been forgotten. They will be relegated to an Ivy League Tier in 5 years, or worse will decide since nothing is special anymore, to throw in the towell and cheat their way to the top. The jumbotron, and these stupid uniforms make me sick.
Meanwhile ESPN is ripping us a new one and I don’t see this team coming out fighting. I hope I’m wrong, but when us “old farts” were young, there were always some of us Irish, ready to take the fight to the enemy. Where are the Irish now?
C-Dog,
Let’s hope the ND tradition of mediocre football for the last 20 years is forgotten. Would you rather watch an 11-1 team wearing the latest (and not so greatest) in uniform fashion, or a 3-8 Charlie Willingham-Davie team in the traditional ND uniform. If they win, who cares what they are wearing. I don’t ever remember watching Tim Brown, Tony Rice, or any other player 25 years ago and thinking about what great uniforms they had on. They won, and the uniform said ND somewhere on it.
I talked to my father the other day. He’s been an ND fan since 1955. He told me he didn’t give a sh– about what they wear anymore. He just wants to see ND football teams dominate and win football games. This comes from one of the most die hard fans I have ever met, and he bleeds ND tradition.
JUST WIN!!
2012 Uniform Concept by JC:
This year we need a new Gold Helment with green “shamrock flames” on it, in other words, small green shamrocks inside outlined green flames. Couple that with green “shamrock flames on the shoulders of a gold uniform and green “shamrock flames” vertically down the sides of the pants (pant leg, shoulder and helment flame tip orientation parallel with the ground pointing aft). Solid green player numbers and gold leaf color shoes with a big green shamrock on both sides of the shoe (player’s numbers inside shamrocks). Socks gold with small green shamrock trim ring. Finally, a custom-mouth-guard gold with green shamrocks including players name.
No flameouts this year mantra!
GO IRISH!
YOU GOTTA BELIEVE
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tUebmJjDuu8
the defense has to rise to the occasion ask stonebreaker
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HZkopaNu3aQ
“Save Jimmy Johnson’s ass for me!” Lou Holtz
I like shaz’s idea!!!
Jack i know what you’re sayin. My line of thinking is just if the kids like it, whatever. Its whats under the helmet and uniform that wins games. If kelly has the guys prepared and focused like he should then there isn’t a game on this schedule we shouldn’t win. Even if they are wearin purple jerseys!!
JTrain,
Not a fan of the uniforms. Just like the Blue, Green or White Jerseys. Shoes are down right ugly for Ireland game.
Guys
Head over to youtube. They have a good practice update posted for today of some 11 on 11 highlights. If you need the link let me know i will post. These freshman recievers are special. Chris Brown is going to be really really good. Elite speed and is as good at adjusting to the ball as floyd was when he was a freshman. Ferguson has good size and speed. Davonte Neal, well we all have seen his high school tapes, if he brings that to the college game he has a pretty good career at ND ahead of him.
MOTIVATION
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yq1PXq2egMg
I’d like to chime in with a few thoughts before the season starts. The irish are very talented as we all know and we definitely need better QB play. I sure would like to see some passion and motivation on the field. Jumping around, high-fivin, knocking someone’s block off. Last year against numerous teams ESPECIALLY USC we came out and put everyone to sleep. Not only BK needs to motivate but some some of the older players need to start getting in peoples faces and kick some ass.
BK does a fine job with recruting but now it’s time to show it on the field. We need better than an 8-5 record. We need to compete for a national title. We need passion more than x’s and o’s. Let’s get out there and win and be proud again!
Ron,
Exellent point about the older players!
Looking back over the last couple of years, I think there was some leadership issues.
Not that there weren’t acceptable leaders, I’m just not sure that some of these guys didn’t
needed another year or two of maturity, didn’t fully understand their place within the team,
or shied away from the additional pressure that comes with being a leader on a ND team.
This year, on the offensive side, I would love to see the O-Line step up and be the leaders of this team.
I think they have the skill, experience, and toughness to do so.
I’m sure it would take some much needed pressure off the QB’s and running backs.
And that has to be a good thing considering the inexperience in that group.
The third game of the season will be against Michigan State
and a defense that very well could be the best we face all year.
Maybe one of the best in the nation this season.
If we can move the ball and score on them, I think it will be an early indicator of how far
this team could go.
We all like to reminisce about the great teams of old.
The common theme among those great teams was that they always had
the best Offensive lines in all of college football.
They took charge and lead the way.
It all starts up front.
Let’s get after them!
Shaz and Ron,
I think this team will take on the style of the team leader Manti Teo. They will not be the Ray Lewis style of dancing and screaming. Manti is more about focus and brotherhood. I see that now in these players. The problem with last year is the fact that on offense the leader was suppose to be Floyd and after his arrest he did not take that role. Was it out of embarrassment on the coaching staff not pushing it I don’t know. I agree the line should take that role and Cave and Golic are players I hear a lot about. I don’t think the issue was leadership in the USC game as it was focus. I would like to see no gimmicks this year with bid games. New helmets, stupid uniform changes and so on. Just get out there and smack you opponnet in the mouth. You look at the Miami game in 88, Rockets kick off return or Zibby’s punt return against USC. These are the plays that fire up a team not dancing around before a game.
Well jack,
You might want to skip the dublin game and the miami game because they will be wearing alternative uni’s in those games. With dublin uni looking like it will be along the color scheme of the irish flag.
I agree with you though abot te’o being the leader on this team. From what i have heard he is holding everyone to his standard and work ethic.
GO IRISH
“When in Rome”
The fighting Irish… Playing in Dublin Ireland…
Home Crowd favorites….
Wear the flag shoes, win the game, have a good time!
Can’t think of a better way to kick-off the first Saturday of college football 2012, than a 9:00am Notre Dame kick-off and a Guinness or two for breakfast!
Go Irish! Beat Navy!
I had some thoughts a day or so ago, which were fairly pessimistic until I read recent articles regarding the offensive and defensive lines. If the reports are true, the offensive line is going to take another step forward and may put a smack down on opposing defensive lines. Not since Aaron Taylor. I will look for that with pleasure. Win or lose I look forward to hear that teams fear the Irish O-line. I also read some decent things about Louis Nix and Schwenke. Too bad Lynch couldn’t stick it out, but there may be hope with our defensive line even without him.
So, some things are definitely in the hopeful optimism category.
I do not yet have optimism in two key areas with a 3rd in the TBD category.
Our corners are going to be very suspect until proven otherwise. Personally our corners and safeties were not a good unit and haven’t been since Willingham’s first year. So they need to prove it to me.
The QB situation is not good. I don’t see any of the QB’s as the answer, nor do I feel good about the way Kelly handles them. None of them looks very confident and frankly they seem more worried about the coach’s opinion than just going out to win a game.
The TBD area is the linebackers. Great run stoppage, but that unit looks like a throwback to 1914. I can’t tell if they know that the forward pass was invented by Mr. Rockne or not because they seem pretty confused on passing plays.
Finally, I wonder if this team can isolate itself to remain focused on the goal, which is to win each and every game. Win or lose, when you focus like that and meld as one unit, it shows throughout the season. 1993 was the last time I saw that. And the 1988 team totally had that focus. No tweeting, no facebooking, just focused effort.
We’ll know if they’re ready for the next level, sometime in October.
C-Dog,
I just listened to the player interviews and coach interiew on Bill King this morning. To address your areas of concern:
Corners: Bennet Jackson has had a good camp and looks all the part. He can’t be any worse the Gary Gray. Lo Wood has stacked on 10 lbs and is the camp suprise. It will be interesting to see if Russel can become a great corner, he was all conference in high school.
The QB situation: The defensive players who have been going against the QB’s said they are progressing nicely. Manti said that they are seeing vast improvement on offense. Kelly stated that he looks at the body of work of the QB through the entire summer camp not just one week. The offense pretty much is not much different between Andrew and Everet. He even stated that Gunner would be included if he had a better grasp of the offense. As far as who I would pick, it would depend if Golson can get this team into the right play at the line of scrimmage. Hendrix has that capability but can’t take adversity. We will see but I feel it will be a learning experience with them for the first couple of games.
LB’s are going to be run stoppers and rushers. When teams play a spread style of offense you will see Slaughter or even the Proise drop down into the LB position to give more speed and coverage.
Finally, the loss of Lynch. He was a great player, but I have heard off the record a cancer in the locker room. BK made to many concessions to keep him happy which sacrificed team unity. I am sad to see his talent go but no his attitude. I also have stated many things that are the opposite of what you said, that being said I do still have your fears. I just wanted to give you info I got from the interviews.
C-Dog,
Think about it this way…
ND is not alone when it comes to preseason questions.
USC, A team picked by many as the number 1 team in the country, just lost another starting DE to injury.
With their depth issues, they are about 1 more key injury away from becoming just another average football team.
Michigan, through graduation, has lost a number of very good players from last years very good defence.
(understand their starting running back is a little gimpy as well)
Michigan St. will have to begin life this year without class act Kurt Cousins.
Ditto for Stanford with the departure of Andrew Luck.
And Navy, and former option QB Ricky Dobbs.
Oklahoma has already lost a number of starters from their offensive line due to injuries and haven’t even played a game yet.
Miami will once agian be playing under a cloud of scandal, violations, and NCAA sanctions.
I haven’t followed close enought to tell you what problems Purdue, BYU, PITT, BC, or Wake Forest are facing, but I’m pretty sure they all have their fair share of them.
One of Brian Kelly’s favorite terms is “Next guy in”
Couldn’t be more true!
Hopefully our next guy in, will be better than their next guy in.
Shazamrock,
I like your points. I am frankly amazed at the hype about USC and Michigan. ND made Michigan last year. Unless they line up at least two 6ft 5in receivers Robinson’s moonballs are going to get picked off by most teams. And I think they get found out. USC, I totally agree with your assessment and would consider what one early lost would do to their psyche. Kiffin and Cheat On don’t impress me more than anyone else.
But I still have a singular concern that Nore Dame is not an environment at this time for a top contender. Perhaps with a shaky economy, athletes will consider the competitive edge a degree from a real university will carry versus an FSU, Miami, SEC school, or the Ballroom dancing factory of USC.
My other concern is that Kelly’s approach isn’t compatible with the challenges facing ND athletes. Not only do they have to deal with a spotlight and academic rigor, but they also have to deal with intrusions of privacy, over exposure, mostly negative for daring not to succomb to ESPN’s monopoly, and generally an over burdening of expectations. Kelly needs to consider what it was like to coach in the 1920’s and 1930’s when practice, training, coaching, and playing the game were just that, not all this other hype and crap. They need to create a mindset of a group turning to itself, setting a goal and ingoring all outside forces until it reaches it’s goal. No distractions.
Last year seemed like one big distraction. I hope they’ve moved beyond that.
If I see a players and a team more interested in reaching their own expectations that worrying about what other might think or say, and I see that those expectations are appropriately high, I’ll be more optimistic. I haven’t seen that in a long time at Notre Dame.
I would like to see it soon.
C-Dog,
I hear what you are saying about the ND enviorment, the hype, and the expectations.
I think one of the main things, if not the most important thing that ND provides it’s students, and student athletes, (and sometimes gets lost) is the “Oppertunities”
The number, and quality of oppertunities provided by ND is unmatched anywhere.
As a ND football player, you have the oppertunity for a world class education, can play football as well, AND, be a part of a long and impressive college football history to which they have the oppertunity to write their own legacy into.
ND football has always provided the oppertunity to play such a national schedule, that if you are able to succeed with it, it will allow you the oppertunity to play for a national championship as well.
As a player, you have the oppertunity to be seen on national TV each and every week, to have the support of a national / world wide fan base, and maybe even win a trophy or be selected to the NFL.
As a player, you are provided an oppertunity to traval and play in some of the greatest sporting venues in the world such as Yankeee Stadium, Dallas Texas, The Alamodome, Soldiers field in Chicago, Southern Cailifornia, perhaps the Orange Bowl in the coming years, and of course this year, Dublin Ireland.
What other university offers such oppertunities?
The list of oppertunities goes on, but they don’t come cheap… or easy.
I certainly hope those specially selected, chosen few, who will call the University of Notre Dame home for the next 4 years, don the uniform, and stroll this campus, take time to stop, and listen closely and carefully…
Because if they do, they will hear a distintive “knocking”
That’s the sound of “oppertunity”
Lets hope they all answer the call.
Ha..
So much for my theory of hearing something in the next week. Kelly seems to be in no rush to name a starter given his comments in his pc yesterday. This is frustrating.
JTRAIN,
If BK’s in no rush, sounds like he will be utilizing two QB”s? Maybe or a fast plan B.
A sure fired way to justify training two inexperienced QB’s down to the wire.
Otherwise, under normal cirumstances it would certainly short change a single starter with the 1st team.
But hey, if it works for EG and AH great! Not to worry, I’m sure we will find a few other things to complain about over the course of the season Hahaha. Imagine that!
GO IRISH!
JTRAIN,
I hope your right, I’m not sure I can cut BK some slack if our starter does not have ample time with the 1st team to prepare for Navy. Running the QB derby down to the wire as we all know breeds early turnovers and from there can be very contagious as well.
Turnovers are only coachable if the starter has had enough reps and approved execution technique by BK. That alone hopefully, will ensure mistakes will be held to a minimum during the season. Only the positive test of time will tell. Again, I hope your right about next week!
WE ARE ND!
I cringed just as everyone else did with the whole 2 qbs thing. But it was a direct question about playing 2 qbs and he answered the question but from what i am hearing it will be 1. Who knows maybe he is trying to push whoever he thinks/knows is the guy. I an betting that we hear something in the next week.
IF YOU WANT THE TEAM TO FALL IN BEHIND THE LEADER, YOU HAVE TO MAKE HIM THE LEADER AND GIVE HIM THE BALL, KELLY KEEPS JERKING THESE QB MEN AROUND, HE JUST DOESNT GET HOW TO MOTIVATE M EN, CONFIDENCE, GIVE THE BALL TO GOLSON AND TELL HIM HE IS THE LEADER, THAT HE CAN LEAD US TO A NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP, THEY HEAVE TO BELIEVE IN GOLSON
Amen bj,
Instead of BK running around and telling everybody he needs to be a better coach.
He will be a better coach if he names a starter now.
Unfortunately, it seems the transformation from Cincy to ND has rocked his world. I don’t know how you start off as CEO and then to player’s coach all in two years?
In my view, he needs to break the bad habits asap and take the focus off of him and name a starting QB. It’s not like he has a lot of time to transform in to a better coach let alone a great coach.
Further, he still has the option to play two QB’s as some here have suggested. This indecisiveness by BK is an end result of him spending more time soul searching than focusing on choosing a starter. Now he’s over coaching.
BK’s has already stated: “I have an idea who.” OK, so name the starter and your on the path to being a great coach this year! If it does not work out that’s life.
GO IRISH!
What a jerk!
USC coach Lane Kiffin said Tuesday that he “would not vote USC No. 1” in the coaches’ poll, basiclly because USC is currently operating under a reduced roster of only 75 players, but under the veil of secrecy and confidentiality, he actually did, USA Today revealed Thursday night.
Citing Kiffin’s providing of “false or misleading information” to the public and a desire to “set the record straight to protect the poll’s integrity,” the newspaper released Kiffin’s top-voted team in the USA Today Coaches’ Poll… His own USC Trojans.
Votes are normally kept confidential until the final poll of each year.
Asked after his Trojans’ Tuesday practice to reveal the team he voted to be No. 1 in the country, Kiffin said he could not disclose that information. But when told of Arizona coach Rich Rodriguez’s comment that he voted the Trojans first, Kiffin laughed.
“I would not vote USC No. 1, I can tell you that much,” Kiffin said.
He expressed similar sentiments at Pac-12 media day last month.
The preseason poll was Kiffin’s first-ever vote in the USA Today Coaches’ Poll.
Two things lead me to believe Golson is the favorite right now to start at quarterback for the Irish on September 1. First, it sounds like, though he and Hendrix are splitting reps with the first team offense, he is the first to get reps each day. Secondly, and probably more telling, he is rooming with Rees. I think that is meaningful, as he spends a lot of time with the only quarterback on the roster with any real game experience at this level. I really believe this “room assignment” was done in an effort to help Golson as much as possible through preseason camp and prepare him as the starting quarterback.
I believe the Irish are going to be much better than most expect this year! Go Irish!
I took notice of a recent Kelly statement, saying that he has/is contemplating going with 2 QB’s to start the season.
I do believe that you can get away with using 2 QB’s in the college game given the correct approach.
We saw how successful it can be a few years back with Florida.
Chris Leak was the starter, and Tebow came in when Florida was in the red zone.
I watched last year when Michigan went with Denard Robinson as their starter and spelled him on occasion with Devin Gardner.
Tebow helped improved Florida’s Red-Zone production, and Gardner helped take some of the hits off Robinson keeping him fresher through the
second half of their season.
In either case, it’s hard to argue with the results.
I think at ND we saw mixed results with our own 2 QB approach last year.
While Dayne Crist seemed to struggle with the concept, Andrew Hendrix seemed to excel with it.
I know it’s not very much game experience, but without Hendrix playing the little bit that he did last year, we would now be going into our first
game of this year with a QB with absolutely no game experience.
I really liked what Hendrix did against Air Force last year. But then, for reasons unknown, Kelly decided to sit him, and we didn’t see much more of the kid for the rest of the season.
I never understood that.
I bet right about now, Kelly wishes he had a “do – over” on that decision!
After 5 practices wsbt reporters have EG and AH leading the pack!
http://www.wsbt.com/sports/wsbt-notre-dame-qb-battle-coming-into-focus-20120808,0,6972106.story
Well good news! The qb derby seems to be headed in the direction we have hoped for!
GO IRISH!
now or never
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tUebmJjDuu8
ATTENTION GEORGE ATKINSON
http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=fvwp&v=oeb5TjdQH84&NR=1
Outstanding video bj,
As always, your video selection get’s my Irish green blood churning!
Now, can you find a video on how to eliminate contagious turnovers for this team?
GO IRISH!
(acceptable caps lock! Haha)
Happened to come across a little piece on ESPN yesterday about the top ranked HS senior QB’s at some sponcered summer camp.
They had guys running deep outs, and post patterns with what looked to be 6 or 7 HS QB’s taking turns throwing to them.
Anyone else see this? (I only caught part of it)
One of these QB’s was ND commit Malik Zaire.
Got a chance to listen to him speak as well as watch his passing, footwork, and his style.(he is a left hander)
Very impressive Quarterback. Kelly seems to be really stocking up the posistion with excellent talent.
Appears Gunner has his work cut out for him!
Shaz,
If you haven’t done so already, you should check out malik’s highlights. He is explosive as a runner and pretty decent at slingin the rock.
I also believe that the CAPS LOCK indicator light on bj’s keyboard has to be burned out by now. Haha just messin with ya bj. I enjoy the clips.
Hey bj and jimmy,
You guys ok?
Yeah, I’m great! Go Irish!
bj just needs a subscription to Forbes, and jimay could use a new 2012 calendar.
Since they both just got back from KPAX, do you think they know about the Shamrock Classic, and that it will be played in Ireland,(hence the name) On Saturday Sept 1st, and that kick-off will be at 9:00am east coast earth time?
Or do we just let them tune in on Monday Sept 3rd, at 3:30pm, and then tell us how boring the game was???
WE HAVE WAITED FOR TWO DECADES FOR SOMEONE THAT CAN MAKE US NATIONAL CHAmpions. again. now or never.
I STAND CORRECTED ON FIELD TURF; BUT I DO NOT BELIEVE SWARBRICK HAS BROUGHT US TO WERE WE NEED TO BE I DO NOT WANT A CORPORATE HEAD COACH, I WANT A COACH THAT CAN DELIVER. NOTRE DAME OUR MOTHER.
Just 27 more days until Notre Dame football season starts! USF is gonna get their asses handed to them on Sept 3. Can’t wait! Go Irish!
Who does USF play??
What type of Twilight Zone car are you driving to the USF game?
WE ARE ND!
Guys, ND plays USF on Sept 3. Check the schedule at the top of this site. Duh!
JimmyIrish,
I was cutting you some slack Mr. Duh! This is your second redundant post on last year’s schedule not being updated. Do we cry now or later?
The above schedule will be updated when the owners return from vacation. Not to mention this is a part time endeavor by the owners of this site for your information.
And I might add, of no cost to you! Nor does their paycheck come from you! So cool your jets on instant updates here or thrive on ESPN’s or other blogs! Plenty of room for moronic assessments there.
Do yourself a favor and read “about us” in the top right corner neophyte. So you will have an immediate grasp of the obvious how things work around here.
Thank you very much! Mr.DUH!
GO IRISH!
JC: I still want my money back. 🙂
Well, Well, Well, an entitlement blogger. Sorry, we don’t handout football food stamps here. You have to earn it with intelligent discussion. Smilely DUH!
WE ARE ND!
Yes, now you are speaking my language. Where’s my bailout? Frank? Kyle? You guys still read this site? 🙂
Amazing, if your looking for immediate uhnd.com IV therapy, you will get it when they decide you’ll get it.
But hey, continue on with your query it is America and they too have a right to be on vacation; whether your one track mind can comprehend that or not.
GO IRISH!
Kyle and Frank: please come back! I need my UHND IV therapy ASAP.
Hahahaha, now that’s better, please is a powerful word; your on your way to recovery!
I must admitt, I too am ready for the season to start.
Gooooooooooooooooooo Irish!
Beat Navvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvy!
Next patient please.
JC,
I don’t know who was the first to use “Charlie Weis and the word Genius” in the same sentence, but it wasn’t me!
(The only thing that guy was a genius about was the “mother of all contracts” he hoodwinked out of ND)
I always thought it was a self defeating aspect that ND had to let the grass grow to ankle height in order to “slow down” our opponents when they came to play in our house. (What kind of message does that send to your team and your fans?)
How about we just add speed to our team?
Now that we are doing just that, we need a field that can complement our play.(why get fast players then slow them down on game day?)
I can’t even begin to tell you how many times I held by breath when Micheal Floyd went slip-slidding out of the back of our endzone on that deep fade pass they loved to throw to him.
How he ever made that play without breaking his freaking neck is still beyond me.
Last I heard, Nebraska and Iowa have both gone to the natural Fieldturf.
The old field at Memorial Stadium in Nebraska was notorious for it’s “crown” right down the middle which supposedly helped with drainage.
(And their running game)
Their new field is flat and level, great playing surface, really nice.
If you happen to come accross one of their home games on TV, check it out.
Shaz your amazing,
“Charlie Weis cow pasture of years past.” Hahahaha, now that’s urinating on a field turf concept if I ever saw one! Yeah, no more mud cow puddles Hahahaha thanks for the funny!!
By the way, Swarbrick is indeed doing an outstanding job! Nice update on field turf!
GO IRISH!
Speak for your self!
The modern day advancements in fielf turf is truely amazing.
It is no longer just fake grass (or artificial) layed over ashphalt!
The hot thing in field turf is the Syntheticlly Reinforced Natural Turf
as is now in service at Lambeau field in Green Bay, and has gained great reviews from the home team players and visiting teams alike.
No more frozen fields, no more mud pits like we had to play in at Stanford last year. No more humps or holes, worn spots, or slick area’s.
Better suited for a faster, spread offence type team like we currently have. (Would be way better than the Charlie Weis cow pasture of years past)
It is Sand based instead of packed clay for better drainage, a bit softer that reduces injuries, and overall better footing.
A reinforced mesh netting just under the surface helps keeps the field from coming apart in chunks, and is much easier to repair and maintain.
It’s still grass, just a better system.
And if it helps our play and reduces player injuries… then that’s not stupid!
Also… Swarbrick has us lined up with the ACC and the Orange Bowl.
Has kept us as an Independent, kept our TV deal in place, has helped organize the new upcoming football play off, has helped make scheduling important agian, and continues to do a great job that Kevin White never ever came close to.
Swarbrick is far from stupid… too bad we can’t say that about everone here!.
Totally agree Shaz! BK made a great point the other day that they can never really practice on the field because conditions are so bad and it will get beat before the game. He said we lose some home field advantage because players look at it like the Basillica and are more in awe of it then feel like its their home.
Our home turf, like Soldier Field sometimes is not very good and almost embarrassing for a prestigious program like ours. The advancements with field turf are amazing and it looks so much better and is a better surface to play in in the tough climate of S. Bend.
I too support Swarbrick and what he has done with our program. Making changes can be unpopular but we do need to modernize and cater to how the young athletes of today view things. He is willing to take those steps.
Go Irish!
I-94,
Too bad we didn’t have fieldturf back in the days of Lou Holtz.
Remember that game we lost at home to Boston college and one of their pin-head players who had to rip up a hunk of grass and wave it around over his head?
Can’t do that with the reinforced natural fieldturf system.
They would have had to go back to just trashing the visitors locker-room!
no one wants artificial turf, is swarbrick so completely stupid
Thank you JTRAIN Amen,
BK in this new video seems headed in the right (attitude) direction wanting to get closer to his players. Not to mention, a more humble tone of personal assessment where he needs to be a players coach instead of an ivory tower CEO coach!
This CEO coach nonsense has booted more than one ND head coach out the door! BK may very well be on his way to new horizons developing winning team chemistry. Hmmm….maybe Lou and Ara gave BK some fatherly advice playing golf!
JTRAIN, I am impressed with this article/video and if BK is truly going to transform himself into a players coach then I will certainly cut him some slack. So I would agree it is a step in the right direction. Without question, being a player’s coach wins National Championships!
WE ARE ND! GO IRISH!
Jc
http://www.news-sentinel.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20120805/SPORTS/120809828
I thought you would appreciate this given your thoughts on BK’s lack of accountability. Now I’ve had enough discussions with you to know that some article isn’t going make you pull a 180 but i thought you would see it as a step in the right direction at least.
USF is gonna get their asses handed to them on Sept 3rd! Go Irish!
Here is my take on the QB situation. Rees is suspended for the 1st game, so he is out of the picture. He is going to get limited reps in practice and it will be hard for him to get back into the mix unless there is an injury. With that said, I’m comfortable with Rees waiting in the wings because he at least has shown that he can move this offense. It is nice to have someone like that that is 3rd string.
As far as Golson or Hendrix, I really don’t care who starts because both are probably going to play this year. This team will run the read option more so there is a greater chance of injury. Both need to be ready and if both get hurt, Rees can come in and they can go back to running the type of offense they ran the last 2 years.
Another reason that I don’t think it matters is that this offense will not be pass happy with Martin as the OC. He favors the run more and with the Slot/RB Hybrid position, we are going to see more jet sweeps and bubble screens. This team is going to create mismatches with the RB and TE’s, so again, we just need a QB that can make good decisions, not put this team on it’s back like Quinn and Clausen did.
With regards to the last couple of comments about Kelly naming a starting quarterback soon, I agree. I obviously have somewhat limited information to base this on, but from what I have heard and read, I think Golson is the guy who fits their system the best and gives them the best chance to be successful on offense. They have loads of talent on the offensive side of the ball and need an effective dual threat quarterback (who can minimize turnovers) to solidify things. I really think they can become pretty explosive and put up a lot of points. I also believe Hendrix will play some and he should. He is a dual threat quarterback as well and certainly brings his own strengths to the table. It is to every team’s advantage to have a second quarterback who is prepared to play and has some game experience, for injuries are a part of the game. I think Hendrix can fill that role. Therefore, I agree, if Golson is indeed “the guy” then Kelly would do well to name him as “the guy” now. I think this helps the team in that they now who their “team leader” on offense is and they prepare accordingly. I think this is important and perhaps Kelly underestimates the importance of this. I also know that Kelly is a damn good football coach and knows his team a lot better than I do. Philosophically, I just believe teams need to know who to follow, and for a football team, the quarterback is one of them. In this case, this everlasting “four-man quarterback race” doesn’t establish a leader.
On a follow-up note, without question, Kiel has enormous talent and his time will certainly come at ND if he is as good as advertised. I just think he probably needs some time to learn the system and get better prepared for major college football – most kids do. That’s why I didn’t mention him above.
He needs to make a decision sooner than later. Establish the QB and begin tailoring the offense to his strengths. I have no problem pulling an unproductive QB, but one half of football is not a measuring stick. BK needs to learn patience with his QBs. If he rides with Hendrix build his confidence by not getting in his grill. If he goes with EG get on his shit, he responds to people pushing him. Make him memorize that dam playbook. More game like reps in practice.
Predictably, here we are again after spring and summer practice with more undecided BK “QB” mumbo-jumbo. I’m sure this MORE than feeds BK’s huge cookie monster ego, since it’s solely about him in the media and not the starting QB.
This unimaginative QB circus is getting OLD and BIGGER after two years of nonsense. What’s next? A SIX QB derby next year?? It’s no wonder QB proficiency suffers with the 1st team when FOUR of them have to share time right down to opening day. DUH….NOW WHO STARTS??
Perhaps, this unending QB circus is now proving to be an end result of BK’s infamous personal theory of “unconscious incompentence,” consuming him now rather than EG.
It’s time to legitimize a starting QB now BK and share the spotlight which we all know is extremely difficult for you! Get over yourself and pick a QB pleaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaase! Less than 29 days for the “little details” as you put it!
Go Irish!
you gotta believe
http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=fvwp&NR=1&v=OOOKgVsD1rI
Amazing, less than 30 days to our opener with “pie-in-the-sky” USA today’s coaches poll having ND at #24. Wowee! Does it not matter who starts at QB or the mere fact that we have not proven we can eliminate turnovers? Minor details of course.
Yet, the real guidepost to this elite poll of obvious knowledge is LSU rated number 1 over Bama? Gee guys, loose to Bama by 21 and get ranked #1. Maybe we should have played them with our turnover follies to get the top slot instead of #24?
Further, another symptomatic NCAA illegitimate early result has USC showing up #3 on this poll. The NCAAs’ meaningless drivel and continuous ineffectual policing results are now on full display for all of college football. USC and Penn State are now on the NCAAs’ new personal favorites list. Sorry SMU, you are not in the exclusive “too big to fail” club in the eyes of the NCAA.
Go Irish!
I can’t tell by your post if you think ND is rated too high or too low??
LSU and Bama will play so they can sort it out on the field to see who is number 1. Unless you take last year when it really didn’t matter that LSU won.
Irish ’94,
Ideally, I would rather see ND ranked by the 4th game of the season; hoping for essentially less pressure for the new starting QB. But it is what is now (#24) so be it.
Secondly, do not count out USC if they stay healthy for the season. Without question USC has superior talent to LSU. Especially with an extremely gifted NFL 1st round draft QB returning let’s not forget.
Right now Les 1 title and Nick 3: Les is running out of Saben coat tails to ride so this year will be extremely revealing on Miles. LSU is not an automatic return to the National Championship Final in my view.
Go Irish!
As much as I dislike USC I do hope they are ranked #1 at the end of they year when we play them.
Kudos Irish ’94!
If I were to rank the college coaches and their football programs that I most dislike
based on their recruiting practices, statements, and over all policies,
my top 3 would be:
Les Miles –LSU
Nick Saban- Alabama
Lane Kiffin – USC.
These coaches are well known for over recruiting, the “culling” of existing players to make room for new players, bending the truth,
using student athletes in a manner that is less then honorable, making demeaning public statements
about certain players, and over all classless, unethical behavior.
By the way, anyone happen to see the latest preseason rankings poll?
the rocket says you can make it happen
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yq1PXq2egMg
attention all notre dame running backs/you gotta love to hit
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WJeTgQ-lgvE
Let’s not forget about Troy Niklas who has been moved from outside linebacker to tight end.
He missed the spring game so people tend to forget about him, but I think he could be one of the missing pieces for this offence.
With his size, speed, and athleticism, he could be the anchor of an already very good O-Line.
Hopefully he can at least help us in the red zone where we struggled some last year.
If we are able to get to the edge, and turn the corner consistantly with our run game, it will be because of blocking tight ends like Niklas.
It’s been a while since our offence was considered “explosive” but there is no denying that all the parts seem to be there for one.
With regards to Rees’ situation, I certainly wish the young man well and hope he learns a valuable lesson through this incident. He made a terrible decision and must be held accountable. However, I do believe the Irish will benefit by the insertion of Golson and Hendrix into the line-up (personally I think Golson will start but Hendrix will play). This offense has a chance to be dynamic. Just take a moment to think of the weapons they have here – Golson, Hendrix, Wood, Riddick, Carlisle, Eifert, Toma, Jones, Daniels, Neal, and other young talented incoming freshmen (Ferguson, Russell, Brown, Mahone – some of whom may be ready to contribute this year, along with Neal who is previously listed)…..behind a very good offensive line. I can’t wait to see this offense. I believe it will be the most explosive we’ve seen at ND in a number of years – and they will only get better with experience!
Go Irish!
Just to clarify..I’m not basking in rees’s misery. I feel for the kid. He messed up. He is still part of the team so i support him. I hope he gets himself straightened out and can get his degree and finish his career here. As i have said before i appreciate what he did as a freshman. Couldn’t have been easy. It just appears as though a page is turning and I like the next chapter. It could be fun year boys!!!
Wow rees suspended first game. Kelly says will have chance to work way back up depth chart. Let the EG5 era begin
Just saw on robby toma’s twitter account that him and a couple of the players were outside working out and had music playing. Cops were called on a noise complaint because a neighbor thought they were having a party. Do the people of south bend just hate ND players or does it just seem that way? This seems to happen there quite often. It is always how players get caught partying.
JTRAIN,
Perhaps the good people of South Bend should take step back and realize what side their bread is buttered on.
Without ND and the revenue they generate for that community, South Bend would haved dried up and died a long time ago!
Shaz,
Amazing, more continued football blind-eye madness for childern. NCAA who??
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/07/27/dylan-moses-lsu-scholarship-les-miles_n_1709416.html
Maybe the NCAA will have to step in and draw the line on peewee league football scholarship offers; what next?
Really not surprising, considering Les also felt compelled in issuing an undeserved blistering and demonizing verbal attack against Gunner Kiel. More evidence of Les Miles’ lack of decorum and maturity as a head football coach.
Good read Shaz! Go Irish!
Go Irish!
Found an interesting story today…
Seem LSU and great-guy head coach Les Miles have offer a scholarship to a 14 year old.
That’s a 8th grader for those of you keeping score at home.
This stuff is really getting out of hand!(USC and Washington have done the same thing recently)
All it takes is one illness, one injury, one misgiuded judgment by a junior high student and all those dreams, big talk, and college football hopes instilled by a self serving head coach are crushed… and that’s not very nice!
Why can’t they let the 8th grader just be an 8th grader?
It appears clear to me of Miles priorities… Win at any cost, then win some more, and then finally win some more, and oh yeah, make a truck load of money doing it, and if you have to step on a few 8th graders along the way.. so be it!
Thanks JTRAIN for the update on Tee. I was hoping it wasn’t grades, however, 9 times out of 10 grades are the issue when it comes to ND.
Well, can’t argue with EG looking good for September 1. We need a fresh approach with responsible leadership to lead the team by way of example and forward to victory!
Go Irish!
Don’t get too excited because it could be bs but had a run in with someone who seems to have some inside info.
Hearing that as long as EG is on time to practice and meetings and doesn’t go tommy rees at a party he is our starter september 1. He has been amazing at summer workouts and team is starting to see him as the future.
Tee shepard will not be coming back. It was grades and missing classes. Also his HS may have fibbed.
The NCAA has dropped the ball concerning Penn State. A so-called Fine levied by the NCAA definately qualifies as chump-change for Penn State. Only a 60 million dollar fine vs 78 million in annual football revenues? Penn State without question deserves atleast a four year death penalty period.
Penn State’s blind eye towards victimized childern ALLOWED an evil facade for decades. This is beyond the pale to even suggest a SMU comparison. The settlement will never be enough for the growing number of victums terrorized in an evil enviroment ALLOWED by Penn State. Unfortunately, the penalty does not fit the crime. The NCAA will need an all new management team for future credibility. This ruling is a total disgrace to all of College Football.
http://www.forbes.com/sites/chrissmith/2012/07/24/worse-punishment-penn-state-sanctions-or-smu-death-penalty/
JC
We have all had our disagreements on here, but we can all agree that what happened at PSU was disgusting. However, I don’t think that the death penalty or anything of that sort really is the answer here. I think that punishes way too many innocent people. If you take away football you punish so many people in the community, business owners and other members of the school who benefit from the revenue generated from football. What do you tell the kids of non revenue sports who suddenly can’t play because they have no money?
This is a very delicate subject because it almost seems as if you support them playing football you are saying what happened wasn’t wrong. Nothing could be further from the truth. I just think it is hard to separate the emotion of this whole tragic episode.
I know while I was in college I benefited from many things ND football did as I was involved in non revenue endeavors. It seems all of the guilty parties have been dealt with in this life or the next and the healing can begin.
Irish ’94,
I respect your opinion but sorry, I have no tolerance for immoral actions towards innocent childern being a father of two.
If a two year death penalty was good enough for SMU in 1987 over merely cheating, then a four year death penalty is certainly beyond reasonable for what transpired at Penn State.
If that closes Penn States doors to football it is certainly an unemotional lesson THEY need to learn.
Further, Penn State is not too big to fail or anyone else for that matter.
In this case, a slap on the hands by the NCAA is without question why College Football is morally bankrupt.
Like USC right back in the hunt for a title? The NCAA now has a track record of favorites.
Unfortunately, your right about the money because it is certainly all about the damn money.
WE ARE ND!
ANZALONW WE NEED YA
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yq1PXq2egMg
A cesspool of larded-up malarkey.
http://www.wsbt.com/sports/wsbt-rees-pleads-guilty-20120723,0,359954.story
Let me start out with this: EVERETT GOLSON IS A WINNER!
We had the opprotunity to watch Everett dominate in high school. When given the opportunity, Everett is a game changer. This years schedule is a tough one, and being realistic, 8-4 should be considered a good year. If Everett is giving the chance to start, there isn’t a game on this schedule that Notre Dame couldn’t win. He’s a special kid, who maybe the best competitor that I’ve ever known. If Everett is the starter, National Championship discussions wouldn’t come soon enough. BTW, I went to the spring game, and that was a typical Everett Golson performance. Get ready and you should be excited.
JC
He has been talking about nd a lot lately. I think he still wants to be there. The fact that he is enrolled at the college of sequoias tells me his situation is complicated. There was some buzz over the last week on the twitter-verse, but i would imagine that his road back is long. It is clear that whatever it was that forced him to leave had nothing to do with the program, school, or bk. I don’t know the inner workings of attending nd, I did not go there ( i know shocker right?) So I am not sure what his chances are of getting back in. Would love to see him back but I don’t know if thats going to happen.
Jtrain keep us posted.
JTRAIN,
What about it on the Tee. Any tweet vibes going on or all quiet on the Western Front? For the uninitiated, JTRAIN is our inhouse uhnd twitter recruiting expert. You will hear-it-here-1st……….from the JTRAIN!
Go Irish!
I’m hearing a lot of discussion on other sites that Tee Shepard is trying to come back to Notre Dame. I don’t know if this has any substance or not. Has anyone else heard anything on this that they would deem credible?
TS,
I know Shepard was enrolled at ND.
ND discovered a heart condition when he came in for his physical.
Then he left to sort things out with his family.
Since he was enrolled at ND, if he were to go to a different school he would be considered a transfer and have to sit out the 2012 season.
If he is in deed able to play, returning to ND would seem to make the most sence.
Man I hope Tee can come back to ND. I won’t lose any sleep over it since he’s gone already but it sure would be nice if he could come back. Is there a certain date he has to enroll back into ND to be able to play football this yr?
GO IRISH!!!!!
July and August… used to be known as the “Dog Days” of college football.
Right now they seem more like the “Dark Days” of college football.
So many programs that have pulled the temple down on their own heads.
From legendary head coaches with whom so many believed in, to coaches who run around on their wives, to illegal gifts from ponzi scheme boosters, to tattoo’s, lying, cheating, tree posionings, pay to play, and fake classes.
The list goes on of course, but I always enjoyed College football for the Amature competition, sportsmenship, team and school spirit, and the tradition rich padgentry one hopes to see every fall Saturday accross our great country.
Is there a school that still holds true to these core beliefs?
That can acheive greatness on the field of play by doing it the right way?
I still like to think there is.
And if ever there was a time for them to step up and provide college football with a breath of fresh air, a ray of hope, it is now.
You’d like to think so. Football seems to have gone down the tubes since the late 1980s. You can thank the Miami Cocaines and ESPN for that. You used to think of football played by kids who drank milk, said “swell” and came out of a Mickey Rooney movie. Now you think of some tattooed hoodie, coming out of a bar with his “posse” and shooting himself in the foot. And oh, yes, even those old timers from back in the Mickey Rooney days have the stain of crime and loss of innocence.
The system needs to be torn down and build up from the bottom again. I want to root for true student athletes. I want the purity again.
Could Notre Dame lead that? I don’t know.
I’m watching the ND vs michigan game on espn right now. Only thing I hope is that TR isn’t the qb this yr. Gosh he is awful at times.
GO IRISH!!!!
Ugh..couldn’t bring myself to watch that last night. That was as mad as I have ever been over a football game.
Agreed, that was a tough one.
I broke a TV….wasn’t mine either
My son said he would never watch another nd game with me after watching me melt down during the Michigan game .
I’ll drink the kool-aid on the talent we have and are getting. But do we have the coach who will win more than 8 games?? You can have all the talent in the world but that won’t insure victory as demonstrated last year. 10 wins in my view is definately the bar for Kelly this year.
My high expectations are always for the team, with or without Kelly. Kelly has yet to prove himself as elite head football coach. That requires a National Championship and that requires perfected team chemistry from top to bottom we have not seen under Kelly; many issues remain.
It is good we have the toughest schedule in the country this year. It will determine without fail whether we have a potential National Championship Coach or another trick pony. Kelly’s year three will produce all the answers on a national scale we need to know and will verify clearly the direction we are headed. Year three has defined our Championship Caliber Coaches without fail. I expect no less this year.
Go Irish!
Scav,
I couldn’t agree more – you’re right on target. The Irish will be good this year – then great in 2013, 2014, 2015…
What we all need to keep in mind is that the offense we see this year will not be like what we have seen the past two. There will be a more athletic QB whether it is Golson or Hendrix and Chuck Martin favors the run over the pass. We will see more bubble screens to the slot, reverses, & read-option. I also believe this team will be more up tempo because the biggest criticism of Golsen is not getting the play called quickly enough. That would not be a problem if Kelly was going to call the game like he did when Tommy was a freshman.
With that said, I believe this team will win at least 9 games this year. Even Mark May said that ND is back to being respectable because they are in every game and he expects them back with the Elite teams very soon. You know something is going right when one of the biggest ND haters is praising them.
I expect ND to be really good this year and then be dominate next year. We will just have to wait and see.
Yep, when May the “big yapper” conveys any type of favorable observation about a Notre Dame team, he’s either on to something or drinking WAY TOO MUCH kool-aid.
While I believe the schedule is too difficult to “run the table”, I have high expectations for The Irish this year. I think 8 – 10 wins in the regular season is realistic (and another in a bowl game)! I cannot wait to see what this team can become. ND has a lot of talent and experience on defense (outside of the cornerback position) and I believe the defensive unit will be good – maybe not great, but really good. On the offensive side of the ball, The Irish have what could be a dominate offensive line and an abundance of playmakers. I look for this team to score a lot of points and really be fun to watch. I know there are question marks on offense at the WR and QB positions, however, I believe they will be fine at both positions. They have talent at the WR position that just needs a little experience and we will see much improved quarterback play from Golson and Hendrix (Kiel should redshirt). I really don’t believe Rees will play a factor this year (or in the future). In my opinion he forfeited his opportunity to represent The University when he was arrested a couple of months ago. I wish him the very best in life but he needs to be held accountable for his actions – meaning he doesn’t represent ND on the athletic field anymore. I believe Golson and Hendrix are very talented and will play well this year. I’m guessing Golson will start, but Hendrix will play. I believe in both of them. Go Irish!
Unfortunately, I don’t think the QB situation will make a difference. This team needs to develop the expectation that it should win and must work on all elements, both as individuals and as a team to win.
With Lynch going to South Florida, ND’s defensive line goes to a little better than average. The secondary is still suspect and generally short.
When needing to take over a game, too often they do not.
It remains to be seen whether the coach and the athletes are on the same page and believing in the whole.
So I predict that while ND faces 3 games, Stanford, Oklahoma, and USC that look tough they also will drop 2 other games. And so anything from 7-5 to 9-4 this year. I don’t predict a Bowl win either.
I hope they prove me wrong. It would be so nice to see an offense take pride, not just in running around the opponent, but also in winning a slugfest and running over an opponent, for all 60 minutes.
I’d also like to see a defense that knows what to do.
C-Dog,
I agree that they need to expect to win instead of being surpised when they win. I disagree with the fact that this team is not able to run a 10-2 mark. Now that being said this team has a lot of areas to perfect, but if you look at this team compared to the 2005 team there is way more talent on both sides of the ball. I am a firm believer that you can not predict how a college season will go in the preaseason. You need to see the team play in that season to see how the deal with adversity or how they handle themselves. I knew after the first drive against Soutn Florida last year that the team was turnover prone and the season would be a mess.
Jack & C-Dog,
Jack, I agree on 10 wins, C-Dog it does not make a big difference who the QB is as long as it is NOT Rees.
If BK wants instant revolt by the alums and the fan base, then go ahead and start Rees any game this year or all. Unemployment is common these days BK.
Guess what guys, this continued lowered expectations sells to the sheep masses and results will be lower if the alums and fans don’t give a sh#t.
It’s time to draw a line in the sand and win 10 games without fail or hit the road BK. Tired of the fluff and puff excuses and sub-par QB coaching.
It is absolutely amazing most people on this board think 10 wins is a lofty National Championship goal at this juncture?
So lets continue the gutter expectations like the last 20 years and see how that works out for us!
Go Irish!
JC,
Amen, brother, Amen! Preach it like it is (or at least was when ND had NC hopes every season)!
Absolutely JC!
Feeling good about 10 wins is like loving being in 2nd place in a race and you got beat by a one legged runner
I’d love to see them win 10 or more. I was at ND when one loss felt like a losing season. I also saw how the team morphed from 8-3 to 11-0. I also witnessed the confidence they had in the early 1990s and almost won NC #2 for Holtz.
I don’t feel like Kelly is getting causing a metamorphosis that is required. I feel like whoever is at QB is going to lose confidence each game and start doing what Rees did last year, which was choke in the redzone. And remember, so did the guy he replaced.
I saw the spring game on TV and man, the defense still looks confused. We have some real bright spots like Wood and Atkinson III. Teo is still great in run defense.
But something is still missing and I wonder if it because the school no longer has that feeling. It might be just a rich kid’s school run by a bunch of wimpy limp wristed priests and Coca Cola directors. I don’t know. I just feel like something is missing.
You have to be old enough to notice the difference, but young enough to still care.
I came from the Holtz era, anyone from any other championship eras want to weigh in?
Troy aikman threw with the laces in his palm. Eli manning throws with just his ring and pinky on the laces. All a matter of preference as phil simms says in “phil simms on passing”.
Has anyone heard any rumors of Tee Sheperd coming back to Notre Dame?
NOW OR NEVER
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yq1PXq2egMg
I’m a month late on the Quarterback controversy threads but here goes my take anyway…
I completely agree with all that has been said about Golson getting the nod. His high school numbers and tapes speak for themselves. The “experience” excuse to start Rees is getting quite old. Experience is only a commodity when the “experienced” has proven to succeed. Has Rees really proven to succeed? 12-4 is not bad, however take away Cierre Wood’s 1,000 plus yards great season, and oh yeah Rees was throwing to the best WR in the country in Michael Floyd. Far too many question marks when it comes to Rees and his decision making, and his lack of athleticism in an offense that flourishes around a dual-threat QB is enough of a reason to sign the transfer papers if I were him. Here is a more interesting reason why Kelly needs to pull the trigger on the young talent. Look at the eligibility situations after this season with our current QB’s: Rees has 2 more years, Golson has 3 more years, and Kiel has 3-4 more years (pending a redshirt). I’m disregarding Hendrix at the moment, because I see him as a stereotypical Kelly “talented/safe” back-up QB. If Rees starts there is no doubt that either Kiel or Golson transfer to get well deserved immediate playing time elsewhere. Why would those two want to be in a program that is going to have QB controversies (potentially) for the next 3 years, considering the incoming talented 4-star dual threat QB Malik Zaire heading the Irish Mob ’13. It appears obvious that Kelly has much more to lose by starting Rees, rather than to gain by starting him. Kelly should see the writing on the wall and let Rees go, let him transfer, do what he needs to do and turn over the reigns to his young talent waiting in the wings. Golson, being an instant threat in or outside the pocket, with an excellent offensive line, a proven backfield, and oh yeah the best tight end in college football, he will succeed regardless of how many “heart attacks” he gives Kelly. And even though I hate to propose this possibility…..if Kelly hits the infamous panic button just like USF last year, he has his “talented/safe” backup in Hendrix. Thanks for your time and as always Go Irish!
~Vote Golson 2012
Kelly and his staff are doing an outstanding, outstanding job with recruiting – filling positions of need with top tier talent. HERE COME THE IRISH!! This program has endured a tough stretch, as every program does from time to time, but that is ending. Kelly’s team made improvements in year two and I believe improvement will again be made in year three. As the schedule appears to ease just a bit in 2013 and, as the talent he is bringing in sees the field, look out! To all the “naysayers” out there regarding ND Football, you had better get them this year (with the nation’s toughest schedule) because Notre Dame will be back in the national title picture for many years to come. They will be a legitimate top 10 program – which is exactly where they should be.
Go Irish!
Interesting picture that was used for the Rent like a Champion advertisement.
(Great promotion by the way!)
Take a good long look at #6, and see if you can tell what he is doing wrong?
Shaz,
#6 does not have proper control of the football and #1 above does not have his fingers on the leather laces.
Fumblelacious potential.
JC,
For a team that last year was one of the worst in turn-overs, a picture is worth a thousand words!
Michigan had a runningback a few years back Named Mike Hart. Never really liked the guy. He came off like a classless trash-talker. But I was impressed by the fact that during his career at UM he had like a 1000 carries and only fumbled 2 or 3 times during that entire time.
Someone asked him about it, and he said he was taught the “high & tight” rule when it came to carring the football.
Seems our guys are still going with the loose and low approch.
We have plenty of talent, but if we dont’t address the “little things” they will continue to haunt us.
(By the way, nice catch on #1, I missed that one!)
Actually that is how golson always throws. Gus malzahn (former OC with auburn when they won title) teaches his qbs to not throw with the laces. I also was taught that when i was a kid and it helped me throw spirals everytime.
Payton Manning
Basic Throwing Mechanics
http://www.weplay.com/youth-football/drills/705-Basic-Throwing-Mechanics
NFL Title holder with leather lace grip!
Hahahaha – eh JTRAIN?
Shaz,
I don’t know if you remember Tiki Barber had a fumbling problem until Coughlin took over. If you watch Tiki run after that he always had his hand over the point and the rest of the ball tucked into his arm pit. These back today carry the dam ball likes it’s a loaf of bread. Also, this bullshit of laying the ball out winds up with fumbles. PROTECT THE DAM FOOTBALL AND COVER UP WHEN YOU GET HIT!
OH, yeah, that ball is not tucked into the crotch of the elbow, nor is his hand around the nose. I’ll bet he did fumble that.
Anzalone is IRISH!!
I’ll believe it when he signs an LOI.
Aye me laddies,
My Irish blood is brewing. Anyone think the Irish are not relevant? Think again! 7,500 tickets for the Dublin Ireland opener gone in a matter of hours with 40,000 ND faithful hoping for luck at the gate.
Anyone on the schedule topping this event? Especially considering less than 10,000 students at ND.
http://www.wsbt.com/sports/wsbt-notre-dame-football-irish-still-a-major-draw-20120706,0,5109396.column
WE ARE ND!
Scav,
Go to: http://www.wsbt.com Click on Sports then click on Notre Dame then scroll down to:
Notre Dame football: Still plenty of urgency to playoff details for Swarbrick.
The Orange Bowl is definately on the radar screen however not cast in granite yet but highly likely with Swarbrick’s involvement. A good thing could very well align here.
Go Irish!
The Pac 12 & The Big 10 in the Rose, the SEC & the Big 12 in the Champions Bowl, the ACC and NOTRE DAME in the Orange Bowl?????
Wouldn’t that be something if ND could have a tie-in to a BCS Bowl.
This is the rumor floating around, how valid is it?
now or never
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6-3IsNIbo_0&feature=watch-now-button&wide=1
I hope to see Golson take the field in the opener Sept 3 against USF.
You would need a time machine to see that happen.
According to UHND, our opener is Sept 3 against USF. I was poking fun at this site for not updating the schedule. 🙂
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JjYeREIHCsw&feature=related
Gentleman,
I will again say it mark it down send a postcard to the Brian Kelly, IF THE QB SUCKS THE OFFENSE WILL SUCK AND ND WILL GO THROUGH ANOTHER 8-5 SEASON. Now that I have again made that point let me state how I feel the season should end up
Navy: If you don’t win I will stop watching
Purdue: Come on it’s Purdue, put a beat down on them
Michigan: Brady Hoke is overrated. Denard goes down so does Michigan
Michigan State: Good defense new QB better win this one
Miami: Good team but young with no QB. Shoud win this also.
Standford: Overratted also. Take Andrew Luck out and they are 8-5
BYU: Should beat ND has better atheletes
Oklahoma: Great QB will have trouble if they are unable to get pressure on him.
Pitt: PLEASE. Should beat by two td’s if not I will be disappointed
BC: JOKE
Wake Forest: Again you should beat them easily in your own building
USuCk: I hate the Trojans, Matt Barkley and that douche Lame Kiffin. First they are way overrated, Second they are thin and one injury will be an issue and finally that defense was less than impressive last year. ND played like sh*t in the first half and was only down by a td that they were going in for the tying score when Dayne fumbled. I expect it to be a tough game and a possible win for the Irish.
Now with my schedule comments 10-2, is the worst record they should have. They are more talented than 10 of the 12 teams they are playing. They need to step up and start to put a beat down on these teams.
Finally I would like to relay a story. I was dropping my kid off at summer camp. I was wearing my ND Football shirt when a girl asked me if I was a fan. I said yes and she replied that she is crossing her fingers praying for a winning season. The girl was about 19 which tells me she has never seen a dominant ND team. That is sad! There is no reason why they can’t win and play with teams period.
The book on Kelly
Not sure how much stock anyone puts into “Trends” but here is BK’s most recent coaching history.
Grand Valley State
1999: 5-5
2000: 7-4
2001: 13-1
2002: 14-0
2003: 14-1
Central Michigan
2004: 4-7
2005: 6-5
2006: 9-4
Cincinnatti
2007: 10-3
2008: 11-3
2009: 12-0
Notre Dame
2010: 8-5
2011: 8-5
2012: ???
Most are aware that in 2011, Based on a few seconds and a couple of plays, ND probably should have finished 9-3 or even 10-2.
Not making any predictions, just providing some interesting info which may help you in drawing your own conclusions for 2012.
I’ve mentioned in other posts that ND was in every game last year for the 1st time in over 20 years and their biggest problem was not the other team, but themselves.
This is the year they are going to get over the hump and make some positive noise in college football.
Amen, JC, Amen!
We need to get back to some boldness. Reasonable boldness, but boldness nonetheless. I think 10-2 (with at least one upset road win) plus a BCS bowl win makes for an exciting season.
9-3 (with a couple of big wins, whether at home or away) plus a bowl win makes for a good season.
8-4, even with a third-tier bowl win, is mediocre at best. We’ve done perfected mediocrity at ND over the last almost 20 years. Like JC says, enough already of the FUBAR.
Go Irish!
I also agree with you. Why can’t this team win 10 games? They have just as much talent as any team they are playing.
The naysayers are assuming that Michigan, Michigan State, Oklahoma, and USC are going to be losses. We were dominating Michigan for most of the game, we did dominate Michigan State, and we were in the game with USC.
I truly believe we will beat Michigan and Michigan State this year and we will have a shot against USC and OK. I also believe we will win every other game on the schedule.
Scav,
Sorry, 8-4 is not an exciting year regardless of who earns the QB starting job! We’ve already been 8-5 for two years and you assume too much. None of the great recruiting matters if it doesn’t start to pay off. Lets not lay a litmus outcome on Golson; he deserves better. This is Kelly’s coaching mess to straighten out. And so far, it has been a bad case of coaching FUBAR. So the blame game this year is fully on the coaching not the players.
Further, 8-4 is not even a goal for improvement. I generally like most of your posts but lets get real. Sugar coating failure is beyond the pale and 8-4 will be a failed season under direction of lousy Head Coach if your pronostication rings true. ND will not surprise anyone at 8-4.
We might as well through a wet blanket on the season now. Hard to believe with all the great talent on this team only generates a mediocre 8-4 prediction from you?
I respect your opinion and I respectfully disagree.
Go Irish!
Sorry for the confusion, but I have said in other posts that I expect a lot more from this team. I guess what I was trying to say is there would be a little more grace with Golson and his mistakes.
The 8-4 talk comes from all the opinions of the “experts” who think ND doesn’t stand a chance against this schedule. I think ND has a chance to beat anyone on the schedule including USC and Oklahoma.
I know the recruiting means nothing unless they are developed, but what I was referring to is the buzz that is being generated by the recruits themselves. We shouldn’t have this kind of buzz after the way the season ended, but we are. It makes me wonder what is going on behind the scenes.
Maybe these kids are starting to buy into Kelly and Co.
With the commitment of LB Danny Mattingly, Scout has moved this class up to #3 in the country. I know a lot can happen before signing day, but this class seems tight and recruits seem to want to be part of it.
I love the fact that Zaire is taking the recruiting lead on offense and Smith is taking the recruiting lead on defense. These guys are helping this class out and others are buying into the “IrishMob13”.
Now, if Kelly would just pull the plug on Rees once and for all. I think most of us on this board would except a team that goes 8-4 IF Golson is the QB and we start to see the offense that Kelly used at Cincy. None of us will be pleased if we go 8-4 with Rees at QB with the same old limited play on offense.
I’m excited for this season because these players are going to be tested each and every week which bodes well for years to come. Also, I think ND is going to surprise a lot of people and I predict an upset from this team this year. What I don’t understand is why a lot of people are counting the game against Michigan State as a loss. Didn’t we pound them into the ground last year when they had what some say was their best QB ever?
Looking forward to an exciting year from the Irish.
I have read and understand where the writer is coming from, but I don’t agree that Rees will be anywhere in the picture. I think he just wrote his death note with last year’s plays and the party time he just had put him further out. Which I am glad actually.
I see Hendrix as an alright QB, but more of a back up not a starter.He shows some promise, yet lacks the drive at times. I feel that Golson has this. Heart attack or not, it can’t be any worse than the Heart attacks that Rees was giving Kelly and the rest of us last year. Throwing that many INT’s in one game to a team that we should have beat was like a joke! I know Tommy didn’t throw all of them, but he made up for the ones he didn’t throw in that game in games that followed.
As for Kiel, After seeing what Rees got himself into, I think Kiel wil not red shirt, Just a hunch, but I feel that Keely will want to have him available when needed. I see Kelly putting him in late when Golson has games already won, so as to get him some experience. But I really feel that Golson will get the nod at QB this time.
If they trot Rees out there September 1st and we don’t win 10 games this year, I will be officially over Kelly..
I will cheer Rees on as he was asked to take on a tall order his freshman season and he is part of the team. No more excuses though. I have watched the spring game probably 10 times and I just can’t see a reason not to play Golson from the get go. Let players play! Did you know denard Robinson had as many turnovers as Rees last year. Difference? Robinson is a playmaker. 3rd and 5 with nobody open…still a good chance he tucks n runs and picks it up. Rees?…the result is either 4th and 5 or 10 or 15….OR its 1st and 10 with good field position for the bad guys.
Do the right thing kelly…..
JTRAIN,
When it comes to Rees, Kelly, and deciding on a starting QB, perhaps we should consider this Stat:
“Red Zone Scoring Percentage”
In 2011, the team with the best red zone scoring percentage (#1) in college football was Stanford at: 96.83%
Where did ND rank last year with Rees?
How about 82nd in the nation at 77.08%
This stat can be somewhat misleading depending on the level of competion, Home vs away games, and the strenth of the defenses that your team faces.
But it is hard for me not to think that with a true, duel threat QB running our offense, that ND wouldn’t at least have been somewhere in the top 50.
How many more wins would this equate to?
Not sure.
But considering last year’s final record, even one more win may have at least helped in us keeping a couple of important recruits that decided to bolt at the last minute.
“Ara, Dan & Lou”
Memorable College football upsets:
TCU 17 – Oklahoma 10 (2005)
(Annual enrollment at TCU =9,500 students / Oklahoma = 25,850 students)
Cincinnatti 17 – Wisconsin 12 (1999)(Badgers Had Heismen Throphy winner Ron Dayne)
Boise St 43- Oklahoma 42(OT) 2007 Fiesta Bowl
(2006 recruiting rankings: Oklahoma= 7th, Boise St= 78th)
(1AA) Appalachain St 34 / Michigan 32 (2007)(at Michigan)
(App St football stadium Capacity = 23,150 – Michigan stadium capacity= 109,901)
You won’t find TCU, Cincinatti, Boise St. or App State anywhere in the top 20 in recruiting. But these schools all built winning programs, and pulled off some very impressive upsets along the way.
How do they do it?
Much like the days of Ara, Dan, & Lou, their players BELIEVE in their head coaches, their systems, and each other.
I BELIEVE ND has more than enough talent to beat anyone on their schedule this year.
But it is up to Kelly & Co. to get the players to buy in 100% on what they are selling.
Get the players to BELIEVE, then the fans will BELIEVE, and then we will make America BELIEVE too!
Anything can be done. It used to be OUR tradition… and I want it back!
NOW OR NEVER
10 weeks!!
Well said JC. I too grew up watching the Irish during the Ara, Devine, and Holtz eras and developed high expectations for Notre Dame Football. I certainly don’t expect the Irish to win every game and play in the national title game every year. That is simply unrealistic, particularly with the level of parity we now see in major college football. However, my expectations do include a Notre Dame football team that plays at a consistently high level every year (top 15 program year in and year out) and plays for the national title on occasion with players who are quality individuals who represent the university well and graduate. I realize some may consider my expectations unrealistic but Notre Dame is a special place.
Go Irish!
Amen JTRAIN,
ND is a labor of love for most of us on this board. For me personally, it is extremely difficult for me to except ND will not be considered a title contender this year and every year! Growing up with Ara, Devine, Holtz and being part of the ND family makes it all the more painful the past is gone.
Moving forward to new horizons may be easier for most who don’t have the national title tradition haunting them. Not sure having the highest expectations and demanding the very best every year qualifies as an eternal optimist. However, I will always have the highest expectations for ND regardless of the outcome for WE ARE ND!
Go Irish!
I am not naive enough to think that all teams that are successful are all rainbows and butterflies. Where everyone is happy and love each other. I understand they all have their challenges and obstacles they must overcome. JC kind of made my whole point about lynch. The kid had a great opportunity sitting in his lap. He was already a star player on a team that has true nat’l reach. There had to be some some deeply rooted desire to leave and walk away from all of that. I wish him the best but as someone said above this could be the start of a bad trend for aaron. He set his career back much farther than i believe he realizes.
Thing is now it is easier to up and just leave for these kids. Everyone is on tv now so exposure is not an issue. The parity in college football is better than its ever been because these coaches so much more access to talent in parts of the country they never had before. So leaving to go to a good team isn’t much problem either. Transfers are not going away. Everybody has to deal with it. I just don’t feel leadership had anything to do with lynch leaving.
BK has done some things that I really like and some things that I wish he had gone another direction. Then again I am not at the practices I don’t see the day to day stuff. So I am just trusting the fact he is doing the right thing for the program. Don’t get me wrong though, if we are still discussing an 8-5 record for the 5th time in a row 3yrs from now. I will be arm and arm with everyone looking for “the new guy”.
This season is huge. We have some really good teams on the schedule and we will see how BK has this team aligned with the top teams in the country. Going to be a fun ride! I love this schedule its what its all about to be an ND fan. Gotta show up every week.
I really do enjoy this board. Lots of different views and for the most part we keep it civil.
Oh yeah one last thing
GO IRISH!!!
That is why there is always hope.
One last thought – I guess the bottom line is for me is this whole discussion board is really based on the topic of character. Fans hold onto to the essence of what this football program used to really represent. The whole program had true character and they were truly hated wherever they went to play. Through Our Ladys guiding hand and used as a tool – against all odds – some odds quite impossible this Irish squad won! It was a moral and spiritual afformation of all that this university used to stand for in good season and in bad. Thats a very good thing to an extent because it was noble and very real and it still is but now only exists in theroy and folklore. In todays age, in the administrations mind, and in reality – the days of Rudy are over. They aint coming back in all likelihood. This university went from a beacon of hope to all – including most especially those with little or no money but with much determination and desire to a typical research facility. Thats the fact Jack.
Can things change? Certainly, but there is a basic mantra or maxim as it were that remains – As the offensive line goes – so goes Notre Dame… and as Our Lady requests, so goes Notre Dame as long as she complies with Her wishes.
Faith in God, His son and His Mother is what made Notre Dame the beacon of faith it is associated with not to mention the extension of that light for all the country to see typified on the football gridiorn. To not believe that represents a failure to understand why folks are a fan of ND football to begin with.
Although he’ll be exciting — If EG#5 starts… then Gunner could be on the bench until he is a Sr.
On a lighter side… http://m.youtube.com/#/watch?desktop_uri=%2Fwatch%3Fv%3DCqUtFGgrNPo%26feature%3Dyoutu.be&feature=youtu.be&v=CqUtFGgrNPo&gl=US
Chris i feel ya man. I too am tired of getting my hopes up only to be let down with a crashing thud within a couple weeks into the season. BUT I can’t help but be excited. I love me some ND football. Yeah they have really only been good for about 7 years of my football watching life but every season is like christmas as a child. The anticipation of what you’re going to get is half the fun. Look we are as close to a top tier team as we have been in a long long time. Imagine if we would have had this defense in 05-06. I for one am not that worried about the secondary. Better athletes than we had back there last year and I think Jamoris Slaughter is major playmaker and a good leader. He will have those boys locked in back there.
I actually disagree with you about lynch though. Yeah he was talented but everything I have seen about the whole situation feels like he was a bit of a cancer. The fight with Nichols was not an isolated incident. Sounds like Nichols exposed him for not being as tough as his mouth would lead people to believe. We will be just fine without him. I want guys that are all in on this team like our friend Louis Nix in the video link above. I mean the guy committed when we didn’t even have a coach!
JTRAIN – If only you knew about the internal struggles on the offensive line back in the late 80’s and early 90’s under Lou – you would think different.
The real difference is back then, these struggles under great leadership, built true young men and strengthened their character – now they are simply disgarded and players are allowed to leave because they are not positive although the struggles they playout in drama on the practice field are actually the same attributes of players past if guided and encouraged in a proper form.
The more things change the more they resemble the same….
Yeah, absolutely Lou would have worked overtime to salvage Lynch and his damn poor vainglorious attitude.
As I said in the past, BK likes the guy in the mirror 1st. Favorite players 2nd!
I myself considered Lynch one of those “once in a generation” type players that has the ability to take over a game almost single handed.
But it should bear remembering that we still have a guy named Kapron Lewis Moore.
Before KLM’s season ending injury last year he was really coming on strong.
An upper classmen, team player, and loads of experience may allow him to really surprise some people this year in Lynch’s absence. (if in fact he is fully recovered)
As far as Lynch, and his reasons for leaving ND (home sick / girl friend)
I have to wonder if he has a father in his life and if so the level of their relationship.
As a father myself I know you want your kid to happy.
But once you leave high you’er not a kid any more.
Having a scholarship from ND that you signed your name to is no small thing.
If I had been Lynch, my father would have told me what it means to stand behind your word. To fullfill you obligations, and to start earning an honorable reputation.
Quiting on your word, your team mates, and your school often leads to quiting on other endevors in life.
And that’s a bad habit to get into.
I can only think back to the scores of under classmen who also contimplated leaving ND at one time or another only to stay and stick it out.
To a man they will tell you that staying was the best decision they ever made.
I need to ask what you fellows think of the possible move to the Big 12.
Spice,
Not a good conference, already short two teams. Yeah, their wish list includes ND and Florida State. Not going to happen albeit, we are on everyones wish list.
All conferences would love to divy up our TV contract funds. Interestingly enough, there is really zero monetary incentive for ND to join any conference. Unless your one of those fair and balance guys? Hahaha.
Further, NBC would not stick around to watch a conference at the same payout for exclusive coverage. Dream land for those conferences that can’t add.
Unfortunately, if we continue to be mediocre for the next ten years and NBC bails on us.
It will probably force us to join the united way conference. Not good!
I no longer support joining a conference. I support winning a National Championship to continue our heritage. The big boys love playing us out of conference. Just look at this years schedule and beyond!
Ask yourself, how many mediocre teams are in a conference as a door matt for 2 or 3 winning teams to step on?
Definately boring year in and year out for those teams who never win a conference title.
Plus, their share of the pot is hardly worth it not to mention the winning record teams are jumping around to other conferences in search of more money. Including some routine title winners where perching at the top was deemed no longer profitable enough.
It’s all about the money, so we are currently at the top of the pay scale for now. In my view, our best bet is to remain independent and start winning titles soon to protect our tradition and status in Division I Football.
Today, most of these so-called Big Conferences are just one big facade of instability. The grass always looks greener on the other side.
WE ARE ND! Independence forever!!
Were the Big 12 to land Florida State…and the move to 16 team superconferences come to fruition, then the Big 12 is the best option I think. First, it would get us in the Texas and Florida recruiting zones. Second, they allow each team to keep Tier 3 TV rigts so ND could do its own network like Texas has. ACC (especially if they lose FSU) isnt really up to par. While the Big 10 is geographically good, it will limit recruiting. And, in the event they go to 16 team conferences our chances of scheduling good teams gets slimmer. I would trade Purdue for Oklahoma any day. Also, the Big 12 already has two small private church based schools in Baylor and TCU.
Now dont get me wrong. I hope we manage to stay independent. In fact, I had hoped the recent conference swapping and Texas selfishness would lead to a few more broad appeal teams going independent. Texas, USC, maybe FSU and/or Miami, BYU, ND and maybe a couple others could strive as independents and have a loose agreement to play each other…maybe even for some non-football league. That would be awesome.
But, in the event our hand is forced, i would prefer the big 12 over the other options.
Delta,
Think about this…
From what I have read, the old BCS system is out, and a new “Best 4 teams, conference champions, strentgh of schedule, and selection committee” will soon determine who gets into those
4 playoff spots, is now in.
I think the days of the big shot conference teams loading up (and beating up) on non-conference cupcakes to start their season is over.
(Thank God!)
ND, as a high profile Independent, should now have “pick of the litter” in scheduling, as these conference teams will now be looking to bolster their schedules or risk missing out on the playoffs.
(The calls have probably already started coming in)
Isn’t great being an Independent!
Any thoughts?
(Always enjoy your point of view.)
Delta,
Based on your multiple “ifs,” I would agree with your forced hand assessment.
On the other hand, Shaz just gave a stellar assessment why we should remain independent.
Clearly, it seems contingent upon ND winning a title soon! Hopefully, that would enable us to remain at the table to guide our own destiny.
Only the positive test of time will tell.
Go Irish!
Again not an optomist here, but poor QB play killed this team last year. Clean up the QB play and there is no reason they can’t win 10 games. The only games I see the secondary being a liability is Oklahoma and USC. The other teams they play have sub par QB’s and if the Cooks can teach a DB to look back for the ball the only thing Robinson will be able to do is run. The huge question is QB and right now that is why I am not really confident about the season. It can go from a 10-2 to a 5-7 really fast. Until he picks a QB and I watch the first two games will I get a gauge on the season and be able to really get an idea of what their final record will be. QB play and great coaching gets you at least 9 wins in College Football.
Amen SteelfanRob,
I agree on 10 wins or BK will be label a 12-0 one hit wonder with the door staring him in the face at .500. Chris as you know I have NOT been a fan of BK since day one. However, I am without question impressed with the team talent but with fingers crossed under BK’s direction.
Rest assurded Chris, I’ll be the 1st naysayer out of the box this year if we don’t make stated positive progress as advocated by Rob and myself and others. Daylight is burning BK, lets get it done “All Most This Year!”
I refuse not to have high expectations.
WE ARE ND!
JC –
We have agreed and spared several times over the years, but I know you are forever an optimist much like myself and in the end a true ND fan because we vent with the positive and the negative.
I am telling you for certain, BK must make a personal decision this year and either be a coach 100% or fall in line with his seeming fondness of being in love of simply being a CEO of a once very formidable football program.
ND knew what they were getting when they hired this guy. I think ultimately the university felt that once hired, they could mold him more into a respectible representative of the university while maintaining a somewhat statement appearence for the football fans and continued endowments. It seems to be playing out as such, much to the dismay of this fan…
Amen Chris,
We have surely seen one or two people come and go on this site that don’t like the the unvarnished truth.
Go Irish!
chris,
Allow me to strike an intermediate position between you and the so-called optimists.
I agree with many of your points, but I think that this team has more talent that it has had in a long, long time, as JC, Shaz, and others have pointed out. I believe that we’ll see some or all of that talent come together this season.
Having said that, I don’t think it’s realistic to believe ND can win a NC this season or make it to a BCS bowl. I agree the loss of Lynch is daunting. I also agree the schedule is brutal. And then there’s always the X factor, namely, BK. Will BK finally start to look like the guy who took UC to a 12-0 record and a BCS bowl? Or will he look like the BK of the last 2 seasons at S. Bend? If the former, I think ND shocks a lot of folks, including you and me, chris, and goes 10-2 and plays in a BCS game. If the latter, then you’re right, .500 will be more like it.
I’d like to see the Irish go no worse than 9-3 in the regular season (with at least one upset victory!) and win its bowl game to finish 10-3 and on a high note. That way ND can gain even more momentum in its recruiting and have higher hopes for 2013.
Just my opinion. Go Irish!
Hey – lets hope so! Just saying until they show it – hold yer water.
Been a fan since 1973 when I was old enough to really know what ND football was all about. Still a fan but been around the block watching ND football without my red wagon. Had 2 brothers that were graduated from ND – knew the venerable one Joe Moore…. I know what I see and I know Irish football.
Loved BK coming in – thought he was definitely the right hire. He simply is not the same coach he was on the sidelines at Cincy – he has been co-opted by the PC folks at ND which are legion.
I always hope for the best and hope for surprizes because that is what college football is all about especially where football found its true lore in South Bend IN!
Just keeping people honest on the records and the play on the field recently. Talent is better – but its must materialize on the field better toot sweet! There should be much much more of a sense of urgency exhibited by BK – but it has fell off the radar after the first year.
Bottom line – GO IRISH!
Guys, if we are talking just talent alone, we aren’t that good in skill positions besides running back. I’m not sure what you all are seeing with this so called ‘good talent’ across the board.
QB – Rees has peaked and is average. Hendrix has the tools but hasn’t applied them and may be a little bit of a head case in the game because the decision making isn’t the best but that will come with more experience. Golson appears to have the most talent but hasn’t take a snap in a game so you just don’t know what you will get out of him.
WR – This position scares me the most. Nobody is even close to filling Floyd’s shoes. When John Goodman is your potential #1 receiver this year, wow that is scary to think about. TJ was non-existent last year. Daniels appears he may step up but doesn’t have any game experience. Riddick probably needs to stay at receiver to give us at least one good playmaker out there. The one receiver I really do like is Roby Toma. Dude catches everything thrown to him, but won’t ever be a threat after the catch. And to think we will probably be breaking in a brand new QB with a not so good receiving corp is very scary. Btw, I’m not considering Eifert in this convo of receivers but he will be huge this year. He is the best tight end in the country.
DBs – Similar to one of the earlier posts I read, I’m going to break my TV if I see one more DB not look back for the effing ball when it’s in the air. This has to be on the coaches. Blanton was the only guy in the last few years that actually looked back for the ball when it was thrown to defend the pass. We are very inexperienced at this position already, but we need to see some better coaching of our DBs this year. Let’s see some interceptions.
Our O-Line, D-Line, and Linebackers will be fine, although I think Teo is a little overrated at times. Sure his tackles are up there, but I’ve seen balls thrown right to him and he doesn’t catch it, and also he seems to be out of position at times. He is nothing like that kid that just came out of BC, Luke Kuechly or something like that. That dude was around the ball almost every single play. I don’t see this out of Teo. He is still better than most though.
Special Teams is a toss up this year. We’ll see how the season goes. I hope our return team gets a chance though with this stupid rule being added. To take Atkinson out of the game on returns would really suck.
Awful lot of optimism going on here which is repeated every year on this and other ND sites in summer prior to fall. It is good to see but it is really not based in reality when you take an objective look at how the Irish have played these recent past years. This year is no exception. Still no proven leader at QB, a coach who is really unproven at ND thus far, rapidly becoming more of a university rep and sees his decisions more in a political manner than as a football coach and a secondary that is woefully inexperienced and thin to say the least.
I would love to see Golson handed the job and backed up at the highest level as I beleive he is the only one currently that can provide a spark similar to a Robinson at MI which has the possibility to change the entire landscape of attitude on this team and win record. But, aint no way BK will do this in fear of repercussions on him due to the inexperience of Golson. Got to take the good with the bad in that situation and have confidence in the kid and build around a guy like Golson BK will start Hendrix no question. He will take the safe route and its an easier and safer decision as Rees will not be in the picture at least at the start of the season.
In my mind – the Irish have nothing to lose and everything to gain going with Golson. Teams throughout the college football landscape are starting a ton of talented inexperience Freshmen and overall having tremendous success doing it. ND is still behind the curve in this area and I believe it has more to do with BK’s ego than anything else.
Ultimately though, with a brutal – brutal upcoming schedule, the loss of Lynch which is bigger than a lot of folks think, an almost transparent secondary and still no real leader in the driver seat at QB for the Irish, it certainly tempers the optimism that I too get suckered into every year as the season approaches but that is the true reality I think. I hope they are at least .500 this year. Also – contrary to some thoughts that SC is not all they should be this year at depth and talent, watch out! Hate SC but thats a loss this year.
JC,
Tim Brown???
Could have probably brought in Buster Brown, Bobby Brown, or even Charlie Brown and generated better results!
Seemed to me that Kelly just threw the towel in on developing a punt return game and went the safe route with Goodman. (for the entire season)
We finally did get to see Michael Floyd field a few at the very end there.
Probably Floyds initiative in attempting to save a pathetic situation.
That, or BK’s way of fending off the media dogs and trying to save face.
I am certainly no head coach, but you would think it would be in the best interest of your football team to have atleast one of your safety’s or corner’s be able to field punts.
You know, a defensive secondary player who could provide support in case of a fake punt, as well as being able to handle a punt if the ball was indeed kicked away.
Remember Tom Zibikowski?
Football 101 my friend.
Shaz,
I like it when you get on the war path! Stop it some more!!
Go Irish!
JC,
I have never encountred a ND head coach so baffelling at times than BK.
It’s like Jeckel and Hyde.
I think he is an exceptional recruiter and like his commitment toward the defense.
I have seen significant improvement in our tackelling, blocking, and running game.
But then we take a step backwards in special teams.
Almost last in the country in turnovers.
And some of the most headscratching play calling I have ever witnessed at times.
The best I can figure (and I don’t want to sound like I am making excuses for the man)
is the “Not found anywhere else” ND History, traditions, and spiritual influence was such a significant culture shock and bigger challange than what Kelly had ever experienced at Cincinnatti (or anywhere else) and has caused him to take a little more time to adjust to and settle into.
I think that aspect of the job is more complex than people understand.
Lets remember he never was a student, player, or Assistant coach here.
Nothing against the University of Cincinnatti, but UC and ND are worlds apart in terms of History and prestige.
Even Ara and Lou experienced a few growing pains when it came to understanding the true meaning of the University of Notre Dame.
How to capture it, embrace it, and utilize it to it’s fullest.
I do still believe Kelly will find his grove here.
I just really hope it starts this year for him.
Shaz,
Amen to that, we need to bring in Tim Brown to give some serious instruction on returning punts. I also think we definately have a chance for more kick returns that will demonstrate last year was not a singular fluke.
Definately like the talent and skilled players we have this year on paper too! My greatest concern is, will BK translate all this talent into atleast 10 wins or more? There is no question he can recruit outstanding talent. However, outstanding coaching has not arrived yet.
Go Irish!
Coach Kelly’s track record for instilling confidence in his teenage, college qb’s is awful. Crist named starter for 1/2 before coach Kelly changed his mind. That makes playing qb at ND even harder when your Head Coach doesn’t believe in you and at any point after any mistake you might be bench for the rest of your career. Lets pick our QB, hopefully Golston gets picked. He has the talent. Maybe he needs to be coached and if he is a ND kid he has to be somewhat mature and intelligent. So, Coach Kelly might have to actually coach a little to prepare him for the season.
I am down this yr b/c of all the talent we had last yr and with Kelly’s decision making with reese and how bad we played. We lost a lot. including the HUGE, HUGE, Huge loss of Aaron lynch. But just maybe a well coach golston (which I believe Coach Kelly can do if he gets focused on the right things) Can provide enough of a dynamic on offense that we can suprise a few teams and have the first successful season since weiss’s first season. Go ND! Good Luck to all ND QB”S
Shaz,
I agree, we need the fullback spot to shine this year coupled with our excellent talent at RB getting it done. 200 yards rushing and a 125 yards (error free hahaha) passing would be fine with me; without Rees of course.
Plus a defensive shutout along the way this year.
Further, I’m impressed with what we have for team talent this year. Again, you got to be blind, dum and stupid not to take advantage of the serious talent on table this year.
You know, the most difficult coaching event is team unity. Once that mojo is achieved you can climb mountains with average players let alone the great talent we have now. So, BK is definately in the ND spotlight “hot seat” more than ever this year. Get the best players on the field BK without fail and you will win! Even Mike Brey got a new 10 year contract. Your’s is waiting BK with 10 wins or more.
WE ARE ND!
JC,
The team looks pretty solid accross the board.(At least on paper)
There really are only a few areas that I am concerned about at this time.
Our punting, kick offs, and field Goal kicking has regressed some last year from the previous year.
Of course our secodary is a concern with youth and inexperience, but there is good speed and talent there.
And if I see John Goodman in punt return waving for ANOTHER fair catch I’m going to throw a brick through my TV!
With all the speed, talent, and versitillity assembled on this team, we should NEVER have to endure that agian!
If Kelly insists on putting Goodman out there on punt returns agian this year, I say we would be better off just rushing all 11 guys and try to block every punt.
If we don’t block it then just take it where ever it stops and move on.
Fair catch after fair catch by Goodman is nothing more than complete surrender!
To hell with that!
I can’t stand John Goodman…
I have a question. I noticed that new recruit Jaylon Smith has a 2.9 GPA (Source is Rivals). If that is true, then I want to know if Notre Dame has historically taken in kids with that low of a GPA? I’m not saying 2.9 is a bad GPA, but being the University that Notre Dame is, it seems like that is low.
spiceyirish,
Jaylon’s GPA is now 3.6 as of March 20, 2012 reported by bleacher report. Rivals is outdated 2011 information.
Depends on what GPA they are reporting on. The NCAA only cares about your core GPA (math, English, science etc.). Some kids have an overall GPA over 4.0 now but the core is all that matters for eligibility.
Thanks for the clarification. I would hate to see this kid transfer after a year because he couldn’t make the grade.
– if you are MOVED to respond to my above entry. (typo)
Please respond to this entry, if you are mocked to respond to my above entry. I forgot to check the “Notify me of follow-up comments” in the above entry. Thank you!
Last CHAMPION ND-QB? Tony Rice. Am I the only one who sees Golson’s athleticism mirrors Tony Rice’s proficiency? Poor Tommy (Rees) choked off-the-field and should suffer accordingly. I feel really bad for Gunner Keil – apparently a very skilled traditional QB. Kelly’s O ain’t traditional. Hendrix impressed me. He seems to have better command of Kelly’s O than Tommy & Gunner. But there’s just an “X-factor” about Golson (and his resemblance to Tony Rice) that I find convincing. I’m sold. GO GOLD & GO GOLSON!
Really excited to to see this kid on the field. http://m.youtube.com/watch?v=o0OF2U_BmLg
Lets just get the playmakers on the field. Golson with guys like Neal, Atkinson, Riddick, Wood,and Carlisle on the field at any given time…pick your poison.
Without question, Everett Golson should be the starter. Rees has reached his peak, and it’s not good. Hendrix is a head case, meaning he works too fast and won’t just settle into the game. He would ultimately end up being a turnover machine unless he settles down. Kiel isn’t ready and needs to redshirt.
Pretty simple decision, imo…
For his part in an underage drinking charge, Rees will probably be suspended for at least the first two games of the up coming season.
Unless unforeseen injuries occure at the QB spot, Kiel will probably be Red Shirted for this season.
That will leave the QB duties to Golson and Hendrix.
Golson will win the starting job, and behind a awesome O-Line, he will put up some very impressive numbers both rushing and passing and never look back.
Rees will transfer, Hendrix will hold the clipboard eventually getting passed on the depth chart by Kiel.
Kelly likes to hold his decision on his starting QB so they all continue to work hard and stay focused during the off season.
Nothing wrong with that.
I just hope the starter IS named at least 2 weeks prior to the start of the season.
As far as Golson giving Kelly heart attacks, if the kid can make plays with his legs, it will force defenses to play “Honest” thus making Golsons’ decision process a bit easier.
My only concerns with Golson is he has had issues with fumbling, and also if his 6’0″, 185 lb frame can hold up for the entire season.
If he can keep those two issues in check, I see no reason that ND can’t compete against anybody on their schedule, and have a great year.
Shaz,
I share your concern about Golson’s durability for the whole season. Robinson at Michigan is a likely comparison. However, Golson seems slightly better built.
In my view, I would rather see Kiel #2 (Kiel probably the most durable QB) with Hendrix # 3 for this year.
I like JTRAIN, let’s get the best talent on the field NOW!
Go Irish!
Plus, no need to red shirt Kiel with Zaire coming in next year.
Golson, Kiel and Zaire are the future of ND football!
Go Irish!
JC,
Perhaps Golson will come back from summer break at 6’0″ 195, having added 10 lbs of muscle.
I think it would make a big difference in his game, durability, and in his confedence.
I liked Hendrix right up until his interception in the spring game.
He was looking at his reciever in the huddle while he was calling the play.
Then he followed him with his eyes right up to the line of scrimage.
He sayed locked on to him through the snap.
Hendrix never once looked off the defense on that play.
Not once.(I didn’t like that)
The linebacker stayed at home and just waited for the ball to come right to him. Very easy pick.
Was that a one time error in judgement by a young QB or poor coaching?
(Remember, this was the same coaching staff in the same game, that had Tommy Rees run an option play that resulted in a fumble. Still don’t understand that call)
You just can’t be so fundamentally unsound and expect to be a successful passer against the level of talent that ND plays.
USC committed to Barkley for 4 streight years, as did Stanford with Andrew Luck and we know how that turned out for them.
It would be interesting to see ND do the same with Kiel.
Late in the spring game he(Kiel) ran one right up the middle… and right over a linebacker.
That play has really stuck with me.
Hadn’t seen a QB do that since Tim Tebow.
And we all know what Tebow did for Florida!
Great tougness and leadership.
I think Kiel has that.
And that is something that can’t always be taught.
Kelly and his staff finally have a lot of diverse choices at QB.
Now lets see if he can make the right one, and put him in a posistion to win!
Amen Shaz,
Really, our QB talent is now stacked. I mean, you got blind, dum and stupid not to make this group of talented players shine: Golson, Kiel and Zaire next year.
Especially with one of the best offensive lines in the country this year.
Shaz, don’t tell me you could not complete a pass behind this O-line!
What about it Shaz?
Go Irish!
JC,
It’s offten been said that a good running game is a QB’s best friend.
Looking at our runningback depth chart, this is quickly becoming another area where talent is stacking up.
We all know about Cierre Wood, Theo Riddick, and Georde Atkinson III, and what they can do.
(Add in a shifty running QB like Golson and it starts to get scary good!)
But my interest is really peaked with the return of Cam Roberson, and the additions of Amir Carlisle,(USC Transfer) KeiVarae Russell, and Will Mahone.
I have always liked the big bruising backs like a Jerome Bettis, Reggie Brooks, or more recently, Jonas Gray.
I am hopeful Mahone can fill that roll, and even perhaps, be paired with the likes of a Wood, GA-3, or Amir Carlisle, recreating the long lost “Thunder & Lightling” backfields that great ND teams of glory seasons past were once famous for!
The 300+ yards passing games of Brady Quinn & Jimmy Clausen were great, but they didn’t win Championships.
I enjoy the big rushing games even more.
Let’s hope we have a lot of them this year!
kelly is not a good decision maker. he will struggle with who should be the qb. if reese is eligible for the navy game ,he will be the qb. golson will transfer, kiel will redshirt and the beat goes on. irish lose to more athletic teams and finish with 5 or 6 losses. if i was golson i would have to consider transferring under this scenario. i just dont think kelly has the balls for this job.
If Rees starts they should fire Kelly immediately if not sooner
D-Train 65,
If your scenario with Rees becomes a reality, then BK needs to go out the door with Rees this year. Golson needs to stay with Zaire pushing Golson for playing time. BK can not allow the inferior Rees skill set to continue with all the deep talent we have now. If BK can’t get over Rees then it is painfully obvious both need to go period. The urgency to win a title is not just about two individuals nor can ND afford or allow poor judgement to continue in the face of the great team talent we have now.
Therefore, BK will have little to zero lattitude to blame players as in the past. Somewhere in the equation real coaching has to emerge at some point and this is definately a critical year three. The blame game won’t work anymore so just win BK, no more excuses!
WE ARE ND!
Ooops, add Kiel and Hendrix pushing Golson for playing time also.
WE ARE ND! (and Michigan’s NOT)
What kind of article is this? I like uhnd.com quite a bit. But this article is horrid. MONTHS after the sprig game all Mr. O’Leary can write is that the competition would APPEAR to be between Rees, Hendrix, and Golson! Really?!?! Thank you for the insight!
I am not one to post negative comments. In fact, this is the first comment I have posted on this site. However, go to uhnd.com every day. Usually there aren’t articles. I understand completely. When they are pieces I enjoy reading them…usually. This report was horrid.
Two months late and nothing new.
You can do better uhnd
Hey Kyle,
You sound like your 1st post. Do yourself a favor and click on “about us” in the top upper right corner.
You will discover your not supplying the pay check or the OUTSTANDING effort for this FREE labor of love by the founder and his associates.
So cut the diatribe and enjoy the free benefits of this non-deadline-part-time hobby site.
Thank you very much.
This question has been analyzed to death. The truth of the matter is that it is June and there are column inches that need to be filled so we continue to rehash this same question ad infinitum. All Irish fans are sick of the whole scenario. So here is my take on it. Kelly as per last yr will wait until the final week before Navy game to announce his “ANNOINTED” one. At that point there will be an “avalanche” of comments/articles from all and sundry as per how the chosen one will succeed or fail. The bad news is all of the MYSTERY of who will be selected will count for nought if that guy throws a couple of picks in first half vs Navy. Enter the usual Kelly “panic station scenario” in comes Tommy Turnover we get past a very poor Navy team and presto going into Purdue game MISTER UNDERACHIEVER has returned and the 2012 season is doomed before it begins. Golson and or Hendrix make a decision to leave at end of season (my bet would be on Golson as Hendrix is pre-med and oobviously wants an Irish degree after his name so will put up with 2 more yrs of holding a clipboard. Fast fwd to spring game and the BIG question will be who will Kelly select between Kiel/Rees/Hendrix et al and yes it will have started for the third year in a row and Malik Zaire will be the NEW coming of the next Quinn/Clausen etc. Once again Kelly ‘fiddles while UND burns” and the recruits bolt for a place that can get into the BCS picture. It is like being stuck in a time warp I am afraid.
first of all, the navy game will be close. the irish need an athlete at qb to generate offense. the first 2 games are very winnable, for any top 20 team. remember kelly is in over his head at notre dame. put golson in there for 2 games, let him use his legs to make things happen. he will make mistakes,reese made 30 mistakes every game and was allowed to stay in.
Completely agree with D-Train. 1 QB is definitely transferring before the season ends. Why not allow it to be the lesser of the 4 with the least amount of eligibility left….? Aka Tommy Turnover
Vote Golson 2012
I’m from Central PA so I saw up close how a continued QB battle can cause an offense to be stagnate with PSU. I understand trying to be as fair as possible to try and prevent transfers, because I think Hendrix would or Golson would be a fantastic backup to either, but a decision needs to be made. Golson, unless tanks in the summer in workouts and practices, should be given the nod. Highly athletic with a great arm, recruited by Kelly for Kelly’s offense. Seeing the decision making by all of the QBs the last 2 years should not pin anymore worry to Kelly about Golson. Golson 2012. Go Irish!
Regardless of who BK chooses, someone’s going to transfer from the program. Personally, I’d like them to have AH start with EG coming in every game as a change of pace QB. If that happens, then TR could transfer. Considering who’s already in the program plus Zaire coming in, that’s no loss. Give the youngin’s a chance !
Rees beat USC with out Matt Barkley. Even then, almost gave the game away on turnovers. This year USC has Barkley back with shallow team depth.
Golson needs to start this game without fail.
Golson is still my top choice however BK’s quirk on Golson “a heart attack waiting to happen” signals Golson is not making BK happy yet. Golson may not start right away? As to who starts early in the season may be Hendrix then Golson. However, BK is high on Kiel and I would not count him out yet either. Remember, Bama won with an inexperienced QB.
The good news is in my view, anybody but Rees and we will be fine. It is time to utilize the raw QB talent on the roster. We can even spot them 1 turnover a game and still be in a position to win more games.
Our talent can and will compete with USC. We will get better every week this year without Rees. Rees needs to transfer now.
Go Irish!
If the only knock on Golson is his decision-making, then give him a chance to improve by PLAYING. I will take the risk of his “heart-attack” decisions versus the boring play of Rees.
If Kelly is going to run the spread, put in a kid that can run it 100% and take your chances.
We have already seen what the safe choice can do. Give Golson his chance or let Hendrix get experience, but by all means get Rees out of the conversation.
By the way, when Floyd got arrested he was suspended almost immediately. Why haven’t we heard anything about a Rees & Calabres suspension?