ICBlog: The Fighting Irish

North Carolina prep star pledges for Notre Dame (IrishCentral)

Wed, 21 Apr 2010 09:10:22 PDT

Brian Kelly and his coaching staff have landed a cornerback prospect from the fertile recruiting area of Charlotte, North Carolina. Matthias Farley has pledged his verbal commitment to play for the Fighting Irish, beginning his Notre Dame career in 2011.

Farley held offers from some decent football programs, specifically UCLA, Wisconsin and North Carolina. Nowhere on his offer list, though, were schools like Southern Cal, Ohio State or Texas. But there could be a reason for that. Farley has played just one year of high school football. His junior year. His film indicates he has pretty good speed–enough speed and ability to compel Brian Kelly to offer him a scholarship despite his limited experience playing football.

The case for Jimmy Clausen (IrishCentral)

Wed, 14 Apr 2010 12:55:17 PDT

With just eight days remaining until the NFL Draft most Notre Dame fans are wondering where will Jimmy Clausen wind up.

And there doesn’t seem to be very much clarity.

Todd McShay, the diminutive pundit of ESPN, has seemingly waged his very own personal crusade against Clausen. McShay, whose bona fides as a “draft expert” or “scout” remain a mystery to me, claims to have “various sources” that have informed him that Jimmy Clausen has “character issues”.

Like Lou Holtz, Notre Dame's Kelly on the move (IrishCentral)

Mon, 12 Apr 2010 11:40:19 PDT

Trevor Robinson will no longer play guard for Notre Dame. Instead, head coach Brian Kelly envisions his talented offensive lineman as a better fit at tackle -- at least for now. Robinson arrived at Notre Dame as a decorated high school All American, coveted by many high profile programs. To date, Robinson, like each of his linemen teammates, has been somewhat of a disappointment.

Taking over for Robinson at right guard will likely be sophomore Chris Watt. The former five-star lineman from Illinois brings an immense amount of potential with his sudden rise up the depth chart. However, as Irish football players and fans alike are learning, a permanent place on Brian Kelly's fluid depth chart seems a terribly difficult thing to achieve.

Moving players from one position to another will remind longtime Irish fans of former head coach Lou Holtz (photo). During his 11-year reign in South Bend, Holtz quite successfully managed to shuffle his roster, identifying which position most suited his players.

Matt James headlines the class of 2010 at Notre Dame (IrishCentral)

Wed, 03 Feb 2010 11:15:24 PST

Highly-regarded Cincinnati prep offensive tackle Matt James has signed with Notre Dame, spurning offers from in-state power Ohio State and Florida.

Just how important was James' signature to the Irish?

Along with Illinois offensive lineman Christian Lombard (a player who performed well during the recent Army All American game), James is one of only three offensive linemen to sign with Notre Dame in the 2010 class.

Irish suffer a pair of recruiting losses (IrishCentral)

Mon, 25 Jan 2010 12:50:25 PST

With National Signing Day just over a week away, Notre Dame appears to be limping down the final stretch.

Sunday evening, the fragile vessel that is the Notre Dame football program sprung a few more leaks, with the defections of highly-regarded Indiana defensive end Blake Leuders and talented running back Giovanni Bernard.

Losing Leuders stings because he plays along the defensive line and appears destined for defensive end, a position at which the Irish are woefully depleted. Leuders was snatched away by the same gentlemen who recruited him to play for Notre Dame: Brian Polian and Randy Hart, both of whom are now employed by Stanford, which is where Leuders will now enroll.

Irish suffer a pair of recruiting losses (IrishCentral)

Mon, 25 Jan 2010 12:00:26 PST

With National Signing Day just over a week away,

Sunday evening, the fragile vessel that is the

Losing

Legacy recruit spurns Notre Dame offer (IrishCentral)

Fri, 22 Jan 2010 12:30:26 PST

Well, at least he didn't choose Southern Cal...

As yet another long and eventful recruiting season slowly meanders toward National Signing Day on February 3rd, the Fighting Irish received some bad news on Thursday evening: Notre Dame legacy and decorated high school athlete Anthony Barr decided to cast his lot with his hometown UCLA Bruins. Barr told Rivals.com that, "it was the hardest decision of my life...I will always be a Notre Dame fan."

Barr is a classy young man and he will perform well at UCLA, which is an excellent school.

Kelly reels in his first recruit (IrishCentral)

Fri, 18 Dec 2009 03:45:13 PST

Congratulations to Golden Tate (IrishCentral)

Wed, 16 Dec 2009 10:45:29 PST

Weis is fired (IrishCentral)

Fri, 11 Dec 2009 10:30:18 PST

Posted by BrianBoru at 11/30/2009 2:32 PM EST

The Charlie Weis era has officially ended.

Nov. 30, 2009
For Immediate Release

Edsall rumors had better be a joke (IrishCentral)

Fri, 11 Dec 2009 10:30:15 PST

Posted by BrianBoru at 12/10/2009 12:50 AM EST

Should Notre Dame eventually hire Randy Edsall, I would suggest that each and every Fighting Irish fan find something else better to do with their Saturday afternoons.

Brian Kelly would come with questions (IrishCentral)

Fri, 11 Dec 2009 10:30:15 PST

Posted by BrianBoru at 12/8/2009 5:50 AM EST

Should Brian Kelly become the next head coach at Notre Dame, I will not be dancing in the streets. Most observers of Notre Dame Football will tell you that the Fighting Irish's biggest problem, probably since Lou Holtz left South Bend back in 1996, has been its inability to win the battle in the trenches.

Irish lose another heartbreaker; Weis declines postgame presser (IrishCentral)

Fri, 11 Dec 2009 10:15:09 PST

Posted by BrianBoru at 11/29/2009 12:48 AM EST

Much can be said about this game, this season; however, that's another blog.

ESPN's Robert Smith is a fool (IrishCentral)

Fri, 11 Dec 2009 10:15:09 PST

Posted by BrianBoru at 11/28/2009 7:56 PM EST

Former Ohio State Buckeye and oft-injured NFL washout Robert Smith proves that you don't have to know what the hell you're talking about in order to opine on college football.

Interesting times with Notre Dame QB Jimmy Clausen (IrishCentral)

Fri, 11 Dec 2009 09:45:12 PST

Posted by BrianBoru at 11/25/2009 12:25 AM EST

I'm back from South Bend, where I attended the Notre Dame/Connecticut contest, and there is much to discuss.

This is the end (IrishCentral)

Fri, 11 Dec 2009 09:45:11 PST

Posted by BrianBoru at 11/28/2009 2:56 PM EST

It is nearly five hours until kickoff and I am listening to 'The End' by The Doors.

Morrison's haunting tune serves as a fitting soundtrack for the final season of the Charlie Weis Experiment.

Clausen family home is not for sale (IrishCentral)

Fri, 11 Dec 2009 09:45:11 PST

Posted by BrianBoru at 11/26/2009 1:35 AM EST

Happy Thanksgiving, everybody. According to the Chicago Tribune, Jimmy Clausen's parents have not sold their family home in South Bend. This news comes a day after the Tribune reported that the home was sold. In fact, Tribune Notre Dame beat writer Brian Hamilton reported that the home is not for sale per the family's attorney.

That's the good news.

This could get messy (IrishCentral)

Fri, 11 Dec 2009 09:30:12 PST

Posted by BrianBoru at 11/17/2009 12:40 PM EST

For those of you hoping that Charlie Weis would do the right thing and resign: it appears as though Charlie has dug his heels into the sand and prepared himself for a hostage negotiation.

The hostage, in this case, is the Notre Dame football program.

Notre Dame loses once again (IrishCentral)

Fri, 11 Dec 2009 09:30:12 PST

Posted by BrianBoru at 11/14/2009 11:44 PM EST

Not much new for Notre Dame. Charlie Weis remains as the worst head coach in all of college football.

Never before have I seen so little accomplished with so much talent: Floyd, Tate, Clausen et al.

A sign Weis is losing his team...? (IrishCentral)

Fri, 11 Dec 2009 09:15:10 PST

Posted by BrianBoru at 11/8/2009 2:38 PM EST

Yesterday, defensive tackle Ian Williams offered a candid answer in response to why the Irish were defeated by Navy. His answer? Notre Dame was "outschemed", according to Williams.

Notre Dame coach Charlie Weis should do the right thing: Quit now (IrishCentral)

Fri, 11 Dec 2009 08:45:12 PST

Posted by BrianBoru at 11/8/2009 2:14 AM EST

How many of you were surprised by the result of Saturday's Notre Dame/Navy game?

Smoke and mirrors: Michigan exposed; Notre Dame still missing something (IrishCentral)

Fri, 11 Dec 2009 08:15:12 PST

Posted by BrianBoru at 10/11/2009 6:37 AM EDT

I hate bye weeks during Notre Dame Football season.

That noted, let's take a peek at the Michigan Wolverines, shall we? A few blogs prior, I announced Michigan was a fraud. I said they would lose four or five games. I was never sold on their cocky freshman quarterback, who I believe has a weaker arm than New York Yankees outfielder Johnny Damon; his candy arm would soon be exposed, I thought.

Irish eke out victory in white-knuckle affair (IrishCentral)

Fri, 11 Dec 2009 08:15:12 PST

Posted by BrianBoru at 10/3/2009 7:43 PM EDT

Right out of the chute, here are a few thoughts on the game: Jimmy Clausen is the best quarterback in the country — and it's not even close.

Playing opposite the multi-talented Washington quarterback, Jake Locker, Clausen was remarkably poised under duress the entire afternoon. Hobbled by a turf-toe injury that will, unfortunately, be ailing him all season, Clausen tossed a comical 422 yards through the air, also accounting for two touchdowns and one interception — a perfectly-thrown pass which sailed through the hands of running back Armando Allen.

ND V Navy halftime thoughts (IrishCentral)

Fri, 11 Dec 2009 08:15:11 PST

Posted by BrianBoru at 11/7/2009 4:24 PM EST

It's not surprising that Notre Dame is trailing Navy at the half. I've been saying all along that this team, this program, is on the fast track to obscurity with Weis limping about the sidelines.

A reminder: Navy lost to Temple last week. Yes. Temple.

The times they are a-changin' (IrishCentral)

Fri, 11 Dec 2009 08:15:11 PST

Posted by BrianBoru at 10/23/2009 6:41 PM EDT

I haven't written much lately because there isn't very much left to say. I suppose I could continue to repeat my blogs, trotting out why Notre Dame Football is dead as we once knew it.

But I have become at once indifferent and curious regarding the precipitous decline of a once-proud tradition.

Post Purdue: Where does Notre Dame go from here? (IrishCentral)

Fri, 11 Dec 2009 08:00:13 PST

Posted by BrianBoru at 9/28/2009 2:30 AM EDT

(courtesy Darron Cummings/AP) Jimmy Clausen celebrating the victory over Purdue.

Upon a day of reflection on Saturday evening's thrilling victory against Purdue, I have fallen back into cranky pessimist mode.

Floyd likely lost for the season (IrishCentral)

Thu, 10 Dec 2009 02:15:12 PST

Posted by BrianBoru at 9/20/2009 2:27 PM EDT

The Irish will most likely be without the services of wide receiver Michael Floyd for the remainder of the season. Floyd had surgery on his broken collarbone today.

Floyd, perhaps the best receiver in all of college football, cannot be replaced by one player.

To hell with the Big Ten...the Irish hang on for the win (IrishCentral)

Thu, 10 Dec 2009 02:15:12 PST

Posted by BrianBoru at 9/19/2009 8:27 PM EDT

The Fighting Irish held on to defeat the Michigan State Spartans and the Big Ten officiating crew.

Here are some observations from the game:

Jimmy Clausen leads the way...Irish defeat Purdue (IrishCentral)

Thu, 10 Dec 2009 02:15:11 PST

Posted by BrianBoru at 9/27/2009 12:30 AM EDT

Jimmy Clausen is a helluva quarterback. Playing on a bum foot, he led his Fighting Irish on a game-winning drive to defeat the Purdue Boilermakers 24-21.

On fourth-and-goal, Clausen found his remarkable tight end, Kyle Rudolph, for the winning toss.

Will Armando play...? (IrishCentral)

Thu, 10 Dec 2009 02:15:11 PST

Posted by BrianBoru at 9/24/2009 8:09 PM EDT

The status of running back Armando Allen, according to Notre Dame head coach Charlie Weis, will be decided shortly before kickoff against Purdue.

All is not well for Notre Dame Football (IrishCentral)

Thu, 10 Dec 2009 02:00:11 PST

Posted by BrianBoru at 9/14/2009 3:47 PM EDT

(Notre Dame head coach Charlie Weis)

Improvement from the offense amounts to very little when the defense is a sieve. Ditto the special teams. Absolutely brutal.

ND Halftime thoughts (IrishCentral)

Thu, 10 Dec 2009 02:00:10 PST

Posted by BrianBoru at 9/19/2009 5:44 PM EDT

Where shall I begin...?

Let's talk about the first quarter: the Playstation offense appeared to be clicking early, with Clausen connecting on a big 58-yard pass to tight end Kyle Rudolph. Running back Armando Allen capped the drive as he took the snap out of the Wildcat formation.

A good start... (IrishCentral)

Thu, 10 Dec 2009 01:45:11 PST

Posted by BrianBoru at 9/7/2009 4:35 PM EDT

If recent history has taught us anything, it should remind us that winning a season opener does not guarantee a successful season. Under Charlie Weis, the Fighting Irish are 4-1 in season openers. With that out of the way, it was an impressive victory for the Irish; however, there remain a few question marks:

1) The interior of the defensive line. Too often Notre Dame was gashed by running back Vai Taua up the middle. In order for Notre Dame to once again be considered an elite program, that must not continue this season. The defensive tackles will need to fill the gaps much better as the season moves forward.

Same old story (IrishCentral)

Thu, 10 Dec 2009 01:45:10 PST

Posted by BrianBoru at 9/14/2009 2:00 AM EDT

Charlie Weis is a poor head football coach.

Sadly for Notre Dame fans, very few people within the Notre Dame administration seem to care. Accordingly, as long as Charlie Weis continues limping along the Notre Dame sidelines, Notre Dame fans ought to adopt the same outlook toward the football program. Perhaps then the powers that be at Notre Dame will sit up and take notice, and finally begin to demonstrate that they are not content in becoming the Chicago Cubs of college football.

Notre Dame V Nevada Preview (IrishCentral)

Thu, 10 Dec 2009 01:15:08 PST

Posted by BrianBoru at 9/4/2009 12:26 PM EDT

Taking a look at the Notre Dame/Nevada game tomorrow...

Notre Dame/UConn series will not happen (IrishCentral)

Thu, 10 Dec 2009 01:00:11 PST

Posted by BrianBoru at 8/5/2009 12:21 PM EDT

Reports are making the rounds that Notre Dame and the University of Connecticut will not participate in a previously arranged six game football series.

If these reports are true, I like it.

No more talk: Weis is ready for 2009 season (IrishCentral)

Thu, 10 Dec 2009 01:00:10 PST

Posted by BrianBoru at 8/7/2009 4:18 PM EDT

Before a crowd of curious reporters, Notre Dame head coach Charlie Weis appeared both confident and anxious as he answered questions for nearly 45 minutes.

The occasion was media day 2009, the official beginning to what ought to be a memorable season.

Finally...the season is upon us (IrishCentral)

Thu, 10 Dec 2009 01:00:08 PST

Posted by BrianBoru at 8/31/2009 3:15 PM EDT

Your wait is over, Notre Dame Nation.

In what has probably seemed like the longest off season of his coaching career, Notre Dame head coach Charlie Weis will finally get the opportunity to silence his critics as the Fighting Irish get set to play Nevada on Saturday.

UH coach calls Fighting Irish 'faggots' (IrishCentral)

Thu, 10 Dec 2009 12:30:18 PST

Posted by BrianBoru at 7/31/2009 1:38 AM EDT

Hawaii Football coach Greg McMackin needs to be sacked.

Weis issues response to McMackin's comments (IrishCentral)

Thu, 10 Dec 2009 12:30:17 PST

Posted by BrianBoru at 7/31/2009 5:13 PM EDT

Just in: Notre Dame head coach Charlie Weis responds to comments made by Hawaii's McMackin

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
July 31, 2009

McMackin suspended 30 days (IrishCentral)

Thu, 10 Dec 2009 12:30:16 PST

Posted by BrianBoru at 7/31/2009 10:35 PM EDT

Within the hour, the AP has reported that Hawaii head football coach Greg McMackin has been suspended 30 days for his homosexual slur directed at Notre Dame.

During a press conference on Thursday, McMackin used the words 'faggot' and 'faggot dance' to describe the Notre Dame football team.

Notre Dame comes to Tokyo (IrishCentral)

Thu, 10 Dec 2009 12:15:12 PST

Posted by BrianBoru at 7/24/2009 11:10 AM EDT

The Notre Dame Legends football team is set to square off against the Japanese Senior National Team tomorrow night in Tokyo, Japan.

In what is being dubbed the Notre Dame Japan Bowl, former Notre Dame football players will have the opportunity to suit up one final time.

Nate Montana leaves Notre Dame (IrishCentral)

Thu, 10 Dec 2009 12:15:11 PST

Posted by BrianBoru at 7/25/2009 4:01 PM EDT

Fourth-string quarterback Nate Montana has decided to transfer to Pasadena City College.

Notre Dame Legends defeat Japan National team in Tokyo (IrishCentral)

Thu, 10 Dec 2009 12:15:10 PST

Posted by BrianBoru at 7/27/2009 3:20 AM EDT

Over the weekend, the Irish Legends of Notre Dame defeated the Japan National team by a score of 19-3.

I did not watch the game, and it will not be telecast until August 10th, but apparently Notre Dame Legends dominated the smaller Japanese squad along the line of scrimmage.

Kyle Rudolph named to Mackey Award watch list (IrishCentral)

Thu, 10 Dec 2009 12:15:08 PST

Posted by BrianBoru at 7/29/2009 3:37 PM EDT

Just in: Sophomore tight end Kyle Rudolph has been named to the John Mackey Award watch list.

Good news and bad news (IrishCentral)

Thu, 10 Dec 2009 12:00:13 PST

Posted by BrianBoru at 6/26/2009 12:50 AM EDT

Since there has been a helluva lot more bad news than good news since Lou Holtz was fired, er...left Notre Dame, let's just get the bad news out of the way first...

Notre Dame head football coach Charlie Weis announced that sophomore tight end Joseph Fauria will not be enrolled at Notre Dame this season due to "personal reasons".

Luke Harangody will return to Notre Dame (IrishCentral)

Thu, 10 Dec 2009 12:00:13 PST

Posted by BrianBoru at 6/15/2009 3:42 PM EDT

This just in: Notre Dame basketball star Luke Harangody will return to Notre Dame for his senior year.

Men's head coach Mike Brey posted the news on his Twitter page within the past half hour.

Summer recruiting momentum continues (IrishCentral)

Thu, 10 Dec 2009 12:00:12 PST

Posted by BrianBoru at 7/7/2009 3:08 PM EDT

It would seem that Charlie Weis and his football staff are not too concerned about their summer vacation plans. Capping a recent flurry of commitments, Illinois prep quarterback Tommy Rees pledged his services to Notre Dame, becoming the 11th player to join the Irish's class of 2010. Rees is the second quarterback in the fold for ND, joining Cincinnati's Andrew Hendrix.

Rees, a three-star prospect on both Rivals.com and Scout.com, was reported to have thrown pretty well at Notre Dame's one-day camp just last week. He's viewed as an insurance policy who will provide depth for a roster that could conceivably lose two quarterbacks after this year. Sure, Jimmy Clausen enters 2009 with two years of eligibility remaining, but if he can demonstrate that his performance against Hawaii on Christmas Eve was not a fluke, there is a pretty solid chance he will forego his final season of eligibility and enter the NFL Draft next season. Clausen, who will be 22 years old in September, will not be as charitable with the football this season. Many of his interceptions were as a result of playing injured, brought on by playing behind a poor offensive line.

Notre Dame's Fighting Irish playing Tulsa? (IrishCentral)

Thu, 10 Dec 2009 12:00:11 PST

Posted by BrianBoru at 7/21/2009 3:12 PM EDT

The Fighting Irish are finalizing the finishing details on a 2010 date with the University of Tulsa. An official announcement is imminent.

This move is not surprising because Bubba Cunningham, former associate athletic director at Notre Dame, is Tulsa's athletic director.

The Urban Conundrum (IrishCentral)

Thu, 10 Dec 2009 12:00:11 PST

Posted by BrianBoru at 7/16/2009 1:43 PM EDT

It will not go away...despite the recent statement that he would "never" coach at Notre Dame, Florida head football coach Urban Meyer has not convinced many people...nor has he convinced me.

That's because the time to deny his interest in the Notre Dame position has long been overdue. You've heard the story before — Urban Meyer devoting a section of his book to how close he came to accepting the Notre Dame gig. Simply put, Meyer chose the Florida job in the winter of 2004 because he had a young family and did not want to recruit nationally, sending him away from his family for weeks at a time.