I had to change the last line in this post due to an email we just received:

Hi Jay, this is your mother! No more F-U in your blog sites!

I do go to your blog every now and then.

Love, Mom
Jay | Email | Homepage | 11.30.06 - 12:45 pm | #

Thanks, Jay!
Mom | Email | Homepage | 11.30.06 - 12:55 pm | #

Bad ND Jay!
Tony | Email | Homepage | 11.30.06 - 1:15 pm | #

I am bursting with glee at the idea of ND getting picked over UM for the Rose. This is now my favorite scenario. I like the ND-LSU matchup.
LadyIrish | Email | Homepage | 11.30.06 - 1:21 pm | #

Wait...why is LSU a shoe-in for the BCS? What if Arkansas beats Florida? Wouldn't Florida go over LSU?
the other guy | Email | Homepage | 11.30.06 - 1:25 pm | #

Good question. I suppose the thinking goes that LSU would be ranked higher than Fla if Arkansas beats them. And some folks are saying that Tiger fans travel better than Gators.
Jay | Email | Homepage | 11.30.06 - 1:27 pm | #

it wouldn't be too bad to miss the rose bowl, Michigan would just go to the sugar bowl to play UF or Arkansas. I would much rather play UF in the Sugar than ND in the rose. regardless, I don't think the Rose bowl will pass on a big ten team that is #3 in the country.
ejt | Email | Homepage | 11.30.06 - 1:31 pm | #

Jay,

That would be hilarious!!
Paul | Email | Homepage | 11.30.06 - 1:31 pm | #

Too bad there are things like this that determine which teams get invited sometimes. Umless FL gets blown out, they should go and not LSU.
the other guy | Email | Homepage | 11.30.06 - 1:31 pm | #

Ladyirsish, not going to happen. It's the Rose bowl. Any PAC10 or BIG10 team that's in the top 10 will get chosen before ND. That means Michigan...but it doesn't mean you can't be there with them. If it were my team, I would want to go to the Rose over any of the other 3 major bowls...it's the grandaddy and it just seems more prestigious than the others.
the other guy | Email | Homepage | 11.30.06 - 1:37 pm | #

never happen. the big 10 would be legendarily pissed off. but it sure is funny to imagine.
tjf | Email | Homepage | 11.30.06 - 1:50 pm | #

If that does happen, the Rose Bowl could no longer hold up a playoff system. They always argue (and this includes Delany) that a playoff would destroy the long-standing tradition between the Rose Bowl and the Big Ten/Pac-10 conferences.

The the Rose Bowl spurns Michigan, then you can throw that arguement out the window.

I hope it happens.
Tom | Email | Homepage | 11.30.06 - 2:12 pm | #

1. Michigan, with its well-travelled fans and high TV ratings in tow, is the darling of the bowl set
2. ND played two quality teams this year and got walloped
3. Nobody wants a ND-UM rematch
4. RoseBowl is the destination for Big10 vs Pac10 champions legendarily. Why they'd invite a 10-2 ND team against a 11-1 Michigan team is beyond me. But its all fair and square to ND fans.

This is an example of your ND assumption of elitism.
Mull | Email | Homepage | 11.30.06 - 2:19 pm | #

Its not an assumption of anything, its just funny that somebody would actually float that idea out there. We all know the chances of this happening are .01% but its funny for the way that fans like you respond to it. You almost lend more credibility to it by responding to it the way you did. tjf (who I am assuming is a UM fan or at least a Big 10 guy) sees that it is funny but that it would also NEVER happen. He doesn't accuse anybody of elitism and sees it as all it really is, a funny thing and way to tick off some of the more sensitive UM fans.
PM | Email | Homepage | 11.30.06 - 2:31 pm | #

tjf,
sorry to put words in your mouth but I just assumed that you weren't taking this to serious.
PM | Email | Homepage | 11.30.06 - 2:32 pm | #

Hey mull where are those well traveled Michigan Fans, are they in Detroit, or how about Flint, maybe there all from ann arbor but me and you know one thing your mich were ND people want to watch ND.
JP | Email | Homepage | 11.30.06 - 2:34 pm | #

Mull, I really don't think anyone is expecting it to happen. They're just saying there's an outside chance and that if it did happen we could all laugh at the Skunkbears.

However, I really don't think the Rose Bowl will pass over Michigan. It would be funny, though.
Erik '04 | Email | Homepage | 11.30.06 - 2:39 pm | #

My vote is still for the Sugar Bowl. I mean, have y'all ever *been* to New Orleans?
senior | Email | Homepage | 11.30.06 - 2:41 pm | #

With all due respect Mull, since ND is not much of a game, then it appears to me UM has only played one quality team and that didn't turn out so hot either.

I would expect to lose a couple of games to the two #2 teams in the country. No real shame in that. Could they have been closer, sure, but sometimes when it rains it pours.
Michael | Email | Homepage | 11.30.06 - 2:42 pm | #

Good point Michael. UM fans talking about how pathetic ND is sure does make the logic that they had a great season pretty shaky.
JohnWA | Email | Homepage | 11.30.06 - 3:06 pm | #

So basically it sounds like the Rose Bowl is at least considering breaking tradition and going with ND, if only because Michigan has been to the Rose 3 times in the past four years. I don't think that is quite enough as Michigan fans will probably still want to travel out to Pasadena and people will definitely watch a UM/LSU game, but I think it's enough to at least consider.

ND does play at the Rose Bowl next year against UCLA, but I'm not sure if that is something that really matters.
Pat | Email | Homepage | 11.30.06 - 3:10 pm | #

I think it will be Michigan/LSU but it'll be interesting to see. If it's Notre Dame and LSU we will have to deal with Coach Schembechler returning from the grave to attack all of us and I don't think anyone is a proponent of that. Rest easy, Coach. Big Blue will most likely be in Pasadena.
Fighting Binny | Email | Homepage | 11.30.06 - 3:16 pm | #

The Rose is Michigan vs ? (pick LSU) as, believe it or not, there are still a few threads of tradition left to the bowl season. It'd be a bad day for us if we got picked to go there. I'll revise my call of two weeks ago and say "ain't gonna be a rematch." If OSU has the cojones to show up, they get their necks placed under the guillotine. Sweatervest is a good coach, but PC has his guys back in the front car (bitch and moan all you want OSU, but you don't have the all-around speed and talent to hang with SC). Irks me to see the near-term future of SC-ND, but we've been here a number of times before. It's like that line in 'The Godfather': "dese tings happen every ten, fiffteen yeeahs. It'll be rough for awhile, but we'll end up ok."

SC-OSU is a classic "giving the devil his due." Whereas OSU is small-minded and dirty, USC is like the AIDS virus of CFB, and have been that for decades and decades. But they'll fall, again. Hell, what with a 5 year win-streak against us, they are still just a decent batting average (W-L) versus the Team of All-Time.

Go Irish
Bill H | Email | Homepage | 11.30.06 - 3:52 pm | #

espnews had a blurb a couple hours ago saying that LSU has already sold 30,000 tickets for the rose bowl. How awkward would that be if the Rose snubbed them?
Tom S | Email | Homepage | 11.30.06 - 4:06 pm | #

If we go to the Sugar Bowl, are we going to hear all these "great" stories about how "New Orleans needs this game" to "revitalize and heal" like we did when the Falcons played the Saints on Monday Night at the beginning of the season?
Matt J. | Email | Homepage | 11.30.06 - 4:14 pm | #

As to whomever asked above (I didn't see this given as an answer) about LSU going over the loser of the Florida/Arkansas game...didn't LSU beat both Florida and Arkansas this year? So they would get an automatic tie-breaker against the loser of the championship game (pretty shitty that LSU doesn't get a piece of the pie when they beat both the champs of the east and the west).
Matt J. | Email | Homepage | 11.30.06 - 4:16 pm | #

LSU didn't beat UF.
PM | Email | Homepage | 11.30.06 - 4:22 pm | #

Matt - LSU lost to Florida 23-10
Rick | Email | Homepage | 11.30.06 - 4:31 pm | #

Can you believe what these guys are saying?????


http://menofthescarletandgray.co...uinn-overrated/
Brady Quinn | Email | Homepage | 11.30.06 - 4:34 pm | #

If OSU has the cojones to show up, they get their necks placed under the guillotine. Sweatervest is a good coach, but PC has his guys back in the front car (bitch and moan all you want OSU, but you don't have the all-around speed and talent to hang with SC).
***************************************
Lmao......Dam domers need to keep quiet when they talk about OSU, Mich, USC. We're above you so stop it. Oregon St, Wash St, Wash, Arizon St didn't seem to have a problem with this so called vaunted speed, and the last time I checked Michigan and Texas weren't sporting slow asses on the field. Dam even Ty played USC better than your genius head coach. Nice.........
OSU is righteous | Email | Homepage | 11.30.06 - 4:45 pm | #

No.. actually Ty didn't okay USC better. He lost by 31 every single time he played them. Yeah, we're not up there with tOSU or USC yet. But we can have a reasonable guess who is better. I personally think tOSU will win it, but they can't go in thinking its a lock, or they will get burned. USC is finally clicking as a team and has nowhere to go but up.
Paul M | Email | Homepage | 11.30.06 - 5:31 pm | #

play USC better... I thought I fixed that.
Paul M | Email | Homepage | 11.30.06 - 5:32 pm | #

Let's put Ty's Huskies on the field with U$C playing the way they are now and see how well he does against them.

By the way, which OSU is rightous? I'm guessing, based on the fact that you can't spell "damn" that you are talking about "the" ohio state university. And if you are so "above" ND, why are you on a ND fansite? Need some validation? A hug? Why exactly? ND isn't even scheduled to freakin' play tOSU.

Enjoy the library, osu, by the way. There are actually some books with pictures in there that you could check out when you are "done" with your "business" on the computer.
JohnWA | Email | Homepage | 11.30.06 - 5:54 pm | #

Wow I'm no JohnWA fan -and that was a little disturbing- but I hate Ohio State as much as the next guy. The reason: the fans. I do disagree that OS won't have the speed to hang with USC. OS is the better team right now -but they are not the more talented team. Like someone mentioned, put all those teams from the beginning of the season against USC and it would be a lot different. No one expected them to be where they are -because of their age. But their talent is thawing and it might hit it's peak for the year on Jan. 8th.

It's not fair to rip Weis in favor of TY for that reason but also because Jarrett(and others) were hurt and it was on the road. UDUB was actually 4-1 and in the top 30 when USC beat them. I like TY...but he's not Weis.

I still don't understand how LSU should get to go BCS if Florida loses to Arkansas??? FL has been at the top this whole year and handled LSU convincingly.

I'll tell you what won't happen: ND getting picked INSTEAD of Michigan. I don't know where that rumor started, but if it were up to the Rose Comittee, they'd have the Arizona-CAL game's refs flagged for ruining their CAL vs. Michigan match-up.
the other guy | Email | Homepage | 11.30.06 - 6:28 pm | #

Ah yes, it must be close to bowl season because here come the tOSU strokes onto BGS again. And, as JohnWA pointed out, we're not even playing them this year. Thanks again to yet another tOSU fan proving what we already know: you're the worst fans around.
Irish Rat | Email | Homepage | 11.30.06 - 6:40 pm | #

Jay, I'd be curious to see how you think we stack up vs. some of the possible teams we could play. I've heard alot of people say we would match up well with Florida, but I don't buy it. Unless we perform MUCH MUCH better, I think we'd lose by a couple TDs. The Gators have been struggling most of the year defensively, but I think our defense might just be the cure to what ails them. Also, my confidence in our team's athletic ability was severely shaken by the 'SC game (coupled with the UM and tOSUHere's my quick take on our potential matchups:

Florida- scary
LSU-scary
Michigan- scary
Louisville- scary
WVU- Somewhat confident (Slayton and White as runners scare the crap out of me, but if we played them, I expect we'd load up on the run and dare White to beat us through the air)
Arkansas- confident (McFadden's great, but they're completely 1-dimensional on offense)
Rutgers- confident (same as Arky)
Oklahoma/Nebraska- confident (I think our talent right now is better than these teams)
Wake Forest-confident (just not that good)
Boise State- No idea (haven't seen them play)

I realize some of these may not be possibilities due to when certain bowls pick, etc.
Irish Rat | Email | Homepage | 11.30.06 - 7:07 pm | #

What an idiot I am- "offensively" not "defensively"
Irish Rat | Email | Homepage | 11.30.06 - 7:08 pm | #

I don't know, Rat...our defense has been pretty "offensive" at times....
Nate | Email | Homepage | 11.30.06 - 7:12 pm | #

if SC's defense can cause us fits, imagine what LSU's will do. i hate the matchup. lets all pray for florida and the sugar down in the bayou.
Anonymous | Email | Homepage | 11.30.06 - 7:38 pm | #

Wake Forest is pretty good. I don't think Oklahoma or Nebraska are much better, if at all. I know the ACC isn't solid this year, but Wake benefits from having a lot of upperclassmen still around- and from what I've seen, they look to be pretty talented. I'm not saying they're a top 10 team or anything...just that a ND match-up would be a decent game.
the other guy | Email | Homepage | 11.30.06 - 7:40 pm | #

I want to play florida...Weis VS. Meyer
IrishRamMan10 | Email | Homepage | 11.30.06 - 7:50 pm | #

I talked to an Associate Athletic Director at Notre Dame on Tuesday and he said that he already has his plane tickets to New Orleans...so there's no need to speculate.

We are playing either Florida or Arkansas in the Sugar Bowl. It's a done deal!
ND | Email | Homepage | 11.30.06 - 8:36 pm | #

I also have my plane tickets for New Orleans...so I HOPE it's pretty much a done deal (although SW is cool about cancellations).
Joe | Email | Homepage | 11.30.06 - 8:49 pm | #

I think overall things are shaping up for a great bowl season.

tOSU v. SoCal is gonna be a great matchup. Two great teams, both of whom will matchup well with eachother.

Mich v. LSU also will be a great matchup. You're gonna get to see the two best defenses in the country going at it.

ND v. Ark/Fl also will work out well. ND has been unbalanced all year due to the defense. We'll get to go up against teams that both have great defenses, but have completely unbalanced hit-or-miss offenses. If its Ark, ND loads up on the run like crazy. If its Florida, it'll be the other way around since they can't seem to find anyone who can run the ball except a Frosh QB and a Frosh WR. Should be interesting.

Plus, anytime the Irish head down to the South, they all get so damn riled up down there you'd think Sherman was returning at the helm of our team. What's with that?
Brad | Email | Homepage | 11.30.06 - 9:41 pm | #

Oh you mean the LSU defense that gave up 20 points to Mississippi or gave up 24 to Tennessee which was only 7 points less than what Air Force gave up to Tennessee. I like our chances.
Zipper | Email | Homepage | 11.30.06 - 9:48 pm | #

Ugh. OSU vs USC. Two teams that I couldn't possibly hate more, and absolutely couldn't care less if they win the national championship. Don't think I'll be watching that one, just checking the box score Jan 9th to make sure USC won (so we'll have lost to the eventual National Champ).
Erik '04 | Email | Homepage | 11.30.06 - 9:55 pm | #

I dont like tOSU and USC either, but if you're a true college football fan, you WILL be watching the NC game. It's one of those special matchups that hardly ever happens, like last year's Texas/USC epic, so you bet your ass I will be watching the NC game. That's just my opinion.
Freddy | Email | Homepage | 11.30.06 - 10:52 pm | #

Oh don't get me wrong, it'll definitely be a good game, a good matchup, etc. Good for college football. I may even have it on. I'm just...ugh.
Erik '04 | Email | Homepage | 11.30.06 - 11:04 pm | #

you know whats funnier than ND in the rose bowl?

44-24.
USC > * | Email | Homepage | 11.30.06 - 11:55 pm | #

As the bowl selections near, it's clear that a few proud select few are going to stop by and share their wisdom with the rest of us. Since I'd rather not have the job of babysitter and boardop but realize it comes with having a blog, I'd hope everyone ignores the obvious flamers and trolls. They will get bored and leave soon enough.

Fans of other teams who actually want to discuss things related to ND, you're more than welcome to stick around.
Pat | Email | Homepage | 12.01.06 - 1:06 am | #

Take it as a sign that your blog is a success . . .
24 hour | Email | Homepage | 12.01.06 - 1:15 am | #

I, for one, welcome our new troll overlords...
Brad | Email | Homepage | 12.01.06 - 2:14 am | #

Rick and PM, my mistake. Thanks for the correction. I must have gotten Auburn and LSU mixed up.
Matt J. | Email | Homepage | 12.01.06 - 8:11 am | #

Rat,
As an avid SEC watcher (and fan) I think the Irish would beat any of the Big Three SEC teams left.
LSU and Florida have good, incredibly fast defenses but don't exactly play against pro-style offenses week in and week out. I'd be confident that given a month to prepare, Coach Weis will be able to exploit their weaknesses.

Honestly, I think ND could and would beat any team on that list, save Michigan.

TOG - I am with you on the Fla/LSU debate. Head-to-head should count for something, but when it comes to the bowls we all know the almightly dollar trumps all. (Luckily this works in the Irish' favor, too.)
GamecockTony | Email | Homepage | 12.01.06 - 8:59 am | #

Don't give up, brad! They can be defeated by a level 5 Cleric with a swift kick in the sugar bowl. If that fails, we'll all be enslaved in the mines of Isengard.
indy | Email | Homepage | 12.01.06 - 9:21 am | #

The Rose Bowl picking Notre Dame OVER Michigan? What logic! Why pick a great team when you can have a truly mediocre one! Screw tradition! Screw quality football!

Sad...ND fans have truly become delusional.
Gnarls Woodson | Email | Homepage | 12.01.06 - 9:55 am | #

As an aside, I've been looking forward all month to an SEC/ND matchup. I personally think we will win, although I have only watched part of the Gators' games against LSU, Georgia and SC and haven't seen Arkansas play at all. The LSU/Florida game was a heavyweight fight and made me glad these teams were far, far away from my beloved Irish. Against SC, Florida looked out of sync and listless.

Clearly, we could easily lose to either of these teams, but we will find out a lot about where we belong in the pecking order with a trip to the Sugar Bowl, especially against a Florida team that has been attempting to rebuild right along with us. For all you playoff proponents, I give you exhibit A in why the BCS is perfect the way it is: ND/SEC, one round, winner take all. A win, and we show we are the class of the rebuilding powerhouses. The college football hall of fame signs a long term lease. God makes Shembeckler wear the green jersey. Lose it, and Mayer starts recruiting in Valparaiso. Huskies fans show up on BGS talking smack, and my uncle will have to be rushed here
indy | Email | Homepage | 12.01.06 - 9:56 am | #

We got Armando Allen!!!!!
Smitty2183 | Email | Homepage | 12.01.06 - 10:24 am | #

Gnarls -

Did you miss the part where Jay - and most commenters - acknowledged that it's unlikely that the Rose Bowl will actually pick Michigan over ND? The fact that it is a possibility has stirred up conversation, but very few people here are saying that it will happen...and even fewer saying that it should happen. I don't think that makes people here delusional. It's not like Jay made up the whole Rose Bowl thing. Don't be so quick to ridicule Notre Dame and its fans that you start to ignore reality.
Domer '99 | Email | Homepage | 12.01.06 - 10:27 am | #

Nothingwithstanding the comments, I thought the point of Jay's post was that Michigan going to the Rose Bowl was NOT a given, based on two persons "in the know" he spoke to, as well as comments by the Rose Bowl CEO. That notion is nuts. If the commenters all realize that, great. But that's not what I got out of Jay's post.
Gnarls Woodson | Email | Homepage | 12.01.06 - 10:32 am | #

Hopefully now that we have another speedy/swifty back we can line one up in the slot and let Charlie get real creative. I think next year could be alot of fun. I know I have been adamant about this and others strongly disagree, but why count them out already? I say 9-3 is entirely possible.
PM | Email | Homepage | 12.01.06 - 10:35 am | #

Saw a highlight tape of Armando Allen... reminded me of Reggie Bush... and then I saw this tape and realized Bush was good, but not great despite all the media hoopla.
Brian Q | Email | Homepage | 12.01.06 - 10:39 am | #

sorry, this is the clip which takes reggie's status to a lower level...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S...h?v=Sb- QBR2IzlQ
Brian Q | Email | Homepage | 12.01.06 - 10:41 am | #

Its amazing how the guy seems to be able to separate from defenders whenever he wants to.
PM | Email | Homepage | 12.01.06 - 10:47 am | #

Just watched the Armando clips on YouTube.
I like that fact that his first instinct is to (obviously) run away from trouble and when that fails, stiff-arm the crap out of someone.
It actually looks like a couple of times he turns back towards defenders in the open field looking to initiate contact ala Tomlinson.
TOUGH!
GamecockTony | Email | Homepage | 12.01.06 - 11:06 am | #

Gnarls -

So did you miss the part of Jay's post where he wrote:

"The LA Times has a pretty good breakdown of the Rose Bowl possiblities this morning, speculating that Michigan vs LSU is the most likely matchup. That's probably how it's going to shake out."
Domer '99 | Email | Homepage | 12.01.06 - 11:18 am | #

...and to think, just a few days ago we were beginning to panic with regards to recruiting...

and just to add my two cents, i think i'd rather see us play in the sugar bowl against the SEC champ. To be honest, i'm much less scared of florida or arkansas, than i would be having to play michigan again (as much as i'd love to beat them the second time around), or LSU. I feel like we match up better against the first two.
guyritz | Email | Homepage | 12.01.06 - 11:21 am | #

This morning on Imus, the "Fat Boy Lock of the Week" by Chris Carlin was:



Arkansas will beat Florida in the SEC Championship.

ND has never before played Arky, so that might be the appointment in the Sugar if fat boy is right.
gwzimm | Email | Homepage | 12.01.06 - 11:24 am | #

Indy,
A level 5 cleric would only work against Penn State: remember clerics can turn undead.
24 hour | Email | Homepage | 12.01.06 - 11:51 am | #

Just in....Armandon Allen to go to ND over Florida....nice pick up Charlie..
ND101 | Email | Homepage | 12.01.06 - 12:16 pm | #

Hmmm...guess I should read the comments....everyone else arleady knew that, my bad.
ND101 | Email | Homepage | 12.01.06 - 12:17 pm | #

way to be 5 minutes behind, ND101. did they teach you that at Mendoza?

(sorry... I still am and forever will be an Arts & Crafts student that is bitter about how you Mendoza kids make a hell of a lot more money than me)
domer03inbmore | Email | Homepage | 12.01.06 - 12:34 pm | #

wow... just watched the youtube clip of rocket. had forgotten how great that punt return against Tenn was. Sure, he doesn't score, but man does he freakishly break tackles
domer03inbmore | Email | Homepage | 12.01.06 - 12:38 pm | #

How quickly OSU forgets how it wasn't alway this good. Tressel is a great coach, don't get me wrong, but he has also laid a few eggs in his career. A loss to a 7-6 Wisc. team in 2003, a loss to a 7-5 Purdue team in 2004, and a loss to a 6-6 Northwestern team that capped a three game losing streak.

Now granted you guys do not get blown out much, I see the biggest margin of defeat under Tressel was 26 pts (similar to who I wonder) but most are under 10 pts; but I would rather lose to great teams like you guys last year, UM and USC this year than a 6-6 Northwestern team. And before you cite our loss to MSU in '05, know that Sweatervest lost to two teams with losing records in his first year. Yes the difference is he followed it up with a NC berth and win but don't forget some of the hiccups you guys have had along the way.
PM | Email | Homepage | 12.01.06 - 12:40 pm | #

OSU is righteous:

To avoid further embarrassment on these boards, please use the proper tools to make up for that Columbus degree: Spell check and grammar check - immediately - for the love of God.
Oscar_Dillon98 | Email | Homepage | 12.01.06 - 12:57 pm | #

PM,
I would save my breath. "OSU is Righteous" doesn't strike me as the kind of guy who takes kindly to "facts." He's above us dam domers. Ignoring him is the best response. Nice......
Lo-fi | Email | Homepage | 12.01.06 - 12:57 pm | #

PM-

Flamers like 'OSU is righteous' aren't worth dignifying. Though it's hard to hold back a response, they usually leave and find their own blog to drool over Cheaty McSweatervest.

Frankly, it's amazing he spends any time here. The BGS guys use pictures sparingly, and formulate words (sometimes big ones) into sentences to make coherent arguments. At least 'righteous' can be happy he's having a good day: he spelled 'righteous' correctly.

Dammit, I've gone and done it.
kmfirish | Email | Homepage | 12.01.06 - 1:14 pm | #

Seriously, are you just trying to prove how big of a dumbass you are? It's comical really. And how the hell is OSU righteous? Do you even know what righteous means? Having players and former players take money and free cars, rob people, and a host of other immoral behaviours does not qualify as righteous behavior.
PM | Email | Homepage | 12.01.06 - 1:39 pm | #

PM... did you get in a lot of fights on the play ground or something? because you still haven't learned your lesson: don't engage in this sort of polemical BS with idiots. It will never get you (or the rest of the board) anywhere.

OSU, if you want to talk fb, go right ahead. We'll listen. But please don't come on an ND board and insult domers. If you continue, we will sick the pope on you
domer03inbmore | Email | Homepage | 12.01.06 - 1:59 pm | #

As an ND fan I don't want any part of a ND-UM rematch.

One rear-end whipping is enough for me, and even without Brady turning the ball over multiple times, I think they would light up our soft defense again.

A ND-UF game in the Sugar would be compelling in light of the Meyer-Weis dynamic, but I have a feeling that Leak would feast on our secondary.

Getting a beatable opponent in a non-BCS bowl (like the Gator) wouldn't be terrible. It might be nice to actually win a bowl game folks.
christopher | Email | Homepage | 12.01.06 - 2:00 pm | #

Sorry, just one of those days
PM | Email | Homepage | 12.01.06 - 2:03 pm | #

About "OSU is righteous."
Look, you're talking about a guy sitting around in a cubicle somewhere venting his life's frustrations on the fan blog of a sports team that is not his own. Let him vent! I'm sure he's got plenty of reasons to be upset--just not sports related ones . . .
full power 24 hour | Email | Homepage | 12.01.06 - 2:13 pm | #

I'm not up for an ND-UM rematch, either (as if it were up to me). Though I think it we'd put up a better showing than last time, I still wouldn't like our chances.

Not to mention we play UM early next year in Ann Arbor with a green QB, a new OL and a slew of skill guys gone. Not to be overly pessimistic, but I can't imagine losing three times in one calendar year to those guys.

I think everyone remembers the last time ND played UF in the Sugar. Including Gator fans.

Count me in for that matchup...
kmfirish | Email | Homepage | 12.01.06 - 2:23 pm | #

I'm growing more fond of the idea of sicking the pope on people.

I think i need to get two ferocious dogs. I'll name one Pope, and the other Razzi
domer03inbmore | Email | Homepage | 12.01.06 - 2:23 pm | #

Plus, anytime the Irish head down to the South, they all get so damn riled up down there you'd think Sherman was returning at the helm of our team. What's with that?
Brad | Email | Homepage | 11.30.06 - 9:41 pm | #

Thanks for posting that, Brad. Stuns me how "night games in the South" mean nothing to some people. I can remember more than one occasion when our players had guns pointed at them, along with a knife incident, in a bar, in Baton Rouge. They can get bad enough during the day when it's the Irish on the other side of the field. Also, the 'South' is Georgia, Louisiana, Alabama, Mississippi, South Carolina, and I'd guess Arkansas. For some reason, Florida, while in the southern US, doesn't fit the bill. When you're talking about lpaying at Miami, for example, it's awhole new animal.
Bill H | Email | Homepage | 12.01.06 - 3:22 pm | #

Southerners are intemperate beasts, probably the genetic result of generations of family intermarriage.

I was in the lobby of the Holiday Inn in Baton Rouge once, and this guy in bib overalls and purple/gold t-shirt says, "I'd like yew to meet my wife and sister."

I turned around and there was one woman there.......
gwzimm | Email | Homepage | 12.01.06 - 3:43 pm | #

Speaking of intermarriage ...

Top 5 reasons for the average tOSU male fan to be frustrated:

5. His wife yelled at him again, "Damnit, mom's coming tomorrow; get this trailer cleaned up. You've been a slob since we were kids."

4. The took away his benefits at work- no more free fries

3. All Clarrett got was 5 years; he was hoping for life.

2. They ran out of his favorite toy at the local gas station- Talkin' Cheaty McSweatervest

1. He learned that being called an "a$$hole" is not spanish for friend.
Irish Rat | Email | Homepage | 12.01.06 - 4:21 pm | #

Worst..."joke"...ever
eddie | Email | Homepage | 12.01.06 - 4:31 pm | #

As a wee reader of 17, watching those Rocket tapes gives me mixed feelings. It's great that one of the most explosive players in college football history played for my beloved Irish. However, it makes me sad that I was never old enough to watch Rocket, and that I'll likely never see a player quite the same. That video actually made me a little bit sick, it was so good. Thanks for spreading the YouTube goodness.
Anonymous | Email | Homepage | 12.01.06 - 5:08 pm | #

Really Rat, stick to football, that joke was pretty bad.
DrinkyMcGuinness | Email | Homepage | 12.01.06 - 5:08 pm | #

I was born in the South, so I feel justified in making Southern jokes.

Yet playing at night in the South is no joke.
Brad | Email | Homepage | 12.01.06 - 5:18 pm | #

John Carlson... the ideal student-athlete. Nicely done, my man.

http://und.cstv.com/sports/m-foo.../ 120106aaa.html
Fighting Binny | Email | Homepage | 12.01.06 - 6:00 pm | #

tOSU will handle U$C.

1) tOSU has a much better D than we do. They have a much better DC, too.

2) tOSU has a much better STeams unit than we do. Really, who doesn't?

3) tOSU has a much better OL than us and U$C didn't get much pressure.

4) tOSU has the fastest wideout in the country. Can you say double team?

5) tOSU has a great stable of RB's. How many times did they gash Michigan for the big one?

6) U$C can't run the way Michigan did.

7) Troy Smith - pure money in the BIG games. (Sorry, CW, there are BIG games in CFB).

8) Tressel is money in the big games. Won 2002 MNC with shoelaces and bubble gum.

9) tOSU had more gifted athletic students than U$C. We just have student athletes.

10) If BQ can had a ~70 yard run, what will Smith do?

Rest easy, tOSU is better and will show it.

This is all predicated on U$C beating a team that outplayed us with a b-up QB until a few ticks left.

Go Irish! Win a bowl game.
ThELoStBoY | Email | Homepage | 12.01.06 - 7:40 pm | #

Jesus, people. Can we just stick to football instead of disparaging those who don't have great jobs, health benefits, or the "privilege" of living in the northern US?

Shit like that makes me embarrassed to go to ND.
senior | Email | Homepage | 12.01.06 - 8:10 pm | #

haha i'm sure it's all in good fun, senior.

agreed that Smith and Tressel are good in big games, thelostboy, but man, can you think of a team in recent history that has been as "up" for big games as USC over the last 4 years?

also, Brady's scrambling ability is pretty underrated--granted i think we all knew he wasn't going to bust that run for a touchdown, but Smith is more of a pocket passer than a scrambler.

i think tOSU will win but i'm not putting any money on it.
Tommy O | Email | Homepage | 12.01.06 - 8:29 pm | #

it might be "all in good fun" but these are the same people who wonder why everyone else has an irrational hatred for ND. (guess it's not all that irrational after all.)

and i agree with you, tommy, that brady is a good scrambler. too bad the center of our o-line has been phoning it in all year, and can't give the QB or the RB any decent chances.
senior | Email | Homepage | 12.01.06 - 10:02 pm | #

Two things: someone mentioned Leak being a potentially big problem for us should we face UF in the Sugar. Much as I have maligned our 'D' this year, in this one instance, my worries would be lessened. I feel that Chris Leak has never quite gotten his due at UF, but his mobility has never been a primary asset. Tebow, on the other hand...

As for SC-OSU : they're praying big time for UCLA in Columbus. I can't stand SC, but I have to give credit where it is due. PC did a brilliant job this year. They are coming on perfectly. He showcased those clowns to the nation (once again, at our expense), got into the NC game, and is going to run OSU all over, and out of, the stadium. Remember that PC is a defensive coach, and remember OSU versus PSU and NW. Plus, it's the wrappers who have the truly notable speed. Plus, where OSU has speed, SC answers with a secondary unlike any OSU has ever seen. Those unshaven farm boys are gonna be cryin' in their 'Old Milwaukee' by the middle of the 3rd qtr.

CW: nice pickup on the recruiting trail. Keep up the very good work!

Go Irish
Bill H | Email | Homepage | 12.01.06 - 11:59 pm | #

I'm scared about the defensive side of the ball for recruiting. You just get that feeling that all the best players that we want on defense are going to end up at Ohio State and USC (or Illinois?). We need defensive line help so badly.
Fighting Binny | Email | Homepage | 12.02.06 - 12:43 am | #

I really thought all during the year that Ohio State was the best team out there. After the Michigan (OSU) and USC (ND) games, I'm not so sure.

I think USC will beat up on OSU. The speed that USC demonstrated, on both the offensive and defensive sides of the ball can neutralize anything that OSU throws at 'em.

Trust me, I'm not a fan of either team. But, I do see USC coming out on top in this one.
Idomitable Spirit | Email | Homepage | 12.02.06 - 9:51 am | #

I realize we all have a lot to say about ND football and of couse that's fine. I'd like to think that we have a little room in our heads for the strong possibility of an ND National Championship...in women's soccer.

Sunday is the day that that game happens. Let's move our mental energies toward that direction for 48 hours and then on Monday we can return to trying to figure out how to stop the deep patterns.
Jim '72 | Email | Homepage | 12.02.06 - 11:01 am | #

I don't know how a tOSU-SoCal game would go to be honest.

SoCal easily has the speed and talent to roll up on tOSU, but I don't know if they will. I don't think they'll seen a tough, hardnosed running game like the Buckeyes have. If the SoCal team that played its early games showed up, the Buckeyes could shove them around. But with SoCal's D (which I happen to think is better than tOSU's) it will definitely be an interesting game.
Brad | Email | Homepage | 12.02.06 - 11:10 am | #

Jim '72 - with you on that one. Saw the Lady Irish beat FSU 2-1 on ESPN highlights. The NC lady's team seems to live up to their initials when it comes to soccer, but our girls already have one in the case, and let's hope its twin arrives Sunday.

Go Irish
Bill H | Email | Homepage | 12.02.06 - 11:12 am | #

Michigan may have only one quality win against Wisconsin, but Notre Dame has zero quality wins. Couple that with the tradition the blow out in South Bend (34-7 at one point with UofM only +1 in turnovers before backing down the gameplan) I think Michigan will only not wind up in the Rose Bowl if UCLA pulls an upset today. Afterall, this is all meaningless as the trophy is already in Columbus.
BigBucks | Email | Homepage | 12.02.06 - 12:00 pm | #

life long fan, but this team does not deserve a bcs game.
mike b | Email | Homepage | 12.02.06 - 5:35 pm | #

Who is gonna stomp tOSU?
ThE LoSt BoY | Email | Homepage | 12.02.06 - 7:49 pm | #

Maybe we can get some recruiting fallout?
ThE LoSt BoY | Email | Homepage | 12.02.06 - 8:01 pm | #