like a lot of folks (i'm guessing) i'll be hoping and cheering for the best, but, after syracuse, b.c. and s.c., expecting the worst.
hope they prove me wrong.
(my wife has promised me vengeance if i ruin christmas by being a grinch).

please, please irish win.
oakvilleirish | Email | Homepage | 12.23.08 - 3:34 pm | #

Good information, thanks Pat! Since Hawaii appears on paper to be a middle of the road team, I'm hoping they end up playing more like Washington than USC, or at least ND makes them look more like Washington than USC. The bowl losing streak monkey has become a mutated ape on our backs, and I want it gone. It would surely be a nice Christmas present. Merry Christmas everyone! GO IRISH!
Erik '04 | Email | Homepage | 12.23.08 - 3:54 pm | #

A brief timeout for breaking news...
snowball fine of 10k..

http://sports.yahoo.com/nfl/news...ov=ap& type=lgns
jmc | Email | Homepage | 12.23.08 - 4:38 pm | #

Pat, hate to be picky on such a great post. Could you add the @ symbol to the schedule so we can see how they performed in house as opposed to off the island? That Utah State score seems to be a head scratcher.
Mark | Email | Homepage | 12.23.08 - 4:50 pm | #

New OC / RB Coach?
AC | Email | Homepage | 12.23.08 - 4:55 pm | #

Erik '04

I would rather the Irish play like USC or UF than Hawaii playing like UW. :>))
GB | Email | Homepage | 12.23.08 - 5:32 pm | #

I mean, do we think Hawaii is any better than UNC or Pitt, who granted, we lost to, but who we in some ways "
outplayed?" or does the phrase "who granted" mean way too much this year?
highnoon | Email | Homepage | 12.23.08 - 5:34 pm | #

Haywood is the new head coach at miami, ohio.
true2nd | Email | Homepage | 12.23.08 - 5:35 pm | #

sorry, that was poorly worded, but lI think you can achieve my meaning. Hopefully.
highnoon | Email | Homepage | 12.23.08 - 5:35 pm | #

Last year HI was expected to hang v. UGA and got destroyed, instantly. I can't help but feel that ND plays at a different level than HI, almost like Div I v. Div II (or whatever we call it these days). So I expect the Warriors to give us game for the first half, because basically we suck. But in the end, I expect ND to win comfortably.
Dekom | Email | Homepage | 12.23.08 - 5:44 pm | #

7 fifth years aka RS Seniors
9 RS Juniors/Seniors
3 RS Sophs/Juniors
------------------

That's 19/22 players listed are upper classman in Hawaii's starting lineup.

Can you imagine the shitstorm CW would go through if ND had that much experience and only went 7-6?
atepesm | Email | Homepage | 12.23.08 - 5:46 pm | #

Did you know that ND was ridiculously young in 2007. So much so, that they are still pretty damn young in 2008. So for perspective, here's some data (that was compiled by the poster funkdoctorspock at IE):

Where ND stands among the 44 BCS conference bowl teams :

2nd in starts by true freshmen, tied with FSU at 32 and behind Miami (43)

2nd in starts by true underclassmen with 106, behind G Tech (116)

3rd in starts by true sophomores at 74, behind Georgia Tech (98) and Florida (86)

15th in starts by true juniors.

38th in starts by true seniors.

42nd in starts by redshirt seniors.

43rd, behind Georgia Tech, in total starts by upperclassmen. They are the only two schools where sophomores started the most games of any class on the team.

And just for good measure here is the data with Texas A&M, Arkansas, Michigan, UCLA, Auburn and Tennessee (non-bowl BCS teams). When you add those six schools this is where ND stands among the 50:

6th in starts by true freshmen, tied with FSU. They are behind Arkansas (54), Miami (43), UCLA (41), A&M (40) and Michigan (33).

3rd in starts by true sophomores.

3rd in starts by true underclassmen behind Arkansas (128) and G Tech (118)

17th in starts by true juniors.

42nd in starts by true seniors.

48th in starts by redshirt seniors.

48th in total starts by upperclassmen


ND better start rolling teams in 2009. It'd sure be nice if they knocked the monkey off their back tomorrow.
atepesm | Email | Homepage | 12.23.08 - 5:55 pm | #

What's the over/under on that no-name Hawaii QB looking like Joe Montana or Jesus Christ himself tomorrow?

>:
ZhengND | Email | Homepage | 12.23.08 - 5:55 pm | #

who do you think the New Off Coor would be?

I think our Defense will win this game.

A few picks and some sacks.
Might do it.

GO IRISH!
CANT WAIT FOR TOMMORROW!
Mexican Irish | Email | Homepage | 12.23.08 - 6:52 pm | #

Somebody asked about if that Utah state game was at Hawaii.


Sat.Nov1 @Utah State L 30-14 4-5
Mexican Irish | Email | Homepage | 12.23.08 - 7:01 pm | #

so atepesm is your point:

We are a young and somewhat experienced team yet play at a mediocre level whereas GT is younger and less experienced team yet plays at a high quality level?

Seems FSU and Miami are getting somewhat better with their young players also. These stats add ammunition that Charlie doesn’t get the best out of the talent he recruits. Let’s hope he can somehow make the changes necessary to get the team to the next level.
Old Fan | Email | Homepage | 12.23.08 - 10:36 pm | #

Maybe we can get Meyer to be our new O-Coord.
M | Email | Homepage | 12.23.08 - 11:13 pm | #

atepesm

Nice stats. My question is that GT has a 9-3 record this year and yet a younger team. Florida also has a young team and aren't doing too shabby.
GB | Email | Homepage | 12.24.08 - 1:29 am | #

Silly GB and Old Fan, don't you know that "Youth" is the new "Ty left the cupboard bare" excuse?

Those stats demonstrating our relative youth and inexperience would be much more comforting if the team had shown improvement over the course of the season.
scott | Email | Homepage | 12.24.08 - 8:17 am | #

The big day is finally here. Come on 8:00!
Dave in the basement | Email | Homepage | 12.24.08 - 8:49 am | #

On paper, this appears to be a sack-fest for both teams.
I was initially surprised at the low over/under at 46, but with the All-WAC talent on Hawaii's side, it makes more sense.
Here's to hoping that Floyd coming back makes a difference in the passing game, giving JC another "hot" target and taking some of the pressure of the O-line.
Why do I get the feeling I am going to need a lot of wine to get through this game tonight?

Go Irish and Happy Holidays to all.
GamecockTony | Email | Homepage | 12.24.08 - 9:05 am | #

Don't know if this has been posted here yet. Hitler on Charlie.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U...h? v=Uf_yyr3ifVI
Jim '72 | Email | Homepage | 12.24.08 - 9:46 am | #

Pat, great post. The Jim 72 comment -totally inappropriate and inane.

Hope we can establish aconsistent run game, but I think the key will be no turnovers and winning time of posession. If we do that we will win this game.
T. | Email | Homepage | 12.24.08 - 10:40 am | #

Special teams and turnovers T.

ND has lost so many close games because of those two factors. They need to force turnovers like they did in the Michigan game to win this one. I think they can. With Hawai'i relying mostly on the pass I expect Blanton to have a big day.

The real question is, does the offense turn the ball over, and does ND have to rely on Brandon Walker?

Oh, and Golden Tate, don't fumble any punts.
Mark | Email | Homepage | 12.24.08 - 10:59 am | #

Let's hope they send the seniors out with a win, and that it's better than the Senior Day game was at South Bend.

Sad to see the last game for David Grimes, Pat Kuntz, Steve Quinn, Maurice Crum, and the rest of the seniors.

It's been rough at times, but the effort has always been there from these guys.
Joe Subway | Email | Homepage | 12.24.08 - 11:06 am | #

Hey T,

Oh I understand. Posts here for weeks have bashed Charlie both for his coaching and his physique and I post a parody of the whole situation and it's (quote) "totally inappropriate and inane."?

You tube.
Jim '72 | Email | Homepage | 12.24.08 - 11:34 am | #

The Guardian (UK) did a story on the proliferation of that clip from "Downfall," and its adapted use for everything from the Clinton campaign to the Dallas Cowboys. It was just a matter of time before someone put an N.D. spin on it.

http://www.guardian.co.uk/media/ ...outube.internet
Jay | Email | Homepage | 12.24.08 - 11:56 am | #

Mike Haywood is the new head coach at Miami of Ohio. Really? Seriously? Yup. No, Really?

If real life worked like sports:

Jessica Davies, $10/hour, Starbucks Barista. Wins back-to-back Barista championships in '01 & '02. Great client service skills, always a crowd pleaser at the store. Never becomes a store manager, but emloyees and clients were always entertained by her work before she retired at age 36. Shortly after, she gets an offer to become the CEO of Caribou Coffe at 37 and runs them to bankruptcy before turning 38. After this, Starbucks gives her an offer to return to the company as a Regional President in the mid-west region, which she fails miserably at for 3 years, steadily losing profitablility each year. Then by the age of 42, Starbucks makes her an offer to become the President for all flagship U.S. stores. She proceeds to employ manhattan street vendors as Regional Presidents who quickly turn Starbucks into a national joke erasing all profits, increasing bad debt to historic levels and allowing 7-11 coffee to taste like honey to starbucks vinegar. Amazingly, Starbucks allows her to continue at this job for 3 more years.
Sports comparison: Isiah Thomas with the Pistons, CBA, Pacers and Knicks.

Dan Grevey, $11.50/hour, Wal-Mart Night Manager. In 2007, his store is ranked 167th in sales of US stores first 3 quarters if 2008. Leading up to annual review, he goes berzerk in final quarter of 2008, store ends up #3 in sales in the US in this 4th quarter. In 2008, Home Depot names Dan Grevey North East Region Senior VP with singning bonus of $50,000 and $205,000/salary plus bonuses. Sports comparison: Any jock in contract year, followed by a team rewarding them 20-fold for their 1 year performance.

Stan Groves, $95,000/year, Project Manager for the Dunbar Condo Project for Toll Brothers. Recently promoted to position after several productive years as a Group Leader. Building project not going as smoothly as anticipated as some groups under Stan aren't working cohesively. Young guys aren't learning as fast as he thought and they are 1 year behind plan. 7 months into this project, Stan gets relieved of his project manager duties by his boss, who takes over the project. Although, Stan isn't fired and takes personal leave. 3 months later, Stan Groves is named CEO of NPR homes and will make $750,000/year.
Sports Comparison: Mike Haywood.

I love sports.
Rich | Email | Homepage | 12.24.08 - 11:58 am | #

There's a great one of Hitler reacting very unfavourably to the Giants' defeat of the Cowboys in the playoffs last year. He just couldn't stand it.

It's modern technology helping prove that old nugget about history repeating itself first as tragedy, then as farce, if I have that right.
Joe Subway | Email | Homepage | 12.24.08 - 12:01 pm | #

i am not happy about the irish "playing in paradise" after their performance in 2008. nevertheless, i hope the team uses the chance to end the disgraceful, embarrassing, shameful bowl game losing streak. i assume we are the "visiting team". charlie should adorn the team in uniforms similar to the ones worn in the 1992 sugar bowl.
brian custer | Email | Homepage | 12.24.08 - 12:01 pm | #

...what impressed me about TCU last night is that when they broke the huddle and lined up, it wasn't a half-second later that they snapped the ball and ran the play...

...ND after breaking the huddle, seems to have many other priorities...the QB is pointing out various defensive players (what's that about?)...there are players going in motion...etc., etc....then...we get stuffed at the line or the QB is felled for a 9-yard loss...

...jeeze...I predict a long night against a very mediocre Hawai'i team...
jim/redondo beach | Email | Homepage | 12.24.08 - 12:43 pm | #

I'm watching tonight's game because
basically there is little else to watch.
Dana Payne | Email | Homepage | 12.24.08 - 1:29 pm | #

Watch the yule log channel. You may end up both happier and more entertained.
Matt '09 | Email | Homepage | 12.24.08 - 3:06 pm | #

Rich,

Your comment was hilarious.

Hard to feel empathy with those in sports getting paid mega-sums, especially the mediocre.
Old Fan | Email | Homepage | 12.24.08 - 3:28 pm | #

scott

That is why I pointed out that GT and UF are even younger but did much better than ND.
GB | Email | Homepage | 12.24.08 - 4:24 pm | #

merry Christmas to all. We certainly received an early present last night- enough to keep us wide eyed and hopeful for next year. The defense has a chance to be USC- like next year, and as long as Clausen throws it to Tate and Floyd and Rudolph, we can play with anybody.
Rich, I couldn't let your witty comment pass unchallenged. While it is true in part, here is an equally accurate version;
CEO and Sr Managers assure clients that Madoff funds are secure. In Fact, in light of mortgage melt down, money men urge clients to increase funds in Madoff, plus the safe and secure banks like Wachovia and financial giants like AIG. Come Christmas, same managers ruefully admit some decisions were less than perfect, but they tell clients they will share their pain because bonuses are cut from 10 mil to a measly 5.
To me, sport is still more real than life.
canuck 75 | Email | Homepage | 12.25.08 - 11:25 am | #