HUGHES for the first 1st down.
onehipdad | Email | Homepage | 12.24.08 - 8:09 pm | #

What's with the names on the jersey's?
VicPaul | Email | Homepage | 12.24.08 - 8:09 pm | #

Names on the back - WTF?
IrishGalDC | Email | Homepage | 12.24.08 - 8:09 pm | #

Nuts - still waiting for ESPN360 to start the game.
Épée Fencer | Email | Homepage | 12.24.08 - 8:10 pm | #

Merry Christmas everyone!
Épée Fencer | Email | Homepage | 12.24.08 - 8:10 pm | #

A screen play that worked....I'm very excited.
VicPaul | Email | Homepage | 12.24.08 - 8:11 pm | #

Maybe a senior thing? Hey, VP, we're snowbound here!
onehipdad | Email | Homepage | 12.24.08 - 8:11 pm | #

50 degrees in your nation's capitol.
Épée Fencer | Email | Homepage | 12.24.08 - 8:12 pm | #

Onehip-- crazy eh! First white Chritmas in a long time. Cool
VicPaul | Email | Homepage | 12.24.08 - 8:12 pm | #

Please forgive me if this has been previously addressed... but seriously, the names on the jerseys?

Has Charlie completely forgotten what Notre Dame is about? Tradition, lore, mystique...

WTF is he doing?
Ian M | Email | Homepage | 12.24.08 - 8:16 pm | #

I just noticed too-- NAMES ON JERSEYS?
It's a bit unsettling. I hope it's just for today.
NDdallas | Email | Homepage | 12.24.08 - 8:16 pm | #

Glad to see Floyd's playing tonight. Did they just say Hawaii QB most sacked?
onehipdad | Email | Homepage | 12.24.08 - 8:17 pm | #

Sack #1
onehipdad | Email | Homepage | 12.24.08 - 8:18 pm | #

Names on jerseys... the only thing I can think of is that the Hawaii Bowl required it.

I've Googled around, and I can't find anything about it on any news sites. Maybe Charlie will address it in the post-game presser.

Regardless of the reason, though, it sucks. But plenty of Notre Dame teams have played with names on their jerseys. I seem to recall Lou had to take the names back off when he took over.
Novus | Email | Homepage | 12.24.08 - 8:18 pm | #

seems the easiest job in the world would be as a recruiter for Hawaii.
PlanetEire | Email | Homepage | 12.24.08 - 8:19 pm | #

Names on uniforms at ND is not uncommon. Ara had them on the jerseys for bowl games, then added them full-time. Devine and Faust used them, too.
DJ | Email | Homepage | 12.24.08 - 8:19 pm | #

I like the names for post-season
PlanetEire | Email | Homepage | 12.24.08 - 8:19 pm | #

Yeah Novus - we've had names on jerseys in previous seasons. Not something I'd like permanently but OK for a bowl game especially if we can win.
Old Fan | Email | Homepage | 12.24.08 - 8:20 pm | #

Northwestern's jerseys (made by Adidas) have a number font just like our old Champions. We should go with that.

Enough fashion talk. Back to football.
DJ | Email | Homepage | 12.24.08 - 8:22 pm | #

Did he say golden shower!!
PlanetEire | Email | Homepage | 12.24.08 - 8:23 pm | #

A golden shower reference?
DJ | Email | Homepage | 12.24.08 - 8:23 pm | #

how many screens so far?
PlanetEire | Email | Homepage | 12.24.08 - 8:24 pm | #

Why is Hughes getting the workout so early?
onehipdad | Email | Homepage | 12.24.08 - 8:25 pm | #

Rudolph the red-nosed....TE? I'll take it!
RS | Email | Homepage | 12.24.08 - 8:25 pm | #

Hughes will soften the defense for Allen
Old Fan | Email | Homepage | 12.24.08 - 8:25 pm | #

Rudolph!!!
PlanetEire | Email | Homepage | 12.24.08 - 8:25 pm | #

more passes to rudolph... in the spirit of Christmas
minivannd | Email | Homepage | 12.24.08 - 8:26 pm | #

Good block, Schwapp!
onehipdad | Email | Homepage | 12.24.08 - 8:27 pm | #

keep pounding it
Old Fan | Email | Homepage | 12.24.08 - 8:27 pm | #

Is cw on painkillers?
PlanetEire | Email | Homepage | 12.24.08 - 8:27 pm | #

nice RAC
Old Fan | Email | Homepage | 12.24.08 - 8:28 pm | #

Go Tate
PlanetEire | Email | Homepage | 12.24.08 - 8:29 pm | #

what was the penalty?
onehipdad | Email | Homepage | 12.24.08 - 8:29 pm | #

Huuuughes!!!!
IrishGalDC | Email | Homepage | 12.24.08 - 8:30 pm | #

penalty was pf...looked like late hit
PlanetEire | Email | Homepage | 12.24.08 - 8:30 pm | #

personal foul on HI
Old Fan | Email | Homepage | 12.24.08 - 8:30 pm | #

Huuuughes! Merry Christmas!
RS | Email | Homepage | 12.24.08 - 8:30 pm | #

impressive first two offensive drives - if the D can get pressure we can win
Old Fan | Email | Homepage | 12.24.08 - 8:31 pm | #

defense is good bend but not break unit...
PlanetEire | Email | Homepage | 12.24.08 - 8:32 pm | #

If they like Hughes, they're gonna love Aldridge.
onehipdad | Email | Homepage | 12.24.08 - 8:33 pm | #

I miss Annello (sp?)
OC mj | Email | Homepage | 12.24.08 - 8:34 pm | #

Anybody notice if Mike A. #37 is playing?
onehipdad | Email | Homepage | 12.24.08 - 8:34 pm | #

the special teams miss Anello too.
IrishGalDC | Email | Homepage | 12.24.08 - 8:35 pm | #

Anello has a broken leg from the USC kickoff.
IrishGalDC | Email | Homepage | 12.24.08 - 8:37 pm | #

Broken leg, remember?
OC mj | Email | Homepage | 12.24.08 - 8:37 pm | #

Sack #2
onehipdad | Email | Homepage | 12.24.08 - 8:37 pm | #

nice job D
Old Fan | Email | Homepage | 12.24.08 - 8:38 pm | #

nice!
minivannd | Email | Homepage | 12.24.08 - 8:38 pm | #

Blocked Punt!!!

but why did no one go after it?
IrishGalDC | Email | Homepage | 12.24.08 - 8:38 pm | #

Anybody see the Southern Miss broken leg the other night? Looked like a race horse.
onehipdad | Email | Homepage | 12.24.08 - 8:40 pm | #

corners are going to be hard to get against HI. Need to control the middle.
Old Fan | Email | Homepage | 12.24.08 - 8:45 pm | #

And that was supposed to pick up a 1st?
onehipdad | Email | Homepage | 12.24.08 - 8:45 pm | #

What has Sergio Brown been eating - he is all over the place tonight.
IrishGalDC | Email | Homepage | 12.24.08 - 8:46 pm | #

There he is again.
onehipdad | Email | Homepage | 12.24.08 - 8:48 pm | #

wow - nice run Tate
Old Fan | Email | Homepage | 12.24.08 - 8:49 pm | #

Nice pass
VicPaul | Email | Homepage | 12.24.08 - 8:55 pm | #

nice
Old Fan | Email | Homepage | 12.24.08 - 8:55 pm | #

one-handed?
Épée Fencer | Email | Homepage | 12.24.08 - 8:57 pm | #

This is by far the sharpest that jc has been. Notice the scramble? Very rare for him.
PlanetEire | Email | Homepage | 12.24.08 - 8:57 pm | #

Makes up for the drop.
Épée Fencer | Email | Homepage | 12.24.08 - 8:57 pm | #

Anyone notice the names on the back of the jersey's???? Just kidding, sweet drive!!!!
VicPaul | Email | Homepage | 12.24.08 - 8:57 pm | #

Not that I'm complaining but anyone else surprised Floyd hasn't been more of a factor so far? Very impressed with that TD catch from Grimes, though!
RS | Email | Homepage | 12.24.08 - 8:58 pm | #

That was a great one-handed catch by a graduating senior.
onehipdad | Email | Homepage | 12.24.08 - 8:59 pm | #

Clausen was this sharp at UNC in first half
Old Fan | Email | Homepage | 12.24.08 - 8:59 pm | #

Floyd is drawing lots of coverage I would guess.
Épée Fencer | Email | Homepage | 12.24.08 - 8:59 pm | #

Gotta love the attitude I'm seeing from the players...yes, the excessive celebration penalty was stupid, but great to see the players fired up, taunting the Rainbow Warriors and their fans!!
DenverIrish | Email | Homepage | 12.24.08 - 8:59 pm | #

No, don't mention UNC.
Épée Fencer | Email | Homepage | 12.24.08 - 9:00 pm | #

To answer the questions about the names on jerseys, found this on NDN: The blue Irish jerseys for the game tonight have player names on the backs – renewing a tradition from the Ara Parseghian years when Irish teams did not have names on the backs of their jerseys during the regular season but added them for bowl games. It also becomes a nice personal touch for the players who are allowed to keep their bowl jerseys. It’s the first time an Irish team has worn names on its jerseys since the Cotton Bowl against Texas A&M that ended the 1987 season (Tim Brown’s final game as a collegian).

Also I don't think I've seen Floyd out there for a few drives, he OK?
EZ | Email | Homepage | 12.24.08 - 9:01 pm | #

Good spot EZ, have to keep on eye out for Floyd.
Épée Fencer | Email | Homepage | 12.24.08 - 9:02 pm | #

announcer said Floyd looked dinged after the hit he took
Old Fan | Email | Homepage | 12.24.08 - 9:02 pm | #

I bet Floyd got a concussion, just looking back at how hard he got hit during the "golden shower" hit, and he was dazed afterwards. If so, they most likely won't let him back in.
DenverIrish | Email | Homepage | 12.24.08 - 9:03 pm | #

Names--Whatever breaks this bowl jinx, I'm all for.
VicPaul | Email | Homepage | 12.24.08 - 9:03 pm | #

got to make that tackle
Old Fan | Email | Homepage | 12.24.08 - 9:04 pm | #

That looked easy.
onehipdad | Email | Homepage | 12.24.08 - 9:05 pm | #

let's see if jc can take the fired up HI d
PlanetEire | Email | Homepage | 12.24.08 - 9:06 pm | #

Bruton?????
VicPaul | Email | Homepage | 12.24.08 - 9:06 pm | #

Waving your hand in front of your face is excessive celebration? Give me a break.
OC mj | Email | Homepage | 12.24.08 - 9:09 pm | #

need to answer their score
Old Fan | Email | Homepage | 12.24.08 - 9:11 pm | #

yes
Old Fan | Email | Homepage | 12.24.08 - 9:12 pm | #

Hawaii players are acting like the pros - making a simple tackle is like the Play of the Year.
onehipdad | Email | Homepage | 12.24.08 - 9:12 pm | #

Golden Tate - "I can not be Stopped!"
IrishGalDC | Email | Homepage | 12.24.08 - 9:12 pm | #

69 yard TOUCHDOWN.
doug | Email | Homepage | 12.24.08 - 9:13 pm | #

Golden moment on X-Mas Eve!!
IMIRISH | Email | Homepage | 12.24.08 - 9:13 pm | #

14-16 with two drops
Old Fan | Email | Homepage | 12.24.08 - 9:13 pm | #

kevin McDougal
Old Fan | Email | Homepage | 12.24.08 - 9:14 pm | #

How about the play calling? We are mixing in the pass and run...plenty of screens.
IMIRISH | Email | Homepage | 12.24.08 - 9:15 pm | #

Maybe Charlie should stay in the booth full time.
VicPaul | Email | Homepage | 12.24.08 - 9:16 pm | #

Agreed - 2-butt Charlie in the booth is a good thing.
OC mj | Email | Homepage | 12.24.08 - 9:18 pm | #

a Steve Quinn sighting? good for him.
Schultz | Email | Homepage | 12.24.08 - 9:19 pm | #

Seriously, OC mj, can we please avoid another round of fighting about CW comments? Please, on Christmas eve, try your hardest not to drag this blog into another argument regarding his body habitus and fashion sense!!
DenverIrish | Email | Homepage | 12.24.08 - 9:21 pm | #

No need for any negative CW comments right now. He's calling a great game.
IMIRISH | Email | Homepage | 12.24.08 - 9:23 pm | #

Peace on Earth and Good Will to All (including coaches)
Épée Fencer | Email | Homepage | 12.24.08 - 9:23 pm | #

here we go
IrishGalDC | Email | Homepage | 12.24.08 - 9:24 pm | #

wow
Old Fan | Email | Homepage | 12.24.08 - 9:24 pm | #

I have 5 words for you, Denver - Syracuse, Senior, Day, Home, Loss. Charlie lost me then.
OC mj | Email | Homepage | 12.24.08 - 9:25 pm | #

totally didn't see that play action coming...
Schultz | Email | Homepage | 12.24.08 - 9:25 pm | #

Wow, Rudolph! Seriously!
RS | Email | Homepage | 12.24.08 - 9:25 pm | #

His middle name is Money.
onehipdad | Email | Homepage | 12.24.08 - 9:26 pm | #

OC, OK, that's fine, you don't think he's a good coach. Try to convey that, even though everyone agrees he's calling a pretty darn good game right now, and leave the personal comments about his weight off of this blog!
DenverIrish | Email | Homepage | 12.24.08 - 9:27 pm | #

nothing wide! THey are too fast.
Old Fan | Email | Homepage | 12.24.08 - 9:27 pm | #

Throw to Golden in the corner.
IMIRISH | Email | Homepage | 12.24.08 - 9:27 pm | #

0 for 2 on the end-around.
onehipdad | Email | Homepage | 12.24.08 - 9:27 pm | #

Rudolph Tate Floyd? I could be great qb with them.
PlanetEire | Email | Homepage | 12.24.08 - 9:27 pm | #

nothing wide! THey are too fast!
Old Fan | Email | Homepage | 12.24.08 - 9:27 pm | #

horrible play calls
IrishGalDC | Email | Homepage | 12.24.08 - 9:27 pm | #

Ugh, when will they realize Hughes is not an outside / pitch play kinda back? It -never works!
RS | Email | Homepage | 12.24.08 - 9:28 pm | #

0 for 3. DO YOU GET IT, CHARLIE????
onehipdad | Email | Homepage | 12.24.08 - 9:28 pm | #

hey that run to the outside didn't work the first time? let's try it again and lose five more. play-calling has been great until now.
Schultz | Email | Homepage | 12.24.08 - 9:28 pm | #

Where's the fade?
VicPaul | Email | Homepage | 12.24.08 - 9:28 pm | #

wowowowowowow
Old Fan | Email | Homepage | 12.24.08 - 9:28 pm | #

Did I call it????
IMIRISH | Email | Homepage | 12.24.08 - 9:28 pm | #

terrible calls...cmon nd
PlanetEire | Email | Homepage | 12.24.08 - 9:28 pm | #

Gooooooolden Gooooooooooooolden!
IrishGalDC | Email | Homepage | 12.24.08 - 9:28 pm | #

I can't believe it!
PlanetEire | Email | Homepage | 12.24.08 - 9:29 pm | #

cw is a genius
PlanetEire | Email | Homepage | 12.24.08 - 9:29 pm | #

they are challenging - was it that close?
Old Fan | Email | Homepage | 12.24.08 - 9:29 pm | #

Give me the love...called it three plays ago.
IMIRISH | Email | Homepage | 12.24.08 - 9:29 pm | #

UnGoldenBelievable.
onehipdad | Email | Homepage | 12.24.08 - 9:29 pm | #

Make no mistake - I am enjoying this game - with Charlie in the booth and not on the field - which I have advocated since the knee injuries.
OC mj | Email | Homepage | 12.24.08 - 9:30 pm | #

Planet - you are funny!
IMIRISH - here's your love.
Old Fan | Email | Homepage | 12.24.08 - 9:31 pm | #

I love the scheme...crappy end runs sets up hail mary passing attack...
PlanetEire | Email | Homepage | 12.24.08 - 9:32 pm | #

I'll be even more impressed the second half if they put their cleats on Hawaii's throat and blows them out the second half.
IMIRISH | Email | Homepage | 12.24.08 - 9:33 pm | #

now i can go to 11:00 church and not have to worry about getting updates!
Schultz | Email | Homepage | 12.24.08 - 9:33 pm | #

Schultz - have you watched any games this year????

Last two times I did Sat mass and we were winning, we lost. So I'm going tomorrow.
Old Fan | Email | Homepage | 12.24.08 - 9:34 pm | #

Thanks for jinxing us Schultz. Have a nice mass, say Hi to the big guy for me.
VicPaul | Email | Homepage | 12.24.08 - 9:34 pm | #

that's the best half of Irish football we've seen in quite some time.
onehipdad | Email | Homepage | 12.24.08 - 9:36 pm | #

Please oh please kick ass in the second half. There is no boring ND win blow-out. 49-7 would be a nice Christmas gift.
Old Fan | Email | Homepage | 12.24.08 - 9:37 pm | #

Leaving for mass soon, prob going to go to hell for checking the blackberry for score updates but i don't trust this team to finish this out.
IrishGalDC | Email | Homepage | 12.24.08 - 9:37 pm | #

I just said the same thing Onehip. Couldn't have asked for a better half of football. PLEASE DON'T LET UP CHARLIE!!!!!!!
VicPaul | Email | Homepage | 12.24.08 - 9:38 pm | #

I'd like to see another three touchdowns in the second half. Bloooow them out.
IMIRISH | Email | Homepage | 12.24.08 - 9:38 pm | #

I really hope they dont give up the lead!!!!
PLEASE DONT!!!

Me and DieselKnight are watching it.
Merry Christmas everyone!!!!
Mexican Irish | Email | Homepage | 12.24.08 - 9:40 pm | #

Hawai'i, with the run and shoot, can score quickly. The defense can't let up.
DJ | Email | Homepage | 12.24.08 - 9:41 pm | #

The only way we can get out of our driveway is in #3 son's jacked up Ram with oversize knobbies. We'll be lucky if it warms up enough tonight to go to Mass in the am.
onehipdad | Email | Homepage | 12.24.08 - 9:42 pm | #

Onehip- I'll keep you and your family in my Christmas Prayers tomorrow just in case you can't make it. With the 2 year old there will be no midnight mass for us.
VicPaul | Email | Homepage | 12.24.08 - 9:44 pm | #

Please don't give up in the second half and cause us more misery... keep it going boys and put a nice end to an otherwise tough year to watch at times...
Terry | Email | Homepage | 12.24.08 - 9:46 pm | #

Keep the foot down, Irish.
DagerOne | Email | Homepage | 12.24.08 - 9:50 pm | #

Someone with TiVo --

I had trouble seeing it on the replay but ilooked on that pitch play to the left to Hughes (maybe on first and goal before the Tate fade?, the pulling linemen turn up inside of some kind of block on the corner and Hughes kept going wide. Not turning up behind the linemen allowed that UH LB to flow straight down to the play since no one had an angle on him.

Am I right or no?

PS-please play four full quarters
PPS-thanks for the info on the names/jerseys. Noticed that right away.
Broom | Email | Homepage | 12.24.08 - 9:54 pm | #

28-7 and all I'm doing is trying not to panic.
Tracer Bullet | Email | Homepage | 12.24.08 - 9:57 pm | #

I love how the announcers are still desperately clawing at any possibility of a negative comment about our play in the first half! Good to see for a change!
DenverIrish | Email | Homepage | 12.24.08 - 9:57 pm | #

yeah - pound that middle.
Old Fan | Email | Homepage | 12.24.08 - 10:01 pm | #

has anyone commented on lack of play by Aldridge?
PlanetEire | Email | Homepage | 12.24.08 - 10:04 pm | #

wow
PlanetEire | Email | Homepage | 12.24.08 - 10:05 pm | #

yeah!!
Old Fan | Email | Homepage | 12.24.08 - 10:06 pm | #

Merry Christmas! Haha! Every time I think JC is about to take a sack or throw a bad pass he makes magic happen. Just wow.
RS | Email | Homepage | 12.24.08 - 10:06 pm | #

So are we finally seeing the Irish put it all together and getting a preview of a juggernaut on the rise or is Hawaii just lousy?
Tracer Bullet | Email | Homepage | 12.24.08 - 10:06 pm | #

This feels like watching the smashmouth Irish football of the late 80's and early 90's!
DenverIrish | Email | Homepage | 12.24.08 - 10:07 pm | #

Tracer: Well, we've seen them do this before - the question is whether they can ever do it consistently. And your guess there is as good as mine.

But yes, Hawaii is lousy, too.
John | Email | Homepage | 12.24.08 - 10:07 pm | #

It's a home game for Hawaii so I think ND is playing it's best game since Quinn era...
PlanetEire | Email | Homepage | 12.24.08 - 10:08 pm | #

PlanetEire is right on -- Hawaii may not be USC, but they do have a winning record and are usually very hard to beat at home, while ND has been terrible on the road -- this is a stunning performance.
RS | Email | Homepage | 12.24.08 - 10:09 pm | #

anyone else think HI coach looks like cw?
PlanetEire | Email | Homepage | 12.24.08 - 10:11 pm | #

Whether they can keep this up is another question. They blew early leads against Navy, Pitt and UNC too.
Tracer Bullet | Email | Homepage | 12.24.08 - 10:12 pm | #

PlanetErie: We said he looks like Weis with shades of Bobby Bowden
Nick | Email | Homepage | 12.24.08 - 10:14 pm | #

Does anyone have a link to watch the game online?

Thanks!
Colonel Klink | Email | Homepage | 12.24.08 - 10:14 pm | #

Planet, a slightly slimmer version. But I'll get in big trouble for that comment...
OC mj | Email | Homepage | 12.24.08 - 10:14 pm | #

Game Stream

http://www.justin.tv/scuba2steve
IrishChi | Email | Homepage | 12.24.08 - 10:15 pm | #

http://www.justin.tv/timmex

Online feed right there. I'm at work and was thrilled to find it. Enjoy!
RS | Email | Homepage | 12.24.08 - 10:15 pm | #

I don't sense a collapse for this game...I think KI is collapsing (like Ty's team this year)...just don;t send the subs in
PlanetEire | Email | Homepage | 12.24.08 - 10:17 pm | #

Thanks very much for the links!
Colonel Klink | Email | Homepage | 12.24.08 - 10:18 pm | #

wowowowowowow
Old Fan | Email | Homepage | 12.24.08 - 10:19 pm | #

wow again!
PlanetEire | Email | Homepage | 12.24.08 - 10:20 pm | #

She. Yit. 3rd-and-long is the best situation for this team today.
Tracer Bullet | Email | Homepage | 12.24.08 - 10:20 pm | #

Jimmy and Tate in '09
IrishChi | Email | Homepage | 12.24.08 - 10:20 pm | #

Apparently when given some time, Clausen can make some good throws.
c-stone | Email | Homepage | 12.24.08 - 10:20 pm | #

Unbelievable and absolutely spectacular! I haven't enjoyed a game like this in years! BTW, I've never seen refs so vigilant about getting players out of the endzone before they can excessively celebrate and get penalized.
DenverIrish | Email | Homepage | 12.24.08 - 10:21 pm | #

Am I really seeing what I think I'm seeing. I'm not sure what my wife bought me but it can't beat the present Jimmy's giving me.
VicPaul | Email | Homepage | 12.24.08 - 10:21 pm | #

yeah Denver - noticed that also
Old Fan | Email | Homepage | 12.24.08 - 10:21 pm | #

JC is healthy again. Excellent. This is a very impressive display
Majnun | Email | Homepage | 12.24.08 - 10:21 pm | #

Wow - soooooo glad to see Jimmy having a great game. Must have been that water park surfing...
OC mj | Email | Homepage | 12.24.08 - 10:22 pm | #

maybe...and I mean maybe...this is his breakout game...all returning OL may make ND a team to be proud of next year
PlanetEire | Email | Homepage | 12.24.08 - 10:23 pm | #

Sergio is a monster today
PlanetEire | Email | Homepage | 12.24.08 - 10:24 pm | #

so is H Smith
Old Fan | Email | Homepage | 12.24.08 - 10:26 pm | #

HI is imploding
PlanetEire | Email | Homepage | 12.24.08 - 10:27 pm | #

Hi Coach is trying to decide: More leis or less leis??
onehipdad | Email | Homepage | 12.24.08 - 10:27 pm | #

Spoke too soon. I don't know why you call a blitz in the situation.
Tracer Bullet | Email | Homepage | 12.24.08 - 10:27 pm | #

Obvious hold there.
onehipdad | Email | Homepage | 12.24.08 - 10:28 pm | #

HI QB getting time now
Old Fan | Email | Homepage | 12.24.08 - 10:28 pm | #

So Kunz is a Sosh major. He should specialize in calling on deadbeat dads after graduation.
onehipdad | Email | Homepage | 12.24.08 - 10:30 pm | #

Dang - so they are still playing hard --- we need to do the same. 60 minutes tonight, please.
Old Fan | Email | Homepage | 12.24.08 - 10:31 pm | #

Bruton??????
VicPaul | Email | Homepage | 12.24.08 - 10:31 pm | #

Keep foot on throat!
Colonel Klink | Email | Homepage | 12.24.08 - 10:31 pm | #

Bruton went for the miracle play instead of just bringing the receiver down. :(
DagerOne | Email | Homepage | 12.24.08 - 10:32 pm | #

wowowowowow
Old Fan | Email | Homepage | 12.24.08 - 10:34 pm | #

ALLEN!!!
minivannd | Email | Homepage | 12.24.08 - 10:34 pm | #

Fan-freakin-tastic!!
DenverIrish | Email | Homepage | 12.24.08 - 10:34 pm | #

Well, that helps.
Tracer Bullet | Email | Homepage | 12.24.08 - 10:34 pm | #

Well I asked for 49-7. But will be happy with 63-14!!!
Old Fan | Email | Homepage | 12.24.08 - 10:35 pm | #

YES!!!!!!!!! ARMANDO!!!!!!
OC mj | Email | Homepage | 12.24.08 - 10:35 pm | #

"Merry Christmas, Irish fans!"
onehipdad | Email | Homepage | 12.24.08 - 10:35 pm | #

This is awesome. I couldn't have drawn this up any better.
VicPaul | Email | Homepage | 12.24.08 - 10:35 pm | #

sergio!
Old Fan | Email | Homepage | 12.24.08 - 10:36 pm | #

I still know he's not Hispanic, but I must repeat my previous comment....Arrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrmondo!!
DenverIrish | Email | Homepage | 12.24.08 - 10:36 pm | #

Can Hawaii score 35 points in 19:12? I'm paranoid enough to say it's unlikely but not impossible.
Tracer Bullet | Email | Homepage | 12.24.08 - 10:37 pm | #

Tracer - I'm still not 100% confident but I'm starting to not feel nervous.
Old Fan | Email | Homepage | 12.24.08 - 10:38 pm | #

soooo we waited all year for this to happen... why couldnt we do this all year?
Kyle | Email | Homepage | 12.24.08 - 10:38 pm | #

Can anyone remember the last time we ran a kickoff back? I'm really too happy, and unwilling to google search it right now!
DenverIrish | Email | Homepage | 12.24.08 - 10:39 pm | #

wowowowowowow
Old Fan | Email | Homepage | 12.24.08 - 10:39 pm | #

Old Fan -- I'm going to be nervous until 40 minutes after the game ends. and the penalty is going to waste a superhuman return.
Tracer Bullet | Email | Homepage | 12.24.08 - 10:39 pm | #

WOW. I really wanted that one.
IrishChi | Email | Homepage | 12.24.08 - 10:40 pm | #

probably hasn't happened since Zibby returned punts...maybe USC in 2005?
kryptonite163 | Email | Homepage | 12.24.08 - 10:40 pm | #

Tate is just wanting it tonight. This is great that we look inspired.
Old Fan | Email | Homepage | 12.24.08 - 10:41 pm | #

Kyle - I was just thinking that we only have a little more than 15 minutes left in this season....sniff..
onehipdad | Email | Homepage | 12.24.08 - 10:41 pm | #

Well, at least it wasn't Harrison Smith with the stupid, drive-sustaining penalty. That's progress of a fashion.
Tracer Bullet | Email | Homepage | 12.24.08 - 10:41 pm | #

I love how much Golden wanted that one!
OC mj | Email | Homepage | 12.24.08 - 10:42 pm | #

right exactly... its been a very frustrating season and im glad that its ending with (hopefully) a bowl win and a good one at the that but i wanted more and im still not as satisfied as i want to be
Kyle | Email | Homepage | 12.24.08 - 10:45 pm | #

It's the ol' school turf. It's gotta be the turf! Turf, Turf, Turf!
Mars Blackmon | Email | Homepage | 12.24.08 - 10:45 pm | #

OK, Kyle, for the sake of discussion, what haven't the Irish showed you today? Not challenging you, just curious!
DenverIrish | Email | Homepage | 12.24.08 - 10:48 pm | #

Nice to be on the right side of a blowout for once.
Colonel Klink | Email | Homepage | 12.24.08 - 10:49 pm | #

Just one quarter to go boys....This has been a great game and wonderful Christmas present...now just finish the game and we can all go to Mass and have a wonderful Christmas to celebrate as well as a traditional one with a Notre Dame win.
Tony | Email | Homepage | 12.24.08 - 10:50 pm | #

I know it's 4th-and-17, but why are they punting? They converted 3rd-and-19 on the last drive.
Tracer Bullet | Email | Homepage | 12.24.08 - 10:52 pm | #

Definitely the ND tie if we can make it to church.
onehipdad | Email | Homepage | 12.24.08 - 10:52 pm | #

They aren't gonna call of the dogs just yet.
IrishChi | Email | Homepage | 12.24.08 - 10:53 pm | #

I'm with you Denver. Come on guys, obviously this season hasn't gone as planned but let's just enjoy this one and analize the year at a latter date.
VicPaul | Email | Homepage | 12.24.08 - 10:54 pm | #

The heck with this year, 12-0 in 2009, baby!
Sept. 5 NEVADA
Sept. 12 at Michigan
Sept. 19 MICHIGAN STATE
Sept. 26 at Purdue
Oct. 3 WASHINGTON
Oct. 10 Open Date
Oct. 17 USC
Oct. 24 BOSTON COLLEGE
Oct. 31 vs. Washington State (at San Antonio, Texas)
Nov. 7 NAVY
Nov. 14 at Pittsburgh
Nov. 21 CONNECTICUT
Nov. 28 at Stanford
onehipdad | Email | Homepage | 12.24.08 - 10:55 pm | #

Denver Irish- I guess im just disappointed in the season as a whole. I was really hoping to get to the Gator Bowl and play a good team (not that hawai'i isnt awful) but i wanted better things for this team. Granted today has been great and you really cannot ask for better, in face it makes me much more optimistic about next year. To sum up tonight... I'm more relieved that we blew out Hawai'i than really true proud of what this team has accomplished this year. I hope you can follow what I'm saying.
Kyle | Email | Homepage | 12.24.08 - 10:56 pm | #

There isn't a fan on the planet that wouldn't have taken the first three quarters of this game. So if they bitch after this game (assuming nothing terrible happens from here on out) about the game, eff them. You know whose side they are really on.
O | Email | Homepage | 12.24.08 - 10:56 pm | #

and i apologize for my spelling errors not really paying attention to what I'm typing haha
Kyle | Email | Homepage | 12.24.08 - 10:57 pm | #

kyle-go to bed.
kmf | Email | Homepage | 12.24.08 - 10:57 pm | #

Love these sacks.
IrishChi | Email | Homepage | 12.24.08 - 10:59 pm | #

haha I might have to. I guess I'm just all out of sorts watching Notre Dame actually stick it to someone.
Kyle | Email | Homepage | 12.24.08 - 10:59 pm | #

two more sacks and ND won't have the season record for sacks allowed
stephen | Email | Homepage | 12.24.08 - 10:59 pm | #

I guess Hawaii is conceding the game. Maybe Crist gets some reps. Or, heck, why not throw Montana out there for kicks?
Tracer Bullet | Email | Homepage | 12.24.08 - 11:01 pm | #

Don't want to kill Crist's redshirt, no?
IrishChi | Email | Homepage | 12.24.08 - 11:02 pm | #

If we can't be in a BCS bowl game I love that we're playing in this type of game. End the streak and finish the year on a high. I couldn't even imagine slumping our way into a Gator bowl only to get it handed to us and have to listen to all the idiots out there talk about how bad we are. Go Irish In 2009.
VicPaul | Email | Homepage | 12.24.08 - 11:02 pm | #

Did he get redshirted? I thought he was dressed tonight.
Tracer Bullet | Email | Homepage | 12.24.08 - 11:03 pm | #

Well said Vic
IrishChi | Email | Homepage | 12.24.08 - 11:03 pm | #

Sharpley deserves some reps.
Colonel Klink | Email | Homepage | 12.24.08 - 11:03 pm | #

Whyoever - time to show some old-fashioned Notre Dame class and play all the subs they brought. THAT would be reviving another tradition - the first being a rout of a second tier team.
JimK | Email | Homepage | 12.24.08 - 11:03 pm | #

Tracer- Crist can dress he just can't play (as a redshirt)
Kyle | Email | Homepage | 12.24.08 - 11:05 pm | #

Kyle, I hear you. No one on this blog would argue that this season has been a pleasure to endure. However, a play here or there (Pitt, Syracuse) could have meant a 8-4 year, and most likely the same (still young) team would have gone against a better opponent in the Gator or Cotton Bowls. Would we have gotten beat again, and would the nay-sayers have said that we shouldn't have been in that bowl in the first place? I don't know. But I do know that I'm very happy right now, my holiday and status with the wifey are both safe, and this result is exceptionally positive for next year and for our recruiting! Hopefully this will be enough to convince Manti Te'o to come to South Bend!!
DenverIrish | Email | Homepage | 12.24.08 - 11:05 pm | #

Glad to see JG in there, looking good.
onehipdad | Email | Homepage | 12.24.08 - 11:06 pm | #

As soon as he plays a down then he loses his redshirt.

I do not believe he has played a down yet this season so he will have 4 fresh years starting next year.
IrishChi | Email | Homepage | 12.24.08 - 11:06 pm | #

Strange. Why dress him if he can't play? What if he decides to sneak on the field for some reason? 18-year-olds aren't known for their judgement.
Tracer Bullet | Email | Homepage | 12.24.08 - 11:07 pm | #

Judgment. I hate making that mistake.
Tracer Bullet | Email | Homepage | 12.24.08 - 11:08 pm | #

finally.

merry christmas

don't stress about the names
mike b | Email | Homepage | 12.24.08 - 11:08 pm | #

See that shot of Montana -- looks just like his dad.
Épée Fencer | Email | Homepage | 12.24.08 - 11:09 pm | #

Denver- Understood. I do agree we could easily be 8-4 and we absolutely should have been. It's just hard for me to swallow that Notre Dame needs to go to a lower level bowl game to prove to themselves that they can contend. Like I said though, thank the Lord that this is how the game turned out because it really gives me hope for next season and the future.

Also it bothered me slightly that we were playing in the Hawai'i bowl to possibly land Teo. I'm not sure if thats part of the equation... but if it is I find it interesting that we would pick to send the whole team to a bowl in Hawai'i just to possibly make a play at a high end recruit
Kyle | Email | Homepage | 12.24.08 - 11:09 pm | #

Huh. So, some kids whose fathers were great college athletes decide to go to the same schools as their fathers, while others don't. That is some insightful analysis.
Tracer Bullet | Email | Homepage | 12.24.08 - 11:09 pm | #

The absolute LAST thing you would want to do if you were CW would be to pin JC against DC. Only a place as sleazy as Florida or tOSU could handle a cut-throat QB competition for thrills!
DenverIrish | Email | Homepage | 12.24.08 - 11:10 pm | #

Kyle, there's always a silver-lining. Think of it this way...last year, we wouldn't have wanted our team to be seen playing in a bowl even if they found a way to go 6-6. This year, our stats improved impressively in all aspects of the game, and we are playing against a 7-6 team. There are 51 teams (correct my math if I'm wrong) who are looking in from the outside, and who would BEG to be playing in this Hawai'i Bowl game right now. Let's look to the future, take it all in, enjoy our Christmas, and expect (not hope) the best in '09! Go Irish!
DenverIrish | Email | Homepage | 12.24.08 - 11:18 pm | #

Amen... well said Denver... have a merry christmas guys and go irish!
Kyle | Email | Homepage | 12.24.08 - 11:19 pm | #

I'm just glad the streak is over.
No complaining tonight.
A good night from Hawaii.
NDdallas | Email | Homepage | 12.24.08 - 11:20 pm | #

This monkey is off our back!!!!

ESPN is even respectful and echoing the youth of the team.

Merry Christmas to all. It is for me now.
JP | Email | Homepage | 12.24.08 - 11:22 pm | #

Merry Christmas to all! What a nice Christmas present ND gave us.
Old Fan | Email | Homepage | 12.24.08 - 11:25 pm | #

Last time Hawai'i bombed this bad --

December 7, 1941.
Épée Fencer | Email | Homepage | 12.24.08 - 11:26 pm | #

No onsides kicks!
Colonel Klink | Email | Homepage | 12.24.08 - 11:26 pm | #

Wow! We recovered the onsides kick!
Colonel Klink | Email | Homepage | 12.24.08 - 11:27 pm | #

Epee, umm, yeah, just bad taste in general. Still, I wish you and your family a very Merry Christmas
DenverIrish | Email | Homepage | 12.24.08 - 11:29 pm | #

Regardless of the bowl or the opponent, it's a great win, it ends the loss streak and leaves a sweet taste in the mouth with lots of hope for 2009. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year everybody, meet you back here next year!
onehipdad | Email | Homepage | 12.24.08 - 11:31 pm | #

Merry Christmas, everyone. Go Irish!
Klug | Email | Homepage | 12.24.08 - 11:32 pm | #

Thanks Denver -- and same to you and yours!
Épée Fencer | Email | Homepage | 12.24.08 - 11:33 pm | #

Thanks BGS gentlemen for your hospitality over the year!
Épée Fencer | Email | Homepage | 12.24.08 - 11:33 pm | #

Son serves 8:00 AM Mass tomorrow, so better wrap up.
Épée Fencer | Email | Homepage | 12.24.08 - 11:34 pm | #

May God Bless all of you on this Holy Day, and throughout 2009!
Épée Fencer | Email | Homepage | 12.24.08 - 11:36 pm | #

Oops, one final thought -- football may be over, but the fencing season now begins in ernest! Go Irish Fencers! Time to grab back the National Championship!
Épée Fencer | Email | Homepage | 12.24.08 - 11:38 pm | #

Nice job everyone!
Dana Payne | Email | Homepage | 12.24.08 - 11:55 pm | #

the bowl game losing streak is over. glory be!

i did not like the names on the jerseys and had always thought it was tradition to wear green jerseys for bowl games....
brian custer | Email | Homepage | 12.25.08 - 12:14 am | #

Thank you, God!

1. For the Incarnation of Our Lord
2. For the gift of Our Lady and her example
3. For this bowl win.
Sean F | Email | Homepage | 12.25.08 - 12:23 am | #

Just a reminder: We still suck.

Regardless, I hope you all have a Merry Christmas!
Justareminder | Email | Homepage | 12.25.08 - 12:26 am | #

Damn you Notre Dame for pulling my sorry carcass back into the football fold.

Merry Christmas all...and to all a good night!

Go IRISH 2009!
Matt B. | Email | Homepage | 12.25.08 - 12:38 am | #

Justareminder: Are you by chance a troll, or a wannabe ND student? Either way, after seeing what I hope you saw tonight, how could you possibly think that we still suck?? Sure, Hawaii isn't a great team. But they are still a 7-6 team that showed a few high-quality teams a run for their money. Plus, even against a weak opponent in the past multiple years, we have shown a talent for playing down to their level. This did not happen tonight. We excelled in every aspect of the game, and made a bowl-qualifying team look like a middle-school football team! Once again, Go Irish, and enjoy your holidays!
DenverIrish | Email | Homepage | 12.25.08 - 12:41 am | #

I didn't like the names on the back until someone posted that Ara used to do that only for the bowl games. That's cool. I'm just VERY happy we didn't do green uniforms. Never again (or at least wait 20 yrs) should the green jerseys come out. There's no magic left in those!
Merry Christmas All.
GoIrish | Email | Homepage | 12.25.08 - 1:00 am | #

I love how the "America Votes" poll on ESPN had every state in the nation voting for Hawaii.

Kirk Herbstreit noted that Hawaii's overall athleticism would be the key to their victory. Hehe...

It feels good when the opposing crowd is wrong about ND...especially the dome-haters who obviously had to suffer through tonight's performance and are upset that they can't add any parting shots to the team and Weis for the off-season.

Merry Christmas!
borromini | Email | Homepage | 12.25.08 - 1:05 am | #

It's a festivus miracle! I wonder if Jim Masterson or j...r...b... did the airing of greivinces before ND did the feats of strength?
Mark | Email | Homepage | 12.25.08 - 1:15 am | #

It sure is nice to love Notre Dame football again. Made me choke up a little bit when my son and I put out milk and cookies for Santa while he was wearing his Irish PJ's. This is going to be a great Christmas (even though the outlaws are coming over for dinner). God Bless everyone.
VicPaul | Email | Homepage | 12.25.08 - 1:27 am | #

You know what they say:

"It's 49-21, sweatheart!"

Merry Christmas everyone, and GO IRISH!
Matt '09 | Email | Homepage | 12.25.08 - 1:45 am | #

A few more sacks and they would have surpassed our record from 2007 for sacks allowed.
Quake902 | Email | Homepage | 12.25.08 - 1:56 am | #

1. Recovering the onsides kick was a sign of progress/practice.
2. Keep Weis in the booth in 2009--he has a better perspective up there and it keeps him from doing his supposed half-time adjustments.
3.Greg McMackin is the real Charlie Jr.
4. If USC can consider moving to Orange County, ND can consider moving out to Ventura County. It would help out the Golden State's economy.
5. a #7 Jersey would be a great Christmas gift. Have not thought about it since the first half of UNC.
6. I will trade a hard-to-come by bowl victory for a hard-to-take ugly Syracuse loss--if there is any balance in this world.
7. Allen looked sprinter fast tonight.
8. I want to go to Hawaii now. I guess the commercials and the victory did their job.
9. It was nice to have the 2nd easy victory of the season and it broke with the two previous scary Hawaii games. Andre Houston called Hawaii "Washington" at one point.
10. I listened to the first half on ESPN radio. They had the crowd noise engulfing the play-by-play like a 50 foot wave as I waited for the surprise score and declarations of a breakout game by Jimmy.
11. I'm happy Alexander did not have the game of his life like most opposing QB's.
12. A bowl victory-a gift that keeps on giving until September.
08/08/08 | Email | Homepage | 12.25.08 - 2:02 am | #

I was 11 the last time Notre Dame won a bowl game and though I remember it, I will forever remember this bowl game win at 25 now, as it will shut up all my stupid buddies who are Michigan fans. Did they win the toilet bowl this year? I will have to ask my buddies after xmas !!!

Back to ND.. this was a great game and I hope Charlie returns to call the plays and lead this team back to glory. I doubted his capabilities a few weeks back, but this shows alot for his character to lead the boys out there and stomp them in their own backyard. Big props to ND and Clausen and here's to a successful 2009 with a few more Ws.

Merry Christmas to all and to all a good Fighting Irish goodnight :) All the best everyone!!
Terry | Email | Homepage | 12.25.08 - 2:08 am | #

Just up this morning and still festive after the game.

Was I seeing things, or do we have TWO guys with #9? What's up with that?
Jim '72 | Email | Homepage | 12.25.08 - 7:31 am | #

As many of you have said on this post repeatedly, it all starts with the offensive line. What we saw last night is that if ND can muster any kind of running attack, protect the QB and have Floyd in there so the D cannot focus on any one receiver (Tate, Floyd and Rudolph are a pretty formidable collection), watch out. Has anyone seen a much better performance by a QB at any level than Claussen's performance? Only four incompletes and at least two (arguably all four) of them were drops. Now what will the ND-haters say??

Savor the victory and the fact that last night, the team was focused and well-prepared, decompress, recognize that, yes, there were games we should have one this year, but also recognize that we all need to get behind this team in 2009 and aspire to great things.

Merry Christmas and God bless.
lush | Email | Homepage | 12.25.08 - 7:56 am | #

That was very satisfying last night, and a nice Christmas present for my father class of '54 who would have been forlorn around the tree today but who -- instead -- will be positively glowing. Yeah, it's Hawai'i, but who cares, they are an ok team and Notre Dame mopped the floor with them. The team showed energy, the lines played well, and I'm drinking the kool-aid again.

Merry Christmas to all here and Go Irish in 2009.
Alum Son | Email | Homepage | 12.25.08 - 8:19 am | #

Jim72

Johnson at DE, and Rudolph at TE.

Both Frosh.

Legal as long as both aren't on the field at the same time.

Been like that all season. But I'm jealous that you were so detached you didn't notice sooner. ND fb sucked me in like usual, then spit me out.

Merry Christmas, and God bless us all!
okiedomer | Email | Homepage | 12.25.08 - 8:19 am | #

Merry Christmas to all.
DB12 | Email | Homepage | 12.25.08 - 8:49 am | #

nice win
furtado | Email | Homepage | 12.25.08 - 9:06 am | #

okiedomer,

I had noticed earlier but hadn't posted the question. I am an antsy viewer. Wear out shoes while watching so I don't pay too much attention to numbers. That's why I left engineering after 1 semester.

By the way there are also double 12's, 15's, 24's, 29's, 35's, 38's, 41's, 43's, 45's, and 75's. Of mixed years.

That's a good rule to allow only one at a time on the field given we don't have names on our uniforms. (Let's not open up that can of worms again. Very touchy bunch of posters here sometimes.)

Go Christmas.
Jim '72 | Email | Homepage | 12.25.08 - 9:12 am | #

Keep in mind that this was a game many of the "experts"...
1) Said ND shouldn't even be playing in due to their lackluster season;
2) Would lose.

So last night we learned a few things:
1) ND can be a good team and/or Hawai'i is not a good team;
2) "Experts" don't know jack.

happy festivus ND Nation.
c-stone | Email | Homepage | 12.25.08 - 9:28 am | #

As the Wolf from Pulp Fiction said, "Well, lets not start sucking each other's dicks quite yet."
Jason | Email | Homepage | 12.25.08 - 9:47 am | #

Critics can say that it was a crappy bowl game against a mediocre opponent all they want. To me it was great to enjoy a blowout win on an opposing teams field. And the Bowl streak is over!

No reason to get carried away with hopes, dreams, expectations about 2009. But after everything that happened the second half of the season, this victory was terrific to see. Congratulations to the ND football team and coaches. I am especially pleased for the seniors.

Merry Christmas.
WS Dave | Email | Homepage | 12.25.08 - 10:13 am | #

I don't care what anyone says--I like the names on the jerseys!
John | Email | Homepage | 12.25.08 - 10:19 am | #

Hopefully, people will shut up about Weis and the need to dump him for now. It's ridiculous -- the zest to win all games all the time. There aren't many programs that have gone to two BCS games in the last four years. Ours is one of them.

I enjoyed the Christmas gift the Irish gave us this year. They dominated. The offensive line could handle Hawaii's defensive front very well. Claussen made some great passes and ND's defense looked dominant.

Hawaii isn't bad. But, ND's speed and execution made it difficult for Hawaii all night long. Great job.


I know, the Weis haters will be disappointed -- but we should be grateful ND played as well as they did. Perhaps this is a turning point. With hard work and a little bit of luck, we'll win some big games next year.
teo | Email | Homepage | 12.25.08 - 10:36 am | #

I woke up this morning and had to question if last night really happened.
A vision of a bowl victory dancing in the head really came true!
Beat Pitt | Email | Homepage | 12.25.08 - 10:38 am | #

“Calling a game from up there is pretty sweet,” Weis said. "It was ten times easier. It was like night and day."

If Weis wants to keep his job beyond this decade he should consider staying in the booth.
Jonno-66-77-88 | Email | Homepage | 12.25.08 - 10:46 am | #

Merry Christmas to one and all. Any chance this game would be broadcast again anywhere on t.v. or the internet?
Fighting Binny | Email | Homepage | 12.25.08 - 11:12 am | #

To answer my own question... 7:30 a.m. tomorrow on ESPNU.
Fighting Binny | Email | Homepage | 12.25.08 - 11:24 am | #

Quite interesting this morning to turn on ESPN First Take and find that (at least through the first two segments) not a word was mentioned about the only bowl game played yesterday. Any bets on what story would have led the show if we had lost last night?

Just askin'...
Irish Right | Email | Homepage | 12.25.08 - 11:32 am | #

Charlie Weis detractor here--

Great win for the team. I don't care what anybody says, that is a quality performance against a half-decent team.

It's nothing personal with Weis, I hope he proves me wrong. I really do. Maybe if he stays up stairs and hires a couple good coordinators he can make it work. Who knows?

Good win. Merry Xmas.
Steve | Email | Homepage | 12.25.08 - 11:40 am | #

Thanks Santa. :)
hopeoftheclassof98 | Email | Homepage | 12.25.08 - 12:30 pm | #

funny how when we win like this, everyone complements Weis, the recruting and the wealth of young talent on the team...
ac | Email | Homepage | 12.25.08 - 12:49 pm | #

It was great seeing the team play with spirit for four quarters after being so down. I knew they would win when I saw how many licks the rb's and wr's were putting on Hawaii's tackler's, particularly the safeties.
jeff | Email | Homepage | 12.25.08 - 12:52 pm | #

Amen, ac, amen! Also funny how the talking heads are suddenly silent now that we snapped the bowl-loss streak. I'm 55 minutes into ESPN First Take, and still no mention of our Irish. I guess it's just not sexy or exciting enough to recognize Notre Dame for winning!
DenverIrish | Email | Homepage | 12.25.08 - 1:01 pm | #

Has anyone noticed how well Jimmy plays in warm conditions, but that he seems to struggle in cold? He was on fire last night when it was 80 degrees, but I fear that had the bowl been played in colder weather, we could be looking at a different result this morning. Ideas on how we can weather-proof him?
imnd | Email | Homepage | 12.25.08 - 1:31 pm | #

Mark; We did!
Then we sat back and enjoyed a great game.
UH gave Cincy all it could handle in it's last game & Cincy is in the BCS.
jim masterson | Email | Homepage | 12.25.08 - 1:36 pm | #

Don't let anyone dismiss this because it was Hawaii. Maybe if we inched it out, but not when we beat them that badly. For perspective, we beat them about as soundly as Florida did earlier in the year. Not that we're in Flordia's league, but it WAS an impressive performance against a team with a winning record who just gave #13 Cinci all they could handle.
bgr | Email | Homepage | 12.25.08 - 1:48 pm | #

Merry Christmas to all!

Maybe Weis should stay in the booth for good....

Just a thought
Craig | Email | Homepage | 12.25.08 - 2:58 pm | #

"Has anyone noticed how well Jimmy plays in warm conditions..."

The USC game wasn't in cold weather.
borromini | Email | Homepage | 12.25.08 - 2:58 pm | #

The ND Starting Lineups.
The defensive alignment is intriguing.
The antidote against the spread?
Courtesy of the SBT.
http://www.southbendtribune.com/...269/1021/ Sports
jim masterson | Email | Homepage | 12.25.08 - 4:06 pm | #

Team Statistics.
http://www.southbendtribune.com/.../812250265/ 1023
jim masterson | Email | Homepage | 12.25.08 - 4:09 pm | #

http://www.starbulletin.com/ spor..._the_magic.html


so i was reading this...and couldn't help but notice how much the Hawaii players complained about lack of penalties on the plays we made. just sounds like excuses....

i mean really...they sounded about as bad as us fans.

just as a sample to qoute the article:


But Clausen's most damaging completions came on Notre Dame's final possession of the half. Facing fourth and 1 at the Hawaii 34, Clausen faked the handoff, rolled away from pressure and floated a pass that was pulled down by tight end Kyle Rudolph at the Hawaii 5.

"I was running with the tight end and I had pretty decent coverage," safety Keao Monteilh said. "I turned and looked for the ball and he grabbed the back of my jersey. No call for me, I guess."
buttface | Email | Homepage | 12.25.08 - 5:19 pm | #

Ya it's late but here's my 2 cents. A big backfield shootout next year with JA, AA, Hughes, Jonas, and USA Today 1st team CWood. CW's offence demands RB's must be able to catch and run those screens. Tate, Floyd, and Rudolph are Monsters. Fauria,Parris, Duval and Goodman must be ready. JC still the key. We know he can throw, but it's decision-making that is the key. OL must continue to mature. DL, Ethan will have a new number. Others have to step, LB's will continue to get stronger. 'Hayseed' a major surprise. What 5th yr players will return? Grades seem to be the key to adding those monster run-stoppers that ND can't seem to get in the DL. Afterall ND #1 in grad rate while all those DL hulks head off to "cluster majors" at brain-starved LSU,tO$U,Ala,Ok,Tex,FSU or usc. Good luck CW luring USAToday D-Player o' Year MTeo to SB. Late comment anyone?
jack beaufait | Email | Homepage | 12.25.08 - 5:34 pm | #

jack beaufait=MayoGalway
MayoGalway | Email | Homepage | 12.25.08 - 5:37 pm | #

Jack, don't disagree with your recruiting analysis.
But, the Irish have some size at the nose or two tackle defense.
Ian Williams, Newman of Ky. & Hafis Williams are all 6'2" + 300lbs.
Coach 'em up boyz.
jim masterson | Email | Homepage | 12.25.08 - 7:35 pm | #

"There aren't many programs that have gone to two BCS games in the last four years. Ours is one of them. "

worked out very well too. as far as total embarassments go. of course they were both at the far end of that time frame.

enjoy this win but don't forget what the last two years have been like, i don't know, maybe make them prove it first.
mike b | Email | Homepage | 12.25.08 - 7:38 pm | #

If you are one of the people that think the game vs osu was embarassing you have to watch the game again. It came down to their last drive
M | Email | Homepage | 12.25.08 - 7:54 pm | #

mike b

The last 2 1/2 seasons have been painful, but the OSU game was still in doubt with under 5 minutes to go. Unfortunately, the defense lapsed after that.
Mike | Email | Homepage | 12.25.08 - 8:19 pm | #

Great win and a great way to end a frustrating season.

The team played loose, with emotion, and with chip firmly planted on shoulder. If it does that in all its games next year, we'll be in good shape.

It was the first time since Holtz was on the sideline that I recall a game where we were solid offensively, defensively and on special teams. It was a complete game. Great building block for next year.

Merry Christmas, BGS!
Kris | Email | Homepage | 12.25.08 - 9:54 pm | #

eh...that never felt like a game nd was going to win to me. but to clarify i was thinking of "total embarassment" starting against lsu and rolling through now. although i will say that the last drive putting them up two touchdowns isn't exactly a game "coming down to the last drive" at least in my mind.

either way, nd being in back to back bcs bowls 2 and 3 years ago isn't too much to cheer about now.
mike b | Email | Homepage | 12.25.08 - 10:00 pm | #

I did not watch the game because I do not have ESPN. I did see the score here on BGS almost at the end of the 3rd quarter. It was 49-14. It seemed like the team played great. I was a bit mystified when I saw the final score of 49-21. Here are my questions.

Did they put in the subs and therefore did not score or did the team just shut down like in the other games?

I noticed ND got 64 yards rushing on 34 plays at 1.9 YPC. Did the runners just play bad or was the OL just plain bad? Why us Chuck pounding it when they are getting lots of yards passing?

Do people think CW should stay in the press box for all games or was something else at work?

Did CW use Pagna's scheme he wrote about recently? CW said he would soon answer the article that Thayer wrote about the OL. That should be interesting.

Thanks and Merry Christmas
GB | Email | Homepage | 12.26.08 - 12:40 am | #

Yes Jim. I agree. Of those up-front big boys, one of them has to be SPECIAL. I like EJ's future. Especially with a core of speedy LB's hitting their stride on blitz reads. Te'o or Jenkins, either would be a BIG LB get. Walls coming back, how about McCarthy, Anello? Sergio very active. Walls, Brown, McNeil, Blanton, Gray and 2 more 6' DB recruits. On highlight reels that ZMotta kid looks like a harder hitting 'Hayseed' and he(HS) wants to move back to Safety? Crist(he has PRO size) has to be ready if JC goes down otherwise he'll have 2 yrs to start.That's OK as long as we see JC continue to improve. Hawaii was fun, but can JC bring us from behind? Sharpley is not coming back is he? Very important to see AA bring one back. Golden is a Monster! So hard to bring down. I always wondered how good Zibby would have been at RB.
MayoGalway | Email | Homepage | 12.26.08 - 12:43 am | #

GB, to answer your questions... we went pretty conservative on offense in the 4th quarter, mainly running on the first drive with the starters still in, and then we kept running with the subs. We were clearly on cruise-control in the 4th, but we were up by 28 points, so we could afford it this time.

As for the ground game, Charlie sticking with the run is what allowed us to chew up so many yards in the air. In the first quarter Hawai'i was clearly playing back on D, so Charlie softened them up with lots of up-the-gut runs and outside screens that picked up decent yardage. That forced Hawai'i to cheat up on defense. Once they did that, our ground game started to suck, but it also meant our receivers could get open. And whenever Hawai'i tried to compensate for that, we went back to running to complete the cycle. Wash, rinse, repeat. Basic football strategy, but it works when you're playing against a defense that's not particularly fast or aggressive.

I saw several plays on third-and-long where Charlie tried a running play, and that helped as well. It meant Hawai'i couldn't assume that third-and-long meant we were going to pass. That chess move opened up some big third-and-long pass gains later.

As for the press box thing, Charlie belongs on the sidelines. This was a one-time gimmick that we did out of neccessity, and it worked thanks to Hawai'i not being a particularly good opponent. Had we been playing USC, it wouldn't have made one bit of difference. We won despite Charlie being in the press box, not because of it.
Novus | Email | Homepage | 12.26.08 - 1:06 am | #

Mike Haywood might take some coachs with him?

wonder who the coachs will be?

who will be their replacements?
Mexican Irish | Email | Homepage | 12.26.08 - 2:27 am | #

Thanks Novus
GB | Email | Homepage | 12.26.08 - 8:32 am | #

What you miss with Charlie Weis, if you only read the press conference transcript.
Vintage Coach Parcells & Coach Weis.
Vic Ziegel, NY News.

Parcells won't make the trip Sunday. "He knows it'll be a circus," a team spokesman said. And when you ask if Parcells can spare a few minutes to talk about his team, the answer is, "Bill hasn't talked all season." Which is too bad, because when he was with the Giants, it wasn't unusual to have him drop into the stadium press room and ask if there was anything else we needed. Made you laugh, too.

Luckily, he does talk to his players. Much better talk than you get on the radio. Last month, nose tackle Jason Ferguson gave this much away to the Palm Beach Post. Ferguson was going against Oakland's John Wade that week and Parcells came by during practice and said, "If you get blocked by this guy you need to retire."

Kidding, but seriously. Says linebacker Joey Porter, "He's got the fire lit up under everybody."
jim masterson | Email | Homepage | 12.26.08 - 10:11 am | #

Mike B:
If Troy Smith doesn't get that 3rd and 9 conversion we get the ball with about 3 or 4 minutes to tie it up, and we had all the momentum. And that's even with that terrible call that took back the Zbi fumble return for a td. It definitely came down to their last drive (a very frustrating scramble by Troy smith that iced it, followed by a 60 yard run by pittman(?) after the game was over).

The fact that we let up 4 plays of greater than 60 yards is what makes people think it wasn't close (and that's not a terribly unfair point). But I live in Columbus, and trust me, when buckeye fans rewatch the game (they replay it a lot) they are always shocked to see how close it really was.
M | Email | Homepage | 12.26.08 - 10:28 am | #

Glad to see some others remember the OSU game correctly. It drove me crazy seeing all the references to being blown out. In hindsight, we should acknowledge how good that team was-literally 3or 4 plays away from being undefeated.
On to this year.Does anyone else agree that every time Jonas Gray has been on the field he looks one step faster and more elusive than the others?
I want to acknowledge that I have been a Clausen basher but he sure looked like a different guy out there. I will never have been so happy to be wrong.
Merry Christmas to all.
canuck 75 | Email | Homepage | 12.26.08 - 11:33 am | #

Good win but still need a running game to let JC shine against better teams than HI.

JackR
jack rosshirt | Email | Homepage | 12.26.08 - 11:43 am | #

Glad to see some others remember the OSU game correctly. It drove me crazy seeing all the references to being blown out. In hindsight, we should acknowledge how good that team was-literally 3or 4 plays away from being undefeated.

Statistically, Ohio State had a large advantage (even before the big play that iced the game). But only idiots such as Brent Musberger were thinking it was a blowout with four minutes to go, and Notre Dame driving for what would have been the tying score. Even Jim Tressell noted that the game was much closer than the score indicated, but his comment got lost in the shuffle.
DJ | Email | Homepage | 12.26.08 - 11:43 am | #

About the '05 Fiesta Bowl:

If I remember correctly, one reason the stats were so lopsided was on 3 seperate occasions, OSU drove the entire length of the field, only to be stopped by our defense in the red zone. 2 missed FG and a lost fumble, I think.

There SHOULD have been a 4th, on that blown call with the Zibby runback (it was a fumble!!!). It was 21-13 at that point, and the runback would have put us at their 40YL for the potential tying score. Instead, OSU made a FG to make it 24-13.

The reasons for a perceived blowout:
(1) The 4 big plays
(2) OSU repeatly shooting themselves in the foot in the red zone.
(3) The media loving Irish blowouts
(4) OSU fans distorting the story
Matt '09 | Email | Homepage | 12.26.08 - 12:47 pm | #

About the 2008 Hawaii Bowl:

Clausen was unreal last night, and this team is very dangerous when he's even 70% that good.

I do still feel that our O-line needs require the firing of Latina. As it stands, the line is minimally competent enough to get JUST ENOUGH running game going that Clausen can perform like that.

We need a line that dominates the D-Line proportional to its talent. When Clausen doesn't have a 400-yard, 5-TD day (cold and windy weather, suppose), we need to pound it with all these backs we're starting to amass.

The real sign of ND's return, in my opinion, will be our running game winning it for us against a decent opponent (Hawaii or better, like an MSU 2008) when our passing game fails.
Matt '09 | Email | Homepage | 12.26.08 - 12:52 pm | #

One more thing:

DANG, was Allen fast on that runback. If he can learn to find that first hole, watch out!
Matt '09 | Email | Homepage | 12.26.08 - 12:53 pm | #

If I remember correctly, one reason the stats were so lopsided was on 3 seperate occasions, OSU drove the entire length of the field, only to be stopped by our defense in the red zone. 2 missed FG and a lost fumble, I think.

Correct.

Just went to a QB-rating calculator site to figure what Clausen's NFL rating would have been.
22 for 26, 401 yds, 5 TDs, 1 sack create a rating of 142.31. Damn.
DJ | Email | Homepage | 12.26.08 - 12:54 pm | #

Canuck 75,

I agree with you with Jonas, I am very impressed with the kid. Myself I was on Jimmy Clausen case and he prove me wrong. His hand off were better, the passes were better, the whole offense was fast. I think the combination of Hughes starting the pounding and speedy armando coming next would give us a chance to destroy teams next year. As for Jonas Gray everytime he has gotten a chance, even with the fumble at Navy he has been very good. Spring game will be interesting.

Go Irish
Jean | Email | Homepage | 12.26.08 - 2:03 pm | #

Keep in mind that almost every time Jonas is in the game. The game has been in hand against weaker opposition (Washington,Hawaii,Navy)

I'm kinda suprised that Charlie didn't give Aldridge the bulk of the carrier. He has been the most consistent at breaking tackles and getting to the 2nd level.

Allen still falls at first contact Way too much. To me he needs to be a strict return guy, 3rd down back.

Hughes seems a step slow. If he could learn to block, he would be a super-dynamic Fullback.
aaron b | Email | Homepage | 12.26.08 - 2:09 pm | #

From the Honolulu Advertiser http://www.honoluluadvertiser.co...032/ sportsfront

"Against the constant pressure, Alexander had little time to wait for the deep routes to develop. He was sacked eight times, giving the Warriors the NCAA record for most sacks allowed in a season.

The previous record of 58 was set by Notre Dame last year. UH was listed as having allowed 49 sacks entering the game.

But that total was a miscalculation. UH had actually allowed two more sacks against Washington State that were not inputted into the official NCAA statistics. The eight sacks yesterday gave the Warriors 59 for the season."

Not sure what to make of this. Did we erase the ignominy of allowing the most sacks in CFB history, or not?
Mike81 | Email | Homepage | 12.26.08 - 2:20 pm | #