Charlie Weis tossed aside his Jersey swagger long enough to admit the obvious: He was a lousy coach last year. And he can't save himself by bringing in shiny new recruiting classes every year. He needs to change. That means he'll no longer call the plays that produced 242.3 yards per game, worst in the nation. He "screwed up" the special teams last year by concocting a plan to involve almost every assistant coach. Now the mission falls solely on assistant Brian Polian, although Weis will try to poach ideas from Virginia Tech's Frank Beamer during a pre-spring practice get-together. Weis also plans to meet with various alumni groups he has cheesed off with his arrogance. Weis attributed the face-time plan to a new NCAA rule barring head coaches from evaluating prospects from April 15-May 31.

Wow.
Chicago Tribune | Email | Homepage | 02.12.08 - 1:35 am | #

"It's rarely a bad decision to stick around and play for the local team, especially at a quality university like UCLA."

Thanks Pat. May the Irish have victory always.
IrishBruin | Email | Homepage | 02.12.08 - 4:17 am | #

Lot of work. Thanks guys.

If anyone knows of a current high-school junior who is Irish-Catholic or any other ethnic or religious combination that can kick, please wire: C. Weis c/o Notre Dame.
Subway Alumni | Email | Homepage | 02.12.08 - 7:16 am | #

Cave's recruitment by Mrs. Chinless Bucketheaded Bee-otch is c-r-e-e-p-y. On one of my own official visits when I was being recruited, the coach who was recruiting me handed me a photo cube, in his office, that contained six nude polaroids of his wife! Now that has to be the definition of a "player's coach"! Anyway, they took me to dinner that night and my eyes never looked up from my plate. Uncomfortable!

Regarding Greg Mattison...I hope that everyone understands that his departure to the Baltimore Ravens as DL coach was not something that he wanted to do, but rather, to save face, was forced to do. After Michigan completely bitch slapped the Gator D Line in their bowl game, Urbie the Love Virus told Mattison that he better 1) keep on recruiting and smiling, and 2) quietly look for a "new challenge". Mattison would never have departed Gainesville unless the barrel of a loaded gun was pressed against his head. The move is way less-than-lateral. Mattison is, and always has been, an impostor. Personable enough, but a lousy coach. You know. In the Bob Davie mold. His departure also immediately renders his co-defensive coordinator Charlie Strong as the solo defensive coordinator, and that's a job, IMHO, that he will not be very good at.

Bartender! Drinks for everyone, on me! What's that? It's too early to drink? You're not open yet? Balderdash. Bloodies all around for my BGS friends!
Voice in the Wilderness | Email | Homepage | 02.12.08 - 7:48 am | #

As good and solid as these kids sound, I still wonder if any of them will transfer due to lack of playing time or any of the other reasons we have seen for transfers the last couple of years. Hopefully these kids have more balls to stick it out than Reuland, etc did.
WyoMike | Email | Homepage | 02.12.08 - 8:28 am | #

Ha, "Cave more than held his own against that scurrilous turncoat Omar Hunter."

Nice write up boys!
FightingSonofNotreDame | Email | Homepage | 02.12.08 - 8:29 am | #

wyomike- considering our lack of depth at the te position ths spring, if reuland even had the slighest remnants of testicles he could easily earn himself playing time for next season. oh well, his loss and i hope he and his brother excel at tree (aka standford). all of the 23 kids are high quality, etc, but i still believe that teh biggest catch of all is tenuta. he will bring an impact immediately with his hard-nose, blitzkrieg style. i just hope that corwin adn john can play along nicely. in any regards, this has been great offseason thus far, let's hope spring ball goes well, adn we can carry this momentum into next fall. here come the irish
irishjays | Email | Homepage | 02.12.08 - 9:31 am | #

No doubt. Tenuta was the biggest recruit. This is now one the finest and deepest coaching staffs in the nation. I would not have ranked them in the top 20 prior to Tenuta...

Hey Voice: I have 6 nude photos of Bo Schembeckler on my desk. It gets a giggle every time...
Anonymous | Email | Homepage | 02.12.08 - 9:38 am | #

Thanks for the nice read.
Don E. Brook | Email | Homepage | 02.12.08 - 9:51 am | #

"Lover of finely-knit vests" made me LOL.
Doug McKenna | Email | Homepage | 02.12.08 - 9:56 am | #

I will play "expert" like these boys.

Best player- E.Johnson. Period. Crist votes dont know football. E.Johnson will play for 4 years while Crist will ride pine for 3 years. Weis will get top QB at a snap. Top DE in a 3-4 have been very hard. If Omar came- then the need is less- and Blanton gets the nod. He is that good.

Biggest Miss- Easy- Carlton Thomas- we need special teams to actually help us and this guy is Brandon James from UF all over again.

Best Upside- Blanton. Period.
Andy C. | Email | Homepage | 02.12.08 - 10:58 am | #

andy c- couldn't you see golden tate, darrin walls, or armando returning kicks/punts? while i agree that sabino was a big loss, i think that goebel was also a big loss. granted this loss was due the staff thinking hunter was irish and therefore stopped recruiting dl, but his addition would've provided more talent and depth at the dl. for the most upside there are a number of candidates: poz (very raw, but could be special long term), newman(underrated as long as he gets into shape he'll be good), hafis, and the list goes on. but i agree in that blanton has the most upside, plus i like his swagger
irishjays | Email | Homepage | 02.12.08 - 11:20 am | #

I watched Tate, Allen last year. They cant play the position.
Andy C. | Email | Homepage | 02.12.08 - 11:25 am | #

I said this last year and I'll say it again - I think Crist is better than Clausen.
Domer Guy | Email | Homepage | 02.12.08 - 11:44 am | #

i have seen the highlights of both hunter and newman. and this is not sour grapes, but honestly im glad to have newman. yes hunter would have been a good addition but newman impressed me much more. did anyone see his blocked punt!? a guy that big can make up that kind of ground? that is impressive. newman seems just as explosive but much faster. and hunter was always just grabbing jerseys. yea that works in high school with the 170-180 pound backs but not with the big boys.
jwhit1213 | Email | Homepage | 02.12.08 - 12:33 pm | #

I agree with Domer Guy. Crist shows great natural leadership, not just with the recruiting class but also with his high school team. He already knows how to scramle and make things happen; whereas, Clausen never faced that until college. Clausen obviously is a good QB, but I think in a few years we will view Crist as having much stronger natural leadership and those intangibles that are needed for championships.
JM | Email | Homepage | 02.12.08 - 1:02 pm | #

Hey Voice, thanks for the round of bloodies. I'll take mine with a dash of Tabasco.

I am a little surprised I didn't hear anyone mention John Goodman as the sleeper in this class. He had a good showing at the AA game and I can see him as benefitting from a lot of the defensive focus going to Kamara, Floyd, and Tate. I also think Robinson will play early and often in his freshman year.

GO IRISH!!!
GO IRISH!!! | Email | Homepage | 02.12.08 - 1:08 pm | #

Kids will always transfer, and its not because of a lack of character. I don't think any of us can truly appreciate what a letdown it would be to find yourself 4th or 5th on a depth chart, with little chance of playing, and even moreso if you disagreed with the coach's assessment.
It is probably reasonable to expect to lose 2-3 kids per year.Most programs must experience the same thing, so it all evens out.
canuck 75 | Email | Homepage | 02.12.08 - 1:35 pm | #

Voice, I like mine spicy with Clamato juice, please.

What a great read, BGS guys!

The wife stories are truly disturbing, not to mention naked Bo - talk about dropping a crabcake!
OC mj | Email | Homepage | 02.12.08 - 1:58 pm | #

DomerGuy, is Crist better than Clausen is right now, or do you think he'll become better? Do you think he should play against San Diego St. without having practiced or played in college? Not attacking you, just looking for a deeper assessment. Personally, I feel that Clausen having a year under his belt in CW's offense is better than Crist with no experience, and I will agree that Crist is better after his senior year than Jimmy was after his senior year.

Therefore I disagree with Teds' assessment that Crist "sets the team up for a smooth succession plan a couple seasons down the road." I think there will be an overlapping period of time where Crist and Jimmy are equally good where the fans are pining for Crist but Jimmy is the guy. Then what if Jimmy has a bad game? CW will have some tinkering to do, and that is not a "smooth" situation.

Don't get me wrong, I love Crist and think he'll be a stellar QB, I just hope we don't have a year or 2 where both QBs are looking to play and we have a "grass is always greener" situation.
Erik '04 | Email | Homepage | 02.12.08 - 2:02 pm | #

Regarding the Michael Floyd commitment...

wouldn't you agree that Floyd was probably "silent" for a long time, due to his familiarity with the program and that after the USC butt kicking, Weis asked him to go public because it would bring some positive momentum back to the program.
Eric | Email | Homepage | 02.12.08 - 2:19 pm | #

trouble-a-brewin' at USC

Lloyd (the agent) is going to give his deposition and Bush will have to also.

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/22767332/
bcnd | Email | Homepage | 02.12.08 - 2:34 pm | #

Could of done without the anti-Michigan and anti-Tom Beaver shots, but clearly, a great recruiting job by Weis. To pull in that kind of quality while going 3-9 is probably one of the best recruiting jobs in recent memory.

Also agree about Floyd. Irish have had a problem stretching the field for 2 years now, and if Tate is healthy and Floyd comes in an plays, think it will make a huge difference for Clausen/Christ and the running game. Michigan was a different team in 06 when Manningham was healthy, due to his ability to stretch the field.

Ultimately, Weis has set up the Irish for the next 2-3 years with talent. he just needs to coach em up now, or else his replacement is going to be one lucky man
DC Wolverine | Email | Homepage | 02.12.08 - 2:39 pm | #

Erik '04 -

My opinion is that Crist is better at this point than Clausen was after his senior HS football season. I think that the two are comparable on many levels, but IMO Crist has the better arm and played against FAAAR better competition than JC.

Echoing your point, I don't think you can accurately compare the two today, as Crist hasn't even practiced against a college defense, let alone played in a game facing one. There is little doubt in my mind that JC's year under center gives him an advantage over DC, and will pay dividends in the future for all of us.

That being said, I like the looks of Crist . . . a lot. He has the big frame and arm that JC may not have, and he just gives me that "special" feeling. Anyone know if redshirting Crist is an option?

Oh, and no, I haven't given up on JC.
Domer Guy | Email | Homepage | 02.12.08 - 3:07 pm | #

Erik '04,

I think the QB transition will be MUCH "smoother" than the nightmare we experienced this year. Then again, the skin on a 75-year-old mountain man was smoother than the QB debacle this year.
Matt '09 | Email | Homepage | 02.12.08 - 3:15 pm | #

Domer Guy, then you shouldnt be talking about the two. Crist hasnt played against the competition that Clausen has, you no longer talk about Clausen's high school competition. Crist has not played against bettter competition than Clausen. Crist will be a great QB, Clausen had better numbers than Quinn as a freshman. Clausen is going to be at full strength and rather discuss who is better look forward to some spirited competition that pushes both players to their very best. Then we dont have to worry about who is in the game. Crist has a lot to learn, it is a whole different game and thankfullly Clausen will be there to help him adjust along with Sharpley, Powlus and Weis.
Doug | Email | Homepage | 02.12.08 - 3:25 pm | #

I love that we can even have this QB debate!

By some accounts, Crist was at least part of the glue that helped hold this recruiting class together - I like what that foretells. This unity was so sadly lacking last year and is such a part of what makes teams great.
OC mj | Email | Homepage | 02.12.08 - 3:35 pm | #

Domer Guy,

My uneducated guess (and hope) would be that Clausen plays well enough (and Sharpley works as a decent #2) that Crist would not need to play as a freshman, thereby saving a year of eligibility.

ND does not officially redshirt players, but if Crist doesn't play, he would still have 4 more years to play.
JohnF | Email | Homepage | 02.12.08 - 3:52 pm | #

JohnF,
I completely agree w/ you. If Crist does not play this year, and if Jimmy plays well enough over the next two years to go pro, if I am doing my math right, that gives Crist 3 full years of eligibility w/ 2 years of learning the system under his belt. Call me crazy but I think that was the plan all along.
arirish | Email | Homepage | 02.12.08 - 4:24 pm | #

JohnF - thanks for the clarification.

Doug - with all due respect, I'll comment about whatever I feel like, especially in the offseason (what else should I do?). If you carefully read my post, you'll see that it starts with "my opinion is" and also says "IMO" -- and that's all it is -- my opinion. As you suggest, I am looking forward to a spirited competition between the two, and whoever else comes along behind them.

As OCmj said, its great that we can even be talking about this, especially after the Fraizer/Jones departures!
Domer Guy | Email | Homepage | 02.12.08 - 4:41 pm | #

The team has a lot of work to do before Jimmy can go pro as a junior. I can see it happening, though.

Matt '09, you're 100% right. This year was awful. "75-year-old mountain man"... classic.
Erik '04 | Email | Homepage | 02.12.08 - 4:53 pm | #

OCmj - I agree that it speaks volumes that Crist was able to stay so positive and do so much to keep this class together. As you and I know, living here in the heart of Trojan country, it isn't easy to put up with the constant barbs and insults and it must have been infinitely harder for a young man in his position. Dayne will get his shot somewhere down the road, but I think he and Jimmy will push each other every day in practice and really make it a positive competition and not the fiasco the "quarterback duel" was last year.

I finally feel like I can see at least a glimmer of light at the end of the tunnel. I just hope that light isn't Voice driving his car through the sprinklers to clean off the bird poop!

GO IRISH!!!
GO IRISH!!! | Email | Homepage | 02.12.08 - 4:59 pm | #

Upset feelings, unrest from Connecticut about the ND-UCONN football series:

http://www.courant.com/sports/ co...,1866349.column
NDdallas | Email | Homepage | 02.12.08 - 6:05 pm | #

This discussion reminds me of something Lou Holtz once said about having multiple #1's at a position. Now, I am paraphrasing, but he said something to the idea that if there are two possible starters for one spot, then there is not a true number one.

I love that we can have such a debate with two quality guys like Clausen and Crist on board, and it is my hope that both of these players will emerge as that number one guy in their due time. But I think it is very important for the future of ND football - this year and for many years to come - that Clausen become that #1 guy. And there is no reason to believe that he cannot.

But I feel that it is so important because replacing Clausen during his tenure, or watching Clausen fail to develop, would not only continue the harping on about a lack of player development, but I would have to believe that his success or failure influences a wide range of issues, whether it be recruiting to Weis's job security.

And it is so, that while we make use of our Clausen, #7 jersey these next few years, we should also all start preparing now for the second coming of Crist, and go about finding an old Brady Quinn, #10 jersey on sale.

Go Irish!
Jesse | Email | Homepage | 02.12.08 - 6:24 pm | #

No doubt that Clausen will lead this team until he leaves, which might be earlier than expected since he enrolled early. No undue pressure here, but his class, at least offensively, could be the next super sophomores! With their talent at the skilled positions, the experience they received last year and the favorable schedule this year, it's setting up nicely. Here's hoping that Clausen, Allen, Hughes, Kamara, Tate, and Rogone become the super sophs. Improved coaching would help too!
BigE | Email | Homepage | 02.12.08 - 7:04 pm | #

I'm always stunned at the stupidity of ND fans to believe HS football players are better than guys who actually already playing D1 ball. That just wreaks of immaturity and lack of knowledge about the difference between high school and college athletics.

Seriously, Crist has yet to take a snap at the D1 level where EVERYTHING MOVES MUCH FASTER. He's got a WAY TO GO, before he surpasses Clausen.

Why ND fans have a need to eat their own is beyond me.

Clausen showed last year that he was EXCELLENT at avoiding throwing interceptions, even though his OL SUCKED ASS and he was getting pounded. Give the kid some credit.

Clausen was arguably the #1 recruit in the country. Crist isn't even close if you look at all recruiting services and how they ranked the 2 players.

Clausen is known for having an UNCANNY TOUCH and accuracy, which is why he beat out Sharpley. I haven't heard Crist described that way once. Now you think vague leadership skills are more important than accuracy and avoiding interceptions for a QB?

I doubt Crist will push Clausen much in his first season as Clausen will have 2 springs and 1 fall MORE experience in Weis' system when Crist BEGINS.

Maybe, just MAYBE, if Crist is more like Christ, we'll see Crist, in the Spring of his freshman year, push Clausen . . . . but I HIGHLY doubt it.

Clausen's got mad skills. At least let him take a crack at his SOPHOMORE year before we start talking about who's better than him.

Honestly people, you should be ashamed of yourselves . . . . Crist may be fantastic, but he's a year and half behind Clausen when it comes to experience in the Weis system.
atepesm | Email | Homepage | 02.12.08 - 7:44 pm | #

I think Crist is planning to redshirt next year. In fact, I think he might have even said so publicly.
Mr. Wednesday | Email | Homepage | 02.12.08 - 7:45 pm | #

Domerguy,
I understand your opinion, and believe me I respect yours as much as you do mine. I do believe that Crist will be very involved this year and pray the OLine protects Clausen so as not to have to burn a year of Crist's eligibility due to a serious injury. I believe both will be excellent QBs and I do not look for JC to be here his senior year if he develops and we win the NC in the next two years. I believe DC will have an excellent career also. I wonder if CW will be looking to recruit another top notch QB in each and every class. It would be great to continuously have a potential star at that position and have good quality depth there too. I agree that Crist doesnt really expect to play this year and that a redshirt would await him if he stays the full four years and graduates, which I think is a requirement for a fifth year.
Doug | Email | Homepage | 02.12.08 - 8:01 pm | #

NDdallas - good call on the disquiet with the UCONN columnists, if not the fans and students yet. As a Notre Dame fan, I really like the proposed agreement. We gain much by playing in Foxboro and East Rutherford instead of East Hartford. Charlie is pleased to play in Jersey, I'm sure, and that state has historically been fertile soil for Irish recruiting.

Now, if I'm looking at it from an objective point of view - or even worse, if I were a UCONN fan - I'd be less-than-thrilled by the deal. Luckily, I'm an Irish fan, so I don't have to worry about objectivity, at least not on this board.
Reno | Email | Homepage | 02.12.08 - 8:57 pm | #

Atep, you took the words out of my mouth. I don't understand why people are down on claussen. He is going to be a very good qb.
michael | Email | Homepage | 02.12.08 - 9:31 pm | #

Atepesm,

Suggesting Crist may possess leadership skills that bode well for the future does NOT imply Clausen lacks them. On the contrary, Clausen showed more leadership than certain seniors on the field. But part of why Clausen couldn't display his "UNCANNY touch and accuracy" was a lack of unity on the OL. I don't see how you can discount that fact.

I don't see anyone chewing up Clausen and spitting him out here. But I do see a snarling, condescending post that is puzzling.
OC mj | Email | Homepage | 02.12.08 - 9:44 pm | #

Come to Carl, varmint.

Just remember boys, the man who's worthwhile is the man who can smile...
indy | Email | Homepage | 02.12.08 - 10:26 pm | #

This is the same deal Rutgers got when it, frankly, stunk on ice. UCONN is slightly better than Rutgers was, but it sure doesn't have much stature. How big is the stadium?
Sean | Email | Homepage | 02.12.08 - 10:44 pm | #

It's hard to predict the biggest "get", but I like our line-backers, and I'll predict Poz is the biggest
"sleeper", coming in with only 3 stars. He'll work his butt off and become an excellent D1 player, just like his older brother.

Also, look for Fleming to become an absolute stud rushing the QB....he's got great quickness off the ball. Honestly, between him and Ethan Johnson, our existing outside guys like Brian Smith, with Jon frickin Tenuta dialing up blitzes, it's going to be more fun watching defense than offense the next few years...and watching the O is going to be very, very fun
fnwchs | Email | Homepage | 02.13.08 - 12:00 am | #

The column said that UCONN's stadium only holds 40,000. Nd would never agree to play in such a small place because, quite frankly, it doesn't have to. While UCONN's recent improvements may give rise to a stadium expansion in the future, I seriously doubt they'll be doubling the size to 80,000+
Reno | Email | Homepage | 02.13.08 - 12:12 am | #

I didn't know UCONN played football until 5 years ago.
captain jack | Email | Homepage | 02.13.08 - 10:13 am | #

I don't know if your post was directed at my comments, Atepesm, but if it was, um, did you read my post at 3:07 yesterday?

I specifically said, "I don't think you can accurately compare the two today, as Crist hasn't even practiced against a college defense, let alone played in a game facing one. There is little doubt in my mind that JC's year under center gives him an advantage over DC, and will pay dividends in the future for all of us."

I don't want to get into a flame war here, but I don't know who else your comments could be directed at. I guess we all get a little testy when football season is over. In any event, how many days are left until spring ball?
Domer Guy | Email | Homepage | 02.13.08 - 10:43 am | #

If you are going to be “stunned at the stupidity…”, I’d suggest going with “reeks of immaturity”, instead of “wreaks of immaturity”.

I don’t know that he was speaking of Crist’s touch or accuracy, but Charlie said he would be happy if Crist hit the 16-to-1 touchdown-to-interception rating that Crist achieved during his senior year. (I am paraphrasing from one of CW’s recent press conferences, though, so the numbers and quotes are likely to be inaccurate, given my old and failing brain.)

I don’t see anyone dining on Clausen’s entrails, just some off-season conversation, thoughts, and speculation. But maybe that is just me.

Not that my opinion matters much (if at all!), but I think both of those men will be as good as their offensive line allows them to be. I am hoping they will both be great, and I am looking forward to seeing how they progress.

Out of curiosity, are Clausen and Crist both your typical drop-back QBs? I am wondering how much the offense will have to be tweaked when Clausen graduates, if at all…

OC mj for President! :D

CAPS ON. Caps off. Ahhh!

Dave
Dave in the Basement | Email | Homepage | 02.13.08 - 11:25 am | #

Dave,

Both Clausen and Crist are prototypical drop-back QBs, but Crist has shown a little bit more mobility than Jimmy I think. Jimmy moved well under duress last year but HAS to learn to throw the ball away. How many 3-yard "sacks" did he have just because he ran the ball out of bounds??
Erik '04 | Email | Homepage | 02.13.08 - 12:11 pm | #

"I said this last year and I'll say it again - I think Crist is better than Clausen."

These types of comments make me laugh, as I think about what Weis would say to such a silly comment.

Specifically, comments that pit a recruit who hasn't played a down at ND, against guys who are already in the trenches working their asses off . . . that's the type of stuff that just makes me shake my head.

Why take a crack at a guy on the team, for some completely unproven commodity?

Crist may have better potential; that's completely up for debate. But there's no way I can buy that Crist's better than a guy that's been in the system for a year and a half, when Crist has yet to take a snap.
atepesm | Email | Homepage | 02.13.08 - 12:14 pm | #

Jeez, atepsm, who peed in your cheerios this morning? I admit my initial comment was vague, and Erik called me out on it and asked me to explain it further, which I did. Nobody on here (that I have seen) is saying that Crist is currently a better option to lead ND heading into next year than Clausen.
Domer Guy | Email | Homepage | 02.13.08 - 12:48 pm | #

I think we missed each other.
Reading Comprehension 101 | Email | Homepage | 02.13.08 - 12:49 pm | #

Guys, Domer Guy even specified, "My opinion is that Crist is better at this point than Clausen was after his senior HS football season." He clarified that point. It's just his opinion. I don't agree with him, but there's no point in attacking him for it. If he said something negative about Clausen, then maybe. But he was just expressing his opinion. Nobody has (nor should they) taken a crack at Clausen.
Jade | Email | Homepage | 02.13.08 - 1:15 pm | #

Thanks for the help again, Erik 'O4. I owed you a thanks for answering my Mike LB question a few days ago. :)

Yeah, those 3-8 yard walk out of bounds sacks really drove me nuts. Hopefully someone will "remind" him that he can throw it away once he is done looking for lures.

Done looking for lures = Out of the tackle box. Ta da!

Okay, sometimes these are just for me, folks! :-P

Dave
Another snowy day in South Bend
Dave in the Basement | Email | Homepage | 02.13.08 - 1:29 pm | #

All I have to say to this, is that thank God we have both JC and DC and seem to be friends, but as for what happened last year, I hope ND never ever play a freshman at QB. AS for this year the ND QB is JC, he deserves it, especially after that last year beating.
Jean | Email | Homepage | 02.13.08 - 3:24 pm | #

I from Connecticut originally, and Jeff Jacobs just likes to go overboard in his columns sometimes.

Anyway, UConn only moved to I-A (or FBS whatever they call it now) 5-7 years ago. In my lifetime, it's always been much more of a hoops school. In fact, UConn women's hoops is only team in the country to have every single game, home and away, broadcast on local cable.
Matt '09 | Email | Homepage | 02.13.08 - 4:49 pm | #

In my opinion, Jimmy Clausen is not only a top notch quarterback, but he is also a warrior and will fight to get better every day. I don't know the kid, but from what I saw last season, anyone who keeps getting up after the regular beatings he took, has to have big time heart. I think Crist will push him, though. If no where else, I think Dayne will at least push Jimmy in the weight room. I went to a few of Dayne's games this season and he is a big dude. Jimmy looks much more slender to me.

I think this could be the start of something good having these two guys at the same time. Look at the riches at quarterback Southern Cal has enjoyed the last 10 years or so. They don't shy away from having a top notch QB come in year after year. I bet no one in Trojan land is crying about Mitch Mustain trying to beat out Mark Sanchez. And now they have the stud QB out of Mater Dei HS committed for 2009 as well.

Competition is good and will only make true warriors better. Clausen will be better because of the presence of Crist and Crist will be better playing behind Clausen. And whatever stud we get in '09 will learn from both of them. It will only strengthen the position and, thereby, the entire team. Soon we will see these issues at almost all positions where the starters one year will have to get better and come out and prove themselves all over again the next. You know what that is called? Anyone? Anyone? It is called DEPTH! And it is something we have not seen in a very long time.

Thinking about the years to come, I feel like Kent Dorfman..."Oh boy, is this great!!!"

GO IRISH!!!
GO IRISH!!! | Email | Homepage | 02.13.08 - 5:56 pm | #

You're welcome, Dave! As a fisherman, I enjoyed your lure comment. :)
Erik '04 | Email | Homepage | 02.13.08 - 6:16 pm | #

I hope we get a top notch QB every year. I believe waiting your turn is very important. These guys should see that CW developed Quinn into a first round draft choice, believe me under the previous coach he was destined as a 3rd rounder or lower. If playing in the NFL is a kid's dream then spend the time with Charlie and develop. There are very few spread option QBs in the NFL and Weis knows what it takes to succeed at that position on the next level. Weis will always run a pro-style offense and dropback QBs are what he wants. Lou wanted the Tony Rice style QB and he succeeded with that type, he didnt do well with a dropback passer, ala Ron Powlus. I would love to see a succession of skilled players going to the NFL from ND and couple that with a nice group of stud OLinemen means that we have a very good offense. I want Clausen to succeed, turn over the reins to Crist and so on and so on.....
Doug | Email | Homepage | 02.13.08 - 7:38 pm | #

I'm sure everyone here hopes that Clausen is successful including me, but I will say that the team comes first. Last year was not a true measure of Jimmy's talent, but I think this year will be. Assuming the O-Line has a pretty substantial improvement; Jimmy has the weapons (WR and RB) for this to be a top notch offense.

If (and I'm not hoping for this, so relax, Atep) Jimmy struggles this year, Charlie better not hesitate to take an second look at QB and play the best player.
Domer97 | Email | Homepage | 02.13.08 - 8:55 pm | #

Completely off-topic, but an enjoyable quote from a video on Rivals.com. Talking about D1 coaches visiting his school:
"... they wanna see what I look like, so Charlie Weis came, the coach from Washington came..."

What was the name of that coach from Washington again?

Dang - just lost the U-Conn game. At least it was a pretty good game, but damn, I wanted that win.
baIrish | Email | Homepage | 02.13.08 - 9:06 pm | #

Love the BGS Lounge.
Anonymous | Email | Homepage | 02.14.08 - 11:24 am | #

I like seeing jimmy chitwood hanging out in the corner.
michael | Email | Homepage | 02.14.08 - 2:02 pm | #

I think Jimmy will be fine, and DC can wait. I was one of the guys who believed that Sharpley had the intangibles that made him the better choice as Jimmy struggled last year. Well, Sharpley got a very fair chance and couldn't distinguish himself. Charlie was right again. I can only vaguely recall how Brady looked his soph year-good but nowhere near great- and then look what happened. Lets just block a few blitzers and we'll be ok.
canuck 75 | Email | Homepage | 02.14.08 - 2:27 pm | #

Did anyone see the rule changes? Aside from the completely terrible move to increase the play clock, one rule defnitely seems to punish the Irish: Out of bounds kicks will now be taken at the 40 yard line. Any data from the BGS crew or others showing how this might give opponents leg up in 08? Am I the only one worried about this?
mark | Email | Homepage | 02.14.08 - 4:38 pm | #

Mark;
How many times did ND kick the ball out of bounds on a kickoff in 2007??
Lush | Email | Homepage | 02.14.08 - 7:48 pm | #

No idea, hense the question. But they certainly couldn't sniff the end zone on kickoffs, eventually ths is going to catch up to ND.
mark | Email | Homepage | 02.14.08 - 8:38 pm | #

Mark,

They are not changing the play clock to 40 seconds. A team has forty seconds from the end of the play to get the next play run. Instead of waiting until everyone is off the ground and lollygagging back to the huddle for the referee to set the ready for play, which is twenty-five seconds, the teams will have 40 seconds to get back to the huddle and get the play run. This will stop people from lying on the ground and trying to waste time. This is meant to speed up the game, not slow it down. Notre Dame didnt kick the ball out of bounds much last year, I dont see where adding the extra five yards will hurt anything.
Doug | Email | Homepage | 02.14.08 - 9:04 pm | #

Thanks for the clarification Doug, anyway you can spread that info to the rest of college football nation who seems to be up in arms abot this?
mark | Email | Homepage | 02.14.08 - 9:27 pm | #

the whole concept of trying various rule changes to speed up the game is asinine. If you want to speed up the games, cut back on the commercial. I have long felt that the Irish were at a disadvantage at home because the eternal breaks are perfect at eliminating momentum.
michael | Email | Homepage | 02.15.08 - 12:34 am | #

Michael, I agree 100% about the momentum crusher. Even at away games, those in the stands wanted to rush the guy holding the red flag to get him off the field and continue playing the game. It truly is a travesty, and when I'm President, I vow to...oh nevermind.
OC mj | Email | Homepage | 02.15.08 - 1:21 am | #

OC mj..... when do you announce your candidacy? I need to find someone to support other than "none of the above".
Knoxville Irish | Email | Homepage | 02.15.08 - 8:44 am | #

OC you have my vote as well.
ARIrish | Email | Homepage | 02.15.08 - 9:23 am | #

I really think Lane Clelland will be one of the best recruits of this year. If they use him at LT, JC or DC will have their backside protected for the next 4 years. I don't think he will come in and start or really even play. But his RS-Fr. year he will be a solid tackle. I think that his feet are much more solid than Sam Young's.
ZachBNC | Email | Homepage | 02.15.08 - 9:33 am | #

If the offense has 40 seconds to get back to the huddle and run a play, won't the defense take its time getting up off the ball carrier? I guess that's no different than when the offense is behind and running the 2-minute drill, but at least this will cut down on the offense taking their sweet time to milk the game clock when they're winning before the play clock starts running.
Erik '04 | Email | Homepage | 02.15.08 - 9:52 am | #

I actually like the new 40 second rule change. Charlie Weis is actually pretty smart when it comes to these rule changes. I have a feeling he will somehow use it to the Irish's advantage as opposed to it's disadvantage. There were several times in '06 when teams couldn't figure out that the clock was running and cost themselves precious seconds, but CW would always have the team at the line of scrimmage prior to the ref setting the ball for play. If there is one thing that Charlie Weis is excellent at it has to be the rules of the game.
Jerry | Email | Homepage | 02.15.08 - 10:46 am | #

No Erik because once the offense is back on the ball or up then the referee can mark the ball ready. If the defense is trying to delay then the offense can line-up and run the play. If the defense is not on their side of the ball it is offside. The defense does not have to be ready for the ball to be put into play. I believe we need to also see the full explanation of the rule.
Doug | Email | Homepage | 02.15.08 - 12:26 pm | #

The NCAA is always looking for ways to control the length of the game. All they have to do is put a time limit on games as the NFL does. 3 hour time limits for regulation games. Shorten the time-outs to 30 seconds or have one 1 minute and two 30 second time-outs per half. Cut the half time to 12 minutes. One tv time out per half. You could aslo cut down to two time-outs per half and two tv time outs....team called time-outs would be 30 seconds, tv time outs would be a minute.
Doug | Email | Homepage | 02.15.08 - 12:36 pm | #

doug. I agree about the to's. I like the 20 second timeout in bb. I may not know enough about football bit I fail to see why a 10 minute time out is necessary.
michael | Email | Homepage | 02.15.08 - 6:48 pm | #

Knoxville Irish, LOL! "None of the above" would be my choice as well.

ARIrish, how about a write-in campaign? I think I have three votes now from my fellow BGS bloggers - I'm truly honored!
OC mj | Email | Homepage | 02.15.08 - 6:52 pm | #

They want to cut down the length of games but they DON'T want to reduce television revenue, so they're not going to reduce any T.V. timeouts. That's why the keep jacking with the rules of the game. I'm a traditionalist so personally I think getting rid of replay would speed the game up, but at this point that seems like arguing for communism or the BCS.
mark | Email | Homepage | 02.15.08 - 6:53 pm | #

An interesting read entitled "Edmonds was the first African-American to earn a monogram at Notre Dame"

Father Joyce was ahead of his time.

http://sports.espn.go.com/espn/b...tory? id=3246049
OC mj | Email | Homepage | 02.16.08 - 1:36 am | #

OC mj, Special thanks for the link to the article! Now, could someone please forward the link to ESPN's own resident bigots, John Saunders and Mark May!?

As far as your candidacy goes, of course you can count on me for my vote, too. Lobbying here a bit, but I think you would be well served with Doug as VP and jim masterson as Secretary of State. Also, I would sleep well at night if jim was Defense Secretary. I feel sure he knows who the bad guys are, and would make their lives a living hell, until the very moment that they are snuffed out.
Voice in the Wilderness | Email | Homepage | 02.16.08 - 10:36 am | #

My cabinet is shaping up nicely. Would you serve as my speech writer? I would suggest Press Secretary, but I am guessing you don't suffer fools gladly and might possibly piss off a few members of the media after too many inane inquiries.
OC mj | Email | Homepage | 02.16.08 - 11:49 am | #

Great link OC!
Nice to see ya both, OC & VIW!
If Voice becomes Press Sec., will he finally put Helen Thomas, "MIss Red 1955," out of our friggen misery?
Please.
You have my undying support and vote OCMJ. But you need a ?Chicago vote(s). That's an additional 50.
I've been busy lately looking into where that spy-satellite will fall. The US gov't will pay all damages. This could be my LOTTO.
jim masterson | Email | Homepage | 02.16.08 - 2:17 pm | #

Chicago votes? I lived outside that fine city for nearly 29 years and had relatives from the South Side (yes, we're Sox fans). That should count for something.

Mulling it over, I think perhaps Voice would make a great Chief of Staff.

Keep up the good fight and let me know if that satellite is heading my way.
OC mj | Email | Homepage | 02.16.08 - 5:14 pm | #

Doug,
I'm with you on almost all of your suggestions. BUT -- as an alum of the Band of the Fighting Irish, I don't want to see halftime reduced to 12 minutes...
Love Thee Notre Dame | Email | Homepage | 02.16.08 - 6:40 pm | #

Q: What's the definition of "win-win situation"?

A: A U.S. government, federally insured spy satellite crashing into your mother in-law's home.

OC mj: "I serve at the pleasure of the President". (President Batlett's Chief of Staff frequently said that line in "The West Wing".
Voice in the Wilderness | Email | Homepage | 02.16.08 - 8:12 pm | #

Love Thee,

I would never want to cut the greatest band in the land short. I love the Fighting Irish band. VIW, I am flattered and honored that you have nominated me as OCmj's VP running mate. She will lead us well. As we ready the troops for battle, I hope that we dont hire Belichick as the head of the CIA, he is way too covert for this administration.
Doug | Email | Homepage | 02.16.08 - 8:48 pm | #

Voice,

I loved Leo McGarry (and the actor that played him, John Spencer, R.I.P.) One of my favorite episodes was the one where President Bartlett ripped on a Dr. Laura look-alike.
OC mj | Email | Homepage | 02.16.08 - 9:08 pm | #

Do you think Leo McGarry would root for Boston College or Notre Dame? He was said to be Boston Irish, but I don't remember the matter ever being addressed in the episodes I saw.

I know that if he was an ND fan, last season may have driven him back to pill abuse.
Joe Subway | Email | Homepage | 02.16.08 - 9:18 pm | #

Joe Sub asks a good question. Since his fictional boss was a Notre Dame man, Leo served "at the President's pleasure", and Irish Bostonians have more of an affinity for ND than the johnny-come-lately BC, I am confident that he would have been a dedicated ND fan. '07 would have seen him strong arming the Surgeon General for Oxycontin prescriptions at State Dinners and other inside-the-beltway social functions.
Voice in the Wilderness | Email | Homepage | 02.17.08 - 7:33 am | #

Bartlett would have forced him to wear a ND hat for even thinking such BC blasphemy.

"Making a joke about Notre Dame on the eve of a Michigan game?!?!"
me | Email | Homepage | 02.17.08 - 12:59 pm | #

Leo went to Michigan:

"The Portland Trip", season 2 -

President Bartlet: You didn't say "Michigan Sucks"?

Leo: No, Sir.

Bartlet: I thought you said "Michigan Sucks."

Leo: No, Sir. We're standing close to the propellers, so it may have sounded like I said, "Notre Dame is going to get the ass-kicking they so richly deserve."
Smooth Jimmy Apollo | Email | Homepage | 02.17.08 - 3:07 pm | #

You could be right, Smooth Jimmy. McGarry was actually from Chicago although there were references to Boston Irish relatives.

Danny Concannon would make a great sideline leprechaun - wonder if he has any eligibility left?
OC mj | Email | Homepage | 02.17.08 - 4:46 pm | #

Smooth Jimmy Apollo,
I love information. I'm an information freak. (In print only will I label myself "an info maniac"!!) I am known for my need for data. And what you just did was friggin awesome!
-Voice
Voice in the Wilderness | Email | Homepage | 02.17.08 - 5:49 pm | #

Thanks very much Smooth Jimmy. My blanks never stay blank very long thanks to the frequenters of this magnificent site.
Joe Subway | Email | Homepage | 02.17.08 - 6:25 pm | #

Oh man we need some ND football news... pronto. :)
Erik '04 | Email | Homepage | 02.17.08 - 10:36 pm | #

Fortunately Jon Tenuta arrives tomorrow, so we should get a press conference or something recapped.
Erik '04 | Email | Homepage | 02.17.08 - 10:37 pm | #

SBT is reporting two ND students passed away over the weekend in unrelated deaths. One was a resident of Dillon Hall. Requiem in pacem
Jan | Email | Homepage | 02.17.08 - 11:13 pm | #

I'm looking for George West to have a break out year as a kick returner this year. I'm looking for the returns to be called West Wing Left and West Wing Right. I'm also looking for him not to get stripped of the ball.
Joe Subway | Email | Homepage | 02.18.08 - 10:40 am | #

Jan is correct. One was a sophomore from Sigfried; the other was a second year law student studying abroad in London.

http://newsinfo.nd.edu/content.c...m? topicid=26566

Sad news, indeed.
Domer Guy | Email | Homepage | 02.18.08 - 1:10 pm | #

Seen this? Slow news day, I guess.

http://collegefootball.rivals.co....asp? CID=775905
Joe Subway | Email | Homepage | 02.18.08 - 6:39 pm | #

Joe Subway:
I saw the article and I continue to question the sanity of NCAA officials. A sizeable number of Division 1-A schools have atrocious graduation rates, particulalry for African-American athletes, players are arrested, suspended etc., some players like Bush are lavished with gifts and these NCAA clowns focus on fundraising speeches. Huh??
Lush | Email | Homepage | 02.18.08 - 7:38 pm | #

Good link Joe Sub.
Yet another example of how big money flies virtually everywhere except to the players.

I am gratified that after a disappointing season in '07 so many people would crowd into a high school gym to hear Charlie speak. Can you imagine the hoopla and insane recruiting success he'll have when ND resumes pummeling people again?!
Voice in the Wilderness | Email | Homepage | 02.18.08 - 7:56 pm | #

What? about Deion Walker!!!! I say Deion will have a better season then Mike floyd.
stadium dude named CHIP | Email | Homepage | 03.03.08 - 11:29 pm | #