When Harbaugh was with Ted Marchibroda's Colts, their motto was "Let 'Er Rip". Looks like that's how he has chosen to live his life!
I think that he is truly one of the best young coaches in America, and if he continues to rile up our top two rivals, you never know where he might one day ply his trade.
Voice in the Wilderness | Email | Homepage | 11.24.07 - 1:19 pm | #

The Irish vs. the Cardinal in a season where both have less than stellar records.

It's the Extreme Unction Bowl.

Shaggy haired teens will tune in, expecting to see half-pipes.
Joe Subway | Email | Homepage | 11.24.07 - 1:41 pm | #

Joe Sub...Hilarious! Not sure what fueled your post, but would you please, pretty please, send some my way?!
Voice in the Wilderness | Email | Homepage | 11.24.07 - 2:15 pm | #

3 months ago it would have seemed pure lunacy, the idea that Stanford would have anything close to a lukewarm chance against us. Today, we all curse ESPN for running the crawl on this game for several days.

The "interesting season" never turned out that way. Excepting the obvious, brilliant work of Corwin Brown (imagine 2007 with a Minter defense .. talk about Thanksgiving!) this year has been something none of us has ever seen approached by any other traditional program, let alone a traditional power. Let's pray that it's the alternative ending of "St. Elsewhere," a cruel bit of humor by the Gods.

Stanford won't just win today, they will do so in a very methodical manner. We can't offer any excuses. Notre Dame never loses because "it's a road game." Notre Dame never loses because "those other guys have better players." Let's not forget that this is Stanford, a team derided dozens upon dozens of times on this very blog for being "pathetic," "godawful," - you take your pick. Stanford has no athletic underpinning to allow them to consider a foray into the Top-40. But ... there's that other element to the game, the part that puts the team, and game plan, all together.

Jim Harbaugh has made a couple of comments in his time that added to the color of the game, and added a healthy shot of spice to rivalry, and alike. I liked the one where he said that Stanford never rebui.... er, wrong guy.

He made a memorable comment about never again losing to Michi.... sorry, gotta check my notes here.

Oh, you surely recall what he said about being fired if he didn't win at least one ring in his first five years. Did Coach Harbaugh really say that one?

It was a pleasure watching a truly outmanned Cardinal team play well enough to give themselves one improbable chance to beat mighty USC. They certainly didn't have the athletes to do it. And, it was at USC, to boot. But now and then, very rarely, a coach wins a game. Jim Harbaugh did.

Watch Jim Harbaugh today against another team that outmans his squad to the same extent as USC did. Then, remember all of the "quotes" attributable to each coach on today's sideline.

The other day, at Thanksgiving dinner, I'm watching Cowboys-Jets, seated next to a HS coach. Like everyone else, everywhere, he's avoided "the topic," but it finally comes up.

"Talent the problem?"

No, we're more loaded than every team we've played, with possibly one or two exceptions.

"Hangover from the last coach?"

No, he's been gone coming up to a fourth season.

"You surely did have plenty of time to reassign players if you had any depth problems on the team."

Yup.

Then, the most telling. "Isn't he (Weis) from New Jersey?

"He is."

"That explains it. Isn't it funny how those guys were all born to be used car salesmen? So, ND bought his line."

Like others, he feels that Notre Dame has too much going for the program to stay down for too long. Imagine (save this for a Christmas wish) having a Jim Harbaugh (sans chubby kids) on our sideline.


Stanford 38

Notre Dame 9

P.S.

Months ago I wasn't fond of the guy, but his projections proved too optimistic regarding our team. Apologies from all of us here, Mr. May.
Anonymous | Email | Homepage | 11.24.07 - 2:17 pm | #

Please give yourself another handle other than Anonymous. Several people using that moniker chime in from time to time, but none have a fraction of your talent. Just because I don't WANT to agree with some of the things that you said, it doesn't prevent me from doing so. Great post!
Voice in the Wilderness | Email | Homepage | 11.24.07 - 2:35 pm | #

Anonymous,

I agree with Voice - great post. I just wish I could disagree with most of your comments, but the only part of your post I disagree with is the score you chose. Realistically, I think it will be a close game. Vegas probably picked the right line, unfortunately.

Regardless of who wins the game, I will be forever grateful for Stanford upsetting USC (greatest point-differential upset ever) and Harbaugh pissing off UofM. Even if the "trees" beat ND, I will be thankful to them for this season.
rbingham'97 | Email | Homepage | 11.24.07 - 3:00 pm | #

"You're gonna have a hard-working, intelligent, NASTY football team...and you can't go wrong with this '81 Chevy Vega...she runs like a dream."

Sorry Charlie, I still support you but couldn't resist.

I think we'll score much more than 9 points today, but another semi-asskicking obviously wouldn't be a surprise. HUGE edge to Himmy Jarbaugh over Chaz in terms of ability to fire up their squads.
Tony Spilotro | Email | Homepage | 11.24.07 - 3:08 pm | #

Voice and Rbingham - thanks guys. I really can't say more of who I am (or, used to be here) other than I tend to shoot wildly, but all due to my love of the Dome. I had to trek to a local lib to post these words, due to my (deserved) BGS excommunication.


Voice - your wit is major leage. Though I don't always (but usually) agree, you have been a rare bright spot in this year of penance. I have to assume that you work in adv/pr - if not, you'd own the field. Thanks for a year of incredible comments.

Rbingham, I know that you're also a dyed in the wool Blue-and-Gold fan. Lots of solid, good stuff from you.

Here's hoping I'm off in my game and score picks, but......

Next year, guys!

Go Irish
AnonymousBH | Email | Homepage | 11.24.07 - 3:12 pm | #

Incense fuelled my post.

Anybody got an internet feed for this game?

I can't get it on T.V.
Joe Subway | Email | Homepage | 11.24.07 - 3:28 pm | #

w00t!

It's footbaw time!
Domer Guy | Email | Homepage | 11.24.07 - 3:35 pm | #

AnonBH
Thanks for the gracious compliments. You nailed my game. PR. I've always preferred to laugh so hard that beer pours out of my nose than to cry into a frosty mug of the same. BGS, like Domers in general, brings out the best in me. Here's to hoping your exile is brief. Cheers!
Voice in the Wilderness | Email | Homepage | 11.24.07 - 3:37 pm | #

GAMEDAY THREAD IS UP!!
Voice in the Wilderness | Email | Homepage | 11.24.07 - 3:41 pm | #

After today's game, Harbaugh will be seen as a shadow of a coach. Probably the worst coaching performance I've ever seen.
I was embarrassed for Stanford by his display of poor judgement. If I ran that school, I'd kick his ass out of town.
irishlizard | Email | Homepage | 11.24.07 - 7:52 pm | #

What is a 'BMFDF'?
Joe Subway | Email | Homepage | 11.24.07 - 8:49 pm | #

irishlizard,
Everyone knows the Bay area is a hotbed of liberalism. Liberals live on emotion and don't get reason. Harbaugh's multiple meltdowns are understandable - it's how victims win.
onehipdad | Email | Homepage | 11.25.07 - 12:05 am | #

Joe, it's the initials of Harbaugh's endowed position.
Mr. Wednesday | Email | Homepage | 11.25.07 - 1:37 am | #

Stanford 38 Notre Dame 9??? Anonymous, I think you missed it. hehehe
Ted | Email | Homepage | 11.25.07 - 8:50 am | #