The Official Notre Dame Football Thread

[adembroski]

Gonna miss Robert Hughes. Always thought he was the best back on the roster, never got to play in an offense that suited him. I think he'll be a solid change-of-pace/short yardage back in the NFL.

[padman59]

Gonna miss Robert Hughes. Always thought he was the best back on the roster, never got to play in an offense that suited him. I think he'll be a solid change-of-pace/short yardage back in the NFL.

I wouldn't be surprised to see the Chiefs pick him up and let him learn from Thomas Jones until his contract is up after next season or he retires.

[FirstTimer]

It's official.

Notre Dame vs. Miami in the Sun Bowl

http://collegefootballtalk.nbcsports...cherreport.com

Was just about to post this.

Even with Miami's coaching situation in flux Miami still has some very talented skill position players. Should be a very tough match up for Notre Dame and hopefully a very good game.

[FirstTimer]

Just in case you didn't know the game is at noon Mountain time...that's 2 PM EST. :D

1PM for me.

[Irish]

Miami doesn't stand a chance.

[padman59]

A shame this site never really got off the ground. It was an interesting idea and nice to hear what former players had to say about the program in it's state (at the time) and their playing days, strategy, etc.

[LiquidLarry2GhostWF]

Catholics versus Coachless...

YYYYYYYYYEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEESSSSSSSSSSSSS!!!!

When Miami takes the field, looks across it to see the Golden Domes...it'll be like looking in the mirror...unless, that is...Miami can pull their head out of their ass and make a hire that isn't putrid like Shancoker.

Do it for anarchy, Canes...do it for the Soul of College Football.

[FirstTimer]

Gonna miss Robert Hughes. Always thought he was the best back on the roster, never got to play in an offense that suited him. I think he'll be a solid change-of-pace/short yardage back in the NFL.

Agreed.

Here's what padman were talking about with him earlier this season.

I like Hughes a lot.

But he was an interesting recruit from the start. He never really fit the mold in the Weis offense so it was interesting to see Notre Dame pursue him so hard. I believe Chris Zorich was a guy who helped get him. He's got a nice blend of great size and above avaerage speed. If he's at a place like Mich St, Wisconsin, Pitt, Iowa, etc the guy is a very well known name at RB IMO.

He just never really seemed to "fit" in with that the Notre Dame offense was doing or trying to do outside of the tail end of 2007 when we couldn't throw the ball worth a shit because we couldn't pass block.

I still feel like Hughes could be a back like Ryan Grant who some NFL teams look at, either draft late or bring into camp and he does very well. Maybe he doesn't have the success Ryan Grant does but I can see him sticking on an NFL roster.

I like Hughes as well. He's a hard runner who seems to have good vision and catches well. However, he's shown a tendency to dance around too much for a back with his size and speed. He needs to realize that with his frame, he needs to just lower his shoulder and punish tacklers. I would have liked to see him get more touches this season especially in short yardage situations.

Gonna miss Robert Hughes. Always thought he was the best back on the roster, never got to play in an offense that suited him. I think he'll be a solid change-of-pace/short yardage back in the NFL.

Hughes really seemed to buy intoKelly teh last few weeks. I think he finally got the idea that if he runs downhill like the bruiser he is Kelly is going to give him carries.

I posted a really great article on Hughes on the last page and it talked about how when he ran 10+ times during his career Notre Dame was 9-1. Jonas Gray could learn a lot by watching Hughes over these past few weeks. Gray has better feet and is more agile but heading into next season him and Wood could be a great combination if Gray takes some pages from Hughes book over the last few weeks.

[FirstTimer]

Good read from ESPNChicago.

http://espn.go.com/blog/chicago/colleges/post/_/id/1942/irish-recruits-like-where-program-is-heading

With National Signing Day now only two months away, the Notre Dame coaching staff wasted little time jumping back on the recruiting trail following the Irish's victory over USC on Saturday.

After losing verbal commitments from coveted prep stars such as Jordan Prestwood, Justice Hayes and Aaron Lynch in the last four weeks, Irish coach Brian Kelly received good news in the last few days with the addition of Texas running back Cam McDaniel and South Carolina quarterback Everett Golson.

But what about the rest of a tentative class of 2011? ESPNChicago.com reached out to them this week to see what kind of impact Notre Dame's 3-0 regular-season finish made.

George Atkinson (athlete, 6-2, 194, Livermore, Calif.)
"I was very surprised on how we finished the year. Because of the injuries and other things going on there it was not expected, but coach Kelly is a great coach and got them through it with some big wins. I can't wait to be a part of the turnaround there. You just have to believe that it's going to happen and know it's the best spot for you and your future after football and that's what I did.

"I definitely saw the change of play on defense, making big stops, and that defensive play really helped the offense take more shots downfield because they get the ball back more often. Basically, it was a more aggressive team in November -- on defense and offense."

Josh Atkinson (cornerback, 6-0, 180, Livermore, Calif.)
"Yeah, I feel that everyone in our class is going to remain strong with ND. I was very impressed and excited about how Notre Dame finished the season, especially when they went through so much during the season. I was able to stay faithful because of the fact that I believe in coach Kelly and he's the type of coach you want to play for. I believe everyone in our class and on the ND team right now knows that we are going to do great things in the near future and that those last three wins are just beginning of what's to come because of the fact that everyone is on the same page -- and that's to win a national championship."

Brad Carrico (defensive end, 6-6, 255, Dublin, Ohio)

"To me, I'm staying at Notre Dame for a lot of reasons. Probably the biggest is the coaching staff though; they're all great people and they're proven winners based off all the places they've been and the way they have turned things around at Notre Dame already. The tradition and the academics are also a really big part of it for me. Regarding being 3-0 the last three games, I feel like that's just a small step for great things that are and will be happening for Notre Dame in the near future."


Conor Hanratty (offensive line, 6-4, 235, New Canaan, Conn.)

"I'm always going to remain faithful because I know that this is something special and it's something I want to be a part of."

Jalen Brown (defensive back, 6-0, 173, Irving, Texas)

"I never lost hope on my team. I knew it was coach Kelly's first year and I didn't expect a national championship yet."

Ben Councell (defensive end, 6-5, 225, Asheville, N.C.)
"Well, I think mainly because it’s the right fit for me. Also, I have faith in the new coaching staff and throughout the season I have seen a progression within the team itself."

Jarrett Grace (linebacker, 6-4, 235, Cincinnati, Ohio)

"I remain faithful because I'm committed to the program and the goals coach Kelly has set for Notre Dame, which is a national championship. I know this won't happen right away and will take a few years of hard work. Also, just the weight of the degree upon graduation and Notre Dame as a place to develop as a true man set it apart from any other school."

Matt Hegarty (offensive line, 6-5, 265, Aztec, N.M)
"I was very impressed at how the team rallied to finish in such a strong fashion at the end of the season. Everyone understood that the win against Army was the minimum for bowl eligibility, but they still went out and knocked [down] SC at the Coliseum. Really exciting to see. ND still has the same desirable things I've always seen in them -- a strong football tradition, a superb education and a coach and system that will bring them back to the top. There isn't any doubt in my mind that this staff is doing everything it takes to make them a championship caliber program. I can’t wait to be a part of it."

[Irish]

Texas CB Bennett Okotcha committed.

Cam McDaniels teammate.

3 star guy but is 6'0 and runs a 4.47. Keep adding the secondary depth.

[FirstTimer]

I really wish people would stop interviewing Tom Lemming about our recruits.

The guy has lost a ton of credibility over the last few seasons.

[Irish]

Insiders Preview on Miami from Rivals.

If Notre Dame is on its way up under Brian Kelly, Miami is simply searching for direction. However, according to Gary Ferman of CaneSport.com, the Hurricanes aren’t hurting for talent heading toward their Sun Bowl showdown with the Irish. But can Miami focus on Notre Dame amidst the turmoil surrounding a full-blown coaching search?

Pete Sampson: What’s the state of the Miami program after the 7-5 season and the firing of Randy Shannon?

Gary Ferman: The state of the program is better than the record indicates. I think there are a lot of very high quality players on the team, but due to inconsistency and too many turnovers they lost some games during the season that they should not have lost. They also inexplicably turned up very unmotivated and disinterested in games against Florida State, Virginia and South Florida. Nobody really knows the reasons behind that, nor did the head coach, which is why he’s no longer employed here. I think that was probably the greatest issue that led to Shannon’s firing, how poorly they were performing in way too many games.

PSDid you see this kind of season coming? When did you sense things were off track?

GF I didn’t see this coming because there was anticipation and expectation that this would be a very good season, that Miami could maybe be a 10-2 team. In no way, shape or form did I see this season falling apart the way that it did. I think after the loss to Virginia that it was pretty obvious something was wrong. The loss to Virginia on the heels of being blown out at home to Florida State, I think it was a pretty clear sign something was wrong.

When Miami lost early in the season to Ohio State on the road, I didn’t think that was a great shock or a surprise. They did enough good things in that game that you have reason to believe and reason to have expectations that this could end up being a very good season. But then getting blown out at home to Florida State, then stumbling and bumbling at Virginia, then to fall apart in the fourth quarter to Virginia Tech, then to lose in the finale to South Florida, when you look at the entire body of work you clearly see that something was wrong here.

PSWhat kind of impact do you think the tumultuous month has on Miami in preparation for Notre Dame in the Sun Bowl?

GF I think it has a huge effect. You’re looking at a team that couldn’t get itself ready to play when the stakes were high. Now they’re getting ready to go to El Paso, Texas to play a meaningless football game. I think it helps a lot that the opponent is Notre Dame. The match-up between Notre Dame and Miami is a magical one and it gets the players’ attention. The match-up gives the players a chance to show up in El Paso ready to play.

PSI get the Notre Dame take on this rivalry all the time, but what’s your perspective on this series from a Miami perspective?

GF I don’t think it means much now with both teams being 7-5. It has meant a lot in the past and I think it’s going to mean a lot in the future. But with a meaningless bowl game and both teams being 7-5, the rivalry is sort of what gives this bowl game a little intrigue.

PSAny memories of the Notre Dame-Miami series from the 80’s?

GF I remember my first trip to Notre Dame Stadium and how impressed I was with it. I remember going in, seeing the pep rally with Lou Holtz on the night before the game. I remember going into the locker room during the walkthrough and seeing the (Play Like A Champion Today) sign at the foot of the stairs. Obviously I remember Touchdown Jesus. When you go to Notre Dame you’re just touched by all that tradition and history and then there was a football game too. I remember that Miami lost that day on a fumble at the goal line that probably cost them a shot at a national title and how that was a controversial end.

PSIt’s funny, if you talk to Notre Dame fans the Cleveland Gary fumble/non-fumble never comes up. It’s all about the two-point conversion that Notre Dame stopped.

GF Yeah, I think this game rekindles some of those memories, which is good because you have a couple 7-5 teams who aren’t playing for anything.

PS You talked about Miami having a solid roster for its next coach. Who are the guys you think the Hurricanes can build around moving forward?

GF I think you’ve got two serviceable quarterbacks (Jacory Harris and Stephen Morris) if they’re not throwing interceptions. I think Miami also has as good a stable of running backs as there is in the country (Damien Berry, Lamar Miller, Mike James and Storm Johnson). There’s a young offensive line that has been very good at times. But the biggest question marks are on defense, where Miami lacks a lot of impact players.

PSThat’s surprising when you look at Miami’s defensive stats, leading the nation in tackles for loss, No. 2 in pass efficiency defense and way up there in sacks. Most people just assume Miami always has great talent on defense.

GF I think the talent on defense is closer to being good than the record indicates. I think a better job needs to be done with the talent that’s here. Miami was very close to winning more ball games and I think they have a lot of potential going into next year, but somebody has to put it all together.

I think you’ve got to start on the defensive line. Miami has been getting some decent play there. Allen Bailey is somebody to watch and Marcus Forston has played very well down the stretch this season. Linebacker Sean Spence has played well at times. Safety Vaughn Telemaque is somebody you want to keep an eye on too.

PSSomebody on Miami’s roster that everybody at Notre Dame knows is Seantrel Henderson. What kind of freshman season did he have?

GF He had a phenomenal season for a true freshman. He started in the latter half of the season at tackle and played relatively well and wasn’t a major liability. He’s just a mammoth kid. I was impressed with how he learned the playbook and he really did a good job in that regard. He really had a good season.

[FirstTimer]

-Floyd and Rudolph have asked to be evaluated by the NFL Draft Board. I can't see Floyd being ranked ahead of guys like AJ Green, Julio Jones, maybe even Baldwin. I would expect him to come back. Rudolph I can't see leaving school early either because of his injury last season hurting his stock.

-EJ Banks has officially left school. Best of luck to him.

[LiquidLarry2GhostWF]

-Floyd and Rudolph have asked to be evaluated by the NFL Draft Board. I can't see Floyd being ranked ahead of guys like AJ Green, Julio Jones, maybe even Baldwin. I would expect him to come back. Rudolph I can't see leaving school early either because of his injury last season hurting his stock.

-EJ Banks has officially left school. Best of luck to him.

I think the top two wide outs are AJ Green and Leonard Hankerson (no homer). Then you have a bunch of players that are kind of bunched together. I think Ryan Broyles, while not having the size of the top guys, needs a serious look at a top of the line wide out. Guy is good. Great routes. Good mits.

Floyd is good, Jones are good, Baldwin is good. But, there is going to be some separation there...they all won't be first rounders.

I'd rank'em

1. Green.
2. Hankerson.
3. Jeffrey.
4. Broyles.
5. Floyd.
6. Jones.
7. Baldwin.

I can't remember a bunch of wide outs, but there could be some others in there that could do big things.

Blackmon from Okie State, not sure if he is eligible...but I'd have him up there, too.

[FirstTimer]

I think the top two wide outs are AJ Green and Leonard Hankerson (no homer).

AJ Green is the top choice obviously.

I've never come away impressed with Hankerson when I've seen Miami play. I most likely just jinxed myself and he will light up Notre Dame but Hankerson has never jumped off the field at me as the #2 WR for the draft. Then again Miami had a down season overall, especially at QB so maybe Hankerson was effected by that more than anything.

Floyd is good, Jones are good, Baldwin is good. But, there is going to be some separation there...they all won't be first rounders.

I like Jones a lot. I didn't get to see him play much until down the stretch but came away impressed.

I'd rank'em

Oh yeah?! Well I'd rank 'em:

1. Green
2. Jones
3. Jeffery
4. Floyd
5. Baldwin
6. Hankerson
7. Broyles --Broyles scares me because I've been burned as a Bear fan by guys like Mark Bradley and Joaquin Inglesis(Sp?)

Blackmon from Okie State, not sure if he is eligible...but I'd have him up there, too.

I'd slot Blackmon ahead of Floyd at this point.

Floyd was tough to evaluate this year in some ways. He was clearly a better all around player as far as route running and blocking go but he was fighting a hamstring problem the second half of the season that limited his production.