Tuesday, January 31, 2017

Positive News Out of Dallas on Jaylon Smith!


This is great news for the former Notre Dame All-American!!!

LINK:  JAYLON SMITH

LINK:  JERRY JONES ON JAYLON

Will a Domer be Nominated for Supreme Court?


Apparently we'll know tonight at 8 PM ET...

Notre Dame alum Judge Thomas Hardiman '87 is apparently one of now -- two finalists -- being considered by President Trump as his Supreme Court nominee.

If nominated and confirmed -- Judge Hardiman would be the only member of the Supreme Court without an Ivy League degree.  

Who needs "one of those" when you have a Notre Dame degree! 

Here's a publication who thinks Judge Hardiman is the favorite...

LINK:  HARDIMAN

Monday, January 30, 2017

Interviews: Brian Polian & Matt Balis


Interviews: New Notre Dame FB Defense Staff



Interviews: New Notre Dame FB Offensive Staff








Replay: Brian Kelly's Press Conference Today



Notre Dame head football coach Brian Kelly met with the media for the first time since the loss to USC back in November.  Today's topic of discussion -- changes to his coaching staff and program...

Duke vs. Notre Dame on ESPN at 7 PM ET


It's a huge game tonight for the Fighting Irish as we look to put an end to our losing ways... 

Duke is coming off of a last second win over Wake Forest on Saturday -- should be a good one!

Game tips off at 7 PM ET on ESPN.  GO IRISH!

LINK:  #21 DUKE vs. #20 NOTRE DAME

LINK:  NEWS OBSERVER

LINK:  INDIANAPOLIS STAR

Shark Tank's "Mr. Wonderful" at ND Today


Shark Tank's Kevin O'Leary (AKA) "Mr. Wonderful" -- will be speaking today at the University of Notre Dame's Mendoza College of Business -- from 5 PM to 6:15 PM...

I suspect you'll see him at the Duke vs. Notre Dame hoops game tonight as well.

LINK:  O'LEARY AT NOTRE DAME

Sunday, January 29, 2017

Get to Know Notre Dame Coach Mike Elko


Must See: Isaac Rochell Senior Bowl Interview



The Notre Dame Captain ended an important week for himself at the Reese's Senior Bowl with four tackles in Saturday's game.

Saturday, January 28, 2017

OT: My Niece Kylee Posted This on Facebook


Georgia Tech Coach Talks About Notre Dame


Notre Dame plays Georgia Tech today in Atlanta -- in a noon tip-off against a Ramblin' Wreck team that hammered Florida State at home a couple of days ago...

Are there any easy games in the ACC?

We can watch it on ESPNU -- beginning at NOON ET!  Here's the Georgia Tech Head Coach in his press conference yesterday:

LINK:  GT COACH TALKS ND

Friday, January 27, 2017

Duke's Women's Hoop Coach Talks Loss to ND


If you have any interest in checking in on Duke's Joanne McCallie and her reaction to the Blue Devil's loss to Notre Dame last night -- click on the link below and search on the right hand side of the page for the video of last night's press conference...

LINK:  DUKE REACTION

Pat Connaughton: Basketball or Baseball?


I can never say enough nice things about this young man.  Pat Connaughton is a class act.

Sounds like Pat may soon have to finally make a decision whether to stick with hoops or start striking out batters.  Here's the latest media speculation:

LINK:  BALTIMORE SUN 

LINK:  KEEPING HIS ARM LOOSE 

LINK:  SALEM NEWS


Muffet & Players Talk Big Win Over #14 Duke


Thursday, January 26, 2017

Domer Hentrich Inducted Into St. Louis HOF

Former Notre Dame kicker Craig Hentrich will be enshrined into the St. Louis Sports Hall of Fame on February 2nd. 

Hentrich enjoyed a 17-year NFL career, a Super Bowl Championship and multiple NFL All-Pro selections as a punter.

LINK:  HENTRICH

Isaac Rochell Turning Heads at Senior Bowl


The former Notre Dame team captain is at the Reese's Senior Bowl this week -- "auditioning" in front of scouts from every NFL team. 

Here's what's being sad about Rochell's play so far by Dallas Cowboys' analyst Bryan Broaddus...

LINK:  SENIOR BOWL NOTEBOOK

Wednesday, January 25, 2017

ND Alum Being Considered for Supreme Court


Notre Dame alum, Thomas Hardiman '87 -- a Federal Judge of the United States Court of Appeals for the Third Circuit -- is reportedly one of three finalists for the vacant seat on the Supreme Court of the United States.
 

LINK:  MORE ON HARDIMAN

LINK:  PITTSBURGH POST GAZETTE

LINK:  NEWSWEEK

The Greatest Football Team of All-Time



It looks like you can buy the DVD if you want -- multiple online locations are selling it...

LINK:  THE GREATEST TEAM

Virginia's Bennett Talks Win Over Notre Dame


Tuesday, January 24, 2017

ND LAX Kicks Off Season at "Jerry's World"


Kevin Corrigan's Fighting Irish will play Georgetown in game #1 of the season at the Dallas Cowboy's AT&T Stadium on February 18th.

Here is Coach Corrigan talking about this season...

LINK:  CORRIGAN

Virginia's Tony Bennett Talks Notre Dame Game



The #14 ranked Fighting Irish will host #12 Virginia tonight in the biggest game of the year so far here at Purcell Pavilion.  Game will be televised on the ACC Network beginning at 8 PM ET.

LINK:  ACC NETWORK AFFILIATES

Monday, January 23, 2017

OT: Thankfully They Don't Coach This at ND


Notre Dame leads the nation in free throw shooting percentage -- in fact -- it's the highest in NCAA Division I history...

Notre Dame: Coaches Poll #12 / AP Poll #14


The Fighting Irish Men's basketball team lost to FSU and beat Syracuse this past week -- and they MOVED UP in the polls...

I even saw one national writer -- Seth Davis -- who ranked Notre Dame #9 -- see his rankings below:


LINK:  POLLS

Domer Bennett Jackson Training for NFL Return


Former Notre Dame defensive back Bennett Jackson's multiple injuries cut short his NFL football career with the New York Giants.

He's working on a comeback...

LINK:  BENNETT JACKSON

A "Historic" Free Throw Shooting Run for ND...


Mike Brey's Fighting Irish are making free throws at a clip -- never seen before in Division I College Basketball history.  Think about that...

As of this morning -- Notre Dame is at 82.9% from the free throw stripe!

Three of the free throw shooting stars at Notre Dame:
  • Vasturia:  92.5%
  • Colson: 86.7%
  • Farrell:  86.5%

Sunday, January 22, 2017

Muffet McGraw Gets Win #750 at Notre Dame!


The Fighting Irish rolled over North Carolina 77 - 55 today earning Coach McGraw her 750th win at the University of Notre Dame!

Muffet's Irish vs. NC on ESPNU at Noon Today


The Fighting Irish will play game #2 without injured starter Kathryn Westbeld today when they visit Chapel Hill to take on the Tar Heels of North Carolina.

Watch the game LIVE on ESPNU beginning at NOON ET.

LINK:  UPDATE ON NORTH CAROLINA

"DeShone Kizer is the #1 QB in the NFL Draft"


The NFL Networks' Daniel Jeremiah has Notre Dame's DeShone Kizer as the #1 QB in the upcoming NFL Draft...

LINK:  KIZER --- TOP QB

Virginia's Tony Bennett Talks About ND Game



Fast forward to the 7:23 minute mark -- and you'll see Virginia's Tony Bennett talk about the Fighting Irish and their game here Tuesday night.

Matty Farrell's -- ASSIST OF THE YEAR!



This was pure magic...

First Look: Visiting Team's Entrance in Stadium


Thought you'd like to see this photo tweeted last night by Brian Polian (Special Team's Coach) of Notre Dame Stadium.

If you look in the lower right of the photo -- you will see the location of the new entrance being constructed for visiting teams. 

Saturday, January 21, 2017

Syracuse Players Talk Loss to Notre Dame


Mike Brey Presser After Win Over Syracuse


Replay: David River's Ring of Honor Ceremony


Syracuse's Boeheim Talks Loss to Notre Dame


Onwualu -- Shrine Game "Practice Standout"


Having known this young man for four years now -- this headline doesn't surprise me.

Eagle Eye in the Sky's Fran Duffy had this to say about ND football team captain James Onwualu at the Shrine East West Game practice this week:

"Has the highest upside of any of the linebackers this week..."

Watch James representing the "GOLD HELMET" today at 3 PM ET on the NFL Network.  I know you won't miss that helmet -- but, he will be wearing white jersey #47.

LINK:  ONWUALU

Hometown Writer Talks About "Rocket's Snub"


Former Notre Dame All-American Raghib "The Rocket" Ismail did not receive enough votes this month to gain induction into the College Football Hall of Fame...

A writer from Rocket's hometown paper opines about this.

LINK:  ROCKET'S SNUB

Michael Floyd Still Learning Patriots' Playbook


The former Fighting Irish All-American is gearing up for tomorrow's AFC Championship game against the Pittsburgh Steelers.  Kick-off is scheduled for 6:40 PM ET.

LINK:  WEEI

LINK:  NESN

LINK:  PATRIOTS WIRE

Wednesday, January 18, 2017

"The Most Underrated Coach in America"


Tough Loss for the Fighting Irish Tonight at FSU


The #10 Florida State Seminoles made shot after shot down the stretch and held on to beat our #15 Fighting Irish 83 - 80.

A season high 18 turnovers didn't help matters... 

The Irish get another shot at the talented Seminoles on February 11th at Purcell Pavilion.

Got to get ready for Syracuse on Saturday!!!

LINK:  VIDEO HIGHLIGHTS

#10 Florida State vs. #15 Notre Dame Tonight!



The Fighting Irish travel to Tallahassee tonight to take on the talented Florida State Seminoles -- game tips off at 7 PM ET on the ACC Network.

LINK:  WHERE TO FIND ACC NETWORK

Monday, January 16, 2017

OT: 3 Oregon Football Players Hospitalized


The new football staff in Oregon is apparently working their players a little too hard...

LINK:  OREGON

Today Is My Fifth Anniversary at Notre Dame...


1,825 days ago I walked into a building off Eddy Street to start my first day of employment here at the University of Notre Dame.

I remember sitting in the first meeting with my new Notre Dame teammates;  Bob Quakenbush, Chas Grundy, Jen Hengehold, Jody Sadler and Fr. Ralph Haag, C.S.C.  I gave each a booklet entitled "The Small Things In Life" -- which shared my thoughts on food, language and life.  I'm sure they were thinking to themselves; "who is this crazy guy...?"

I'm sure they still do.

Over the next 1,824 days we lost a few of these teammates and continued to add more talent to our Storytelling & Engagement Team;  Brandon Tabor, David Chaudoir, Michael Rodio, Travis Mather, Lin Wang, Terry Howard, Catey Traylor, Kennedy St. Charles, Grace Prosniewski -- and most recently, Jim Gosz and Patrick Borders.  We'll soon be adding Matt Gelchion and a "writer to be named later..."

This team has proven time and time again that they "can leap tall buildings in a single bound."  It's been special.

I've also had the honor of reporting to three very talented, passionate and dedicated professionals; Lou Nanni, Shannon Cullinan and Micki Kidder -- during my time here.  I want to thank each of them for trusting us to do what is right for Notre Dame.

It's been great FUN.

As I wrap up day #1,825 -- please know I'm not one to spend much time looking back -- I'm driven by what's next.  Thus, I pray I'm given many more days to serve Notre Dame.

It's not a job -- it's a passion.

I am one lucky guy.

Go Irish!

Muffet's Irish vs. Rocky Top Tonight on ESPN2

Notre Dame traveled to Knoxville yesterday to prepare for tonight's 7 PM ET tip-off against Tennessee.

The game will be televised LIVE on ESPN2.

Notre Dame Moves up in AP Top 25 Poll


Mike Brey's Fighting Irish moved up a few spots -- still trail ACC foes; North Carolina, Florida State and Louisville in the latest AP Poll...

LINK:  AP POLL

The Story: Fr. Ted's Famous Photo With MLK Jr.


Saturday, January 14, 2017

Does Winning ACC Games Really Matter?


I'm being facetious...

But, if you compare the AP Top 25 Rankings for Men's College Basketball -- and compare it with the ACC Conference Standings -- here's what you'd find:

TEAM                    AP RANK         ACC RECORD

Duke                        #7                     2 - 3
Florida State             #9                     4 - 1
North Carolina          #11                   4 - 1
Louisville                  #14                   3 - 2
Virginia                     #19                   3 - 2
NOTRE DAME          #20                    5 - 0


Do the voters just vote on reputation?

If yes, wouldn't you think the only team in this group (and the country) who has been to "back to back" ELITE EIGHT games -- gets the reputation vote?

Maybe that happens next week for Notre Dame...

Game Highlights: Notre Dame 76 - Va Tech 71


Coach Mike Brey Talks Win Over Virginia Tech!


ND Grotto Tribute to NYPD's Steven McDonald


This made my day...


VT's Home Winning Streak Broken by IRISH!!!



The Fighting Irish are now 16 - 2 on the season -- and now stand alone in first place in the ACC -- after their 76 - 71 win over Virginia Tech.

The only undefeated team in the conference!

WOW!


Patriots "X Factor" -- Domer Michael Floyd


The former Notre Dame All-American is making his presence felt in New England...

LINK:  FLOYD

Does Prosise Make NFL Playoff Debut Today?


Plenty of talk out of Seattle that former Notre Dame running back C.J. Prosise may be ready to play today for the Seahawks in their game against the Atlanta Falcons.

LINK:  PROSISE

Where to Watch ND vs. VT on TV at 2 PM ET


Notre Dame's game against Virginia Tech tips off at 2 PM ET today -- and it is televised on the ACC Network.

Here's where you can find an ACC Network Affiliate in your area:

LINK:  ACC NETWORK AFFILIATES

Irish vs. VT at 2 PM ET -- on ACC Network


Mike Brey's Fighting Irish take their unbeaten ACC record on the road today to Virginia Tech in a game the oddsmakers give the edge to the Hokies -- making them 2.5 point favorites.

Here's what the media has to say:

LINK:  DAILY PRESS

LINK:  WASHINGTON POST

LINK:  FIGHTING GOBBLER

Friday, January 13, 2017

Miami Head Coach Talks Loss to Notre Dame



Coach Larranaga talking with media -- after loss to Notre Dame.



Coach Larranaga talking with media -- before game with Notre Dame.

The Fighting Irish During a Flight Delay in Miami

#20 Notre Dame (15 - 2) plays Virginia Tech (13 - 3) tomorrow at 2 PM ET on the ACC Network.

Thursday, January 12, 2017

Defining Chip Long's RPO Offense For ND Fans


You're going to hear a term called "RPO" a lot these next few months -- which stands for "run, pass option."

Which simply means this -- the offensive line will show more of a run blocking scheme on passing plays, which causes major issues for a defense...

Read this story for more detail.

LINK:  RPO OFFENSE

Highlights: Notre Dame 67 - 62 Win Over Miami


OT: Now Who Designed A Machine Like This!


Irish Break Miami's 21 Game Home Win Streak!

Mike Brey's Fighting Irish forced 8 turnovers in the 2nd half to their ONE -- and they found a way to get to 4 - 0 in the ACC with a 67 - 62 win over Miami tonight!

They are in first place in the ACC -- one of only two undefeated teams!!!

WOW!

LINK:  ESPN VIDEO HIGHLIGHTS

Wednesday, January 11, 2017

Notre Dame's New Linebackers Coach?





The media is reporting that Clark Lea has been hired as Notre Dame's new linebackers coach.  Lea, who most recently coached with ND's defensive coordinator Mike Elko at Wake Forest -- has coached at Syracuse, Bowling Green and UCLA.

Notre Dame has yet to confirm his hiring.

Notre Dame's New Wide Receivers Coach?



Football Scoop is reporting that DelVaughn Alexander will be named Notre Dame's wide receivers coach.  Alexander (a USC grad) was most recently on the coaching staff at Arizona State.

Notre Dame has yet to confirm his hiring.

LINK:  ANOTHER ALEXANDER INTERVIEW


Boston Globe Feature Story on Michael Floyd


The former Notre Dame All-American is living in a Boston area hotel -- as he gears up for his first playoff game this weekend with the Patriots...

LINK:  FLOYD FEATURE

Tuesday, January 10, 2017

Domer Maurice Crum Join's Sanford's Staff


Former Notre Dame linebacker Maurice Crum has joined the Western Kentucky University football coaching staff...

LINK:  CRUM'S NEW GIG

Similar Play: One's a Touchdown / One is Not...



The Notre Dame game winning TD that wasn't against Florida State -- ACC Officials.



The National Championship winning TD play last night for Clemson against Alabama -- Big 12 Officials.


LINK:  ALABAMA MEDIA PERSPECTIVE

LINK:  SPORTS ON EARTH

LINK:  SPORTING NEWS 

Must See: Six-Year Old Cousin's First "Bucket"



My cousin Kelly Fries del Rosario's son A.J. (wearing #1 in the video above) made his first career shot this past Saturday.

The six-year old -- FIVE STAR GUARD -- knocked down this sweet jumper in the lane -- note the hands in the air after the bucket and the quick transition to defense...

Recruiting experts have labeled A.J. del Rosario the most sought after six-year old in the Midwest.

Monday, January 9, 2017

Notre Dame Hires Chip Long as O-Coordinator



Here is new Notre Dame Offensive Coordinator Chip Long talking about recruiting...

I Missed This -- LSU's Baseball Coach Talks ND



Former Notre Dame baseball coach Paul Manieri -- brought his LSU Tigers to play the Fighting Irish this past May.  I missed this interview Coach Manieri gave when he first arrived on campus.

Manieri led the LSU Tigers to a National Championship in 2009.

Bob Crable Selected to College Football HOF



Former Notre Dame All-American Bob Crable was selected today to the College Football Hall of Fame.  Crable will become the 46th former Fighting Irish star to be inducted -- the most from one university.

LINK:  CABLE

Saturday, January 7, 2017

Matt Farrell's Game Clincher Against Clemson


Big ACC Win for Brey's Irish Over Clemson!



3 - 0 and still one of only two teams in the ACC undefeated in conference play -- that's Mike Brey's Fighting Irish!

In a game that a number of his stars had a tough first half -- Notre Dame found a way to beat a very talented Clemson team.

Fun Fact:  Clemson has never beaten Notre Dame in basketball! 

Up next for the first place IRISH -- Miami on the road...

LINK:   ACC STANDINGS

Clemson vs. Notre Dame on ESPNU at 3 PM ET



Clemson rolls into town today to take on our Fighting Irish -- coming off a game they felt they blew against North Carolina earlier in the week...

The IRISH will have to contend with one of the top players in the ACC today -- Jaron Blossomgame -- who poured in 30 points in Notre Dame's 89 - 83 win last year (highlights above).

The game will be televised on ESPNU beginning at 3 PM ET.

Here's what the media has to say about today's game:

LINK:  TIGER BEAT

LINK:  FOX SPORTS

LINK:  SB NATION

Thursday, January 5, 2017

Pete Carroll Admits They Screwed Up With Tate


Former Notre Dame All-American Golden Tate will be lining up against his old teammates in Seattle Saturday night in a first round NFL Playoff game...

LINK:  CARROLL ON TATE

Rick Pitino Talks Loss to Notre Dame...


"An Unheralded Offensive Juggernaut"


Mike Brey's Fighting Irish garnering some media love...

"...and it’s tough not to be astounded by a program who doesn’t get five-star recruits, yet looks ready to compete with the ACC’s heavyweights for the third year running."

LINK:  YAHOO SPORTS

Wednesday, January 4, 2017

Big ACC Win for the First Place Fighting Irish!




Mike Brey's Fighting Irish are just one of two teams still undefeated in the first week of ACC play -- think about that!

Tonight's impressive 77 - 70 win over the #9 ranked Louisville Cardinals is sure to garner some attention from the poll voters.

Up next for Notre Dame -- Clemson this Saturday at Purcell Pavilion.

LINK:  ACC STANDINGS

Zach Auguste Scores 31 Points & 14 Rebounds


Former Notre Dame basketball star Zach Auguste -- who is currently playing professional basketball in Turkey in their Champions League -- is adjusting quite well to the European hoops game...

LINK:  STORY

#9 Louisville vs. #21 Notre Dame Tonight!



The game will be televised on the ACC Network, beginning at 9 PM ET -- here's where you can find this network across the country:

LINK:  WHERE TO WATCH ON ACC NETWORK

Tuesday, January 3, 2017

Louisville's Pitino Talks Game vs. Notre Dame


The #9 ranked Cardinals come to town tomorrow night to take on our #23 ranked Fighting Irish -- big hoops game.

LINK:  PITINO TALKS ND

Film Review -- Michael Floyd's Impact in NE


Former Notre Dame All-American Michael Floyd is getting a new start in New England -- here's what happened this past Sunday...

LINK:  MICHAEL FLOYD

Monday, January 2, 2017

Domer Darius Walker's Wedding Photos


The former Notre Dame running back's recent wedding was featured on this website...

LINK:  DARIUS' WEDDING

LINK:  WEDDING PHOTOS

Demetrius Jackson's NBA D-League Highlights



Demetrius scored 30 points in his game New Years Eve!

LINK:  DEMETRIUS HIGHLIGHTS

Autry Denson's Recruiting Pitch to HS Players


New York Times Feature on Romeo Okwara


Thought you'd enjoy reading this.  The 21 year-old Domer (with an Accounting Degree) is making quite a name for himself in the Big Apple!

Special thanks to ND GO IRISH BLOG regular Greg Galdabini for alerting me to this story.  Thanks Greg!

LINK:  NYT TIMES ARTICLE

Sunday, January 1, 2017