Merry Christmas

Merry Christmas to all!

And if you somehow missed last nights game, here are a few highlights...

A Golden Shower

I can't believe porn is now acceptable on basic cable. ESPN must be desperate for ratings.

The Hawai'i Bowl: Hawai'i. December 24, 2008

Welcome to the Hawai'i Bowl Anti-Preview for the Notre Dame Fighting Irish and the Hawai'i Warriors. (Whatever happened to the Rainbows?) It's going to be deep into Christmas Eve for the mainlanders by the time the game kicks off at 8 pm EST, and Irish fans are looking for a big present from the team as they look to end a 9 game 15 year bowl win drought.

Hawai'i won't be looking to give this gift away and will in fact, try and regift what has been given to the Irish in the recent past- another bowl loss. So Notre Dame can not come into Hawai'i like a bunch of fucking tourists, they have to walk into Aloha Stadium like a bunch of pissed off pirates looking to destroy the native sons of the island.

Hawai'i. The Warriors finished the season with a 7-6 record and were rewarded with yet another Hawai'i Bowl berth (their 5th in 7 years). Their most impressive victory was against then #22, Fresno State. But, the game that everyone is talking about is the Cincinnati game where Hawai'i was up on the #13 Bearcats until collapsing in the fourth quarter to lose the game 29-24. Hawai'i did lose to 3-9 Utah State, but the Irish lost to 3-9 Syracuse... so whatever.

What should you be drinking? Rum. Lots and lots of rum. Since the economy is still in shambles and you spent your last dollar on a Christmas gift for the Secret Santa gift exchange at work, make sure you go with the ole' reliable... Captain Morgan. You drank it in high school, you chugged it in college, and now that you are all grown up- you still can't get enough of it and mix it with everything you drink as you curse all of those around you. Whew.

You can do just about anything with the Captain at your side. Here are a few short recipe's to get you started:

• Captain's Booty: 3 oz. CM & 3-6 oz. Ginger Ale
• Shark's Nipple: 1/4 part CM, 1/4 part Mountain Dew, 1/2 part Cranberry Juice, & 3 ice cubes.
• Captain's Code: 1 oz. CM & 8 oz. Red Bull
• Subway Domer Crack: 1/2 part CM & 1/2 part Apple juice or Apple cider

There are many other mixes to use with the Captain... and I suggest you try them all.

What should you be eating? Pirates ate like shit. I urge you to not eat like a pirate, unless you want scurvy or some sort of intestinal disease. Eat like the natives, but I suggest that you stay away from the poi unless you like cream of wheat and/or grits. (The Subway Domer KILLS grits). There is another way to enjoy the sacred Taro plant instead of mashing it up into poi... Lau lau.

Lau lau is a dish that takes any type of meat and wraps it with Taro leaves and is steamed. Here is a recipe to try:

•1 lb boneless pork or beef
•1 lb salted butterfish - soaked or salmon may be substituted
•1 lb boneless chicken
•Hawaiian Salt
•frozen taro leaves - thawed and drained
•taro leaves
•liquid smoke (optional)
Preparation:

This dish can be prepared using equal amounts of beef, chicken, fish and pork. I recommend using at least one meat along with the chicken and fish.
Cut meat and chicken into 1 inch chunks.
Rinse butterfish well, remove skin and cut into 1 inch chunks.
Cut and discard the stems from the taro leaves. Wash leaves. Do not dry.

In a large bowl, mix fish, chicken and meat with liquid smoke (if desired).
Take a piece of each main ingredient and wrap all three together in several taro leaves. This is called your laulau.
Place each laulau in the center of a taro leaf and wrap it. Use a second ti leaf to wrap it around the opposite direction.
You should have what looks like a little package. Secure with string.

The completed packets should be steamed, covered for several hours. They can also be cooked over a grill if kept well moist. Lay 3 to 4 taro leaves in the pan. Add half of the luau (taro) leaves. Arrange meat mixture evenly on luau leaves. Put remaining luau and ti leaves on top. Cover pan tightly with foil. Bake in oven at 350 degrees for 3 hours.

Of course, it doesn't matter what you are eating if you are watching this...

What should you be wearing? Just like the Navy game, I implore you to dress the part. Throw away those Hawaiian shirts, grass skirts, and leis and grab yourself a hook, eye patch, and wooden leg. And for you lady friend?

Shiver me timbers!

What freshman will have the biggest impact? This has become an easy answer, because it is so obvious. Michael Floyd. Floyd is Notre Dame's biggest threat on offense and he makes everyone else better. While Floyd was out for the Syracuse and USC games, the offense looked like it jumped in a Doc Brown Dolorian and went back to 2007. They looked awful to say the least. There is little doubt that this was because Floyd was out. Hawai'i is ranked 43rd in pass defense efficiency in 1-A. They just don't have the personnel to cover both Tate and Floyd, and because Floyd runs such very good routes, I look for him to have a monster game against the Warriors, and even if he doesn't have a huge "stat" game, somebody will. That's why Floyd will make the biggest impact- that's why Notre Dame will be able to move the ball. That's why Floyd is probably the MVP of the Irish offense this year.

What offensive player needs to step it up? It would be easy and correct if I said Jimmy Clausen. As Jimmy has struggled, people point directly at the most visible face of the offense. This is inaccurate though. Clausen needs help, just as all good quarterbacks do to move the ball. The offensive line? All of them? Well, most of the offensive woes can be attributed to poor pass protection and uncanny ability to be worked over by inferior defensive lines. I'm sure they are capable of stepping up and doing the task against Hawai'i, but I think Armando Allen is the player that has to rise to the occasion. The question is if he is healthy enough to do so. If he is, Allen provides Clausen not only with a very good dump off option that can move the sticks and keep drives alive, but also a running back that can explode at the line of scrimmage and get 4 or 5 yards at a time. Allen may never be the game breaker that Irish fans were hoping for, but he is becoming more and more like Darius Walker. And I'll take that.

What defensive player needs to step it up? David Bruton, what the hell happened? Bruton has to step it up against a team that likes to spread it out and chuck the rock. Bruton has had chance after chance to have more interceptions than what he ended up with this year, but he kept dropping one sure interception after another. The last TD that Syracuse scored to eventually win the game was on Bruton as he had his hips in the wrong direction as the WR came off of a cut. That was after Hammond and Hayden were talking about "NFL scouts drooling all over David Bruton." As much as any player on the defensive side of the ball, Bruton can change the outcome of a game. He has that knack of being in the middle of the sction, we just need him to attack that action and put the Irish in good position to win the game. I think Bruton can do this, and i believe that he will as well. His last game as a member of the Fighting irish may turnout to be his most memorable. That's what we need.

What special teams player needs to step it up? With Mike Anello out with a broken leg, I was going to go with his gunner partner David Bruton, but then I really started thinking about it for a few moments and it comes down to the central figure of special teams... the field goal kicker Brandon Walker. Yes, we need good snaps and good holds but we need Brandon to keep improving as he has over the season. Notre Dame has had 2 games against Hawai'i in the past and both of those were in Hawai'i and both were close games. Close games come down to extra points and field goals. Brandon Walker has to be money.

Who's gonna win? Despite an obvious talent advantage on paper for Notre Dame, they will face stiff competition against the Warriors. This is the Warrior's home field and they are looking forward to playing the high profile Fighting Irish. I think the time has come and the tide will turn for the Fighting Irish and the bowl streak. the streak dies and the Irish impress in what is a no win situation as far as the national media is concerned. Call me a homer, but I'll take the IRISH 44-17 in a pull away victory in the fourth quarter.

Mike Haywood Miami (OH) New Head Coach

Per Joe Schaad at ESPN, Mike Haywood is the new Head Coach at Miami of Ohio. I'll have more later.

Miami of Ohio will name Notre Dame offensive coordinator Mike Haywood as its head coach on Tuesday, sources familiar with the situation said.

The hiring of Haywood will bring the number of African-American football coaches in the Bowl Championship Subdivision to six of 119 programs. He will succeed Shane Montgomery, who resigned last month.

According to two sources close to Haywood, he has agreed to contract terms with the university.

The RedHawks were 17-31 during Montgomery's four seasons as head coach and went 2-10 this season.

Haywood will join Turner Gill at Buffalo, Randy Shannon at Miami, Fla., Mike Locksley at New Mexico, Kevin Sumlin at Houston and Ron English at Eastern Michigan as the only black coaches in college football's top tier.

Haywood, a Notre Dame graduate, had been offensive coordinator for the Fighting Irish since 2005. He previously worked as an assistant at Texas, LSU, Ball State, Ohio University, Army and Minnesota. In 2005, he was named NCAA Division 1-A assistant coach of the year by the American Football Coaches Association.

Joe Schad covers college football for ESPN.

Irish Blogger Gathering... Pig Blood, Urban Meyer, and the Hawai'i Bowl

As the bowl games draws ever so near, The Subway Domer jumps back into the Irish Blogger Gathering to answer the Polynesian flavored questions set forth by Neil at Domer Law Blog.

Hele mei hoohiwahiwa. There has been some controversy about the Irish accepting a Christmas Eve bowl bid, as we are a Catholic institution, and many feel that the bowl game will get in the way of celebrating Christmas. Give me your thoughts.

Huh? It's my understanding (as a Missouri Synod Lutheran) that Christmas Day is the required day of worship for Roman Catholics. So what's the big deal? Plus, if you are traveling to the game, there are quite a few Catholic Churches in Honolulu. So, what's getting in the way of celebrating Christmas? The Bowl Game, or you? Yes, if you want to celebrate Christmas and watch the bowl game, there may be a few adjustments to make, but it can certainly be done and done in a manner that can still reflect your beliefs. Me? My wife and I are going to church at 5:00 pm (instead of the traditional 11:00 pm), coming home and watching the game together since she has to work on Christmas. So- whatever.

`Onipa`a. The Notre Dame administration has decided to stand by their man and bring Coach Weis back as head coach next year. What specific changes (a) do you think ought to be made in the offseason? (b) do you think will be made in the offseason?

A) I think the team needs a coaching overhaul. This has been discussed quite a bit in the last few months. I, personally, think that Latina, Mendoza, Haywood, Oliver, and Powlus should be replaced. As far as candidates for those jobs are concerned, I can't say exactly who could fill them, but I'm sure there are very suitable coaches out there.

I would also like to see this team start drinking blood as an off-season training regimen. Maybe not human blood, but I'm sure they could get away with pig blood or deer blood or something like that. Chug it, bong it, smear it all over their bodies- just get brutal with it. This team needs an attitude adjustment, and I'm betting that becoming more like a vampire falls into a major attitude adjustment.

B) What's going to happen for sure? nobody knows, but I'll guess and say that Latina, Haywood, and Mendoza are gone. Other than that, I'm sure Weis will talk about changing the mindset- blah, blah, blah. Did Weis major in Psychology? He talks enough bullshit to be either a shrink or a politician.

Pupukahi i holomua. What are your expectations for next season?

This is a loaded question. I'll try to answer this with as much grace as possible, but I know some of you out there will just call me an idiot fanboy with a sign over my head. Oh well. But look at this schedule:

• Nevada
• @ Michigan
• Michigan State
• @ Purdue
• Washington
• U$C
• Boston College
• Washington State (San Antonio)
• @ Pitt
• UConn
• @ Stanford

Just looking at that schedule and knowing roughly what the 2 deep will look like in 2009 and doing the same for the opponents, I can say with a straight face that I think the Irish will fare no worse than 9-3. I think they could do even better, but I won't get crazy and call for a National Title run. However, I have been comparing this team to the 2004 team for weeks now, and the 2009 squad could be a lot like the 2005 team. Two big differences are that the defense in 2009 will be light years better than they were in 2005 and Clausen is not as good of a leader as Quinn was during his years at Notre Dame. I think Crist will do a nice job pushing Jimmy, but Clausen will win out in the end. You have to remember that Clausen is still only a TRUE SOPHOMORE, and he should develop even more in 2009. Do not make the mistake of saying Dayne is a better QB by watching his high school gametape over and over again.

O ka makapo wale no ka mea hapapa i ka pouli. Also, if we start looking for a new coach next year, who do you think we (a) can get, and (b) would be the best possible hire? (i.e., is all of this Urban Meyer talk hot air or substance?)

I refuse to answer this question in December of 2008. I will say that Urban is NOT COMING TO ND. I don't care what you read in any article, book, or message board. Stop kidding yourselves and looking like a schoolgirl with a crush. Weis has the job and was reaffirmed by the AD just a few weeks ago. We can revisit this later in 2009.

`A`ohe lokomaika`i i nele i ke pâna`i. 'Tis the season, so tell me: What is the best gift you are giving someone this holiday season?

The Griswold Family Christmas. Every year I host Christmas for both my side and my wife's side as well. (Separate dates). I like doing it, even though it can be a major hassle. It makes me feel great to be able to do this for my family and it takes away some of the pressure of Christmas off of the rest of the family. Call me Clark, just don't send me a Jelly of the Month Membership.

Mahalo nui loa na ho'olaule'a me la kaua. What are your predictions for the game? Will the Irish be celebrating on the long plane ride home, or will this be another long offseason of listening to the chatter about our decades-long bowl losing streak?

I am hosting a Bowl Pick-Em contest. Like most of those contests, they include your confidence points. I put the max points on the Irish (34). I think Notre Dame comes out guns blazing. Mike Floyd and Brian Smith return and provide impact status instantly to the team. I have heard all of the arguments from the talking heads and fans alike saying that Hawai'i will be too much for Notre Dame on their home turf. Fuck that. This is a young Irish team with a ton of potential and I think they put it all out on the line- not to end the streak, but to springboard into 2009. IRISH 44-17.

Bagpipe Monday... Christmas Week

Last week I asked you how many bowl games that you were going to watch this bowl season.

• 48% said 5 or more
• 23% said 15 or more
• 11% said 25 or more
• 11% said only the Hawai'i Bowl (that's sad- really sad)
• 7% said they were going to watch ALL of them

I have to say that I am going to try and watch ALL of the games this season, but there may be 2 or 3 that I just won't be able to. 31 still ain't bad.

Don't forget to vote in this weeks poll, and have a Merry Christmas.

Remember This Guy?

I posted in an earlier Link-O-Rama about the Michigan fan that was selling his fanhood to the highest bidder on ebay.com. The deed is done, and now there is one less skunkbear fan to deal with. At least the chicks are hotter.

Link-O-Rama 12/18

It's time to throw your calender out and rearrange the week. It's not Friday- it's Sunday. Blasphemy you say? Hardly. If the Hawai'i Bowl was played on a Saturday- then today would be Sunday. It's Outback Math. Anyways- here's a few links to keep you occupied:

• The Blue-Gray Sky has an Irish Bowl quiz. Take at your own risk.
• Sarah, at Bad Trade, has been counting down the days until the Hawai'i Bowl. The weather report is always key.
• Sprout and Eric give their Bowl Preview. Just in case you missed it, but I'm sure you haven't.
• Michigan Defensive Coordinator, Scott Shafer, is out at Skunkbear U. For a better understanding of this fire, WLA provides a more in depth perspective.
• Another rival defensive coordinator is out- but I have a hard time understanding why he wasn't fired.
• The triple-option is alive and well, and here is your proof.
• Despite reports of the contrary, Joe Pa is not dead. A zombie? yes. But certainly not dead as he will continue to eat BRAINS in Happy Valley for at least 3 more years.
• You only have a limited time to still sign up for the Subway Domer Bowl Pick-Em. The winner takes home a t-shirt of their choice. Do you need anymore motivation?
• The "Team Report" from Rivals.com / Yahoo.
• Kyle Rudolph is cleaning house. Mike Floyd is not forgotten.

If You Wanted To Know...

I made this spreadsheet about Notre Dame's opponents in 2008 and 2009. You know, just in case you weren't sure.

Hitler Is A Notre Dame Fan?

I don't know where this originated, but I saw it posted at NDNation.com on Rock's House. Even if you're a Weis supporter, I guarantee that you will laugh. This was also the same basis for a few other college football movies.

The Subway Domer Awards 2008

The ballots are in, and it is time to announce the winners of this years Subway Domer Awards.

The Darius Walker Trophy.
The Darius Walker Trophy goes to the ND freshman that, like Walker in 2004, contributes greatly to the team at large and goes on to a very productive freshman year.

The winner is...

Michael Floyd WR. Floyd received 92% of the vote in a runaway victory over Trevor Robinson (1%), Kyle Rudolph (3%), and R.J. Blanton (3%). Floyd was third on the team in receptions (46), second in yards (702), and tied for first in touchdowns (7). He did all this while missing 99% of the Navy game, and all of the Syracuse and USC games.

The Jerome Bettis Trophy.
The Jerome Bettis Trophy goes to the ND sophomore that becomes a team leader either statistically or emotionally. In 1991, Bettis led the team with over 900 yards rushing and set a season scoring record with 120 points.

The winner is...

Golden Tate WR. Tate received 66% of the vote and beat out Brian Smith (23%), Harrison Smith (6%), and Jimmy Clausen (5%). Golden was first on the team in receptions (52), first in yards (903), and tied for first in touchdowns (7). He asserted himself as a true WR this year with better route running and an ability to go up and get the ball.

The Brady Quinn Trophy.
The Brady Quinn Trophy goes to the ND junior that has elevated his game from average to extra special. Quinn skyrocketed his status as an elite quarterback in his junior year throwing for over 3,400 yards and 29 touchdowns while only throwing 6 interceptions.

The winner is...

Raeshon McNeil CB. McNeil received 42% of the vote and beat out James Aldridge (23%), Sam Young (19%), and Dan Wenger (16%). McNeil is in a 4 way tie for second in interceptions with 2, but he had 10 pass breakups- which are the most since the Lou Holtz era. Bronzedshoe wrote, "Dudes. Raeshon made mistake after mistake this season- how is he in the lead for top junior?" Cornerback is the toughest position on the field after quarterback, every small mistake can be seen, however, he played extremely well and was arguably the most productive corner that Notre Dame had this season. I'll say it again- 10 pass break ups are the most since the Lou Holtz era.

The Jeff Burris Trophy
The Jeff Burris Trophy goes to the ND senior that excelled in his senior year. Jeff Burris was a Consensus All-American his senior year and led the Irish in its legendary victory over #1 Florida State. Not only was Burris a brilliant safety, he was also used on the offensive side of the ball inside the 10 yards line as a running back. He was a beast.

The winner is...

David Bruton S. Bruton received 47% of the vote and beat out Kyle McCarthy (34%), Pat Kuntz (16%), and Mike Turkovich (3%). David was second on the team in tackles with 93, and first in interceptions with 3. He also made a huge play in the first game of the season against San Diego St. with a forced fumble inside the one yard line that basically saved the season. Threehills commented, "I was disappointed that Mike Anello was not listed as one of the top seniors. Despite playing only special teams, I think he made a more significant contribution this year than any of the other choices." All I can say is, my bad, but as big of an impact player that he was on special teams- he allowed the touchdown against Washington that cost us a shutout while playing cornerback.

The Corey Mays Trophy.
The Corey Mays Trophy is awarded to the top 5th year senior of the season. Corey Mays was a virtual unknown until he broke out in his fifth and final year at Notre Dame. I remember him most for his crushing hit against Mike Hart at Michigan (right in front of me) that knocked the running back out of the game and sent me into a cheering frenzy while receiving death threats from the Michigan faithful that surrounded me. It was a fun moment.

The winner is...

Maurice Crum LB. Crum received 85% of the vote and beat out Justin Brown (8%) and Terrail Lambert (7%). Crum did not have his best season and recorded only 63 tackles and 2 sacks. He was however, a leader on the defensive side of the ball filled with leaders. His calming influence on the younger players and his ability to help those players maximize their skills set him apart from the other two candidates.

The Jeff Faine Trophy.
The Jeff Faine Trophy is awarded to the best offensive lineman in a season for Notre Dame. Faine was a monster at ND while playing center. His nasty demeanor and willingness to keep crushing an opponent- even after the whistle blows, should serve as an inspiration to all current and future Irish offensive lineman.

The winner is...

Michael Turkovich, Senior. Turkovich received 53% of the vote and beat out Sam Young (21%), Eric Olsen (13%), and Dan Wenger (12%). Turk was a sweet surprise this season for the Fighting Irish. The team was lacking a true left tackle and Turk stepped in and provided a stellar anchor in pass protection that helped reduce the sack ratio that was overwhelming in 2007.

The Autry Denson Trophy.
The Autry Denson Trophy is awarded to the best running back in a season for ND. Denson is the all-time leading rusher at Notre Dame with 4,318 yards. Denson was never a flashy runner, but quietly he racked up yard after yard for Notre Dame in 4 seasons. He was considered a finesse runner, but he was also a workhorse with over 850 career attempts.

The winner is...

Armando Allen, Sophomore . Armando received 64% of the vote and beat out James Aldridge (32%) and Robert Hughes (4%). Allen led the Irish in rushing yards with 576 yards. He also had 48 pass receptions which was second on the team behind Golden Tate. He was also second in all-purpose yards with 1365 yards that averaged out to 113.8 yards a game. Allen became the most consistent running back this year by running with better vision and his ability to move the chains with his pass catching ability.

The Jeff Samardzija Trophy.
The Jeff Samardzija Trophy is awarded to the ND wide receiver that excelled over his peers. Samardzija broke almost every single receiving record while playing for the Irish. His junior campaign of 71 receptions for 1,121 yards (15.8 avg.) and 13 touchdowns is considered the finest season ever for a Notre Dame wide receiver.

The winner is...

Michael Floyd, Freshman. Floyd received 67% of the vote and beat out Golden Tate with 33% of the vote. Floyd became a phenom very quickly at Notre Dame and helped turn the receiving corps into one of the best 1-2 punches in the country. Although Floyd was not first in any of the top 3 categories (receptions, yards,TD's), he made Tate better and the proof is in the pudding as the Irish struggled to move the ball without Floyd against USC and Syracuse.

The Ken MacAfee Trophy
The Ken MacAfee Trophy is awarded to the top tight end for Notre Dame. MacAfee is the icon that all Notre Dame tight ends compare their careers to while playing in South Bend. He was a two time Consensus All-American for the Irish in 1976 and 1977.

The winner is...

Kyle Rudolph, Freshman. Rudolph received 94% of the vote. 6% of the vote went to "Ouch", which basically stood for the fact that ND had no other options at tight end this year with injuries and suspensions. Rudolph did have a quality season with 25 receptions for 262 yards and 2 touchdowns. Kyle was a big part of the offense when things were clicking, but he disappeared as they faltered.

The Chris Zorich Trophy.
The Chris Zorich Trophy is awarded to the top defensive lineman. While at Notre Dame, Zorich became a legend as he played with emotion and violence play after play that has still yet to be seen on a consistent basis. Chris was also a two time Consensus All-American for the Irish in 1989 and 1990.

The winner is...

Pat Kuntz, Senior. Pat received 83% of the vote and beat out Ian Williams (13%) and Kerry Neal (4%). Kuntz was an animal in his last year at ND. He had 41 tackles, 8 tackles for loss, and 3.5 sacks. He also had 1 INT and 1 fumble recovery. His passion and will be greatly missed in 2009. Bronzedshoe wrote, "Pat Kuntz wins every category he is in because of his spirit. Kuntz is one of the few motivators this team has. His hair is just icing on the cake."

The Bob Crable Trophy.
The Bob Crable trophy is awarded to the top linebacker. Crable is the epitome of toughness and was a tackling machine at Notre Dame while becoming a two time Consensus All-American in 1980 and 1981.

The winner is...

Brian Smith, Sophomore. Brian received 79% of the vote and beat out Harrison Smith (11%) and Maurice Crum (10%). Brian had 53 tackles, 2 sacks, and 2 fumble recoveries. He returned one of those fumbles for a touchdown against Michigan. Smith missed the USC and Syracuse games from an injury he suffered against Navy in which he missed 95% of that game as well.

The Todd Lyght Trophy.
The Todd Lyght Trophy is awarded to the top defensive back in a season. Todd Lyght was a shutdown corner and a standout on a team littered with All-Americans. He was a two time Consensus All-American in 1989 and 1990.

The winner is...

David Bruton, Senior. David received 52% of the vote and beat out Kyle McCarthy (29%), R.J. Blanton (15%), and Raeshon McNeil (4%). David already has won the Jeff Burris Trophy for the top Senior. Bruton should be the highest drafted Irish player in the upcoming 2009 NFL Draft.

The Urban Meyer Trophy.
The Urban Meyer Trophy is awarded to the top assistant coach. Meyer was an assistant at ND for both Lou Holtz and Bob Davie before moving on to become the head coach at Bowling Green, then Utah, and now Florida where he won a National Title in 2006 and is playing for another this season.

The winner is...

Corwin Brown, Defensive Coordinator. Corwin received 61% of the vote and beat out Jon Tenuta (25%), Rob Ianello (13), and Jappy Oliver (1%). Since Brown arrived in South Bend, he has brought a fire and passion to the defensive side of the ball that hasn't been there since 2002. Brown is a fierce recruiter and many young commits on both sides of the ball list Brown as a big reason that they committed to Notre Dame.

The Mike Golic Trophy.
The Mike Golic Trophy is awarded to the top Verbal Commit up to this point. With National Signing Day still a few months away, anything can happen. Golic was following in his brother Bob's footsteps and was the first commit for his class. He passed that tradition on to his Sons, as Mike Jr. and Jake were the first commits in their respective classes as well.

The winner is...

Cierre Wood RB. Wood received 60% of the vote and beat out Tyler Stockton (22%), Shaq Evans (11%), Zeke Motta (2%), and Chris Watt (5%). Wood is looking to be an instant impact player in 2009 as a running back and kick returner.

Top Moment in 2008.
Notre Dame's ass whooping it handed to Michigan. Sure, it was the worst Skunkbear team ever, but anytime you smoke your rival like that- it's sweet. The Michigan game received 55% of the vote and beat out Mike Floyd enrolling at Notre Dame (37%), Shutting Stanford up (6%), and sending Tiller out with a loss (2%).

Worst Moment in 2008.
The meltdown against Syracuse on Senior Day. The Syracuse game received 80% of the vote and beat out the North Carolina pick 6 that was the root of the second half slide (5%), The Pitt 4OT loss after having a double digit lead (10%), and another beatdown at the hands of USC (4%).

The Tim Brown Offensive MVP Trophy.
The Tim Brown Trophy is awarded to the player on offense that, like Brown, is the keystone that everything revolves around. Tim Brown is the last Heisman Trophy winner for ND when he won it in 1987.

The winner is...

Michael Floyd, Freshman Wide Receiver. Floyd received 50% of the vote and beat out Golden Tate (41%), Armando Allen (4%), and Jimmy Clausen (4%). We saw the damage. When Floyd didn't play, Notre Dame struggled and the other dynamic WR Golden Tate, was not as effective. This is an amazing accomplishment for a freshman. Floyd has already won the Darius Walker Trophy and the Jeff Samardzija Trophy.

The Michael Stonebreaker Defensive MVP Trophy.
The Michael Stonebreaker Trophy is awarded to the MVP of the defense. Stonebreaker was a killer at linebacker for the Irish and was a two-time Consensus All-American in 1988 and 1990. He also has what is perhaps the greatest name in linebacker history.

The winner is...

Kyle McCarthy, Senior Safety. Kyle received 42% of the vote and beat out David Bruton (36%), Brian Smith (12%), and Pat Kuntz (12%). Kyle was was passed over in both the Jeff Burris and Todd Lyght Trophies, but his team leading 103 tackles to go along with 2 interceptions helped anchor a defense that saw some improvement from 2007. Kyle was a very pleasent surprise while taking over for a 4 year starter in Tom Zbikowski and he should return for a fifth year in 2009.

The Rocket Trophy.
The Rocket Trophy is awarded to the top special teams player. Rocket Ismail was one of the greatest threats in history on special teams returning kicks. Everytime he touched the ball, people held their breath. He is also considered by some to be the greatest player in College Football history to never win a Heisman. I say he was robbed.

The winner is...

Mike Anello, Senior Gunner. Mike won in a landslide. He took 100% of the vote. His story of walking on to the team and earning a scholarship these past two seasons is better than anything that Rudy has to offer. he is a fantastic kid, who along with his teammates made Notre Dame #1 in kickoff coverage. Mike had 23 tackles, 2 forced fumbles, and a blocked kick. He was a stud in every sense of the word.

The Moose Krause Team MVP Trophy.
The Moose Krause Team MVP is exactly what it is- the overall team MVP and maybe more. Moose was a living, breathing legend on Notre Dame's campus for 60 years and his legacy continues. He is Notre Dame forever. He is Mr. Notre Dame and what the winner should try and emulate.

"Moose Krause was, without question, the greatest ambassador of Notre Dame goodwill." - Ara Parseghian.

"Moose Krause was a perfect example of why Notre Dame has meant what it has to so many people over the years." - Lou Holtz.

The winner is...

Michael Floyd, Freshman Wide Receiver. Floyd received 27% of the vote while narrowly beating out Golden Tate (24%), and David Bruton (20%). Floyd has won every category he was in this year and for good reason. Floyd is a dynamic player and is likely a legend in the making. His career should be watched with great interest as it may contain that thing that Moose embodied and Irishfans demand- greatness.

Will Yeatman To Transfer

It's not quite official, but The Journal-Gazette is reporting that Notre Dame tight end Will Yeatman will transfer from Notre Dame.

Although no school was mentioned in the article, rumors have surrounded this situation for about a week now. Most of those rumors have Will transferring to North Carolina to play both football and lacrosse.

Will had a bumpy ride at Notre Dame with a DUI arrest last spring and a minor consumption charge after the Michigan State game. I'm not sure how much these events played into his decision, or if a glimpse at the future depth chart and seeing Kyle Rudolph and Mike Ragone the most likely starters in 2009 swayed him. In any case, this is not a huge loss for the football program. The lacrosse team may disagree.

Will had only 8 catches for 43 yards in his career at Notre Dame.

This certainly opens up a chance for Joseph Fauria, Tyler Eifert, and Jake Golic to compete in 2009 as the 3rd tight end.

Good luck to Will in his future endeavors.

More Player Interviews... #22, #28, #5

Harrison Smith may need a haircut.


Kyle McCarthy knows how important this bowl game is for the team.


Armando Allen- "We got to give it all we got."

Bagpipe Monday... The Season Keeps Marching On

Last week I asked you to get Charlie Weis a Christmas present. Of the choices given, you voted and are now heard.

• 48% wanted to give Weis an offensive line coach.
• 25% wanted to give Weis Manti Te'o.
• 12% wanted to buy Weis's contract out and give him a vacation.
• 10% wanted to buy Weis some defensive tackles.
• 4% wanted to buy Weis some jelly doughnuts.
• 1% wanted a field goal holder for Weis.

Only 1% for the field goal holder? That is the last position we need for the greatest special teams recruiting effort in the history of the entire world to come to fruitation. I mean seriously. A kicker (Tausch), punter (Turk), long snapper (Cowart), and return guy (Wood). Just need a real holder for the kicks.

Don't forget to vote in this weeks poll and as always... enjoy the pipes.

Interviews Galore... #3, #7, #12, #23, #58

Mike Floyd returns to action.


Golden Tate is glad Floyd is back.


Jimmy is happy Floyd is back too... duh.


R.J. talks trash?


Brian Smith is tougher than Charlie Weis.

Link-O-Rama 12/13

Since news is kind of scarce and time is a hot commodity during the holiday season, I will give you a small list of Links that you need to check out.

• Charlie Weis is a tough bastard. So tough, that he probably damaged his other knee himself. Now 2 surgeries await Chuck.
• Her Loyal Sons breaks down the youth movement at Notre Dame in 2 parts. Part I Offense. Part Deaux Defense.
• Three freshman and one sophomore were named to CFN's All Freshman Team and All Sophomore Team.
• Looking for some last minute gifts?
• Mike Floyd is back in action. Somebody was missing him.
• We talking about practice? Practice?
• Remember to sign up for the Bowl contest to win a free t-shirt.
• If you are actually going to Hawai'i, please read this summery to help you along the way, or just read it because you want to be there.
• The only weapon that Michigan had, just left.
• Brian Smith is practicing and is ready to go. Dance lessons for the haka will be followed by a kick in the nuts. Thank-you.

Somebody Is Already Enjoying The Hawaiian Lifestyle

Notre Dame verbal commitment Zeke Motta looks like he is having a good time during the Hawai'i VS. Mainland All-Star game. Carlo Calabrese and Shaq Evans are also on the roster for the Mainland.

A Bunch Of Assholes

I sat in the Notre Dame student body for 3 years, and never saw any of this shit- even when Demetrius Jones made an appearance. This guy looks a lot like Eric from The Subway Alumni Show.

The Subway Domer Awards Ballot

Here is your chance to let your voice be heard and contribute to your favorite Irish Blog (No, not Blue-Gray Sky). Vote until 12 AM Tuesday and then I will post the award winners along with the yet-to-be-named trophy that each candidate has won. 20 categories- 20 Winners. Better get started.

Quizzes by Quibblo.com

Blogpoll Top 25 Final Regular Season Rankings

The rest of the poll and the weekly commentary from Brian can be found here.

Votes by blog here, votes by team here.
These are the final rankings until after the BCS Title game.

Subway Domer Bowl Pick-Em

Go sign up at ESPN.com on their College Football Bowl Mania Link. The group is a private group.

Groupname: Subway Domer Pick-Em

Password: zorich

Please e-mail me if you have any issues signing up. Keep in mind that the winner of this challenge will have their choice of the following t-shirts.