I
iowadomer
Guest
Karl Spacker said it best, "I'd keep on playin." But the bye week means everyone has to wait for the Vols to arrive so how about a look back at what made impressions during the first seven games of the season? Oops, I meant the first game of this season and the six games of last season, just how Charlie Weis wants it.
Pittsburgh
I saw former wide receiver Malcolm Johnson who is now working toward getting an advanced degree at Carnegie-Mellon. As we used to say back home, that's choppin' some tall cotton. He looks exactly the same as he did when he played. He had nothing but positive things to say about his experience at Notre Dame.
Later that night outside Heinz Field was the annual RibFest. Because the cuisine of the Steel City is usually limited to a Primanti sandwich and a "vitamin I", I was skeptical. Samples were taken and they passed muster. While wiping a copious amount of sauce, I heard the second best rock n' roll band in my life. Unless you're from Pittsburgh, you probably haven't heard of The Clarks. They are the real deal in spades. Find out where these guys are going to be and go see them. Don't expect any Michael Bolton covers.
I still get a few goosebumps when I think of Charlie slapping the Play Like a Champion sign on his way out of the locker room. The first installment of what we have come to expect was not shocking in the least.
After the game there were two images worth relating. Charlie Weis, Jr. and his dad getting to savor their first win at Notre Dame. I don't know which smile was broader. About an hour later I saw Dave Wannstedt leaving the stadium. I won't say he was in a state of shock, but his worst fears had just been painfully confirmed.
Michigan
Does it get any better than winning at the Big House for Irish fans? No. A thousand times no! Lloyd Carr is probably still wondering about how that first ND scoring drive looked so easy.
Ambrose Wooden decided not to give up.
With the game in the balance, Charlie Weis saw Chad Henne fumble the snap near the goal line and knew the Irish had recovered long before anyone in the crowd had a clue.
The unbridled joy on the faces of the Irish players after the game. The last time they were in Ann Arbor, their tails were tucked between their legs long before they started the bus.
Michigan State
The rampant enthusiasm doused with crushing reality. The rally to take the lead showed an incredible amount of guts but in the end, you kind of had the feeling that it wasn't to be.
That No. 10 is not too shabby.
After the game it was obvious that within the Irish camp there are two moods and only two moods that are applicable. Misery and victory. There is nothing in between.
Washington
Pass right.
Purdue
The great atmosphere. The students had been at it all day but their fueled fervor lasted about as long as a moth in a bug zapper. Pass, run, pass, pass, run, touchdown. Do it again.
Shark attack.
Another Wooden moment with the hit that stopped a touchdown run and gave the defense the chance it wanted.
After Darius Walker scored untouched on a draw play, the majority of the Purdue bench was both mystified and mortified. For the third time in four games, the Irish sent the crowd packing early. It was as impressive a first half as you will see.
Other teams may have freaked after Quinn's interception. It proved to be a chance for the defense to make a huge play, which Mike Richardson did with an end zone pick.
Then there was Richardson's dough-popper on Dorien Bryant on a fourth down play as Purdue tried to rally. Bryant got up and was luckily pointed in the direction of the Boilers sideline or he may have taken a seat with the Irish.
That Bryant will re-write a lot of records in West Lafayette.
Secondary coach Bill Lewis with a huge smile hurrying to the bus for another victory ride. How many times do you think he's done that in his impressive career?
Weis had a smile after the game that seemed to say, "I know who's next."
USC
Has there ever been a weekend so perfectly orchestrated and managed? Not in the time I've been covering Notre Dame football.
Friday afternoon at the stadium. USC was "welcomed" by Irish faithful. It was neither mean nor vicious, and the Trojans loved it. So did the fans.
The length of the grass was about as important to the game as it was in Andy Dick's run at the Oscars.
Seeing Montana, Zorich and Brown at the pep rally. One would have been enough to send most Irish fans into a frenzy. Charlie decided that sensory overload was perfect.
What seemed to be mundane plays took on double and triple replays and analyses.
Kirk Herbstreit having more fun than a human should enjoy as he accepted and embraced his conversion to a believer.
Can you get more former great players from both teams on the respective sidelines?
I can't remember hearing USC's band.
There was a time that this game would be remembered fondly by Irish faithful for the effort and heart the team showed. Save it for the chaplain. New day, new coach, new attitude. It was a loss.
I've never covered a game that was so emotionally draining on both teams. When you think about the fact there almost was overtime, how much worse would it have been for the losing team?
Handshakes weren't enough. Hugs were exchanged between nearly everyone as they left the field.
Anyone else looking forward to spending next Thanksgiving in Los Angeles?
BYU
How dead can a crowd be? Throw in some rain right before kickoff and you would have sworn there was tryptophan in the hot chocolate.
Empty backfield. Five wide. This is Notre Dame football? Absolutely. Jam the box and pay.
For a brief moment someone in the stands may have felt sorry for the Cougars secondary.
If you have the chance, watch Notre Dame's first score. If you don't think that Brady Quinn is one very strong young man who has developed poise along with pects, think again.
Have a day, Mo!
Another Shark attack.
Zibby for six with a perfect read and break to the ball. The puncture wound that deflated the BYU effort closed out a great afternoon for the home opener.
So now it moves on to a game that is just as important and, in many ways, more important than any that have been played so far this season.
If we've learned anything, we know it won't be boring.
The best part of the 2005 season for me is that our son returned safely from Iraq after serving two combat tours with the Marine Corps. For that reason alone, it's already been a memorable season. Thanks to everyone and anyone who sent a prayer his way.
Ooh-Rah. Go Irish!
Pittsburgh
I saw former wide receiver Malcolm Johnson who is now working toward getting an advanced degree at Carnegie-Mellon. As we used to say back home, that's choppin' some tall cotton. He looks exactly the same as he did when he played. He had nothing but positive things to say about his experience at Notre Dame.
Later that night outside Heinz Field was the annual RibFest. Because the cuisine of the Steel City is usually limited to a Primanti sandwich and a "vitamin I", I was skeptical. Samples were taken and they passed muster. While wiping a copious amount of sauce, I heard the second best rock n' roll band in my life. Unless you're from Pittsburgh, you probably haven't heard of The Clarks. They are the real deal in spades. Find out where these guys are going to be and go see them. Don't expect any Michael Bolton covers.
I still get a few goosebumps when I think of Charlie slapping the Play Like a Champion sign on his way out of the locker room. The first installment of what we have come to expect was not shocking in the least.
After the game there were two images worth relating. Charlie Weis, Jr. and his dad getting to savor their first win at Notre Dame. I don't know which smile was broader. About an hour later I saw Dave Wannstedt leaving the stadium. I won't say he was in a state of shock, but his worst fears had just been painfully confirmed.
Michigan
Does it get any better than winning at the Big House for Irish fans? No. A thousand times no! Lloyd Carr is probably still wondering about how that first ND scoring drive looked so easy.
Ambrose Wooden decided not to give up.
With the game in the balance, Charlie Weis saw Chad Henne fumble the snap near the goal line and knew the Irish had recovered long before anyone in the crowd had a clue.
The unbridled joy on the faces of the Irish players after the game. The last time they were in Ann Arbor, their tails were tucked between their legs long before they started the bus.
Michigan State
The rampant enthusiasm doused with crushing reality. The rally to take the lead showed an incredible amount of guts but in the end, you kind of had the feeling that it wasn't to be.
That No. 10 is not too shabby.
After the game it was obvious that within the Irish camp there are two moods and only two moods that are applicable. Misery and victory. There is nothing in between.
Washington
Pass right.
Purdue
The great atmosphere. The students had been at it all day but their fueled fervor lasted about as long as a moth in a bug zapper. Pass, run, pass, pass, run, touchdown. Do it again.
Shark attack.
Another Wooden moment with the hit that stopped a touchdown run and gave the defense the chance it wanted.
After Darius Walker scored untouched on a draw play, the majority of the Purdue bench was both mystified and mortified. For the third time in four games, the Irish sent the crowd packing early. It was as impressive a first half as you will see.
Other teams may have freaked after Quinn's interception. It proved to be a chance for the defense to make a huge play, which Mike Richardson did with an end zone pick.
Then there was Richardson's dough-popper on Dorien Bryant on a fourth down play as Purdue tried to rally. Bryant got up and was luckily pointed in the direction of the Boilers sideline or he may have taken a seat with the Irish.
That Bryant will re-write a lot of records in West Lafayette.
Secondary coach Bill Lewis with a huge smile hurrying to the bus for another victory ride. How many times do you think he's done that in his impressive career?
Weis had a smile after the game that seemed to say, "I know who's next."
USC
Has there ever been a weekend so perfectly orchestrated and managed? Not in the time I've been covering Notre Dame football.
Friday afternoon at the stadium. USC was "welcomed" by Irish faithful. It was neither mean nor vicious, and the Trojans loved it. So did the fans.
The length of the grass was about as important to the game as it was in Andy Dick's run at the Oscars.
Seeing Montana, Zorich and Brown at the pep rally. One would have been enough to send most Irish fans into a frenzy. Charlie decided that sensory overload was perfect.
What seemed to be mundane plays took on double and triple replays and analyses.
Kirk Herbstreit having more fun than a human should enjoy as he accepted and embraced his conversion to a believer.
Can you get more former great players from both teams on the respective sidelines?
I can't remember hearing USC's band.
There was a time that this game would be remembered fondly by Irish faithful for the effort and heart the team showed. Save it for the chaplain. New day, new coach, new attitude. It was a loss.
I've never covered a game that was so emotionally draining on both teams. When you think about the fact there almost was overtime, how much worse would it have been for the losing team?
Handshakes weren't enough. Hugs were exchanged between nearly everyone as they left the field.
Anyone else looking forward to spending next Thanksgiving in Los Angeles?
BYU
How dead can a crowd be? Throw in some rain right before kickoff and you would have sworn there was tryptophan in the hot chocolate.
Empty backfield. Five wide. This is Notre Dame football? Absolutely. Jam the box and pay.
For a brief moment someone in the stands may have felt sorry for the Cougars secondary.
If you have the chance, watch Notre Dame's first score. If you don't think that Brady Quinn is one very strong young man who has developed poise along with pects, think again.
Have a day, Mo!
Another Shark attack.
Zibby for six with a perfect read and break to the ball. The puncture wound that deflated the BYU effort closed out a great afternoon for the home opener.
So now it moves on to a game that is just as important and, in many ways, more important than any that have been played so far this season.
If we've learned anything, we know it won't be boring.
The best part of the 2005 season for me is that our son returned safely from Iraq after serving two combat tours with the Marine Corps. For that reason alone, it's already been a memorable season. Thanks to everyone and anyone who sent a prayer his way.
Ooh-Rah. Go Irish!
