Tom Zbikowski Made Some Great Points About ND Football

[Freeman Ara]

Besides looking for answer on why our playing surface sucks the stadium is fine. Folks, the reason Oregon and these other places build these expensive lockerrooms and stadiums is because they don't have what schools like ND,Michigan, Alabama,etc have: tradition. They have to pull out all the stops to get on an even playing field with us. Besides, if a kid needs to be wowed by fancy TV's,big locker rooms, and video game systems, he probably doesn't get what ND is all about and isn't a good fit. We have been spinning our wheels as a program because we haven't had the right guy at the helm since Lou. You get a guy in here that will embrace the values of the University, work his ass off on the recruiting trail, and teach good fundamental football and the winning will follow. A good coach, big name or not, will win here if he does these things.

 

[I Dont Miss Charlie]

Matt LoVecchio?

John Shingler?

 

[NDMontana]

John Shingler?

Brandon Walker.

 

[dskoo65]

ND stadium is a historic place, kids hear about the history once you tell them about it, but do you honestly believe a 17 year old kid "gets" the history here?

probably not. its all about the history, but the structure itself is rather anti septic, like a library. very cookie cutter, though i guess that could be said about alot of football stadiums.

 

[NDMontana]

probably not. its all about the history, but the structure itself is rather anti septic, like a library. very cookie cutter, though i guess that could be said about alot of football stadiums.

What are you rambling on about now? ND Stadium is in excellent condition. It was renovated in 1997 and brought up to good working order. All friends of mine who've been there in the last few years report that the stadium is in great shape. No stadium is lovable because of it's structure. Yankee Stadium, Fenway, Wrigley, Mile High, Lambeau, Soldiers....they're lovable stadiums because of the history.

I've been called the resident "eye-poker" around here but at least I put some thought and fact behind what I say; I get the distinct impression that you just say things to say things.

 

[rogosIRISH77]

really all that nd lacks is a better scoreboard with a video screen. dont think thats what is deterring any recruits. winning talks, so lets just do that.

 

[chyrspchuck]

What are you rambling on about now? ND Stadium is an excellent condition. It was renevated in 1997 and brought up to good working order. All friends of mine who've been there in the last few years report that the stadium is in great shape. No stadium is lovable because of it's structure. Yankee Stadium, Fenway, Wrigley, Mile High, Lambeau, Soldiers....they're lovable stadiums because of the history.

I've been called the resident "eye-poker" around here but at least I put some thought and fact behind what I say; I get the distinct impression that you just say things to say things.

it is in great shape, i love going there, i have been to several college stadiums and there is nothing like Notre Dame Stadium

 

[chyrspchuck]

really all that nd lacks is a better scoreboard with a video screen. dont think thats what is deterring any recruits. winning talks, so lets just do that.

agreed, a new scoreboard would be nice, but it's not deterring recruits.

 

[IBLEEDB&G]

Just because a stadium is old doesn't mean it's great.

Nippert Stadium has been home to Bearcat football since 1902, making it the fourth-oldest playing site and fifth-oldest stadium in college football.

What makes ND Stadium great is the same thing that makes venues like Fenway Park and Wrigley Field great. They are steeped in tradition and fans love that nostalgic stuff. How that translates to an 18 year old kid from California or Texas, I can't say, but it's got to count for something, right?

 

[dskoo65]

What are you rambling on about now? ND Stadium is in excellent condition. It was renovated in 1997 and brought up to good working order.

QUOTE]

you are confused. how could you have possibly gleaned from my comments anything relating the stadium being in desrepair or in poor condition. i know it was renovated. i practically live next door to it.

grab yourself a dictionary:

antiseptic: definition-completely clean, uncontaminated;

that was the point. it is very clean and has a clinical feel to it, but is devoid of any interesting characteristics, which could be said of many stadiums. the history is what makes it special. i could only name a handful of stadiums that are really unique (structurally speaking). there is just so much an architect can do to a football stadium.

 

[dskoo65]

Just because a stadium is old doesn't mean it's great.

Nippert Stadium has been home to Bearcat football since 1902, making it the fourth-oldest playing site and fifth-oldest stadium in college football.

What makes ND Stadium great is the same thing that makes venues like Fenway Park and Wrigley Field great. They are steeped in tradition and fans love that nostalgic stuff. How that translates to an 18 year old kid from California or Texas, I can't say, but it's got to count for something, right?

Wrigley and Fenway are very old and very quirky, with all sorts of unique physical characteristics in addition to the great history. ND stadium is very prototypical physically, but it is the history on the field that permeates the atmosphere when you are there.

 

[smerky]

Quote:
<TABLE cellSpacing=0 cellPadding=6 width="100%" border=0><TBODY><TR><TD class=alt2 style="BORDER-RIGHT: 1px inset; BORDER-TOP: 1px inset; BORDER-LEFT: 1px inset; BORDER-BOTTOM: 1px inset">Originally Posted by ChamPEN
John Shingler?

</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>

Brandon Walker.

Reggie Ho !!

 

[NDUK]

Not funny. Individual urinals make the lines longer. The troughs may be retro, but they're extremely efficient.

If your idea of efficiency is to walk away with another guys splashbacks ...

 

[NDUK]

ND stadium is a historic place, kids hear about the history once you tell them about it, but do you honestly believe a 17 year old kid "gets" the history here?

Why shouldn't they? You have to make it easy for them to understand in a visit what is great about the college, the unique opportunity they have and why when you are the best at ND you are the best you can ever be.

I could have mastered that concept at 17. It's the reason I support the Knicks as well. Sure we are utterly attrocious now, but there is just something unique and special about playing at MSG and that's down to the history which although not the most succesful is certainly the most storied.

Tap into what makes ND great and give these kids a real chance to emulate it with the right coach and coordinators and the rest takes care of itself!

New stadiums? Sure if you want to destroy something that makes you unique and be like every other school in that respect go right ahead. Personally renovations is about as far as I'd go.

 

[DKSchrute]

What really bothers me is the current notion that the newest generation is plain stupid and has no concept of history.

Like this total crap that these guys are oblivious to Notre Dame because they havent won a title in 20 years.

I didnt see Abe Lincoln run the country either but history tells me he was pretty good.

Im in my mid 30's. I heard how my generation was a piece of shit too. We were "generation X" until we went to war and revolutionized the world with internet technology and changed business forever.

I disagree with Zbikowski entirely. You sell what you are. You play to your strenghs. You arent a southern Californian paradise. You arent tropical. Youre a different place and a special place that isnt for everybody.

Weis was succesful recruiting because he was honest and true to Notre Dame. Nothing needed to change on that end of the spectrum.

 

[UPMich_NDfan]

The only new stadium I can think of in college football is Papa John's at Louisville....ask them how they're doing.

The University of Minnesota has the new stadium, it is pretty slick looking. I heard a comment by the announcers during one of their games that they have the biggest locker rooms of any football team-NFL or NCAA.

That being said-I don't think ND should ever replace the stadium, there is just no way. I don't think the facilities are hurting anything.

 

[DKSchrute]

How did we even get on the subject of a new stadium?

This is a useless conversation they just renovated it 12 years ago. It still looks new.

 

[I Dont Miss Charlie]

What really bothers me is the current notion that the newest generation is plain stupid and has no concept of history.

It truly is, considering any history they want to know can be googled.

Excuse me for wondering but do you have kids over the age of 10?

Like this total crap that these guys are oblivious to Notre Dame because they havent won a title in 20 years.

I would think so, when we won we had our best players and guys who we remember. In the last 15 years of Notre Dame football, we have won 0 bowl games. In the last 15 years of Notre Dame football, there are few players you can even sell to a recruit. As I said before this program has been spinning its wheels for 15 years, and all we can do is sit back and blame another coaching staff for it rather than maybe noticing that in fact Notre Dame is the problem for not winning.

I didnt see Abe Lincoln run the country either but history tells me he was pretty good.

I didnt see Larue Martin play basketball, but I can just google it and then say he wasn't good.

Im in my mid 30's. I heard how my generation was a piece of shit too. We were "generation X" until we went to war and revolutionized the world with internet technology and changed business forever.

This generation is now solely provided by what our generation developed, things are completely different now. The depth of knowledge, understanding, and caring has been lost by this generation. But thats another topic.

I disagree with Zbikowski entirely. You sell what you are. You play to your strenghs. You arent a southern Californian paradise. You arent tropical. Youre a different place and a special place that isnt for everybody.

We are a Catholic school in Northwest Indiana playing in an old stadium with a great fanbase. We do have a proud tradition, you can just pull out your iPhone and check wikipedia. Tim Brown was our last heisman winner, google his name on your Droid to see how good he was. We have Touchdown Jesus, yeah its funny guys but its been here for decades and has oversaw several National Championships. Now has anybody ever heard of Kevin McDougal?

Weis was succesful recruiting because he was honest and true to Notre Dame. Nothing needed to change on that end of the spectrum.

Are you really successful recruiting when you aren't having any success?

 

[I Dont Miss Charlie]

How did we even get on the subject of a new stadium?

This is a useless conversation they just renovated it 12 years ago. It still looks new.

Zbikowski brought it up last night.

He said we need to have the biggest and best facilities in college football including a new stadium to show how unique a program we are. He talked about how he respects tradition but doesn't live in the past.

Its the cost of winning now. I dont see schools like USC, Oklahoma, or Texas destroying their tradition. Not sure why you believe we would be destroying ours by becoming modern.

 

[I Dont Miss Charlie]

The University of Minnesota has the new stadium, it is pretty slick looking. I heard a comment by the announcers during one of their games that they have the biggest locker rooms of any football team-NFL or NCAA.

Minnesota built a state of the art stadium. Its not really intimidating but its 100% modernized.

That being said-I don't think ND should ever replace the stadium, there is just no way. I don't think the facilities are hurting anything.

Eventually it will have to be replaced, you can't play in a stadium for 200+ years without a complete renovation. Soldier Field was completely renovated for 2 years or so in order for the Bears to keep playing there.

 

[DKSchrute]

]

It truly is, considering any history they want to know can be googled.

Excuse me for wondering but do you have kids over the age of 10?

nope, ages 9 and 5

I would think so, when we won we had our best players and guys who we remember. In the last 15 years of Notre Dame football, we have won 0 bowl games. In the last 15 years of Notre Dame football, there are few players you can even sell to a recruit. As I said before this program has been spinning its wheels for 15 years, and all we can do is sit back and blame another coaching staff for it rather than maybe noticing that in fact Notre Dame is the problem for not winning.


Again, I didnt see the Steelers of the 70's yet I know about the iron curtain, Lynn swan, Franco Harris. Hell, I can name more starters from those teams than I can the current Steelers.


I didnt see Larue Martin play basketball, but I can just google it and then say he wasn't good.



This generation is now solely provided by what our generation developed, things are completely different now. The depth of knowledge, understanding, and caring has been lost by this generation. But thats another topic.

youre right, another discussion entirely


We are a Catholic school in Northwest Indiana playing in an old stadium with a great fanbase. We do have a proud tradition, you can just pull out your iPhone and check wikipedia. Tim Brown was our last heisman winner, google his name on your Droid to see how good he was. We have Touchdown Jesus, yeah its funny guys but its been here for decades and has oversaw several National Championships. Now has anybody ever heard of Kevin McDougal?

Just dont text while driving


Are you really successful recruiting when you aren't having any success?

Gerry Faust was probably the best recruiter ever at ND, still has a player in the NFL that he recruited (google that) having great players doesnt always translate into success. Notre Dames skill players on offense are ALL 1st round draft picks either today or in the future yet collectively they havent won ballgames.

 

[WaveDomer]

Zbikowski brought it up last night.

He said we need to have the biggest and best facilities in college football including a new stadium to show how unique a program we are. He talked about how he respects tradition but doesn't live in the past.

Its the cost of winning now. I dont see schools like USC, Oklahoma, or Texas destroying their tradition. Not sure why you believe we would be destroying ours by becoming modern.

How is USC football more modern than ND football?

 

[I Dont Miss Charlie]

How is USC football more modern than ND football?

Do you really want to know?

 

[I Dont Miss Charlie]

]

Gerry Faust was probably the best recruiter ever at ND, still has a player in the NFL that he recruited (google that) having great players doesnt always translate into success. Notre Dames skill players on offense are ALL 1st round draft picks either today or in the future yet collectively they havent won ballgames.

Well you'll see as they get older, or maybe you are raising them differently from most parents I know.

Are you a Steelers fan?

They wont be texting while driving, they'll just be on the passenger seat trying to google where the closest shopping mall is to South Bend.

Notre Dames skill players on offense are not all 1st round draft picks today or in the future, what are you even talking about? Some have succeeded while others have fizzled out, the problem is that we gloat about these recruiting classes for years but the success isn't on the field. How talented are these guys really? Does the coaching staff realize that some players that have recruited do not translate as effectively from the high school game?

The fact that we've had minimal success with our current starters, yet none of the freshmen in these successful recruiting classes can come in and start or even get playing time says a lot. The top teams in the country are able to yearly recruit as well as Notre Dame but they can plug their freshmen in yearly and be successful. You do realize a Notre Dame offer propels a players ranking, yet a Notre Dame commitment almost always drops their ranking. Its kinda funny how that works.

 

[WaveDomer]

Do you really want to know?

Well, besides winning. I've been to the Coliseum. It was probably 10 years ago, but I don't remember it being that modern. Maybe I am misremembering. Same with the Cotton Bowl.

 

[I Dont Miss Charlie]

Well, besides winning. I've been to the Coliseum. It was probably 10 years ago, but I don't remember it being that modern. Maybe I am misremembering. Same with the Cotton Bowl.

California doesn't have any money to renovate the LA Coliseum, but simply for the fact that its in LA, not South Bend you can't really complain.

Oklahoma, and Texas have old stadiums. But the schools compete so much against each other that they upgrade their stadium whenever either side does. High Definition is 20 years away at Notre Dame Stadium.

Lets build a Jerry World in Souh Bend along with athletic facilities that put Oregon to shame. We have the money.

 

[JefMaj]

Then why has this program been spinning its wheels for the last 15 years?

Davie and Ty....

 

[I Dont Miss Charlie]

Davie and Ty....

Sure.

Is the next blame going to be our academic standards and the fact we can't recruit all of the top talent?

Followed by the blame that when we bring in our recruiting classes of top talent, we don't have a coach who can develop it?

Rinse, Wash, Repeat.

Lou retired because he saw the coming change in the college football landscape.

 

[kmoose]

Lou retired because he saw the coming change in the college football landscape.

Lou retired because there was no way that the Administration was going to allow him to stay and pass up Rockne on the All Time Win list.

 

[Allocco 121975]

The fact that we've had minimal success with our current starters, yet none of the freshmen in these successful recruiting classes can come in and start or even get playing time says a lot. The top teams in the country are able to yearly recruit as well as Notre Dame but they can plug their freshmen in yearly and be successful. You do realize a Notre Dame offer propels a players ranking, yet a Notre Dame commitment almost always drops their ranking. Its kinda funny how that works.

Take a look back at Steve Niehaus , Luther Bradley , Ross Browner. All started as Freshman.

Neihaus was the first true freshman starter when the NCAA lifted the ban on Frosh playing.

No one here remembers when ND had a freshman team and played under the lights at Tennessee in front of 95,000 plus.