Time to find the real fans..

[dshans]

... all i am saying is that if you are just going to talk highly of our team one day, and then trash them the next, this is not the place for you.

Disagree. This is exactly the place. Better than the local sports bar where you might get beaten to a pulp should you "vent" in either direction.

 

[chyrspchuck]

Well times have changed. Kids with an NFL future don't, for the most part, want to be bothered with classes. They want to play in temperate climates. They want to play against top 50 teams every week (aka not Navy(most years), Purdue, Army, etc.). They want to play for teams who have won in their lifetime or at least their recent memory-which ND has not since 1991 so today's high schoolers weren't even born yet!

I totally thought we won in '93, and the team that won the national championship we beat.

And then I swore Davie made us respectable in '98 and '00, maybe we were even ranked

And then i swore in 2002 we won 10 games and were ranked at the end of the year.

And then I swore in 2005 and 2006 we won 10 and 9 games respectively and were ranked all year long.

I guess I was wrong.......You say '91 I'm just gonna go ahead and believe ya.

 

[NDOM]

I'm still here.

 

[NDMontana]

I totally thought we won in '93, and the team that won the national championship we beat.

And then I swore Davie made us respectable in '98 and '00, maybe we were even ranked

And then i swore in 2002 we won 10 games and were ranked at the end of the year.

And then I swore in 2005 and 2006 we won 10 and 9 games respectively and were ranked all year long.

I guess I was wrong.......You say '91 I'm just gonna go ahead and believe ya.

Any of those 9 and 10 wins come against Top 10 teams? How'd we do in the BCS games, against top tier teams? Right, we got smoked. Even with Davie we got absolutely punked in the Fiesta by Oregon State.

ND has skated into BCS games because they're ND. Sorry,no way ND deserved the Sugar Bowl against LSU in Weis's second year.

ND hasn't beaten a Top Ten team in years. I didn't use 88 as the year things fell off....just the last NC.obviously things took a bad turn in about 2002--but the program started the decline in 94-95. What has ND done in recent memory? What bowl games have we won in the last 10 years?

I officiate high school games. We got showered up after a game last Friday as we were leaving the gym a kid from the home team spotted by ND hat and asked why I'd root for ND. I said I've been since I was kid. He assked why. Not wanting to bother explaining how good ND was I gave him the only reason I could otherwise think of: I'm Irish-Catholic. The kid goes onto tell me that he is too and that his Dad is an ND fan and watches games muttering about how scientists don't need the big bang theory or whatever to prove there's no God...just make Christians tune into ND games and pretty soon nobody will believe.

ND has become irrelevant in the CFB landscape. They're still a big story because people like us care but nobody fears ND. The feelings of non-ND fans are slowly turning from hate to pity (which is the worst thing). Guys I know that aren't ND fans used to say "it's just such a shame about ND" with sarcasm dripping from the words....now they say it with empathy and pat me on the shoulder like they're passing condolences at a funeral.

 

[HereComeTheIrish]

I'm still here.

It's a miracle....

 

[nd1]

I'm still here.

was getting score off my phone while on the beach with family and i just ndom would be going crazy.

 

[irish4ever]

Intense run-on sentence.

He did break it somewhat with the use of commas though!

 

[rockneara]

I am with the OP tenfold. Kelly will get this thing going in the right direction. As for the ND homer that jumps ship and becomes a turncoat well good riddance they were never True fans to begin with.

 

[mgriff]

Just because you critique your team, bash your team, or hate your team, doesn't make you a fair weather fan or whatever other monikers you want to throw around. People are here posting on an ND board in their free time, I hardly think they don't care about the team. They are just frustrated and upset with the performances, which we all are, but just because they are more negative, derogatory, choose your word, doesn't make them bad fans. They have the right to say whatever they want just like everyone who says "Kelly is the savior, He'll get it turned around in a year or two, or Just wait until Kelly's recruits get in here!" has a right to say that. Just because someone isn't positive doesn't make them a bad fan. Their opinion is just as valid at this point as all of the optimists, because frankly, none of you know what is going to happen, and you are simply interpreting the events thus far differently, and trying to form a conclusion based on said events when no one really knows for sure. There is support for both sides of the argument and the only way to know the answer is to wait and see.

 

[TDHeysus]

I havent launched any scuds on this site all year long. This is not directed at GD, but addressing what he posted. but here I go:

however, if theres any good to come out of this, its that its given us a dose of reality that Kelly is not going to do anything amazing this year, however, that does not mean he wont be successful in the long run.

same ol' re-hased stuff i have been hearing since 1996/1997. its unacceptable. we now have to wait for kelly to get HIS players/system? sheesh....im not going down that road (again for the 4th time) Somewhere, Notre Dame fans have been conditioned into the lovable-loser-Dodger-mentality of "wait till next year" its unacceptable.

Very few coaches are able to completely turn a team around in year 1, even Nick Saban (who can get anyone he wants for his team) went 7-5 in his first season, and 3 years later won a championship

Only problem with this, is that it would require faith. At Notre Dame faith is measured in the win coloumn. its win now or go home. 3-5 years, the clock is ticking. 'having faith', or 'sticking it thru the long haul', or 'seeing it thru till the end' all of these philosophys are a complete fail at ND. 'Win Now' is all you need to know.

The games are so upsetting, that i dont have any motivation this year to even f-bomb Tom Hammond.

 

[irishtrain]

Well boys, times are getting tough, weve dropped 3 in row now, things are looking a lot like last year, my disappointment is that every week this site implodes, however, if theres any good to come out of this, its that its given us a dose of reality that Kelly is not going to do anything amazing this year, however, that does not mean he wont be successful in the long run. However it seems many "diehards" are already jumping ship. As a long time fan who survived 07, i think we can come out of this thing, but were gunna loose some friends along the way, we just need to wake up and smell the coffee, look at the big picture (recrutinng, changing mentalities) and say "WE ARE GOING IN THE RIGHT DIRECTION" Very few coaches are able to completely turn a team around in year 1, even Nick Saban (who can get anyone he wants for his team) went 7-5 in his first season, and 3 years later won a championship, so now I just ask that if your not in this thing for the long haul, get out now, but if you are a true Notre Dame Football fanatic, you will stay with us and when we finally lift the crystal ball, we can remember how hard it was, how much we had to persevere, and it will make it that much better. Go Irish

Just like Rocky when he said 'here I am, I'm not going anywhere'.

 

[phgreek]

Just because you critique your team, bash your team, or hate your team, doesn't make you a fair weather fan or whatever other monikers you want to throw around. People are here posting on an ND board in their free time, I hardly think they don't care about the team. They are just frustrated and upset with the performances, which we all are, but just because they are more negative, derogatory, choose your word, doesn't make them bad fans. They have the right to say whatever they want just like everyone who says "Kelly is the savior, He'll get it turned around in a year or two, or Just wait until Kelly's recruits get in here!" has a right to say that. Just because someone isn't positive doesn't make them a bad fan. Their opinion is just as valid at this point as all of the optimists, because frankly, none of you know what is going to happen, and you are simply interpreting the events thus far differently, and trying to form a conclusion based on said events when no one really knows for sure. There is support for both sides of the argument and the only way to know the answer is to wait and see.

SPOKEN LIKE A TRUE SAGE...

some of the best analysis comes from the guys who are pissed enough to tell it like it is...

The idea that everyone processes games the same way, and expresses themselves the same way is...ridiculous. Yea I get the standards/mod role in all of this...not what I'm saying...you want to be ned flinders...go for it...but not everyone is.

I've not Seen the Mods or the admin put out an edict that folks should not come here and do a little keyboard knashing of teeth...nor did I see anything that makes me think they will.

BTW...I am positive...but its not because I'm Ned Flinders, its because I see whats happening...but I also LIKE the criticism...(MOOSE WHERE IN THE HELL IS YOUR BREAKDOWN FROM STANFORD) makes me evaluate my thought process and conclusions...I invite the challenge from within and without to anything I think/say/post...everyone should...if anything Notre Dame fans aren't mouth breathing drones (see usc fan) and can deal with a little self-loathing, frustration, and criticism from our own.

 

[Mr. McGibblets]

Sometimes I think it is an age difference in how people view losses and struggles & wins and success. I am curious about different posters ages and how it relates to their opinions. I think in general (not just ND fans) alot of younger fans like myself tend to over-react in either direction- both positive and negative- towards their favorite teams.

I am 29 and Ive heard this era (up to about age 35 i guess, maybe 40) be referred to as us growing up in the "highlight era" and we tend to want things immediately. We base all of our opinions off of great plays or horrible plays instead of seeing the bigger picture and maybe being a bit more patient before we form our opinions. I may be wrong but I am pretty sure KMOOSE is 35+ and tends to spin a different light on the big picture.

I posted a thread after the Michigan loss basically saying it would be nice not to be constantly on the short end of the stick. It seems like there have been similar posts since then. And there have been many posts saying "we need to find true fans" etc... I think we not stop attacking each others manner of being a fan and just argue if we want to argue. Clearly, we are all fans or we wouldnt waste our time logging in (as stated a post or 2 before).

In conclusion, my theory is that age plays a role.

 

[GreatGolson]

For the record, what i really mean to say is, if ND continues to have a bad year, (not saying they will) but if they do, i wouldnt be surprised if some posters start to leave and if times get a little "thin" around here. And yes i would say age plays a role in how people view wins/losses, if i had been an adult in 88 and seen my team on a long decline i would want instant results too. Which is why we may see some of those people "fed up" with mediocrity, however i think Kelly is righting the ship, i know everyone has said this since Ty, but from what i have seen, he looks lifting a very big program back up on its feet, which will take some time. And i know your saying "BUT I DONT WANT TO WAIT ANYMORE" i dont either, but thats just the way its going to be if WE EVER want to see ND as an elite program again.

 

[GDomer09]

Well not as bad this week, but just so many people who started the season saying the best things, and then the night of the loss they go absolutly nuts. then the next morning theyre explaining why were gunna beat down the team we play that week, and the cycle continues.

That sounds like a fan to me! We get knocked down, but we get up again.?

 

[Lou Holtz]

Well boys, times are getting tough, weve dropped 3 in row now, things are looking a lot like last year, my disappointment is that every week this site implodes, however, if theres any good to come out of this, its that its given us a dose of reality that Kelly is not going to do anything amazing this year, however, that does not mean he wont be successful in the long run. However it seems many "diehards" are already jumping ship. As a long time fan who survived 07, i think we can come out of this thing, but were gunna loose some friends along the way, we just need to wake up and smell the coffee, look at the big picture (recrutinng, changing mentalities) and say "WE ARE GOING IN THE RIGHT DIRECTION" Very few coaches are able to completely turn a team around in year 1, even Nick Saban (who can get anyone he wants for his team) went 7-5 in his first season, and 3 years later won a championship, so now I just ask that if your not in this thing for the long haul, get out now, but if you are a true Notre Dame Football fanatic, you will stay with us and when we finally lift the crystal ball, we can remember how hard it was, how much we had to persevere, and it will make it that much better. Go Irish

agreed 100%

 

[Irish Insanity]

I grew up in a household that was to 'cheap' to buy satalite, to far out in the stix to get cable, had a black and white 13" TV in my room until the mid 90s, and i live a short drive from U of M and MSU. When it was a chilly or rainy Saturday in the early 90s I began looking for something on my little b+w TV to watch. Being that it was only thru antena, ND football and an infomercial was the only thing to watch. I began to watch ND more and more until I was completely hooked. ND began running thru my veins during those time, and grows thicker by the year. As our seasons continue to dissapoint my devotion continues to grow. This unsatisfactory period is only temporary, while my pride as an ND fan is permanant. I am now 30 with a great family who's love and dedication for ND is growing with mine. Last year I was fortunate enough to attend 3 ND football games, including the heartbreaking loss at the Big House. I have always been, and will always be a diehard ND fan. To me a fan of ND should be proud and thankful to belong to such a group. I hate to be blunt but, if there is any question in your mind about your devotion to ND as a fan then please JUMP OFF THE WAGON BEFORE YOU GET THROWN.

WE ARE N.D.

 

[jonesman]

fan for life and death!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I will watch every game and root with all my heart no matter the outcome.

Also, life time OSU HATER!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! They are the worst fans on the planet and play an absolute PU$%Y schedule.

 

[gspjeb]

fan through thick and thin here.......sun will come out tomorrow...........btw Kelly had the same record when at grand valley state( 1-3) for the first year I believe.....2 years later won back to back national championships.....we will be on top again.

 

[mgriff]

Sometimes I think it is an age difference in how people view losses and struggles & wins and success. I am curious about different posters ages and how it relates to their opinions. I think in general (not just ND fans) alot of younger fans like myself tend to over-react in either direction- both positive and negative- towards their favorite teams.

I am 29 and Ive heard this era (up to about age 35 i guess, maybe 40) be referred to as us growing up in the "highlight era" and we tend to want things immediately. We base all of our opinions off of great plays or horrible plays instead of seeing the bigger picture and maybe being a bit more patient before we form our opinions. I may be wrong but I am pretty sure KMOOSE is 35+ and tends to spin a different light on the big picture.

I posted a thread after the Michigan loss basically saying it would be nice not to be constantly on the short end of the stick. It seems like there have been similar posts since then. And there have been many posts saying "we need to find true fans" etc... I think we not stop attacking each others manner of being a fan and just argue if we want to argue. Clearly, we are all fans or we wouldnt waste our time logging in (as stated a post or 2 before).

In conclusion, my theory is that age plays a role.

I'm 25.

 

[PatsandBostonfan1975]

Losing bites no doubt about it I know people on this website are people who care about this team like I do. The Michigan loss felt like my soul had a tear in it I couldn't talk for a hour after. Do I have moments when I feel fed up sure several this year. I have to admit seeing Standford who hold their kids to high standards also beat us so easliy bothered me of course. I said we would know where were at after 4 games and im right we do. We need to recruit defense other Manti I dont think we have a player that would even make Alabamas defense . We can recruit Kelly is proving that hes is going after O and Dlines recruits and we will be giving Manti a supporting cast as soon as next year. This year is dissapointing Floyd is not what i thought although Crist is doing a good job I feel. We didn't get Kelly because we just needed A lil bit to get us to a major bowl we got him because we were turning into a national joke. I heard alot excuses over years we cant compete because of academic standards( I think standford kicked a hole in that one). Doesn't mean i'm not a fan because I'm frustrated I believe its just the opposite.