Kelly committed to bowl game

[edgesofsanity]

Per ESPN (via his press conference today):

And with a 4-4 record entering Saturday's game against Tulsa -- a must-win if there ever was one this season -- his goal is to get Notre Dame in a bowl game, not just for the experience but for the extension of practice time it would afford.

"It's an important goal. We need those 15 practices," Kelly said Tuesday

"Those 15 practices are important. So, you know, getting to a bowl game allows you more time with your players. I need more time with our guys," Kelly said. "Our coaches need more time with our players. ...it's important to the development of our program."

Thoughts? While I still find the idea of any 6-6 team being bowl-worthy kind of obtuse, I can't argue with the logic. And if someone's gonna go to a bowl game with that record, it might as well be our boys.

 

[The Polish Irishman]

We need the practice. New system with new coaches. Great time to get the freshman and sophomores some work.

 

[NDOM]

Yeah I guess the Toilet bowl wont be so bad since ND does need all the practice they can get out of it.

 

[tommyIRISH23]

Yeah. I agree. It won't hurt. I am hoping ND plays out of its skulls and beat Utah/SC or both.

 

[Irish52]

Bowl game

Bowl game

Yeah. I agree. It won't hurt. I am hoping ND plays out of its skulls
and beat Utah/SC or both.[/QUOTE Wishful thinking at its best. I'm hoping, what with all the injuries and some questionable coaching, that we end up at 6 & 6. That may get us a bowl bid but it's not a lock, for sure. Go Irish.

 

[irishff1014]

Yea and the way they turned that bowl game down last year made us look bad. Good to see Jim Rome and his guest both said that they both think that Kelly will be ok and is the right man for the job.

 

[Sherm Sticky]

I don't care if we are 6-6 or 8-4 I want a bowl game...gives me something to look forward to between the end of the season and NSD.

Also, it will be tough to win more than 6 games with Riddick, Williams and Rudolph all out for the season.

 

[BestBIrish47]

15 practices is like a 2nd spring... very important for 2011!!!

 

[irishff1014]

Yes it will be tough but this is when the young guys show that they are ready to fill the spot and play good hard football. And with TJ playing good i think that the offense will be ok if we can our running game established early in the game to take some pressure off crist.

 

[IrishJayhawk]

Yeah I guess the Toilet bowl wont be so bad since ND does need all the practice they can get out of it.

That was almost optimistic. Not really, but...almost.

 

[lookingdeadred]

.500 teams go to bowls these days

.500 teams go to bowls these days

so why shouldn't ND. As BK says, ND needs the practice time to prepare for 2011.

Per ESPN (via his press conference today):



Thoughts? While I still find the idea of any 6-6 team being bowl-worthy kind of obtuse, I can't argue with the logic. And if someone's gonna go to a bowl game with that record, it might as well be our boys.

 

[enrico514]

Per ESPN (via his press conference today):



Thoughts? While I still find the idea of any 6-6 team being bowl-worthy kind of obtuse, I can't argue with the logic. And if someone's gonna go to a bowl game with that record, it might as well be our boys.

Our boys need all the practice they can get. I would say that a bowl game is a must at this point, something the programme needs!!!

 

[mgriff]

We need a bowl game, even if we have to "subject" ourselves to playing a MAC team. We aren't that much better than that right now anyway, so people will have to swallow their pride. We absolutely need every practice.

 

[ShamrockOnHelmet]

I think its comical that some (many?) people here seem to think 6-6 is a lock? I think there is a SERIOUS chance we could drop one, or BOTH the Tulsa and Army games. Indeed, after what we saw against Navy, what would lead you to beleive we will be able to defend any kind of option attack in a few weeks time? And Tulsa is NOT a terrible team - they could come in and shock us this week. Lets stop talking about Bowl games and win a couple more games first.

 

[IrishandColts]

CBSsports has us in that car bowl against WVU

 

[DirtySecret]

Yeah I guess the Toilet bowl wont be so bad since ND does need all the practice they can get out of it.

Beat me to it..

 

[Old Man Mike]

This is vintage Kelly. He is always all about the evolution of the team. He doesn't care what the outsiders [which includes everyone on these boards...and some more than others] think; if he can find a way to legitimately keep the growth process going that is what he wants to do. For him, it doesn't really have anything to do with the bowl. And i've seen no evidence that he cares how many names people call him. He's got his faith in his football ways, and until they fail him [given an honest chance to succeed], he's not going to abandon them. ND nation should stand and applaud that he wants the extra growth time, as he is trying to get all of us to the performances that we want to watch, rather than b*tch about, as soon as he can. Even though he doesn't care what I think, and shouldn't, I stand with you Coach in what little way I can.

 

[DillonHall]

Definitely worth it to go to a bowl game, no matter the record. You could make the argument that the extra practice time helped the development of Jimmy Clausen and the offense. It could easily do the same for Crist, Riddick, Eifert, Wood, etc.

 

[NeuteredDoomer]

Last year I voted no bowl game. It was the end of an era, a dismal ending, and the expense of a bowl game might have cost more than the payout. Just showing up to the game would have been a humiliation.

This year, if the team can go at least 6-6, I say go, and get the extra practice.

And now that I think about it, since just about anyone can qualify for a bowl game and extra practices, why doesn't NCAA allow all teams a winter practice session whether or not they qualify for a bowl?

 

[The Polish Irishman]

Last year I voted no bowl game. It was the end of an era, a dismal ending, and the expense of a bowl game might have cost more than the payout. Just showing up to the game would have been a humiliation.

This year, if the team can go at least 6-6, I say go, and get the extra practice.

And now that I think about it, since just about anyone can qualify for a bowl game and extra practices, why doesn't NCAA allow all teams a winter practice session whether or not they qualify for a bowl?

You have to participate in a bowl to get the practice

 

[Old Man Mike]

Yeh, Neutered, I read what Polish said [and that's "the law" I guess ] but I think you have a great idea---why reward the rich with the extra practice when the poor are who need it to get back to compete? Why would it be such a bad thing to let the non-bowlers get the same advantages as the powers? RADICAL THINKING though ,Man; what ARE you? Some kind of revolutionary?? dshans would be proud.

 

[Bogtrotter07]

Quote:
Originally Posted by NeuteredDoomer
Last year I voted no bowl game. It was the end of an era, a dismal ending, and the expense of a bowl game might have cost more than the payout. Just showing up to the game would have been a humiliation.

This year, if the team can go at least 6-6, I say go, and get the extra practice.

And now that I think about it, since just about anyone can qualify for a bowl game and extra practices, why doesn't NCAA allow all teams a winter practice session whether or not they qualify for a bowl?

You have to participate in a bowl to get the practice
__________________
Throw the pumpkin at the tree, unless you think that pumpkin holds your destiny

Yeh, Neutered, I read what Polish said [and that's "the law" I guess ] but I think you have a great idea---why reward the rich with the extra practice when the poor are who need it to get back to compete? Why would it be such a bad thing to let the non-bowlers get the same advantages as the powers? RADICAL THINKING though ,Man; what ARE you? Some kind of revolutionary?? dshans would be proud.

Socialists!

Im in we'll set up an ice shanty to watch their winter practice. I'll bring the beer.

 

[phgreek]

Socialists!

Im in we'll set up an ice shanty to watch their winter practice. I'll bring the beer.

Well hell...I'd be in for that...I'll send you guys a laptop w/ a cell card and skype so you can" take me with you"... although I'd have to miss out on BTs beer...damn

Agree with the sentiment we need the practice...said the same thing before we went to HI...those practices are golden...and look at the improvement due to that bowl game...well at least on offense...

 

[NeuteredDoomer]

You have to participate in a bowl to get the practice

To answer the Trotter regarding the socialist thingy, isn't it the socialists who invite anyone and everyone to a bowl game, and award them with a happy certificate of participation and a Happy meal after the game?

So if you are going to invite anyone and everyone, then let the ones who need the extra practices do it.

 

[NoJusticeNoPeace]

Turning down 2 weeks of extra practice and an extra game would be very stupid in this situation.

 

[Irish To The Core]

I don't really know why this would be an issue. The benefits are obvious...last year was a different situation with the turmoil around the search for a new coach.

The only argument against going to a bowl game is that "toilet" bowl games are beneath Notre Dame. Anybody who watched the game on Saturday and thinks we are too good for one of these lower bowl games, watched it from a different perspective than me. We should go to any bowl that will have us and we should feel lucky. The experience can only help the program moving forward.

 

[PatsandBostonfan1975]

This season has been tough I threw up kool-aid out my nose during Navy game but we beat U.S.C I will be happy enough for this season. That will beat any crappy bowl game we are invited too.

 

[irishtrain]

I think its comical that some (many?) people here seem to think 6-6 is a lock? I think there is a SERIOUS chance we could drop one, or BOTH the Tulsa and Army games. Indeed, after what we saw against Navy, what would lead you to beleive we will be able to defend any kind of option attack in a few weeks time? And Tulsa is NOT a terrible team - they could come in and shock us this week. Lets stop talking about Bowl games and win a couple more games first.

Man I love Notre Dame but this post is correct, I dont see them winning 2 more games. The players just arent there. You guys have got to get it in your heads that Notre Dame football is not what it was. They are not physical or talented enough to compete against the schedule they play. As much as I love the school and program I am now resigned to this fact. Brian Kelly is a fine coach but now he understands what everyone has been saying about Notre Dame, its schedule, and the lack of players. Notre Dame is now a punchline for what once was. Even at that its not much to pound your chest and say you beat Notre Dame. Big deal. These are sad times and whatever cache' Notre Dame built up for 90 years is slipping into oblivion. Can you imagine getting beat by Army and Navy in the same year-unbelievable

 

[ndcoltsfan2010]

I think we win two more games (at least I hope we do anyways). The idea of a bowl game is not a bad one to consider either because there is so much to be gained from it, from extra practices, another game, and more time for the coaches and players to work towards getting better. This program has alot of work to do and we are climbing an uphill battle for sure...., so any extra time we have to work on some of our issues is a good thing.

 

[JeremyND07]

We got beat by Navy 35-17! 6-6 is not even close to a given!!!!!! I have no idea how anyone could think we even have a SLIM chance against USC or Utah! Please make me understand because I must be watching a different team!