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.
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.
