Well, we made it. We went an entire year with that damn Anchor Dome picture on the sie of the blog, and now it is finally gone. If it wouldn’t look inappropriate, I would have redone the pic with some sort of explosion. After a second thought, putting a pic of the Golden Dome blowing up with the title, “YEAH!!” would not be a good PR move.
On to the Hangover:
After a shit week in terms of “image,” Notre Dame took a page out of the Lou Holtz Guide to Coaching Football with an honorable 56-14 win over Navy. This win, combined with the Air Force blowout, will not turn many heads outside of the fanbase- or even in it. However, these are the type of wins that Notre Dame needs. The need ABSOLUTE victory over lesser teams. Brian Kelly knows this, and understands this, and is determined to cross that off the checklist of “Things To Do,” that he has stashed in his desk drawer right next to the bottle of Jack Daniels, a 9 mm, and a copy of the King James Bible (only King James will do!).
Keep in mind: Michael Floyd was already praised with mad love.
The Top 5
Manti Te’o played like he was pissed off at the world and everyone it save his “bros.” I can’t blame him, but if it keeps him playing like a nightmare from a different dimension- so be it. Forget any stats from the game for a moment such as tackles and tackle for losses and what not. Forget them. All one need do is remember HOW he played against Navy this year as opposed to last year. Te’o filled every hole possible, and at times, he looked like he knew how each play was going to unfold. He was every bit the All-American we paint him to be. (BTW- He had 13 tackles 2.5 tackles for loss and 1/2 sack).- So, how bad are we beating the shit out of Charlie Weis in our mind right now? Seriously- did we have to burn Jonas Gray’s redshirt his freshman year? I want more. The Robert Hughes comparisons are completely wrong and ill informed. Gray is nothing like Hughes, except for maybe their size. Gray has been PHENOMENAL this year, and I want more. Gray had 69 yards and three touchdowns Saturday. I love the way he runs the football. He is playing exactly the way we all thought he would when Gray first committed to Notre Dame. It’s just a god damn shame it took this long. (Viva Kelly! Viva Gray!).
- Cierre Wood is eating too. Wood had another good day with 66 yards and two touchdowns to fill his belly. (Combined, the pair had 23 carries for 135 yards and 5 touchdowns with a 5.9 YPC average). Woods day could have been much bigger, but there were a couple of plays where the dreaded turf monster jumped out and tripped him. The dynamic he brings to the table when he is “on” is incredible. Keep the switch, “ON.”
- Massive props go to Bobby Diaco and the entire defense. Navy came into the game with the third best rushing offense in the country and with some confidence against a Notre Dame team that they absolutely SHREDDED last year. The Irish only allowed them 196 yards on the ground, which was only 14 more yards then the Irish rushing attack. The bigger stat was that ND only allowed 3.9 yards per rush to Navy. It was a textbook effort in stopping the triple option. Yes, Navy was without their starter- but oh fucking well. I’ll take these handlings with joy, any day.
- The defensive line should not be overlooked in this victory. The scheme was similar to what the Irish did against Air Force with Slaughter coming down as a LB and Fleming and Shembo basically playing end in an even front. Guys like Stephon Tuitt were pushed inside. It works well. Louis Nix had 6 tackles and a sack, while Stephon Tuitt had 7 tackles and 2 quarterback hurries. There play opened up some stuff for Te’o, Blanton and Slaughter- but it was their ability to make plays that we should be pumping fists to. And i will….
Headbutts
- Kendall Moore gets in on this action with an atomic explosion of a hit on a Navy player near the sideline. The hit was so violent, he got flagged for it. I’m sorry, but that is a weak ass penalty. This is a violent, dangerous game. Moore plays like he knows it is, and loves it. I can’t wait to see more of him in the future. (But in 2013- the first season AFTER Te’o).
- Austin Collinsworth deserves some love with this headbutt. His special teams play is inspired, and inspiring. I love the way he plays balls out all of the time. The best part about the offense scoring, is seeing Collinsworth on kickoff coverage. (Not really, but work with me people- he’s bad as hell.)
Swift Kick to the Nuts
- The “swing” pass. I’m done with this play, and hope to never, fucking ever see it again. Watching the ball hit the ground and then an opponent jump on top is nauseating. Stop.
- Eavesdropping on family business. Whoever this Chicago Tribune “source” is- DESERVES HIS FUCKING NUTS KICKED A MILLION TIMES OVER.
So, after all of the bullshit, Notre Dame gets a 56-14 win. Although this is still “Navy” in a lot of people’s minds, it was still an important victory, and important in allowing this team to move forward from locker room bickering. Victory never heals every problem, but it only helps. Notre Dame still has a chance to win 10 games this year. We all need to get on board.
RESPECT:
