Crawling out of the darkness and into the light, the Anti-Preview is a reflection of the 2014 Notre Dame Football season. The Irish had a chance to make this season fairly respectable last week, but the overtime loss to Northwestern killed that dream. I’m fairly positive that a 10-2 Irish team would have been able to get back into the top 10 and then land a New Years Six bowl game.
Now, however, the Irish are 7-3 and looking at a Belk Bowl bid. There is still plenty on the line for the remainder of this season, and quite possibly next season as well. The final two game stretch welcomes…
LOUISVILLE
In many ways the Louisville Cardinals season has been a mirror image of the Fighting Irish. Well, maybe not all that mirrorish, but they do have some similarities. Both are 7-3 with losses to FSU. You could also make the case that Notre Dame’s losses to Arizona State and Northwestern are a lot like Louisville’s losses to Clemson and Virginia. Louisville’s offense is nothing to really get worried about (despite B O B B Y) but their defense is very stingy. So, I guess this makes Louisville the Anti-Notre Dame? Oh shit… this might get real. If you’re looking for an over-glorified storyline for Saturday’s game, look to freshman Louisville quarterback Reggie Bonnafon (this is typical for ND Stadium).
WHAT SHOULD YOU BE DRINKING?
Ain’t no doubt in my mind that with Louisville coming to town, proper respect must be paid.
Mint Julep
A sophisticated drink to get sloppy wasted.
First, you’ll need to make the Minted Simple Syrup:
1 cup Water
1 cup Sugar
1 bunch of Mint
In heavy medium saucepan over medium heat, stir together water and sugar until sugar dissolves. Increase heat slightly, then simmer 5 minutes, stirring occasionally. Take pan off heat, add mint leaves, and steep 15 minutes. Strain, then refrigerate syrup until cold, about 3 hours. (Can be prepared 1 week ahead. Cover and keep refrigerated.
Now…
1 ounce of Minted Simple Syrup
2 cups crushed ice
2 ounces Makers Mark
Fresh mint sprig for garnish
To highball glass or silver Julep cup, add minted simple syrup, then 1 cup crushed ice, bourbon, and splash of water. Add enough of remaining ice to almost fill glass. Stir well and garnish with mint sprig.
WHAT SHOULD YOU BE EATING?
Well… FUCK PAPA JOHN’S SON! Get your Pizza Hut on in the classiest of ways. (Mix with KFC for bonus points).
WHAT SHOULD YOU BE WEARING?
A repeat from earlier this year, but it’s too fitting to not use. Tweed for all occasions.
GOLDEN TWEETERS
My severe lack of a Twitter presence would almost make this irrelevant. Almost…
Want to see a Louisville fan complain endlessly about the officiating with more grace and than you’re used to? Here ya go:
Can't tell you how excited I am to be heading to Notre Dame this weekend.
— Mark Ennis (@MarkEnnis) November 21, 2014
Now for more repeaters:
real talk – our secret weapon on Saturday: pic.twitter.com/QrzRErSlKp
— tricerapops (@tricerapops) November 21, 2014
It took 4 hours to play the regulation portion of this dumpster fire, and now there's OT, so I'm starting to think Jesus doesn't love ND.
— Nina Steigs (@PDXIrish) November 16, 2014
It took less than 30 days for SOME fans to move from "We got screwed at FSU & should be in the playoff" to "Kelly is a bum I hope he leaves"
— Irish Tightness (@IrishTightness) November 21, 2014
OTHER THINGS
You don’t need reminding that this is Senior Day for Notre Dame. I’m not sure who exactly will be coming back for a 5th year, but there are quite a few that might be doing their “last lap” in Notre Dame Stadium on Saturday as practice for next year. One guy that for sure is playing his last game for ND at home is Cam McDaniel. I just wanted to take a moment and say, “thanks Cam.” Thanks
PLAY ON PLAYA
As I continue to move away from naming “MVP’s” in this spot, I’m not sure exactly what to do here. Guys to watch? Sure, and with that, I give you Jay Hayes burning a redshirt for the injured Sheldon Day. Outside of that, the obvious is Everett Golson and his turnover count. One turnover or less and the Irish will be just fine.
AT THE END OF THE DAY
It’s going to be interesting to see what kind of mentality this team has on Saturday. Will they be prepared physically and emotionally, or will they come out flat and sloppy? I’m betting on the former and will be pumped to see IRISH 34, LOUISVILLE 24.
