Notre Dame Opponents moving forward.

As bowl season starts Irish fans have a long time to go until Her Loyal Sons take the field on January 7^th in Miami.  During the season I traditionally follow Notre Dame’s opponent’s progress not only before they play them for scouting purposes but afterword as well.  It is important for the Irish in the polls that their opponents are winners as well.  It’s more impressive when you play and beat winning and ranked teams then when you play and beat sub part teams with losing records.

8 Of Notre Dame’s 2012 opponents will be playing in a bowl this winter and weather they win or lose the Irish win and they are number one, National Champions, period.  If they lose their opponents bowl results will come into play in deciding their final ranking.  The bowl season also provides an opportunity to get a sneak preview as to what our 2013 opponents may have in store for us next fall. Here is a quick look at the bowl schedule of Notre Dame’s 2012 opponents (in bold), 2013 opponents (in italics) and those who are both are bold, italicized  and underlined in order of date bowl will be played.

BYU

S.D. County Credit Union Poinsettia BYU vs. San Diego State

San Diego Qualcomm Stadium

Dec. 20 8 p.m.

ESPN

 

AIR FORCE

Bell Helicopter Armed Forces Rice vs. Air Force

Fort Worth Amon G. Carter Stadium

Dec. 29 11:45 a.m.

ESPN

 

NAVY

Kraft Fight Hunger Navy vs. Arizona State

San Francisco AT&T Park

Dec. 29 4 p.m.

ESPN2

 

ARIZONA STATE

Kraft Fight Hunger Navy vs. Arizona State

San Francisco AT&T Park

Dec. 29 4 p.m.

ESPN2

 

MICHIGAN STATE

Buffalo Wild Wings TCU vs. Michigan State

Tempe, Ariz. Sun Devil Stadium

Dec. 29 10:15 p.m.

ESPN

 

USC

Hyundai Sun USC vs. Georgia Tech

El Paso, Texas Sun Bowl

Dec. 31 2 p.m.

CBS

 

PURDUE

Heart of Dallas Purdue vs. Oklahoma State

Dallas Cotton Bowl

Jan. 1 Noon

ESPNU

 

MICHIGAN

Outback South Carolina vs. Michigan

Tampa, Fla. Raymond James Stadium

Jan. 1 1 p.m.

ESPN

 

STANFORD

Rose Bowl Game presented by Vizio Wisconsin vs. Stanford

Pasadena, Calif. Rose Bowl

Jan. 1 5 p.m.

ESPN

 

OKLAHOMA

AT&T Cotton Texas A&M vs. Oklahoma

Arlington, Texas Cowboys Stadium

Jan. 4 8 p.m.

FOX

 

PITTBURGH

BBVA Compass Pittsburgh vs. Ole Miss

Birmingham, Ala. Legion Field

Jan. 5 1 p.m.

ESPN

 

 

Irish Commits

With the commitment of running Back Greg Bryant out of Florida I thought I would share a sneak peak of the incoming talent coming to South Bend, assuming they either enroll early or sign their letters of intent.

Click on players name to view their highlight video.

Jaylon Smith.  Best high school linebacker in the country.  Don’t believe me?  He just won the Butkus Award at the high school level.

Alex Anzalone.  If Jaylon Smith is the best high school linebacker Anzalone is in the conversation for number 2.

Hunter Bivin.  Simply put, he embarrasses defensive linemen.  

Cole Luke.  Good size and attacks the football.

Greg Bryant.  I love the yards this kid gets after initial contact.

Isaac Rochell.  Relentless in his effort.

Malik Zaire.  Talented, member of the Elite 11, Golson 2.0?

Rashad Kinlaw.  Video may show a quarterback but he should be listed as offensive weapon.

Steve Elmer.  ND’s first commit from the class of 2013.  Good size, technique and personality he is a ND guy.

Torii Hunter.  Athlete who will also play baseball for the Irish.

Mike Heuerman.  Great tight end frame, I can’t wait to let the ND coaches (and Paul Longo) get their hands on him.

John Montelus.  At 6’5” he has NFL size now.  Another big lineman for Harry Hiestand to mold.

Colin McGovern.  Being listed from 284 – 292 pound at 6’7” he will need to add some bulk to his nice offensive tackle frame.

Doug Randolph. Outside linebacker who could sun in the middle and put his hand down and come off the end.

Mike McGlinchey.  No standing at 6’9” and 285 lbs. he needs to bulk up and be a monster offensive tackle or lean up to be monster tight end.

Jacob Matuska.  Real nice receiving tight end can also play defensive end.

Devin Butler.  Playmaker, he may be coming in as a cornerback but don’t be surprised to see him on offense.

James Onwualu.  Big Chunk Play kind of guy.

Will Fuller.   Hands!

Michael Deeb.  What a middle liebacker should be.  I like the way he gets after it.

Jamel James.  Breaks off big runs for a big back.

Corey Robinson.  Tall becoming taller and just really learning and developing is football skills.  He has a very high ceiling.

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Que Sera, Sera

I know there has been a lot of talk this year (as there often is) about the Heisman.  The two big players and stories are of a freshman in Johnny Manziel and a pure defensive player in Manti Te’o.  I know this may sound crazy, but I think we (Notre Dame Fans) have not given Te’o’s Heisman chase the appreciation it deserves.  Return to Glory takes many forms - undefeated seasons, National Championships, All-Americans and of course Heisman Trophy winners, the last of which Notre Dame has had the most.

After reading the Heisman Trust Mission Statement below, I wasn’t sure if Manti should have won the award or if it would have been more appropriate to have him award it.  I have taken the words that not only exemplify Manti Te’o, but may also have a picture of #5 next to it in the dictionary and underlined, bolded and typed in red.

The Heisman Memorial Trophy annually recognizes the outstanding college football player whose performance best exhibits the pursuit of excellence with integrity. Winners epitomize great ability combined with diligence, perseverance, and hard work. The Heisman Trophy Trust ensures the continuation and integrity of this award. The Trust, furthermore, has a charitable mission to support amateur athletics and to provide greater opportunities to the youth of our country. Our goal through these charitable endeavors is for the Heisman Trophy to symbolize the fostering of a sense of community responsibility and service to our youth, especially those disadvantaged or afflicted. All assets of the Trust beyond the expense of maintaining the annual presentation of the Heisman Memorial Trophy are reserved for such charitable causes. The Trustees, who all serve pro bono, are guided by a devotion to college football and are committed to community service and the valued tradition which the Trophy represents.

Am I disappointed that Manti didn’t win?  Of course, but no trophy is needed to tell the story of Te’o’s greatness as a person and a player.  Congratulations Manti on a magnificent season and career.  Thank you for all the memories you have given us, and for the hope and optimism you’ve provided.