Awards and Best of list.

So here it is… Our gift to you, Talking Irish’s Awards and Best of list.

MVP – Really?  Anyone other than Manti Te’o?

Pleasant Surprise of the Year – Theo Riddick. Although we expected Theo to play well, I believe he far surpassed expectations, which will propel him to the next level.

Best Feeling of theYear – Watching Rick Reilly eat crow.

Best gift we have to wait until next year to open (the redshirt we are expecting great things from) – Amir Carlisle.  This kid has the potential to be a big time player in South Bend.

Best gift to exchange – Gunner Kiel.  I would love to keep him, but doing so burns his eligibility while using a scholarship spot. This won’t benefit the Irish or this super talented young man.

Best gift to return – Tate Nichols.  At 6’8” 320 lbs. and zero meaningful snaps in three years, it has not worked.

Best gift we want to get again next year – Tie.  Tyler Eifert and Cierre Wood

Heart-Stopping Play of the Year – The Pittsburgh missed filled goal during the second overtime.

Play of the Year – Fourth down goal line stop against Stanford.

Experience of the Year (maybe of a lifetime) – Watching the Irish play in Ireland.

Unfulfilled Expectation of the Year – No kick returns for a score.  After George Atkinson ran two kickoffs back for touchdowns last year, and watching Davonte’ Neal highlight film, we expected at least some impressive returns.  We may be due on January 7^th. 

Most Popular Player – Louis Nix, who is as lovable as he is big. With a nickname Irish Chocolate, his YouTube videos and tweets, how could he not be the most popular?

Top Offensive Newcomer – Everett Golson, and there should be no surprise here.  His development has been and should continue to be amazing.

Top Defensive Newcomer – KeiVarae Russell, who was supposed to be a running back and got the news at the end of summer that he would be a defensive back.

Offensive Lineman of the Year – Braxton Cave, a very strong fifth year senor who lead this line and guided Golson to maturity and confidence.

Defensive Lineman of the Year – Louis Nix took double teams on almost every play this season, helping make Manti All World.

Offensive Leader of the Year – Zack Martin, and All-American talent, who has started every game since his sophomore year.

Defensive Leader of the Year (not named Manti) – Kapron Lewis-Moore, who up until this season has not had the career he was hoping for because of injuries and other setbacks.  He has practiced, played and led like a champion this year.

Best Entertainment – Trick Shot Mondays.  We loved how these young men were able loosen up once a week under huge pressure and share it with their fans.

Game of the Year – Oklahoma - this game solidified Notre Dame’s spot on the national college football landscape.

Moment of the Year – The fourth down incomplete pass at the goal line stand at the end of the USC game to put the Irish in the National Championship Game.

Story of the Year – Manti Te’o, coming back for his senior year, having seven interception this season despite having none in his first three seasons; overcoming adversity, staying true to his faith and earning truckloads of awards.

Under the Radar Defensive Player of the Year – Danny Spond, who after an early season of battling migraines, has had a solid season at the position of linebacker on a team with names like Manti Te’o and Prince Shembo.

Under the Radar Offensive Player of the Year – Robby Toma, who came in from Hawaii and played in the shadow of Manti’s play, carving his own spot for the Irish this year as a very solid slot receiver.

Coach of the Year – Tie between Co-Defensive Coordinator and Cornerbacks Coach Kerry Cooks and Safeties Coach Bob Elliot, who took this ragtag group of players and got them to contribute on the best defense in the country.

Blossoming Player of the Year – Cam McDaniel - it could have been any number of receivers, but we loved is toughness.

Next Big Thing Award – Tie Tight End Troy Niklas and Wide Receiver T.J. Jones, both of whom are developing into their positions at the big time college football level.

Best Notre Dame Player but you never hear of, but will Award – Will Mahone - The 5’ 10” 211 lb. redshirt running back from  Ohio will make an impact from the backfield sooner than later.

All Hands on Deck

I have been reading a lot of articles about needs to step up for the Irish and who will need to have a big game on January 7^th for Notre Dame to win. Each of these lists have three to ten players on them, from All World Manti Te’o to freshman KeiVarae Russell.  Every single list talks about what each of these players must do or not do in order for the Irish to win.

I don’t believe that any single player or even group of players will need to play the game of their life to carry this team to victory.  I do believe that poor play by even a single player on a single play could cost Notre Dame the championship.  In the same train of thought, I also believe that every single player must play well for Her Loyal Sons to be victorious.

Everett Golson does not need to throw for five touchdowns, pass for over 300 yards or run for one 150 and three scores.  He also cannot turn the ball over or allow the offense to stall or become one dimensional.

The receivers need to get open enough to give Golson a chance to get the ball to them.  They cannot drop passes that hit their hands.

The running backs need to move the ball well enough to keep Alabama’s defense honest.  They also need to catch passes out of the backfield. They cannot turn the ball over.

It is pretty simple for the offensive line - they need to control the line of scrimmage.  They need to make holes just big enough for the backs to gain positive yardage and give Golson enough time to make his plays either with his arm or legs.  They cannot let the defense into the backfield and they absolutely cannot have stupid penalties like holding and especially off sides.

Overall, the offense needs to move the ball, control field position and build confidence as the game progresses and preferably take the lead early and play with the lead for the entire game.  They cannot turn the ball over or conduct too many three and outs.

On the defensive side of the ball, the Irish face a very solid offense led by their offensive line.  Diaco’s squad needs to continue their “bend don’t break” mentality.  I don’t expect the Irish defense to control Alabama, but I hope they can contain them.

Notre Dame’s front seven will need to hold their own against an offensive line that could hold their own in the NFL right now.  Along with two 1,000-yard rushers, the front seven will have to stop and shed blockers then make sure tackles. 

The defensive backs need to do what they have done all season - keep receivers in front of them and make good tackles.

Special teams don’t have to have runbacks for touchdowns, although that would be nice, but they can’t give any up either.  At the very least our special teams must match if not beat Alabama in the battle for field position.  Kyle Brindza must make the most of his chances.  Missing even one attempt may cost the Irish the championship.

A crisp, clean, balanced game could be more than enough to win.  A penalty, a turnover, a dropped pass or a missed opportunity could be enough to give the Crimson Tide the win.  No one player or player has to win the game but any one player or play could lose it.  With the team’s next man in philosophy, I think they will be ready.

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.

Irish & Tide History

Earlier this year when the Irish were preparing to play Oklahoma, we drew numerous comparisons between these great programs.  Facing Alabama for the BCS National Championship in Miami on January 7^th will pair two of the most storied programs in college football history.

	Notre Dame	Alabama
First Season	1887	1892
Heisman Winners	7	1
Consensus All Americans	96	47
National Championships*	13	14
College Football Hall of Fame Players	44	11
College Football Hall of Fame Coaches	6	4
Pro Football Hall of Fame Players	10	7
Wins	864	826
Notable Icons	Knute Rockne, George “The Gipper” Gipp, The Four Horsemen, Frank Leahy, Paul Hornung, Ara Parseghian, Lou Holtz, Johnny Lujack, Leon Huarte, Tim Brown, and easily dozens more	Paul “Bear” Bryant, Gene Stallings, Cornelius Bennett, Don Hutson, Ozzie Newsome, Mark Ingram, Derrick Thomas, Joe Namath, Bart Starr, and Ken Stabler

 

*Individually recognized and/or claimed; not necessarily universally recognized.

All year, the Irish have respected Notre Dame’s history while maintaining that it does not pertain to how they play the game.  This matchup should be no different.  Although the Irish and the Tide may not have the long history of some other rivalries, there have been some big games that may draw comparisons.  Even though I agree with the notion that none of what happened in the past will affect the play on the field, I thought I would share some highlights of matchups past.

1973: top-ranked and unbeaten Alabama lost 24-23 to second-ranked and unbeaten Notre Dame at old Tulane Stadium in New Orleans, LA in the Sugar Bowl.

1975: The 11-0 Tide were ranked number one, while the Irish were 9-2 and rated eighth (both UPI rankings). Notre Dame won that game 13-11.

Overall, Notre Dame is 5-1 against Alabama.

New Podcast

12/3/12

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ihYke4fanLs&feature=youtu.be

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