All Comments From This Episode (27 total)

How did Carlyle Holliday get a bowl game named after him? And does the QB have to switch to Wide Receiver at halftime?

@SaturDame on November 30th, 2010 at 10:20 pm

I don’t think Kelly changed all that much from Tulsa. I think the media just took his quote out of context. When he said “get used to it” I think some frustration came through there. I think what he was saying is that he is going to be aggressive and play to win. That is what he did on Saturday Night. Look at the end of the 1st Half. ND was getting the ball 1st in the second half and holding a 7-3 lead. He could have easily played for a FG there especially being out of T.O. when he got close. Instead he played for a touchdown and got it. If Rees had gotten sacked or thrown an INT the press would have killed him. When you play like that you are going to have moments like Tulsa and moments like USC. I think the fans/media just have to realize that is how he is going to play it.

Jimmy Grant on December 1st, 2010 at 5:18 am

Great show guys, but I disagree about the importance of the bowl game. You guys acknowledged the benefits of the additional practice time and payout, but seemed to dismiss the potential effect that bowl exposure and, more importantly a bowl win, has in the off-season for recruiting and even on preseason ranking. Yes, preseason rankings are stupid, but like it or not, it’s easier to stay in the rankings than it is to climb in them. We already know how easily swayed the mind of a 17-year-old kid can be, too. Finish the post-season 8-5 with a good showing in the bowl and we have a lot more to build off of than if we end up 7-6. I think there’s a lot more involved than just “It’s always better to win, but really, who the fn@k cares?” Go Irish!

@marcusdager on December 1st, 2010 at 5:58 am

I totally agree with Grant on that. The quote was stupid given the context, but it was a ton of frustration coupled with a huge spotlight that then basically went ND-viral. The end of the 1st half of SC is not a perfect analogy, because it’s not a win/lose proposition, but it definitely shows that aggression and go for the throat mentality that Kelly has that the Irish haven’t for the last decade or so.

I REALLY hope that Kelly has some legit success in then next two years, because I felt he showed major strides this year in coaching, and you put that on top of what he clearly already knows, and that’s a great recipe for success. If they’ll give him 13 years at ND, he’ll duplicate his numbers from Grand Valley State.

A$%# Lawyer on December 1st, 2010 at 7:36 am

The streak is broken.
It was messy, it was sloppy – no matter
The streak is BROKEN

A freshman QB made mistakes, he made things happen. I think Rees will be the starter next year – he makes things happen and the team seems to respond to him. Rudolph too has a fight on his hands. We developed depth and we have two months to find 5 or 6 more RKGs – guys who WANT to come to Notre Dame.

The streak is BROKEN so we are BACK.

Top 20 next year, top 10 in 2012 and then …..?

terry on December 1st, 2010 at 8:02 am

In regards to the Rece Davis “Who Cares” comment, it’s difficult to disagree with his perspective except for the fact that the fans of, and the schools involved with the minor bowl games care deeply. And I would suppose that any recruits who were considering attending one of the schools who were playing in a minor bowl would be interested and possibly influenced by that minor bowl game too. Just my thoughts on it. Being a football fanatic, I love all of the bowl games. Although, I have to admit I cannot name the winner of last years Champs Bowl either without looking it up.

Love your show guys.

Bevo McGowan on December 1st, 2010 at 8:09 am

I won’t drink the “We are back kool-aid”. Everyone said the same thing when Willingham started 8-0, and Weis went 9-3. Good or bad you have to evaluate Kelly after year number 4. Almost anyone can show flashes at ND. The question is can it be sustained.

Jimmy Grant on December 1st, 2010 at 8:20 am

I hoping for the holiday bowl baby! Missed the USC game (had tix) due to my dad being in the hospital for the past week so I’m feenin for a live game to make up for it! Qualcom is like 5 min from my house!!!

Go Holiday bowl and boo Washington / Oregon St.!!!

@J. Grant – I agree, I am not drinking any kool-aid either…I am however the least ashamed I have been in quite some time sporting my ND gear!

Basically, with how the season was going we couldn’t have a better setup going into next year. If we win our bowl game I would assume that ND breaks into the top 25 to start 2011… If not they will be damn close. Then it is theirs for the taking to have a breakout year and get to a bcs. All in all I like Kelly much better than Weis. Just the way he speaks and gets that gritty “I’m gonna kick your ass” face when hes making a point in his post game speeches is a welcome change! I never saw a Weis post-game speech but I could only imagine that it wasn’t too inspiring. Something seems to have definitely changed in the teams overall demeanor though after the bye week. If we can get our offense into full gear this team could be scary very soon!

DomerHead on December 1st, 2010 at 8:37 am

What strikes me the most is that the last three games have Ara Parseghian finger prints all over them. This is exactly the types of teams he had and the way he played games. That is with a very strong defense first – stop the opposition cold & even score on defense. He would put his best athletes on the defensive side of the ball. When he had the right QB they were lethal (Hanratty, Theismann, Clements) but when he didn’t they were still very good. He also pounded it well with the running game. We saw this particularly on the last TD drive with Hughes. This was a real surprise even in the rain.
It seems like a major departure from the way Kelly has played in the past. Yes, it is still the spread offense but with a lot more running. Of course Rees being a freshman may have had something towards forcing this move. Here are the figures for the last 4 games, with balance in the last three.
Ara is in his 80s lives in South Bend and I know it is Kelly’s team but I can’t help wondering if they have talked strategy, etc. It just seems so unreal. I hope he carries this theme forward. We’ll get another indication in the bowl game which should be against a good opponent.

Frank Sullivan on December 1st, 2010 at 8:55 am

I like the way this team is shaping up. We are bringing back alot of great players on both sides of the ball next year. Do you guys think Floyd is going to come back for his senior year?

I know this bowl game doesn’t mean alot, but I’m really excited to see this team play again! What a difference 3 weeks can make.

Go Irish! Beat miscellaneous bowl team! Fuck michigan!

Irish Rick on December 1st, 2010 at 10:04 am

Kelly knew his defense had to be strong because he would not be able to out-score like he did last year with a freshman QB. Also, using Hughes on the scoring drive was common sense, seeing how the USC defense was getting tired and he had most of his energy left. The big difference between Kelly and Weis is that Brian will win games he’s not supposed to. Everyone loses games they’re not supposed to, like Tulsa, but Charlie couldn’t beat a team he was a major underdog against, like Utah and especially Southern Cal.

Charles on December 1st, 2010 at 1:09 pm

Jimmy Grant you speak the truth. I also agree with A#%$ Lawyer on the strides that BK has made. This first year at ND is equal to about 5 years experience at any other program when you consider all he’s had to deal with football-wise PLUS the Matt James tragedy, the Declan Sullivan Tragedy and these new allegations against the as-yet unnamed player for sexual assault on the coed who committed suicide. That’s a lot of stuff to deal with. I think he’s handling it all pretty well. Regarding the bowl, I really don’t care which one we’re in but would love to see the Hurricanes as our opponent. GO IRISH, BEAT CANES!

JerseyShoreNDFan on December 1st, 2010 at 2:01 pm

re: above Jimmy Grant’s Kool Aid…

Weis & Wontinghamncheese were successful their first years because they sold their players on their styles. Kelly is the real deal. He doesn’t have to sell the current players on his style. Weis & Wontinghamncheese had the same ‘ole same ‘ole. Kelly is pedaling a new football. Successful where he’s been. Shall be successful at ND when the intricacies of the system are better-understood and championed by the Irish players. Remember: Holtz’ option, a mainstay of his NatChamp offense, had not been seen at ND before, much like Kelly’s “LEPRECHAUN.” Bound for success.

kevin hurley '89 on December 1st, 2010 at 2:54 pm

Can’t we do without the vulgarity in these posts? It adds nothing to the discussion and shows a lack of vocabulary as well as a great deal of immaturity.

Aiken Mac on December 1st, 2010 at 2:55 pm

Kelly has been a winner and he’ll be a winner at ND. He needs speed speed speed and we’ll be good. Let’s not be unrealistic. We have had 15 years of some sort of vacumn, but this too shall pass.

Back in the good old days, there was nothing worse for me than having Poulos come back for a 5th year. However, that was minor compared to what happened since. I don’t have the same feeling about the games anymore nor do the diehard fans I associate with. However, the excitement is starting to come back. Let 2011 be the new beginning.

Ronnie K on December 1st, 2010 at 3:06 pm

I never stopped drinking the BK kool-aid. I have seen him do more with less before. He is insane. That is why I like him so much. Embrace the insanity. Get used to taking risks that will make look like a fool(Tulsa)or a genius (USC final drive). I am happy for the seniors, Hughs, Kamara, Brian Smith, Stewart and company for getting the USC monkey off of their back. Remember this is Clausen and Tate’s class that came in as if they were already champions. This class has gotten over the weis hangover and has taken a step in the right direction for ND.

Yes, all a bowl win is good for, other than a fun time, is showing promise to recruits and pre-season rankings for next year. Only the individual fan bases really remember the lower level bowls. I know who won the 2008 Hawaii Bowl, sadly.

kyndfan on December 1st, 2010 at 3:59 pm

@kyndfan “Embrace the insanity.” — sounds like you’ve been watching too much of the Mad Hatter and LSU.

Sprout on December 1st, 2010 at 4:15 pm

I was a good husband and friend as I sat with 3 Trojan fans and watched the great game on Saturday. The only cheer I made was Smith’s awesome interception, now the picture on my desktop.
It was magic!
Go Kelly, Go Irish!

Irish Evan on December 1st, 2010 at 5:52 pm

YES! Embrace it!! Love it! BK is known for developing players, especially qb’s. When he gets the offense rolling, the stingy defense we have already seen take shape this year will be all that more dominating. Love the insanity! Love the risk taking! In the words of that crazy bastard that Texas Tech. fired, ‘be that pig’. Embrace it!

kyndfan on December 1st, 2010 at 7:30 pm

We did it ……we beat USCheat and to see that look on Kiffin face at the end…..priceless!!!!!!!!!!

Wes on December 1st, 2010 at 9:04 pm

@ Kevin. I’ve never been anti-Kelly. I actually defended him after the Tulsa game. I just don’t think you can say you are back after 7-5. 3 weeks ago no one was saying “We’re Back”. People on this site were questioning whether Kelly was the guy. Even after the Tulsa debacle I still thought 6-6 was very do-able!

Jimmy Grant on December 1st, 2010 at 9:55 pm

You guys are absolutely right about the clock during this game. I was there and we were all screaming for the clock to stop. I thought “here we go again” but then I told “unbelief” to get behind me :) As far as going to a bowl is concerned I think any football game Notre Dame is playing is important. Again F USC forever!

Irish In LA on December 1st, 2010 at 11:30 pm

I finally consider myself a true SUBWAY ALUMNI.I rode the #4 train to Yankee Stadium to watch the Irish beat Army. I am 63 and this was only the 2nd oppertunity in my life time to do this[1969 & 2010].I feel truly blessed.

Bill Herman on December 1st, 2010 at 11:35 pm

Everett Golson de-commits from unc and COMMITS to NOTRE DAME….BK got his dual threat QB and he’s gonna enroll early…..WELCOME TO NOTRE DAME MR. GOLSON…..anyone see a change at QB next year?????

JJ on December 2nd, 2010 at 2:00 pm

Are yall gonna do an episode about the recent recruiting wins before national signing day or wait till ND has signatures?

Didn’t care where the bowl took place but I was hoping we would see the canes so really excited about all the ND news this week….GO IRISH!!!!!!!

STOMP THE CANES!!!!!!!!!!

JJ on December 6th, 2010 at 5:57 pm

Ever since an incident we aren’t legally allowed to talk about, Eric is no longer allowed to even talk about high school students, not to mention be within 500 yards of one.

We’ll wait to comment on individual recruits until they are ND students.

Sprout on December 6th, 2010 at 7:29 pm

We did it ……we beat USCheat and to see that look on Kiffin face at the end…..priceless!!!!!!!!!!

Coleen Sosa on December 23rd, 2010 at 12:12 pm

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