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Notre Dame Midseason Report Card

Dan Scofield — Wed, 21 Oct 2009 22:30:19 +0000

A season of ups and downs with last-second wins, last-second losses, and plenty of opinions is halfway over.

Sitting right outside of the Top 25 with a 4-2 record, the Irish have a lot left to prove in the second half of the season.

However, the Irish pulled off four wins against Washington, Purdue, Nevada, and Michigan State.

What looked to be weak wins at the time, these Irish opponents have stepped up their game and now look like acceptable wins on a schedule that ranks as the 13th toughest in the nation.

The Irish find themselves in a familiar scenario to that of ‘08. Do they run the table or do they falter yet again?

Find out who got the Irish to that 4-2 record and who is going to lead the second-half attempt of a six-game winning streak.

Take an in-depth look at part one of Notre Dame’s 2009 season.

Offense

Jimmy Clausen and his offense might be one of the best in the country. Give the Irish an actual defense, and you are looking at an undefeated team.

However, Weis does not have the luxury of an elite defense, and therefore, has to play shootout week after week.

Clausen has shown incredible strides from his sophomore to junior year under Weis. His leadership has been phenomenal, as he has put the team on his back in last-minute drives to lead the Irish to three late victories.

He is being considered as a Top Five Heisman candidate thus far in the season and is showing very few, if any, signs of slowing down. With Michael Floyd coming back, expect him to produce at an even higher rate in the second half of the year.

Golden Tate and Michael Floyd are the best pair of receivers in the country. If it weren’t for Floyd’s injury, you might be looking at a ranked Notre Dame team with one loss and in the top 15 in the nation. He is that much of an impact player for the Irish.

On the other hand, Tate has produced so rapidly that he is now even ahead of Clausen on some Heisman lists. An all-purpose threat, he is making the best out of Floyd’s absence—something that many thought he wouldn’t do.

Kyle Rudolph has also filled in for Floyd in many situations and has developed not only into an elite receiving tight end, but a very good blocker also.

Another big surprise coming from the receiving corps is Robby Parris after having a career game against USC, even while being targeted as Taylor Mays’ personal punching bag.

Whether the fault falls on the shoulders of the backs or the line, the running game can be described as slightly above average.

Armando Allen missed some time due to a bruised hamstring, but had a fairly productive first half of the year. He has shown the ability to keep his feet moving in the pile and has been picking up yards after contact—a new asset to his game in ‘09.

Robert Hughes has been a huge surprise for this “average” unit. Supplying tough yards and a bruiser-type style, he has been a perfect compliment to Allen. He has a history of disappearing after breakout games, so Irish fans should keep their fingers crossed he is here to stay.

The first few games, Frank Verducci was being praised for his offensive linemen’s play and protection. After USC week, some are now dubbing this unit as yet another average one.

This line has been an improvement over it’s ‘08 lineup. Although they let up five sacks against the Trojans, that number is only one higher than the average. Nothing to worry about here as the line will get back on track as Verducci seems to figured out his unit fast.

Grade: A-

Defense

Notre Dame has a defense?

It isn’t a secret that Charlie Weis is an offensive-minded coach.

However, he is no longer an offensive coordinator, but rather a head coach of a football program in the nation’s spotlight.

While the front four are fairly young, they are a very talented group. Tackles Ethan Johnson and Ian Williams have shown flashes of brilliance, but seem to be overmatched at other times. One play, you will see them stuffing a rush on fourth-and-1, and the next, see the tailback run right through the out-stretched arms of the two.

The pass rush hasn’t been abysmal but leaves many things left to be desired. Just by singling Kapon Lewis-Moore out in tape, you can see he has what it takes to be a good defensive end in this defense. However, he is young and seems to be a year away.

Darius Fleming has been the most effective, and consistent, pass-rusher for the Irish. He has the skills of an athlete and a football player—something that this defense needs more of.

Linebackers Brian and Toryan Smith were expected to impress this year as upperclassmen, yet leave fans scratching their heads at times. Like the tackles, both linebackers have shown great inconsistency when it comes to making plays. Tackling is the issue here.

The freshman Hawaiian has been the most valuable linebacker thus far. Manti Te’o has led the team for two straight weeks in his first two starts. Need I say more?

The secondary had an argument for being the best unit not only on the defense in the beginning of the year, but on the entire team.

Think again.

The Irish defensive backfield has been full of mishaps and missed tackles (even Kyle McCarthy has missed a few). The unit ranks 110th in the nation in pass defense. Last week against USC, the Irish were playing 11 on 10 with Harrison Smith on the field at the safety position.

The cornerbacks haven’t been dreadful but have certaintly not been above the Mendoza line. Getting beaten and not turning to the ball has been a common occurrence for the likes of Darrin Walls and Robert Blanton.

If you can even call this a defense, it is below average—at best.

Grade: D+

Special Teams

A freshman field-goal kicker, long-snapper, and punter make up the kicking game for the Irish.

Ask yourselves when was the last time that has occurred.

Not only are they freshmen, but they have been fantastic. Nick Tausch has been beyond dependable from the place-kicking position and has connected on all of his attempts after missing his first career kick.

P Ben Turk recently claimed the starting position over Eric Maust after the senior had shown symptoms of an inconsistent leg. So far, so good.

Jordan Cowart, the long-snapping professional, was given a scholarship by Weis for simply hiking the football to the holder. You haven’t heard his name (besides a bogus interference call last week), and expect it to remain that way.

In the return game, you will find yet another freshman in Theo Riddick. Riddick serves as a threat every time the ball is put into his hands to take it all the way for six-something that hasn’t been accomplished quite yet due to being brought down by opposing kickers. If that isn’t motivation for the new guy, I don’t know what is.

The coverage teams have been what we expected—very good. Mike Anello has been somewhat quiet but is still making an impact. Freshman Zeke Motta (the possible replacement for Smith at safety this weekend) has been a special teams phenom.

Overall: B+

Coaching

Charlie Weis has been on the hot seat for what seems to be going on three years now.

Jack Swarbrick had his opportunity to fire Weis last year and passed. Now, he must live with his decision unless the team finishes with a record worse than 9-3.

Taking over the play-calling from departed OC Mike Haywood (Miami-Ohio), Weis has done an excellent job with his offense. By installing wildcat packages and showing a more balanced attack, there isn’t much to complain about on this front.

However, his team still has a record of 4-2.

As the head coach at Notre Dame, anything less than a BCS bowl is considered unacceptable and that is the reason for the question mark next to Weis’ name.

If he can run the table or lead the Irish to a Gator Bowl win, the Notre Dame family will be “enduring” yet another year of Weis in 2010.

In need of change, Weis brought in a handful of highly-regarded staff members this offseason.

Frank Verducci has been a great addition as the Offensive Line coach/Running Game coordinator and is a fan favorite thanks to his attitude and technical approach to the game.

You can already see the Jersey-bred screamer has had an impact on his players.

Coaching the running backs, Tony Alford has been another successful hire for Weis. Alford has a great relationship with his players and seems to be on the same page as Verducci in terms of the ground game plans.

Coming from the Washington program, Randy Hart took over the defensive line and brought plenty of enthusiasm along with him.

Although the line hasn’t made much of an impact, there is plenty of talent for Hart to work with and expect big things out of his players in the near future.

Overall: B-

Midseason Awards

Offensive MVP: Jimmy Clausen

Defensive MVP: Kyle McCarthy

Special Teams MVP: Nick Tausch

Best Running back: Armando Allen

Best Receiver: Golden Tate

Best Offensive Linemen: Eric Olsen

Best Defensive Linemen: Ethan Johnson

Best Linebacker: Manti Te’o

Best Cornerback: Gary Gray

Comeback Player: Robert Hughes

Biggest Surprise: Robby Parris

Best Coach: Frank Verducci

Overall

Losing to Michigan and their freshman savior hurt the Irish more than most people think.

If they had won, the Irish would be sitting somewhere in the 15-20 range in the polls and would likely need to finish the season 5-1 in order to make a BCS game.

However, the Irish now find themselves needing to run the table to even sniff 10 wins. Lose one more, and the Irish find themselves in the Gator Bowl, probably against a team like Virginia Tech or Georgia Tech.

The offense has been great. The defense has been terrible.

Average those two together, along with the special teams and coaching, and the Irish find themselves sitting at the slightly above average level.

The defense can only get better from here on out and if the offense continues to be elite, the Irish can be a very good team.

Look for them to finish 9-3 with a Gator Bowl win thanks to the return of Michael Floyd.

Overall Grade: B

Tim Brown to be Honored at Halftime This Saturday vs Michigan State

Admin — Mon, 14 Sep 2009 19:18:24 +0000

From the Monogram Club:

Former University of Notre Dame football standout Tim Brown, named last spring to the National Football Foundation’s College Football Hall of Fame, will be honored for that achievement Saturday at halftime of the Notre Dame-Michigan State football game in Notre Dame Stadium.

The 1987 Heisman Trophy winner and a two-time All-American, Brown was one of 16 former college players and two coaches named in April to the 2009 College Football Hall of Fame Class, as announced in New York by Archie Manning, chairman of the National Football Foundation.

Jimmy Clausen one of four nominees for AT&T Player of the Week, Michael Floyd named National Performer of the Week

Admin — Tue, 08 Sep 2009 05:36:06 +0000

From UND.com

On the heels of Notre Dame’s most lopsided victory under head coach Charlie Weis, junior quarterback Jimmy Clausen and sophomore wide receiver Michael Floyd have received national accolades for each of their performances. The duo helped lead the Irish to a 35-0 victory over Nevada.

Clausen is one of four nominees for the AT&T All-America Player of the Week award following his 15 of 18 for 315 yards and four-touchdown performance against the Wolf Pack. Fans determine the recipient of the weekly award by Jimmy . There is no limit on fan voting and the winner will be announced during Thursday’s ESPN college football game.

Floyd caught four passes for career highs of 189 receiving yards and three touchdowns. His receiving total was best among Football Bowl Subdivision players in week one. Floyd was named National Performer of the Week by College Football Performance Awards.

The Irish return to the field this Saturday when they travel to Ann Arbor, Mich. to face the University of Michigan.

2009 Preseason Lou Groza Award Watch List

Admin — Tue, 18 Aug 2009 20:39:19 +0000

Lou Groza

2009 Preseason Lou Groza Award Watch List

Josh Arauco, Sr., Arkansas State

James Aho, So. New Mexico

Matt Bosher, Jr. Miami (Fla.)

Kyle Brotzman, Jr., Boise State

Josh Czajkowski, Jr., NC State

Ross Evans, So. , TCU

Clark Fangmeier, Sr., Rice

Kai Forbath, Jr., UCLA

Sam Glusman, Sr., Troy

Kevin Goessling, So., Fresno State

Ben Hartman, Sr., East Carolina

Alex Henery, Jr., Nebraska

Hunter Lawrence, Sr., Texas

Daniel Lincoln, Jr., Tennessee

Nick Maggio, Jr., Duke

Aaron Pettrey, Sr., Ohio State

Jonathan Phillips, Sr., Florida

Jake Rogers, Jr., Cincinnati

Mike Salerno, Sr., Northern Illinois

Joshua Shene, Sr., Ole Miss

Alex Steigerwald, Sr., Toledo

Jimmy Stevens, So., Oklahoma

Brett Swenson, Sr., Michigan State

Dave Teggart, So., Connecticut

Leigh Tiffin, Sr., Alabama

Brandon Walker, Jr., Notre Dame

Blair Walsh, So., Georgia

Thomas Weber, Jr. Arizona State

Philip Welch, Jr., Wisconsin

Carson Wiggs, So., Purdue

Dan Wenger Named To 2009 Rimington Trophy Spring Watch List

Admin — Mon, 17 Aug 2009 21:03:23 +0000

Dan Wenger

May 20, 2009

NEW YORK CITY – University of Notre Dame senior center Dan Wenger (Coral Springs, Fla./St. Thomas Aquinas High School) was named to the 2009 Rimington Trophy Spring Watch List, the Rimington Trophy committee announced Wednesday.

Wenger was one of 44 players selected to the watch list for the trophy awarded to the nation’s top center.

An intelligent and gritty center that has started the last 15 games at center, Wenger is one of four returning starters on Notre Dame’s offensive line. He has started 18 of the 21 games he has appeared in his career and anchored the offensive line unit in 2008 that cut the number of sacks allowed from 58 to 22.

The Rimington Trophy is awarded to the center with the most first team All-America votes. The winner will be honored at a banquet at the Rococo Theater in Lincoln, Neb., on Jan. 16, 2010. The 10-year old trophy is presented by the Boomer Esiason Foundation and since its inception has helped raise over $1.3 million for the award’s benefactor.

Source: und.com

Brandon Walker Named To Groza Award Watch List

Admin — Sun, 16 Aug 2009 12:33:22 +0000

Notre Dame Brandon Walker

Aug. 12, 2009

WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. – University of Notre Dame junior kicker Brandon Walker was one of 30 players selected to the 2009 Lou Groza Award watch list, presented each year to college football’s best place kicker.

Notre Dame’s first left-footed kicker since Harry Oliver in 1981, Walker has improved throughout his collegiate career and enters 2009 having converted 13 of his last 17 field goal attempts. Walker has made 20 of 36 field goals in his career and 61 of 62 point-after touchdowns. He enters 2009 having made 58 straight PATs, the fifth-best total in Notre Dame history. Walker currently ranks second in career PAT percentage at Notre Dame.

In 2008, Walker overcame a sluggish start to the season and made 13 of 17 kicks to end the year and 14 of 24 attempts for the entire season. He converted all 39 PATs en route to leading the Irish with 81 points. Walker made a career-best four field goals vs. Pittsburgh and seven PATs vs. Hawaii in 2008.

More than 300 media representatives, coaches, past recipients, conference and university officials make up the voting panel which selects the recipient of the Lou Groza Collegiate Place Kicking Award. The Award will be presented on Dec. 10, 2009, as part of the ESPN Home Depot College Football Awards program. The three finalists will be honored at the 18th annual Lou Groza Award Banquet to be held at the Kravis Center in West Palm Beach, Fla. on Tuesday, Dec. 8.

Source: UND.com

Golden Tate Named To Biletnikoff Award Watch List

Admin — Sat, 15 Aug 2009 22:26:22 +0000

Golden Tate

Aug. 11, 2009

NOTRE DAME, Ind. – University of Notre Dame junior wide receiver Golden Tate is one of 37 players on the “Watch List” for the 2009 Biletnikoff Award, which recognizes the top wideout in college football, the Tallahassee Quarterback Club Foundation announced recently.

Tate (Hendersonville, Tenn./Hendersonville) blossomed into Notre Dame’s top playmaker in 2008. One of the most electrifying wide receivers in recent Irish memory, Tate has caught 64 passes for 1,211 yards (18.9 average) and 11 touchdowns, tops on Notre Dame over the past two seasons. He already ranks 10th all-time in career touchdown receptions. Tate has also eclipsed 100 receiving yards in six games during his career, tied for fifth-most in school history. He has registered 22 receptions of at least 20 yards and 17 catches have gained at least 30 yards over the last two years. Tate, who has averaged 20.7 yards on 41 kickoff returns, ranks eighth in career kickoff returns and ninth in career kickoff return yardage. He has also tallied 2,215 career all-purpose yards.

In 2008, Tate played in all 13 games for the Irish and started eight contests. He led the Irish in all-purpose yards (1,754), receptions (58), receiving yards (1,080), receiving touchdowns (10) and total touchdowns (11). Tate’s 1,754 all-purpose yards ranked third in Notre Dame single-season history, his 58 catches tied him for seventh most and his 1,080 receiving yards were the fifth most. Tate posted five games with at least 100 receiving yards – tied for third most in a season. He registered 18 catches of at least 20 yards and 15 receptions of at least 30 yards. Tate’s 10 touchdown catches were the sixth most in a single season.

Tate capped off his sophomore campaign in style with a stellar effort in the 49-21 rout of Hawai’i in the 2008 Sheraton Hawai’i Bowl. The wide receiver totaled 203 all-purpose yards (177 receiving, 17 kick return and nine punt return) and three touchdowns. Tate’s 177 receiving yards and three touchdowns were not only career-bests, but also set school bowl game records. One of Tate’s touchdowns went for a career-best 69 yards, which was the longest play from scrimmage in 2008.

The winner of the 17th Biletnikoff Award will be announced as part of ESPN’s College Football Awards Show on December 10th. The award will be officially presented to the winner at the annual Biletnikoff Award dinner, hosted by the Tallahassee Quarterback Club, on February 12, 2009.

Source: und.com

Kyle Rudolph Named To Mackey Award Watch List

Admin — Sat, 15 Aug 2009 06:43:43 +0000

Notre Dame TE Kyle Rudolph

July 29, 2009

MANHASSET, N.Y. – University of Notre Dame sophomore tight end Kyle Rudolph (Cincinnati, Ohio/Elder) has been named to the 2009 John Mackey Award watch list released today by the Nassau County Sports Commission. Given annually to the best collegiate tight end, Rudolph is one of 30 players – and the only sophomore – placed on the watch list.

Rudolph burst onto the scene in 2008 becoming the first Notre Dame tight end in school history to start every game in his freshman season. He set school records for a freshman by tallying 29 receptions for 340 yards and also scored two touchdowns.

The 6-6, 260-pounder recorded a career-high five receptions versus Purdue for 70 yards and a TD. His season-long reception of 29 yards came in the Sheraton Hawaii Bowl against Hawaii and helped Rudolph establish a season-best 78 receiving yards on four catches.

Rudolph enters 2009 atop the Notre Dame depth chart at tight end and is one of 10 returning starters on the Irish offense.

The Mackey Award is named after NFL Hall of Fame member John Mackey and has been presented since 2000. The award recipient is selected by vote of the John Mackey Award Selection Committee and the 2009 award winner will be announced on Dec. 10, 2009.

Sam Young Named To Outland Trophy Watch List

Admin — Sat, 15 Aug 2009 05:21:45 +0000

Notre Dame OT Sam Young

Aug. 11, 2009

DALLAS – University of Notre Dame senior offensive tackle Sam Young is one of 40 players on the “Watch List” for the 2009 Outland Trophy, which recognizes the nation’s top interior lineman, the Football Writers Association of America announced Tuesday.

Young (Coral Springs, Fla./St. Thomas Aquinas) is Notre Dame’s top returning offensive lineman and enters his final season with the possibility of setting the school record for most starts in a career. He has started all 38 games of his career and is the only Notre Dame offensive lineman to have ever started every game since his freshman year. Young became the first Irish offensive lineman to make his debut as a freshman in the season opener since freshmen regained eligibility in 1972. He has started 28 games at right tackle and 10 more games at left tackle.

In early October, the FWAA will consider other players for the 2009 Outland Trophy Watch List when most teams have completed four games of play. Sports Information Directors will be asked to contact their conference’s representative on the 2009 All-America Committee and copy the FWAA office with the nominated player.

The Outland Trophy, presented annually since 1946, is the third oldest award in major college football. The winner of the Outland Trophy, named after the late John Outland, an All-America lineman at Penn and Kansas at the turn of the century, will be announced on the Home Depot ESPNU College Football Awards Show on Dec. 10 in Lake Buena Vista, Fla.

The Outland Trophy presentation banquet, sponsored by the Greater Omaha Sports Committee, will be held on Jan. 14 in Omaha, Neb.

2009 Biletnikoff Award Watch List

Admin — Fri, 14 Aug 2009 20:32:31 +0000

Biletnikoff Trophy

2009 Biletnikoff Award Watch List

Kris Adams, UTEP

Seyi Ajirotutu, Fresno State

Brandon Banks, Kansas State

Doug Beaumont, Louisville

Arrelious Benn, Illinois

Dezmon Briscoe, Kansas

Antonio Brown, Central Michigan

DeAndre Brown, Southern Miss

Ryan Broyles, Oklahoma

Dez Bryant, Oklahoma State

Tyron Carrier, Houston

Eric Decker, Minnesota

Jacoby Ford, Clemson

Cortez Gent, Florida Atlantic

Mardy Gilyard, Cincinnati

AJ Green, Georgia

Rashaun Greer, Colorado State

D’Andre Goodwin, Washington

T.Y. Hilton, Florida International

Shay Hodge, Ole Miss

Jerrel Jernigan, Troy

Damaris Johnson, Tulsa

Julio Jones, Alabama

Brandon LaFell, LSU

Detron Lewis, Texas Tech

Kerry Meier, Kansas

Dennis Pitta, BYU

Taylor Price, Ohio

Aldrick Robinson, SMU

Naaman Roosevelt, Buffalo

Greg Salas, Hawaii

Jordan Shipley, Texas

Jacory Stone, Eastern Michigan

Golden Tate, Notre Dame

Damian Williams, USC

Stephen Williams, Toledo

Ryan Wolfe, UNLV

Fighting Irish Gameday » Awards

Notre Dame Midseason Report Card

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