Saturday night was a night that Notre Dame football answered a lot of questions throughout the country. Before they even got to Oklahoma, a good majority of television, radio, sportswriters, bloggers and any other sort of media outlet that wasn't associated with the University of Notre Dame, were writing off the Irish and already tagging them with their first loss.
The Fighting Irish went into their highly touted matchup with the Sooners as confident as they have been thus far in the 2012 season. It's a good thing they played as confident as they did or the host Sooners could have eaten them alive on primetime television with much of the country watching.
Notre Dame moved up in the latest BCS (Bowl Championship Series) Standings to #3 after sitting at the #5 spot in those computer polls. They leap-frogged over the high-powered offense of the now-#4 Oregon Ducks. The Collin Klein-led Kansas State Wildcats jumped up into the #2 BCS ranking with now-#7 Florida losing to Georgia, who moved up to #6 in the BCS this week.
As much as critics of Notre Dame are convinced that the Irish shouldn't be as high in the BCS as they are, they're more than likely changing their tune after last nights stellar performance on the road at then-#8 Oklahoma. It makes good sense that there are some out there that are especially critical of Brian Kelly's offense and how it performs week-by-week.
My concern this week was whether Irish quarterback Everett Golson would finally play a complete game. He was forced to sit out one play, because he was hit pretty hard by a Sooner defender as he scrambled for yardage. Golson was relieved by former starter and current backup Tommy Rees, who completed a pass on his one play of action for 11 yards and a first down to TE Tyler Eifert.
When word got out Saturday morning that sophomore running back/kick returner George Atkinson III would not be making the trip to Norman because he was ill from flu-like symptoms, depth at running back and the return game was a little in question. Both situations fixed, because of depth. Tailbacks Theo Riddick (74 yards, TD) and Cierre Wood (74 yards, TD), along with QB Golson (64 yards, TD), managed just fine without the services of GAIII, but wouldn't have minded having him there.
Cam McDaniel did a pretty nice job in the kick return game with four returns for a total of 77 yards (19.3 avg.). Atkinson III will be back next Saturday, as Notre Dame will host Pittsburgh at Notre Dame Stadium.
Defense is something that head coach Brian Kelly, along with defensive coodinator Bob Diaco haven't really had too much to worry about this season. Going into Saturday night's game at Oklahoma, the Irish D was allowing just 9.4 points per game. With Manti Te'o leading the defense, all is well. With Kapron Lewis-Moore, Louis Nix and Stephon Tuitt holding up the D-line duties, they make things a little easier for linebackers Te'o, Dan Fox, Carlo Calabrese, Danny Spond and Prince Shembo. The defensive backfield was the biggest concern when the season started, but that tension has eased with each game. Led by Right CB Bennett Jackson and Safety Zeke Motta, they're taking youngsters Elijah Shumate, Matthias Farley and KeiVarae Russell under their upperclass wings and they've turned out better than they ever imagined.
I'm not assuming that Notre Dame will easily waltz through the final four regular season games without any challenge. Pittsburgh is no slouch by any means. Tailback Ray Graham is having a great season through 8 games for the Panthers. He has 622 rushing yards on 134 carries (4.6 avg.) with 7 TDs and has chipped in with 22 receptions for 244 yards and 2 TDs. Pitt also has a couple good receivers, one in particular that they've had trouble with the past couple seasons. Mike Shanahan has been a thorn in the side of the Irish's D during his time at Pittsburgh. This season, he's caught 37 passes for 637 yards and 3 TDs. Devin Street leads the team with 50 grabs for 695 yards and 4 TDs.
The Irish head to Boston College on November 10, host Wake Forest on November 17 and finish up the regular season with a trip to Los Angeles to face the USC Trojans on Thanksgiving weekend.
It'll be interesting how Notre Dame responds at home this Saturday vs. Pittsburgh. I think it will definitely be good to come home following a big road victory at Oklahoma.
GO IRISH!
Sunday, October 28, 2012
Saturday, October 27, 2012
Sectional titles, World Series, NFL, College football quick hits...
There are times of the year that we really don't mind if they're flying by as fast as they are and that time is now. We're approaching Sectional Championship week here in the state of Indiana (see below). Baseball is winding down with the World Series drawing major attention. Week 8 of the NFL season has begun with Tampa Bay winning at Minnesota, 36-17. College football has captured all of us with #3 K-State hosting #14 Texas Tech and #5 Notre Dame hitting the road for a tough game at #8 Oklahoma.
The World Series is taking our televisions by storm as the San Francisco Giants have taken a commanding 2-0 series lead on the Detroit Tigers as they head to Comerica Park in Detroit for games 3, 4 and 5 (if necessary). Pablo Sandoval and Marco Scutaro have carried the weight for the Giants at the plate, but they've been real comfortable with their clutch pitching from Barry Zito (Game 1) and Madison Bumgarner (Game 2) to give them two home wins and a two game lead in the best-of-seven World Series.
The NFL is in Week 8. The NY Giants have a 2 game lead in the NFC East at 5-2. The Chicago Bears (5-1) are surprising some people with only one loss, despite QB Jay Cutler's somewhat subpar play under center. The Atlanta Falcons remain as the only undefeated (6-0) team left in the National Football League. Matt Ryan and crew will be tested Sunday on the road when they go to Philadelphia for a key NFC matchup. The 49ers (5-2) hold just a one game lead on both Arizona (4-3) and Seattle (4-3), so the NFC West might be a tighter fight than originally thought to be. New England isn't sitting as pretty as they normally are in the AFC East. The Pats are just 4-3 and have a 1/2 game lead on Miami, only one game in the loss column and are being tested by opponents on a weekly basis. The Houston Texans (6-1) sit comfortable with a 2.5 game lead over the Indianapolis Colts (3-3) in the AFC South. Baltimore (5-2) is up two games in the AFC North on the Pittsburgh Steelers (3-3), which has shocked some, but the Steelers aren't as young as they used to be. The AFC West has the Denver Broncos (3-3) and the San Diego Chargers (3-3) tied for the division lead, but I've got a feeling that Peyton Manning will eventually lead Denver to the division title.
College football is really hitting its stride with numerous Top 25 matchups on today's slate. The #2 Florida Gators (7-0) meet up with the #10 Georgia Bulldogs in Jacksonville at the "world's largest outdoor cocktail party" at 3:30. #14 Texas Tech (6-1) heads to the "Little Apple" to face #3 Kansas State (7-0) in a Big XII tilt. #5 Notre Dame (7-0) faces a huge road test tonight at 8pm when they battle with #8 Oklahoma (5-1) in Norman. The other big game on college football's agenda tonight is when the #11 Mississippi State Bulldogs (7-0) clash in Tuscaloosa is the #1 Alabama Crimson Tide (7-0).
It's not surprising to some as to which high school football teams are still alive in the 40th Annual Indiana High School State Tournament Playoffs. After last night's sectional semifinals, we do know that we'll have two brand new teams for the Class 5A state championship this Thanksgiving weekend. Defending state champion Carmel lost last week in the first round of 5A Sectional 5 to Warren Central in three overtimes, 31-24. Last night in the sectional semifinals, defending 5A state runner-up Penn was upset by Carroll (Allen) at home, 14-13.
Heading into the sectionals, defending 4A runner-up South Bend Washington (3-8) had just one victory, but has now won two in a row and will host the Mishawaka Cavemen (8-3) at School Field in South Bend. Mount Vernon (Fortville) (10-1) is making its presence known amongst the 4A stalwalts out there. Winning 4A Sectional 13 would get the Marauders a Regional game vs. either Indianapolis Roncalli or Indianapolis Cathedral. Don't forget about #1 Columbus East and #2 Jasper coming out of Sectionals 15 and 16, respectively.
There are classic matchups across the board in Class 3A in this week's Sectional Championships. It's always been a toss-up with Mishawaka Marian (8-3) visiting South Bend St. Joe's. The Indians also hosted and beat the Knights in Week 6, 35-21. #1 Jimtown (11-0) faces a tough opponent on the road in #8 Heritage (9-2). The Jimmies have pretty much been unstoppable thus far in 2012, so what can stop them now? One of the more intriguing games for a 3A Sectional crown is Sectional 20, when (9-1) #5 Western Boone heads up to #4 Hamilton Heights (10-1). WeBo had a little trouble at Southmont on Friday, but escaped with a 12-8 victory, while the Huskies are on a roll with a 38-0 blanking of Twin Lakes. This may also be the week that we find out how "real" #3 Charlestown (11-0) is when they travel to Brownstown Central (10-1).
2A #5 Fort Wayne Bishop Luers continues its quest for a 4th consecutive 2A State Championship. If they complete this feat, they will be moving up to 3A next season. Trying not to jump-the-gun, they host a real grind-it-out team in #9 Churubusco (10-1). This will be #6 Heritage Christian's (9-2) second trip to Shenandoah (8-3). They had no trouble dominating the Raiders 51-20 in Week 5, but this is the playoffs and it's anybody's ball game. The other 2A game that grabs my attention is #10 Lawrenceburg (10-1) at #12 Paoli (9-2). Both teams are playing great football right now, but Lawrenceburg is too hot to not advance out of Sectional 31.
#8 West Central (10-1) surprised me by knocking previously unbeaten Whiting (10-1) out of the playoffs and will play at home against Winamac (8-3) in Sectional 33. #2 Lafayette Central Catholic (10-1) is in the same boat as Fort Wayne Bishop Luers, trying to win a 4th straight state title in its respective class. LCC has to advance past #4 Pioneer (10-1) to continue on that path, but playing at home will help the Knights.
I hope that #5 Notre Dame can pull off the huge upset of #8 Oklahoma tonight in Norman, Oklahoma! I also would like to see the San Francisco Giants steal Game 3 of the World Series tonight, but it'll be tough now that Detroit is at home for possibly three games.
Check out my blog often!
Thursday, October 25, 2012
World Series, Game 1: Sandoval, Zito, Giants keep hot momentum
Prior to the start of Game 1 of the World Series, it was almost assumed that Justin Verlander starting for the Detroit Tigers would bring a victory for the boys from the Motor City. The reigning AL MVP and Cy Young awards winning pitcher was taken completely off his game when the Giants came to bat.
For the first five outs, it felt like it was going to be a pitchers dual between Verlander and Giants hurler Barry Zito. With two outs, Pablo Sandoval sent a JV fastball 421 feet over the right-center wall for a home run, igniting the home crowd at AT&T Park in San Francisco.
NLCS MVP Marco Scutaro continued his hot hitting with a single to center, driving in Angel Pagan. Sandoval was primed for his second trip to the plate. This time, Pablo drove a two-run shot to left (379 feet) for a three-run Giant 3rd and a 4-0 lead.
The defense was pretty stellar as well. Gregor Blanco had two tremendous diving catches out in left. Barry Zito was more focused on the mound than anyone gave the 2002 AL Cy Young award winner credit for. Zito was the starter in San Francisco's Game 5 victory at St. Louis in the NLCS that advanced the series onto Games 6 and 7, propelling the Giants into the World Series.
Zito helped his own cause with his bat. With Brandon Belt aboard, BZ dropped a single into left field, scoring Belt for a 5-0 lead.
Al Alburquerque replaced Justin Verlander in the bottom of the 5th. Verlander had one of his worst outings in quite a while. He threw 98 pitches in four innings, gave up six hits, five runs (all earned), 4 strikeouts, one walk and two mammouth home runs given up to the Kung Fu Panda, Pablo Sandoval.
Pablo made history during his third at-bat. He took a one-out Alburquerque pitch to deep center (435 feet) for his third home run of the night. He joined some pretty good company in doing so. Babe Ruth (1926 and 1928), Reggie Jackson (1977) and Albert Pujols in 2011 are the three previous to perform this feat in a World Series game, Pujols joined Ruth and Jackson during last year's Fall Classic vs. the Texas Rangers.
Sandoval is the first of the four to hit his three home runs in his first three plate appearances. Jackson walked, followed by three straight home runs in 1977. In 1926, Babe Ruth hit a home run, home run, walked and homered in his final at-bat (courtesy of Elias Sports Bureau).
Detroit finally got itself on the scoreboard in the 6th. Triple crown winner Miguel Cabrera singled and was driven home on an Austin Jackson single, bringing the Tigers' deficit to 6-1.
The Giants added on their finishing touches to Game 1 in the 7th. Pagan singled and Scutaro drove him in. Catcher Buster Posey singled and drove Scutaro home for an 8-1 cushion.
The Tigers gave it one last effort in the top of the 9th with a Jhonny Peralta two-run home run, but Detroit fell hard in Game 1, 8-3.
Game 2 is tonight at 8pm with Doug Fister (Detroit) facing Madison Bumgarner (San Francisco) at AT&T Park.
Thursday, October 18, 2012
IHSAA Football: First Round preview and picks
We've had a lot of surprises during the 2012 Indiana high school football season. Some teams have lived up to expectations, while other teams' seasons haven't been what they thought they would in August. 315 teams throughout classes 5A to 1A have worked extremely hard to get to where they are. With the first round of the 40th Annual IHSAA State Football Tournament starting tomorrow night, all regular seasons can honestly be thrown out the window and everyone starts with a clean slate!
Below I'm making my picks for the first round of Sectionals 1 through 40. After each class, I'm going to go ahead and make my State Finals predictions.
CLASS 5A
SECTIONAL 1:
Crown Point (6-3) over Valpo (3-6)
#13 Lake Central (7-2) over Portage (3-6)
Merrillville (7-2) over Munster (2-7)
#10 Chesterton (8-1) over Michigan City (2-7)
SECTIONAL 2:
Elkhart Central (5-4) over Elkhart Memorial (1-8)
South Bend Adams (5-4) over Goshen (2-7)
Carroll (Allen) (7-2) over LaPorte (1-8)
#7 Penn (8-1) over Warsaw (6-3)
SECTIONAL 3:
#15 Fort Wayne North (7-2) over Fort Wayne Northrop (4-5)
Huntington North (5-4) over Fort Wayne South (3-6)
Kokomo (6-3) over Fort Wayne Wayne (1-8)
#2 Fort Wayne Snider (9-0) over #8 Homestead (9-0)
SECTIONAL 4:
McCutcheon (1-8) over Harrison (West Lafayette) (0-9)
Noblesville (4-5) over Westfield (3-6)
Fishers (3-6) over Anderson (4-5)
#14 Hamilton Southeastern (7-2) over Lafayette Jeff (3-6)
SECTIONAL 5:
#1 Lawrence Central (9-0) over Southport (5-4)
#4 Carmel (8-1) over #11 Warren Central (4-5)
Indianapolis Tech (5-3) over Perry Meridian (5-4)
North Central (Indianapolis) (2-7) over Lawrence North (0-9)
SECTIONAL 6:
#3 Ben Davis (8-1) over Pike (6-3)
#6 Brownsburg (9-0) over #12 Zionsville (7-2)
Avon (5-4) over Decatur Central (4-5)
Terre Haute North (5-4) over Terre Haute South (3-6)
SECTIONAL 7:
Franklin Central (4-5) over Bloomington South (1-8)
Whiteland (6-3) over Columbus North (4-5)
#5 Center Grove (8-1) over Martinsville (7-2)
Franklin (3-6) over Bloomington North (2-7)
SECTIONAL 8:
Jeffersonville (6-3) over New Albany (5-4)
#9 Castle (9-0) over Floyd Central (2-7)
Bedford North Lawrence (4-5) over Jennings County (1-8)
5A STATE FINALS: #4 CARMEL OVER #2 FORT WAYNE SNIDER
CLASS 4A
SECTIONAL 9:
Hammon Morton (4-5) over Hammond Clark (1-8)
#13 East Chicago Central (8-1) over Hammond (6-2)
Griffith (3-6) over Highland (1-8)
Gary West (5-4) over Gary Roosevelt (3-6)
SECTIONAL 10:
#10 Kankakee Valley (8-1) over #16 Hobart (7-2)
Lowell (5-4) over Mishawaka (6-3)
#7 New Prairie (8-1) over South Bend Clay (5-4)
South Bend Washington (1-8) over South Bend Riley (1-8)
SECTIONAL 11:
#11 Plymouth (7-2) over Northwood (4-5)
Wawasee (5-4) over DeKalb (2-7)
Angola (3-6) over Northridge (1-8)
#15 Concord (7-2) over #9 East Noble (7-2)
SECTIONAL 12:
Fort Wayne Dwenger (3-6) over Jay County (3-6)
#12 Leo (7-1) over Columbia City (4-5)
Logansport (1-8) over Norwell (0-9)
New Haven (7-2) over Marion (4-5)
SECTIONAL 13:
Muncie Central (3-6) over Greenfield-Central (3-6)
Delta (6-3) over Frankfort (3-6)
#14 Pendleton Heights (7-2) over Muncie South (6-2)
#5 Mount Vernon (Fortville) (8-1) over New Palestine (3-6)
SECTIONAL 14:
#4 Indianapolis Roncalli (7-2) over Plainfield (5-4)
#8 Greenwood (8-1) over Owen Valley (5-4)
#3 Indianapolis Cathedral (4-5) over Northview (3-6)
Lebanon (5-4) over Mooresville (1-8)
SECTIONAL 15:
Richmond (7-2) over Shelbyville (4-5)
Franklin County (4-5) over New Castle (1-8)
#1 Columbus East (9-0) over #6 East Central (7-2)
Connersville (6-3) over South Dearborn (0-9)
SECTIONAL 16:
Evansville Reitz (6-3) over Madison (2-7)
Seymour (4-5) over Evansville Harrison (1-8)
#2 Jasper (9-0) over Boonville (3-6)
4A STATE FINALS: #15 CONCORD OVER #5 MOUNT VERNON (FORTVILLE)
I'll admit it. I went with my alma mater (Concord) and one of the hotter 4A teams in the state, because the Class 4A field is pretty wide open.
CLASS 3A
SECTIONAL 17:
South Bend St. Joe's (5-4) over Knox (2-7)
Hammond Gavit (3-6) over Calumet (0-9)
#11 Culver Academy (7-2) over John Glenn (4-5)
#12 Mishawaka Marian (6-3) over Gary Wallace (2-5)
SECTIONAL 18:
Garrett (7-2) over Whitko (3-6)
#1 Jimtown (9-0) over Fort Wayne Concordia (2-7)
Tippecanoe Valley (7-2) over West Noble (1-8)
#8 Heritage (7-2) over #10 Lakeland (8-1)
SECTIONAL 19:
Eastbrook (6-3) over Peru (3-6)
Bellmont (4-5) over Yorktown (4-5)
Mississinewa (6-3) over Blackford (0-9)
Western (4-5) over Maconaquak (3-6)
SECTIONAL 20:
Southmont (3-6) over Crawfordsville (1-8)
#4 Hamilton Heights (8-1) over West Lafayette (6-3)
North Montgomery (6-3) over Twin Lakes (3-6)
SECTIONAL 21:
#13 Tri-West (7-2) over Indianapolis Arlington (0-7)
#6 Greencastle (9-0) over West Vigo (6-3)
#2 Indianapolis Chatard (7-2) over #14 Danville (7-2)
#7 Brebeuf Jesuit (7-2) over Indianapolis Northwest (1-8)
SECTIONAL 22:
Batesville (4-5) over Edgewood (2-7)
#16 Greensburg (7-2) over Brown County (2-7)
Beech Grove (4-5) over Indianapolis Howe (2-4)
Indian Creek (7-2) over Rushville (1-8)
SECTIONAL 23:
Salem (3-6) over North Harrison (2-7)
#15 Brownstown Central (8-1) over Heritage Hills (5-4)
#17 Corydon Central (7-2) over Silver Creek (3-6)
#3 Charlestown (9-0) over Mitchell (2-7)
SECTIONAL 24:
Vincennes Lincoln (7-2) over Evansville Bosse (0-9)
Gibson Southern (7-2) over Mount Vernon (Posey) (2-7)
Washington (3-6) over Pike Central (2-7)
Princeton (4-5) over Evansville Memorial (2-7)
3A STATE FINALS: #1 JIMTOWN OVER #2 INDIANAPOLIS CHATARD
CLASS 2A
SECTIONAL 25:
Bowman Academy (5-4) over River Forest (3-6)
Rensselaer Central (4-5) over North Newton (4-5)
Boone Grove (6-3) over Lake Station (2-7)
#4 Andrean (7-2) over Wheeler (6-3)
SECTIONAL 26:
#8 Lewis Cass (8-1) over Bremen (6-3)
Fairfield (6-3) over Prairie Heights (3-6)
Rochester (6-3) over Wabash (0-9)
Manchester (4-5) over North Judson (3-6)
SECTIONAL 27:
Elwood (7-2) over Madison-Grant (4-5)
#9 Churubusco (8-1) over Oak Hill (8-1)
#5 Fort Wayne Luers (6-3) over Woodlan (3-6)
Eastside (5-4) over Bluffton (5-4)
SECTIONAL 28:
#7 Tipton (8-1) over Seeger (4-5)
#13 Northwestern (7-2) over Taylor (0-9)
#11 Fountain Central (8-1) over Benton Central (3-6)
Delphi (3-6) over Eastern (Greentown) (1-8)
SECTIONAL 29:
Guerin Catholic (2-7) over Centerville (2-7)
#6 Heritage Christian (7-2) over Alexandria (3-6)
Winchester (5-4) over Frankton (5-4)
Shenandoah (6-3) over Union County (1-8)
SECTIONAL 30:
Speedway (6-3) over North Putnam (3-6)
#1 Indianapolis Ritter (9-0) over South Vermillion (2-7)
Cascade (3-6) over Park Tudor (1-8)
South Putnam (7-2) over Indianapolis Broad Ripple (6-3)
SECTIONAL 31:
Clarksville (5-4) over Eastern (Pekin) (1-8)
#10 Lawrenceburg (8-1) over Crawford County (0-8)
Triton Central (6-3) over Monrovia (4-5)
#12 Paoli (7-2) over Providence (3-6)
SECTIONAL 32:
Sullivan (6-3) over South Spencer (3-6)
#2 Evansville Mater Dei (7-2) over Southridge (6-3)
#2 North Posey (9-0) over Tell City (4-5)
2A STATE FINALS: #1 INDIANAPOLIS RITTER OVER #5 FORT WAYNE LUERS
CLASS 1A
SECTIONAL 33:
Hammond Noll (4-5) over South Newton (3-6)
Winamac (6-3) over Tri-County (1-8)
#8 West Central (8-1) over Culver (3-6)
#3 Whiting (9-0) over #12 South Central (Union Mills) (7-2)
SECTIONAL 34:
Carroll (Flora) (5-4) over Clinton Prairie (2-7)
#4 Pioneer (8-1) over Frontier (0-9)
#2 Lafayette Central Catholic (8-1) over North White (4-5)
#13 Caston (7-2) over Clinton Central (2-7)
SECTIONAL 35:
Fremont (4-5) over Southwood (2-7)
Adams Central (5-4) over Triton (1-8)
Northfield (3-6) over Central Noble (0-9)
North Miami (6-3) over LaVille (1-8)
SECTIONAL 36:
#10 Tri-Central (8-1) over Wes-Del (1-7)
South Adams (2-7) over Lapel (1-8)
#9 Sheridan (5-4) over Southern Wells (2-7)
Union City (6-3) over Monroe Central (1-8)
SECTIONAL 37:
#6 Indianapolis Scecina (6-3) over Cambridge City Lincoln (6-3)
Knightstown (6-3) over Indiana Deaf (1-8)
#7 Hagerstown (9-0) over Eastern Hancock (4-5)
Northeastern (5-4) over Tri (0-9)
SECTIONAL 38:
#5 North Vermillion (9-0) over Covington (2-7)
North Central (Farmersburg) (7-2) over Turkey Run (3-6)
Riverton Parke (0-9) over Cloverdale (0-9)
#14 Attica (6-3) over Rockville (4-5)
SECTIONAL 39:
West Washington (6-3) over Indianapolis Lutheran (4-5)
#11 Milan (6-3) over Edinburgh (4-5)
North Decatur (6-3) over Springs Valley (4-5)
SECTIONAL 40:
North Daviess (3-6) over Union (Dugger) (2-7)
Tecumseh (5-4) over Wood Memorial (1-8)
#1 Linton-Stockton (9-0) over North Knox (4-5)
Perry Central (6-3) over Eastern Green (4-5)
1A STATE FINALS: #2 LAFAYETTE CENTRAL CATHOLIC OVER #1 LINTON-STOCKTON
I can't wait until the games kickoff tomorrow night at 7pm!! It starts six weeks full of great Indiana High School football!
Below I'm making my picks for the first round of Sectionals 1 through 40. After each class, I'm going to go ahead and make my State Finals predictions.
CLASS 5A
SECTIONAL 1:
Crown Point (6-3) over Valpo (3-6)
#13 Lake Central (7-2) over Portage (3-6)
Merrillville (7-2) over Munster (2-7)
#10 Chesterton (8-1) over Michigan City (2-7)
SECTIONAL 2:
Elkhart Central (5-4) over Elkhart Memorial (1-8)
South Bend Adams (5-4) over Goshen (2-7)
Carroll (Allen) (7-2) over LaPorte (1-8)
#7 Penn (8-1) over Warsaw (6-3)
SECTIONAL 3:
#15 Fort Wayne North (7-2) over Fort Wayne Northrop (4-5)
Huntington North (5-4) over Fort Wayne South (3-6)
Kokomo (6-3) over Fort Wayne Wayne (1-8)
#2 Fort Wayne Snider (9-0) over #8 Homestead (9-0)
SECTIONAL 4:
McCutcheon (1-8) over Harrison (West Lafayette) (0-9)
Noblesville (4-5) over Westfield (3-6)
Fishers (3-6) over Anderson (4-5)
#14 Hamilton Southeastern (7-2) over Lafayette Jeff (3-6)
SECTIONAL 5:
#1 Lawrence Central (9-0) over Southport (5-4)
#4 Carmel (8-1) over #11 Warren Central (4-5)
Indianapolis Tech (5-3) over Perry Meridian (5-4)
North Central (Indianapolis) (2-7) over Lawrence North (0-9)
SECTIONAL 6:
#3 Ben Davis (8-1) over Pike (6-3)
#6 Brownsburg (9-0) over #12 Zionsville (7-2)
Avon (5-4) over Decatur Central (4-5)
Terre Haute North (5-4) over Terre Haute South (3-6)
SECTIONAL 7:
Franklin Central (4-5) over Bloomington South (1-8)
Whiteland (6-3) over Columbus North (4-5)
#5 Center Grove (8-1) over Martinsville (7-2)
Franklin (3-6) over Bloomington North (2-7)
SECTIONAL 8:
Jeffersonville (6-3) over New Albany (5-4)
#9 Castle (9-0) over Floyd Central (2-7)
Bedford North Lawrence (4-5) over Jennings County (1-8)
5A STATE FINALS: #4 CARMEL OVER #2 FORT WAYNE SNIDER
CLASS 4A
SECTIONAL 9:
Hammon Morton (4-5) over Hammond Clark (1-8)
#13 East Chicago Central (8-1) over Hammond (6-2)
Griffith (3-6) over Highland (1-8)
Gary West (5-4) over Gary Roosevelt (3-6)
SECTIONAL 10:
#10 Kankakee Valley (8-1) over #16 Hobart (7-2)
Lowell (5-4) over Mishawaka (6-3)
#7 New Prairie (8-1) over South Bend Clay (5-4)
South Bend Washington (1-8) over South Bend Riley (1-8)
SECTIONAL 11:
#11 Plymouth (7-2) over Northwood (4-5)
Wawasee (5-4) over DeKalb (2-7)
Angola (3-6) over Northridge (1-8)
#15 Concord (7-2) over #9 East Noble (7-2)
SECTIONAL 12:
Fort Wayne Dwenger (3-6) over Jay County (3-6)
#12 Leo (7-1) over Columbia City (4-5)
Logansport (1-8) over Norwell (0-9)
New Haven (7-2) over Marion (4-5)
SECTIONAL 13:
Muncie Central (3-6) over Greenfield-Central (3-6)
Delta (6-3) over Frankfort (3-6)
#14 Pendleton Heights (7-2) over Muncie South (6-2)
#5 Mount Vernon (Fortville) (8-1) over New Palestine (3-6)
SECTIONAL 14:
#4 Indianapolis Roncalli (7-2) over Plainfield (5-4)
#8 Greenwood (8-1) over Owen Valley (5-4)
#3 Indianapolis Cathedral (4-5) over Northview (3-6)
Lebanon (5-4) over Mooresville (1-8)
SECTIONAL 15:
Richmond (7-2) over Shelbyville (4-5)
Franklin County (4-5) over New Castle (1-8)
#1 Columbus East (9-0) over #6 East Central (7-2)
Connersville (6-3) over South Dearborn (0-9)
SECTIONAL 16:
Evansville Reitz (6-3) over Madison (2-7)
Seymour (4-5) over Evansville Harrison (1-8)
#2 Jasper (9-0) over Boonville (3-6)
4A STATE FINALS: #15 CONCORD OVER #5 MOUNT VERNON (FORTVILLE)
I'll admit it. I went with my alma mater (Concord) and one of the hotter 4A teams in the state, because the Class 4A field is pretty wide open.
CLASS 3A
SECTIONAL 17:
South Bend St. Joe's (5-4) over Knox (2-7)
Hammond Gavit (3-6) over Calumet (0-9)
#11 Culver Academy (7-2) over John Glenn (4-5)
#12 Mishawaka Marian (6-3) over Gary Wallace (2-5)
SECTIONAL 18:
Garrett (7-2) over Whitko (3-6)
#1 Jimtown (9-0) over Fort Wayne Concordia (2-7)
Tippecanoe Valley (7-2) over West Noble (1-8)
#8 Heritage (7-2) over #10 Lakeland (8-1)
SECTIONAL 19:
Eastbrook (6-3) over Peru (3-6)
Bellmont (4-5) over Yorktown (4-5)
Mississinewa (6-3) over Blackford (0-9)
Western (4-5) over Maconaquak (3-6)
SECTIONAL 20:
Southmont (3-6) over Crawfordsville (1-8)
#4 Hamilton Heights (8-1) over West Lafayette (6-3)
North Montgomery (6-3) over Twin Lakes (3-6)
SECTIONAL 21:
#13 Tri-West (7-2) over Indianapolis Arlington (0-7)
#6 Greencastle (9-0) over West Vigo (6-3)
#2 Indianapolis Chatard (7-2) over #14 Danville (7-2)
#7 Brebeuf Jesuit (7-2) over Indianapolis Northwest (1-8)
SECTIONAL 22:
Batesville (4-5) over Edgewood (2-7)
#16 Greensburg (7-2) over Brown County (2-7)
Beech Grove (4-5) over Indianapolis Howe (2-4)
Indian Creek (7-2) over Rushville (1-8)
SECTIONAL 23:
Salem (3-6) over North Harrison (2-7)
#15 Brownstown Central (8-1) over Heritage Hills (5-4)
#17 Corydon Central (7-2) over Silver Creek (3-6)
#3 Charlestown (9-0) over Mitchell (2-7)
SECTIONAL 24:
Vincennes Lincoln (7-2) over Evansville Bosse (0-9)
Gibson Southern (7-2) over Mount Vernon (Posey) (2-7)
Washington (3-6) over Pike Central (2-7)
Princeton (4-5) over Evansville Memorial (2-7)
3A STATE FINALS: #1 JIMTOWN OVER #2 INDIANAPOLIS CHATARD
CLASS 2A
SECTIONAL 25:
Bowman Academy (5-4) over River Forest (3-6)
Rensselaer Central (4-5) over North Newton (4-5)
Boone Grove (6-3) over Lake Station (2-7)
#4 Andrean (7-2) over Wheeler (6-3)
SECTIONAL 26:
#8 Lewis Cass (8-1) over Bremen (6-3)
Fairfield (6-3) over Prairie Heights (3-6)
Rochester (6-3) over Wabash (0-9)
Manchester (4-5) over North Judson (3-6)
SECTIONAL 27:
Elwood (7-2) over Madison-Grant (4-5)
#9 Churubusco (8-1) over Oak Hill (8-1)
#5 Fort Wayne Luers (6-3) over Woodlan (3-6)
Eastside (5-4) over Bluffton (5-4)
SECTIONAL 28:
#7 Tipton (8-1) over Seeger (4-5)
#13 Northwestern (7-2) over Taylor (0-9)
#11 Fountain Central (8-1) over Benton Central (3-6)
Delphi (3-6) over Eastern (Greentown) (1-8)
SECTIONAL 29:
Guerin Catholic (2-7) over Centerville (2-7)
#6 Heritage Christian (7-2) over Alexandria (3-6)
Winchester (5-4) over Frankton (5-4)
Shenandoah (6-3) over Union County (1-8)
SECTIONAL 30:
Speedway (6-3) over North Putnam (3-6)
#1 Indianapolis Ritter (9-0) over South Vermillion (2-7)
Cascade (3-6) over Park Tudor (1-8)
South Putnam (7-2) over Indianapolis Broad Ripple (6-3)
SECTIONAL 31:
Clarksville (5-4) over Eastern (Pekin) (1-8)
#10 Lawrenceburg (8-1) over Crawford County (0-8)
Triton Central (6-3) over Monrovia (4-5)
#12 Paoli (7-2) over Providence (3-6)
SECTIONAL 32:
Sullivan (6-3) over South Spencer (3-6)
#2 Evansville Mater Dei (7-2) over Southridge (6-3)
#2 North Posey (9-0) over Tell City (4-5)
2A STATE FINALS: #1 INDIANAPOLIS RITTER OVER #5 FORT WAYNE LUERS
CLASS 1A
SECTIONAL 33:
Hammond Noll (4-5) over South Newton (3-6)
Winamac (6-3) over Tri-County (1-8)
#8 West Central (8-1) over Culver (3-6)
#3 Whiting (9-0) over #12 South Central (Union Mills) (7-2)
SECTIONAL 34:
Carroll (Flora) (5-4) over Clinton Prairie (2-7)
#4 Pioneer (8-1) over Frontier (0-9)
#2 Lafayette Central Catholic (8-1) over North White (4-5)
#13 Caston (7-2) over Clinton Central (2-7)
SECTIONAL 35:
Fremont (4-5) over Southwood (2-7)
Adams Central (5-4) over Triton (1-8)
Northfield (3-6) over Central Noble (0-9)
North Miami (6-3) over LaVille (1-8)
SECTIONAL 36:
#10 Tri-Central (8-1) over Wes-Del (1-7)
South Adams (2-7) over Lapel (1-8)
#9 Sheridan (5-4) over Southern Wells (2-7)
Union City (6-3) over Monroe Central (1-8)
SECTIONAL 37:
#6 Indianapolis Scecina (6-3) over Cambridge City Lincoln (6-3)
Knightstown (6-3) over Indiana Deaf (1-8)
#7 Hagerstown (9-0) over Eastern Hancock (4-5)
Northeastern (5-4) over Tri (0-9)
SECTIONAL 38:
#5 North Vermillion (9-0) over Covington (2-7)
North Central (Farmersburg) (7-2) over Turkey Run (3-6)
Riverton Parke (0-9) over Cloverdale (0-9)
#14 Attica (6-3) over Rockville (4-5)
SECTIONAL 39:
West Washington (6-3) over Indianapolis Lutheran (4-5)
#11 Milan (6-3) over Edinburgh (4-5)
North Decatur (6-3) over Springs Valley (4-5)
SECTIONAL 40:
North Daviess (3-6) over Union (Dugger) (2-7)
Tecumseh (5-4) over Wood Memorial (1-8)
#1 Linton-Stockton (9-0) over North Knox (4-5)
Perry Central (6-3) over Eastern Green (4-5)
1A STATE FINALS: #2 LAFAYETTE CENTRAL CATHOLIC OVER #1 LINTON-STOCKTON
I can't wait until the games kickoff tomorrow night at 7pm!! It starts six weeks full of great Indiana High School football!
Wednesday, September 19, 2012
Indiana HS football: Week 6 outlook
It's hard to believe that we're already at Week 6 of the high school football season! This will be my fifth game doing a webcast with Matt Scheidler on seilocalsports.com. We'll be calling the Franklin County at Greensburg game. It feels pretty good to put on a headset every Friday night now! It's taking me some time, but I'm getting used to doing Matt's color commentary, even though there are some times that my thoughts don't come out exactly how I want them to, but that's part of broadcasting.
We've had quite a few surprises this season that wouldn't happen in most years. Warren Central is 3-2, but of course, they're still ranked 6th in the coaches poll (#7 in the AP). Indianapolis Cardinal Ritter dominated Indianapolis Bishop Chatard last week on a neutral site at Marian University, 56-33. That said, Bishop Chatard was dethroned from the 3A #1 slot and the Jimtown Jimmies slid right into #1 for the first time since moving up to 3A in the 2009 season. Week 4 featured one wild and crazy Friday night of action. There were 94 games throughout the state that were either postponed or forced to continue play on Saturday because of severe weather and lightning.
Week 6: big games to watch for throughout the state...
A majority of the state of Indiana that couldn't take 10 guesses at what I think is the most anticipated and biggest game in the state is in Week 6 of the 2012 season. Too many people have a bias for the particular part of the state in which they live, work or are just more familiar with. I get that. I understand where you're coming from in thinking that way. I'll get to some other great games that will be happening
The biggest game in the state, in my opinion, this Friday night will take place in Elkhart, Indiana at Jimtown High School's Knepp Field. The 4A #2 Concord Minutemen (5-0) make the short drive west on County Road 26 and across State Road 19 to pay the 3A #1 Jimtown Jimmies (5-0) another visit in their storied Elkhart county rivalry. In the last 15 seasons, Concord has a slight edge at 8-7. Jimtown won last year's version, 30-16. This game should be the more talked about game for those evaluating this weekend's games on a statewide level. It always lives up to the hype of each others' rankings or if one or neither are ranked. It won't just be Elkhart county's eyes that are focused on the action at Knepp Field, but eyes and ears all over Indiana will be keeping close tabs on the 2012 Cable Line Cup battle. My pick: Concord
Other big games throughout the state...
Cincinnati Elder (OH) vs. Indianapolis Bishop Chatard (4-1) (at Lawrence North)
My pick: Bishop Chatard
3A #5 Corydon Central (5-0) at 2A #11 Paoli (5-0)
My pick: Corydon Central
Attica (4-1) at North Vermillion (5-0)
My pick: Attica
Boone Grove (5-0) at East Chicago Central (4-1)
My pick: Boone Grove
5A #4 Fort Wayne Snider (5-0) at Fort Wayne North (5-0)
My pick: Fort Wayne Snider
2A #5 Heritage Christian (4-1) at Beech Grove (3-2)
My pick: Heritage Christian
Hobart (3-2) at Lowell (3-2)
My pick: Lowell
4A #6 Indianapolis Roncalli (4-1) vs. 3A #13 Brebeuf Jesuit (4-1) (at Lucas Oil Stadium)
My pick: Indianapolis Roncalli
Louisville Trinity (KY) vs. 4A #5 Indianapolis Cathedral (2-3) (at Lucas Oil Stadium)
My pick: Indianapolis Cathedral
Elkhart Central (4-1) at Mishawaka (2-3)
My pick: Elkhart Central
3A #6 Mishawaka Marian (4-1) at 3A #9 South Bend St. Joe's (3-2)
My pick: South Bend St. Joe's
4A #13 Pendleton Heights (3-2) at Delta (4-1)
My pick: Delta
2A #7 Tipton (5-0) at 1A #2 Lafayette Central Catholic (4-1)
My pick: Lafayette Central Catholic
Triton Central (3-2) at 2A #3 Indianapolis Cardinal Ritter (5-0)
My pick: Cardinal Ritter
1A #6 West Central (5-0) at Winamac (4-1)
My pick: West Central
3A #4 Western Boone (5-0) at North Montgomery (4-1)
My pick: Western Boone
As you can see, I don't just have an interest in one part of the state. I pay attention to the entire state. Yes, I think that the northern part of Indiana is close to being ignored by a lot of the state until the state tournament begins in mid-October. It's in October that teams from the north start to surprise the rest of the state and make our football playoffs as great as they are!
We've had quite a few surprises this season that wouldn't happen in most years. Warren Central is 3-2, but of course, they're still ranked 6th in the coaches poll (#7 in the AP). Indianapolis Cardinal Ritter dominated Indianapolis Bishop Chatard last week on a neutral site at Marian University, 56-33. That said, Bishop Chatard was dethroned from the 3A #1 slot and the Jimtown Jimmies slid right into #1 for the first time since moving up to 3A in the 2009 season. Week 4 featured one wild and crazy Friday night of action. There were 94 games throughout the state that were either postponed or forced to continue play on Saturday because of severe weather and lightning.
Week 6: big games to watch for throughout the state...
A majority of the state of Indiana that couldn't take 10 guesses at what I think is the most anticipated and biggest game in the state is in Week 6 of the 2012 season. Too many people have a bias for the particular part of the state in which they live, work or are just more familiar with. I get that. I understand where you're coming from in thinking that way. I'll get to some other great games that will be happening
The biggest game in the state, in my opinion, this Friday night will take place in Elkhart, Indiana at Jimtown High School's Knepp Field. The 4A #2 Concord Minutemen (5-0) make the short drive west on County Road 26 and across State Road 19 to pay the 3A #1 Jimtown Jimmies (5-0) another visit in their storied Elkhart county rivalry. In the last 15 seasons, Concord has a slight edge at 8-7. Jimtown won last year's version, 30-16. This game should be the more talked about game for those evaluating this weekend's games on a statewide level. It always lives up to the hype of each others' rankings or if one or neither are ranked. It won't just be Elkhart county's eyes that are focused on the action at Knepp Field, but eyes and ears all over Indiana will be keeping close tabs on the 2012 Cable Line Cup battle. My pick: Concord
Other big games throughout the state...
Cincinnati Elder (OH) vs. Indianapolis Bishop Chatard (4-1) (at Lawrence North)
My pick: Bishop Chatard
3A #5 Corydon Central (5-0) at 2A #11 Paoli (5-0)
My pick: Corydon Central
Attica (4-1) at North Vermillion (5-0)
My pick: Attica
Boone Grove (5-0) at East Chicago Central (4-1)
My pick: Boone Grove
5A #4 Fort Wayne Snider (5-0) at Fort Wayne North (5-0)
My pick: Fort Wayne Snider
2A #5 Heritage Christian (4-1) at Beech Grove (3-2)
My pick: Heritage Christian
Hobart (3-2) at Lowell (3-2)
My pick: Lowell
4A #6 Indianapolis Roncalli (4-1) vs. 3A #13 Brebeuf Jesuit (4-1) (at Lucas Oil Stadium)
My pick: Indianapolis Roncalli
Louisville Trinity (KY) vs. 4A #5 Indianapolis Cathedral (2-3) (at Lucas Oil Stadium)
My pick: Indianapolis Cathedral
Elkhart Central (4-1) at Mishawaka (2-3)
My pick: Elkhart Central
3A #6 Mishawaka Marian (4-1) at 3A #9 South Bend St. Joe's (3-2)
My pick: South Bend St. Joe's
4A #13 Pendleton Heights (3-2) at Delta (4-1)
My pick: Delta
2A #7 Tipton (5-0) at 1A #2 Lafayette Central Catholic (4-1)
My pick: Lafayette Central Catholic
Triton Central (3-2) at 2A #3 Indianapolis Cardinal Ritter (5-0)
My pick: Cardinal Ritter
1A #6 West Central (5-0) at Winamac (4-1)
My pick: West Central
3A #4 Western Boone (5-0) at North Montgomery (4-1)
My pick: Western Boone
As you can see, I don't just have an interest in one part of the state. I pay attention to the entire state. Yes, I think that the northern part of Indiana is close to being ignored by a lot of the state until the state tournament begins in mid-October. It's in October that teams from the north start to surprise the rest of the state and make our football playoffs as great as they are!
Thursday, September 13, 2012
Notre Dame accepts invite to Atlantic Coast Conference
The University of Notre Dame has made a command decision by accepting an invitation to become a member of the Atlantic Coast Conference beginning the 2013-14 school and athletic year. This will include all sports, except football. Football will stay as an independent. Because it’s leaving before the required 27 month window that the Big East has asked of them, Notre Dame will owe the Big East conference $5 million dollars for its early exit. If the Irish were to stay their welcome in the Big East, the earliest that they could join the ACC would be the fall of 2015.
People are right away questioning the fact that Notre Dame will not be a member of the ACC in football, but mainly they really don’t understand why they prefer to stay as a football independent. Sit back and think about it. It’s all about the money and the freedom of being independent. In years past, it really hasn’t hurt the football program, being an independent. ND has been to many different bowl games without having to be a member of a particular conference. There were some years when it worked out better that the Irish weren’t affiliated with a conference.
The Irish have been members of the Big East Conference since 1995, also in every sport except football. The Big East will sorely miss the Irish following this current school year. The Irish have created many great rivalries in many sports that will more than likely continue in the future, despite being in a completely new conference.
The ACC is probably grinning from ear-to-ear because of what Notre Dame brings to their conference. Every game an ACC team plays Notre Dame, on the road (at Notre Dame Stadium); it will be exposed nationally with the Irish under contract for all home games with NBC. If I were a betting man, I would lay some pretty good odds that most other games that the Irish play on the road, will either be picked up by ESPN, ESPN2, ABC or CBS. Notre Dame football always brings good ratings, so why a conference wouldn’t be chomping at the bit to get the ball rolling on this, I’m not sure.
This move isn’t just about the athletics at Notre Dame, but being able to associate with other great academic institutions and mix that with the other current ACC universities and athletics programs. “The ACC is composed of some of the most highly respected universities in the country, and we at Notre Dame look forward to joining them.” “With a mix of institutions – many of which are also private, similar to Notre Dame in size and committed to excellence in research and undergraduate education – the ACC is an exceptionally good fit for us academically, as well as athletically,” said Notre Dame President, Reverend John I. Jenkins.
One key factor with Notre Dame staying an independent in football is that they will annually schedule 5 ACC opponents. That also means that it will face each ACC member once every three football seasons. Another plus to this scheduling is that the longtime rivalries with Purdue, Michigan State, Michigan, Stanford, Navy and USC will not be interrupted with the Irish playing five ACC schools every fall. With playing 5 Atlantic Coast Conference teams and the above six rivals, there will always be room left on the schedule for teams like Air Force, Arizona State, Oklahoma, BYU and/or many other options to be the 12th opponent for the Irish on a given football schedule.
Joining the Atlantic Coast Conference will help out a good majority of their sports. The Irish currently have yearly matchups with some ACC schools, so when this move does take full effect, they will just fill out their schedule with common opponents. Notre Dame will be able to renew old men’s basketball rivalries with North Carolina, Virginia and Duke that they started years ago in the Digger Phelps era between 1971 and 1991.
Talks of this move to the ACC have former men’s basketball head coach and current ESPN college basketball analyst pretty excited. "It’s an exciting day here at the University of Notre Dame as I’m on the campus seeing the glitter in everybody’s eyes," Phelps said in an interview with SiriusXM Radio on Wednesday. "All those rivalries and the flavor of the Big East are disappearing," Phelps said. "But what you’re doing is adding to one of the great conferences already, especially in basketball, men’s basketball in my particular game with coaching. And when you can add Syracuse, Pitt, Boston College and now Notre Dame to that flavor, oh wow, you’ve just got a basketball conference that’s really dynamic.”
"If I’m the commissioner I’ve got to say, ‘OK, one year we’ll play the tournament in Greensboro and then the next year we’ll play the tournament in Madison Square Garden.’ I mean, wow, you talk about excitement for New York City."
There are many great things that will come out of Notre Dame becoming a part of the Atlantic Coast Conference. As this move unfolds, more details will be available to us as members of the media and fans. For the time being this school year, the Fighting Irish will dominate the gridiron as a great team, independently. The rest of the sports on campus will continue to succeed and win championships at all levels.
Monday, August 27, 2012
Notre Dame to be a backfield-by-committee to open season
Senior tailback Cierre Wood (Oxnard, CA/Santa Clara) comes into the 2012 season on a high note of rushing for 1,102 yards on 217 carries and scoring 9 touchdowns in 2011 while splitting time with now-graduated Jonas Gray. Gray is gone and there are three others that he will be sharing the ball with this fall.
Wood has recently gotten himself into some pre-season troubles, just before camp started. He and reserve junior defensive end Justin Utopo (Lakewood, CA/Lakewood) have been suspended for the first two regular season games, Navy and Purdue, by head coach Brian Kelly for violating team rules that were not disclosed any further. So, there will now be three Irish starters that will not even be allowed to travel to Dublin, Ireland with the team this week for Saturday’s game. Junior quarterback Tommy Rees (Lake Forest, IL/Lake Forest) and senior inside linebacker Carlo Calabrese (Verona, NJ/Verona) were also suspended, but solely for the season opener vs. Navy on Saturday. Rees and Calabrese’s suspension were from an off-campus incident on May 3rd in South Bend.
Fellow senior Theo Riddick (Manville, NJ/Immaculata) has fully moved back to running back from being a wide receiver in 2010 and a majority of the 2011 campaign, but is no stranger to the Irish backfield from his freshman year in 2009. When Jonas Gray went down with an injury late last season, coach Kelly immediately turned to Riddick to pitch in. Riddick will be a dangerous threat out of the backfield and also lining up in the slot. His speed will take some teams by complete surprise, considering that he’ll be mainly a running back, but also counted upon to catch passes and open things up offensively for the Irish.
Speed stems down to the next man up on the depth chart. Sophomore running back/kickoff returner George Atkinson III (Stockton, CA/Granada) brings another speed element in the absence of Cierre Wood. He has very little collegiate experience (9 carries) from his frosh season last year as a running back, but has adapted quite well through spring drills and fall camp thus far. His kick returning skills and tactics should hopefully help him revamp his ground game.
USC transfer Amir Carlisle (Santa Clara, CA/Kings Academy) brings another speed factor to Notre Dame’s backfield. Missing every practice leading up to the Annual Blue-Gold spring game in April because of ankle surgery, Carlisle should be a vital piece of the Irish offense as he eases back into fresh legs this fall. Odds are that the former Trojan won’t fully be ready for action this Saturday vs. Navy, if at all.
Just when sophomore Cam McDaniel (Coppell, TX/Coppell) thought he had completely moved over to the defensive side of the ball at cornerback, the offense may be calling on his services again. McDaniel technically becomes the third choice at running back on Saturday against Navy with Carlisle being close to unavailable. He and freshman Will Mahone (Austintown, OH/Fitch) should be called upon to mix up the rotation.
Wood ought to be primed and ready to go following his suspension. He’ll get his shot back in the starting lineup on Saturday, September 16th on the road against Michigan State at Spartan Stadium. It may be one of the tougher road games that Notre Dame plays, but Wood’s coming out party for 2012 under the lights should be a dandy against a storied rival like the Spartans.
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