The State of the Irish: Notre Dame Football—September Edition

Just as a single game can, a football season can be broken down into four quarters, with three games each quarter; and as all fans know, it's the second half that people remember. The Irish have finished one quarter with a 2-1 start and are a hair away from either 3-0 or 1-2.

Those who have watched this team play would agree their offense deserves to be 3-0 and their defense deserves to be 1-2, but regardless of the "could have" and "should have," the Irish are 2-1 and outside the top 25.

What should viewers expect from the Irish next quarter, with three tough games against Purdue, Washington, and arch-rival USC? What have they learned so far?

Before the predictions arise and everyone looks towards the polls to justify where their team stands, be reminded that there was much about Notre Dame's first quarter that should be remembered, commended, and carried along.

As a fan of this team since birth, I can honestly say that last week against Michigan State I was as proud of the Irish as I have been in a long time, since Quinn had the winning drive against UCLA or when the Irish came back to beat Michigan State in the fourth quarter in 2007.

I was shocked when I went onto all of the Notre Dame websites and the headlines were about the brutal defense, Michael Floyd's injury, the suspect officiating, and the "luck of the Irish."

Was anyone talking about the courageous effort from Jimmy Clausen, the resilience of Golden Tate to come back from important dropped passes to make the catch to win the game (as well as a crucial third down conversion), Kyle McCarthy's career at Notre Dame or Weis' class in victory saying it was not his win, but the team's?

It is rare today that articles are written that highlight the academic achievements, community service efforts or locker room leadership. Rather, the press is obsessed with scandal and skill, the suspensions, or the speed of a running back.

But as I watched Notre Dame come out of the tunnel after being down one point and having lost all momentum at the end of the first half, then go out and score on its opening drive, I knew this was now a special team.

A quarterback hobbling all over the field, their best receiver out of the game (and for the rest of the season), a defense that couldn't make a stop and yet they prevailed; they won in the same situation they had lost in the week before.

I have been skeptical of Jimmy Clausen since he was recruited, as Brady Quinn is my all-time favorite Notre Dame player because of his leadership, character, talent, and work ethic. Clausen came into the South Bend cocky, arrogant, disrespectful, and with a me-first attitude.

While everyone is talking about his physical attributes and improvement this season, the most impressive change he has made is in the locker room, off the field, and in the huddle. When I watched Jimmy out there hobbling around on one leg and still making the throws, still leading the offense, I was very proud.

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