Bleacher Report - Articles by Erin McLaughlin

Cleveland Browns Need To Find a Running Game

Erin McLaughlin — Mon, 30 Nov 2009 17:30:42 -0500

All season the Browns fans have been arguing over Brady Quinn or Derek Anderson. That debate has held the team hostage. Eric Mangini did a horrible job of handling it with his indecisiveness one way or the other.

Some fans support Quinn and others still support Anderson. Then there are those who think neither are the answer.

Although I'm a Quinn supporter, I honestly don't think either one is really that bad. I am not saying either is a future Hall-of-Famer at this point, but I think both can be better under better circumstances.

It hasn't mattered all year who has played under center. Both guys have been under constant pressure and have had to hurry throws. Both have had receivers drop passes. Of course, both have missed passes themselves.

It doesn't help to have an offensive coordinator who is in over his head.

Looking at the season for the Browns, there is one thing that seems to have gone overlooked for too long. That is the running game, or should I say lack there of.

So far the Browns have only three rushing touchdowns for the season, and guess who scored them? Anderson scored two and Quinn scored the other. That means that no running back, including Jamal Lewis, has found the endzone yet.

To make matters worse, only twice this season has a runner gone over 100 yards. Jerome Harrison did against the Bengals the first time. Then Lewis did against Buffalo.

For the season, Lewis has 500 yards and Harrison just 257.

Joshua Cribbs is averaging 6.00 yards per carry. However, he touches the ball on Wildcat and other gimmick plays. The next highest average per carry is 3.77 and guess who has that? That is right, Brady Quinn.

This is not to say that the running backs are totally at fault here. They too have faced many of the same problems the quarterbacks have. The big one is defenders in the backfield as they touch the ball. Predictable playcalling combined with poor line play makes it easier for defenses to stuff the running game.

Then you wonder why every quarterback that comes to Cleveland struggles. All year both Quinn and Anderson have been sitting ducks back there because defenses don't respect the running game.

The reality is that this is the AFC North. This division is won by dominating defense and a solid running game. It gets cold in Pennslyvania and Ohio from November on. That makes it tough to execute a solid passing attack.

The game Sunday against the Bengals was a perfect example of that. Cincinnati has Carson Palmer and Chad Ochocinco. Yet, their passing attack netted eight less yards than Cleveland's whose total was only 118 yards. The Bengals like the Browns only found the endzone once.

The difference was the running game. Larry Johnson gained 107 yards and Bernard Scott added 87 more. Lewis gained 40 yards and the next leading rusher was Quinn with 10. Adding it all up, the Bengals gained 210 yards on the ground altogehter while the Browns managed just 58. That is a difference 152 yards.

That 152 yards created three field goals meaning nine more points. More importantly that kind of run production keeps the defense on the field for way too long and the offense on the bench. That ultimately makes it difficult for any offense to create any rhythm regardless of the quarterback.

The other day Sam Ingro wrote a great article on how to rebuild the Browns. Ingro mentions that drafting another quarterback would be a mistake. He says finding the next Tom Brady or Peyton Manning is like finding a needle in a haystack.

With the current state of the Browns they won't find that needle until they can build some sort of running game. All division rivals have guys the Browns should look at. Willie Parker seems unhappy in Pittsburgh with Rashard Mendehall becoming the main guy. What better way for Parker to get back at the Steelers than by signing with the Browns.

Willis Magahee is in a similar situation in Baltimore being behind Ray Rice. The Browns could even look at Scott in Cincinatti since they have Johnson and Cedric Benson.

Any of those guys could be huge additions to the Browns. The only sad part is that it won't matter unless they fix the line.

Does Notre Dame Even Want To Accept a Bowl Invitation?

Erin McLaughlin — Sun, 29 Nov 2009 16:03:07 -0500

On Saturday, Notre Dame ended it's season with another last minute heartbreaker at Stanford. Although the game was exciting, the loss dropped the Irish to 6-6 for the regular season for the second straight year.

The difference is that this year expectations were so much higher than that. The team was fully expecting to be contending for a BCS bowl. The way the season started, it appeared as though that expectation was becoming a reality. The Irish opened the year by completely dominating Nevada.

Then they had a string of close games in which they won all but the ones against USC and Michigan. In both games, Notre Dame played well despite the loss. During that run the Irish got the Boston College and Michigan State monkeys off their back.

Remember the Alamo? Notre Dame sat at 5-2 and a win would clinch bowl eligibility. More importantly it would set the Irish up to make a move up the BCS polls. Notre Dame completely dominated Washington State in that game. At that point, if anybody told an Irish fan that they would finish 6-6, they would get laughed at.

Then it happened. Notre Dame suffered four straight heartbreaking losses. All the games came down to the last minute. The first half of the year Notre Dame was finding a way to win these games. Now they found ways to lose.

In all honesty, the loss to Stanford would not have been a bad loss if not for the other three losses. Jimmy Clausen had a great game along with Golden Tate and Michael Floyd.

It was only fitting that Charlie Weis made a controversial call at the end of what will be his last as Notre Dame head coach. With a minute to go, he instructed the defense to let Stanford score. He had to given the situation. If he didn't, the Cardinal would have ran the clock down and got an easy field goal with no time left.

Looking at the state of the program, it is clear that there will be a new coach next season. What isn't clear though is whether or not Notre Dame will accept a bid to play in another small bowl game and whether Weis will coach in it if they do.

Last year a 6-6 team went to the Hawaii Bowl and dominated. That felt different though. Even with an embarrassing loss late in the year to Syracuse, the team did look improved from the year before. The bowl game appeared to be the game that reinvented the program.

This year it won't feel the same. Say the Irish go to the International Bowl and dominate a MAC team. What will that prove? It won't provide the same spark last year's bowl game did. The only benefit I can see is that it would be nice to see Clausen and Tate one last time before both make early entries to the NFL.

This article is also posted on http://fightingirishgameday.com/

Notre Dame-Stanford: How the Irish Can Win

Erin McLaughlin — Fri, 27 Nov 2009 13:59:10 -0500

Going into the season, Fighting Irish fans expected this game at Stanford to be a good one to end the year with. Almost everybody has respect for Jim Harbaugh and love what he has done with the program. The program appeared on the verge of breaking out. Notre Dame was expected to contend for a BCS.

Stanford has done its part. Despite the disappointing loss to California last weekend, Stanford has shocked the Pac 10 with dominant wins over Oregon and USC. Toby Gerhart has been a big reason for Stanford's success. With 1531 yards rushing and 23 touchdowns, he has just been a workhorse for the Cardinal.

Freshman quarterback Andrew Luck has been a nice compliment to Gerhart with 2377 passing yards and 13 touchdowns and only four interceptions. His rating is 142.8.

While Stanford has lived up to its expectations, Notre Dame has not. After a 6-2 start, the Irish appeared to be rolling toward a big money bowl game, possibly even a BCS bowl.

Jimmy Clausen and Golden Tate were lighting up the scoreboard. Then with Michael Floyd returning from injury, the team was sure to roll.

Unfortunately, after three close heartbreaking losses the program is in major turmoil. At 6-5, the Irish are no better than they were a year ago. Charlie Weis's days as coach appear to be numbered. Will the team even want to play in a bowl game?

Based on all that, it seems that there is no way Notre Dame can beat Stanford on the road. There are a couple of factors though that do play into the Irish's favor. One is that Weis has had success against the Pac 10 other than USC. In fact, he has never lost to a Pac 10 team other than the Trojans.

The other factor is that being on the West Coast is about as far away from South Bend and all the media attention the players deal with constantly. That could help them just focus on football.

Looking at this game, there is really one thing Notre Dame has to do to win. That is take Gerhart out of the game. That does not mean take a cheap shot at him, it means force Harbaugh to take him out of the game plan.

John Tenuta should assign a spy to him. Manti Te'o should go wherever Gerhart goes and tackle him on every play whether he has the ball or not. The best way to stop a runner like this is to not let him get started. Three-and-out's are huge.

The other part is the offense needs to do its job as well. Clausen and company need to jump on the Cardinal defense early and often. Tate and Floyd need to be catching everything. If the offense is clicking on all cylinders, the Irish can establish a big lead.

Once a lead of about three touchdowns is established, It is time for Armando Allen to take over. He needs to continue to run the ball with authority and just take minutes off the clock.

Then Stanford would not be able to use Gerhart the way they like. They will have to speed up the pace and have Luck throw the ball more. The only problem is that freshmen quarterbacks have lit up this Irish secondary.

That means it is time for Robert Blanton, Sergio Brown and company to finally step up. Kyle McCarthy has done too much by himself back there.

This article is also posted on http://fightingirishgameday.com/

Charlie Weis: Cleveland Browns' New Offensive Coordinator?

Erin McLaughlin — Thu, 26 Nov 2009 02:33:36 -0500

When Brady Quinn met with media on Wednesday, the highlight wasn't him talking about his breakout performance on Sunday. It also wasn't about how he is preparing for the Cincinnati Bengals. Instead he spent a lot of the time defending his college coach, Charlie Weis.

A couple of comments that stood out were where Quinn flat out said that Notre Dame firing Weis would be a mistake.

The comment that would be of more interest to Browns fans is when Quinn said that he would love to work with Weis again someday, if the situation presented itself.

What was Quinn's motivation for making these comments? That we will never know for sure, but it will lead to speculation. Some may feel that he is just fighting for the coach who really took his college career to new heights when he took over for Tyrone Willingham.

Others may think that Quinn is actually trying to send a message to Randy Lerner and whomever is hired to the executive position. Quinn knows that Weis will be out no matter what he said. Of course Quinn wasn't going to say anything after the Monday Night game. A couple days after his breakout performance was good timing.

Can you really blame Quinn though for making the comments when he did? Why wouldn't he want to work with Weis again? Weis was the coach that best knew how to utilize Quinn's talents and get the most of them. It has become apparent to Browns fans that Brian Daboll is not the guy to get the most out of Quinn.

It appears that deep down, Quinn knows that, too. However, he just can't say that to the media. Quinn also knows that if there is anybody who can save his NFL career, Weis is probably his best bet. For that reason, Weis to Cleveland makes all the sense in the world.

Weis shouldn't be hired as head coach. After failing at that position at Notre Dame, there is serious doubt that he is head coaching material. However, nobody denies that he is a really good offensive coordinator. In fact, Tom Brady still gives a lot of credit to Weis for his success in New England.

There is the old saying that one man's trash is another man's treasure. That clearly looks like the case with Notre Dame, Cleveland Browns, and Charlie Weis. For that reason, the Browns should be talking with Weis the minute Notre Dame fires him.

Better Turkey Day Watch? Texas-Texas A&M Or Giants-Broncos

Erin McLaughlin — Wed, 25 Nov 2009 22:00:25 -0500

Why do guys love Thanksgiving? Duh, it is the one day where all you do is eat, drink beer, and watch football. That also extends to Friday, Saturday, and Sunday for watching football. For me, the best part is by having the games so spread out we get to watch teams other than the one we normally follow.

This Thanksgiving day starts as it always does, with the Detroit Lions. While the team is normally not worth watching, Matthew Stafford would make the game interesting after his breakout performance. Unfortunately, Stafford is doubtful for the game due to his shoulder.

The opponent is the Green Bay Packers. Aaron Rodgers, Ryan Grant, Charles Woodsen, and the rest of the Packers could make this another Turkey day rout of the Lions.

The second game is generally much more worth the watch. That is not the case this year as the Dallas Cowboys host the lowly Oakland Raiders. Some may find it interesting since Dallas is coming off an ugly win against Washington and Oakland is sky high after the upset over Cincinnati.

Don't bet on it. The Cowboys will likely be more motivated over their last performance and crush the Raiders.

Then come the primetime games. That is where football fans have an interesting choice to make. On the NFL Network, you have the Denver Broncos hosting the New York Giants. Over on ESPN, it is Texas at Texas A&M.

In the NFL game, you have two teams who have had almost identical seasons. The Giants started out dominating the NFC before they hit a four game losing streak they snapped last Sunday against Atlanta.

After a six game winning streak to start the season, Denver looked like one of the teams to beat in the AFC. After their own four game skid, they now sit at 6-4 and in second place in their division behind the San Diego Chargers.

Needless to say, this is a must win game for both teams. The winner puts themselves in a position to make a playoff push while the loser takes a major hit on their playoff chances.

The college game features the Texas Longhorns, who have been on pace all year to play in the BCS Title game. Anytime you can watch Colt McCoy and Jordan Shipley, it is worth the watch.

Their Thanksgiving opponent, as always, is arch-rival Texas A&M. While the Aggies are not the same program they used to be, this is still on of the most intense rivalries in college football. They sit at 6-5 and a win is the difference between a winning season and a .500 season.

Not only that, but you know that Texas A&M would love to throw a wrench in the Longhorns' bid for a chance to play for a national championship.

It is a bit funny and somewhat frustrating to see that the earlier games are somewhat duds and fans don't really have a choice. Then at night, when there are two games that are meaningful, fans are forced to choose what to watch.

When Will Notre Dame Love Me Back?

Erin McLaughlin — Tue, 24 Nov 2009 23:51:22 -0500

Earlier today I was watching a movie entitled Fever Pitch. The movie was about a guy who was very passionate about the Boston Red Sox. It took place during the season in which the Red Sox won their first World Series since 1918.

The main plot was his conflict about how to continually follow his Red Sox and maintain a relationship with a girlfriend, played by Drew Barrymore. This fan, played by Jimmy Fallon, had never missed a game no matter what. There was one point when he was debating whether or not to go to a party with his girlfriend or go to the ball game.

He was season ticket holder for decades and never gave up on his team. At the same time he really liked this girl. A young boy asked him, "You love the Red Sox. Have they ever loved you back?"

I totally related to that character at that point. I do watch other college football games besides Notre Dame. However, my theory has always been that if Notre Dame is on, nothing else matters.

It doesn't matter if Notre Dame is playing Army and I have the option of watching Texas-Oklahoma or Florida-Florida State. I will watch Notre Dame and everything else is what I watch when Notre Dame is not playing.

I never miss Notre Dame. Even when they were 3-9, they were the team I watched above all else. Even after the Syracuse loss, I didn't even think of missing the next game.

The last three years have definitely been a test of faith for Notre Dame fans. The last three weeks make it very hard to keep the faith.

I really wasn't down after the 3-9 year. I knew that the team would face a major makeover when Brady Quinn, Jeff Samardijza and company left. I knew the team would struggle with all the young players but hoped for growth. That year actually did end on a positive note with back to back wins to end the year.

Then last year, Irish fans experienced inconsistency throughout the season. They got off to a 4-1 start and hope began to be restored until reality sit in with the Syracuse game and then getting trounced by USC. Then they ended the year with a bang in Hawaii. They ended the year 7-6. More importantly, hopes for 2009 were high.

2009 started off with a bang against Nevada. Then another 4-1 start followed. Of course, this was a different 4-1 record. Jimmy Clausen, Golden Tate, Michael Floyd, and Armando Allen are now upperclassmen and certainly they wouldn't fall the way the 2008 team did.

All these weeks later, we sit at 6-5. It will take an unbelievable performance to beat Stanford. Another 6-6 record is staring us in the face. Then what? Does Notre Dame accept a bid to play in the International or Motor City Bowl? Do they annhilate another Mid-Major?

It seems to me that the season is shaping up to be exactly the same season as last year. The difference is that this year a victory in a small bowl game won't be a sign of hope for a struggling program. It will feel like the epic failure that it is.

Based on all those factors, I am feeling alot like Jimmy Fallon. When will Notre Dame love me back? I know I will end up watching the Stanford game, but for the first time I don't feel like watching Notre Dame. I know the likely reality.

What is a good reason to watch the Stanford game?

When will Notre Dame love me back?

This article is also posted on http://fightingirishgameday.com/

Jimmy Clausen: I Am Asking Nicely, Please Leave

Erin McLaughlin — Mon, 23 Nov 2009 20:39:54 -0500

Mr. Clausen, this is nothing personal. You did all you could and have played your heart out all year. You made some amazing throws in your three years. You and Golden Tate could make your own highlight reel with some of the plays the two of you made. I will never forget that long bomb in San Antonio against Washington State.

I will never forget your arrival. You showed up in that hummer and waved four fingers indicating four national championships. You were set to follow a very tough act in Brady Quinn. All the hype said that you would be even better than Quinn. I skeptically thought, "I sure hope so."

Now here we are three years later and still no national championships. It isn't all your fault. There were a lot of factors involved. Certainly the offensive line has let you down in alot of ways. Your receivers have let you down lately with key fumbles.

Having said that, it has been three straight games in which you were unable to move the ball with the game on the line in the last minute. I know you are not the only one out there, but when you arrive the way you did and I hear how you are even better than Quinn, I expect you to come through in that situation.

It may not be fair, but NBC Sports' Pat Haden said it best last Saturday when you took the field in the final minute of regulation. Haden said, "This is where Notre Dame legends are born."

Sure it was Armando Allen who fumbled. However, you threw two incompletions on first and second down. Allen fumbled as a result of trying stretch for the first down. Sure you did come back in overtime and hit Michael Floyd. Unfortunately, the defense couldn't stop Connecticut.

While the defensive struggles are not your fault, they could have been avoided had you produced in the final minute of regulation. Like I mentioned earlier, this is three straight weeks you failed to produce in this situation.

I know the line has let you down, but a great quarterback escapes the rush and makes a play. When I am told you are better than Quinn, I expect you to do that. Quinn would have.

Now you do do some things better than Quinn ever did. Your accuracy on the deep ball is incredible. With good pass protection, you can display that skill. For that reason you may ultimately be better than Quinn at the NFL level.

However this isn't the NFL, this is Notre Dame. At this level you don't get as many great offensive linemen to protect you. Therefore you have to make a play after escaping the rush.

Before the season you said that Charlie Weis wouldn't be fired because of you. The reality is that Weis will be fired. He should be. He said it himself. While other Notre Dame fans may not want to hold you accountable, I do. Your inability to move the ball late in games is a big reason why Weis is soon to be looking for a job.

Like I said this is nothing personal. I will root for you to succeed at the next level and I hope you are the next great quarterback (unless you get drafted by the Raiders). However, at this point I think it is best if you and Notre Dame part ways. I am ready to give the ball to Dayne Crist. Having you around will only slow his development.

Good Luck Jimmy and thank you for all your contributions to Notre Dame.

This article is also posted on http://fightingirishgameday.com/

Now That Is The Brady Quinn I Know

Erin McLaughlin — Sun, 22 Nov 2009 17:20:32 -0500

Last night I was at home with a bunch of mixed emotions. On one hand I was happy and nothing could bring me down because of the birth of my second son on Friday. At the same time, this Notre Dame fan was sulking over a third straight defeat by the Fighting Irish.

After that team got off to a 6-2 start, they have just fallen apart. It was last night when I realized something. I don't need Brady Quinn to be a great or even a good NFL quarterback. The reason is that he was simply outstanding in South Bend and his NFL accomplishments and struggles won't change that.

The reason why it was important to me before for him to do well in the Pros is because there are way too many Quinn haters (who are really just Notre Dame haters in disguise) who always try to diminish his accomplishments in South Bend. I decided last night that is not my problem anymore. I know the player he was at Notre Dame.

Anybody who denies it now after what has happened since he left needs to get over their hate. Sure Jimmy Clausen has been good and may very well be a better NFL quarterback than Quinn. However comparing Notre Dame accomplishments, it isn't even close.

Therefore, I decided to just let Brady Quinn determine his own fate and be okay with the outcome no matter what.

And wouldn't you know it, he has a career day. Overall, he was 21 of 33 for 304 yards and 4 touchdowns. The most important stat is no interceptions. The best part of the touchdowns was that two of them were long bombs. The last one showcased the scrambling ability that Eric Murtaugh and I came to know at Notre Dame.

Now I don't mean to get overly excited. After all it was against the Detroit Lions whose team is almost as bad as the Browns. However, it does show a couple of things. One, Quinn can throw the ball deep. Two, if you give him a chance out there he can produce.

In his earlier games, he went against three of the toughest defenses in the league with arguably the worst offense in the league. He had no chance. With games against Pittsburgh, Cincinnati, and San Diego still on the plate, expect him and the rest of the offense to struggle more.

However, the schedule also includes games against Oakland, Kansas City, and Jacksonville. That is a good mix of tough games and not as tough of games. That is a chance for Quinn and the rest of the offense to grow.

Unfortunately for the Browns, Matthew Stafford had a career day too and he led the Lions to a last second victory. The loss drops the Browns to 1-9, but seriously who cares? At this point, the most important thing for the Browns is the development of their young quarterback. That took a huge step in the right direction today.

Now recently I rubbed a few Browns fans the wrong way by calling them garbage. I was just trying to make a point about how they are not patient and run too many talented players out of town without letting them develop. "Garbage" was probably a little over the top and I apologize to whomever was offended.

However, my point remains. Browns fans need to understand that their best bet is to let Quinn develop and understand he will struggle in spots.

There are people like myself that are not Browns fans but Quinn fans. However, I think there is something that both Browns fans and Quinn fans need to understand. This song says it all and pay more attention to the words than the title.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vZ5qU8Atxjk

Connecticut Is Unable to Give the Game to Notre Dame

Erin McLaughlin — Sun, 22 Nov 2009 01:34:23 -0500

When the schedule came out for Notre Dame, the Connecticut game looked to be one that would be quite winnable. Unfortunately, this is the same program that has struggled with Navy and Syracuse.

On paper, the Irish just outmatched the Huskies. In fact, their quarterback Zach Frazier transferred to Connecticut because he couldn't beat out Jimmy Clausen for the starting job.

The way Notre Dame started the game, an Irish victory seemed imminent. The Irish came out clicking on all cylinders and got off to a 14-0 lead.

If a 14-0 lead doesn't make victory seem like a certainly, what if I told you that this Husky team with inferior talent would throw an interception in the end zone?

What if I told you that they would also have not one, but two touchdowns called back by holding penalties?

What if I also said that the kicker would miss a kick at the end of the game?

With all those things, there is no way this team would lose, right? Again though, this is the same program that can't beat Navy and Syracuse at home.

The Irish had it's share of mistakes too. Michael Floyd and Armando Allen both had fumbles.

For the third week in a row, Jimmy Clausen failed to move the team in the last minute with the game on the line.

The defense made Husky runners Jordan Todman and Andre Dixon look like Darren McFadden and Felix Jones.

I just feel bad for the guy in the picture. Golden Tate is one Domer who has played his heart out all year and deserved better than this.

Isn't just sad that Notre Dame can't even beat an inferior team that basically gave them the game?

It is so frustrating to be a Notre Dame fan that I just started laughing when Dixon scored the winning touchdown. Fortunately for me, my son Brady was born on Friday and nothing could ruin this weekend for me.

This article is also posted on http://fightingirishgameday.com/

Michigan Wolverines-Ohio State Buckeyes: A Wolverine Victory Changes Everything

Erin McLaughlin — Sat, 21 Nov 2009 03:42:25 -0500

After a red-hot 4-0 start, Michigan's season has gone downhill since the Michigan State game. Since then, Michigan has gone just 1-6. The one win was against Delaware State.

In 2009, the Wolverines are 4-0 in non-conference games. However, within the Big Ten, they have only beaten Indiana and that took a comeback.

Michigan was blown out by Penn State, Illinois, and Purdue. Based on all that, there really seems no way that Michigan can honestly look at this season as a success.

That would be true except for one thing—they end the season today, and as always, they end it against Ohio State. At the start of any season, beating the Buckeyes is of utmost importance and at the top of the priority list. Ohio State has the same priorities.

For Michigan and Ohio State, the records never mean anything because this game is more important than winning the Big Ten, going to the Rose Bowl, and winning a national championship.

Unfortunately for Michigan, Ohio State has won five straight and will be going for six today. After already clinching a Big Ten title and a trip to the Rose Bowl, the Buckeyes are once again the better team on paper. However, the game is not played on paper.

Michigan can win because they have one advantage. It is an emotional one. If they lose, there is no tomorrow for them. The Wolverines need one more win to make a bowl game. Not making a bowl game for the second straight year would be a huge disappointment. Michigan knows that they are out of chances, and this is do or die.

The situation reminds of a quote from the movie The Replacements. Gene Hackman's character told his team of replacement players, "They are not scared of you, but they should be. You have a powerful weapon. There is no tomorrow for you, and that makes you all very DANGEROUS PEOPLE!!!"

Michigan can go into this game knowing they are heavy underdogs and just come out swinging. Tate Forcier can approach it with no pressure and just go play his game. That will help with tightness.

Another motivating factor for Michigan is Terrelle Pryor. Two years ago he chose Ohio State over Michigan and Penn State in one of the most publicized recruiting battles ever. Michigan defenders need to make it their mission to make Pryor pay for not becoming a Wolverine.

They need to make him feel the pain, the whole pain, and nothing but the pain. They need to hit him until they can't hit him any more.

This game is simply everything to Michigan. A win and the Wolverines go to a bowl game. It won't be a big bowl, but after going 3-9 any bowl is a positive step.

Not only that, but beating Ohio State will just give the city of Ann Arbor a much more positive feeling about the state of the program.

If Michigan loses, the feeling will be totally different. Another loss to the Buckeyes would just leave a sour taste going into the off-season that will see no bowl game for the second year in a row. It will be two straight losing seasons. The seat for Rich Rodriguez would be scorching hot heading into 2010.

The perception of Michigan will depend totally on this one game. Perception is reality until somebody changes that perception.

Time For Notre Dame Players To Take Their Season Back

Erin McLaughlin — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 15:18:08 -0500

I just have to vent here.

Over the past two weeks, all that is talked about in regards to Notre Dame is the future of Charlie Weis and who will replace him. I can see something is broken and a change of some kind needs to be made.

Whether that change involves bringing in a new head coach or bringing in new defensive coaches, that is Jack Swarbrick's decision and I know he will make the decision that is best for Notre Dame.

My point is that the players should be held accountable for their part too. Jimmy Clausen and Golden Tate have had a magical year. If Michael Floyd had stayed healthy, he would have been part of it too. These three have been outstanding but have also had their share of mistakes.

The interception against Navy where Floyd and Clausen clearly were not on the same page was big. Tate had some key drops against Michigan that made a difference.

The line has been improved this year but has still let Clausen down in critical situations.

The running game has been disappoiniting lately. I expected a big year out of Armando Allen. To be fair, he has been solid when he has been healthy. Unfortunately, that has been a big problem.

Robert Hughes has filled in alright, but I was hoping to see more from Jonas Gray. He has been a disappointment in my opinion. I do like what I have seen from Theo Riddick, but he is still raw at this point.

Then there is the defense—what do I really need to say? Other than Manti Te'o and Kyle McCarthy, this unit has just been disappointing. I expected Brian Smith to really be a leader out there and serve as a bit of a mentor to Te'o. Instead Te'o has outperformed him.

Toryan Smith was doing horrible in the area of pursuit and overrunning the play. Missed tackles were the result. That is why Te'o replaced him. Toryan Smith isn't the only defender guilty of this.

The guy I am most disappointed in on that defense is Robert Blanton. After showing so much promise late in his freshman year and following it with a great spring game, I really expected Blanton to be the man in the secondary. Instead it seems the only time we hear his name called is when he gets beat.

On special teams, where is Mike Anello? Last season he was simply the man on the kicking teams. This year I think I have heard his name called twice.

The punting has been a disaster lately. Kicking has been better but Navy would never know.

With two games left, these players need to look at themselves in the mirror and ask if this is what they want their legacy to be. It is not about what coach will be there next year. It is about how they want to be remembered at Notre Dame.

Weis will likely be out. John Tenuta will probably be gone too. Certainly they deserve their share of the blame. However, every player in that locker room should consider it a failure on their part to get these guys fired.

With Connecticut on the slate for Saturday, it is time for the players to take this back. Just two weeks ago we were talking about BCS. While that is out of the picture, a Gator Bowl would definitely be an upgrade from the Hawaii Bowl. An 8-4 record may not be what we hoped for but it is still a lot better than 6-6.

Connecticut is a good team. However, if Notre Dame finally shows that fire that makes winners,they will win. I want to see that "Play Like a Champion Today" sign really something on Saturday.

The bottom line is that the players need to realize that it is not about the coach's legacy, it is about their legacy.

This article is also posted on http://fightingirishgameday.com/

It Is Just Hard To Watch Brady Quinn Like This

Erin McLaughlin — Tue, 17 Nov 2009 21:50:28 -0500

Prior to the game last night, I was debating whether or not I even wanted to watch it. People have their opinions on Brady Quinn and are not afraid to share it either way. For me, the thing I am most passionate about in sports is Notre Dame football.

When Quinn was leading the Irish, Notre Dame was closer to being Notre Dame than it had been since 1993. For that reason he will always be a hero to me no matter what he does with the Cleveland Browns or any other NFL team. But still, heroes aren't supposed to struggle.

I did watch the game against the Ravens, but I really felt going in that I was about to watch my heroes execution. The line is horrible. The best running back is about to retire. The best weapon is Joshua Cribbs, who really is more of a wildcat specialist. The other receivers are rookies. I was scared for him.

Then the game started and the offense showed some signs of life in the first half. There was a long completion to Mohamed Massaqoui. However whenever anything would get going, there was a dropped pass, holding penalty, and other drive killers. Even Quinn missed a couple easy passes.

However, I felt that at halftime some positives came and the offense would do something in the second half. Then my worst fears were confirmed. Quinn was running for his life in the second half. The interceptions both hit off receivers hands and looked to be the result of them not being totally in-sync.

I guess that happens when you constantly change quarterbacks and never develop rhythm. Quinn made his share of mistakes and no excuses will be given for them. However, the Browns problem is the offense period. Frequently changing signal callers won't change that. Nor will drafting a new quarterback.

As hard as the game was to watch, it was a little refreshing to hear Jon Gruden and Ron Jaworski say the same things I have been saying for weeks. They feel that the offense lacks the playmakers it needs and Peyton Manning couldn't fix that.

They also attacked the conservative playcalling and made it clear that Brian Daboll needs to take the handcuffs off and let this young group go. They will make mistakes but at least they will learn. That is the only way the unit will ever get better.

Jaworski also made it a point that the organization has to believe in Quinn. The only way he will ever get better is by playing. The footage Jaworski showed of how Dick Vermeil believed in him when he was young and struggling should have hit home with Browns fans and coaches.

The other part of Quinn's night had nothing to do with his performance but rather the penalty he got on Terrell Suggs. I have mixed feelings about it.

On one hand, I am very disappointed in him. He not only represents the Browns but he also still represents Notre Dame and those of us who cheer for him. After all I have written for him and how I have fought for him, it was disappointing.

At the same time, I know he is not a dirty player. He got caught in a moment that I am sure he regrets. Quinn is also dealing with trying to gain his teammates respect. Quarterbacks do get respect when they make a block or tackle or any other tough play.

Quinn is also battling a reputation of being soft. That is a belief that people have. I believe his looks is what give that impression. What happens if Quinn doesn't go after him? He would have been called a "sissie." That really was a case of damned if he does or damned if he doesn't.

In the coming weeks I am hoping this staff takes Jaworski's advice and believes in Quinn and hopefully the whole unit shows some signs of progression.

This article is also posted on http://fightingirishgameday.com/

What Notre Dame Should Do With Charlie Weis

Erin McLaughlin — Mon, 16 Nov 2009 20:11:42 -0500

Just two weeks ago Notre Dame fans were talking about a possible return to the BCS. Sitting at 6-2, it appeared that Charlie Weis had finally righted the ship and his recruiting was finally paying dividends. Well this is college football and the outlook on things can change quickly.

After two disappointing losses to Navy and Pittsburgh, the outlook on Notre Dame's season and the future of Weis has taken a turn for the worse. Notre Dame was regarded as one of the most improved teams in college football. Now its 6-4 record is exactly the same record they had last season after 10 games.

We all know how that ended. It featured an embarrassing loss to Syracuse and then getting throttled by USC. Now with a Connecticut team that took Cincinnati to the limit and a hot Stanford team left on the plate, another 6-6 season is looking like a real possibility.

One thing is clear to just about all Irish fans. Weis is not the answer. I have been a Weis supporter. I thought what he did his first two years could not be overlooked. I also thought his recruiting efforts were adequate. I also gave him the benefit of the doubt the last two years since he played so many young players.

Since those young players are now seasoned players and the results are still not great, I can't give Charlie Weis the benefit of the doubt any more. It is time to move on.

However, I still appreciate all he did for Notre Dame and will never feel compare him to Tyrone Willingham. Therefore, I would like to see him go out a winner.

Based on that, Jack Swarbrick should make the announcement today that Weis will be replaced after the season. They should allow him to finish the year and coach the bowl game. That is what could create an emotional spark to the players. They will know that they are playing for the next coach and they would want to send Weis out a winner.

Without that emotional spark, Notre Dame will lose to both Connecticut and Stanford. The result will be 6-6 and who knows what bowl they go to? Who even wants to go to a bowl with that record?

However, an 8-4 record is still enough to get a decent bowl like the Gator Bowl. It is not BCS but is a huge upgrade over the Hawaii Bowl. Then the Irish can get an opponent like Miami and it could be a good game. Then the players can play for Weis one last time and send him out on a positive note.

This article is also posted on http://fightingirishgameday.com/

Is Notre Dame's Jimmy Clausen Ready for the NFL?

Erin McLaughlin — Sun, 15 Nov 2009 19:55:57 -0500

How quickly the outlook of a season can change. Just two weeks ago Notre Dame was 6-2. They looked ready to finish strong and possibly make a return to a BCS bowl. The talk wasn't whether Charlie Weis would be back in 2010, but rather whether or not Jimmy Clausen would be.

But after two disappointing losses to Navy and Pittsburgh, all the talk about Clausen leaving has become secondary to the discussion of who will be coaching the Irish next year. In all likelihood, it won't be Weis.

Although the talk of Clausen's decision is on the back burner, its impact on both him and the Irish is still huge. Three weeks ago, most around the country saw him as a 2010 NFL draft prospect. He looked ready to go without question. After the last two games, however, I have real questions as to whether or not he is ready for the next level.

I had already questioned his escape ability and whether or not he was able to consistently make a play outside the pocket. The last two weeks have only reconfirmed those fears.

I am not trying to attack Clausen. The young man has played his heart out all year and has definitely shown toughness. However, for the second straight week, he failed to deliver with the game on the line because he was unable to escape the pressure and make a great throw.

I know there are readers thinking right now that the line let him down and didn't block. That is true. If either Evan Sharpley or Dayne Crist are in the game, I would blame the line and not the quarterback. However, when I have a big-time quarterback like Clausen, I expect him to make a big-time play in a big-time moment.

I remember the Super Bowl two years ago when Eli Manning escaped a fierce rush from the Patriots and made an unbelievable throw to David Tyree.

Am I being a little unfair to Clausen? Perhaps. But I hear things like "he is a legitimate Heisman candidate," "he will be playing on Sundays for years to come," and "he is even better than Brady Quinn." When I hear things like that, I expect him to produce with the game on the line.

As much as I hate to say this, he hasn't done it consistently all year. Don't believe me? Let's go week by week.

In Week 1 against Nevada, Clausen had a great game. It was put out of reach early and he never had to produce with the game on the line.

Week 2 was against Michigan. Clausen had another great game and put Notre Dame ahead in the fourth quarter. However, with about a minute left he missed Golden Tate on a third-and-long. Michigan got the ball back and we know the rest. Knowing what we do about Michigan now, the Irish clearly let one get away.

Week 3 was against Michigan State. Here I will give him the credit for hitting Tate late in the game on the play that the Spartan band felt. There he came through for the Irish.

Week 4 was at Purdue. An injured Clausen got it done again with a last-second pass to Kyle Rudolph.

Week 5 was at Washington and, for the third straight week, Clausen produced with the game on the line. He rallied his team late and forced overtime. Then the Irish took control. Clausen was really looking like a quarterback you want in the clutch.

Two weeks later, USC came to South Bend. After being shut down for three quarters, Clausen led the offense on a fourth-quarter comeback. With a second to go in the game and the ball only a yard away, Clausen was unable to get his team in the end zone to force overtime. The sad part is that we now know that USC isn't even very good.

The seventh game was against Boston College. It was an ugly game for the offense and the only time the defense led the team to a win.

The next game was against Washington State. Clausen was great and never had to produce with the game on the line.

The last two games were Navy and Pittsburgh and we have already been there.

Looking at it closely, in all four of the games Notre Dame lost (Michigan, USC, Navy, Pittsburgh), the game was in the hands of their superstar quarterback and he didn't produce.

For that reason, Clausen really needs to think long and hard on whether or not he really is ready for the NFL. I bring this up because I want Clausen to succeed in the NFL. I will not recommend him going there when I clearly see aspects of his game that need improvement.

Again I understand that the line has to block better. However, Clausen needs to realize that in those passing situations, the pass rush is coming and he has to escape it. It may not sound fair, but great players make great plays in these situations. Here's how it's supposed to work:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nnj0I0-aN8w&feature=related

This article is also posted on http://fightingirishgameday.com/

Three Things I Am Praying For This Weekend

Erin McLaughlin — Fri, 13 Nov 2009 20:46:47 -0500

Last weekend was the toughest weekend for Notre Dame fans all season. The loss to Navy hurt. The way they lost made it really hurt. They played flat and really beat themselves. In the other two losses to Michigan and USC, I thought the Irish fought hard and played great football and just came up a bit short.

The Navy game was totally different. The Midshipmen looked like they wanted it more. Notre Dame really beat themselves in alot of ways with turnovers and missed field goals. Mistakes like that is a recipe for losing.

This Notre Dame fan like many others is hoping for a much better weekend. For me there are three things that I am praying for that will make this a really good weekend.

The birth of my son

My wife and I are expecting our second son any day now. This obviously comes before anything else. After all, football is just a game. I am just praying that if the birth does occur this weekend, that all goes well and there are no complications.

My son will be named Brady. The reason I chose Brady is really quite simple. I want my boys to be leaders. When I think of a leader, there are two guys that immediately come to mind. That is Tom Brady of the New England Patriots and Brady Quinn at Notre Dame. For that reason, Brady is the perfect name.

Notre Dame beats Pittsburgh

After a week of hearing about how Charlie Weis is soon to be fired and how the team is still not very good, a victory over the Panthers would make me feel alot better. I am not sure it erases the Navy loss but it will go a long way in changing the perception of where Notre Dame is.

I am not sure a win can save Weis's job or if I even want it to. However, I do love all Weis has done for the university and would like to see him go out a winner. I do think he deserves that.

A win will also make me feel happy for Lou Holtz who can stick it to Mark May.

This past week I have been very hard on Jimmy Clausen. I know he threw for over 400 yards but his two redzone turnovers really hurt. To his credit, he did take responsibility for the loss. He said that turning the ball over is not bad coaching, it is bad playing. I give him credit for saying that, but now he has to redeem himself on the field.

Looking at this matchup, I think Notre Dame can shock the world and pull off the win. Pittsburgh has an impressive record but they really don't have an impressive win yet. They haven't played Cincinnati or West Virginia yet. Unlike Notre Dame they did beat Navy.

However, they did lose to NC State who got hammered by Boston College. Just a reminder Notre Dame got the Boston College monkey off their backs.

There are really two keys to victory for Notre Dame. The first one is the offensive line protecting Clausen. If they do, he can get the ball to his weapons (Golden Tate, Michael Floyd, and Armando Allen). It won't be easy against the defense that leads the nation in sacks, but the return of Trevor Robinson will help.

The other key matchup involves two true freshmen. That is Manti Te'o against Dion Lewis. If Te'o and the rest of the defense can shut Lewis down, it will force the Panthers into passing situations. That won't be easy though since Lewis already has 1139 yards and 12 rushing touchdowns.

Brady Quinn

The third thing I am praying for this weekend is Brady Quinn. He has regained his starting position with the Cleveland Browns. As a Notre Dame fan, it was hard for me to watch him struggle early in the year after all he did for Notre Dame.

He really is in a bad situation with that team. The team is arguably the worst and Eric Mangini may be the worst coaching hire ever. His offensive coordinator is Brian Daboll and he looks clueless.

The offense around him is just awful. He has an All-Pro left tackle in Joe Thomas and a somewhat decent rookie receiver in Mohamed Massaquoi. Needless to say he doesn't have much to work with. To make matters worse, he is going up against Ray Lewis and company as the Browns play the Baltimore Ravens.

I know the whole city of South Bend is rooting for him to be an NFL success as are Notre Dame fans everywhere. Unfortunately, he is fighting for his NFL life right now and has very little help around him. I just hope the football gods are kinder on him this time around.

For that reason Quinn deserves to be in the prayers of Notre Dame fans this weekend.

This article is also posted on http://fightingirishgameday.com/

Notre Dame-Pittsburgh: Do It For Lou Holtz

Erin McLaughlin — Thu, 12 Nov 2009 22:03:16 -0500

After such a disappointing loss to Navy, most of the attention for Notre Dame has focused on the future of Charlie Weis with Notre Dame. As a result, none of the media has hardly focused on the game with Pittsburgh at all. Imagine the build up for this game if the Irish had beat Navy.

Notre Dame and Pittsburgh would be set for an epic showdown. The Fighting Irish would still be fighting to make a move up the BCS poll. The Panthers would want a win over Notre Dame to give them momentum as they battle Cincinnati for the Big East Title.

Instead the Irish lost and this game that was setting up to be huge is now almost on the back burner. That could be good for the Irish. They could show up on Saturday and be so tired of all the negative attention it received this week and go out and play the game of their lives.

A win over Pittsburgh would change everything. This team would once again be on pace for a 10 win season. Although the BCS is out, a 9-3 regular season would get the Irish a Gator Bowl bid and a chance to get that 10th win over an ACC opponent. It could be the renewal of an old rivalry with Miami (Catholics vs. Convicts).

A win there would make the season a success and set them up next year for a BCS run. Based on that, there is still alot for the Irish to play for.

For me though, the biggest reason for the Irish to play hard for is Lou Holtz. Holtz is constantly standing up for Notre Dame on ESPN College Gameday. At the same time, Mark May is the biggest Notre Dame hater out there and is constantly discrediting anything positive the Irish do.

May is a Pittsburgh Alum. Therefore an Irish win would give Holtz bragging rights and would humble May, at least for a little while.

Doesn't Holtz deserve that? Sure, he does overhype the Irish at times. I have to scratch my head and think, "Lou, you are really not helping and making us look bad." But at the end of the day, he loves Notre Dame. If his biggest flaw is that he loves Notre Dame too much, God bless him.

He picks Notre Dame every week to win, even against the USCs. May constantly attacks him for picking the Irish. As much as he makes me sick. It makes me more sick that he has always been right. Isn't time to make a liar out of him.

Notre Dame has let Holtz down time and time again and allowed May to get the best of him. Isn't time to change that? Wouldn't you feel great for Lou to be able to talk about an Irish victory in the postgame? Wouldn't you love to see May have to give the Irish their due for beating his alma mater?

I know I would.

This article is also posted on http://fightingirishgameday.com/

Brady Quinn Needs To Realize What And Whom He Is Playing For

Erin McLaughlin — Wed, 11 Nov 2009 20:00:11 -0500

On Wednesday, Brady Quinn was once again named the starting quarterback for the Cleveland Browns. Many will probably think that I am happy about that, and I guess I am. However, while I do want to see him play, I also want him to succeed. And I just don't think any quarterback can succeed with this team.

To be honest, I actually feel a little sorry for Derek Anderson at this point. He has taken a beating lately both on and off the field. This offense has an all-pro left tackle (Joe Thomas) and a somewhat decent rookie receiver (Mohahmed Massaquoi). Sure, Anderson wasn't good, but how can he really get a fair evaluation under these circumstances?

Eric Mangini said that he has been pleased with how Quinn has performed in practice and would like Quinn to be the guy for the rest of the year.

Do you believe a word he says? Neither do I.

In reality, the only part of that statement that is true is the last part. The part that rings true is the "rest of this year" part. That means not next year. If Mangini is back next year, Quinn won't be. Everybody knows that.

Therefore, when Quinn takes the field on Monday night, he needs to realize a couple things. He is not playing for Eric Mangini nor the Cleveland Browns. He will be playing for his place in the NFL. He needs to show the whole league that he belongs there.

The Browns will face many key decisions this upcoming offseason. Randy Lerner has made it clear that he wants to hire an executive similar to that of Bill Parcells in Miami. Once that person is hired, the first thing he will have to decide is whether or not he wants to keep Mangini.

If he does want to retain Mangini, then Quinn will go somewhere else. If he decides to fire Mangini, then the new executive will have to hire a new coach who may or may not want Quinn as his starting quarterback. Therefore, Quinn's future in Cleveland is as unclear as ever.

Based on all that, Quinn needs to realize that he needs to look out for himself and play for himself. The thing I have always loved about this kid is that he was always a team-first guy. Unfortunately for him, he has to realize that the NFL is like any other profession, in that there is a time to cover your own backside.

For Quinn, that time is now. I know he has always had dreams of being the quarterback for the Browns and taking them to the Super Bowl. He now has to realize that is very unlikely because of the Browns' current state.

Everything about the Browns is garbage. The owner is garbage. The Head Coach is garbage. The Offensive Coordinator is garbage. The team is garbage. Even many of the fans are garbage because of their impatience and lack of loyalty.

The best advice I could give to Quinn right now is to go out there and play for himself. I hate to advise that, but if he wants a career in this league, that is what he has to do.

Quinn needs to know that Brian Daboll is the worst Offensive Coordinator in the history of the NFL. THEREFORE, HE SHOULD CALL AN AUDIBLE ON EVERY PLAY.

Whatever the call is, change it at the line of scrimmage and call one that maximizes his strengths. The funny thing is that that is how he may actually finally get his teammates to believe in him.

I have no doubt that Quinn can read a defense way better than Daboll. Therefore, Massaquoi and Brian Robiskie may be able to showcase their skills better if Quinn can put them in position to do so.

In closing, Quinn can't single-handedly turn this offense around. However, if he looks out for number one, he can show other teams that he is worth trading for. Like I said earlier, Quinn is no longer playing for the Browns or Mangini.

Instead he is playing for the new executive and possibly a new coach, whomever they may be. He is also playing for all the teams that will need a new quarterback next year.

Jimmy Clausen, You Are No Brady Quinn

Erin McLaughlin — Tue, 10 Nov 2009 21:34:29 -0500

Let me make one thing perfectly clear. This article has nothing to do with who will or won't have the better NFL career. This is purely about what both Brady Quinn and Jimmy Clausen have done at Notre Dame. For any other quarterback mentioned, I am also looking at only what he did in South Bend.

Jimmy Clausen has had a great year this year. He is by far the most improved player in all of college football. Much like his predecessor, Quinn, Clausen has made an incredible jump from sophomore to junior year. Also like Quinn, Clausen has led one of the best offenses in the country. Both guys had minimal help from the defense also.

The difference is end results. With Quinn at the helm the Irish went to two straight BCS Bowls. There will be no BCS this year and if Clausen leaves, his legacy is not even close to Quinn's.

I remember when Quinn graduated and Clausen arrived in a rather arrogant fashion. Like many I was skeptical and knew he had a tough act to follow. After all, Quinn was the best quarterback I have seen in my lifetime at Notre Dame. He was the best quarterback in South Bend since Joe Montana.

Looking at the gap of great quarterbacks between Montana and Quinn, the only other quarterback that even belongs in the conversation is Rick Mirer. Ron Powlus was a huge disappointment. There was no doubt that Quinn was something special and the Irish hadn't seen a quarterback like that in a long time.

I heard all the hype about Clausen and hoped he would live up to it but knew he had big shoes to fill. That is why I would usually avoid any talk about who would be better between Quinn and Clausen. I found that disrespectful to Quinn and all he did for the Irish while he was there.

He put Notre Dame back on the map in college football when it was gone for so long. Many of these really good recruits that came under Weis are there because of Quinn. They saw what was going on in South Bend and wanted to be part of it.

Clausen himself was probably influenced by Quinn. He saw what this quarterback was doing in this system and understandably wanted in.

Whenever, I heard Clausen would be even better than Quinn I would roll my eyes. Deep down I was thinking I sure hope so. After three years, you can say that he has a great statistical year. However, when is the last really long winning streak they had with Clausen at the helm?

Oh yeah, they haven't had one. The longest streak we had with Clausen is three games. We all remember the long string of victories Quinn led the Irish to in both his junior and senior seasons. Those streaks both started after disappointing losses to USC and Michigan. That tells me that as good as Clausen is, he is not a proven winner.

Sure Clausen did lead all these comebacks this year. However, can any of them really compare to the one Quinn led the Irish to against Michigan State? Just look at the size of deficits.

Clausen did lead the comeback against USC and was one play away from forcing overtime. Then we remember that when Quinn was in that same position he scored on a keeper. The only problem was he scored a minute too quickly.

My favorite memory of Quinn was against UCLA when Notre Dame did not play a great game. However, when the Irish got the ball with a minute left I knew they would win. I had faith in Quinn. Of course, he didn't let me down.

This past Saturday, the Irish played it's worse game of the year. Yet with a minute left, they got the ball back. I knew the Irish would win because Clausen would't let me down. Oh yeah, he got safetied.

Certainly it is not all on Clausen. His defense has let him down and there is doubt about the coach. Oh wait, Quinn had that same coach and his defense was even worse.

I am not trying to attack Clausen here. I think he has done an incredible job this season. Saying he is not as good as Quinn is not by any means an insult.

I was hoping to write an article at the end of the year entitled "Brady I love you, but Jimmy is the Man." However, I can't say that he is better than Quinn because the results aren't even close.

In closing, I would love to see Clausen come back next year and I would love to be able to retract all of this.

Challenge for Notre Dame Fans and Media

Erin McLaughlin — Mon, 09 Nov 2009 21:03:04 -0500

After a painful loss to Navy, Notre Dame fans need to realize that the season is not over, and there is still a lot of football to be played. The Irish have three very tough games left and then another tough opponent in a bowl game. It starts this Saturday at Pittsburgh, and then they finish the year with Connecticut and Stanford.

In spite of the loss, I still think Notre Dame can finish the year strong. I am done sulking over the defeat and now am looking at Pittsburgh. They do have an impressive record of 8-1. However, they have yet to really face the tough part of their schedule.

The only common opponent was Navy, whom the Panthers beat 27-14. However, Pittsburgh's lone loss came against NC State, who is only 4-5. Boston College smoked the Wolfpack 52-10. Of course the Irish beat BC. Therefore, Notre Dame does have the talent to beat Pittsburgh.

To beat the Panthers though, we need to see a Notre Dame that we haven't seen since Nevada quite frankly. We need an angry Irish team.

I will never forget last Christmas. Notre Dame had finished with a very mediocre 6-6 record. They dealt with three weeks of public scrutiny. Their character was questioned. They had to listen to how bad their coach is. They had to listen to all the talk about how Notre Dame is no longer the elite program.

They showed up to the Hawaii Bowl, and we know the rest. As I sat in that stadium, I observed a side of these players that I hadn't seen in two years. They played like they were tired of hearing about it. Granted it was against Hawaii, but the team I saw on that day was not the same team I saw against Navy.

During a season which has had many highs and some bad lows, it has been emotionally draining on me as a fan and writer. I can only imagine that has had a toll on the players as well, because against Navy they looked like a team that lost their edge.

If Notre Dame wants to avoid another 6-6 season, they need to get that edge back. We need to see the team that we saw in Honolulu and again against Nevada. The way I see it, there is only one way to get it back. That is the same way they got it in the first place.

My challenge to fans, writers, and other media is this: Make this team tired of it again. This time we only have a week and not three, so the amount of negative press toward Notre Dame must intensify to a level that is triple than normal.

This week, let these players and coaches see it everywhere they go. Put up billboards, post signs, do whatever you can to make these players remind these players of just how bad that loss to Navy was.

It goes beyond questioning their heart. Heck, challenge their manhood. Insult the size of their jock straps. Do that for every player in the locker room. If you are good with computer graphics, make out pictures of the players wearing dresses and heels and carrying purses.

If I were in South Bend, I would already be decorating the town in my own way. Unfortunately I am in the middle of the ocean, so others need to do this. I love my domers, but this is my way of tough love. Come Saturday this team just needs to be so tired of all this so that they never want to experience it again.

That is the only way to get this team back to having that edge it will need to get a win against the Panthers and end the year with a strong finish. If they don't get that edge back Pittsburgh will kill them, and so will Connecticut and Stanford.

This article is also posted on http://fightingirishgameday.com/

Notre Dame: How Things Look So Much More Gloomy After a Loss

Erin McLaughlin — Sun, 08 Nov 2009 14:25:31 -0500

Just a couple of days ago, Irish fans were excited for the stretch run of the 2009 season. With four games left bowl eligibility was already wrapped up and Notre Dame was in place to make it's move up the BCS rankings. A return to the BCS was a very realistic possibility.

Even though it was only two days ago, doesn't it seem like so long ago? I take nothing away from Navy. They game in South Bend and played a great game. They were hungry and disciplined. In other words, they were well coached.

However, Notre Dame has two Heisman candidates in Jimmy Clausen and Golden Tate. Also Michael Floyd was making his return. There is no reason why this offense shouldn't have put up 40.

Not only did Notre Dame play it's worst game of the season, but Pittsburgh, Connecticut, and Stanford all looked very impressive yesterday. Such a promising season is scarily looking like 6-6 is a real possibility if the Irish can't turn it around.

What bowl game would the Irish get with that record. Last year I loved seeing them come out here to Hawaii. However, after the game I said that as much as I loved seeing them come out there I would be disappointed if they came back. A 6-6 record would make that disappointment a reality.

So who is to blame for this debacle that took place on Saturday?

It seems that whenever a team has a bad loss, the two guys that get blamed are the head coach and the quarterback. I am one that tries not to blame those two. I feel that is usually pretty shortsighted to do so. That is why I blamed Jon Tenuta and not Charlie Weis for the early season defensive struggles.

As much as I don't like just pointing to the head coach and quarterback, I really don't know who else to blame for this loss besides Weis and Clausen.

Sure Nick Tausch did miss two field goals, but that only added up to six points. The line didn't block very well on huge goal line stand for Navy. The defense also looked confused against that triple option. However, they only surrendered 21 points and at the end of the day Notre Dame's offense should be able to produce that and then some.

So yes, there were factors that were not the fault of Weis and Clausen. However, the head coach and the quarterback were the main factors.

Clausen did throw for a ton of yards (452 to be exact), but what good are all those yards if he turns it over in the redzone twice. A Heisman candidate is not supposed to do that.

To be fair, Clausen has shown toughness all year and did so again on Saturday. However, as mush as I admire his competitiveness. The Irish don't need their quarterback taking a shot like that on the goal line. Notre Dame was about to take the momentum before that fumble.

He needs to be smarter than that and slide. Let Robert Hughes pound it in from there. It would have been first and goal from the two or three.

Then Clausen threw the interception when the team was driving again. The worst part is that it was a mental and not a physical error. He and Floyd were not on the same page. It is the quarterbacks responsibility to make sure people are on the same page.

Then he wasn't able to move the team and surrendered safety. Sure the line needs to be held accountable too for that, but a Heisman quarterback leads his team in this situation.

Now for Weis and it is hard for me to write this. I love Charlie Weis because I can tell that he has the same passion for Notre Dame that us fans do. He has recruited his tail off and given so much to the University. For that reason I have been a big supporter of him. However, it is hard for me to make an argument that justifies keeping him at this point.

On Saturday, a smaller and less talented Navy team looked like they were hungrier and better prepared. They just looked like they wanted it more. That is clearly a reflection of the head coach.

I don't know if the players were looking ahead to Pittsburgh or still high off the successful trip to San Antonio but for whatever reason they just were not ready to play. That is on the head coach nobody else.

I am going to throw some numbers out that really show that the team just wasn't focused. After making 14 straight field goals, Tausch missed two makeable kicks.That is six points.

Later in the half, the Irish were stuffed on the goal line. That is seven more. Then Clausen's two turnovers were 14 more points.

If you add all that up, that is 27 points that were left off the board and five missed scoring opportunities. If a team has one or two missed chances, I blame the players. However, five missed chances is really a sign that they weren't concentrating on the task at hand.

It will be interesting to see how Notre Dame goes from here. More importantly it will be interesting to see where Clausen and Weis go from here. There has been so much speculation about whether Clausen will stay or go. I feel he has to stay now. He let his team down and has to come back to make it right.

If he would have led them to a BCS victory, I would have been okay with him leaving for the NFL. Now I think he has to finish what he started in South Bend before he moves on.

For Weis, it is really simple. Win out or else. It won't be easy considering how good the upcoming opponents looked on Saturday. At the same time, the only way I can see Weis coming back is finishing 9-3 and then winning the bowl game. Based on this weekend I am not too optimistic that will happen.

This article is also posted on http://fightingirishgameday.com/

Michigan Wolverines Must Clinch Bowl Eligibility Against Purdue

Erin McLaughlin — Sat, 07 Nov 2009 02:41:06 -0500

When you think of Michigan football, playing in a bowl game is really a given. The only question is, which bowl?

For Michigan, the Rose Bowl is the ultimate prize. The next best thing would be the Capital One Bowl. The Alamo or Outback Bowls would ordinarily be considered somewhat of a disappointing year.

One thing Wolverine fans could always count on though, was Michigan playing in a bowl game even in a disappointing year. That was until last year when a 3-9 Michigan team failed to qualify for a bowl game for the first time in decades.

Under the current setup, a team generally needs six wins to become bowl eligible. Six wins is usually not a problem for a program like Michigan, so bowl eligibility generally isn't an issue. After starting 5-2, it didn't look like much of an issue this year either. Then came back to back blowouts against Penn State and lowly Illinois.

After such a promising start to the season, the Wolverines suddenly find themselves fighting just to qualify for any bowl. With Wisconsin and Ohio State scheduled as their final two games, a victory over the Boilermakers really seems like a must-win.

The only problem is Purdue will be just as desperate for a win. At 3-6, they cannot lose another game or their bowl hopes are done.

However, a win over Michigan can re-energize this team. Their remaining schedule will feature two winnable games in Michigan State and Indiana.

So when Michigan and Purdue get it on later today, we will likely see two teams battling to make it to the Motor City or Champs Sports Bowls.

While those may not be two of the most prestigious bowls, it doesn't take away from the importance for Michigan in qualifying for one of them.

Qualifying for any bowl game gives your program 15 extra practices. That is almost like another spring season. Those practices are huge for building a solid program.

Also, just from an appearance standpoint it is big. After failing to make a bowl game last year, qualifying for any bowl shows improvement. Not qualifying for a bowl makes it a hard sell to show this program is heading back to prominence.

Watching Michigan and Purdue fight for a minor bowl game won't get a lot of national attention. However, that doesn't take away from the fact that this should be a really competitive game and one that is worth watching.

After all, the loser is pretty much done with their postseason hopes.

Who says college football needs a playoff?

Notre Dame-Navy: How This Rivalry Has Changed

Erin McLaughlin — Thu, 05 Nov 2009 22:26:04 -0500

The Navy game is one of those traditions that Notre Dame can never get away from. Just like USC and Michigan, Notre Dame's and Navy's pasts are linked and always will be.

The difference is the history of this rivalry is really more about friendship more than football.

This was a game that Notre Dame could pretty much pencil in as a victory the moment they saw the game on the schedule. It really wasn't about two of the elite programs battling it out for bragging rights since Notre Dame had won 43 straight.

However, because the Irish always respected what the servicemen did, this game never lost importance for Notre Dame. This rivalry was born during World War II. It happened when enrollment at Notre Dame was down due to more males enrolling in the military.

As a result, Notre Dame was hurting financially. Navy needed a place to train their soldiers. Notre Dame allowed Navy to train it's soldiers in South Bend. They were allowed to use Notre Dame's classrooms and facilities. That saved Notre Dame financially.

The football game is really an annual celebration of that event.

This game really was always more about the friendship and respect the two schools generated more than it was a rivalry. Since Notre Dame had won it so many times in a row, it was hard to call it a rivalry.

That all changed two years ago. We all remember the double overtime win for Navy. Personally, I was happy for Navy. While most totally hammered the Irish and the state of the program for this loss, I had a much different view of it.

That was a rebuilding year for the Irish. Navy wasn't the easy win it used to be. In fact, they have been a bowl eligible team for a few years now. I knew that the streak against Navy wouldn't last forever.

My feeling after that game was that it is better that it happens in a year in which the Irish aren't going anywhere than in a year where the loss can really hurt their bowl picture. I also expected a bowl eligible team to beat a 1-6 team. Therefore, I thought the media hammered the Irish too hard for the loss.

Then last year the game in Baltimore was a real scare. Notre Dame got off to a big lead and pulled their starters with eight minutes left. Notre Dame's backups almost blew it with sloppy tackling and the inability to recover an onside kick.

In the end the Irish did survive the scare to avoid the humiliation of two straight defeats to Navy. The Irish guaranteed themselves a bowl with the win.

This Saturday this rivalry is renewed and just has a different feel to it. Instead of Notre Dame just being able to show up and blow them out, both teams have clinched bowl eligibility and want to fight for the best position to get a good bowl game. This also marks Navy's first trip to South Bend since that historic day two years ago.

I do expect Notre Dame to win but it is now a victory they will have to fight for.

This article is also posted on http://fightingirishgameday.com/

Why Eric Murtaugh Is Wrong About Robert Hughes

Erin McLaughlin — Wed, 04 Nov 2009 16:58:43 -0500

Eric Murtaugh is one of my favorite writers on Bleacher Report and Fighting Irish Gameday. As a fellow Notre Dame fan, he and I see eye to eye on just about everything. When we aren't writing about Notre Dame we often are battling half of the Cleveland Browns section together in defense of our favorite son, Brady Quinn.

One stance that Murtaugh has is his feelings about Robert Hughes. He feels that Hughes just doesn't have much to offer the Notre Dame football team. Murtaugh feels that when Armando Allen is out of the game, the carries should go to the younger more talented runners like Jonas Gray and Theo Riddick.

This is the one thing I have to respectfully disagree with Murtaugh on. I recognize that Hughes isn't the most talented running back ever to go through South Bend. I also recognize that the younger guys have more potential and are faster. After graduating Notre Dame, Hughes probably won't play on Sundays, at least not for very long.

At the same time, does the fact that he may not have NFL talent mean we can't use him in South Bend? Who has been the one who has made all of the toughness plays this year? Hughes is the man when the Irish need a tough yard. It was Hughes who carried multiple defenders with him against Washington for the all important two-point conversion.

Hughes has become a fan favorite because fans always love the guy who does the grunge work. Hughes is the epitome of toughness for this team.

Hughes reminds me of a player I used to love when my beloved Detroit Pistons were on top. That is Ben Wallace. Wallace may not be a scoring champion or a league MVP. What he did do was all the little things that enabled the Pistons to win an NBA title.

Fans, coaches, and teammates love players like that.

Not only is Hughes tough, but he is also versatile. He filled in some for James Aldridge at fullback when he was out with injury. There is also a very good chance that Hughes will be the starting fullback next year when Aldridge graduates. There he will be good because we know he can do the tough work.

Therefore, lead blocking shouldn't be much of a problem for him. Hughes will also be helpful in catching screens.

This season Hughes has done all that has been asked of him. Early in the year, he wasn't getting many carries. Jonas Gray was getting action. However, when Allen wasn't able to go against Purdue it was Hughes who outperformed Gray. Since then Hughes has been too solid to take out of the game plan.

This article is also posted on http://fightingirishgameday.com/

Notre Dame Fans Hoping Floyd and Allen Return Against Navy

Erin McLaughlin — Tue, 03 Nov 2009 21:39:28 -0500

Prior to the season, I took the stance that this was the year to judge Charlie Weis. All of the remnants of Tyrone Willingham were gone, and Weis's recruits were finally seasoned players in South Bend.

A fellow writer asked me if Weis would get a pass if there were key injuries and the team still had a bad season.

I didn't know how to answer that, though that thought scared me. The amazing thing is that Notre Dame has had some key offensive injuries and they are still among the nation's best.

Imagine how good this unit would be if Michael Floyd hadn't gone down and Armando Allen had been healthy all year.

Even Jimmy Clausen has been bothered by turf toe and missed significant time in the Purdue game.

Dayne Crist did a nice job of managing a run package with some throws that Weis put together. Unfortunately for Crist, he also got injured last weekend and is out for the year. Hopefully, it won't affect him for spring.

Now it is time to focus on Navy. Something amazing could actually happen. Notre Dame could actually be fully loaded on offense. That is, with the exception of Crist.

Floyd is back from injury and will play this week. It will be interesting to see how much he plays. Weis may just put him out there for a few plays to test the collarbone, or he may get significant time. Either way, I think it is good to get him in this week to test that shoulder.

With the showdown against Pittsburgh approaching, it is important to know where the injury is and how much the Irish can depend on Floyd for that game.

Hopefully, he is fully recovered or at least close. At the same time, it will be nice to know how to prepare for the Panthers.

Allen also sat out last week against Washington State. From what I understand, he could of played but Weis chose to rest him.

I would assume that would mean that Allen will be able to go this week. Allen needs to go against Navy. Having a healthy running game is huge against a team that likes to run a triple option.

A running game will counter their attack and possibly alter their game plan with a lead. Now that James Aldridge is also back at fullback, that should help the running game too.

Navy is a tough opponent and, like Notre Dame, is bowl eligible already. Having said that, the return of Michael Floyd will provide a spark that will be heard all over South Bend. It could be a big day for the fully loaded Irish offense.

When Does Pete Caroll Get Held Accountable?

Erin McLaughlin — Mon, 02 Nov 2009 20:57:49 -0500

Nobody can deny that ever since Pete Carroll took over for Paul Hackett as head coach at USC, the Trojans have been the premier program in the country. Every year, they are loaded with talent and every year many get drafted to the NFL. Guys like Kaluka Maiava and Matt Cassel didn't even play much at USC, and they still got drafted.

Every year, people think USC will be down because of the players they lose. Instead, the guys that replace them are just as good—if not better—and USC is still a power. Nobody can deny Carroll's ability to find talent in recruiting and develop it.

You would think with talent like that, the Trojans would have ruled the decade in terms of national championships. Surprisingly, that is not the case at all. Do you know how many national championships they actually have won? That depends on the poll. According to the AP it is two, but according to the BCS it is only one.

To be fair, the one year was an epic loss to Texas and two years earlier Oklahoma had no right going to the title game over USC. Having said that, LSU and Florida both have more BCS titles than the program with the most talent.

How does that happen? Well, what do Stanford, Oregon, Oregon State, UCLA, and Washington all have in common? Those are teams that don't have the same talent as USC, but have still beaten them and cost them a trip to the BCS title game.

How do I know those teams are less talented than USC? We know USC's record over Notre Dame. The Irish beat the UCLA team that knocked off the Trojans. The Stanford team that beat USC lost to a 3-9 Notre Dame team. Notre Dame also beat Washington this year.

It seems like a tradition for USC to beat the better teams they face, and make a statement in doing so. Then they screw themselves by losing to a team who shouldn't even be on the same field as them.

I have to admit that in previous years it made me chuckle a bit. However, after their Halloween debacle in Oregon, I am not laughing at all. This loss not only ended USC's hopes of contending for a national championship, but it might have knocked Notre Dame out of the BCS picture.

The Irish would have jumped a few more spots this week if USC had won. Now, their last-second loss to the Trojans doesn't look as impressive to computers. I am not knocking Oregon. They are a fine team, but USC should not lose by 27 points to a team that lost to a WAC team.

Based on all this, can we really say Carroll gets the most out of his players? Sure, he has recruited them and developed them. However, how is continually losing to teams that you have no business losing to getting the most out of them? Are they taking teams too lightly?

Whether they are looking past weaker teams or not, the reality is that since Matt Leinart and Reggie Bush have left, USC has underachieved under Carroll.

I find it a little amazing that Carroll has been immune to criticism for the most part. Charlie Weis gets attacked after close wins, and Carroll has gotten a free pass after upset losses. Other than the Syracuse game, I don't remember Notre Dame losing to a team that it clearly outmatched talent-wise under Weis.

I am not suggesting that Carroll be fired by any means. I am just saying stop giving him a free pass and start holding him accountable.

Notre Dame Is Bowl Eligible, but Did Oregon and Illinois End Its BCS Chances?

Erin McLaughlin — Sun, 01 Nov 2009 20:48:16 -0500

On Halloween, Notre Dame started a new tradition. They played a home game on a neutral field.

This year they traveled to the Alamo Dome in San Antonio to play Washington State and coach Charlie Weis wanted to target the state of Texas in regards to recruiting.

In many ways the trip was a success. Notre Dame completely dominated the Cougars pretty much from start to finish. The game featured one of the most unbelievable plays I have ever seen. It was a 50 yard touchdown pass from Jimmy Clausen to wide receiver Golden Tate.

Clausen put the ball accurately in between three defenders and Tate out fought all three of them for the ball. It came as time expired in the first half, and the best part was that it killed any momentum Washington State gained with their lone touchdown drive of the first half.

After six straight games of having the outcome decided on the last play, Notre Dame fans were able to breathe much easier in this one. Whenever the score is 40-14, fans know they will get a chance to see some of the younger players.

One such player who impressed me was running back Theo Riddick. His speed is scary. Once he becomes a more seasoned player he could be really good.

I have to mention quarterback Dayne Crist, who had his first touchdown pass on a deep ball to wide receiver John Goodman who also hauled in his first touchdown. Unfortunately for Crist it was a bittersweet moment, because he suffered a knee injury on the next series. There is no word yet on how serious the injury is. A MRI is scheduled for Monday.

Many potential recruits were watching the game in the stands and I understand that Weis even got a couple of commitments.

The win also made the Fighting Irish Bowl eligible. That is definitely a positive to have that wrapped up with four weeks left. Last year they didn't clinch it until late and ended up in the Hawaii Bowl. For me, it was fun to see them come to Hawaii.

Seeing the Irish playing in Aloha Stadium is something I never would have thought could happen when I moved there a decade ago. I said after the game that it was a blast, but as much as I loved seeing Notre Dame come to Hawaii I would be disappointed if they came back.

I want to see them in a much better bowl than the Hawaii Bowl. At 6-2, that seems very likely. However, getting a BCS bowl could be very tough due to a couple of unforeseen events on Saturday.

Oregon just destroyed USC, which was the worst thing that could have happened for Irish fans. Prior to the game I thought that if USC could blow out the Ducks, it would make Notre Dame's near win look impressive. It would also discredit Boise State to a degree and make it possible for Notre Dame to jump them at some point.

Unfortunately, just the opposite happened. Notre Dame's last second loss to USC now doesn't look as good. Boise now has a gripe to be not only in the BCS but also the Title Game.

To make matters worse, Michigan got blown out for the second straight week. This time it was to lowly Illinois. Michigan State and Purdue also looked bad in their games.

The only good news for the Irish was that Boston College got a blow out win over a very good Central Michigan team.

All of those results make it very difficult for Notre Dame to make a solid argument for a BCS bowl. In fact, Notre Dame climbed only one spot from #23 to #22 in the latest BCS poll, despite a blowout win.

I guess the best thing Notre Dame can do at this point is worry about what they can control. They can't control computers or what happens in other games. What they can control is how they prepare for Navy this week.

The Irish just need to worry about taking care of it's own business and the rest will sort itself out. Hopefully, it will be in the Irish's favor.

Looking at the last four games, Notre Dame ends with Navy, Pittsburgh, Connecticut, and Stanford. Those are four pretty tough games. I definitely think the Irish can jump up with victories over those four teams. However, can they jump high enough to get a BCS bid?

In closing, although the players and coaches need to worry about what they can control. Fans can hope that Nevada beats Boise later in the year and hope that somebody knocks off TCU.

This article is also posted on http://fightingirishgameday.com/

Why a Brady Quinn for Vince Young Trade Makes Sense for Browns, Titans

Erin McLaughlin — Fri, 30 Oct 2009 21:23:17 -0400

Earlier this week, the Tennessee Titans announced that Vince Young will once again be the starting quarterback. Ordinarily, you would expect Young to be excited to get the opportunity for a second chance. I am sure he is excited to a degree, but he also has to be a bit apprehensive due to the circumstances.

It is well noted that owner Bud Adams wanted Young to play. Jeff Fisher believes in Kerry Collins and one player even said that coaches hands were tied in this. In other words, Young will start not because the coach or teammates believe he is the right guy, but because the owner wants him in there.

Is that a good situation for him to be in? I think we all know the answer to that and more importantly we all know how this story will end.

In a way, I can't blame Adams for his position. He has a lot invested in Young and wants to see a return on his investment.

I also don't think players should change their preparation regardless of who is playing quarterback. Players get a little too loyal to one guy and don't want to give a younger guy a chance regardless of how bad the team is with the other quarterback at the helm.

Just north of Tennessee, there is a similar story. Brady Quinn was drafted a couple years back to be the quarterback of the Cleveland Browns. Unfortunately, Quinn has never really been given a fair chance to grow into the position.

It seems that whenever he goes in, he is constantly looking over his shoulder. Coaches and teammates can never wait for any reason to put Derek Anderson in whenever Quinn stubs. Anderson gets chance after chance no matter how poorly he plays.

There was speculation when Quinn got his first start, it was Randy Lerner's decision and not Romeo Crennel's. Now Eric Mangini is the coach and just doesn't seem to like Quinn at all.

The reality is that neither Kerry Collins nor Derek Anderson are the long term answers for their respective teams. The players and coaches on both teams know that deep down.

At the same time, neither team seems to think the prospect on the bench is the answer. That is not totally the fault of either Vince young or Brady Quinn; both have made mistakes. Young wanted to quit last year and Quinn held out as a rookie. Those moves rubbed teammates the wrong way.

I would think that at some point the players on the Titans and Browns would let it go and understand that young guys make mistakes. They also need to understand that young quarterbacks need time to grow on the field. Neither Young nor Quinn have gotten that from their teammates.

A change of scenery seems needed for both of them. I think trading Young for Quinn would be a trade that would benefit both the Titans and Browns next season.

Why Brady Quinn would work in Tennessee

Brady Quinn is really more of a system quarterback. I mean that as a compliment even though it is often looked down upon. A system quarterback is actually a good thing. It is a guy who can take a system that is in place and can run it efficiently.

The Titans seem to have a pretty good system in place. They certainly have runners like Lendale White, Chris Johnson, and Javon Ringer that will help a young quarterback.

Quinn has also been better whenever he has a good tight end. With Bo Scaife and Alge Crumpler, he has two.

Quinn is also good at hitting quick slants in stride. Therefore the Titans would need receivers that are good running after the catch.

Why Vince Young would work in Cleveland

This one is quite simple. The Browns lack playmakers. Although Quinn is a pretty good scrambler, he would never be mistaken for Michael Vick.

Young on the other hand can take a scrambling play that most quarterbacks would gain 10 yards on and turn it into a 30 yard gain. With a poor offensive line, no running game, and no real playmakers in the passing game, Young may be exactly what the Browns need.

Although the trade deadline has passed, this is something the Titans and Browns should look at in the off season. The Titans have to remember that Quinn had a great game against them in the preseason.

This trade would make sense because the Titans really need a guy that can run a system more so than another playmaker and the Browns have no system so a system quarterback won't work;they need playmakers.

Why Would Notre Dame Want Anybody But Charlie Weis at This Point?

Erin McLaughlin — Thu, 29 Oct 2009 23:35:47 -0400

With five games remaining on Notre Dame's schedule, we are at the point where fans like to form opinions on whether Charlie Weis should be retained as head coach for next season.

Personally, I wish that conversation would be held off until after the season. Unfortunately, it is brought up every time Notre Dame loses or even beats a team in a tight game. It really is beginning to wear me out, to tell you the truth.

Those who want Weis fired claim the team isn't very good. They have talent but it is not properly developed. Why is that argument even taken seriously? Look at film of Jimmy Clausen, Golden Tate, and Armando Allen. Then come tell me they haven't developed under Weis.

As far as the team not being very good, explain the 5-2 record to me. Yes there have been a lot of nailbiters. However, last year they were losing those games, even to lowly Syracuse. The two losses came in nailbiters as well.

The Irish were robbed in the Michigan game with the no-call on pass interference on Golden Tate, which would have sealed the game. Then against USC, they nearly forced overtime on the last play. This is a team that will be contending for a national championship.

The ones who want Weis out also complain Notre Dame is not an elite progam. That is another argument that just makes me scratch my head. Sure, they're not elite. They haven't been for twenty years. Would you say that they are closer to being elite now than they were before Weis was hired?

Do we really even have to answer that? Two BCS bowls, an end to a bowl losing streak (and spare me the "but it was the Hawaii Bowl comments"), a Heisman runner-up, and a potential Heisman winner this year are all things that have occurred under Weis.

Not to mention if the Irish win out and go 10-2, they will in all likelihood get a BCS bid. Even if they lose one more, they could get a Cotton Bowl bid, which is just below the BCS.

There is the issue of Jimmy Clausen and his decision. I can guarantee if Weis is fired, he is gone. However, I think he might stay if Weis is retained. The Irish would have a chance at a national championship with all those guys in their senior year.

The other thing to look at is who would be available to replace Weis. If I hear any more cries for Jon Gruden, I will scream. Yes, he was outstanding at the NFL level. Does that mean he will be a good college coach? We all know the answer to that.

It is just crazy to be talking about changing coaches in a season in which Notre Dame has gotten the Michigan State and Boston College monkeys off their backs and nearly finished off USC.

Don't get me wrong, if the team just falls apart the last few weeks we have to look at making a change. However, that conversation shouldn't take place until after the Irish play Stanford. That is the appropriate time for it.

No Notre Dame fan should hope that conversation even gets serious. If it does, it means a disappointing end to the season. If Weis is retained, it means a trip to the BCS or just below it. Shouldn't Irish fans want that?

Next year, this team has a real shot at a national championship, which is only possible with this team assembled by Weis. Since Weis built this team, I would like to see them sink or swim with Weis.

USC writer Rick McMahan told me a couple weeks back he was very impressed with Notre Dame and hopes Weis is judged more for the improvement of the program rather than unrealistic expectations. I couldn't agree more.

This article is also posted on http://fightingirishgameday.com/

Is Reality Setting in for the Michigan Wolverines?

Erin McLaughlin — Wed, 28 Oct 2009 16:11:36 -0400

It was just a few weeks ago when hope appeared to be restored for the Michigan Wolverines.

They had a dramatic thriller with Notre Dame. That victory was one for the ages. It was a game that made a statement that Michigan is back. Tate Forcier didn't look like a true freshman at all.

Prior to the season, Michigan fans were hoping for seven or eight wins. After the Notre Dame game, expectations immediately skyrocketed to winning the Big Ten and a BCS appearance. They showed no signs of slowing down the next week against Eastern Michigan.

Then the Big Ten season started. Michigan needed a late comeback to beat lowly Indiana. The next week they were dominated for most of the game against Michigan State but fought back only to suffer a heartbreaker in overtime.

Then the Wolverines put up a valiant fight against Iowa. That game showed that although Michigan is much improved, they still have some holes to fill. Forcier began looking like a true freshman in this game.

Then they completely dominated Delaware State. Let's be honest, that is nothing to write home about.

Last Saturday Penn State came in and provided Michigan a huge reality check.

I really don't mean to sound all negative. Michigan is really right about where I expected them to be before the season started. I was expecting seven or eight wins. That is what we are probably looking at.

I was as guilty as the next guy for getting too excited about their early season success. My expectations went to a Big Ten Title, but now I am back to expecting seven or eight wins. Looking at their remaining schedule, I would lean more for the seven.

The next two are against Illinois and Purdue. Those are winnable but not locks. Michigan has been great outside the Big Ten this year, where they are 4-0. However, within the Big Ten they are 1-3, with that one being the ugly win against Indiana. Having said that, I expect Michigan to win the next two.

They close the season with Wisconsin and Ohio State. That is just a brutal way to end it.

They will get a Bowl game. I know the Alamo, Champs Sports, and Outback Bowls are all possibilities.

Personally I would like to see them go to the hometown Motor City Bowl. Here is why .

Why Is Notre Dame Playing Washington State at the Alamo?

Erin McLaughlin — Wed, 28 Oct 2009 00:57:20 -0400

When Notre Dame's schedule came out, fans looked at the game with Washington State and wrote in a victory. No Irish fan really sees this game as a threat at all.

Realistically, the only thing that really drew attention to Irish fans was the location. The game will be played in San Antonio, Texas.

Why the game is being played there is anyone's guess. My guess is that it has something to do with economics since everything in college football seems to be wallet-driven these days.

Maybe NBC desperately wanted a night game and this was the way to do it.

Regardless of the reason, the fact that it will be played in San Antonio could be a benefit to the Irish.

As fans, we really don't appreciate how stressful it is to be a player on the Notre Dame Football team. Not only are expectations high on the field, but these guys are expected to take real classes and be real students as well.

All the media attention this program gets adds to that stress. These are kids barely out of high school dealing with this. Sometimes the best thing to do is get away from it.

If I were Charlie Weis, I would almost treat this like a mini-bowl game. It is a neutral field and in a historic location.

I remember the last time this group had an opportunity to get away. I was there.

They were playing in the Hawaiian Waters Adventure Park, going to luaus, and hanging out on the beach. You could tell the stress was really taken off them for a while.

Then how did they respond on game day?

Therefore, I am hoping Weis takes them there a couple days early. Give them a day to go visit the Alamo. That will be a good educational thing for them to do and will serve as stress relief. Of course, Weis could talk about the battle and draw comparisons to the football field.

These kinds of things are more important than fans realize. These activities are where players become a team. It is the bonding away from the field. It worked great last time in Hawaii—it should work again here.

The only drawback is our opponent. It is true that they aren't very good. Notre Dame shouldn't be afraid of a team that got blown out by Hawaii and whose lone victory is an overtime game against SMU.

However, for Washington State this is no mini-bowl. It is the Cougars' bowl game.

All that really means is that the Irish can't take them lightly. If they play their A-game, it won't even be close. That will give Notre Dame an opportunity to work on some areas that need improvement. It is also a chance for some players to get things worked out.

The game plan this week has to involve Dayne Crist. This kid will be the quarterback possibly as early as next year. He needs game experience. I think I share the sentiments of most Domers when I say I was pleased with what he did against Purdue, but he has a lot to work on still.

There are a few players I had big expectations for that have been disappointing lately. The first is Kyle Rudolph. After being the go-to guy late in games early, he has really disappeared the last two weeks.

I expected Robert Blanton to be the shutdown corner for the Irish. So far I think he has only one interception. That was in the first game on a Hail Mary. It is possible that the reason we don't hear Blanton's name as much is because teams are scared to throw at him. Still, it is disappointing not to see him making more impact plays.

Brian Smith had the big interception to clinch the victory over Boston College. Unfortunately, that is about the biggest highlight he has had this year. I really expected him to not only be the leader on defense, but to also be a mentor to Manti Te'o. Instead Te'o has totally outplayed him.

Last year Mike Anello was one of my favorite players. He was the man on a very underrated part of the game (special teams). When is the last time he has made a play on kick coverage this year?

Although the reason is unclear as to why there is a neutral field game here, the Irish need to use it as an opportunity to really take the next step in becoming a really good team. The timing couldn't be better since the stretch run will follow. That run will feature the return of Michael Floyd and a showdown with Pittsburgh.

This article is also posted on http://fightingirishgameday.com/