Notre Dame Makes Some Huge Improvements On 9/19/09

The Irish made important strides yesterday in their defeat of the Spartans. One, they broke a winning streak of one of their most determined foes. Two, the won the third game of the season for the first time for Coach Weis. Three, they came from behind to take the lead and without one of their key players.

The complete ramifications of Michael's injury and absence will not be known. What is important is that Notre Dame did not go into a shell and fail to perform like last year. I hope, of course, that the initial reports are not accurate and the injury is not severe. But, I think we still have players capable of pressuring the defense.

What is important is the Notre Dame went out and threw the ball and won the game. At Navy, last year, they only did some screen passes, short passes and pounded the ball. They won the game, but did not seem the same team afterward. They seemed dazed and confused-especially at the USC game.

I feel that the Irish can put up 49 points or so on Purdue next Saturday. The main question is if the defense can stop Purdue at all. It seems that Big Ten referees are bound and determined to undermine the Irish. It is especially frustrating to hear the media sound spout off on how Notre Dame should avoid these penalties. It would be refreshing for someone to point out on why the Big Ten teams are "allowed to play" while Notre Dame is being put under heightened scrutiny.

All in all, if the defense decides to consistently pressure the quarterback and the offense keeps on pace-it should be a blow out victory for Notre Dame. But wait, the Big Ten referees will be there also. I think 49 -28 will be the score. Claussen will throw for 3 more touchdowns and we will run for 4 others. I think Notre Dame will be 3-1 after next week. We need to see how well Washington is doing at that time.