Shake Down The Thunder

The fundamental essence of the American culture can be summed up in one word, competition. Our free-market economy, adversarial justice system, and blind burning passion for all things that embrace the gladiatorial savagery of modern day arena combat. The lust for competition spawns passionate emotion that gives birth to traditions of respectful hate that we all love to partake in. Whether it is the Yankee’s vs. Red Sox, Ali vs. Frazier, or Notre Dame vs. well…everyone, we all are guilty of missing an exam, or work due to a planned “family emergency” on the evening of our favorite contest that seems to always be a priority. 

I am a 25 year old Irish-Catholic that was born into the blue and gold colors that drape the open arms of “Our Lady”, or que parlé en français, Notre Dame. Yes, I am an Irish-Catholic whose ancestors escaped the tyranny of 19^th century Ireland for the golden opportunities of the American Dream. I am a product of generations of blue-collar Irish-heritage that are passed on from one generation to the next. Being a fan of Notre Dame was not a choice, but a family rite that was not negotiable. I was four years old when Notre Dame won her last national championship. Twenty one seasons have passed, and I am not even sure if I actually remember it, or have simply created memories of sitting on my father’s lap as time expired  mercifully ending the beating being received by the Mountaineers of West Virginia by, arguably, one of college football’s most dominant teams to ever step on the field.

I have never had the privilege to watch, or understand, a dominant Notre Dame team that symbolizes the mythical aura that strikes fear in opponents, and has given College Football’s Queen a seat above all. Notre Dame is special, and is different. It is that clear, and that simple.  Years, and years of swimming in mediocrity have tarnished her glow, there is no doubt about that. Her rivals have dominated her, and she has lost to teams that historically do not belong on the same field. It seems as if the football gods have not only held the sleeping giant at bay, but have also toyed with her devoted followers with empty promises, and the false hope of finding the next Lou Holtz who will take her back to her rightful place.

Here we are, September 1st, 2010, 3 days to go before my beloved Irish take the field against a familiar foe, Purdue. Both teams have high expectations; Purdue begins their second season under Danny Hope armed with the gun-slinging QB who transferred from “da U”, Robert Marve. Notre Dame ushers in the next great hope, Brian Kelly, to restore the luster to her tarnished dome. Brian is hands down the best hire since 1986 when Notre Dame brought in Lou Holtz. Brian brings with him a 171–57–2 career record, and a 34-6 record with the Cincinnati Bearcats. He is a charismatic and creative leader that brings out the best in his players. His innovative spread offense is a real life nightmare for opposing defensive coordinators, and his knack for developing unknown quarterbacks at mach speed is second to none. Dayne Crist, a highly touted five star recruit, is our man behind center. He came to Notre Dame with huge expectations, and has been patiently waiting behind Jimmy Clausen for his chance to begin his own legacy a. Well, Dayne, your time is hours away. The lonely Fighting Irish nation turns her eyes onto you.  You claim to be 100% healed from your knee injury, and your "Tebow-esque" off the field endeavors give you the “Golden Boy” character that Notre Dame legends always embody, all you have to do is win.   

Dayne Crist has an arsenal of weapons at his disposal. His guns include the best Wide Receiver/Tight-End combination tandem in the country of Michael Floyd, and Kyle Rudolph.  Michael had accumulated 44 receptions, 795 yards, and 9 touchdowns while missing 5 games last season, if he can stay healthy he will be flying to New York City as a Heisman finalist at seasons end. Kyle Rudolph is a walking machine. His size, hands, and all around knowledge of the game makes him the best tight-end in the country.

Notre Dame also has a stable of horses ready to run the ball. BK’s offense is not a run-first offense, but you can bet that he will adapt to get these guys the ball. Armando Allen will be starting, but expect to see future star Cierre Wood…a lot. His elusiveness and vision are what we have been waiting for in South Bend for years. Get this kid the ball in open field, and just watch him put on show.

The 2010 offense is going to score a lot of points. One stat to keep an eye on this season will be Notre Dame’s Red-Zone efficiency, something that was border line terrible with Charlie Weis. Brian Kelly’s will be much improved. Count on it.  

The difference between 6-6 and 9-3+ win season falls squarely on the shoulders of the defense. Bob Diaco, the defensive coordinator, brings with him a 3-4 defensive scheme that fits perfectly with the athletes Notre Dame has on its roster. Notre Dame has talent, raw talent with potential, but she has talent. Why has it not shown? Who knows? The most accepted theory stems from Charlie Weis’ adverse stance towards conditioning, and teaching fundamentals. Brian Kelly, and Bob Diaco have gone back to square one, and from what I understand, we have a total different unit, comparably night and day from last season. That remains to be seen. Regardless of what the coaches say, talk is talk, and there is a ton of reasons why we should be skeptical about the defense, but there is an answer floating around with all the questions; that answer is Manti Teo. With Manti, Notre Dame has a legitimate maniac suiting up playing the inside linebacker position. He employs the aggression of a pit-bull, and the instincts of a hunter. The kid is always accounted for by the opposing offense, and still finds ways to make plays. Manti is truly something special, and I cannot wait for him to develop into the cornerstone of our defense. I hope the rest of the unit picks up on his intensity, beautiful things will happen.

Notre Dame’s defensive line and linebackers should be able to get pressure on opposing quarterbacks, if that can happen look for the secondary to be much improved. Darrin Walls, Robert Blanton and Gary Gray will need to kick it up a notch if Notre Dame is planning on contending for any serious bowl berths this season. Although the woe’s of the secondary over these past few seasons should not be placed entirely on the players, the mindless ineffective blitzing scheme on John Tenuta must be held accounted for, but the unit should have played much better. Some new faces may offer a much needed change of pace that will hopefully lead to a [quick] solution. The hard hitting head-hunting Safety, Jamoris Slaughter, who replaces the team’s leading tackler Kyle McCarthy, will offer some much need assistance with his aggressive and athletic style of play. Lo Wood, a true freshman coaches have raved about during camp, is very young, but extremely talented. Look for him to get time, and hopefully grow into a lockdown corner back.

My personal opinion, which could be a bit tainted by all the green kool-aid I have been drinking, Notre Dame will field a defense ranked somewhere in the top 25. If I am right, then watch out college football because the Irish will make a lot of noise.

The Notre Dame squad of 2010 is an enigma. One minute I look at the schedule and think that they have a chance to run the table, and the next I can see why the skeptics are predicting anywhere from a 6-6 to 8-4 record.  The talent is here, the coach is here, and the time is now. With a little Irish luck this team could be special. Can Brian Kelly answer all these questions in 9 months? Can the talent that has been slowly deteriorating in South Bend for 3 or 4 years still be saved?  As a Notre Dame fan who has stayed true based on myths and legends passed down from generation to generation, I sure hope so. In fact, I need to see the echoes of Notre Dame awoken with loud vengeance. Please Brian Kelly, let me see a sleeping giant rise, and take her rightful spot back at the top of college football. With all these NCAA sanctions/investigations taking place, let the world know that it still can be done the right way. Give me a miracle, and a legend that I can pass down to my children. We need you to succeed, and so does college football.

September 4^th…to be continued.