IRISH NEWSLINK: “Irish Meet Michigan At Frozen Four; Notre Dame takes on Wolverines in national semifinal Thursday, April 5 at 9:30 pm ET on ESPN2

"We're # 1" Moses Sculpture at Notre Dame

“The University of Notre Dame hockey team makes its fourth appearance in the NCAA Frozen Four on Thursday, April 5, when the Irish take on Big Ten rival Michigan in a national semifinal game. The puck will drop at 9:30 p.m. ET from the Xcel Energy Center in Saint Paul, Minnesota, home of the NHL’s Minnesota Wild. The contest can be seen on ESPN2 and WatchESPN, with the radio call available on 94.3 FM in South Bend and worldwide on UND.com. …”

IRISH NEWSLINK: “Notre Dame’s Brian Kelly should stop with the lame excuses” – Chicago Tribune

“… So a team with an NFL-caliber quarterback in DeShone Kizer, a team that opened the season ranked 10th in the nation, couldn’t win five games because the head coach was … too distracted? This is supposed to pass for an actual excuse? So it wasn’t that an out-of-touch Kelly made awful decisions regarding his staff? Kelly fired defensive coordinator Brian VanGorder after Notre Dame’s 1-3 start and in the offseason brought in a new offensive coordinator, new special teams coach, new strength coach and, according to SI.com’s Pete Thamel, a total of 17 new staffers. My word, can Kelly hire someone to give him a dose of reality? …”

IRISH NEWSLINK: “Temple, still without QB, gets set ‘live’ 2 weeks before Notre Dame” – CNS Philly/ NBC

File Photo of Football on Turf with Yardlines

“… Temple still doesn’t have a starting quarterback just two weeks ahead of traveling to South Bend. Three weeks of camp and an offseason of preparation have settled nothing in the four-pronged race for the starter’s crown. Redshirt junior Frank Nutile, redshirt sophomore Logan Marchi, redshirt freshman Anthony Russo and true freshman Todd Centeio again all split reps up and down the depth chart Saturday. …”

IRISH NEWSLINK: “Inside Notre Dame QB Brandon Wimbush’s journey to the top of the depth chart” – South Bend Tribune/ ND Insider

File Photo of Word of Life Stone Mural Mosaic, Featuring Christ with Arms Upraised, On the Hesburgh Memorial Library at Notre Dame

“… And now the deal gets real and the lights get bright, and the only conventional tangibles Wimbush has on his college résumé are five passing attempts and seven runs spread over two cameos two years ago. Are we there yet? The college football world is about to find out. …”

IRISH NEWSLINK: “Brian Kelly says his inattention to detail was a factor in Notre Dame’s subpar 2016” – ESPN

“Notre Dame coach Brian Kelly said he spent too much time fundraising last season and not enough time overseeing his football team. ‘It f—ed up last year’s team,’ Kelly told Bleacher Report in a story published Thursday. Notre Dame was considered one of the biggest underachievers in football last season. The Irish were ranked No. 10 in the preseason but went 4-8 in 2016, losing seven games in the fourth quarter. …”

IRISH NEWSLINK: “Behind The ‘8’ Ball At Notre Dame” – Blue and Gold Illustrated/Rivals

Golden Dome in Bright Sunlight

“Among the 15 Notre Dame full-time football head coaches since Jesse Harper in 1913, Brian Kelly is only the fifth to reach his eighth season. The only four with longer tenures are the “Mount Rushmore” of the program: Knute Rockne’s 13 seasons (1918-30) prior to his premature death, and then the 11-year reigns of Frank Leahy (1941-43, 1946-53), Ara Parseghian (1964-74) and Lou Holtz (1986-96). …”

IRISH NEWSLINK: “Princeton Preview – Five Things To Know; Notre Dame begins 2017 NCAA Tournament in Buffalo on Thursday, March 16 at 12:15pm ET” – UND

File Photo of Basketball and Hoop with Net, adapted from image at dhs.gov

“WHO: #5 Notre Dame (25-9) vs. #12 Princeton (23-6)

WHAT: 2017 NCAA West Region First Round

WHERE: KeyBank Center, Buffalo, New York

WHEN: Thursday, March 16, 2017, 12:15 p.m. ET

NATIONAL BROADCAST: CBS with Verne Lundquist (play-by-play), Jim Spanarkel (analyst) and Allie LaForce (sideline).

WESTWOOD ONE RADIO: Scott Graham (play-by-play) and Donny Marshall. Available on Sirius Channel 134.

NOTRE DAME RADIO BROADCAST: Jack Nolan (play-by-play) and Zach Hillesland (analyst). In the NCAA Tournament, the Notre Dame broadcast can only be heard on the Notre Dame Basketball Radio Network affiliates. … “

IRISH NEWSLINK: “2017 Notre Dame Opponents: The Experience Breakdown” – Blue and Gold Illustrated

File Photo of Football on Turf with Yardlines

“… Teams rebuild. Programs reload. #NotreDame was … near the bottom in 2016 with only 10 starters returning … the result was a 4-8 outcome. … partly because it still remains a team and is not a program. … Phil Steele released his pre-spring experience chart for all 129 Football Bowl Subdivision teams, based on the number of starters returning on offense and defense. … Notre Dame was tied with 23 others for 25th in most starters returning with 15 (eight on offense and seven on defense). … here is the breakdown of starting experience returning among the 2017 Irish opposition, from most to least …”

IRISH NEWSLINK UND: “DeShone Kizer Elects To Make Himself Eligible For 2017 #NFL Draft; Junior departs Notre Dame ranked in the top-10 in school history in 19 different career offensive categories”

Football Next to Football Field

“University of Notre Dame junior quarterback DeShone Kizer has decided to forego his final two years of eligibility to make himself available for the 2017 National Football League Draft. ‘DeShone is an extremely gifted quarterback that was faced with a difficult decision,’ Irish head coach Brian Kelly said. ‘He could return as a senior captain at Notre Dame — a place that he loves, and with a program that respects him immensely. Or, he could begin the next chapter in his life and accept the opportunity that likely awaits in the NFL. While he chose the latter, the type of leadership DeShone displayed this past season will benefit our program moving forward. He’ll certainly be missed on and off the field, but we’re very happy for him and his family. DeShone will always represent this University with the utmost professionalism and class.’ …”

IRISH NEWSLINK AP/Los Angeles Times: “#NotreDame QB #DeShoneKizer declares for the #NFL draft”

Lombardi Trophy File Photo

“#NotreDame quarterback #DeShoneKizer declared for the #NFL draft Monday, giving up his senior season and opening up the Fighting Irish’s starting job next year for #BrandonWimbush. Kizer put together a solid junior season …. He threw for 2,925 yards and 26 touchdowns, and rushed for 472 yards and eight touchdowns. … Earlier this month, Malik Zaire … announced he was transferring … as a graduate student.”

IRISH NEWSLINK Irish247: “Report: ND willing to negotiate exit with Kelly”

“… FootballScoop.com reported Wednesday that ‘Notre Dame would be willing to negotiate an exit from the 6-year extension Kelly signed just last year should the right opportunity arise.’ His name was connected to the Oregon job, which became open Tuesday night after the school fired fourth-year head coach Mark Helfrich. …”

IRISH NEWSLINK Chicago Tribune: “Notre Dame grants QB Malik Zaire’s release, with conditions”

File Photo of Word of Life Stone Mural Mosaic, Featuring Christ with Arms Upraised, On the Hesburgh Memorial Library at Notre Dame

“Malik Zaire’s days as a Notre Dame quarterback are over. The school granted his request to be released from his scholarship and to seek a transfer …. Zaire …  has one remaining season of eligibility … expected to graduate in December and would be eligible to play next fall as a grad student. … Florida, Pittsburgh and Wisconsin are among the potential destinations …. Michigan State had been on that list, but Notre Dame reportedly would block him from transferring there or to any other school on the 2017 schedule except for North Carolina. …”

IRISH NEWSLINK Blue and Gold Illustrated: “Brian Kelly Reiterates He Is ‘Fully Committed’ To Leading Notre Dame”

Saint Joseph's Lake with Golden Dome and Basilica of the Sacred Heart in the Distance

“‘I felt that I was clear with the media following yesterday’s game at USC when I was asked about my desire to be back as the head football coach at Notre Dame, but in light of media reports that surfaced afterward, let me restate my position. I have not been, am not, and will not be interested in options outside of Notre Dame. I’m fully committed to leading this program in the future.'”

 

IRISH NEWSLINK: Fort Wayne News-Sentinel: “Notre Dame’s Brian Kelly deserves the chance to fix what is wrong”

Golden Dome in Bright Sunlight

“‘Tis’ the season to be climbing upon #Santa’s lap and hoping your wish comes true. In the case of Notre Dame football fans doing so with visions of a new leader for their favorite program in 2017, they need to be very cautious in what they are dreaming of. For if veteran Fighting Irish coach Brian Kelly is pushed out the door (or leaves on his own volition), this is a program that will have a difficult time finding someone that would do a significantly better job than he has. …”

 

IRISH NEWSLINK Scout/Irish Illustrated: “Kelly ‘fully committed’ to Notre Dame”

File Photo of Word of Life Stone Mural Mosaic, Featuring Christ with Arms Upraised, On the Hesburgh Memorial Library at Notre Dame

“Following reports from Yahoo! Sports and ESPN that he was exploring other jobs through his representatives, Brian Kelly released an overnight statement to double down on staying with the Irish.”

IRISH NEWSLINK AP/Tom Coyne/Northwest Indiana Times: “Kelly: I’m not interested in options outside Notre Dame”

Golden Dome in Bright Sunlight

“… Kelly’s players also backed him after the Irish wrapped up their worst season since Charlie Weis went 3-9 in 2007 with a dreary, waterlogged loss in Los Angeles. …”

IRISH NEWSLINK Slap the Sign: “Notre Dame Football: 5 Potential Replacements For Brian Kelly”

Notre Dame Stadium Facade

“With Brian Kelly’s future at Notre Dame uncertain, it may be time to begin looking for other options to lead the Irish. After a 4-8 season, Notre Dame is faced with their biggest decision since 2010. No one knows whether or not Notre Dame is actively thinking of replacing Brian Kelly. As assumptions fly, many believe he won’t be the Irish’s head coach in 2017, but no one is certain.”

IRISH NEWSLINK Sporting News: “Brian Kelly denies he is eyeing Notre Dame exit”

File Photo of Word of Life Stone Mural Mosaic, Featuring Christ with Arms Upraised, On the Hesburgh Memorial Library at Notre Dame

“Brian Kelly is denying reports that he is exploring coaching options beyond Notre Dame. After Notre Dame’s season-ending loss to USC on Saturday dropped the Fighting Irish’s record to 4-8, both Yahoo Sports and ESPN reported Kelly — through his representativeness — had reached out to other college football programs. He may also consider opportunities in the NFL, a source told ESPN.”

 

IRISH NEWSLINK SB Nation/Hustlebelt: “‘Group of Five’ should avoid Brian Kelly after he parts ways with Notre Dame”

Map of United States

“… 2016 is simply when the wheels fell off. Kelly’s deficiencies have been noticeable for some time. The disturbing way in which he completely mishandled the death of student videographer Declan Sullivan and his marked disinterest in the suicide of Lizzy Seeberg weren’t enough to get Notre Dame’s attention. …”

 

IRISH NEWSLINK AP/Fox: “Notre Dame DL Tillery apologizes for actions vs. USC”

File Photo of Football on Turf with Yardlines

“Notre Dame defensive lineman Jerry Tillery has tweeted an apology for kicking USC running back Aca’Cedric Ware in the helmet while Ware was on the ground with an apparent head injury and stomping on the foot of USC offensive tackle Zach Banner while he was on the ground.”

 

IRISH NEWSLINK CBS: “Notre Dame coach Brian Kelly expects to return but is reportedly exploring options; Kelly says he will not leave South Bend of his own volition”

Notre Dame Stadium Facade

“Notre Dame athletic director Jack Swarbrick has maintained all season long that coach Brian Kelly would return to South Bend in 2017, but Swarbrick can only guarantee that he has no plans to fire Kelly. He doesn’t know what might be in Kelly’s plans, and according to one report, Kelly’s plans just might involve leaving on his own. Yahoo’s Pat Forde is reporting that Kelly ‘has reached out through representatives to explore coaching options outside Notre Dame.'”

 

IRISH NEWSLINK South Bend Tribune: “How image, trust and the Big Ten factor into a possible revival at Notre Dame”

“In a hotel room in California late Saturday night, doubling down on recruiting and auditing the existing spring practice structure, Brian Kelly was eventually nudged out of his cocoon. … ”

 

IRISH NEWSLINK ESPN: “Notre Dame DL Jerry Tillery apologizes for dirty play vs. USC”

Football on Turf Near Yard Marker

“Notre Dame defensive lineman Jerry Tillery apologized Monday for his actions in Saturday’s loss at USC, in which the sophomore appeared to nudge one injured Trojans player in the head and step on the foot of another during a fourth-quarter drive. ….”

IRISH NEWSLINK AP/Fox: “Brian Kelly ‘fully committed’ to Notre Dame after 4-8 season”

“Notre Dame coach Brian Kelly says he is ”fully committed” to staying at the school after the Fighting Irish finished with their second-worst record in five decades. An embarrassing 45-27 loss to USC left Notre Dame with a 4-8 mark. Kelly stated his intentions in a statement released by the school early Sunday ….”

IRISH NEWSLINK isportsweb: “Notre Dame Football: A Look to the Future”

File Photo of Word of Life Stone Mural Mosaic, Featuring Christ with Arms Upraised, On the Hesburgh Memorial Library at Notre Dame

“Notre Dame has a young team, and a talented team. We found out this year that both sides of the ball simply just don’t quite know how to win, but this team can be turned around. New faces will be plentiful next season, and I believe that to be a good thing. Despite Deshone Kizer, the quarterback and arguably team MVP most likely heading to the NFL Draft, I believe that this team can absolutely find its footing. …

IRISH NEWSLINK NBC: “Tillery apologizes for actions during USC game”

Football Next to Football Field

“‘I want to take full responsibility for my actions on Saturday. I am truly sorry. I acted in a way that was out of character for me. What I displayed in those two instances were completely unbecoming and not indicative of the kind of player or person I am. My actions in those two instances do not represent what my family or Notre Dame has molded me to be. I want to especially apologize to Aca’Cedric, Zach, their families and anyone else affected by what I did. I assure you I will learn and grow from this moment and become a better man because of it.'”

IRISH NEWSLINK Bleacher Report: “Brian Kelly: Latest News, Rumors, Speculation on Notre Dame Coach’s Future”

“Notre Dame finished this season with a 4-8 record, its worst mark since 2007, leaving head coach Brian Kelly’s future with the program up in the air. ….”

IRISH NEWSLINK Goshen News/Zionsville News-Sentinel: “NOTRE DAME FOOTBALL: 10 reasons that led to the forgettable 2016 season”

Notre Dame Stadium Facade

“A lot of things have to go wrong for a preseason 10th-ranked team to fall to 4-8 at season’s end. Notre Dame’s 12th losing season in a century, and fourth this millennium, featured breakdowns on multiple levels. Here are 10 reasons to help explain what went wrong ….”

IRISH NEWSLINK UND/John Heisler: “Trojans Play Trump Card”

Golden Dome in Bright Sunlight

“Inside the Notre Dame football locker room, on what became a dark and drippy Saturday in Los Angeles, Irish coach Brian Kelly — very late in his postgame remarks to his squad — allowed a thought about what’s ahead: ‘We’ve got guys that care, guys with big hearts that will do whatever is necessary to win football games here. That’s the card we’re going to play. That’s a good card to play.’ …”

IRISH NEWSLINK Forbes: “Brian Kelly Reportedly Looking At Coaching Options Outside Of Notre Dame After 4-8 Season”

“Just a year ago, Notre Dame head coach Brian Kelly nearly made the college football playoff. However, he sits in a much different position currently, after a disappointing 4-8 season. While The Fighting Irish were still reeling from a 45-27 loss at USC, it was reported first by Yahoo, and later by ESPN, that Kelly’s representatives were exploring options for the coach aside from being on the sidelines in South Bend next season.”

IRISH NEWSLINK uhnd: “What’s Next for Notre Dame Football”

File Photo of Word of Life Stone Mural Mosaic, Featuring Christ with Arms Upraised, On the Hesburgh Memorial Library at Notre Dame

“After an unexpected 4-8 season – the second worst in program history in over five decades – Notre Dame athletic director Jack Swarbrick faces a crossroads project with far more long-term implications than the $400 million renovation project of Notre Dame Stadium with the same name. Whatever direction Notre Dame takes over the next several weeks there is one thing that is absolutely certain: the program cannot have a repeat of the 2016 season. Given Swarbrick has only two options moving forward, it’s time to evaluate what must be done to be successful moving forward regardless of which path is chosen. …”

IRISH VIDEO: Brian Kelly Post-Game Press Conference After Notre Dame Season-Ending Game Against Southern Cal in the Los Angeles Coliseum

Brian Kelly met with reporters after Notre Dame’s season-ending game against Southern Cal in the Los Angeles Coliseum.

IRISH NEWSLINK Chicago Sun-Times: “USC blows past Notre Dame; Kelly may be looking for another job”

File Photo of Football on Turf with Yardlines

“[Notre Dame] finished their worst season since 2007 with their largest margin of defeat this year. It all appears to be sending coach Brian Kelly into the job market. According to multiple reports, Kelly’s representatives are looking into coaching opportunities at other schools. Notre Dame athletic director Jack Swarbrick has said that Kelly’s job is safe. Yahoo! Sports was first with the report. …”

 

IRISH NEWSLINK Blue and Gold Illustrated: “USC Beats Notre Dame, 45-27”

Football and Turf file photo

“… Items: Notre Dame’s Chris Finke caught a 14-yard touchdown pass from Kizer on the opening drive of the second half to cut the USC lead to 24-14. On the ensuing drive, Jackson took a Darnold pass 52 yards for a TD. With 1:01 left in the quarter, ND’s Kevin Stepherson caught a 29-yard touchdown. ….”

 

IRISH NEWSLINK South Bend Tribune/ND Insider: “USC rains on Notre Dame, 45-27, in ugly regular-season finale”

Football Next to Football Field

“Adoree’ Jackson returned a kickoff and a punt for touchdowns and also scored on a TD pass, and Southern Cal’s aggressive defense had some success as the No. 12 Trojans (9-3) were dominant in the season finale Saturday, sending the Notre Dame (4-8) to a 45-27 defeat.”

IRISH NEWSLINK ESPN: “Irish coach Brian Kelly’s reps exploring his options, source says” ……. #NOTREDAME #FOOTBALL

“#NotreDame football coach #BrianKelly is exploring options through his representatives to possibly leave the Fighting Irish program, a source said Saturday. Kelly’s representatives have had contact with other universities, a source told ESPN. Yahoo! Sports first reported Kelly’s interest in the possibility of leaving Notre Dame. ….”

IRISH NEWSLINK Blue and Gold Illustrated: “Notre Dame-USC: Numbers, Turning Point, Brian Kelly & More” …… #NOTREDAME #FOOTBALL

File Photo of Word of Life Stone Mural Mosaic, Featuring Christ with Arms Upraised, On the Hesburgh Memorial Library at Notre Dame

“By The Numbers … 2 Losing seasons suffered by Brian Kelly in his 26 years as a college head coach. His first year at Central Michigan in 2004 produced a 4-7 mark, and his seventh at Notre Dame resulted in a worse 4-8. … 3 Teams in the Football Bowl Subdivision, since the divisions were established in 1978, that still have never played a Football Champions Series opponent (formerly lower than Division 1-A): Notre Dame, USC and UCLA. …”

IRISH NEWSLINK UND: “Irish Head West For 88th Meeting With USC; The battle for the Jeweled Shillelagh kicks off at 3:30 p.m. ET on ABC”

Los Angeles Coliseum Aerial View, adapted from image at nasa.gov

“Irish Head West For 88th Meeting With USC; 3:30 p.m. ET; Saturday, Nov. 26; Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum (93,607); TV: ABC national telecast  … RADIO: IMG College Sports is the exclusive national rights-holder for Irish football radio broadcasts … to 117 affiliates …. This broadcast can be heard live on SiriusXM Satellite Radio (channel 129). The broadcast will be preceded by a one hour pre-game show hosted by Tony Castricone with interviews conducted by Jack Nolan. It will be followed by a national post-game show hosted by Castricone, Criqui and Pinkett.”

IRISH NEWSWATCH: “NCAA: Notre Dame Must Vacate Wins After Academic Misconduct” – AP

Notre Dame Stadium Facade

“Brian Kelly’s worst season at Notre Dame took an embarrassing turn … the NCAA announced that academic misconduct orchestrated by a student athletic trainer will cost the storied program all 21 victories from the 2012-13 seasons, including the 12-0 run that vaulted the Fighting Irish into the national championship game against Alabama. … just the fourth time the NCAA has cited Notre Dame for a major rules violation. … The school ripped the NCAA for its decision to vacate the wins and immediately said it would appeal. … The Division I Committee on Infractions panel also put Notre Dame on probation for a year and ordered a $5,000 fine, penalties the school agreed with. There were no bowl or scholarship punishments. … Kelly … said he doesn’t believe he has any culpability in the case and has no reason to believe he won’t be back as Notre Dame’s coach next season. …”

Click here for AP/Tom Coyne: “NCAA: Notre Dame Must Vacate Wins After Academic Misconduct”

IRISH NEWSLINK USA Today: “Notre Dame must vacate football wins after academic violations by trainer”

File Photo of Football on Turf with Yardlines

“Notre Dame will be forced to vacate victories in the 2012 and 2013 football season due to NCAA violations by a student-trainer.

The NCAA Division I Committee on Infractions panel ruled the trainer violated ethical conduct rules when she committed academic misconduct for two football players by completing their coursework. The two players and another also committed individual academic misconduct, and Notre Dame ruled they violated the school’s academic integrity policy.

The student-trainer also provided six other players with impermissible academic extra benefits in a total of 18 classes. …”

IRISH NEWSLINK: NCAA News Release: “Former Notre Dame student trainer acted unethically, committed academic misconduct”

File Photo of Books on Book Shelves, adapted from image at nih.gov

“A former University of #NotreDame student athletic trainer violated #NCAA ethical conduct rules when she committed academic misconduct for two football student-athletes and provided six other #football student-athletes with impermissible academic extra benefits, according to a Division I Committee on Infractions panel. One additional football student-athlete committed academic misconduct on his own.

The panel prescribed one year of probation, a two-year show-cause order and disassociation for the former student trainer, and a $5,000 fine for the university. During that time, if a member school hires the former student trainer in an athletically related position, she and the school must appear before a Committee on Infractions panel. ….”

http://www.ncaa.org/about/resources/media-center/news/former-notre-dame-student-trainer-acted-unethically-committed-academic-misconduct

IRISH NEWSLINK Chicago Tribune: “Notre Dame’s nightmare season continues as Irish collapse vs. Virginia Tech”

File Photo of Football on Turf with Yardlines

“… Twice … Saturday, Notre Dame led Virginia Tech by 17 points. Once again … the Irish couldn’t hang on … in what ended in a 34-31 loss …. The defeat most likely spelled the end of any hopes the Irish (4-7) had of a bowl bid in what has been season stuffed with ‘what ifs’ and seven losses by eight points or fewer. With one game against USC standing between the Irish and a long offseason, Kelly could only rewrite in his head what has been a trying season in South Bend. …”

IRISH NEWSLINK UND: “Irish Fall to Hokies in Home Finale, 34-31”

Notre Dame Stadium Facade

“Notre Dame … (4-7) could not hold off a second half Virginia Tech (8-3) comeback, as the Hokies escaped with a 34-31 win …. The Irish led by as many as 17 points in the first half but Virginia Tech managed to score 27 of the game’s final 34 points to earn the victory in the first matchup between the two programs. …”

IRISH VIDEO: Go Irish! Beat Hokies!

"We're # 1" Moses Sculpture at Notre Dame

The Notre Dame Fighting Irish take on the Virginia Tech Hokies, Saturday Nov. 19 at 3:30 pm ET in The House That Rockne Built, televised nationally on NBC.

 

IRISH NEWSLINK: “Notre Dame Football: What to Watch For Against Virginia Tech”

File Photo of Word of Life Stone Mural Mosaic, Featuring Christ with Arms Upraised, On the Hesburgh Memorial Library at Notre Dame

“The Irish are on the brink of bowl elimination …. Notre Dame may have the two toughest games of their season left. 3. Can the Notre Dame defense stop Jerod Evans? … 2. Watch the run game … 1. Will DeShone Kizer keep Notre Dame alive? …”

IRISH NEWSLINK Goshen News/Batesville Herald Tribune: “Kelly, Irish readjusting to traditional offenses” ….. #NOTREDAME #FOOTBALL

"We're # 1" Moses Sculpture at Notre Dame

“In the four games against modern offenses since defensive analyst Greg Hudson took over coordinator duties once Brian VanGorder was fired, Notre Dame has displayed steady defensive improvement. The defensive line is more active and applying more pressure, while the youth injected into the secondary has limited the frequent big plays through the air. …”

IRISH NEWSLINK Roanoke Times: “Five questions with a Notre Dame columnist [Al Lesar of the South Bend Tribune]” ….. #NOTREDAME #FOOTBALL

File Photo of Football on Turf with Yardlines

“… This was a team in the Top 10 to start the year and one that won 10 games and played in the Fiesta Bowl just last season. How the heck do the Fighting Irish have a 4-6 record? ….”

IRISH NEWSLINK Chicago Tribune: “#NotreDame’s Brian Kelly looking toward future, however uncertain it may be”

File Photo of Football on Turf with Yardlines

“On the whole, #NotreDame hasn’t gotten the job done on the field this season. But the Irish’s 4-6 record doesn’t mean coach Brian Kelly will be without one once the season ends.  … Nonetheless, barring a sweep of the final two games — Saturday against Virginia Tech and Nov. 26 at USC — this will be the first season Kelly won’t finish with a winning record at Notre Dame. …”

IRISH NEWSLINK Blue and Gold Illustrated: “Notre Dame Focuses On Playing Better, Not Bowl Talk”

File Photo of Word of Life Stone Mural Mosaic, Featuring Christ with Arms Upraised, On the Hesburgh Memorial Library at Notre Dame

“Today, Notre Dame is 4-6 — and yet there were inquiries during head coach Brian Kelly’s weekly press conference about whether the team would be receptive to going to a bowl game, even with a possible 5-7 record. … ‘I haven’t given it much thought, to be honest with you,’ replied Kelly when asked if the school would play in a bowl with a 5-7 mark. “I think those scenarios I would address at the end of the year.’ …”

IRISH VIDEO: Inside Notre Dame Football – Army Recap and Virginia Tech Preview

Golden Dome in Bright Sunlight

Inside #NotreDame #Football covers some of the latest news, featuring Brian Kelly, Jack Nolan and some Notre Dame players, including a Notre Dame vs. Army recap and Notre Dame vs. Virginia Tech preview.

IRISH VIDEO: Brian Kelly Tuesday Press Conference – Notre Dame vs. Virginia Tech Preview

“Virginia Tech has a very good football team. Justin Fuente, head football coach and Bud Foster, the defensive coordinator, put together a very good year, some really good wins; North Carolina I really thought probably as complete a game as they played all year. Turned the ball over a few times, but a really good football team. Defensively it’s what you expect from Bud Foster’s team, they keep the pressure on you.

Experience in the back end of their defense I think is the key to their defense, returning starters across the board can play man, can mix it up, play some zone coverages. They’ve lost some guys up front, but Eron and Edmunds, extremely productive tackles. What you see with Virginia Tech is negative plays. And most offenses get into long yardage and Virginia Tech is one of the best in the country on third down. ….”

IRISH NEWSLINK Sports Illustrated SI Kids: “Notre Dame Beats Army in Shamrock Series”

Golden Dome in Bright Sunlight

“… That feeling of respect could be felt everywhere in the stadium. Patriotism buzzed around the building on this Veteran’s Day weekend, creating an inclusive atmosphere. The Notre Dame band performed the hymns of all five branches of the military, marching in the formation of each branch’s abbreviation during halftime. The show ended with a spectacular arrangement of the outline of the country while the band played ‘America the Beautiful.’ …”

IRISH NEWSLINK South Bend Tribune/ND Insider: “The football was OK, but there really was sizzle to Army-Notre Dame”

"We're # 1" Moses Sculpture at Notre Dame

“Remember the Alamo for the experience, not necessarily the football. The Irish were good. Effective. Efficient. Army just happened to be the worst team on Notre Dame’s schedule. The Black Knights have feasted on the likes of Rice, UTEP, Lafayette and North Texas, and will become bowl eligible by beating Morgan State next week. …”

IRISH NEWSLINK Blue and Gold Illustrated: “Notre Dame-Army: Numbers, Turning Point & More”

Football Next to Football Field

“… 8 Players in Notre Dame history who have returned two kickoff returns for a touchdown in the same season, with sophomore C.J. Sanders the most recent after his 92-yard touchdown return on the opening kickoff. The others were: Paul Castner (1922), John Lattner (1953), Nick Eddy (1966), Tim Brown (1986), Raghib “Rocket” Ismail (1988 and 1989), Allen Rossum (1997) and George Atkinson III (2011). …”

IRISH NEWSLINK UND/AP: “Irish Drive Over Army; Balanced attack subdues the Black Knights in San Antonio”

Golden Dome in Bright Sunlight

“Notre Dame … improved to 4-6 … with a 44-6 victory over Army (5-5) in a Shamrock Series game at the Alamodome in San Antonio, Texas on Saturday afternoon. The Irish utilized a balanced attack to take down the Black Knights, rushing for 261 yards while passing for an additional 215 yards. DeShone Kizer threw three touchdowns in the contest and rushed for an additional 72 yards. Two of Kizer’s scoring tosses ended up in the hands of native Texan Durham Smythe in the first half. Notre Dame returns home next week for senior day to face Virginia Tech at 3:30 p.m. ET on NBC”

IRISH NEWSLINK AP: “Army meets Notre Dame in Shamrock Series tilt”

Golden Dome in Bright Sunlight

#NOTREDAME #FOOTBALL: “… Army and Notre Dame have at least one thing in common this season: Each has had trouble against option attacks. When they meet on Saturday in San Antonio at the Alamodome, Army (5-4) just might have a small edge. The Black Knights use the clock-chewing triple option, and the Irish (3-6) are reeling from a one-point loss to Navy, their third setback in four games in what so far is the worst of Brian Kelly’s seven seasons as head coach. The chance to play in a bowl game is still a possibility for both teams. Kelly said he planned no changes. …”

IRISH NEWSLINK Blue and Gold Illustrated: “Notre Dame-Army: A Series Of Momentous Occasions”

Saint Joseph's Lake with Golden Dome and Basilica of the Sacred Heart in the Distance

“… In commemorating Notre Dame’s 125 years of football history in 2012, Blue & Gold Illustrated’s Football Preview that summer compiled a top 50 countdown of the most iconic moments in Fighting Irish football lore. ….”

IRISH NEWSLINK New York Times: “At Army, Winning Is No Longer a Jolt to the System”

Football Next to Football Field

“According to Edgar Allen Poe — the wide receiver from Tucson, not the macabre poet — a much brighter aura surrounds the Army football team this season, and not just because the Black Knights are finally winning more games than they lose.”

 

IRISH NEWSLINK South Bend Tribune: “Kelly appeals to Kizer’s sense of history to spark improvement”

File Photo of Word of Life Stone Mural Mosaic, Featuring Christ with Arms Upraised, On the Hesburgh Memorial Library at Notre Dame

#NOTREDAME #FOOTBALL: “…. ‘I talk mostly about Notre Dame, and where does he want to be as it relates to the Notre Dame quarterbacks?’ Kelly said. ‘Most quarterbacks are judged by not their numbers, but by their wins. And we’re all, right now, 3-6.’ ….”

IRISH NEWSLINK Blue and Gold Illustrated: “Brian Kelly Post-Practice: Nov. 10”

#NOTREDAME #FOOTBALL: “… Junior linebacker Greer Martini is a player that is suited to play against the triple option. He thrived in last week’s game against Navy, and should again play a major role this week against Army. ….”

IRISH NEWSLINK Fox Sports: “10 college football coaches on the hot seat in the season’s final weeks”

#NOTREDAME #FOOTBALL: “… 5 Brian Kelly – Notre Dame: The Irish will have a hard time finishing this season with four wins. Kelly might have received a vote of confidence from his athletic director, but coaches in good standing don’t need that. It’s awfully hard to justify three wins…

IRISH NEWSLINK UND: “Notre Dame-Army: A Series for the Ages; The Century-Long Rivalry Continues”

Golden Dome in Bright Sunlight

#NOTREDAME #FOOTBALL: “… when it comes to having profound and lasting impact on an entire sport, it’s tough to argue that any rivalry matched the Notre Dame-Army rivalry of the 20th century. The two teams met for the first time 103 years ago, when the upstart Notre Dame team traveled east to play the powerful Cadets at West Point. To counteract Army’s superiorities in size and strength, Notre Dame coach Jesse Harper unleashed a potent passing attack, facilitated by new rules intended to make the game safer. …”

IRISH NEWSWATCH: “No big changes coming to struggling Irish” – Fort Wayne News-Sentinel

Notre Dame Stadium Facade

“… immersed in … the worst of his 27 seasons as a … head coach, it would be easy for … Brian Kelly to make wholesale changes within his program. He did so last month by firing … Brian VanGorder, but from a personnel standpoint, Kelly has decided to stay the course even after losing for the sixth time in nine games …. ‘If you look at the six games that we’ve played,’ Kelly said, ‘what needs to change is a little bit better play calling here, maybe a little bit better execution there, and the players just maturing.’ … To Kelly’s point regarding the ‘maturing’ of his team, the Notre Dame depth chart listed 39 players out of 59 that were either in their first or second season of being on the field. …”

Click here for Fort Wayne News-Sentinel: “No big changes coming to struggling Irish”

[featured image is file photo]

IRISH NEWSLINK: “BGI Staff Predictions: Notre Dame vs. Army”

Golden Dome in Bright Sunlight

#NOTREDAME #FOOTBALL: “Notre Dame is hoping that its second game against the triple option goes better than its first. The Irish are coming off a 28-27 loss to Navy, but Army has put up better numbers on both sides of the ball than has their arch-rivals at Navy.”

IRISH NEWSWATCH: “Double vision for Notre Dame’s defense?” – South Bend Tribune

File Photo of Word of Life Stone Mural Mosaic, Featuring Christ with Arms Upraised, On the Hesburgh Memorial Library at Notre Dame

#NOTREDAME #FOOTBALL:

“The vision Brian Kelly is selling to recruits of how Notre Dame’s defense will evolve … ‘Quite frankly, we’re going to be in both (3-4 and 4-3 fronts), because I’m not going anywhere,’ he said. ‘So it’s going to be a three-down, four-down defense, and they’re going to have to be somebody that can do both.’ They are the eight defensive recruits already committed in the 2017 class, the four defenders in the 2018 group, and … prospects Kelly and his staff are still chasing [for 2017]. The nuances and even some of the basic tenets of the next scheme … attacking vs. read/react, how much man vs. zone — will and should likely have to wait until Kelly makes perhaps the most momentous hire of his head coaching career, deposed defensive coordinator Brian VanGorder’s permanent replacement. Interim Greg Hudson … remains in the running.”

Click here for South Bend Tribune: “Double vision for Notre Dame’s defense?”

IRISH NEWSWATCH: “Notre Dame-Army 2016: Five Things to Watch” – UND/John Heisler

Saint Joseph's Lake with Golden Dome and Basilica of the Sacred Heart in the Distance

#NOTREDAME #FOOTBALL #NotreDamevsArmy:

1. Expect minimal possessions (again). … 2. Quarterback play will be critical. … 3. Another Notre Dame-Army connection. … 4. Notre Dame might be one of the better opponents Army has faced. … 5. Check out the military angles. Anytime Notre Dame plays one of the service academies, the military connections are front and center … Joining the captains and officials for the coin toss will be former standout Notre Dame running back and 1967 team captain, four-time Super Bowl champion with the Pittsburgh Steelers and Vietnam veteran Rocky Bleier. Retired U.S. Army Major General Patrick H. Brady will be recognized at the end of the opening period and presented with a framed Irish jersey. … the only living Notre Dame alumnus to receive the Medal of Honor, Brady commanded an ambulance helicopter in Vietnam. He flew more than 2,000 combat missions and helped evacuate more than 5,000 injured soldiers stranded near enemy lines …

Click here for UND/John Heisler: “Notre Dame-Army 2016: Five Things to Watch”

 

IRISH NEWSLINK NBC: “Monken, Kelly meet on different terms”

#NOTREDAME #FOOTBALL: “When Army battles Notre Dame on Saturday, Black Knights head coach Jeff Monken will be looking across the field at a head coach he knew a long time ago. And it can’t help but trigger a trip down Memory Lane.”

IRISH NEWSLINK Blue and Gold Illustrated: “Army Attempting To Snap ‘The Streak’ Against Notre Dame”

File Photo of Presentation of Colors and Flags on Field at Notre Dame Stadium, With Chairman of Joint Chiefs of Staff Saluting, Accompanied by Wife and Honor Guard, with Notre Dame Band in Background, Adapted from Image at Defense.Gov

#NOTREDAME #FOOTBALL: It was 1958 when Notre Dame lost most recently to the Army West Point Black Knights in football, a 14‑2 setback. That was the final season Army had under coaching legend Earl “Red” Blaik, who led the Cadets to an 8‑0‑1 record and a No. 3 finish in the Associated Press poll, with Heisman Trophy winner Pete Dawkins leading the charge.

IRISH NEWSLINK UND: “Shamrock Series Renews Classic ND-Army Matchup; Irish and Black Knights meet in San Antonio at 3:30 p.m. ET.”

Golden Dome in Bright Sunlight

#NOTREDAME #FOOTBALL: Notre Dame vs. Army, 3:30 p.m. ET; Saturday, Nov. 12; Alamodome (72,000); San Antonio, Texas.

IRISH NEWSLINK South Bend Tribune: “Special teams gaffe helps Navy sink Notre Dame”

Everbank Stadium Field in Jacksonville, U.S. Navy Sailors

#NOTREDAME #FOOTBALL: “Whenever Navy’s football team needed a big play, quarterback Will Worth made it happen one way or another. Worth rushed for more than 170 yards and two touchdowns, then also orchestrated a triple-option offense that gained more than 320 yards on the ground, to lead the Midshipmen (6-2) to a 28-27 victory over Notre Dame (3-6), Saturday at EverBank Field.”

IRISH NEWSLINK Irish 247: “Looking at the crazy ways Notre Dame has lost (and won) in 2016”

Notre Dame Stadium Facade

#NOTREDAME #FOOTBALL: “There isn’t a more entertaining whirl of dysfunction than Notre Dame this season. Actually, the Fighting Irish might be the most engaging team in the nation at 3-6. Between the quarterback switches and Brian Kelly post-game press conferences, there’s so much to take in week to week with Notre Dame. But nothing supersedes the way the Fighting Irish manage to lose and, every once in a while, win games.”

IRISH NEWSLINK South Bend Tribune: “Navy bullied Notre Dame where and when it mattered most”

Football Next to Football Field

#NOTREDAME #FOOTBALL: “Navy, with the second-most inexperienced offensive line in the 128-team FBS and with a quarterback in Will Worth originally scripted to be an understudy to injured QB Tago Smith, surged and domineered an Irish defensive front on a fourth-and-1 play to perpetuate a drive that led to the eventual go-ahead score.”

IRISH NEWSLINK UND: “Smythe Joins Ranks of Irish Veterans; The Journey of the Tenacious Tight End”

File Photo of Word of Life Stone Mural Mosaic, Featuring Christ with Arms Upraised, On the Hesburgh Memorial Library at Notre Dame

#NOTREDAME #FOOTBALL: “My first year was a big transition for me, a guy coming from central Texas up to northern Indiana, away from my family and then just jumping into college,” Smythe says. “I think at first I was in shock because of the academic load and the athletic load and the time management required for all those things. I think there’s going to be at least a small transition for anyone. But I became pretty comfortable pretty quickly because of the family atmosphere here.”

IRISH NEWSLINK uhnd: “Notre Dame Football Stock Report: Week 10”

File Photo of Football on Turf with Yardlines

#NOTREDAME #FOOTBALL: “It would be hard for things to get much lower for the Notre Dame program right about now, following last Saturday’s one point loss to Navy, although losing to Army this week would definitely represent the bottoming out of the Irish market. And the question that has befuddled fans for a little over a month now has been what in the world is going on with the offense? It’s been the tale of two seasons, pre and post VanGorder. Prior to VanGorder’s firing, the Notre Dame offense was a formidable force, scoring 40 points a game and tallying 500 yards of offense. Since the firing they’ve tallied 371 yards per contest and 24 points a game. And all of this was done with what most everyone considers to be a first down talent at quarterback.”

IRISH NEWSLINK AP: Another Look: “Worth scores twice, Navy gets rare win vs Notre Dame, 28-27”

Everbank Stadium Field in Jacksonville, U.S. Navy Sailors

#NOTREDAME #FOOTBALL: Another Look:

“Irish coach Brian Kelly deserved some of the blame for this one. Trailing 28-24 with a little more than 7 minutes to go, Kelly opted for a 31-yard field goal instead of trying to convert a fourth-and-4 play at the 14. He made the call even though his defense hadn’t forced a punt all afternoon. …”

IRISH TICKETS LINK: #NotreDame vs. #Navy Tickets Still Available

Everbank Stadium Field in Jacksonville, U.S. Navy Sailors

Navy vs. #NotreDame presented by Navy Federal and Navy Mutual … Please Note: Navy is the home team and will be on the West sideline. … Game time is now 11:30am ….
Venue EverBank Field, Jacksonville, FL

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