Dear Diary...Notre Dame - Michigan State

The running diary is back for another dance with the state of Michigan, coming to you live from the Lehigh Valley. Last week’s epic collapse in The Big (and Not So Loud) House provided a boatload of fodder for the trolls to come over and unload in response to the running diary. I tip my cap to the more than 7,000 people that made it over from the MGOBlog, Michigan Rivals, and Michigan Scout sites. You win this round…but your team is still terrible.

Now, let’s move on to Sparty. I’m surprisingly upbeat and optimistic about this game. The law of averages says there’s no way we can continue to completely implode with turnovers....right?

Don't answer that. Let's just get to it.

3:38 And Tom Hammond is back in the booth close talking Mike Mayock in a way that has to result in therapy. Uggggggggggggggh.

3:41 ND will receive from a Michigan State kicker that has a nice, developed beer belly. Or maybe he’s pregnant.

3:44 Notre Dame converts a 3rd and 2 out of the gate with a quick swing pass out to Michael Floyd.

3:45 Cierre Wood rips off a 15-yard run to pick up another first down. It was a little delayed hand-off where he had acres of room to work with—great playcall.

3:47 Cierre Wood picks up another big gain on a quick pitch and he’s already rolled up 37 yards on five carries.

3:48 TOUCHDOWN IRISH!!!!!!!!!!! LADIES AND GENTS, WELCOME TO THE CIERRE WOOD SHOW! GREAT RUN THAT HE BOUNCES OUTSIDE FOR 22-YARDS AND HITS PAYDIRT TO PUT THE IRISH ON TOP! Six carries, 59 yards on the first drive alone. Yeah, that’ll do. 7-0 IRRRRRRISSSSHHHH!

3:51 Tom Hammond comments on Brindza’s fluorescent green shoes. Really? Green?!?!?! You can see that those things are yellow from space! Maybe he was blinded by the glow of our silver helmets? Meanwhile Brindza beats it through the back of the endzone.

3:53 Notre Dame intercepts Cousins’ first pass but it’s coming back due to a holding on Blanton. Damn.

3:55 Three more plays for Sparty and they get absolutely nothing. I’ll chalk that up basically as a three and out. The team and stadium both seem about ready to explode—there’s a lot of pent up rage from the first two weeks of the season that’s hitting a levee pretty hard right now. Irish take over.

3:58 NBC shows a replay of the fake field goal that won the game for Michigan State last year. Speaking of pent up rage…

4:00 Very nice run by Jonas Gray has ND over midfield. That’s three carries and 27 yards for Jonas. The Irish are rollllllling on the ground right now, dominating the line of scrimmage.

4:01 Tommy Rees is sacked and fumbles. Michigan State ball. He was completely lit up from the blindside. The turnover train is running right on schedule.

4:06 NBC flashes a stat that ND hasn’t allowed a third down conversion in the first half through two games. That’s a pretty amazing stat. Remind me how the hell we're 0-2 again?

4:06 FUUUUMMMBBBLLELEEEE AND THE IRISH RECOVER!!!!!!! AARON LYNCH COMES BUSTING IN FROM THE BLINDSIDE AND DESTROYS COUSINS FOR THE FIRST SACK OF HIS CAREER! Notre Dame takes back over at the Sparty 49. I LOVE IT BABY!

4:10 Interception Spartans and it’s returned deep into Irish territory. This turnover problem is like a virus that won’t we just can’t shake. If Rees puts air until that throw it’s a touchdown. Come on defense, step up again.

4:13 Three plays, four yards for the Spartans. They trot out the placekicker and split the uprights on a field goal to cut the deficit. Notre Dame 7, Michigan St 3.

4:16 TOUCHDOOOOOWWWWNNNN IRRRRRRIIIIISSSSHHHHH!!!!!! GEORGE ATKINSON TAKES THE KICKOFF TO THE HOUSE FOR SIX AND THE IRISH ARE BACK IN CONTROL! HOW ABOUT THESE FRESHMEN MAKING AN IMPACT!?!?!?! 14-3 IRRRRRRRISH!

4:22 Great catch by Cunningham picks up a third down conversion for Michigan State. The quarter draws to a close and at this point you’ve got to be thrilled with how things are going for Notre Dame—with the obvious exception of another two turnovers to add to our gaudy and disgusting total for the year. I know I’ve probably said this 15 times over the last three seasons, but I’ll say it again: LET’S STEP ON THEIR THROATS AND BURY THEM.

4:25 Another completion on a slant to Cunningham picks up another first down and Michigan State is at the Irish 27.

4:27 Cunningham again for 15 yards and Michigan State is knocking on the door of the red zone.

4:28 Sparty’s got some rhythm going and they’ve got first down at the 11.

4:29 Touchdown Michigan State. Freshman Troy Niklas fell down and got beaten by the tight end. I can practically feel the fifty posts on Rivals going up about switching to field turf. Ugh. Notre Dame 14, Michigan State 10.

4:35 Three and out for the Irish. Guess what? Ben Turk is coming out to punt. Guess what he does? He unleashes a crappy punt. Imagine that. I give up. Tell me how Brindza can be worse? Michigan State ball at their own 45.

4:40 The defense holds and forces a punt. Lynch and Ethan Johnson get in to disrupt Cousins on third down and force a bad throw. The Irish get the ball back inside their own 10 with 8:25 to go in the half. Let’s put together a nice little drive here, shall we?

4:45 Notre Dame gets bailed out with a pass interference call on third down. We look completely out of sync. This happened a lot last year too; we get out of rhythm on offense and go into a funk for 3-4 drives. Come on, snap out of it.

4:47 Rees converts a big third down with a pass to Eifert on 3rd and long. The drive continues with about six minutes left in the half.

4:51 Big completion from Tommy Rees to Michael Floyd for 33-yards and Notre Dame is into Spartan territory.

4:52 Another big run on first down by Jonas Gray for 13 yards and suddenly the Irish offense is rolling again.

4:52 First down at the five yard yard line after Rees completes a dart to Tyler Eifert. Great throw. First and goal.

4:53 TOUCHDOWN IRISH! CIERRE WOOD BULLS INTO THE ENDZONE WITH AUTHORITY! The play is reviewed and confirmed. Ruffer rips the extra point through the uprights and the Irish go 92 yards to extend the lead to 11 with 3:36 to go. Notre Dame 21, Michigan State 10.

4:59 So for whatever reason Brindza bounces a short kick and Sparty responds with a 42-yard return. I’m just kind of confused. Michigan State ball at their own 47.

5:01 On the first play of Sparty’s drive, a Michigan State offensive lineman gets his leg rolled up on by…Louis Nix. If there was a fill-in-the-blank that started “Of everyone in the entire stadium, I would not want my leg to be rolled on by ________,” the name Louis Nix would probably be #1 on my and most people’s lists. Tough break for the kid.

5:06 Cousins completes a 21-yarder and the Spartans are driving inside the Irish 20. Come on defense, tighten up.

5:09 Notre Dame holds the Spartans and forces a field goal attempt from the 2-yard line with 52 seconds left. I guess I should say “apparent field goal attempt” when dealing with Michigan State. They call timeout.

5:11 Michigan State attempts the fake and it’s STUFFED. TAKE A SEAT DANTONIO. Kelly would’ve been fired on the spot by about 1.4 million Notre Dame fans if we would’ve given up another successful fake field goal. Irish ball.

5:15 Notre Dame takes a couple knees and we’ll head to half leading 21-10.

As a Notre Dame fan you’ve got to be very happy with the first half. Offense and defense both look good, though once again we’ve turned the ball over twice. For the most part we’ve locked down the Spartan attack—and stopped a fake field goal that would’ve given me a stroke had they converted—and have moved the ball pretty effectively.

Yet again the Irish will have a chance to bury a team. Don’t let them hang around—it’s time to just put them away and restore a modicum of confidence not only within the locker room but in the stands as well (which is more important than some people realize…a toxic environment outside the locker room is only counterproductive).

5:39 Notre Dame forces a three and out on Michigan State’s first drive. Good start! The anti-Joey Getherall fair catches the punt and the Irish take over at their own 29.

5:42 TJ Jones converts a 3rd down on a quick slant. Good throw, good catch.

5:43 A nice little completion to Theo Riddick is good for seven yards and it’s followed by an offsides by Michigan State, which means another first down for ND.

5:45 Another third down conversion, this time 22 yards to Michael Floyd.

5:46 TOUCHDOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOWN IRISH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! TJ JONES REELS IN THE TOMMY REES CATCH AND THE IRISH JUMP OUT TO A 28-10 LEAD. BUUURRRRYYYYYYYYYY THEMMMMMMMMM!!!!!!!!!!!!! TJ Jones is whacked with an absolutely absurd penalty when he puts his gloves up to signal to the fans. That's the dumbest call I've ever seen that didn't happen in The Big House.

5:54 Michigan State picks up a big third down. Dan Fox was there but was worried about getting there a little early for pass interference and didn’t tackle him.

5:55 RJ Blanton with a sack on the corner blitz, loss of 11. BOOM BABY!

5:56 Lynch draws an offsides on third and a mile, making it third and a mile and a half. Ladies and gentlemen, meet Tuck 2.0.

5:56 Michigan State is forced to punt. Goodman tries to return it, which naturally turns into a negative play. Whatever. Let’s turn this bad boy into a BEATDOWN.

5:58 While serving me my fourth margarita of the game, my Dad informs me that he’s three margaritas ahead of me. When I call bullshit, he responds that he’s just stating facts. Challenge accepted. You definitely won’t regret this one, Dad.

6:01 The Irish are rollllling. Another first down to Michael Floyd, described by the HD Gremlin as “an easy 13 yards.” I love 13 easy yards.

6:03 Alex Flanagan randomly lets us know that Michael Floyd was in trouble this offseason and now lives on-campus. Yes, that was completely appropriate at this juncture of the game and season. Go pound sand, Alex. Seriously.

6:04 Notre Dame is forced to punt. It’s hard to complain when you’re up by three possessions, but I sure would’ve loved to have driven home the dagger on that drive. If there’s anything we learned from last weekend it’s that three possession leads aren’t always safe.

6:09 In the blink of an eye Sparty is punting once again. Lovely. After blasting it into the endzone the Irish will take over at the 20 with another opportunity to drive the final nail in the coffin of this game.

6:13 Three and out for the Irish takes us down to the end of the third quarter. Annoyed that we couldn’t officially away, still pleased to be up by 18 points.

6:16 Ben Turk lets loose a 44-yard punt that Tom Hammond describes as ugly. If the HD Gremlin describes something as ugly then God-DAMN it’s probably really ugly.

6:17 Friend of the blog and former O’Neill Hall resident Farva chips in with the text of the day: “I want to waterboard Mr. Turk.” I can’t say I disagree.

6:22 Michigan State has a ho-hum drive that ends in a field goal. Notre Dame 28, Michigan State 13.

6:26 Tommy Rees is picked off buuuuuuuuuut that’s going to be pass interference because the defensive back was basically molesting Michael Floyd. Give us all 15 of those yards and a first down, thank you very MUCH.

6:29 Notre Dame’s drive stalls, which means it’s time for the Ben Turk Experience…and he lays down a BEAUTIFUL coffin corner kick that pins Sparty on the 1! LOOK AT YOU, BEN! WELL DONE!!!!!!

6:35 Alex Flangan lets us know that Kirk Cousins is an internet sensation because he has a video on YouTube that has 110 hits. #headexplodes

6:41 Michigan State is forced to punt with 4:30 left…and John Goodman fumbles. You have got to be KIDDING me. YOUR ONLY JOB IS TO FAIR CATCH PUNTS, WHAT THE HELL IS WRONG WITH YOU!?!?!??!?!?!?!?!?!?!?!?!??!?!?!?!?!? I FEEL LIKE PUNTING MY DOG. NOT A BIG PUNT, JUST AN AVERAGE BEN TURK PUNT…SO 28-YARDS OFF THE SIDE OF MY GODDAMN FOOT. Michigan State ball knocking on the door of the red zone.

6:42 Quick throw has Michigan State first and goal inside of the 10-yard line. You’ve got to be kidding me.

6:44 INTERCEPTION ROBERT BLANTON!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! YEEEEEEEEESSSSSIIRRRRRRRRRRRRR!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! HE TAKES IT BACK ALL THE WAY TO THE MICHIGAN STATE 12. PUT THIS GAME ON ICE BABY!!!!!!!!

6:48 Notre Dame chooses to go really, really conservative and just take three points. Ruffer rips it through the uprights and the Irish lead 31-13. Boo-yaaaaaah baby!

6:57 Michigan State is slowly working down the field as Aaron Lynch terrorizes Kirk Cousins basically every time he drops back to pass. Sparty is inching toward the goal line but they’re running out of time

6:59 Michigan State turns the ball over on downs and THAT my friends, is the ball game. WELCOME BACK NOTRE DAME FOOTBALL!!!!!

7:00 QUEUE ME UP SOME JOHNNY DRAMA…

7:01 Oh my God, disappear Alex Flanagan.

7:03 LOOOOOVE THEE NOTRE DAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAME! People who hate on the alma mater at the end of the game and say it's too dreary or melancholy obviously don't know what it's like to belt it out after a victory. I'm not saying there have been all that many opportunities to belt it out after W's over the past few years, but it's great when it happens. Thumbs up to Weis for starting this.

7:04 Oh God, I love this exchange between Robert Blanton and Dr. Alex Flanagan so, so much:

Dr. Flanagan: You played a great game. Was it the best game of your life?

Blanton: (Pauses and thinks)...No. No m'am.

(More pausing)

Dr. Flanagan: Have you heard about Kirk Cousins' video on youtube? It has 110 hits. It's an internet phenomenon.

(Aaron Lynch blindsides Flanagan with a steel chair...student body goes wild as the band plays the angry, aggressive drum cheer that happens after big defensive plays)

Alright, well at least the first three lines of this encounter happened in real life.


Great win. It'll be nice to head into work with a bounce in my step Monday. One down, nine to go...

GO IRISH

Dear Diary...Notre Dame - Michigan

Ladies and gents, the running diary is back! We’re coming to you live from a new college football headquarters in The Big Apple. We’ve got a crowd of five here to witness the first night game ever in the history of the biggest and amazingly not loud Michigan Stadium. Let’s get to it!

7:59 Our first look at The Big House. IT’S NOT EVEN NIGHT YET! YOU FAILED! There have still been zero night games in The Big House.

8:01 First look at the retro jerseys. They’re fine, I just hate the helmet. Why the hell are we bringing back anything from the Kucharich Era?

8:07 And here come the Wolverines tapping their little sign. Will Hoke try to get up and touch it? Yes! He gets there! A victory for fat people everywhere! Good for him!

8:08 HEEEEEERE COME THE IRISH! They don’t seem particularly fired up. I’m hoping that it’s just because they’re focused and ready to kick some ass.

8:11 Catholic School Girl Throwback Cheerleader Outfits? Meeeeeh…

8:12 There was a lot of buildup for how sweet the flyover was going to be. What’d they do? An old cargo plane. Sweet, Michigan. You want to impress me do something like Iowa.

8:14 Dr Flanagan gets the week off, it’s Erin Andrews’ time to shine! BK is rocking a phenomenally stylish visor. He seems so in control, I bet he doesn’t yell at all this whole game. The Irish have won and deferred.

8:16 Manti Te’o STUFFS the ‘Nard Dog on second down. IN YOUR GRILL ALL DAY #16!

8:18 Three and out for the Skunkbears. Couldn’t ask for a better start. My heart stopped a second when Goodman fielded that punt, but we’ve successfully not screwed up out of the gate. I feel like the fact that my reaction right away is “good, we haven’t screwed up yet” is a sign we’ve still got a long way to go.

8:19 One play, one first down on the ground. Cierre for 11. Beautiful.

8:21 Great throw by Tommy to Michael Floyd for a huge gain.

8:22 Rees fumbles the snap and disaster almost strikes, but we recover.

8:23 TOOOOOUUUUCCCCCHHHDDDDDOOOOOOWWWNNNNNN IRISH!!!!! REES TO RIDDICK ON 3RD AND GOAL FOR A TOUCHDOWN. TALK ABOUT YOUR BEST CASE SCENARIO. Ruffer splits the uprights and it’s 7-0 good guys.

8:28 The defense has come out with guns blazing. Back-to-back tackles by KLM and it’s third and long.

8:29 Another three and out for the Skunkbears. Uhhhhh ohhhhhh….you’re not in San Diego anymore, Mr. Hoke.

8:30 Most conservative fair catch ever there. Whatever, we’ve got the ball.

8:33 One play, another first down on a dump to Jonas Gray.

8:34 Another big run for the Irish. The offensive line is MAULING Michigan right now.

8:37 Musberger comments that “Brady Hoke’s defense is under fire from the Irish early.” Yeeeeeeeep!

8:40 A slant to Michael Floyd has the Irish inside the 10-yard line with 2:40 left in the half. Come on boys, pound it in there.

8:42 TOUCHDOOOOOOWWWNNNN IRISH!!!!!!! CIERRE WOOD BUSTS UP THE MIDDLE BASICALLY UNTOUCHED TO ADD TO THE NOTRE DAME LEAD. The Irish are MANHANDLING the Skunkbears right now. Talk about just what the doctor ordered. Bust out the whine and cheese in The Big House. 14-0 IRISH.

8:45 Denard tries to roll out and make something happen but he’s completely swarmed by Ethan Johnson and Ishaq Williams among others for a loss. Good to see Ishaq cracking the lineup.

8:46 Robinson takes a quarterback keeper on the next play for a first down. Damn he’s fast.

8:47 INTERCEPTION GARY GRAY!!!! Denard can’t even complete a screen pass let alone a real pass. He sails it on the last play of the corner and Gray dives to make the easy pick. GAS THEM IRISH, SEND 114,000 PEOPLE HOME IN TIME TO CATCH THE START OF MADTV.

8:53 Three and out for ND. Damn, what a lost opportunity there. Out trots the shankopotomus who thankfully doesn’t completely blow it. Michigan ball at the 13.

8:58 Big run by the ‘Nard Dog.

9:02 The Irish hold and it’s another punt for the Skunkbears. A negative return for Goodman. That brings his career averge to -1.0 yards per return with 18 fair catches. Ugh.

9:06 HUGE play for Floyd on first down taking a swing pass in the flat, undressing the DB, and picking up 25 yards.

9:08 ND burns its final timeout with 11 minutes left in the second quarter. Wow, I hate to say this out loud but that’s Davie-esque. I hope it doesn’t come back to bite us in this footbawww game.

9:10 Interception Tommy Rees. Terrible throw, terrible decision. This is the big reason I haven’t been able to buy into him. He’s very turnover prone for a guy that’s a purported “game manager.” Michigan ball at the ND 45.

9:12 Touchdown Michigan. Bomb/prayer to the left sideline. Crap. 14-7 Irish. Need to bounce back and put together a drive here. Get back to pounding the ball.

9:20 And BK answers my request with a handoff to Cierre Wood—huge run on second down.

9:23 Back-to-back penalties from Notre Dame 2nd and 26.

9:24 Well, time to go back to the well that is Michael Floyd. Big #3 snares a lob down the right sideline for 25.9999999 yards, bringing up a 3rd and one inch.

9:25 First down, Irish.

9:26 I just noticed the Ben Hogan referee hats. Do you think they refer to the players as “laddie?”

9:29 Michael Floyd picks up another third down. Irish rolling.

9:30 Interception on the goal line. DAMNIT TOMMY. Rees if 4 for his last 10 with 2 INT’s.

9:32 Three and out for the Skunkbears. Denard is just a terrible passing quarterback. He’s made for the spread and nothing else.

9:35 Jonas Gray picks up a first down on 3rd and 5 right up the gut.

9:38 Drive stalls. Ruffer comes in and splits the uprights and ND goes up 17-7 with 1:45 left. I can’t say I’m upset.

9:42 Michigan takes a knee and we head to the half. Brady Hoke gets interviewed on his way into the locker room and once again everyone is reminded of how he has such an unfortunate voice for a big, burly dude.

Let’s take a look at the halftime stats.

Total Yards: Notre Dame – 268…Michigan – 94
(43 Yards of that came on a prayer…what a performance by the defense)

Denard’s Statline: 2 of 9 for 48 yards…7 carries for 40 yards
(He is a TERRIBLE passer…completely hopeless)

ND Rushing: 18 rushes for 102 yards, 5.7 per carry
(Great job by the Irish offensive line…75 yards for Cierre…thrilled about this)

Turnovers: Michigan – 0…Notre Dame – 2
(Dumb Dumb Dumb Dumb)

We need to step on their throats. The gap between these teams is very large; we can’t let them hang around. It’s time to start developing a killer instinct tonight.

10:07 The Irish receive the second half kickoff and they’re already on the march. Cierre Wood rips off another big run and he’s up to 98 yards for the evening.

10:09 The drive stalls and Turk actually does a great job fielding a terrible snap—Jordan Cowart, wake the hell up and remember how to snap a football, IT’S YOUR ONLY JOB—and pins the Skunkbears at the 11 yard line.

10:13 First play is a 39-yard run by the ‘Nard Dog. Shit.

10:15 Hoke has given up his offense and is going back to the “Here Denard, just take it and run” offense. The Irish have responded and it’s 3rd and long.

10:16 The Irish hold and it’s time for another punt. WAY TO STEP UP DEFENSE!

10:20 HUGE RUN by Jonas Gray, 38 yards. JAM IT DOWN THEIR THROATS BOYS!!!

10:22 Fumble Cierre Wood and Michigan recovers. COME ON, GIVE ME A GODDAMN BREAK. WHEN ARE WE GOING TO LEARN TO STEP ON A TEAM AND BURY THEM.

10:25 Michigan picks up a conversion on third down on pass. Whenever something good happens through the air for them I’m completely shocked.

10:25 INTERCEPTION ZEKE MOTTA! ‘NARD DOG IS SOOOOO BAAAAAAAD.

10:26 First play is a huge run by Cierre Wood…24 yards. Way to bounce back #20.

10:28 Michael Floyd picks up another conversion on third down. PUNCH IT IN IRISH.

10:30 Dayne does a great job helping Cierre stretch his wrist on the sideline. See, he’s the consummate team player.

10:31 That should’ve been pass interference in the endzone on Floyd. Bullshit.

10:32 TOUCHDOOOOOOOOOOOWWWWNNNNNN IIIIRRRRRRIIIIISSSSSHHHHHH! TJ JONES ON THE CROSSING PATTERN! THE IRISH HAVE TAKEN COMPLETE CONTROL OF THIS GAME. Let’s see if ‘Nard Dog can pass them back.

Wait, let me think about that…HAHAHAHAHAHA.

10:37 Of course the first play is a huge pass and it’s first and goal Michigan. Robert Blanton saves a touchdown coming across from the other side of the field. Well ain’t that some shit.

10:40 It’s 3rd and goal from the one foot line as the 3rd quarter ends. If we could get a stop here the game is over. As well as we’ve played I don’t feel good about containing Denard short of the endzone here.

10:45 Michigan gets STONED AT THE LINE, FUMBLES, AND PICKS UP THE GODDAMN BALL AND SCORES. You. Have. To. Be. Kidding. Me. That’s the luck of Notre Dame football over the last two decades. Unreal. Notre Dame 24, Michigan 14.

10:48 Terrible return by Riddick backs ND at the 10-yard line.

10:51 Wood picks up 8 big yards on 2nd down. Setting up a third and short.

10:51 Cierre Wood is dragged down behind the line and it’s three and out for Notre Dame. This is what happens when you let them hang around. The feeling nausea of nausea from 2009 is rumbling…

10:52 Ben Turk shanks a punt. This is the 54th time I’ve written that in two years. Still no one has stepped up and maimed him. That should basically count as a turnover. How the hell can you be Reggie Roby in practice and be this incredibly terrible whenever we need you to show up???? Michigan’s ball with momentum and great field position.

10:55 Dan Fox snipes ‘Nard Dog on first down for a five yard loss. COME ON BABY, BURY THEM.

10:55 Play action throw to the fullback goes for 15 and a first down. Damnit.

10:57 Michigan’s fifth play of this drive means it’s the longest drive of the night. They have not had a drive longer than four plays all night and yet they’re still alive. Unbelievable.

11:00 Touchdown Michigan. Gary Gray gets burned. Unreal. Absolutely terrible. Notre Dame 24, Michigan 21. This is atrocious. That sickening feeling is back in full force.

11:02 Great return by Theo Riddick gives the Irish good field position.

11:03 Holding on second down backs Notre Dame up for a 2nd and 15.

11:05 Zero yards on a pass to Floyd. Third and a mile. And then we burn a timeout.

11:06 REES DELIVERS A STRIKE TO EIFERT FOR 20 YARDS. LADIES AND GENTS, THAT’S YOUR FIRST BOB DAVIE DROP THE H-UUUUUUUUUUUUUUGE OF THE NIGHT!

11:08 Another first down on a slant to Floyd, Irish at the Michigan 30.

11:10 Another Irish first down thanks to pass interference on TJ Jones. Irish ball at the 6-yard line. PUNCH IT IN.

11:11 Fumble, Tommy Rees. Michigan recovers. WOW. He just dropped the ball as he tried to throw. Mark it down, this is the first moment where I feel like we can lose this game. Please for the love of all that’s holy make it not so.

11:12 Denard delivers a strike for a first down BUT there’s a holding call. Huge call. COME ON IRISH, DIG DEEP.

11:14 Denard throws a jump ball into double coverage and Hemingway comes down with it at midfield. Tack on another 15 yards for a late hit and Michigan is on the 30 with under five minutes left. Harrison Smith and Zeke Motta…what the hell were you doing?!?!?!

11:15 INTERCEPTION ROBERT BLANTON!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! WHAT A PLAY BY RJ, HOLY SHIT, THAT’S A POTENTIAL GAME SAVER.

11:18 Notre Dame once again gets stuffed on 3rd and 1 and has to punt. Turk actually gets off a good punt, but a good return gives Michigan decent field position with two minutes left. Can the defense actually come through or will this be an exact replica of the 2009 game in The Big House? I need a handful of Xanax washed down with a gallon of Makers Mark.

11:22 Third and 2. Please stop them. Please.

11:23 MANTI THROTTLES DENARD but he gets the first down by a nose.

11:24 First down Michigan at the 21-yard line.

11:25 Touchdown Michigan. I’m going to throw up. Michigan 28, Notre Dame 24. Let’s see what kind of winner you are Tommy. 1:12 left, one timeout.

11:26 Nothing gets me jacked up at a football game like Taio Cruze. See, this is why we need a jumbotron at ND! Because we need to blare DY-NO-MITE to jack up the students! God Michigan sucks.

11:27 Good return for Riddick gives the Irish the ball at the 39. COME ON IRISH.

11:28 First play is a pass interference on Michael Floyd. If he wouldn’t have been held that’s easily six points. Safety help? What’s that? Irish ball at the 46.

11:29 Great throw to Eifert. First down at the 34.

11:29 Quick throw to TJ Jones and out of bounds. 2nd and 5.

11:30 Incomplete with 36 seconds left. 3rd and 5.

11:31 TOUCHDOOOOOOOOOOOWWWWWWWWNNNNNNNNNNN IRRRRRRIIIIISSSSSSHHHHHHHHH!!!!!!!!! HOOOOOLLLLLYYYYYYYY MOTHER OF GOD, TOMMMMMYYYYY RREEEEEEESSSSSSSSSSSS TO THEO RIDDDICK!!!!!!!! REDEMPTION! EUPHORIA! I JUST RAN AROUND THE ROOM LIKE JIMMY V LOOKING FOR SOMEONE TO HUG!!!!

11:33 BRINDZA BOMBS IT OUT THE BACK OF THE ENDZONE. COME ON IRRRRRRRRIIISSSSSHHHHHHHHHH!

11:35 Michigan completes a bomb on second down. They’re in field goal range. I just swallowed my tongue.

11:37 Touchdown Michigan with two seconds left. Fade to black. I’m going to go kill myself now.

Dear Diary...Notre Dame - Miami

Ladies and gentlemen, welcome to the final running diary of 2010! This one comes to you live from La Casa Del Blomstrom, the same location where we witnessed the Lane Kiffin Face in full effect as Notre Dame knocked off Southern Cal a little over a month ago. Adding to the fun will be the “No Country For Bold Men” game that is described in this link here.

As we covered in the pregame, I’m a bit worried about Miami’s talent and speed on defense and how Tommy Rees will handle it. That being said I’m pretty confident in Jacory Harris’s ability to keep us in the game with boneheaded decisions. If Tommy’s able to limit his mistakes and play more like the first two games of this three game streak then we should be in good position to win this game.

Let’s get to it!

2:08 Our first image of the El Paso area is one covered in snow. Snow?? I was under the impression that the one redeeming thing about going to a bowl in the El Paso area was the warm weather. I’m sure a lot of fans were thrilled when they checked the forecast after booking their flights. On the field this will have a much larger effect on Miami than the Irish.

2:10 Nice montage covering the old 80’s rivalry. Our friend Andrew asks, “why do they embrace the convicts moniker?”

My hypothesis is that much like Philadelphia sports fans love to embrace the “we’re tough, nasty fans to the opposition,” they embrace it only on their terms…but when someone else criticizes them for it they get very defensive (just listen to the responses on Philly Sports Talk Radio when a national talking head blasts Philly fans). Did you see the 30 for 30 on Miami? They loved calling themselves the bad boys, but as soon as they started talking about ND comments like “there were just as many convicts on their team” and “they started the fight in the tunnel, not us” flew around. The big, bad boys always have a sensitive underbelly.

2:12 The Canes come out arm in arm. They are not hard, tough “U” of old. Somewhere (probably in line at a soup kitchen), Randall “Thrill” Hill is watching and shaking his head in disgust.

2:15 Danielson spends the next couple minutes gushing about Tommy Rees and Jacory Harris. His big point on Tommy is that “stats don’t matter, he just wins.” I’d disagree—turnovers matter and if we want to win he’s got to make sure his throws end up in the right team’s hands. I don’t care if he throws for 300+ yards, we just need him to manage the game and not hand it over like he almost did against Southern Cal. Danielson ends his analysis of Harris by saying he’s prone to make some decisions that make you say, “come on Jacory, you’re better than that.” Let’s hope for lots of those throws!

2:17 It’s 36 degrees at kickoff, which is almost 20 degrees colder than the temperature in South Bend right now. Gross. The Irish will receive the opening kickoff.

2:18 GREAT RETURN by Austin Collinsworth gives ND some great field position out of the gate.

2:19 Tracy Wolfson delayed interview with Kelly…My former roommate Brad cracks his first terrible “where’s the rest of his hat?” visor joke of the day. It’s a joke older than Joe Paterno that lacks intentional or unintentional comedy.

2:20 False start on Dever. That’s a sign of how antsy he is about Miami’s speed on the edge.

2:21 Great third down pickup by Rees, hits Eifert for a great gain but it’s coming back thanks to a crappy and borderline inexplicable penalty for illegal player down field. ND has to burn a timeout prior to what’s now 3rd and 15. So far we’ve had three penalties called and a timeout—sharp is not a word that would describe either team at the moment.

2:25 CBS flashes a graphic for “Great moments at the Sun Bowl”…but it’s not old game highlights, it’s just a bunch of crazy people from both fan bases excited about being on TV. There seem to be an inordinate amount of people who dress like Sam Elliot. That was just a bizarre, from out of nowhere 20 seconds.

2:26 Michael Floyd catches a quick slant, breaks a tackle and rumbles for a big gain! First down Irish, a great block by Theo Riddick sprung him for an extra 10 yards.

2:27 Another target to Floyd draws a pass interference and ND is inside the 10. The offense is picking up some steam here.

2:29 TOUCHDOOOOOOOOWN IRISH!!!!!!!!!! MICHAEL FLOYD WITH A QUICK OUT AND THE IRISH STAKE AN EARLY LEAD FOUR MINUTES INTO THE GAME. Floyd is clearly here to dominate in what could be his last game in the blue and gold. Miami better make some significant and immediate adjustments.

2:33 The kick return goes nowhere and the returner gets shoved into a boom microphone which makes a loud noise. A Miami player (#84) is doing a lot of barking. Could we have a new brawl brewing? The entire room is on edge and rooting for some sparks to fly.

2:33 Good stick by Darrin Walls on the first play.

2:34 CBS rolls back some highlights of when Jacory Harris’s brain got packed in on a hit against Virginia. I watched that live and wondered whether he’d ever get up.

2:35 The Irish force a three and out. Great start on both sides of the ball.

2:39 Theo uncorks a great little 7-yard run out of the Wildcat. Another 7-yarder picks up a first down. He needs to get the ball in this capacity at least 5 times a game.

2:41 Robert Hughes busts a 15-yard run down the right side. Beautiful.

2:44 TOUUUCCCHHHHDDDOOOOOWWWWWNNNNNN IIRRRRRRIIIISSHHHH!!!!!! MICHAEL FLOYD 35-YARDS ON A JUMP BALL. YOU CANNOT STOP HIM, HE IS A MAN AMONG BOYS. 14-0 IRISH.

2:47 Bennett Jackson snuffs the return at the 14-yard line. Well one team showed up to play today—the Irish are FIRED UP.

2:49 INTERCEPTION ROBERT BLANTON! GREAT PASS DEFENSE THERE. LAY THE HAMMER DOWN BABY, LET’S BURY THEM!

2:53 Unfortunately the drive stalls and Ben Turk predictably unloads a crappy 29-yard punt. Miami will take over at their own 15-yard line.

2:56 Miami picks up a first down with back-to-back runs. It looks like they’re going to be able to run effectively off-tackle if they actually commit to doing it, which worries me a bit. Hopefully they try to unleash Air Jacory in an effort to catch up which will play right into our hand.

3:03 Miami is starting to find some rhythm on offense. Come on boys, stiffen up.

3:04 INTERCEPTION HARRISON SMITH!!!! JACORY FLOATS ONE AND HAYSEED COMES OVER THE TOP AND SNIPES IT. Tack on a 15-yard facemask and the Irish will take over at the Miami 39-yard line. STOMP THEM IRISH.

3:07 CBS puts up a nice little Jacory stat: three completions, two INT’s for Jacory. That’ll do Donkey, that’ll do.

3:09 TOUCHDOOOOOOOOOOWN IRISH!!!!!!!!!!! CIERRE WOOD TAKES A QUICK OPTION PITCH A WEAVES UP THE MIDDLE FOR A 34-YARD TOUCHDOWN! OPEN THE FLOODGATES! 21-0 IRISH.

3:14 ANOTHER INTERCEPTION HARRISON SMITH! This is so wonderful that my CAPS lock is getting fatigued, what a thing of beauty. Jacory Harris is playing even worse than we could have hoped. The Irish take over just short of midfield. Now let’s jam it down their throat and punch it over the goal line again. Don’t let up.

3:18 Three and out for Notre Dame. Miami muffs the punt but recovers because ND long snapper Jordan Cowart has a colossal brain fart. He was right there to make the play and the ball popped right into his hands, but for some reason he flinched backwards like he wasn’t supposed to touch it. It’s so much easier to let things like that slide when you’re up 21-0 though.

3:21 Jacory Harris has been yanked and Stephen Morris is in. He’s wearing a horrendous turtleneck that makes his neck look Dino Flintstone-esque long.

3:24 Miami is driving into Irish territory again.

3:25 HARRISON SMITH PICKS ANOTHER PASS OFF! MY PREGAME PICK OF HARRISON SMITH AS THE IMPACT PLAYER IS MAKING ME LOOK LIKE NOSTRADAMOUS.

3:30 Rees hits a wide-open Michael Floyd across the middle for a huge gain. Tack on another 15-yards for a late hit.

3:32 Robert Hughes bruises for another first down. Damnit, why did it take 3.5 years for his lightbulb to go on?

3:33 Rees delivers a great ball to Floyd deep for what should’ve been a touchdown, but Floyd only goes for it with one hand and he drops it. Come on Michael, no hot-dogging necessary right now.

3:35 Drive stalls, Ruffer comes out to rip yet another field goal through the uprights. Somehow he continues to overcome the statistic that flashes about him never missing a field goal every time he comes on to the field. Notre Dame 24, The U 0.

3:42 Miami’s drive stalls quickly and the punter shanks it, which means Notre Dame will have 1:49 to try to extend their lead before the half.

3:43 A Brian Kelly at Cincinnati reference means that in our No Country for Bold Men game, Paul has become the Chili Boy. He’s sporting a lovely sombrero and will no be in charge of getting us food/beverages until the next ‘Nati reference.

3:44 Hughes takes a draw up the middle for 9.9 yards on second down.

3:46 Another great draw play—this time Cierre Wood—nets 17 yards and Notre Dame is on the verge of field goal range with just under a minute left.

3:49 Drive stalls and Ruffer DRILLS a 50-yard field goal that would’ve been good from 65. Notre Dame is laying the smackdown on The U right now.

(Let me channel my inner James Lipton)

This…is……stupendous.

The bad news is that Tommy Rees is hurt and limping to the locker room. I’m not ready for Nate Montana to take the field again for ND, not one bit.

3:53 VERNE LAUGHS AND I HAVE SEIZED THE BOLD GRAND DAD TITLE (Refer back to the rules for how crucial this is)! Paul unbelievably finishes his entire bowl of beer with a spoon in less than a minute. Disappointing, but impressive nonetheless. I will embed the video once I get it off of my girlfriend's camera.

3:56 Miami sneaks into field goal range just before the half and gets on the board. Bummer. Notre Dame 27, Miami 3 at the midway point.

Could you have imagined a better start for the Irish? Notre Dame has completely dominated both sides of the ball, forced Miami to yank their quarterback, avoided mistakes, and beatdown the Canes with a well-balanced attack (113 Passing Yards, 116 Rushing Yards). I’m not going to lie, I’m a bit worried about the Nate Montana Experience that we appear destined to go through…but we’ve given him a huge cushion to play with.

What I’m looking for in the second half is a lot of the same on defense and a serious dose of bruising ground game. Miami is going to be in full-throttle attack mode on Nate and dare him to throw in the face of pressure. It’s going to get a bit bumpy if that’s the case; hopefully it doesn’t get to the point where we’re holding on for dear life.

Let’s make everyone feel better with a flashback…

That was great, I'm reenergized. On to the second half!

4:24 Well apparently Tommy Rees is going to play which is phenomenal news.

4:26 Ruffer crushes one through the endzone on the second half kickoff for a touchback. Wow. I’m used to our kickoffs landing around the 10 so when Ruffer beats it out of the endzone it’s borderline startling.

4:29 Miami goes three and out but the absolutely terrible news is that Manti Te’o is down and it looks bad. SHIT. My stomach just did a cartwheel. Please for the love of God be ok.

4:33 Huge run by Robert Hughes. He has the ball knocked out from behind but it ends up out of bounds, which means it’ll be spotted back where the fumble occurred. It’ll still go in the books as a 25 yard run and ND is over midfield at the Miami 40.

4:35 Another good 7-yard strong run by Cierre, very good blocking by the offensive line. This is a good sign for the second half. If we dominate the line like this then this will get ugly quick for Miami.

4:36 Gary Danielson goes on a rant about how Taylor Dever was highly touted and chose between Notre Dame, Nebraska, and Michigan…but in reality he’s given a description of the recruitment of Trevor Robinson. Get your head in the game Gary.

4:42 Michael Floyd catches a 10-yard pass for another first down. He’s now over 100 yards and ND is down to the Miami 16.

4:43 Theo fumbles out of the Wildcat but the Irish recover. Come on, can’t be that careless with the ball. Let’s get some points here.

4:44 Rees somehow gets the ball past a defender and into the arms of Tyler Eifert for a first down to the 3-yard line. Punch another one in Irish.

4:46 Hughes gets stoned three straight times and Notre Dame is going to have to settle for a field goal. Ruffer converts the chip shot and Notre Dame extends their lead. Man, this is ’08 Hawaii Bowl relaxing. Notre Dame 30, Miami 3.

4:53 Manti is on the sideline asking to get back in the game which is even better news than the fact that we’re beating the crap out of Miami. I am indescribably happy that his injury doesn’t appear to be serious. He better be growing roots on the sideline because there’s no reason for him to reenter the game at this juncture.

4:56 Notre Dame STUFFS Miami a fourth down attempt at midfield and will take over with 5:02 left in the third. Irish ball at the 50. This is glorious.

4:58 First play of the drive is a Theo Riddick reverse that goes for 18 yards. Miami looks about as interested in playing this game as a vegan at a Brazilian Steakhouse.

5:04 The drive stalls and Ruffer misses the first field goal of his career. Honestly I’m somewhat relieved. I’m a pretty superstitious fan and to say the constant statistics flashing about his streak wore thin would be a colossal understatement. I also feel like this will free him up a bit. It’s human nature for him to think about the streak as it’s in progress, almost like a bowler during a potential 300 game. Miami ball at the start of the 4th quarter.

5:10 Three and out for Miami. What a pitiful performance.

5:15 Three and out for Notre Dame. This is a pretty boring final half with Miami waving a giant white flag and the Irish concentrating on bleeding the clock.

5:19 Nice little Catholics vs Convicts video means I get to flex my Old Grand muscle and go Luther Campbell all over someone’s ass. Predictably I choose Paul (who is still the Chili Boy). This game is adding so much to the day, I love it.

5:21 Miami drives down the field and scores to cut Notre Dame’s lead to 20 points with 10:36 left in the game. Let’s respond with a solid, dominating drive here boys. Notre Dame 30, Miami 10.

5:27 Tommy Rees finds John Goodman dragging across the middle on third down and he streaks down the sideline for a 31-yard gain. Big pick-up, we don’t want do give them even a sliver of hope. Amazingly there has been no mention on the broadcast of The Bard of Bergen County—Duval Kamara—being absent for the game.

5:30 Well, the drive stalls again and ND has to punt. Good news is the idiot Miami returner attempts to bring it out from the 2-yard line and it leads to a -1 yard return. Only 99 yards to paydirt for The U.

5:35 “You have to be tough to play quarterback at Miami” – Gary Danielson. He proceeds to list everybody who used to play for Miami and talks about how tough they were, including (of course) Gina Torretta. Why was it tougher to play QB at Miami than other places? Was it the beautiful climate? The endless arsenal of talented weapons at their disposal? Was uber-dork and national championship winner Ken Dorsey tough? How did I never realize how terrible Danielson as a color guy? Perhaps he’s just completely phoning this one in.

5:36 My buddy Supercrombie sends me the following text: “Someone better get these announcers off the air before I stab myself in the eye with a #2 pencil.” Better yet, someone just stab Danielson in the eye with a #2 pencil.

5:36 Touchdown Miami on a deep 41-yard pass down the left side. Their quarterback Dino Flintstone is chirping at the Notre Dame sideline, which is ridiculous given how we’ve beaten their ass all day long, but whatever. Miami has cut it down to 30-17. This better all be window dressing.

5:39 Cierre Wood recovers a half-assed onsides kick and Notre Dame takes over with 3:59 left on the 35-yard line. Come on boys, ice this.

5:43 Tommy Rees picks up a huge first down with a throw to TJ Jones on the left sideline. That’s a dagger to the slim chances of a Miami comeback.

5:44 Cierre Wood rips off a 26-yard run. It looks like that previous first down conversion sucked the life out of the Canes. ND ball at the 21.

5:48 For whatever reason they trot out Nick Tausch for a field goal instead of Ruffer. SEE WHAT HAPPENS WHEN YOU MISS A FIELD GOAL DAVID???? I’m just joking, please come back next year. Tausch bangs it home and Notre Dame extends its lead. Notre Dame 33, Miami 17. Shut’em down and end this game Irish.

5:53 Gary Danielson is just raving about Miami’s effort as the drive down the field with only seconds remaining. He sounds like Andy Dick’s character in Old School. “Way to give it 110% Miami!”

5:55 The game ends with a Morris pass that leads his receiver straight into a concrete wall behind the endzone. He’s not seriously hurt—just his pride and ego—which makes it infinitely funnier. What a perfect ending.

This was a great way to end the year. Let’s highlight two big stats before we go:

Turnovers: Miami – 4, Notre Dame - 0

This game was over at halftime thanks to the turnovers. Jacory, way to come through for us buddy!

Time of Possession: ND – 37:11, Miami – 22:49

Wow. I’d love to see a stat that shows the most a BK team had possessed the ball in the last five years. What this tells me is that dominating out of the spread offense in the way many fans want to see (control the clock, balanced attack) is predicated largely by the defense’s ability to make stops and force turnovers. Kind of interesting.

Thanks for following along with the diaries all year and thanks to all that contributed texts/emails/commentary to make them more interesting. Maybe we’ll fire up a diary for one of the basketball games in Big East season.

Only nine months until the next kickoff…

GO IRISH, BEAT BULLS!

Dear Diary...Notre Dame - Southern Cal

Welcome to the final running diary of the 2010 regular season! Today we come to you live from Casa del Blomstrom in McLean, VA. Mr. Balls has graciously opened his home up to hopefully watch and celebrate the Fall of Troy. As I said in the brief pregame preview, I'm not too optimistic, but of course I'd love nothing more than to be completely wrong.

Let's get too it!

8:00 Pretty weak montage to start the broadcast, surprisingly mediocre production value. It was essentially a slideshow of pictures with music behind it, might’ve been done in Microsoft PowerPoint.

8:03 Mitch Mustain gets the nod at QB. I’m sure a lot of people are happy about this, but let’s not forget he’s not exactly a slouch. He was a huge recruit and won a boatload of games in the SEC as a freshman. Did he have Darren McFadden and Felix Jones lining up behind him that year? Yes, but still. He’s a threat.

8:10 Lukewarm reception for the Trojans as they come in to the stadium. They have such a terrible fan base.

8:12 You know, we’re all jacked up for the game and fired up for the kickoff and ABC plays a “The Beatles are now on iTunes” commercial. It’s 30 seconds of “Yesterday,” what a downer. They couldn’t have chosen any other Beatles song for a commercial right before kickoff of a football game? The Beatles weren’t a depressing band, give me some “Can’t Buy Me Love” or “Hard Day’s Night” or anything that doesn’t make the audience depressed. Back to the game—the Trojans will receive the opening kickoff.

8:14 Harrison Smith drops a sure interception on the first play when Mustain overthrows his receiver on the first play. Hit him right in the hands—you HAVE to come up with that if you want to pull an upset on the road.

8:14 HUGE play by Gary Gray to stuff a quick throw out to the left flat. He did a great job shedding a block and blowing up what could’ve been a big play.

8:15 Three and out for the Trojans, great start for the Irish defense. Mustain doesn’t look very good out of the gate. COME ON IRISH, LET’S GO. ND will get the ball at their own 30 to start the drive.

8:18 Quick three and out after Cierre Wood gets stoned on 3rd and 1. Turk actually gets off a great 49-yard punt and pins SC back at the 12.

8:23 The Irish force a 3rd and 6 but Stanley Havili catches a pass out of the backfield for a 19-yard gain up the middle. Damn.

8:27 Manti PLANTS Robert Woods so deep on a 3rd down screen pass that Woods may grow and bear fruit on the field come spring. Another good stand by the defense and the Trojans are forced to punt again. Couldn’t be more thrilled with how the defense has started this game. Southern Cal punt gets to the endzone and ND will take over at the 20.

8:31 Rees is picked off on a short pass to Toma by Chris Galippo. Trojans ball at the 30. Shit.

8:33 ND holds on 3rd down. I wonder aloud, “Will they go for it?” Brad quickly responds, “What do you think Kiffin will do.” I need to remember who’s on the opposing sideline before asking dumb questions like that—of course they’re going for it.

8:34 False start blows up that thought but they split the uprights on the field goal and stake a 3-0 lead. We can’t afford to gift them points. Hopefully our offense can wake up a la the Utah game.

8:39 Robert Hughes bulls ahead for an 8-yard carry and the first ND first down of the game. If he’s running like that all day then Cierre better be ready to ride the pine.

8:42 Drive stalls and Turk evens out his average with a horrendous 22-yard punt so the Trojans will start at the 39. Turk is just so bad, I’m already excited for his graduation. Is there a way to replace him with a walk-on FOR THE LOVE OF GOD?!?

8:45 First quarter ends with SC driving into ND territory. Good start for the defense (68 yards allowed even though SC’s had the ball for 10 of the 15 minutes), disastrous start for the offense. Kelly needs to find a way to jumpstart the offensive attack or we’ll have no chance.

8:51 Southern Cal drops a ball right over the middle on third down and are forced to punt. Another good stand by the defense. Great punt pins ND at the Notre Dame 6. We need to respond here, we can’t expect the defense to continue like this the entire game. The offense needs to relieve a bit of pressure and piece together a drive that gives Manti and the boys a breather.

8:56 Not happening—another three and out. McDonough points out that every 3rd down ND has had has been short and manageable, which is a very good point. We’re not putting ourselves in impossible situations (which is a good sign), we just need to man up and will our way over the marker to get some sustained drives going. Decent Turk punt gets over midfield to the SC 42. Come on defense, keep it up.

9:01 Irish force another three and out. How BOUT that Bobby Diaco defense!?!?

9:02 First play of the drive is a nifty little 9-yard run on first down by Cierre Wood. He picks up the first down on the next carry.

9:04 Another first down on the ground for Cierre Wood and ND is out to the 43-yard line. Looking like we’re establishing a little rhythm.

9:06 Michael Floyd picks up a first down on 3rd and 7, great job of bulldozing forward for an extra six yards after he caught the ball. ND’s over midfield for the first time today.

9:09 Floyd converts another third down by willing his way to an extra two yards over the first down line. That’s what we need, way to pick us up #3! ND is on the 20.

9:10 TYLER EIFERT PICKS UP A FIRST DOWN AT THE ONE YARD LINE, RUNNING OVER A DEFENDER IN THE PROCESS. COME ON BABY, LET’S PUNCH IT IN!!!!

9:12 Two plays, two passes, two incompletions. I can hear CLoss screaming all the way from Chicago. Can’t say I disagree with him in this instance—would’ve rather seen some Hughes on at least one play. Of course all will be forgiven if we punch it in on third down. ND calls timeout to weigh options and get their giant picture cards in order. Pumpkin-Duck-Erin Andrews-Yogi Bear (which is code for the Wildcat Formation) was mixed up with Chipotle-Blood-Stool-Frowny Face (which is code for Chipotle causes bloody stool).

9:16 TOUCHDOOOOOOWN IRISH!!!! MICHAEL FLOYD BABY! QUICK LITTLE STICK ROUTE IN THE RIGHT SLOT FOR AN EASY PITCH AND CATCH. FOR THE FIRST TIME IN FIVE YEARS NOTRE DAME HAS TAKEN THE LEAD. LET’S GO BABY!!!!!!!!!! Notre Dame 7, Southern Cal 3.

9:21 Southern Cal gets a great return out to midfield and is moving with some purpose into ND territory.

9:22 Brian Smith STONES Havili on 3rd down bringing up 4th and 3. COME ON IRISH, STUFF’EM.

9:22 BRIAN SMITH BREAKS UP THE PASS AND NOTRE DAME WILL TAKE OVER ON DOWNS. ATTA BOY BRIAN, WAY TO SHOW UP!!!! ND ball at their own 38-yard line with 44 seconds left. Will BK be content to go into the halftime up 7-3 or will he be aggressive?

9:26 CIERRE WOOD TAKES A DRAW PLAY UP THE GUT FOR 28 YARDS ON THE FIRST PLAY. WHAT A GREAT PLAY CALL. Tommy Rees burns the final timeout, which was a dumb, panicked move caused by pure shock that the previous play worked so well.

9:27 Michael Floyd 19 yards down to the Southern Cal 15. Come on baby, find a way into the endzone, don’t settle for three.

9:28 Tyler Eifert down to the SC 7. PUNCH IT IN.

9:29 FLOYD TO THE ONE-INCH LINE AND THE CLOCK KEEPS MOVING, WHAT THE HELL IS GOING ON WITH THIS CLOCK. THIS IS THE SECOND TIME IT’S CONTINUED MOVING ON THIS DRIVE WHEN IT SHOULD’VE STOPPED FOR THE FIRST DOWN. WHAT A GODDAMN HOMER JOB.

9:31 TOUCHDOOOOOOOOOOOWWWWWNNNNN IIIIRRRRRIIIISSSSHHHH!!!!! THE BARD OF BERGEN COUNTY, DUVAL KAMARA WITH A 1-YARD TOUCHDOWN CATCH. HOW YOU LIKE THEM APPLES LANE!?!??!?!?! I LOVE IT BABY, I LOVE IT!!!!

9:34 Ruffer biffs the extra point. Goddamnit to hell, please say that doesn’t come back to haunt us. Well, I guess it beats 7-3 or 10-3. Notre Dame 13, Southern Cal 3.

9:47 The half comes to a close and for the first time in about a decade we can say the Notre Dame Fighting Irish are manhandling Southern Cal. Take a look at these stats:

Time of Possession: ND – 15:09…SC – 14:51 (AND WE KICKED OFF!)
Rushing Yards: ND – 66…SC – 44
First Down: ND – 10…SC – 6

Kelly made the necessary adjustments, had the brilliant play call that kick-started the final drive, and once again found a way to get everything he could out of a freshman quarterback that’s about 330 days removed from his high school homecoming dance.

And for all the grief Diaco deserved for the Navy debacle he deserves equal praise for how the defense has responded in the games since then. It’s been a defensive masterpiece to this point. And by the way, I was completely wrong on Mustain—among other things. He’s a bum and the SC coaching staff is completely reluctant to try to take shots down the field. That seems really stupid when you have Ronald Johnson and Robert Woods on the outside, doesn’t it? In any case, it’s so fun to be wrong in situations like this.

Thirty minutes to go boys, let’s find a way to finish this game off.

Thirty. Minutes.

9:59 Irish receive the second half kickoff and get a good return out to the 29.

10:01 Interception by Tommy Rees. He missed a wide-open Cierre Wood on the left side and tried to force it to Kamara. SHIT. The Trojans take over at the Irish 21. COME ON DEFENSE, BAIL US OUT.

10:03 Trojan first down inside the 10-yard line. Come on defense, step up.

10:05 The Irish hold, another great stand by the defense. The Trojans bang home a chip shot and ND’s lead is cut to a touchdown. Notre Dame 13, Southern Cal 6.

10:11 Three and out for the Irish. I just got whiplash from the momentum shift that’s occurred over the last ten minutes. Rees does not look good—the second play of this drive should’ve been picked as well. Let’s go BK, get his head on straight. Southern Cal gets more good field position at their own 37.

10:15 One play and the Trojans are over midfield. Good throw on the rollout by Mustain.

10:17 The Irish hold again, Brian Smith broke up the pass on third down. Mustain’s throw was absolutely terrible, he looked terrified to get hit. Welcome back to the reality of playing games and not just preening on the sidelines Pretty Boy.

10:19 The offense looks completely lost. Rees looks terrible. This does not bode well.

10:20 Rees is sacked and fumbles. Southern Cal ball at the Irish 2-yard line. Robert Hughes whiffed on a cut block. There’s an unprintable string of expletives flying around right now and that horrible, sinking feeling that’s overwhelmed the room.

10:22 Notre Dame forces 4th and inches but Mustain sneaks it in to tie the game. Our offense has been a complete disaster—we’ve moved the ball FOR the Trojans. Sickening—two turnovers inside our own red zone. Tommy Rees better wake the hell up and realize the second half started. Notre Dame 13, Southern Cal 13 with 5:40 left in the third quarter.

10:26 Southern Cal student body is batting beach balls around. I don’t know why this makes me angry but it does in the worst way. I guess at this point you could probably show me a picture of the Pope wearing maroon and gold garb and I’d be angry.

10:28 Two plays, two draws, two yards. Big third down coming up for Notre Dame.

10:29 Michael Floyd comes up inches short on third down and the Irish have to punt again. Ben Turk punts it to the 42 and we’ll ask the defense to come up big for the 50th time tonight. They’re playing with a lot of confidence but you have to wonder at what point are you just asking too much.

10:32 Well we haven’t asked too much yet—the defense stones them for yet another three and out. The Irish will take over at the 10 after another good punt. It is pouring rain and has been for probably 10 minutes.

10:33 Robert Hughes rumbles for five yards on first down and four on second down. Big 3rd and 1 coming up here. Come on boys, pick this up.

10:34 HUUUUGHES right up the gut for seven yards and a first down.

10:35 The third quarter comes to a close after Hughes gashes the Trojans for another four yards.

What a disastrous quarter for ND. Rees has looked completely overwhelmed and did the one thing that we couldn’t afford: turnovers in our own territory. We handed them all 13 of their points on our three turnovers. The good news is that we’re still tied despite a -3 TO Differential. Please for the love of God find a way to win this game.

10:39 Hughes goes for another three yards and brings up a 3rd and 3. Come on Irish.

10:39 Rees almost throws another pick but thankfully it’s dropped because that would’ve been six in the bad guys’ direction. Notre Dame will have to punt but at least the field position battle will swing in our favor…that is if Turk gets off a decent punt. My faith in that is about 4%.

10:42 Decent punt is made better by a block in the back. Southern Cal will take over at the 21.

10:46 Another block in the back wipes out a big gain at the beginning of the drive, pushing it back to the 18-yard line. Tack on another five yards thanks to a false start.

10:47 It’s time to interview former ND announcer and current Southern Cal AD Pat Haden! I was one of the seemingly few people who thought Haden did a very nice job as the color guy. He seems like a great guy and I thought he was pretty sharp…and then he uttered, “Lane has been sensational, I think he’ll be here a long time—the perception and reality of Lane Kiffin are completely different.” You mean he’s an even BIGGER jackass than we think?!? How is that possible? Pat will be singing a different tune when the next batch of violations come out.

10:48 Great pass by Mustain for 38 yards on second and a mile. Damnit to hell.

10:49 Notre Dame defense responds again and forces another punt. ND will take over at the 16 with a little over ten minutes to go. We need a drive here. Come on Tommy, dig deep.

10:53 Interception on the first play. Rees throws into triple coverage and SC will take over at the 38. DAMNIT TO HELL TOMMY, WAKE THE HELL UP, YOU ARE GIFT-WRAPPING THESE IDIOTS THE GAME.

10:54 First down Southern Cal inside the 30-yard line. We need a turnover in the worst way. Really it appears that in order to have a shot at winning this game we need a pick-six. If the defense finds a way to do so then they’ll instantly be launched into 2002 Return to Glory Defense territory for clutchness (at least for this game).

10:57 The Southern Cal drive stalls and they’re going to have to try a 37-yard field goal in a driving rain storm. MISS IT NOONAN, MISS. NNNNNOONAN, NNNNNNOONAN.

10:58 The field goal is good. Notre Dame 13, Tommy Rees DBA Southern California 16. There’s 6:25 left in the game and we’ll need Rees to somehow rebound and lead a drive in the pouring rain. Not feeling particularly confident at this juncture. It would be a travesty to waste such a great defensive performance.

11:01 Notre Dame ball at the 23. We’ve got 77 yards to paydirt.

11:02 First play is a rollout pass to Michael Floyd for 11 yards. We go to him for the first time in what seems like an eternity (though who knows, maybe a couple of those passes that were batted down at the line were intended for #3) and we get a first down. Imagine that.

11:03 Huge run by Cierre is almost completely ruined by a fumble. Eifert jumps on it. My heart stopped for approximately four seconds. ND ball at the SC 40 with 5:20 left.

11:04 Good run by Hughes picks up six. He’s running with some purpose right now which is a great sign.

11:04 HUUUUUUUUUUUUGHHHHHEEES for another 13 yards. First down at the Southern Cal 23. COME ON BOYS, LET’S GET SIX.

11:05 HUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUGGGGHHEEEESSSSS FOR ANOTHER BULLDOZING 12 YARD RUN. FIRST AND GOAL AT THE 10.

11:06 Floyd for five. 2nd and goal. DON’T SETTLE FOR THREE, FINISH THEM!

11:07 HUUUUUUUUUUGGGGGGGHHHHHHHEEEESSSSSSSSS!!!!!!!! TOUCHDOOOOOOOOWNNNN IRIIIIIISSSSSSSSHHHHH!!!!!!! BULL-EFFING-DOZER, THE IRISH HAVE STORMED BACK TO TAKE THE LEAD!!!!!!!!!! HEROES 20, VILLAINS 16 WITH 2:23 TO GO.

11:10 Southern Cal has the ball at the 31 with three timeouts and 2:16 to go. For the first time in God knows how long I’m actually confident our defense can come up with a stop. Could this be the ND fan base’s Dave Roberts Moment?

11:11 Robert Blanton baaaaaaaarely tips a ball and the receiver drops it. Had he caught it he had the entire state in front of him, he could’ve gone for miles. Not a good start defense, COME ON, DON’T BREAK NOW.

11:12 Notre Dame sniffs out a second down screen pass and brings up 3rd and 7 with 1:24 left. KILLLLLLLLL!!!

11:13 Sweet Baby Jesus. Harrison Smith falls down and Ronald Johnson—who is WIIIIIIIIIIIDDDDEEEE OPEN for a touchdown, so open he could’ve crab-walked his way in—just flatout drops it. Holy shit, what a gift. Someone upstairs has decided that this streak ends tonight. I need a new pair of pants. It’s 4th and 7—REDEEM YOURSELF FOR 4TH AND 9 IN ‘05. KILLLLLL!!!!!!!!!!!

11:15 First down Trojans. Next play is another first down. Southern Cal ball at the 23, under a minute left. I want to throw up.

11:16 Brian Smith comes in and hits Mustain as he throws, incomplete. He’s playing a great game. I am so nauseous I can barely type. 44 seconds left. Please stop them. Please.

11:17 INTERCEPTION NOTRE DAME!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! HARRISON SMITH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! HOLY MOTHER OF GOD WE DID IT!!!!!!!!! YEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEESSSSSSSSIIIIIRRRRRRRRRR!!!!!!

11:19 AHHHHHHHHHHHH I CAN’T BELIEVE!!!! UN-FREAKING-BELIEVABLE. ND is forced to sneak it out from underneath the uprights, which is perilous and something I should probably be worried about but I couldn’t care less right now. If God wanted us to lose he wouldn’t have reached down from heaven and tipped that ball away from Ronald Johnson on the final drive, am I right?!?!

11:20 WEEEE ARRRREEE NNNNNN DDDDDDD!!!!!!!

11:22 IT’S OVER!!!!!!!! THE GAME IS OVER, THE STREAK IS OVER, POP THE CHAMPAGNE BABYYYYYYY!!!!!!!!!!!

NOTRE DAME 20
SOUTHERN CAL 16

Quick Hits

1 – I can’t believe it finally happened.
2 – HOW ABOUT THAT IRISH DEFENSE!?!?!?!? What an effort, best showing in eight years. Borderline dominant.
3 – Robert Hughes, what an unbelievable performance on the last drive.
4 – If someone told you that we were going lose the turnover battle 4-1, that each of our four turnovers would come in our own territory, and the Trojans would score after each one of them…what would you have predicted the final would’ve been?
5 – Get used to it Lane—there’s a new sheriff in town.

People will debate whether this qualifies as a “signature win” for Brian Kelly. The answer is: who the hell cares?

We just traveled across the country with a backup, freshman quarterback, a backup running back, without our best defensive lineman and our potential all-american tight end, and punched the bully that had tormented us for eight years square in the mouth. We came back in a driving rainstorm and pounded the ball down Southern Cal’s throat for a go-ahead touchdown in a way we haven’t seen since 1995.

This was a great win, a “turn the corner” win. As Brian Kelly said post-game, “Today we put the Fight back in the Fighting Irish.”

Damn it feels good.

GO IRISH!

Dear Diary...Notre Dame - Utah

Ladies and Gents, welcome to the final home running diary of 2010! It’s been a pretty brutal season to date and a win today would be a great way to shift a tide of momentum that’s been going the wrong way since the Navy game.

Today’s opponent is #14 ranked Utah, who is fresh off a colossal beatdown at the hands of TCU. I’d suspected all year that they were frauds (especially judging off of what I saw in the opener against Pitt) and I was hoping ND would be the ones to undress them, but oh well. This is still going to be a stern test for a mentally and physically bruised and battered Irish squad and I’m not overly optimistic that Notre Dame can pull the upset. As always though, nothing would make me happier than ND proving me wrong.

Today we come to you live from college football headquarters in Arlington, VA accompanied by my girlfriend, my roommate C-Loss, and a doozy of a birthday hangover brought about by two Penn Staters—thank you Ross and Aggon—who did everything they could to blowtorch whatever brain cells I had left at the Clarendon Grill last night. I feel like a vegetable. Let’s hope the Irish come out with a little more life than I’m showing this afternoon. This program needs a lift, this senior class needs a lift, and damnit my throbbing head needs a lift. COME ON IRISH!

On with the show!

2:37 The weather looks pretty crappy. Maybe that’ll make BK lean a little harder on the run?

2:38 Utah comes on to the field flashing the Miami “U” sign. I don’t really understand why Notre Dame comes on the field before the opponent.

2:40 Dr. Flanagan gets the early nod today and interviews Kelly on the sideline. Basically he says that Rees doesn’t have to do too much and that the coaches will manage the game a lot for him. That says “conservative passing game and heavy dose of the run game” to me. Is our line up to the task? Is Cierre up to it? There certainly haven’t been many signs that would point to yes thus far in the season.

2:41 Notre Dame has lost 11 straight games to ranked opponents and six straight games in November including the last two Senior Days. Gag.

2:42 The Irish get the ball to start the game and get a nice return out of Bennett Jackson. He got to the corner and takes it up to the 44. Come on boys, let’s get off to a good start.

2:47 Three runs by Cierre Wood net only seven yards. The Irish are going to line up and go for it.

2:48 Cierre Wood is stuffed a yard short of the first down. Damnit to hell. That wasn’t very good vision on Wood’s part, he tried to bull ahead through a blocker and a tackler and had his legs taken out from under him. It’s going to be an early test here for the defense.

2:49 Utah picks up a 3^rd and 10 when KLM can’t quite get his mitts on Jordan Wynn, which allows Wynn all day to roll to his left and find an open receiver for 11 yards.

2:51 The Irish defense holds and forces a 46-yard field goal attempt which the Utes sneak in the left upright to take a 3-0 lead. Not bad by the defense but we can’t put ourselves in a deep hole and expect Tommy Rees to dig us out of it.

3:00 The Irish go three and out after Rees tries to force a ball into Duval Kamara. Michael Floyd was wide-open about six steps to Kamara’s right. Turk gets off a decent punt and the Irish have absolutely outstanding coverage on a dangerous returner—Shaky Smithson. Utah will take over at their own 19.

3:06 INTERCEPTION HARRISON SMITH!!!!! WHAT AN ABSOLUTELY BEAUTIFUL PLAY, HE CUTS UNDERNEATH THE RECEIVER AT THE LAST SECOND AND LAYS OUT TO MAKE THE PICK. He actually started the play on the right hash and ended up all the way on the opposite sideline as he picked up a crossing pattern. What a huge, HUGE play. COME ON BOYS, LET’S GET SOME MOMENTUM GOING HERE!

3:07 Tommy Rees is forced to burn ND’s second timeout because he’s slow getting the play called. Brian Kelly looks like he’s using every last ounce of restraint not to go Woody Hayes on him, but much to BK’s credit he’s 1000x more patient than he has been with Dayne.

3:10 Three and out for Notre Dame. Boy oh boy, we look horrendous on offense. Zero first downs thus far.

3:15 Notre Dame allows one Ute first down but then buckles down to force a punt. The defense looks great, please tell me we’re not going to let their effort got to waste.

3:16 ROBERT BLANTON BLOCKS THE PUNT AND TAKES IT TO THE HOUSE FOR SIX!!!!!!! TOOOOOOOUUUUUCCCCCHHHDDDDOOOOOWWWNNNNN IIIIIRRRRRIIIISSSHHHHH!!!!!!!! Utah just totally ignored him coming the right edge and he all but took it off the punter’s foot. Ruffer tacks on the extra point and the Irish have taken the lead. Notre Dame 7, Utah 3.

It’s about damn time special teams provided a lift! When the hell was the last time we’d blocked a punt? And when’s the last time we returned it for a score? That used to be something we did regularly under Davie and the last one I can remember was Carlos Pierre-Antoine in the first half against Southern Cal in ’02. COME ON DEFENSE, LET’S KEEP THE HEAT ON THEM!

3:19 Utah is going to start their drive all the way back at the 10-yard line thanks to a penalty on the return. They’ve been very, very sloppy out of the gate, which has certainly helped the Irish cause. COME ON BOYS, LET’S BURRRRRY THEM!

3:25 We’re into the second quarter and while Utah picked up one first down, their drive stalls when Jordan Wynn’s scramble on third down comes up a yard short. As HD Gremlin Tom Hammond points out, it was due to a “premature slide.” This sets off an entire round of comments and texts about the perils of premature sliding and how the young sophomore will learn how to avoid premature sliding with more experience. We can all agree that it’s embarrassing when you slide prematurely. A bad punt gives the Irish good field position at their own 39. Let’s see if the offense can pick it up a bit.

3:27 Jonas Gray is in the game and has a nice run on first down! I didn’t even realize he was back in action today. Seven yards right up the middle for #25 puts us in prime position to capture first down numero uno on the day. The next play is a defensive holding call against the Utes—which may be their 34^th penalty of the day—gives us that first down and the Irish are over midfield.

3:29 JONAS GRAY WITH A HUGE RUN DOWN THE LEFT SIDELINE, 36 YARDS DOWN INSIDE THE 10 YARD-LINE!!! He started up the middle, was stoned, and then bounced it out to the left where he found plenty of real estate thanks to a couple devastating blocks. HERE WE GO BABY!

3:30 Utah is flagged for pass interference as they try to stop Michael Floyd on a terribly thrown fade. That was an absolute duck by Rees but the defender was so concerned with the man coverage on Floyd that he got tangled up and drew the flag. Come on Tommy, none of that. Irish ball, first and goal at the 3.

3:31 TOUCHDOOOOOOOOOWN IRISH!!!!!!! TOMMY REES TO MICHAEL FLOYD FOR SIX ON A QUICK SLANT. GREAT THROW, GREAT CATCH, AND THE IRISH ARE IN BUSINESS BABY! Irish 14, Utes 3. KILLLLLLLLLLLLLL!!!!!!!!!!!!

3:34 Ruffer drills the kickoff out of bounds giving the Utes great field position. Come on boys, let’s not give them a chance to come up for air. One play and Utah’s in to Irish territory.

3:36 The Utes get down to the 36 buuuuut back’em up five yards thanks to a false start.

3:37 ANOTHER FALSE START ON UTAH! That’s nine penalties for 60 yards so far and a promising drive now faces 1^st and 20 and a rejuvenated Irish defense. Freshman Kona Schwenke gets some great pressure on first down to force an incompletion.

3:38 The Irish hold and force a punt. Great stand there by the defense and an even better job by the Utes to do everything in their power to sabotage themselves. John Goodman fair catches the punt and Notre Dame takes over at their own 17.

3:43 Notre Dame is employing an Oregon-esque poster board with different pictures to help Tommy Rees with relaying in the plays. On one board has Double Mint Gum, Gatorade, the monkey Curious George, and a tree. On another has Rex Ryan, the Golden Dome, the Notre Dame logo, and a Turkey. I’ll take a stab at them: the first one means pass and the second one means pass. I kid, I kid…but seriously, that’s probably what they mean. Dayne had cards too but they just had numbers on them to let him know how many postgame lashes he’d earned from Brian Kelly’s belt on the previous play.

3:44 Nice little slip screen by Cierre Wood picks up a first down. He’s running hard today.

3:45 Dr. Flanagan talks about how Brian Kelly is 1000x more patient and understanding with Rees than he was with Crist. Do you think that Crist resents it a bit? I truly and honestly think that Crist would’ve progressed more had Kelly taken on that sort of patient and nurturing attitude

3:46 The Irish drive stalls and they’re forced to punt. Ben Turk avoids disaster by reeling in a bad snap but then gets off a bad punt. I’ll let it slide since he made such a great save on the catch. Utah ball at their own 33 with 6:32 left in the half.

3:49 NBC shows a time-lapse video of the preparation of the football field in Yankee Stadium, including the finished product. It looks pretty awesome, I don’t understand why there’s a pocket of people hating on it. It’s pretty cool to be the first game in the new Yankee Stadium and it’s a neat event period. I’ll be in attendance and couldn’t be more excited.

3:50 Great stop by Darrin Walls to sniff out a screen and make a stop for a five yard loss on second down. COME ON IRISH!

3:50 Prince Shembo chases Jordan Wynn back 15 yards before Wynn just throws it away. Another three and out for Utah, what a fantastic performance by the Notre Dame Defense thus far. ND will get the ball at the 34-yard line—let’s step on their throats before the half.

3:55 Cierre Wood drops a wiiiiiiidddeee-opennnnn pass down the left sideline. The ball was a little high but you HAVE to come down with that. That brings up a 3^rd and 10. The rain is really coming down now.

3:56 Tommy Rees lasers one in to Tyler Eifert for a first down on a hot route. Rees is fired up as he should be, that was a great throw. Irish ball over midfield.

4:00 The drive stalls but Turk does a great job pinning the Utes deep at their own 11. They’ve got a little more than two minutes to try to get some points on the board.

4:02 I can’t believe Brian Johnson is an assistant coach. He kind of bailed on trying to make it in the pros pretty early didn't he? That being said he’s two years younger than I am and already a D-I quarterback coach. Not too shabby.

4:03 A HUGE hit from Jamoris Slaughter stops Utah short on third down which means it’s another three and out for the visitors. This is the best defensive performance in YEARS for Notre Dame.

4:06 Brian Kelly decides that 14-3 is good enough and he’s not going to test fate so after one run the Irish are headed to the locker room with their lead.

Wow, what a great half. Special teams provided the initial boost and the momentum changing play, but the story thus far is a dominant defensive effort from Bob Diaco’s unit. Utah has the 9^th-ranked offense in the country and the Irish have completely smothered it, allowing just 118 total yards and a field goal that only happened because we handed the Utes a short field out of the gate.

Tommy Rees has done a great job in managing the game and not making any huge mistakes. The second half is an opportunity for this team to come of age and really bury a quality opponent. I don’t want to let them get off the mat, I want to hit them in the mouth early and often. Let’s get a TKO here, not a decision.

4:29 FUUUUUMMBBBBLLLLEEEEEE AND THE IRISH RECOVER ON THE OPENING KICKOFF! AUSTIN COLLINSWORTH GETS HIS HELMET ON THE FOOTBALL AND NOTRE DAME COMES UP WITH THE BALL! BOB DAVIE DROP THE “H” UUUUGE PLAY.

4:30 TOOOOOOOUUUUCCCCHHHHDDDOOOOWWWNNNNN IRISH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! TOMMY REES ROLLS RIGHT AND HITS THE BARD OF BERGEN COUNTY DUVAL KAMARA FOR A 26-YARD TOUCHDOWN ON THE FIRST PLAY. HOW ‘BOUT THEM APPLES?!?!?!?! Thirteen seconds into the second half and the Irish have already extended their lead. IRISH 21, UTES 3.

4:34 Notre Dame forces a third down but then gives up a huge 25-yard gain over the middle. Damnit, come on boys.

4:35 Prince Shembo with a sack on first down, just overpowering the running back that attempted to block him.

4:37 The Irish defense tightens up and forces another punt. The short punt bounces up and hits Blanton, but he very alertly picks it up to avoid disaster. Irish ball with good field position.

4:40 Good run by Cierre Wood on first down for 8 yards. Let’s just punch them in the mouth with the running game, I would absolutely love to see us just dominate the line. Wood breaks off another nice chunk of yardage on second down—an 18-yard gain that was sprung by a great Michael Floyd block on the left side.

4:41 Michael Floyd takes a crossing pattern and rumbles for 24 yards inside the Utah 15. We’re rollllllin’ baby!

4:42 TOUCHDOOOOOOOOOWN IRISH!!!! AGAIN IT’S THE BARD OF BERGEN, DUVAL KAMARA WITH HIS SECOND TOUCHDOWN ON SENIOR DAY! Great throw by Tommy Rees, great catch by Duval. That’s just awesome, couldn’t be happier for the kid. Ruffer tacks on the extra point and the Irish are just pouring it on. Irish 28, Utah 3.

4:50 Utah has started to piece together a drive. Their last six possessions have ended with a punt—I couldn’t be happier about our defense, they’re playing with such great passion and energy.

4:54 Utah picks up a 4^th down conversion when Gary Gray can’t quite wrangle down Shaky Smithson. Shaky slips free and gets all the way down inside the 10-yard line. This is their first trip inside the redzone all day, which is pretty remarkable.

4:57 The Irish hold! Back-to-back great plays by Gary Gray to snuff the drive out and keep Utah from cutting into the deficit.

5:03 A heavy dose of Cierre Wood on this drive, the last run a great 20-yard pickup right down the throat of the defense where he made a quick cut and hit the hole hard. The third quarter comes to a close and this game appears to be comfortably in hand. I have too many scars to chalk this up as a W just yet, but we’re definitely in a good place.

5:12 Unfortunately the drive stalls and is capped off by a terrible Ben Turk punt, but it did chew 5:23 off the clock. There’s 12:41 left on the clock which means this is most likely Utah’s last gasp—if they don’t get six here you can pretty much put this one in the books.

5:15 The Utes are playing like a team who understands they’re running out of chances. Five straight completions from Wynn have Utah into the redzone again in a shade under two minutes. Come on defense, stand up again.

5:19 Mayock on Shaky Smithson: “He’s a thickly built kid from the waist down.” I mean how many different directions can we go with this one? None of them can be printed here.

5:20 The Irish hold again on 4^th down! Gary Gray with another great pass defense in the endzone to halt the Utah drive inside the 15. ND went with Cover 0 on that play and I suddenly had terrible flashbacks to the first Stanford touchdown when Wynn lobbed the ball down the middle of the field, but this time it was Gray on the coverage instead of Brian Smith and the ball harmlessly fell to the turf for another Utah turnover on downs. Great job to stiffen up again in the redzone by the defense and the Irish will take over with 8:04 to play. Now let’s see some push on the offensive line and grind out some clock on the ground.

5:23 The latest card on the Irish sideline for Tommy Rees’s viewing pleasure has George Washington (1), a golf cart (2), the Golden Dome (3), and Alex Flanagan (4). This leads to a terribly awkward exchange between Hammond and Mayock where they try to make a reference to Flanagan being pretty but fail miserably. A stab at an interpretation of that card: George Washington (1) was wise and would never have hired Willingham (2) to coach under the Dome (3). Dr. Flanagan (4) will report this in her next bit of sideline airtime. Another interpretation: it’s a pass play.

I hope Rees enjoys these picture cards over the next five quarters because by the time they head to Los Angeles I have a feeling the Brian Kelly Lash Count Cards will return.

5:27 Cierre Wood has a nice run on third down for 11 yards but it ends up a bit short of the first down. The Irish run the clock down to 5:46 and they’ll punt the ball away. Kelly has really made a commitment to the run in the second half and even though we’ve stalled a bit it’s done enough damage to squeeze the life out of Utes.

5:34 Manti Te’o with a BIG hit on Utah’s backup quarterback—he lined him up from about 15 yards away and laid the boom. That brings up a third and long for Utah with 4:04 left to play.

5:36 Prince Shembo absolutely manhandles the left tackle on 3^rd down to force a quick throw that nets only three years. This kid is going to be a stud; he’s been on-campus for only a few months and he’s already one of the most imposing physical specimens on the team. Just wait until he’s an upperclassman.

5:37 The Utes complete a short pass that’s not even close to picking up the necessary yardage and Notre Dame forces yet another turnover on downs. The defense gets an A+++++ for their effort today. God, I can’t stop smiling, this is just wonderful. This was even more dominating than the Nevada shutout last year—we’ve completely smoked them in every regard.
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5:40 ROBERT HUUUUUUUUGGGGHHHHHEEEEESSSS rumbles for a 12-yard gain up the middle. He lowered his shoulder and ran over a safety on the last couple yards. On the whole his career has been a bit of a disappointment after a promising start, but he holds a place near and dear in many Irish fans’ hearts. His two-point conversion against Washington where he carried the pile for three yards last year was one of the most underrated moments of the past five years. I wish him all the best going forward.

5:42 This one is in the books. Notre Dame 28, Utah 3.

5:45 The students and team sing the Alma Mater together on the field. A lot of people don’t think it should be played after the game with the team on the field. Those people can go suck a lemon.

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

Five Snap Judgments

1. What a defensive masterpiece. Notre Dame completely dominated one of the best offenses in the country. For all the (deserved) criticism Diaco received for the Navy performance he deserves equal praise for his unit’s execution today.

2. Brian Kelly called a great offensive game that leaned heavily on the running attack and conservative, manageable plays for his young quarterback. Tommy Rees executed beautifully and didn’t make any mistakes that would’ve allowed Utah back into the game. He’s going to be asked to do a bit more if ND wants to hang with Southern Cal, but for right now let’s just enjoy his progress and build on it.

3. This senior class has suffered so much, I’m glad they could go out with a dominating win like this.

4. Special teams! We haven’t had nearly enough impact plays on special teams since the ’06 season. I’d love to see us bring heat on punts more frequently since we don’t seem to have anyone that can break a long return. The two big plays by Blanton on the punt and Collinsworth on the kickoff proved to be the difference in the game.

5. Is this an aberration or the turning point? That will be the topic that’s intensely debated over the next week.

Just a great day, a great victory. Let’s make a habit of this shall we?

GO IRISH

Dear Diary...Notre Dame - Tulsa

Welcome to another edition of the running diary. Today we come to you live from Vienna, VA. Today the Irish carry the burden of unimaginable emotional baggage as they take on the Tulsa Golden Hurricane. Who would’ve thought there’d be any question that this game would be a question mark when it was announced last fall?

Let’s get to it.

2:30 A solemn start to the broadcast. The team comes out of the tunnel to a very lukewarm cheer. There’s also a noticeable chunk of the freshman student section missing—maybe it’s the fans directly next to the freshman, but it at least appears to be in the normal frosh section.

2:31 The stadium sounds absolutely dead on TV. It’s almost eerie.

2:34 Another montage with photos from mass. Notre Dame did a phenomenal job with that mass—students and administration alike. For all the negativity that is surrounding the entire school right now due to the tragic events it’s nice to see the ND Family band together. It reminds you why it’s so special.

2:35 Tom Hammond very rightly says, “There is no joy today.” Being in that stadium has to be like being in bizarro world.

2:35 A powerful moment of silence, players like Manti Te’o and Dayne Crist are visibly choked up. This is just heartbreaking. A big part of me now thinks this game should have been cancelled. How the hell could anyone be in a mood to play a football game right now? I hope against hope the boys rally around this but I’m more inclined to say Pregame Scenario #1 is very much in play.

2:40 Brian Kelly is half-heartedly trying to get people loud for the kickoff. Good Lord, when the head coach is begging the fans at the beginning of the game it tells you all you need to know about the atmosphere. The Irish will get the ball to start the game.

2:42 TJ Jones catches a nice pass from Dayne but it’s coming back because of an illegal shift.

2:43 Zach Martin gets blown away by the defensive end and the Irish will go three and out on their first series. Ben Turk gets off a nice punt and Tulsa will take. I cannot stress enough how dead the stadium sounds.

2:47 25-yard gain out of the Wildcat. We’re in serious trouble. The Irish look like zombies (understandably so) and Tulsa is playing like it’s the biggest game of their careers (understandable as well).

2:48 Tulsa is already inside the Irish 10, first and goal. Crap.

2:49 Te’o makes a great stop on first down, blows Kinne up in the backfield.

2:50 Touchdown Tulsa, Thomas absolutely destroyed Blanton on a quick slant, had him totally turned around. Brutal start. Tulsa 7, Notre Dame 0.

2:56 Dayne breaks a great run down the right sideline to convert a 3^rd and long but then takes a MONSTER hit and he’s down. At first I thought it was another concussion, but he’s limping badly. The replay shows him banging his knee on the sideline, doesn’t look like it twisted or anything. Hopefully it’s just like when you bang knees in basketball setting a pick and nothing more serious. Tommy Rees is in the game—very glad to see him instead of Montana, but still not happy to see him.

2:59 Thank you Tulsa for committing a stupid roughing the passer keeps the drive alive.

3:00 Two good passes by Rees have the Irish down inside the 15-yard line.

3:02 TOUCHDOWN IRISH! Rees zips one to Michael Floyd in the front corner of the endzone. That’s a great job by the Irish to take advantage of the Tulsa mistake that kept the drive alive. Rees looks about 10,000x more comfortable than he did against Michigan. For all the warranted criticism Kelly received for how unprepared Rees was for emergency duty against Michigan, he deserves equal praise for bringing him around.

3:04 Tulsa blocks the extra point and brings it back for two points. Unbelievable. Tulsa 9, Notre Dame 6. Jiminy Flipping Christmas, WHY MUST THIS CLOUD HOVER OVER OUR FREAKING TEAM????

3:10 Dayne Crist is going to the locker room with his right knee totally immobilized. Now that they’re showing it in slow motion it looks like the knee twisted awkwardly at the last second on the ground…Not good. The only consolation I have is it’s not the knee he shredded last year. This is almost a year to the day he injured it last year. This is just terrible.

3:12 Brad chimes in with a text that sums up the situation very well: “This is like if the Hindenburg crashed into an orphanage.”

3:13 Tulsa wastes no time in ripping down the field. A reverse out of the Wildcat picks up 24 yards and Tulsa is just outside the redzone.

3:15 The Irish dodge a serious bullet when a wide-open Tulsa receiver drops a pass in the endzone on 3^rd and 3. The Golden Hurricane brings out the field goal unit and splits the uprights to extend their lead. Tulsa 12, Notre Dame 6.

3:18 Great return by Bennett Jackson gives Notre Dame good field position over the 40-yard line. Come on Tommy Boy, let’s keep it going.

3:20 Rees comes out of the gate with three passes and three straight completions. He looks very, very good and Tulsa’s defense looks very, very bad. For whatever reason they’re not getting the heat on Rees that they brought on Dayne.

3:21 TOUCHDOOOOWN IRISH WITH SOME TRICKERATION!!!!!! TJ JONES CAUGHT A PASS AND THEN LATERALLED IT TO CIERRE WOOD WHO WAS STREAKING DOWN THE SIDELINE. Beautiful little play there and great execution by TJ Jones, who reeled in a pass that was a little high. Hopefully this sparks the Irish, COME ON BOYS! Irish 13, Tulsa 12.

3:25 Notre Dame stuffs the first down run and Mayock mentions that was the first time he saw Notre Dame defense flying around the ball with passion. Spot-on analysis.

3:26 The Irish snuff out the Wildcat on third down and brings up a Tulsa punting situation as the first quarter comes to a close. It seems like the team is waking up and the crowd is responding as well—that was the first time all day where you heard the stands get loud. Of course that momentum will be curtailed by the commercial break, but what are you going to do.

3:29 Well Tulsa apparently called timeout with two seconds left so they could punt with the wind.

3:30 John Goodman muffs the punt and Tulsa will retain possession at the Irish 14. Damnit to hell, you have got to be kidding me. Whatever energy was in the stadium has been completed muted now. Now the quarter officially ends. I need something more than a stress ball to weather Notre Dame Football.

3:32 Gary Gray sacks Kinne on the cornerback blitz. COME ON BOYS, LET’S FIND A WAY TO KEEP THEM OFF THE BOARD.

3:33 False start by Tulsa backs them up to the 24.

3:34 The Irish halt their drive when KLM bats down a pass at the line. Field goal attempt dead into the wind coming up.

3:35 FIELD GOAL IS WIDE LEFT AND THE IRISH HOLD! GREAT STAND THERE BY THE DEFENSE. That’s the second terrible snap from Tulsa, this time it came back and bit them. Notre Dame ball at the 20-yard line. COME ON BOYS, LET’S GET AFTER THEM.

3:37 Tulsa gifts the Irish a first down on 3^rd and 5 when they jump offsides. I’ll take them any way we can get them. Rees responds by hitting Michael Floyd right away for a 10-yard chunk and another first down.

3:38 Another short completion by Rees—he’s now 13 of 14 for 115 yards and 2 TD’s. He’s doing a great job managing the game and Kelly’s doing a great job putting him in a position to do so.

3:40 The drive stalls and Notre Dame is about to punt. Rees has been a bit shaky on the last couple passes. Let’s hope he doesn’t go through stretches like Dayne that will short-circuit the offense.

3:41 FIRST DOWN IRISH ON A FAKE PUNT! WHAT A GREAT PLAY, A LITTLE END-AROUND TO BENNETT JACKSON. Kelly’s doing everything he can to kickstart this team, I love it.

3:42 Rees finds Eifert down the middle for 21 yards. Hummmmin baby!

3:44 HUUUUUGGGHHHHEEEESSSS rumbles inside the 10-yard line for a first down out of the Leprechaun formation.

3:45 TOUCHDOOOOOOOOOWWWWNNN IRISH! TOMMY REES THREADS THE NEEDLE TO MICHAEL FLOYD IN THE BACK OF THE ENDZONE FOR HIS THIRD TD PASS OF THE DAY! Ruffer bangs home the extra point and Notre Dame jumps to an eight point lead. Irish 20, Tulsa 12.

3:51 First play from scrimmage on the Tulsa drive is a big 22-yard gain by Thomas on a quick slant. Slaughter missed a tackle that could’ve kept that to a much shorter gain.

3:52 Dr. Flanagan reports that there’s nothing official on Crist but it doesn’t sound good at all. It sounds like someone told Rudolph what the diagnosis was and he immediately limped off the sideline toward the locker room to console him.

3:54 The Notre Dame defense holds and forces a punt. They’ve really stepped up after a sluggish start, playing great.

3:57 Goodman drops a pass that would’ve converted a 3^rd and short. That’s two drops today. He’s going to find himself plummeting down the depth chart if he doesn’t yank his head out of his butt.

3:58 Ben Turk draws a running into the kicker penalty and the Irish drive has second life! Let’s make them pay just like we did last time they gifted us a first down.

4:01 Rees missed a wide-open TJ Jones on 2^nd down, which brings up 3^rd and 10. The Irish have to burn a timeout.

4:03 Rees can’t find Floyd on a screen pass and Notre Dame will have to punt. A good punt by Turk and an Unnecessary Roughness penalty by the Golden Hurricane backs Tulsa up inside their own 15. There’s a little under five minutes remaining in the half. Come on defense, let’s give the offense a chance to extend this lead. How bout a turnover.

4:07 A stupid penalty by Ethan Johnson gives Tulsa a first down just short of midfield. Come on Ethan, just stupid.

4:08 Harrison Smith drops an interception on a deep pass. That ups our total interceptions dropped since the ’93 Boston College game to 12,496.

4:09 FUUUUUMMMBBLLLLLLLEEEEEEE AND THE IRISH RECOVER!!!! BRIAN SMITH KNOCKED IT FREE AND FRESHMAN KONA SCHWENKE COMES UP WITH THE RECOVERY! BIG PLAY BABY!!!!!! LET’S GO IRISH, PUNCH IT IN THE ENDZONE HERE AND START TO PULL AWAY.

4:13 Rees has back-to-back passes almost intercepted on passes down the field. Kelly seems to have opened up the playbook a bit which I don’t think is particularly judicious. I’d like to continue to dink and dunk them and then try to run it a bit more; Rees just isn’t ready to handle more.

4:14 Flanagan reports that Dayne Crist ruptured his Patellar Tendon, which means the end of his season and most likely means he’s out for the spring. God, your heart just breaks for the kid. He’s just completely snakebitten.

4:15 Notre Dame fails to take advantage of the turnover and punts the ball away. Rees is now 4 for his last 12. Come on defense, let’s keep smothering them.

4:19 Tulsa picks up a third down with just under two minutes left. They’re at their own 25-yard line so there’s a long way for the Golden Hurricane to go to get into field goal range, especially with how the ND defense is suddenly playing.

4:21 The Irish defense holds again and forces a punt with 1:14 left on the clock. The offense will get a chance to sneak into Ruffer’s field goal range and put points on the board before the half. The Irish have a strong wind behind them so

4:22 Robby Toma with a great catch and run for 22 yards and we’re into Tulsa territory. Very nice throw by Rees and a nice little run by Toma. A Roughing the Passer penalty has Notre Dame down to the 30 with 50 seconds left. Let’s get six here baby!

4:24 Tulsa intercepts a screen pass that was deflected and races 65 yards for a pick-six touchdown. Just unbelievable, the entire game has just been turned upside down. We were completely in control and now it’s back up in the air. Tulsa goes for two and fails so it’s Notre Dame 20, Tulsa 18.

4:27 Very nice return by Bennett Jackson gives Notre Dame the ball at their own 45.

4:28 Tommy Rees makes a horrendous decision to throw across his body into triple coverage on the sideline and the ball is intercepted. What a terrible, TERRIBLE pass. It was originally ruled incomplete but the replay overturns it and Tulsa will take over.

4:31 The half ends with the score 20-18 Irish. Some quick thoughts:

- The team did an admirable job overcoming a lethargic start, which is something you can’t blame them for with the pall hanging over the game. It didn’t feel right to be playing after the pre-game moment of silence and prayer, but they’ve rebounded well.

- Tommy Rees has done a very good job. He started out hot but has run into a Dayne-esque cold streak. I think Kelly has to go back to some simple passes to the flats to jump start him again.

- We need some semblance of commitment to the running game. We have a freshman quarterback in the game and we’ve had him throw 29 times already. I know it’s obvious this will be a theme all year (or worse, Kelly’s entire tenure) but it still needs to be stated.

- All the credit in the world to the defense. Great performance, especially after the first drive.

- It always seems we follow every step in the right direction with a step backwards. Once again we should be dominating the game on the scoreboard but a blocked extra point returned for two and a pick-six have us in a dogfight. I still think we should be able to pull away (a la Western Michigan) but I’m certainly not overly confident.

4:54 Tulsa gets the second half kickoff and is driving right away. Within five plays they’re already over midfield.

4:56 This is the first time since the opening two drives where Tulsa has moved the ball. Momentum is clearly on their side.

4:57 FUUMMMBBLLLLLEEEE AND THE IRISH RECOVER AT THE 19! HUUUUUGE PLAY BY HARRISON SMITH TO KNOCK THE BALL LOOSE. SWING THAT MOMENTUM BABY!

5:00 Back-to-back passes in the flat to Toma and Floyd net two straight first downs. I applaud Kelly’s decision to get back to some manageable passes out of the gate.

5:02 Wood rips off a very nice run on a counter over the right tackle and Notre Dame is inside the Tulsa 40.

5:03 Another nice run and catch by Robby Toma in the flat for a first down. I have a strong inclination that he’s going to be a huge contributor over the next couple years, I REALLY like this kid.

5:05 TOUCHDOWN IRISH! TOMMY REES HITS CIERRE WOOD IN THE ENDZONE TO CAP A BEAUTIFUL DRIVE. Much better mix of running and passing on that possession too. Irish 27, Tulsa 18. NOW BURY THEM DEFENSE.

5:12 The Irish force a three and out and Tulsa’s out to punt again. Great job there by the defense, it’s time to deliver the dagger here. We need to learn how to do it, why not start now?

5:18 Three and out. It’s absolutely maddening how we can’t land the knockout blow.

5:18 Touchdown Tulsa on a punt return. I want to throw the remote at the television. I don’t understand what it’s going to take to get this team to take a step in the right direction. Notre Dame 27, Tulsa 25.

5:22 Bennett Jackson avoids a huge disaster by coming down with the kickoff off a weird bounce. I don’t know what I would’ve done if Tulsa came up with that ball but it probably would’ve involved broken glass.

5:24 The Irish are moving again—a few nice passes and a good run by Cierre Wood has Notre Dame over midfield. Why do we only have this sense of urgency when it’s a close game? Can’t we bring the hammer to close a goddamn game out?

5:27 Tulsa sacks Tommy Rees on a third and long and Notre Dame is going to have to punt with less than two minutes left in the third quarter. Turk bangs it into the endzone and the Fighting GJ Kinnes will take over at the 20. This game has had so many stupid momentum swings in Tulsa’s direction. The thing is we’ll piece together a nice, methodical drive to take control…then do something stupid to quickly hand momentum back.

5:31 The Irish defense comes up big again and forces another three and out. Will we step on the gas and pull away? If the first play of the drive is an indication (a short loss by Cierre Wood) then the answer is no. The quarter draws to a close and (surprise!) we’re in a dogfight even though we shouldn't be. We’ve handed Tulsa two touchdowns and a two-point conversion. The defense has actually done a fantastic job all day limiting the high-powered Tulsa offense, it’s a shame that we keep shifting pressure to them by firing rounds of bullets into our foot.

We cannot lose this game. Period. I don’t care about the circumstances, the injuries, anything—we CANNOT afford to lose this game.

5:36 The Irish go three and out and must punt again. Once again we’re leaning on the defense to come up with a stop. COME ON DEFENSE, DO IT YOURSELF. HELL, RETURN SOMETHING FOR A TOUCHDOWN SINCE OUR OFFENSE DOESN’T SEEM INCLINED TO PUT THIS GAME AWAY.

5:39 Big third down coming up for Tulsa here.

5:41 KERRY NEAL WITH A SACK ON THIRD DOWN TO FORCE A THREE AND OUT!!!! WHAT A GREAT JOB BY THE DEFENSE TO COME UP WITH A BIG PLAY AGAIN. I love it, way to step your game up this week Bob Diaco. Great little return by John Goodman has Notre Dame in great field position at the Tulsa 43.

5:44 Another three and out for Notre Dame. GOOD LORD WHAT THE HELL IS WRONG WITH YOU OFFENSE. Ben Turk’s so pumped up about the fact that he’s kicking the ball far that he’s forgotten how to pooch punt. He demonstrates this by blasting one through the back of the endzone, which is good for an 18-yard net punt. Mental errors galore.

5:49 After a first down on the first play the Irish force another third down at the 36. COME ON DEFENSE, KEEP IT GOING.

5:50 Kinne sails a ball high and Tulsa’s going to have to punt again. Can’t say enough about how well the Irish defense is playing, they’ve done more than enough to not only win this game but make it a rout. They’ve only truly given up 10 points to an offense that averages over 30. Notre Dame will take over at their own 16 after the punt.

5:52 I blinked and Notre Dame went three and out. That’s four straight possessions we’ve had to punt. The only good news is the defense has achieved the same feat and forced four straight Tulsa punts. There’s 8:10 left in the game and man we could use a turnover to give us a really short field. I’m officially have that “oh no, not again” feeling.

5:55 Tulsa picks up a big a third and one conversion.

5:57 SACK BY DARIUS FLEMING. ATTA BOY #45, WAY TO BE!!!

5:58 A 10-yard pass gets Tulsa back to right around the original line of scrimmage so they’ll be facing a third and long. Head Coach Todd Graham calls a timeout to mull the decision over with 6:17 left in the game.

History says we’re going to give this up, today’s performance says we’ll hold. Tough to overcome the scars and have faith. COME ON DEFENSE.

6:01 Of course Tulsa picks up the first down with a big play down the sideline BUUUUUUT it’s coming back thanks to a weak, weak offensive pass interference. HUGE break for Notre Dame. It’s now 3^rd and 26. TAKE ADVANTAGE.

6:02 Kinne completes a 31-yard pass for a first down. Unbelievable, I want to throw up. First down Tulsa at the Notre Dame 42.

6:03 SACK BY DARIUS FLEMING. COME ON BOYS, KILLLLLLLLLL.

6:03 32-yard gain on second down and Tulsa is down to the Notre Dame 16 with four minutes left.

6:05 Tulsa’s drive stalls but they kick a field goal to take the lead. Tulsa 28, Notre Dame 27. I am sick to my stomach. I am in the midst of a never-ending nightmare. Can Tommy Rees lead a comeback? He’ll have 3:23 to do it.

6:09 Notre Dame takes over at the 22-yard line. Come on Tommy.

6:09 First down he throws it away.

6:10 Second down is a great run on a pass in the flat by Cierre Wood for a 14-yard gain. First down at the 36.

6:10 First down Michael Floyd makes a ridiculous one-handed stab for six yards, 2:26 left.

6:11 2^nd and 4 is too high to Floyd which brings up a huge third down. Tulsa takes a timeout. Come on Tommy. I’m like numb.

6:12 MICHAEL FLOYD REELS IN A CATCH AT THE FIRST DOWN MARKER, MAKES A SUBTLE SPIN AND RUNS FOR A HUUUUGE GAIN DOWN TO THE 32-YARD LINE. THANK YOU SWEET BABY 9LB 4 OZ JESUS!!!!!!

6:13 Good throw underneath to TJ Jones to the 24 to set up 2^nd and short.

6:14 Cierre Wood picks up the first down on the next play. Notre Dame first down at the 21.

6:14 Short run by Wood brings up 2^nd and 8. Tulsa calls timeout with 42 seconds left.

6:15 Interception Tulsa. This game is over. I can’t even speak, I just cannot believe it.

6:21 The student body is booing Kelly. Amazing how quickly the mob turns.

This is the worst 10-day stretch in the history of Notre Dame Football. I’m numb and I don’t even know what to do or what to think. I’ll need a couple days to coherently collect my thoughts.

Welcome to Rock Bottom…until two weeks from now when we try to dig deeper.