THE IRISH BROGUE

IRISH CARAVAN SCUTTLED BY ELEPHANTS ON ROAD TO GLORY

2013-01-09T07:19:00.004-05:00

The analysis is rather simple concerning the Notre Dame-Alabama championship game.

It is true that there are no atheists in foxholes on the field of combat battle---and it is no less true that there are failed and frustrated not-so-Fighting Irish in the trenches and backfields of BCS bowl games.

Notre Dame’s front seven were pitiful and the secondary was pathetic.

The coaching could not make adjustments because they had no answers.

God, can Spring be far behind now that humiliation is pouring on the Golden Dome?

Page Views: 2139 Emails: 23

--ScottB

CAUTION! TROJAN BLOCKING ROAD TO GLORY

2012-11-23T10:35:00.001-05:00

Fate is the hunter.

Destiny’s Darlings.

Eleven and zip. C’mon, not for a moment did you think in August that Notre Dame would Be on the verge of a national championship in November,

Thirty to one odds that the Fighting Irish would win the Big Casino, so said

Las Vegas to kick-off this season. So much for gambler’s guarantees!

The University of Southern California was the consensus choice to go all the way and trot off with the crown. So much for Trojan horses!

And, here we are this weekend with ND and USC going in opposite directions

on the Road to Glory, but must clash nevertheless in Los Angeles.

The biggest game of the year for both teams, make no mistake. Win and the Trojans regain respectability and momentum going into next season. Win and the Irish will probably play Alabama in a historic match for the title.

We believe that this match-up will be fought in the trenches on both sides of the ball.

The passing and running games should even out. The Irish have no wimps in the trenches---Manti will leave this contest proudly.

The Kelly cadre of coaches will out-psyche and out-perform Kiffin and his band of mentors.

Thus, we believe that Notre Dame will edge Southern Cal, although we would like to see them clobber the men of Troy.

Go Irish! Go onto Miami!

Page Views: 1222 Emails: 20

--ScottB

IS WAKE FOREST A MINI BUMP ON GLORY ROAD?

2012-11-15T23:51:00.001-05:00

Let’s face it, Notre Dame has played rather poorly, sloppy at best, in wins over Pittsburgh and Boston College. Many would argue that Wake Forest, in South Bend this weekend, is the weakest team on the Fighting Irish schedule.

Not to worry, they say. This is a game when the Irish get e big dose of style points and a wide margin on the scoreboard. Thanks for nothing. Don’t be too sure.

Brian Kelly’s boys have not performed well at home, and the Demon Deacons have a pretty good passing attack and a helluva lot of motivation. Be wary.

The Irish need to come out stomping, starting with a good return. It is time for George Atkinson to live up to the hype on kickoffs, as well as when he’s given the ball behind the line of scrimmage. A sound and sustained running game is a must (time to fly Cierre). By the way, we’ve long given up hope for a 10+ yard punt return.

Young Mr. Golson should prove, once and for all, that he can throw short, long, and mix up those passes with consistent accuracy. Easy Ev should rush for 100 yards and at least one score.

Not only will the Deacons be at the ready, but USC’s Lane Kiffin will be watching to see if long-bomb coverage can be easily altered without Davaris Daniels going beyond 15 yards for a catch. Chris Brown---your time has come.

We’re confident that Kelly and his cadre of coaches are not looking beyond Wake, with an eye toward sunny southern California. Notre Dame needs a big, impressive win to convince the naysayers that they don’t just slip by their opponents, they beat the hell out of them!

The keys to victory are obvious: (1) Make no turnovers (2) Cause Wake to make turnovers (3) Score TDs each time in the Red Zone.

The Road to Glory is winding down for the surprising 10-0 Fighting Irish. The Deacons should be a blimp not a bump.

Notre Dame over Wake Forest by a wide margin.

Emails: 10 Page Views: 971

--ScottB

BEWARE OF WOUNDED EAGLE ON GLORY ROAD?

2012-11-10T09:29:00.004-05:00

Sorry we’re tardy---but, that wicked wind wrain witch, Sandy, left us in a wraft, and played havoc with our necessities!

Look, Boston College has won two games; what’s to worry?

Well, for openers, the Fighting Irish of past years could well have lost to such a team with such a record, and did. Also, the Eagles have a good quarterback and a damn good wide receiver, a combination that has whipped Notre Dame in recent years.

So, you ask?

So nothing, my friends.

The Irish have had some brushes with near-losses this season and , against Pitt they played poorly for most of the game. They found a way to win. That’s what good teams do.

It will be cold in Boston and dark and damp outside the stadium. Inside, ND will be hot (go to the bank with that forecast).

No need for an analysis. The Fighting Irish caravan is in full chug on the Road to Glory.

Notre Dame: 40 Boston College: 7

Emails: 15 Page Views: 2329

--ScottB

ROUTE TO GLORY REVEALS ROAD KILL: PANTHER!

2012-11-02T23:31:00.000-05:00

Along came the Panthers, so goes the story---at least the 2012 version.

So long went Pittsburgh after a few hours on the Notre Dame gridiron.

That's how we see it going this Saturday. And, the reason is simple: Pitt isn't that bad; the Fighting Irish are that good.

This is a special team that coach Brian Kelly and his cadre of assistants have developed, now at 8-0, with an attitude to match its ability and a fierce temperament to launch its talent. These lads from South Bend are speeding down the Road to Glory---with tomorrow's "Pitt" stop at home, then three more to go until they reach the promise land: A major BCS bowl, perhaps the Big Casino.

Not to worry, the Irish aren't looking ahead to the last stop in sunny Southern California and a 12zip record. This team is Destiny's Darlings and fate is the hunter.

This is a very good team, make no mistake, and they're getting even better: look at Easy Ev Golson,
Mike Golic, the defensive backfield, the play-calling on offense, the quick-strike schemes at the line of scrimmage.

These guys are ready to play whomever it may concern.

And, now it's Pitt who must face the size, the strength, and speed of the Fighting Irish,

I can hear them now in the locker room, like talking to a couple of virgins: "Thanks for nothing!"

Notre Dame 43 Pitt 6

ScottB Views: 1012 E-mails: 11

SOONER COVERED WAGON BLOCKS GLORY ROAD

2012-10-24T21:17:00.003-05:00

Even though Notre Dame is ranked higher than Oklahoma, the Sooners are a 10 point favorite to beat the Fighting Irish.

ND has upset OU is past matches going way back, but they are up against a tremendous W-L record at home under Coach Bob Stoops.

The Irish will have their first shock when they exit the tunnel onto the gridiron in Norman. There will be a sea of red throughout the stands with a small blotch of green.

This is a tough venue.

It should be expected that inconsistent ~~QB Landry Jones~~ will go to the air early and long to test ND’s secondary and the ability of the defensive front seven to get by the stout and improving OU offensive line.

If Jones and company fail early, then the Lads from South Bend have a good shot at winning this game if their inconsistent offense rises to the challenge.

Most folks agree that over-all the offensive schemes of Kelly-Martin have been pretty anemic and easy to read. It’s probably true. Easy Ev Golson, back at the helm, needs to throw some screens, slants, and play action passes, and give Tyler Eifert an opportunity to catch the ball despite being covered.

Messrs. Riddick and Wood must continue to run for daylight like they did againt BYU in the second half. And, damn it, this is the game when GA111 should strut his stuff across the line of scrimmage and beyond, and also break a big one on kick-offs.

“Send not to ask for whom the bells tolls” Brian Kelly, it tolls for your charges on both sides of the ball. Just think about it---the National Championship could be at stake.

Hell, the outcome of this game is too close to call, so we won’t. Save your money for a whopping bet on the Breeder’s Cup (maybe GameOn Dude).

Notre Dame-Oklahoma: Even.

Emails: 31 Page Views: 3455

ScottB

ROAD TO GLORY: Tree Removed; Cougar Prowling

2012-10-18T23:02:00.000-05:00

Despite word out of Utah, God does not live in Provo.

And, contrary to popular belief among the Irish faithful, BYU is a very good football team, and can, however not-so-easily, pull an upset over Notre Dame.

Forget about Oklahoma (for the time being), focus on the Cougars---as we’re sure Brian Kelly is. Ignore their record.

The Fighting Irish need to fashion an offense that excels in the ground game---not be grounded. The lads from South Bend need to show slants and screens and play action passes---not sacks and scares and fumbles.

Unleash George Atkinson with both rushing and pass-catching opportunities.

Impress upon Ev Golson to stop dancing, pausing, prancing behind the line of scrimmage---throw that ball, and on target!! Your time has come.

Come-on Mike Golic and Troy Niklas, you can do better than having your names called for the wrong reasons.

Yes, Notre Dame can beat BYU soundly, but the offense has to be primetime, playing consistently and worthy of a top five ranking. Sometimes superb, sometimes sluggish; Sometimes artful, sometimes anemic. No, this won’t cut it.

This game could be the turning point on The Road to Glory, despite being undefeated and playing in South Bend. The Irish know damn well what awaits them in the stretch run, and a victory over BYU and 7-zip clears the road of a big obstacle.

We’re predicting a big win on the basis of an excellent week of practice, and planned innovations and adjustments by Kelly and his cadre.

Notre Dame 30 BYU 6

Emails: 24 Page Views: 2234

---ScottB

STANFORD TREE BLOCKS ROAD TO GLORY

2012-10-10T19:21:00.000-05:00

STANFORD TREE BLOCKS ROAD TO GLORY

The five-zip Fighting Irish have to feel pretty damn good about their undefeated football record on the college gridiron.

This is a very good football team and Notre Dame has every reason to be proud and, in some cases---lucky; such is an Irish tradition that started with Knute Rockne and has been little seen in the past several years.

Now, along comes Stanford with its daunting rush defense, porous pass defense,
Strong rushing game, and surprisingly good/not-so-good passing offense.
What to make of the Cardinal and its 4-1 record?

They are physical in the trenches, well-coached, and determined to knock off once again a Top Ten Team. They have the where/with/all to do it. But, they are not without flaws as Washington exposed.

To beat Tree huggers, the Fighting Irish task is simple:

--Establish a solid run game early and often with messrs. Wood and Atkinson at the helm.

--Long-distance strikes (hopefully one to Chris Brown finally) past Stanford’s slow-to-respond secondary.

--Stop Mr. Taylor from getting past the line of scrimmage…or, barely getting by.

--Prove that Mr. Nunes is no Andrew Luck and bury his body and/or his ability to get off a decent pass.

Also, a couple of things that could help in a victory:

--Rush hard the punter and give Davonte Neal a chance to strut his stuff.

--Teach the Irish punter, Mr. Turk, that long, well-placed punts are the norm.

This should be one helluva game with the players and ND fanbase happy at the end.

Notre Dame 27 Stanford 14 (we predicted 42-10 last week. Not Bad).

Emails: 14 Page Views: 1289

---ScottB

WIND ARROWS POINT TO AN IRISH CLOBBERING

2012-10-06T15:47:00.003-05:00

Landfall is just a little after 7 PM. Winds are picking up in speed.

The eye of the South Beach Hurricane is pointing directly at the Windy City they call Chicago.

No need to board up your windows, no need to run for cover.

Just know that there will be a declaration of an Irish State of Emergence!

The Lads need to start making a point to start scoring some points. There is no better time than prime time and that time has come on this very night.

Everett Golson step-up or step aside, this is your chance, don't lose it.

Tyler Eifert, we understand you've been double teamed, but you're an AA for damn's sake, separate yourself already!

Cierre Wood, keep the swagging attitude and smile and bust some big ones up the middle. Let's hope Coach Kelly figures you into the "Personnel Package." Really Coach, seriously?!

Coach Martin, please show some energy to the play-calling, PLEASE!!! Coach Kelly, give him the chance, PLEASE!!!!

Also, Coach, please let Chris Brown play more than one play a game, more than just the very first play of the game. He could very well be your best, most dynamic reach out and grab 'em reciver you've got! What is it, the "Personnel Package" again??

Also, has anybody else noticed that the Fighting Irish have a kicker that can boot 'em ito the endzone and out?! WOW, time for an Irish Blessing!! We love ya baby!! Brindza, Brindza, Brindza.......Keep nailing 'em Kyle!!!!

5-0, we love, absolutely love the sound and look of that, even if we are wondering about those Shamrock Series uniforms and helmets. Hmmmm, we'll see if we love those too!!

5-0, no Hurricane winds, just good ol' fashioned IRISH brute force getting it done!!

Notre Dame 42 Miami 10

Emails: 8 Page Views: 797

----ScottB

Caution! Wolverine On Glory Road

2012-09-18T21:30:00.002-05:00

Hello, Mr. Robinson. Not so fast, Mr. Robinson.

If Notre Dame can corral Michigan's quick Denard Robinson---keep him from ducking, cutting, running hither and yon---the Fighting Irish will put another win in the column and a place in the Top 10.

Let him pass, but not on the run. Messrs. Tuitt, Shembo, et all can contain the elusive QB.

The Wolverines aren't exactly a one-man team---but DR is the legs that makes this beast run. NDs defense, especially the front seven, can do the job with some keen Diaco imagination and adjustments, if need be.

And, there is nothing about their defense that the Irish offense can't overwhelm.

It is time for Golson, Wood, Eifert, Daniels and GAtkinson to really shine---at home under the lights and a 3-0 record (The Irish Brogue is carrying the same numbers!).

The Irish secondary, young but talented, will be up to the task; keep inserting Elijah Shumate into the fray (he's got future AA honors).

We know that UM will have to punt and we believe that this is the game when Davonte Neal takes off for the mother lode.

There is no need for a long, labored preview spiel about this game. That my friends makes about as much sense as the Pope using Mormons--with black slacks/white shirts and backpacks, bikes and nametags--to set up Catholic missions in North Korea.

The Irish are moving along the Road to Glory and a Wolverine is in the way. Roadkill!!

Notre Dame 30 Michigan 13 (2 field goals).

Emails: 14 Page Views: 1891

---ScottB

The Glory Road Just Got Bumpy!

2012-09-09T14:57:00.005-05:00

Please let me remove the egg from my face for thinking that Notre Dame would destroy Purdue. The Boilermakers had a better defensive scheme than the blocking scenario of the Fighting Irish, which was poor, poorer, and porous when it came to NDs rushing and, many times, passing game.

However, the Irish did win, with much credit going to Tommy Ree's clutch performance (the stats weren't that great), when a big applause should go to the post-Purdue touchdown runback by George Atkinson that set up the final drive. Atkinson also should have been given more snaps at running the ball earlier in the game. Theo Riddick wasn't exactly Thunder Alley, although much of the blame should be dumped on NDs offensive line, especially Mike Golic, which really got manhandled. Perhaps, they still had thoughts of "Anchors Away in Dublintown."

By the way, Notre Dame's special teams don't seem to be in sync, as witnessed by strong runbacks by Purdue returners. And, God bless Davonte Neal back there on punts. There is absolutely no blocking oncoming defenders. They're simply turned loose. What the hell is the story there? Same situation as last year.

Grades, you ask?
--Rushing Game    F
--Passing Game    B
--Defense (Rush)   B+
--Defense (Pass)   B-
--Special Teams    D

That's my opinion and I don't see any reason not to stick to it.

Michigan State is a formidable opponent and has many of the same characteristics that Purdue does, but they are even better and stronger in whatever category under comparison. And, the Spartan's coach is one of the best in the nation, and has proven he can beat Notre Dame in the clutch (which Purdue couldn't).

It is the belief here that if the Irish can stop MSU's quarterback, who is suspect, and limit their ace running back, who is superb, this game should go into the last quarter up for grabs. And, yes, State also has its own G(h)ols(t)on, who is among the best DEs in the country.

Hopefully, Easy Ev Golson and Tyler Eifert, ND's good hands man, can put a major victory in the win column (that's assuming that Golson will be in there from beginning to end---and not under the bus where Coach Kelly dropped him on Saturday).

While the Glory Road is one less travelled by the Fighting Irish over the past several years, wins over the coming two teams that reside in Michigan's East Lansing and Ann Arbor will very definitely put the Irish caravan on the right course.

With fingers tightly crossed for an upset:   Notre Dame 24   Michigan State 21

--Scott B     Views:  1421   E-Mails: 14

Select E-Mail Joey/Omaha: I agree that Kelly "done Golson wrong." The young QB can never again feel confident that he won't be pulled on a moment's notice. His back isn't covered by BK, it's a target!!

Another Trek Down The Road To Glory

2012-09-06T14:30:00.003-05:00

The Fighting Irish needed to win in Dublin, and they did. Convincingly!

We all know about the facts associated with the Notre Dame-Navy game. Strong running game, adequate passing game, and worthy defense from the front seven. Now about the secondary and kicking game. Well, let's give them a Mulligan. After all it was played on the Emerald Isle in a splendid gaelic stadium.
Standouts: Manti, Ishaq, Tuitt, starting offensive line, Theo, GAtkinson, and Easy Ev Golson in a damn good first start. The coaching was superb.

Don't beat the drums too loudly for the Purdue Boilermakers. Navy can beat them (with a full complement of starters). Yes, yes, of course, they have good players here and there, and a passing passing game. But, so do Miami and Boston College. Pitt probably does too (?).

Look, I think that Purdue thinks they can play with the Irish. That kind of thinking is done through the rear end, because their heads know better. Yes, PU will be up for the game, just not up for NDU.

As starters go, Notre Dame is loaded, especially when Davaris Daniels is in for John Goodman and Cierre Woods returns. And, what to do with Amir and Cam? "Here Come the Irish," indeed!

ND has a very good team and very good coaches---a winning combination.

They are now ranked 22nd and, barring injuries, will go much, much higher in the weeks ahead.

There's no need to handicap closely the roster and last weeks win over Eastern Somewhere Kentucky.
Purdue should be a morale and momentum builder for Notre Dame. These guys won't let up, and we haven't yet seen what wreckage messrs. Eifert, Niklas, Nix, Calabrese, Slaughter, Brown, and Neal will cause the Boilermakers on both sides of the ball.

Notre Dame 45 Purdue 10

---ScottB, Views: 1422 E-Mails: 24

Selected E-Mail: John/Ohio: Wow, your optimism is almost overwhelming, and you sell
Purdue too short. Perhaps you would like to try again with a new outcome.

The Irish Brogue: How's this---Our Lady's Lads 45 The BoilerRoomers 10.

Winning + Ranking = Relevance

2012-08-27T17:42:00.005-05:00

The Dublin wind blows. The Irish Sea flows. Where Notre Dame Goes. Only God knows.

Going into the Navy game, here's what we know:

-- Everett Golson will be the starting quarterback. Let's hope that coach Brian Kelly shows a lot of emotion and confidence---hype this young lad. Tell us that he will lead us to the Promised Land: A top 10 ranking! It's time that BK shows some wrinkles, some boasting, beat the drum. Keerist, usually even his perspiration is perfect.

-- Speaking of Kelly speaking that he is concerned that Irish food, the real thing, is not Americanized for his young lads making the trip to Ireland. Shut the Fuck up, Brian.

-- The Shamrock Uniforms? Well, if the Waste Management Corporation of America placed those helmets strategially along their assigned garbage dumps, even the vultures would fear to tread.

-- The stupidity of Cierre Wood (and Justin Utupo) now rivals that of messrs. Rees and Calabrese.

-- Notre Dame's Defensive Line is outstanding, Line Backing crew is up for the challenges ahead, and the Secondary is a work in progress with a big question mark.

-- The Irish Offensive Line, despite some injuries, is going to excell, Running Game should be excellent, as well as the Tight Ends. The Wideouts need some sprinters, and, thank God, there now is one at QB.

-- The new additions to the coaching corps are super and, the team will move the ball down the field and on the ground with applause---if Kelly turns Chuck Martin loose. Make no mistake.

-- The schedule is tough. Five opponents in the top 25 nationally and then there are BYU and Miami.

-- The Navy game is going to tell us a lot about where the Irish will head--up or down.

And, yes we know that Irish food---with the exception of Soda Bread--can play havoc on your taste buds
and inner lining: Shit storm over the Shamrock! But, what the hell, what a wonderful country and hosts.

Notre Dame 31 Navy 7.

---Scott B Views: 1465 E-Mails: 16

Select E-Mail (Monina/South Bend: Only you and ESPN noted Kelly's Irish gourmet gabble. Weis was a slob, who would eat any table; BK is a dilletante and a wine drinker. Thanks for the item.