Back And Ready

I have to apologize once again for the absence of posts on the Nasties blog, but I was busy for the last week shredding some narly powder in the mountains out west.


The Nasties crew sans Pops from Big Sky, Montana

Against the better judgement of the school, I've been asked back for another semester of classes. So as I prepare to drop some hefty cash in the bookstore, I'll take the opportunity to create some new reading for all of the blog starved Domers out there.

Critics of the current BCS system were supplied with plenty of evidence to support a playoff system this year; the only close major bowl involved VaTech beating the Jayhawks. I was personally a fan of the pre-BCS system where the champion was decided after the major bowl games had been played. It is in my opinion that the playoff system would just make things too messy. For those of you who disagree with me, however, the OC Domer offers a pretty interesting alternative here. The basic premise is that the winners of the six major conferences and the two highest ranked non-bcs conference are seeded against each other in an eight team playoff; something the talking heads at ESPN are sure to be talking about forever.

Ouch

In recruiting news, it seems that Urban Meyer's loss to unranked Michigan (coupled with post game comments that seemed to place blame on everyone but himself) is having some affect on his incoming recruits. The Rock Report sums up this situation pretty well. Also in recruiting news, Rich Rodriguez's offense has been recently criticized for its inability to create NFL ready players. Michigan transfer Ryan Mallet especially seemed irked by the offense he decided not to play in, questioning RR's coaching by saying, "How many guys have run the spread and not made it past college?"

Irish news around the horn includes Blue Gray Sky issuing some props to Ian Williams for being named a Freshman All-American and also congratulates the team for being smart. The Sporting News predicts that JC will be a breakout performer in 2008, but understandably so says that Weis, despite his hefty buyout, is on the hot seat next season.

Poor shooting from beyond the arc, too many turnovers, and an inability to maintain any momentum led to the men's team getting properly thumped by Marquette over the weekend. Fortunately, the Irish have a chance to rebound against Cincinnati tomorrow evening, and I'm praying that my lab that is during the game will be cancelled so I can cheer them on properly.

If you're still looking for a little football fix, check out Box's Blog from the Sporting News where he gives out a list of 'best of's' from the 2007 season. If that isn't enough reason to check it out, each award is accompanied with a YouTube clip.

Lastly, I'de like to give a shout out to recent transfer Munir Prince. His good work ethic on and off the field made him the kind of guy you point to when describing what a student athlete should be. Best of luck to you at Missouri.

Keep it real Domers. Beat Bearcats!

Finals Finally Over

I have to apologize for the brief void in Nasties posts. I was a little pre-occupied saturating my body with energy drinks and pouring over pages of notes, but after taking all of the tests (and watching a few people cry during some of them), I'm finally back in the buckeye state and ready to spread some Irish cheer.

The coaching staff appears to be deciding whether or not a few major changes will be made for next season. Running backs coach Mike Haywood apparently fell short of earning the head coaching position for Houston, losing to Oklahoma State co-offensive coordinator Kevin Sumlin. However, the offensive coaching staff still doesn't appear to be set. Offensive line coach John Latina is rumored to be interested in joining former co-worker David Cutcliffe at Duke. Personally, I could see this situation being an addition by subtraction; Latina's line allowed a Notre Dame record 58 sacks and averaged a league worst 75.2 rush yards per game.

Fortunately, because of Weis' excellent effort to introduce all of the recruits to multiple coaches on the staff, it appears that if Haywood or Latina relocate, their actions would not affect recruiting too much. As national signing day draws closer, take some time to check out this article from the South Bend Tribune and this write up from the Sporting News. Both break down the recruits that are still being pursued by Notre Dame and tells readers how likely it is that the Irish will haul them in.

From reading around the blog circuit, future receiver Michael Floyd is quickly becoming one of my favorite players. Every article I have read about him praises him for his good work ethic and his humbleness. Here, Rise Magazine explains why Floyd is such a good leader, and why Notre Dame should be ecstatic to pick up a man of his character.

Speaking of recruiting, two future quarterbacks have attracted some attention to themselves. Ranked as the 30th best high schooler in the country by ESPN, Dayne Crist has been declared one of seven finalists for the first annual Joe Montana Quarterback of the Year Award. The other QB getting some attention is Montana's son, Nate, who will attend the University of Notre Dame next season as a preferred walk on. Irish fans can only help but be optimistic when looking at the future of the quarterback position; it isn't a stretch that ND could have two signal callers drafted in the next four years.
He doesn't even need to change his uniform

In enemy news, Irish fans would be advised to know that Michigan hired former West Virginia head coach Rich Rodriguez to replace Lloyd Carr next season. Challenging Louisville/Atlanta/Arkansas coach Bobby Petrino for back-stabber-of-the-year, Rodriguez will look to bring his dangerous spread offense to the U of M. It will be interesting to see how this situation develops; rising sophomore Ryan Mallet, the current quarterback, doesn't draw too many Steve Slaton comparisons as his big body is more suited for a pro-style offense, but if Rodriguez can land the Vince-Young-like #1 recruit Terrelle Pryor, the Wolverine's could see a rise to the top very quickly.

Here's to hoping that doesn't happen. Go Irish.