Your Fighting Irish will take the field on Saturday undefeated and ranked #6/5. On the other hand, the University of North Carolina (UNC) Tar Heels are just 2-3. They will not return to their pre-season Top 25 status. While capable of offensive numbers, the UNC defense is giving up 42 points per game…but they are improving. The trend in the past three contests has been for the Heels to yield 70, 50 and 34 points.
This could be a “Heisman Pad” game for QB Everett Golson. There should be plenty of offense, lots of scoring and multiple end zone TD visits by a number of ND players.
A former collegiate All-American QB and former ND coach suggests that while the UNC defense is porous (and maligned), ND must not allow a letdown in any way and we must be aggressive (and more effective) in the Red Zone. He likes the Tar Heel offense and Head Coach Larry Fedora, who was hired in late 2011 from Southern Miss.
We are expecting a visit to our tailgater from the Tar Heel cheerleading squad. One of the cutest and most energetic cheer girls on the UNC squad may swing by to meet her Mom at our gathering. Without question, this would be the first Mother-Daughter D-1 cheerleader photo-op at Joyce Lamp Post #3.
Refer to previous blog postings to appreciate the influence and reach of Kevin “Vulch” Kenny. While Vulch cannot attend the UNC game (still wet from the Stanford game last week), he has provided the ND “Game Day Campus Guide” for his high powered (and vivacious) Wells-Fargo colleague who is visiting for the first time. Lisa is a former UNC cheerleader (and memorialized on posters throughout the state of North Carolina from that era).
With generational DNA, Lisa will co-host (with Abe) the arrival of the cheerleader team. All are welcome!
Mom & Daughter Cheer legacy
Incidentally, what is a “Tar Heel”?
There is much folklore around the name (sort of like “Hoosiers”). However, it is more commonly accepted that this term was derived from the fact that tar, pitch and turpentine were created from the vast pine forests of North Carolina. These were key exports in the State’s early history.
During the Civil War, North Carolina was a key Confederate state. It was said that the Carolina soldiers stuck to their ranks like they had tar on their heels. When General Robert E. Lee said, “God Bless the Tar-heel boys…”—they took on the name with pride.
ND and UNC have played 18 times with the Irish maintaining a 16-2 lead. The first meeting was in 1949 in Yankee Stadium. This is not a football rivalry of any sort and the scheduling has been sporadic. The scores have rarely been close. However, UNC did win in 2008 in Chapel Hill. (Another forgettable loss under the Charlie Weis regime).
“Tar Heels?.. Makes me cry.”
ND is 11-0 vs. UNC at home. The last game was a 45-26 victory.
How about a most memorable victory for many of us back as Freshmen in 1975?
Joe “The Comeback Kid” Montana led a late scoring drive to defeat the Heels in Chapel Hill. We sensed that we would/could have a very good four years of ND football.
Joe and his All-American Center–#56 (note the red elbow pad)
Tar Heel football is clearly overshadowed by Carolina Hoops. But they have produced some notable players like Lawrence Taylor and Julius Peppers. Interestingly, Peppers also played basketball on the 2001 team coached by Matt Doherty.
(lots of extra bling things here)
There is no “Wall of Fame” picture of Doherty at ND, where he coached the team for just 1999-2000. A former player recounts that Doherty’s practices were so intense and brutal that players doubled-over after excessive wind sprints at the end of practice—some leaving the court to heave. Doherty would have none of that and instructed Managers to bring buckets to the end-lines to save time.
Doherty slithered out of South Bend to take the Head Coach job at his alma mater. Nice move, Matt. Screw ND only to be fired by your own school. He was just 23-25 in the ACC in three seasons. As he dumped ND after a 22-15 record and a trip to the NIT Finals, our hoops program was still searching for the glory of the Digger Phelps era.
Coincidentally, Digger and a large contingent of former players are on campus for a Reunion tailgater this Saturday. Our own Bruce Flowers will be in attendance—ND ’79 and Dillon Hall. As of this writing, it is not known if fellow Dillonite Bill Laimbeer will attend.
While it is a football weekend, Bruce may have sour memories for UNC hoops. In one of the great botch-jobs by a referee, Bruce played superb defense, yet was charged for an invisible foul in an unforgettable game.
Those in attendance knew that ND was jobbed. As for the national television audience, Dick Enberg was skeptical for the call, while ACC “homer” Billy Packer (Wake Forest) praised the call.
March 17, 1977 – NCAA East Regional Semifinal – College Park, MD
The Tar Heels faced Notre Dame in the Sweet Sixteen. They trailed by 10 points at half, but rallied to make it a 75-75 game with 1:16. Phil Ford, who had 29 points, hit a pair of free throws to put UNC up two, but the Irish answered to tie the game at 77.
Ford then drove for a shot, lost the ball, then got it back… and was fouled. His two free throws put up UNC up by two points with 0:02 seconds left. Notre Dame had a desperation heave hit the back of the rim, but lost.
As Bruce game back to the ND bench, Digger asked him, “So Bruce…why did you foul Ford?”
Bruce responded, “Digger…I didn’t.”
After the game, a reporter Ford if Flowers had fouled him. He grinned and replied, “The ref said it was a foul.” Even Phil Ford knew that Bruce’s play was clean and ND was jobbed.
All pictures from the archives of that ND-UNC Sweet 16 game appear purged. But we will also recall another big game against Duke. Here is Bruce in action:
On a happier day, you may recall that Bruce was a 1977-78 Playboy Magazine All-American. For the photo-shoot in Las Vegas, Bruce’s roommate was a shy hick from French Lick—Larry Bird. While Bruce and his new All-American pals toured the sites and night-life, Bird stayed in the hotel room to watch TV.
Playboy All-Americans 1977-78
Note two tallest (white) guys on left and right: Bruce Flowers & Larry Bird
And then life moved on…
Notre Dame Basilica of the Sacred Heart
Kohler’s and Flower’s with the
most Holy and Reverend Bishop Jenky
On another happy day two years ago, we were treated to a guest Celebrant at the Basilica for Sunday Mass after a rousing football win on Saturday. It was none other than His Most Reverend Bishop Daniel Jenky of Peoria…who we knew best as Fr. Jenky, Rector of Dillon Hall.
He is now a Bishop, and we kid him that “we made you.”
Successfully navigating the ambiguities of Dillon Hall would prepare any Holy Cross priest for a higher calling and role—with a big ring and tall hat.
A much younger Dan Jenky was a relatively new Priest when he assumed his duties in Dillon Hall in the Fall of 1975. He famously forbade kegs, blasting music, any illegal substances and the raunchiest of bad manners. As a result, he tossed-out Seniors and Juniors left-and-right. He threw them out of Dillon and to off-campus. His Rules of Conduct were legendarily posted like Martin Luther’s edicts.
A well-respected and well-regarded Rector, Priest and friend, Fr. Jenky was also a very good sport. When Dillon Hall junior Dom Yocius was drafted by his hallmates in 1979 to run for the charity campaign “Ugly Man on Campus” (UMOC), Fr. Jenky played a large role in the landslide victory.
With the slogan, “Yocius is Atrocious”, Fr. Jenky agreed to have his full beard shaved off in front of the Men of Dillon if Dom won the UMOC contest. Each vote was a penny and Dom won by over 100,000 votes. A considerable amount of money was raised for Sr. Marita’s Primary Day School. Yocius truly was atrocious.
A large platform stage was erected in front of Dillon Hall after Dom was declared the winner. Campus barber “ROTC Joe”, also known as “Joe the Butcher”, brought his chair and supplies to the stage and did his work.
“ROTC Joe” does the deed
Fr. Jenky had worn a beard for over 10 years and none of us had ever known him without his bushy facial hair. We were horrified at the shaved sight. Fr. Jenky was crushed when he looked into the mirror. In fact, within the hour, he bolted campus for the Holy Cross Retreat House in Michigan…not to return for several days when his beard began to re-grow. Let’s just say…a good beard becomes the good Bishop.
Speaking of barbers (and not hacks), Armando gave Abe his Game Day cut today. Warren Zevon would be proud.
A true artist (Armando) with well-coifed patron
BTW…after an Armando’s haircut in the morning, what follows in the evening? Pizza and good cheer at Rocco’s, of course!
Warren (and Linda) are tremendous hosts to long-time regulars, as well as newcomers. The family atmosphere is insurpassable.
It was great to share a pie with Tim Rooney, Esquire. A Google search would yeild his tremendous credentials as a corporate attorney in Chicago. But further, he is a full-time Assistant football coach for the Fenwick Friars, a renowned Catholic high school in suburban Chicago.
“They call me ‘Coach'”
Many will remember Tim as a Fenwick H.S. star who went on to play at Northwestern University. Those were were dismal years for the Wildcats and coaches John Pont and Rick Venturi, but Tim was a stoic leader among his teammates. He saw more wins as a Law School Student at Notre Dame.
Abe, Counselor Rooney and Warren at Rocco’s
Returning to ND hoops, (quite frankly because there is so little for ND-UNC football), Bill Laimbeer did not make Playboy Magazine, but he was featured in many others.
He was most prominent as a Detroit Piston “Bad Boy”. In Dillon Hall, he was the original “Game Boy”. Bill held the all-time scoring record for “Space Invaders”, was one of the best ping pong and pool players, had a blazing fastball on the interhall baseball team, and he may still be a single-digit handicap in golf.
Dillonites reunite (many years later). Abe, Razz, Bruce and Bill
We had one other hoops luminary in Dillon at that time. He was the ever-cool Billy “The Apple” Paterno from Silver Springs, NJ (not NY). It is doubtful that he played video games, table games or any other dorm games…other than dating the best looking co-eds on campus. What a treat for Dillon Freshman as The Apple’s dates would visit our hall throughout the day (and night).
“The Apple” (really from New Jersey)
OK…back to Tar Heel football…
We know the official colors as the coolest “Carolina Blue” and white.
The mascot looks like a horned goat, always named “Ramses”.
Sing the school song if you know it: “I’m a Tar Heel Born”.
Famous UNC graduates include James K. Polk, the 11th President of the United States credited with too many accomplishments to list, John Edwards, former U.S. Senator and all-around great husband, and 1949 graduate and an “Ah shucks” nice guy–Andy Griffith.
Did you recall that Mack Brown coached UNC for nine seasons (1988-97) before heading to Texas? He has the most wins in Carolina football history (69).
Brown was succeeded by a series of average coaches with average teams. But UNC thought they hit the jackpot when they recruited the flashy Butch Davis. In just three years (2007-2010) the school was thrown on probation under Davis’ watch for improper benefits ($$$ payments) and academic fraud. NCAA violations were substantiated and sanctions included all wins vacated from the 2008 and 2009 seasons.
Following this muck-up, UNC knew that credibility needed to be restored and it would start with a new Athletic Director. When in such dire straits, it is wise to turn to an ND man. UNC hired “Bubba” Cunningham as its new A.D. in 2011.
Many know Bubba as a very capable sports administrator and executive–and a good guy. He graduated from ND in 1984 and earned his MBA in 1988. He has now been an A.D. for 10 years at Ball State, Tulsa and currently UNC. (Another highly forgettable ND football loss…Tulsa).
Bubba’s influence at ND is felt in many ways. Most notably perhaps, he helped to plan the $50 million ND stadium expansion adding 20,000 seats to “The House that Rockne Built”. For those of us who truly enjoy and appreciate the Warren Golf Course, Bubba was responsible for the planning and construction.
Thanks for being a great ND man, Lawrence.
While this is a homecoming of sorts for Bubba Cunningham, it is just a one-time house visit for Tar Heel freshman Elijah Hood. He is UNC’s second-leading rusher this season. The 6’ foot, 220-pound running back is averaging 4.3 yards per carry with three touchdowns. Many expected to see Hood wearing an ND uniform.
Speaking of uniforms..
UNC may have its “Carolina Blue.” But no college uniform and color scheme is more recognizable than our own Notre Dame Blue & Gold. We will be wearing our home Blue on Saturday.
Abe travels to Tallahassee next Saturday to watch us in White.
GO IRISH.
Beat Carolina.
And onward to FSU.
________________________
GUEST BLOG TIME
and we begin with Guest columnist and ND football expert John Romanelli (Romo)
QUADS of STEEL…HANDS of SILK
Random Musings from the Cheap Seats…..
ND North Carolina – October 6, 2014, by Correspondent JJR
Stanford Recap: Make them a permanent fixture on schedule. Epic games each year, and, no classier opponent – or coach – in college football. EG’s pass the greatest pass at the Stadium since Matt Lienhart’s pass to sideline on final drive in Bush-Push. Couldn’t be happier for the redemption for the placekick holder, can’t imagine the pressure he was feeling trotting out on the third FG attempt, and credit to coaching staff for sticking with him.
Irish D fun to watch, as is the coordinator. Compare the blitz he called to end the game, versus the drop 8 call by his counterpart to allow ND’s TD. Impossible not to smile every time the former walk-on LB makes a big play. Having graduated tons of talent, missing several key starters due to academic review or injury, this D is fun, tough, and speaks volumes of the coaching staff’s ability to recruit, and most critically, develop talent. Most Top 10 teams don’t’ have a walk on and an ex-WR starting as LBs.
North Carolina: is an exceptionally poor football team. Heavily penalized, sieve-like defense and, undisciplined use of some fine athletes on offense including two at QB , though Irish fans will see similarities (in scheme, not results) with Tar Heels QB-centric offense. You do your team no favors by opening a season by scheduling Liberty, nor by rotating QBs.
However, for the Irish, because of where it fits on the schedule, this could be one of the tougher games –mentally – they’ll face all year. Between the exceptional win over Stanford, and the epic showdown with the Seminoles, this game will test the ability of coaching staff to ensure the team doesn’t come out emotionally too flat.
Still believe ND is too pass-oriented, so, wanted to align facts with eyeball test. Below run/pass mix for national leaders: Averages, of course, can be distorted by several big gains, but, interesting to note that the three most pass-oriented teams (FSU, ND, Ole Miss) have three of the four lowest per attempt rushing averages. Chicken and the time: run less because less effective, or, less effective running because don’t emphasize enough?
| Rushing Attempts | Yards Per Run |
Pass Attempts |
PassingEfficiency Rank | % of Plays Run | Total Yards Game |
|||
| FSU | 159 | 4.2 | 190 | 44 | 46% | 459 | ||
| Auburn | 240 | 5.6 | 123 | 6 | 66% | 497 | ||
| Baylor | 248 | 5.0 | 184 | 10 | 57% | 591 | ||
| Ole Miss | 193 | 3.7 | 178 | 12 | 52% | 462 | ||
| Notre Dame | 184 | 4.2 | 178 | 32 | 51% | 430 | ||
| Miss State | 246 | 5.6 | 139 | 4 | 64% | 541 | ||
| Alabama | 226 | 5.3 | 139 | 8 | 62% | 554 | ||
| Mich State | 242 | 4.9 | 139 | 11 | 64% | 496 | ||
| Oregon | 198 | 5.3 | 149 | 1 | 57% | 533 | ||
| UCLA | 212 | 4.0 | 157 | 5 | 57% | 466 | ||
Most interesting of above is Total Passing Efficiency – top ranked teams dominate national rankings, with two curious exceptions: FSU and ND, made interesting as they amongst that list are the two most pass-oriented .
Projection – Suspect Irish will be a bit flat in the first quarter, score may be competitive long enough to make fans mildly nervous, but, pull away in 3rd quarter to win handily (Carolina secondary, as per their style, will get lit up), let’s call it 50-17.
Go Irish!
Editor’s note (from Abe)
How about NostaROMOs?
If you refer to Mr. Romanelli’s Guest Blog last week before the ND-Stanford game, here was his prediction:
Projections –
Look for Irish to win a very tough, and low scoring game, something like 17 – 14. Keys for the Irish will be managing likely frustration on O against a very tough Stanford D, and, Stanford not scoring too many big plays countering Irish blitz.
Hoping to see progress on OL – jet sweeps and passing works with, to borrow a phrase, “decided athletic advantage”, but, that won’t be the case as much here, so Irish need to balance that with credible inside run game.
You heard it right here…at www.shakedownthethunder.net from resident ND football expert John (Romo) Romanelli.
Let’s continue with another accomplished expert, hence is name–“Pro” Burke.
We have a new picture for this column from his adult male model catalog photo-shoot with “Today’s Man”.
“Pro Burke…cool is cool”
Stanford win, huge! Play of the game for me not the penultimate TD throw to Koyack.
With under a minute to play in the third, Golson gets flushed to his left being chased. As he clears the tackle box with a guy on his heels, he lifts the ball, then finally the light bulb comes on and he eats it and takes the 4 yard sack. That is the play that may dictate our success the rest of the season. He had 2 early, bad turnovers. The fumble, because he twisted his shoulders trying for one more yard between two defenders and put the ball right on a guys shoulder pad. The pick at the goal line, just a bad choice, eat it and take the field goal. That said, I counted 7 drops Saturday. Four were would-be first downs, only one of those got picked up. Little admiral dropped 3, but, to his credit Golson, went right back to him for a big first down on the last drive. The throw to Koyack was late, but still a fantastic throw in the 20 MPH swirling wind. The throw 4 plays earlier was unreal: Way late, with a guy in his face, off his back foot, all arm, 52 yards getting the pass interference call or it would have been a sure TD. Most impressive to me on the day, Van Gorder’s D continues to find ways to get pressure up the middle.
Side note: Anyone confused by the games ending play, a team cannot use penalties to stop the clock in the final minute. If you are trailing, you are allowed to stop the clock with a time out, or you can give up a play and spike the ball. To prevent teams from just lining up and jumping off sides, or throwing the ball away when about to be sacked, any penalty in the last minute comes with a mandatory 10 second clock run (which you can negate if you have a time out left to use, but Stanford did not) .
Carolina
It was not lions and tigers and bears, it was Pirates and Tigers and Hokies oh my! The last three weeks the Tar Heels gave up 70 to East Carolina; 50 to Clemson; and 34 to a Va Tech team that lost two after exposing Ohio State’s issues earlier this year. These guys have issues. Major issues on defense, where teams run by them – to the tune of 500 yards per game in 3 of 5 games. Also issues on offense. They have been rotating Qb’s but seem to have settled on multipurpose Marquise Williams – he ran for 94 yards last week and threw for 187… which was all but 30 of their yards. They have limited weapons on offense, several turnovers, and a lot of sacks given up. After taking physical beat downs the last two weeks, I do not look for them to stop the bleeding any time soon. I could see them getting a fluke big play, but to drive the ball against us, that will (or should) not happen. They were only 2 of 13 on third downs last week and 0-4 on forth, that is pretty much, well, consistently bad. Key and Peele would love this offense. Marquise throw to two guys named Bug and Quinshad. Ryan Switzer has some big play speed, but there is not much else to talk about.
In short, my game prediction is that we will work on stuff during the game and look awkward at times. Kelly seems to like to do that. I do not see this game having a competitive nature after the first quarter. So much so that I will arrive early to tailgate, then leave at kickoff and drive back to Chicago for the Blackhawks home opener. This might be our second shutout.
CAMPUS SCENES
It is absolutely gorgeous on campus. Fall is definitely here with the beautiful foliage and cooler temperatures. The leaves are changing just as they always do and just as we always remember for the prettiest college campus in America.
Here are a few shots on campus today:
By the way, if you are thinking of buying a property in South Bend for football weekends, here is a gem for you. Quite unique. A real sense of ND history and tradition.
If interested, our good pal and superb South Bend realtor John Brady (www.bradysellshomes.com) will assist you.
Knute Rockne haunt for sale in South Bend
Here’s one for the Domers: a South Bend, Ind., home where Notre Dame legend Knute Rockne once lived has come to market for $500,000.
The Tudor-style residence, located in the East Wayne Street historic district, was commissioned by Rockne himself and completed in 1929, two years before the iconic football player and coach perished in a plane crash in Kansas. His wake was later held at the residence.
The Tudor-style residence was commissioned by Notre Dame legend Knute Rockne and completed in 1929.
Located a few blocks from the Notre Dame campus, the historic residence retains its period ambiance with original details including leaded glass windows, a limestone fireplace and wrought iron fixtures.
The two-story floor plan includes a formal living room, dining room, four bedrooms, two full bathrooms and one partial bath in nearly 4,200 square feet of living space. Outdoors are grounds of more than a third of an acre with a patio, a barbecue area and a detached garage.
Rockne was an All-American player at Notre Dame and led the Fighting Irish to a 105-12-5 record, including five undefeated seasons and three national championships, in 13 years as coach. He died in an airplane crash in Kansas in 1931 while traveling to the set of the film “The Spirit of Notre Dame.”
The listing represents the first time that the residence has been offered for sale publicly. Following his death, Rockne’s widow, Bonnie, and their family lived at the home until her passing in 1956. The home was later sold to family friends, whose children have now listed the property for sale.
Jay O’Neil of Encore Sotheby’s International is the listing agent.
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Back to you all for the next ND home game.
GO IRISH!
Abe