GAMEDAY
Notre Dame vs. Texas Irish vs. Longhorns
Clearly, Notre Dame and Texas are not frequent opponents, but so many of the contests between the two great school have been memorable and historic with national impact. The storied football programs rank 2nd and 3rd for all-time wins with 882 for ND and 881 for UT. Generations of fans are super excited for Saturday's match-up, especially those who recall the epic games in the 70's. After a 45-year absence in Bowl appearances, #8 ND traveled to the 1970 Cotton Bowl. With a late score, Texas prevailed 21-17. The Irish came back to avenge this in the 1971 Cotton Bowl. The 1970 regular season Longhorns were unbeaten, ranked #1 and had a 30-game unbeaten streak... until the Irish took care of business in Dallas on New Year's Day. Celebrating the 45th Reunion of another one of Ara Parseghian's great teams, over 70 former players and managers will be on campus this weekend. There will also be plenty of nostalgia for the ND 1977 National Championship team that vaulted ahead of #1 Texas by beating the Longhorns in the 1978 Cotton Bowl. Led by Joe Montana and offensive weapons like Jerome Heavens and Ken McAfee, the Irish scored 38 points. A charged-up and stingy Defense led by Ross Browner, Luther Bradley and Bob Golic held the mighty Texas offense to just 10 points.IRISH ITEMS
ND-Texas last played in 1996 in Austin. The Irish won 27-24 on a last-second FG by Jim Sanson.
ND has won 11 of its last 13 games in the month of September.
ND has played 11 Home night games and are 9-2 in those games.
Kick-off time is 7:30pm EST. This is the 25th anniversary of ND home games televised by NBC-TV.
Close-down the tailgaters in time to be in your seats for the pre-kickoff flyer by two U.S. Navy Goshawk aircraft.
Fr. Ted Hesburgh will also be honored in memoriam by the Band of Your Fighting Irish with a pre- game moment of silence.
Fr. Ted, the closest we had to an American Pope... He is missed, but not forgotten.
Fr. Ted's simple grave at Holy Cross Cemetery buried with his brother priests.
Enjoy the blog. If nothing else...it is different.
And either stick with it until the very end...or jump there now to the fantastic column "Random Musings--from the Cheap Seats". This offering from John (Romo) Romanelli ND '79 provides insight, analysis and stimulation that you have not read or heard from any other pundits or talking heads.
They say everything is big in Texas.
This game is plenty big in South Bend, too.
GO IRISH. Hook those Horns!
GAMEDAY is about the game, of course.
And it is also about the PRE-GAME (and pre-gaming)
The “Tailgate Fairies” prepare days in advance of the home games. When family and friends arrive, the food and spirits are magically there. All stocked-up and ready last season
Shopping now and gearing-up for ND 2015 Tailgate season
Let the Irish cheer begin!
A lonely Joyce Lot Lamp Post #3 mid-week with new Stadium construction in the background
Quiet early Saturday morning set-up (last year; typical)
Pal Bruce Flowers brought a gift to a tailgater last year--a new addition to clearly identify our encampment.
This is supposed to be a caricature...not an actual rendering of Eddie Munster or anyone vaguely similar.
Dillon Hall represented here by legendary former Rector Fr. Joe Carey, Bruce Flowers, Bobby Cronin and George Scanlon
A typical tailgater in full-swing. Plenty of chow and cheer for all.
"Mini Mo" (Maddie) with Mama Mo...2 very proud St. Mary's women
IRISH and LONGHORN LORE
THE LEGENDS of LAYNE and LUJACK
QB Contemporaries
Texas Longhorn Great
#22 Bobby Layne
Bobby Layne was one of the greatest, if not the best, University of Texas QB ever. He made 4 straight All-Southwest Conference teams in 1944-47 and was a Consensus All-American. He also played 15 years in the NFL and has the distinction as one of the few players enshrined in both the College and NFL Halls of Fame.
Notably, in the 1946 Cotton Bowl Classic vs. Missouri, Texas prevailed 40-27…and Layne accounted for all 40 points as he scored 4 TD’s, kicked 4 extra points and threw for 2 TD’s.
As a pro with the Detroit Lions, Layne’s pal was the larger-than-life Alex Karas. Of their nightlife together, Karas stated, “Bobby would rink 6 days a week and play football on Sundays.”
Layne is notable for his famous quotation, “If I’d known I was gonna live this long, I’d have taken better care of myself.” This line was later used by baseball legend Mickey Mantle, a Dallas neighbor and good friend of Layne’s.
The Notre Dame link to Layne of course is Irish great Johnny Lujack.
While Bobby Layne was an All-American and finished 6th in the Heisman voting in 1946, Notre Dame’s Lujack WON the Heisman Trophy.
And while Layne was drafted by the Chicago Bears, he was stuck as 3rd -stringer and eventually traded. Layne could not beat out Johnny Lujack while on the Bears .
Former Head Usher at Notre Dame Stadium and legendary historian Cappy Gagnon has vivid memories for Johnny Lujack’s athletic prowess and greatness at Notre Dame. He writes:
“All discussions about Notre Dame’s GREATEST football player (while at ND) begin AND end with one name: John Lujack.
Old-timers select him as our greatest defensive back. The year Angelo Bertelli won the Heisman (1943), Lujack replaced him at QB with four games to play, when Angelo went off to serve in the Navy. Lujack actually had better stats that the Springfield Rifle for that season. Besides being a two-way star, John also kicked and punted.
During this frosh year, besides being at the helm while the Irish won the National Championship, Lujack also was the starting right fielder on the baseball team and a starting guard on the basketball team. Just for good measure, he also picked up a monogram in a FOURTH sport as the story below relates:
Scholastic Headline: Lujack — Busy Man
Johnny Lujack was a busy man last Saturday. He was playing right field for the Notre Dame baseball team in its encounter with Western Michigan. After the Broncos were retired in the top of the fifth inning, Johnny jogged over, picked up the javelin and tossed it 162 feet to win the event. Returning to the diamond, he blasted a prodigious triple over the left-fielder's head. In the bottom of the seventh inning, he competed again for the Handymen. Still in his baseball uniform, he cleared 5' 11" in the high jump twice but his loose fitting baseball togs dislodged the bar*. Johnny called it a day a few minutes later by slapping out a clean single for his third base hit of the afternoon. *He didn’t place, but 5’11 would have won!!
Javelin throw—Won by Lujack (ND) ; Kondratovich (ND), second; Quasey (ND), third. Distance, 162 feet
John was the third ND man to earn four Monograms in a single year. The first two, Alfred Dutch Bergman and Rupe Mills, did it in 1914. Both later played Major League Baseball. The only other ND man to accomplish this feat was George Ratterman, who Frank Leahy called the greatest athlete he ever coached. How good must he have been! Ratterman was Lujack’s back-up in 1946.
Ratterman also played a bit of baseball. He was a two-year starter on the basketball team, once being the second leading scorer. On the tennis team, for three years he alternated in the top two positions with one of the Evert brothers, dad and uncle of Chrissie. Ratterman was one of the top QB’s in the country for a long time, but had the misfortune of playing behind Lujack and Otto Graham.
Lujack’s NFL career, with the Bears, was cut short by injuries, but his record indicates he would have been a Hall of Famer, the same honor he earned for his collegiate career. During his first year (1948), despite playing in only nine of 12 games, he had eight interceptions as a defensive back. He made 44 or 46 extra points, in an era where that kick was not as automatic as today. In 1949, he led all Quarterbacks in Attempts, Completions, and Touchdowns (23). For good measure, he was 42-44 in extra points, made his only field goal attempt, and…….oh by the way…..punted for a 41 yard average on three kicks. His passing stats fell off in 1950, but he led the NFL in rushing TD’s, with 11. His career yards per carry average was 5.6.
John turned 90, earlier this year. He is the oldest living Heisman Trophy winner. FYI, ND’s Johnny Lattner is #2. Paul Hornung is #4. (Howard “Hopalong” Cassady, of Ohio State, is #3 in seniority).
A final note about Lujack………..during the final sixteen years before I retired, I was one of the hosts of the visiting football teams when they came in to the Stadium for their Friday afternoon walk-through. One year, when Florida State came to play, I greeted Bobby Bowden.
As I welcomed him, his first words were that he became an ND fan in the late 40’s and Johnny Lujack was his favorite player. Bowden recited Lujack’s most famous play at Notre Dame……….when he tackled 1945 Heisman Trophy Winner Doc Blanchard, saving a touchdown and preserving a 0-0 tie and Notre Dame’s 1946 National Championship.
Go Irish!”
Cappy Gagnon
GREEN with PRIDE
For those of us from a certain era, the 1970’s was a great decade for Notre Dame football.
The heart of it was the Dan Devine stewardship from 1975-1980. Often over-looked as an ND coaching great probably because of his relatively short tenure (at that time), Devine coached six season at ND from 1975-1980.
Devine came to Notre Dame after a lackluster career in the NFL as the Head Coach of the Green Bay Packers. He may be best known for having his leg broken on the sidelines as a NY Giant player exploded into him. Or infamously, Devine was also the victim of irate Packer fans shot the Devine family dog dead on their front lawn after another Packer’s loss.
Devine’s daughter Sarah was an ND ’79 classmate. She was very nice. Doubtful that anyone ever asked her about her dog.
In his six years, Devine’s teams were 53-16-1. The Irish appeared in 4 Bowl games winning 3 of those—three Cotton Bowl titles and a Sugar Bowl loss in 1980 to future Heisman Trophy winner Hershel Walker and his Georgia Bulldogs. In that Sugar Bowl match-up, #1 Georgia held-off ND 17-10. They were powered by the freshman sensation with 25 carries and 205 yards rushing.
The most magical and memorable season had to be 1977 and the National Championship. This featured the “Green Machine” jerseys vs. USC and of course—the 1978 Cotton Bowl classic matching #1 Texas vs. #5 Notre Dame.
If this clip does not bring back memories and chills, you have no pulse.
http://125.nd.edu/moments/were-1-1978-cotton-bowl-classic/
And of course, let’s take a look at the player intro’s…leading off this clip with our great pals Ernie Hughes (RG #65) and Teddy Horansky (LG #66), and our dear departed pal Dave Huffman (C #56).
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pCOFsZQr-QU
It was an exciting time to be a student at ND and and Irish fan. Despite an early season loss at Mississippi, the Irish ran to a 10-1 regular season record and a #5 ranking.
This had included the incredible "Green Jerseys" game when ND absolutely clobbered the Trojans on a beautifully sun-kissed day in the original and iconic ND Stadium (built by Rockne) with real grass, 59,084 seats, no lights, a modest pressbox and no video boards.
This stunning 49-10 beat-down truly established ND's dominance and later--the right to play undefeated and #1 Texas in the 1978 Cotton Bowl ('77 season).
It was a very memorable game for the best QB-Center tandem in college football that year--Joe Montana and Dave Huffman.
Longhorn Coach Fred Akers, as well as the pundits and loyal Texas fans sure sounded confident... And why not with such a talent-laden team?
Just a few problems however, including:
* Heisman Trophy winner Earl Campbell being totally shut down by a stifling ND defense led by stalwarts Bob Golic, Mike Calhoun, Ross Browner, Luther Bradley, Jeff Weston... to name a few.
Luther Bradley--still fit as ever. Looks like he could still play!
* Outland Trophy winner Brad Shearer being manhandled at the line of scrimmage all day by the Wall of Three--Ernie Hughes, Dave Huffman and Teddy Horanky.
Ernie "Big Red" Hughes at 2014 Louisville game.
Still red..still big.
* Overthrown Texas passes; missed tackles; and out-hustled and out-manned by the lads from South Bend.
The Irish thumped the Longhorns 38-10. And as improbable as it may be today, ND was proclaimed the '77 National Champions--it's 2nd championship in the 70's (and oh so closely--there could have been more).
As ND fans in Dallas, it was utter pandemonium in the official ND hotel when the announcement was made.
We knew we had witnessed and experienced greatness and history.
The victory in Dallas was particularly sweet for Dallas native and Thomas Jefferson H.S. grad Dave Huffman and his brother Tim "Tiny" Huffman.
Always the biggest guy in the group...and always with the heartiest laugh, Dave Huffman was a Consensus 1st Team All-American and remains on the ballot for consideration for the College Football Hall of Fame.
Few ND fans thought it would take 11 more years to claim the National Championship in 1988.
Just off-topic for a moment...without Tony Rice in 1988--there would be no National Championship. Look up his stats. What a season. Dillon Hall is very proud of Tony.
Great memories of Texas in 1978. Thank you!
LONGHORN TIES to NOTRE DAME
Texas Coach Charlie Strong
Charlie Strong begins his second season at the University of Texas with a freshman recruiting class ranked among the Top 10 by several sources. He is still back-filling the team he inherited from former Head Coach Mack Brown after Strong dismissed a number of players for disciplinary reasons during his first pre-season camp. At that camp, he also had the players begin with blank white helmet stating that they had to “earn the right to wear the Longhorn logo”.
In his inaugural season, Strong was 6-7. This was a change from the previous two season as the HC at Louisville where his teams were ranked in the final polls at #15 and #13, respectively. In four season at Louisville, Strong was 37-15.
A rising star in college coaching circles, Strong has been a known commodity to Notre Dame.
And Strong knows Notre Dame
ND Stadium will be familiar to Strong, although he will be across the way on the opposing sidelines this Saturday.
From 1995-1998, Strong was the Defensive Line Coach for Lou Holtz at ND. When Lou departed for South Carolina, he immediately plucked Strong as his Defensive Coordinator, where he worked from 1999-2002.
Strong’s strong work at (the other) USC led to a strong job offer by Florida’s Urban Meyer to join his strong Gator staff. Strong coached at Florida from 2003-2009. This included his stint as interim Head Coach in 2004.
While in South Bend, diners recall him enjoying the best pizza in town at Rocco’s.
Another big Rocco’s fan is the former great Northwestern University receiver Tim Rooney (center), now a very prominent attorney in Chicago. Owners Warren (right) and Linda are proud of their great family business and their pizza, reputation and great clientele.
Texas' mascot Bevo can't attend team's opener against Notre Dame
When Texas takes the field this Saturday in South Bend against Notre Dame, there will be plenty of Longhorn fans in attendance -- just not the biggest one.
Due to a “no live mascot” policy at Notre Dame Stadium, Bevo XIV will not be able to attend the game. Bevo, a 2,000-pound Longhorn, is stationed on the field for each of Texas' home games and usually travels for the team's road contests.
The Notre Dame athletic department that Texas has been informed Bevo will not be allowed to be on the field.
There have been many changes to Notre Dame Stadium, with more currently under construction. The new Field Turf surface vs. natural grass may have been a factor for the "No Bevo" zone. Just imagine the "clean-up on Aisle 9" if Bevo had a movement.
ND Stadium on Wednesday evening. Cleaning and clearing construction for the Home Opener.
Notre Dame's rules do permit Texas' costumed mascot, Hook ‘Em, to be in attendance. Also, if Texas chose to send it, the school's "Show Band of the Southwest" can attend.
WHERE IS DR. LOU?...
There is no more ESPN College Game Day for the legendary Notre Dame coach. He has retired. And within minutes, ESPN dropped “one-trick pony” naysayer Mark May. Proof and validation that Lou made May… and May is nothing without Coach Holtz. Moronic May loses another bet to Coach Holtz
With Saturdays free, Lou might usually be playing golf in Lake Nona, Florida. Though he is probably in temporary quarters after his house was struck by lightning in June.
So Lou…why not head back to South Bend, Indiana this Saturday?
You could get your haircut by your favorite barber—the legendary Armando…
Saturday morning Game Day…Quick haircut to look great on TV… Thanks Armando!
Or, Lou might be venturing over to the greatest men’s dorm at Notre Dame—Dillon Hall
And why is Lou headed to Dillon Hall... historically, traditionally and factually the greatest and most revered dorm at Notre Dame?
To visit his grandson. The son of ND grad and college coach Skip Holtz, is a freshman in Dillon this year.
But in fairness, Lou will need to seek out the Texas team, too.
Why, you ask?
Because grandson Trey is a QB on the Texas team (betcha didn’t know that…)
TREY HOLTZ
| #15 Trey Holtz QB 6-0 186 Junior Tampa, Fla. H.B. Plant A fourth-year quarterback ... three-time member of the Big 12 Commissioner’s Honor Roll ... a two-year letterman at H.B. Plant High School. SOPHOMORE (2014) Did not see game action. REDSHIRT FRESHMAN (2013) Did not see game action. FRESHMAN (2012) Redshirted. HIGH SCHOOL Coached by Robert Weiner at H.B. Plant High School ... helped Panthers win Florida State Championship his senior year ... lettered as a junior and senior ... served as a reserve quarterback ... was primarily the team’s holder and rugby-style punter during its championship season ... also participated in lacrosse. PERSONAL Born in South Bend, Ind. ... also lived in Columbia, S.C., Hartfield, Conn., and Greenville, N.C. ... full name is Louis Leo Holtz III, but goes by Trey ... parents are Skip and Jennifer Holtz ... has a brother, Chad and a sister, Hailey ... father is the current head coach at Louisiana Tech and former head coach at USF (2010-12) who played wide receiver at Notre Dame ... grandfather is Lou Holtz, retired college football coach and now an analyst for ESPN ... served as a counselor at Muscular Dystrophy Camp ... volunteered on three mission trips ... enjoys water sports and boating ... majoring in physical culture and sports with a minor in business ... three-time member of the Big 12 Commissioner’s Honor Roll (spring 2013; fall 2013; spring 2014). |
ND’s last Final Four basketball coach and still its winningest coach… there is only one Digger
The Star to the Stars…in business for over 45 years… ARMANDO !
NOSTALGIA CORNER...Guest contributor: Tyrone Robinson ND '73 (#89) Product of Olney High School in Philadelphia Recruited for Defense by Joe Yonto Sophomore on the ND 1970 team; 1971 Cotton Bowl Tyrone Robinson (right) with ND teammate and All-American Tom Gatewood at a recent reunion
"Thanks for asking...
Here are my thought about our 24 – 11 victory over Texas in the 1971 Cotton Bowl. I was soph defensive end.
Texas was ranked # 1 with a 30-game unbeaten streak and the defending national champs. Included in that 30 game unbeaten streak was the prior year’s 21 – 17 win over us in the Cotton Bowl. Going into the game Texas was very confident. It was basically a home game for them, they had the win streak and they were ranked # 1 again. They thought they were poised to win back to-back championships.
We had limited experience defending the wishbone. Only teams in the South and Southwest ran this style of offense. However, Ara changed his approach. On offense, it was to go all out and get a working lead and make Texas more likely to throw. On defense, I think we called it a “mirror” approach. It’s now referred to as “assignment football.” The game was really over by halftime as we put up 24 points stunning the crowd in Texas.
That year we should have won the national championship, but lost to USC our last regular season game.
I also recall the swag we received from the game… an original Texas cowboy hat, gold plated cuff links and a Rolex watch. I still have all of them today with my great memories of teammates, managers and coaches.
It will be a thrill to be reunited with everyone again this weekend to celebrate a truly great team.
Tyrone Robinson with ND pals at 1972 Orange Bowl
TR |
COLUMNIST CORNER
Get your "X's and O's" and top-flight analysis right here. Many people prefer to read our blog www.Shakedownthethunder.net from last-to first, from bottom-to-top. Why might they do that? Obviously because of our exclusive premier Columnist, of course. In our midst is a college football expert with particular insight for Notre Dame. We begin this new season with the return week with John (Romo) Romanelli. A 1979 graduate, Sorin Hall legend, and an unforgettable elite Club lacrosse and interhall football player. While slightly unscientific, with his contributions to this ND blog site, the traffic and comments have risen exponentially in tandem with Romo’s commentaries and analyses.Quads of steel…hands of silk
