Sparty Gameday September 17, 2011

REVENGE  vs. SPARTY   September 17, 2011

With the sting of the 34-31 O.T. loss last year behind us when Sparty scored on a fake field goal to disappoint Irish fans everywhere, ND takes on MSU at home today on a beautiful fall day here in South Bend. Full sun and temperatures of 68 degrees are predicted.

The tailgate was set at Joyce Lamp Post #3 at 6:01am today. Predicting a very big fan turnout, this is a 2-tent + 2- grills and Astroturf day. We are expecting several players from the ND ’66 National Championship team to stop by. And as in past years, there should be a few ’66 MSU players, as well. Previously, we have hosted Don Warnke, Bob Simon, Ron Grovert and others.

My pal Jim Greenwell and his lovely wife Patty from Denver are bringing his father-in-law and Dad—MSU great from the late 1940’s at MSU—Bud Gasser. He was on the 1949 team and played for legendary MSU Coach (and predecessor to Duffy Daugherty) “Biggie” Munn in the ND Frank Leahy days.

It was six years ago that a number of MSU players were enjoying our hospitality and toasting their “National Championship,” I interrupted them to inject that I was quite sure that ND won the NC that season. Simultaneously, they thrust their NC Rings in my face “as proof”. HA!  What revisionist history. In their minds, the 10-10 tie made them co-champs and they bought rings for themselves. Scandalous and ridiculous.

At the Football Luncheon Friday, the ’66 team was again recognized before Coach Kelly took the stage. A panel of Bob Gladieux, Nick Eddy and George Goeddeke recounted their magical season and extreme lifetime admiration and devotion for Ara.

Coach Kelly was somewhat reserved, but firm that this team is much better than the penalties and turnovers would allow. He stated that they had a very rigorous week of practice and everyone was very focused.

This was consistent with comments by Safety Jamoris Slaughter and RB Cierre Wood while getting their haircuts at Armando’s. Jamoris stated that for the last play of the game and loss vs. Michigan, the decision was made to play 1:1 man-on-man instead of drooping back into a “prevent defense” because ND was more worried about fleet and crafty Michigan QB Denard Robinson (oh well…).

As for today’s game, Cierre was very serious. Almost defiant. There was emotion in his voice as he slowly shook his head (with large diamond-stud earring) and guaranteed that ND would not repeat such mistakes and they were ready to win. He was very convincing.

At Friday night’s Pep Rally outdoors on The Green, speeches were brief and firm. Coaches and players seem prepared.

Expecting many classmates and friends on campus today.

GO IRISH.

Beat Sparty!

 

Abe