REDEMPTION. VALIDATION. TRICKERATION (denied)
On a glorious Fall Saturday with full sun and the game time temperature at 68 degrees, the Irish took the field seeking to overcome mistakes and play just as everyone thought they could and would since the Sun Bowl last December.
The Irish defense totally shutdown the Sparty run as MSU gained just 29 yards on 23 carries while recording 2 sacks, 5 tackles for losses and 10 QB hurries — 6 of those by freshman Aaron Lynch who was awesome in his “coming out” . Young Aaron looks great with his helmet on or off (for haircuts at Armando’s). His arms are incredibly long with nearly a chapter of a book tattooed in his massive right bicep and forearm. And what a great day by Robert Blanton not just with an electric 82- yard inception return, but with 6 tackles and 3 passes broken up, and a big sack for an 11-yard loss.
There were shades of Rocket Ismail too when freshman George Atkinson III took an 89 -yard kickoff return to the house for a TD. Michael Floyd is Randy Moss-like. and just as Cierre Wood told me personally on Friday, the team was focused and he was personally very serious– to the tune of 6 catches, 61 yards rushing and 2 TD’s (including 22-yard long).
THE ROCKET–should have been ND’s 8th Heisman Winner
There was no embarrassing fake FG to thwart the Irish this year (when holder Aaron Bates fired a 29-yard strike o Charlie Gannt in O.T. to win the game). But MSU tried a few tricks themselves this game—including its own fake FG attempt after a time-out and just 47 seconds left in the 2nd quarter when a shovel pass from the holder to the back was incomplete. Earlier, and end-around play was busted up by the Irish for a loss. And a 3rd quarter flea flicker was squashed when QB Kirk Cousins was sacked for an 11-yard loss. A treat for the Irish…and no tricks today.
Post-game tailgating is so much more enjoyable after a decisive ND victory. And of course, the pre-game festivities were outstanding with our “A”-Level tailgate plan for this game included: 5 parking spots, 2 tents, 2 grills, stations for Bloody Mary’s, Maker’s Mark bourbon, mimosas, red and white wine… and enough college seniors and recent grads to help us consume 21 cases of beer. For good measure, this was also an “AstroTurf” carpet day (only rolled-out for very special occasions).
My pal Big John Lium from the ’66 National Championship team and teammate Tom Reynold’s hosted a team Reunion tailgater with dozens of former players like Terry Hanratty, Nick Eddy, Coley O’Brien, Rocky Bleier and George Goeddeke. The two highlights were Johnny Latner’s Heisman Trophy on display for pictures with Dillon Dirtballs Pro Burke and Denny Cotter and the camaraderie with Coach Ara who had a full weekend with the tribute to his great team.
Ara in his 80’s…ever-sharrp and energetic
“Men…we have no breaking point”
In sports history, there are single name monikers that need no further description. Everyone knows Sweetness, Shaq, The Great One, Michael, The Bambino…and ARA. Then, there are also lesser-known characters requiring a string of descriptors, such as Mike “Pro-Link-Ebony Messiah-Baby Black Jesus”-Burke, who is ever-present on ND football weekends.
Dick Vitale and “Digger” dined at Parisi’s on Friday night, but I did not see them on Saturday. Legendary and pioneering women’s hoops star–and personal Philly friend of Mike Moran (’78)– attended the Friday luncheon, but we missed her on Saturday. Gretz was the “Collegiate Player of the Year” and led tiny Immaculata College to 3-straight national championships.
Actor Martin Sheen and NASCAR driver Kyle Busch were also on campus. But our celebrity line-up at our little tailgater included Tony Rice-ND’s last National Championship QB in 1988, power running back Reggie Brooks ’91 All-American for Lou Holtz, several members of the ’66 Championship team including starter Johhny Pergine, a Fortune 200 CEO (and his G-5), a high ranking CIA official, and an appearance by the ND Cheerleaders.
“Parisi’s Italian Restaurant is awesome, Baby!”
I had sent an invitation via a contact in the Athletic Department to Condeleeza Rice. She was on campus as a VIP ND grad (MBA) and guest speaker to the Joyce-in-Aid group Friday night. On Saturday morning, Condeleeza (“do not call her ‘Condi'”) played the Warren Golf Course with Muffett McGraw…and she had a HOLE -IN-ONE! Pretty good. I am speculating that she was celebrating her ace and could make it to our tailgater. ND All-American and Super Bowl Champ Jerome (the Bus) Bettis was also at Warren Saturday morning.
Cannot confirm if Condi bought these golf shoes at the Warren Pro Shop…but she could use an ND Women’s Golf team hat
It was great to see many Dillon Dirtballs — John (A Man Called Horse) Distefano after 30 years, Jumpin’ Jive Jimmy Dorgan, Swiney, Feif, Bob Jank and Gorgeous Georgewa Scanlon and his posse from Jacksonville. They travel light, but bearing heavyweight gifts. Thanks for the great cigars, Rhino — you knew we’d be having Victory stogies in a few hours! And also traveling light (as usual) was Boston Jack who has barnstormed 7-8 tailgates every Saturday for the past 35 years .
My tailgate “Wingman” Dr. Rick Behler is a Sparty magnet. No ND grad has more MSU friends than Doc. They drank prodigiously probably predicting defeat that day. They tailgate is always more upscale when The Doctor personally selects the wine and champagne. A tailgater can also never have enough Shukis siblings. The smiling and singing Slovakians can liven any occasion.
Shukis Sisters score again…snag George at tailgater
Daughter Katie also had a strong turnout of pals mostly SMC and ND ’09. Now that they have graduated, we have upgraded from Keystone and Natty Light, but the consumption has not changed. The “Siren Song” of Joyce Lamp Post #3 brings them back to campus like the swallows to Capistrano.
A great weekend and an especially big and vital win for the Irish vs. Sparty. There was no O.T. drama, shocking trick plays, flag-plantings at mid-field or post-game tailgate silence.
The ’66 National Championship team as appropriately honored. ND fans returned to their football mecca. We are the best 1-2 college football team in the country.
GO IRISH.
Onward to Pitt!