Never Underestimate the Heart of a Champion

Today, the Rockets open camp. I want to wish all the players a healthy camp and a healthy year. I can't wait to see how this team evolves and grows into something special. There will be some growing pains, but there is no doubt in my mind that Professor Morey has established a rock solid nucleus (yes, pun intended- that just happened). Anyway, I can't wait to see you at the Sanctuary Saturday for the open practice and Rocket Rally.

In other news, it is 6:15 in the morning. I just got back from Hobby Airport and I have two observations. First, there are way too many people that start their days too early. There was an outrageous number of people on the highways. Secondly, thanks to my brother's wondering eye, it came to my attention that a certain flower shop on 45 and Broadway has quite the special today. Anybody that is named Umberto gets a free rose. I am contemplating going to the courthouse and legally changing my name to Dos Umberto Sims so that I can get a rose to personally deliver to one of my very numerous female fans.

Whenever I get a chance, hopefully this evening, I will give my two cents on what transpired this weekend with my beloved Noles. I have a few bones to pick, and one of these bones has nothing to do with the actual game that has been ripping at my heart these past few days. I wish everyone a beautiful Tuesday.

10-8

Props to Charles Joseph Weis

I wish to offer praise and congratulations to Charles Joseph Weis, ND Class of 1978. For the second straight week, he received a somewhat miraculous stay of execution.

For the second straight week, I needed a cardiologist on hand. For the second straight week, we squandered an early lead when we had a chance to put the game away. For the second straight week, we came roaring back to win at the end. For the first week in the last three, we weren't fucked over by Integer officiating.

My internet friends at NDNation are all up in arms, saying wins like this prove that Weis needs to go. Maybe, maybe not. I have a feeling that Weis isn't going to keep getting these stays of execution each week. But maybe, just maybe, we're witnessing a team growing up. A team learning how to handle a little adversity. A team learnding how win.

Purdue sucks. But we took their best shot. Last night was their Super Bowl. At night. And we did it without the services of two of our best players, and have of the game without the services of our best player.

Hell, I'll drink to that. Congrats, Charlie.

Now don't fucking blow it next week.

Sack Up

That was probably the hardest game I have ever watched with my own eyes. There was absolutely no urgency whatsoever on the Noles part. We didn't deserve to win. Have some fucking pride. I am at a loss for words. Congratulations to the University of South Florida.

And fuck all you fucking faggot ass fake fucking fans on Warchant and all over the place. Get the fuck out of here and please don't ever return. Seriously, you are a fucking embarrassment- way more embarrassing than our 19 yards of rushing.

Go Noles. Now. And, Forever.

The Best Idea Ever!

Joey and I have decided that in a few years we are going to reunite the running crew and go to a Memorial football game. This act will include drinking a handle of ezra prior to hopping into Thurber's car. So Jams, Joey, Chaulk, Jake, and if anyone can find him, Dominic, get ready cause we are going to rock the joint. It's going to be great. What a fantastic idea Joey. Good work in deed.

WHY?

A Word from the BPE

Greetings, denizens of A Ride on the Chuck Wagon. In spite of my lengthy absences, I am alive and well. Anyone on my texting list can confirm that.

It has grown increasingly manifest that each outing with this year's Irish squad is likely to be another white-knuckle affair, just like the game against Sparty. Our defense is just too porous for us to gain comfortable leads over quality opponents. Without the services of Michael Floyd, probably the best receiver in college football, we lack the requisite firepower to simply blow teams away.

In short, my updated forecast for this year's record is 9-3 or 8-4, with a likely Gator Bowl appearance agains an also-ran ACC squad like Florida State.

I do want to take the time to use this forum to pose, for the readers, a question: why are college football officials affiliated with conferences? Does this not creat inherent conflicts of interest? Why should a Big 11 crew be allowed to officiate a game between Michigan State and Notre Dame at ND, much less Michigan vs. Notre Dame at MEATCHICKEN? We all know who cuts the checks for the Televen crews, and the crews themselves certainly on whom their continued employment depends? Don't you just think, maybe just a little, this can account for some of the NUT MUSTARD personal foul and holding calls the Televen crews have perpetrated against the Lads of Our Lady in the last two games?

Before some conference homer like Jams steps in, stop and think about this. Why don't we just have NCAA officials for football games, kind of like in basketball? Wouldn't this be a simple, equitable, and efficient solution?

Back to the enchanting world of the professoriate. Until next time (which hopefully won't be long), good day and good health.

PS -- guys, please start acknowledging my texts. Sometimes I worry that you're not receiving them.

A New Drink

Instead of going out and ordering something gay like a H-bomb or a Vegas-bomb or a Yager-bomb get a Dos-Bomb.

We haven't decided what is going to be in it yet, but just order a Dos-Bomb.

Phat J came up with this idea.

The Wagon

Darly Morey said on his twitter page that the highlight of the 5 on 5 workouts so far was when The Wagon threw one down! THE CHUCK WAGON takes over the world this year. That's the only picture I could find of the Wagon dunking.

The Chuck Wagon on The Rocks new training techniques: (actual quote)

“You never knew how beneficial tag was when you were younger,” forward Chuck Hayes said. “You work on your core, your stop-and-go movements and your quickness.”

Jonathan Feigen on the 5 on 5 that has been going on: (actual quote)

"To me, the highlight of the games was Chuck Hayes going Magic Johnson. He had several occasions in which he grabbed the defensive rebound and took off, leading fast breaks and finishing his last one."

Heart and Pride

Anyone who has watched a Florida State Seminole game on television with me (very few) knows that my favorite saying is "a little fire in the belly". That went out the window on what turned out to be a beautiful Saturday night. I was very confident that our offense was going to show up and put on a show to shut up all the critics that said we were going to get blown based solely on a piss poor performance the prior week to Jacksonville State. A few thoughts here:

-did anyone realize we had 2 days of practice after losing to one of our biggest rivals in heart breaking fashion?

-did anyone decide to think that Miami might be a pretty dadgum good football team after their performance on Thursday night?

-did any of these experts care to think that maybe the Jacksonville State was going to be a sloppy effort on our part by looking at our history after Monday Night games?

The national media was just plain wrong and irresponsible in their efforts of diagnosing the Seminoles. Back to my saying of "a little fire in the belly". After we drove it down BYU's throat and scored, we kicked off and Max Hall and Co. promptly started returning the favor. This is when it occurred to me that I needed a new thing to yell constantly while pacing around the room. It is painfully clear that we are going to have continuous growing pains on defense this season. Greg Reid (more about him later), Nick Moody, Dionte Allen, Terrence Parks, ect. are going to be great players, but this is their first action and we are going to continually have problems in the secondary. This is where heart and pride come into play. We must play with heart and pride on the defensive side of the ball on every play. We must force turnovers. We must capitalize on these turnovers. After I started yelling for some "heart and pride", we caused a fumble and the first of five forced turnovers of the game. We then subsequently drove it right back down BYU's throat to take a 2 touchdown lead less the point after attempt. HEART AND PRIDE FELLAS. Now to my thoughts on the game:



-Christian Ponder is a flat out stud. He just gets it done. Hearing Jimbo talking about his attributes and skill as a leader of the football team gives me butterflies. It is the greatest feeling in the world to finally have a quarterback and know he is going to be prepared and play to win. He is probably the best unknown quarterback in the country behind Starr Jackson. What gets me really excited about this guy is how much Jimbo Fisher loves and trusts him. He talks about his commitment to the team and just how hard he plays. He plays with heart and pride for sure.

-Just when you thought Sly Stallone couldn't get any more brilliant, he pulls a quick one. I got up at 6 am because I do not possess the ability to sleep on game days. I decided I'd go run some errands (oil change, carwash- it poured yesterday-f my life, best buy, ect.) and ended up back home with the new Tyson DVD. I watched this and I found something out that I am embaressed to admit that I never knew. There is an interview with Tyson and his legendary trainer Cus D'Amato. During this interview, Cus says something to the effect that he is only still alive because of Tyson- that without Tyson he has no reason to go on- that Tyson is HIS reason to go on- and he's going to stay alive until he wins the championship. THIS IS EXACTLY WHAT MICKEY SAYS TO ROCKY IN ROCKY V when Rocky is down in the dumps and travels back to the old gym and has the vision of Mickey working him out inside the ring. Pure Brilliance by Sly Stallone.

-Heather Dinich should not have a job. In her latest blog she stated that this FSU team reminds her a lot of Maryland's squad last year. Really? And her reasoning- we play down to our level of competition when we are better and up to our level of competition when we are worst. Example: Jacksonville State. For the reason listed above I am quite positive it is a scientific fact that Heather Dinich is a stupid person. Go fuck yourself Heather.

-GIVE ME A SCHOLARSHIP! Any Nole follower remembers signing day 2006. Mister Alexander from Eisenhower High School in Houston, TX refused to commit to anyone because he wanted to go to Florida State. I went to school in his district and honestly never heard of him. I was like WTF mate. Anyway, we ended up having a scholarship available at the end of the day and Mister was still waiting to sign on the dotted line. This past weekend he had a sack on a third down and put Max Hall in his place. He also stopped a touchdown by tackling AJ Alexender on his way to the end zone after an interception. It reminded me of the time that Jams Thurber threw a block in the back on purpose while I was running to the end zone after we crunched a poor fella and he fumbled. I picked the ball up and was on my way to pay dirt. I saw the yellow hankie and new immediately that Jams threw an illegal block to stop me from scoring. Wow is all I said.

-They showed a video clip of the concessions at BYU's stadium and I made a very astute observation: I do not really like regular pretzels but I love the big pretzels at ball games. Anyone else feel the same way? Also, BYU does not serve caffeinated drinks inside the stadium. Why? Because caffeine can cause an addiction. Ok- not going to open my mouth on this. Good for you BYU.

-10 Possessions- 7 touchdowns- 2 field goals- 1 punt. WOW. Efficiency. It was a beautiful thing to see. We started off the game 9 of 9 on third down thanks to great play calling by Jimbo and even better execution by Christian. It was nice to see him use his legs a little more and this will be very beneficial in the future. Did I mention that we had zero turnovers and forced 5? You're not going to lose many games doing that. Beautiful work Gentlemen.

-I have started drinking Nestea soft drink. The sole reason: Jimbo was drinking what seemed to be a Nestea in his post game interview. Has anyone noticed how awful he dresses though? He wears suits with a non-collared shirt every time. And it's always that 1988 gold suit. He needs an upgrade. The whole team actually was wearing suits going into the stadium with the non-collared shirts. Maybe I am being too harsh on Jimbo. If I really want to be like him, I guess I need to dress like him also.

-I really want to know if Bill Simmons loves Rambo. He loves Rocky- as any decent human being does- so, it's only obvious to wonder if he loves Rambo or any other of Sly's movies. I need to ask him this question in his mail bag but it needs to pertain to sports in some way. Any ideas are welcome. Thanks in advance.

-I would like to thank Jim Stark for opening his house and his refriderator to The Dos to watch the game. I recently switched to DirectTV and of course a week after I do they drop the Versus Network. Just my luck. Anyway, Stark let me go over and watch the game. I hope I didn't scare his neighbors. Versus actually had great coverage and I really did enjoy their crew. Nice job fellas. DirectTV > Cable big time. You even get a channel that has all the soccer games on. See you in December Jams. Oh wait, never mind. I forgot that you won't be able to move. Tough luck.

-The tail backs are fantastic. I want to give a shot out to Carlton "Ty" Jones, Lonnie Pryor, Tavarres Pressley, and Jermaine Thomas. Great running. They ran with reckless abandon for their bodies and that's how you got to do it. I knew this group would come around. 313 yards on the ground this game. Beautiful work.

-The Noles only had one negative play that I can remember. That is critical to keeping drives alive. No sacks either. The offensive line is amazing and I hope that Colonial Trickett Trick Daddy keeps our linemen away from reporters for the rest of the year so they don't get a big head. The holes they were creating were amazing. The pockets they were creating were amazing. And, I love how CP is starting to step up in the pocket and deliver balls even when he knows that he will be hit. It's beautiful. We also completly dominated the time of possession. Sometimes your best defense is a controlling offense and Jimbo helped out Mickey big time in this regard.

-I want everyone out there to keep doubting this team. I love the underdogg role. Heather, Kirk (even though you did vote us number 14 in the AP Poll), Lee, and the lot of you, please keep doubting us. The players talked about how they saw gameday on Saturday and it fueled the fire. Hopefully we can get up for games without this fuel, but it doesn't hurt to have it.

-BYU fans were supposedly overly nice. Surprising.

-Ron Artest says blame him if the Lakers don't repeat. This is awesome. I will bet anybody $1000 right now that the Lakers don't repeat. Ron is already starting this "I am the second most- and maybe the 1st most- important piece to this team" thing. Thanks for Ariza Lakers. Ron, I still love what you did for this team. Does anyone think that if I filmed myself burning Ron's Rocket Jersey and put it on YouTube people would enjoy it? I got to find something to do with that jersey. Or I could just simply pull a baseball move and throw it back when we play the Lakers this year. Input?

-Stepbrothers is quite possibly the most underrated movie of all time. It has become my "go to sleep" movie every night. I freakin' love it. Shot out to Dale and Brennen.

-Greg Reid is the greatest thing since sliced bread. There is no telling what this kid is going to while strapping on the helmet for the Noles. He is a flat out stud. Pick 6 at the start of the third really put us ahead for good. I cannot wait to see him grow as a player.

-Dionte Allen should line up opposite Patrick Robinson. I have read that he doesn't look great in practice. I can understand why Mickey would want him to earn a spot, but sometimes players are simply gamers. Give him a chance Mickey. As long as he puts out effort in practice and performs in a game, let him go.

-I spoke in my blog on the Miami game that I wasn't worried about the linebackers. I have sense kind of shy'd away from that statement. We are almost too athletic at the possession and continuously over pursue. Settle down boys. You could really help out the secondary by playing better coverage.

On Sunday, I woke up, played golf, ruined my back, and came home. I didn't know what to do. I was happy. I needed to pontificate about life. I went outside with a personal cooler of varied beers ranging from Coors light to Corona. There is no doubt I upset the most interesting man in the world. Anyway, after 2 hours of sitting in the sun- I've never spent 2 hours outside in a row minus being on a golf course- Grant thought it was strange. He walked outside and said "Son, do you realize you are the guy who drinks excessively by himself?" and I simply responded "You're God Damned right I am". Great game Noles. You made me happy.

The second character when the Clock reads 12:19.

Stay tuned....

The Dos will give his thoughts on the Noles victory in the very near future. He will also share thoughts on everything else that caught his attention over the weekend.

Stay Tuned People

The # of s's in SeminoleS

Hey Noles.....

It's time to put the women and children to bed and go lookin' for dinner.

Get it done.

No excuses.

Go Noles

The BPE lives!

To the many thousands (and especially to young Dos) who have been inconsolate during my brief absence, I am alive and well! The duties of professing at the world's finest University are demanding indeed. Fear not, I will be returning to my duties of spreading the love for Notre Dame and the hate for ill-conceived leftist politics with earnest.

Last weekend was not a good one. I was fairly confident that the beloved Irish would handle the Men of Skunk without too much trouble. In fact, we should have. We moved the ball with ease (minus a possession or two during the third quarter in which the proverbial wheels appeared to fall off). What ailed us was the defense and special teams. We can't punt a ball more than 35 yards in the air to save our lives. And it continues to befuddle me why such a wonderful institution as Notre Dame du Lac cannot find a placekicker who can launch the ball beyond in the opponent's five yard line with consistency.

But the biggest issue was the defense. We made 170 pound feeble armed Tate Forcier look like the next coming of Joe Montana. In reality, the kid is but a brittle skunk bear whose body will surely not last the season. Rich Rodriguez is a hick and an absolute pitiful excuse for a man. After the game, his comment was "It came down to the last play. What a day to be MEATCHICKEN." What an effing clown. Surely he could have said something like "I would like to thank the Big Eleven referees, and Dick Honig, Michigan graduate in the replay booth, for calling EVERY EFFING CALL our way. So guys, the next beer is on me. To Charlie, I'm sorry that we had to resort to using the refs to EFF you."

It took me a day or two to recover, with you I will be honest. I felt like a drunken ship sailing aimlessly about the southern most seas, headed for nowhere in general but trouble in particular.

But then return to the campus of NOTRE DAME DU LAC on the morn of Monday, my blood began once again to flow, blue and gold and sometimes green, in fact. The sun shone. The leaves glistened. The birds chirped.

We WILL DESTROY THE SPARTANS OF MICHIGAN AGRICULTURAL COLLEGE! D'Antonio and his hooligans have planted one too many flags, and it is now their turn to PAY.

What tho the odds be great or small,
Old Notre Dame will win over all,
While HER loyal sons are marching onward to victory!

The BPE -- out.

To The Noles.....

I don't know what to say really. The biggest battle of our collegiate lives all comes down to today. Either we heal as a team....or we are going to crumble. Inch by Inch. Play by Play 'till we're finished. We are in hell right now, gentlemen. Believe me. And, we can stay here and get the shit kicked out of us, or, we can fight our way back into the light. We can climb out of hell. One inch.....at a time.

You know, when you get old in life things get taken from you. That's.....that's part of life. But, you only learn that when you start losing stuff. You find out that life is just a game of inches. So is football. Because in either game- life or football- the margin for error is so small. I mean...one half step too late or too early, you don't quite make it. One half second too slow or too fast, and you don't quite catch it. The inches we need are everywhere around us. They are in every break of the game- every minute, every second.

On this team, we fight for that inch. On this team, we tear ourselves, and everyone around us to pieces for that inch. We claw with our finger nails for that inch! 'Cause we know when we add up all those inches.....that's going to make the fucking difference between winning and losing. BETWEEN LIVING AND DYING.

I'll tell you this. In any fight it is the guy who is willing to die who is going to win that inch. And I know that if I am going to have any life anymore it is because I am still willing to fight, and to die for that inch- because that is what living is- the six inches in front of your face.

Now, I can't make you do it. You got to look at the guy next to you. Look into his eyes. Now, I think you are going to see a guy who will go that inch with you. You are going to see a guy who will sacrifice himself for this team- because he knows when it comes down to it, you are going to do the same thing for him.

THAT'S A TEAM, GENTLEMEN.

AND EITHER WE HEAL NOW.......AS A TEAM......OR WE DIE AS INDIVIDUALS.

THAT'S FOOTBALL GUYS.

THAT'S ALL IT IS.

NOW, WHAT ARE YOU GOING TO DO?


ADAPTED FROM ANY GIVEN SUNDAY FOR THE NOLES.

Because BPE Won't Post.....

joeyk8605 is available (7:55:31 AM)
cimasas (7:55:30 AM): Good morning to you Joey. Are you injoing your pretty much Friday?
"Joey Kieval" (7:56:06 AM): yes so far it has gone really well and I am looking forward to getting home this afternoon
cimasas (7:56:17 AM): I am extremly jealous
"Joey Kieval" (7:59:25 AM): you shouldnt be because you will be with me in my spirit
cimasas (7:59:35 AM): well that makes me feel much better
cimasas (7:59:39 AM): thank you for your kind words
"Joey Kieval" (7:59:55 AM): sure and i am excited to watch the boxing match with you
cimasas (8:00:55 AM): that should be a good time
cimasas (8:01:41 AM): it starts at 8. so the main event probably will not take place untill 9:30-10:30. didn't you speak of a trip to your house on the lake this weekend as well, sir?
"Joey Kieval" (8:02:47 AM): yes i did but I will be back in the Houston area around 7 on Saturday evening which would reflect that my trip should not interfere with our plans
cimasas (8:04:45 AM): are you heading to this house you speak of on the lake tomorrow or on saturday before the noon lunch bell strikes?
"Joey Kieval" (8:07:41 AM): I will be departing to this house on the hill by the lake at half past three tomorrow and will arrive at a quarter till six just in time for supper
"Joey Kieval" (8:08:17 AM): and a marvelous sunset that is just breathtaking i might add
cimasas (8:08:51 AM): that sounds so spectacular. I am excited for the adventure you will soon embark on and wish you nothing but lavish times and a safe return
"Joey Kieval" (8:10:15 AM): That is greatly appreciated and I will be sure to pass that on to my fellow comrads that will be making this splendid caravan with me
"Joey Kieval" (8:12:19 AM): I would like to wish you nothing but joy and succees this Saturday as your fellow warriors that we so often speak of as the seminoles take battle with the Mormon superheros. in the event of victory which we believe is a feasible task may you celebrate long into the night with fellow cronies
cimasas (8:13:39 AM): that sounds like the most splendid scenario i think i have ever heard. it was so emotional that it sparked a tear to travel down my face and fall off onto my slacks and make it seem as though i let a pee drop slip out while taking a leak
"Joey Kieval" (8:15:20 AM): well i must admit i got somewhat of a chuckle out of your last remark and i do appreciate it. when the seminoles prevail this weekend may i ask one simple favor of you?
cimasas (8:16:28 AM): ii have a feeling this might have something to do with the fine whiskey some people call Ezra Brooks? \
"Joey Kieval" (8:21:10 AM): no i was not going to push it that far
cimasas (8:21:46 AM): okay then, what were you pushing for?
"Joey Kieval" (8:22:51 AM): all is ask is that when the seminoles march victorious off the battlefield in the mountains of provo utah may i be present to drink the finest wines and eat the finest cheeses this side of the mississippi early in to the morning until the sun once rises again and the roosters wake
cimasas (8:24:36 AM): and then we will go hog hunting and make our own bacon and fly swimmingly through the wilderness and find an ostrage and snatch up his prized eggs and the seize some farmers potatoes to turn into hash browns and finally construct our own badder to turn into fluffy YoDos pancakes and cook a fantastic breakfast
cimasas (8:25:16 AM): does that seem to fit into your plan once, and only once, the roosters awake?
"Joey Kieval" (8:45:20 AM): that would be marvelous i have excellent marksmanship and think i can contribute with my pinpoint accuracy. i do ask one more favor
cimasas (8:46:07 AM): what is this other favor you say you must ask?
"Joey Kieval" (8:46:17 AM): could we pick the finest fruits and berries as well to make fresh squeezed juice to nourish and refresh our bodies
cimasas (8:47:14 AM): yes, i also see this as a must have. what berries provide the most excitment to you?
"Joey Kieval" (8:47:43 AM): well thats a quite silly question for it is raspberry season this time of year
cimasas (8:58:11 AM): i am sorry i didn't know that
cimasas (8:58:33 AM): outside does have an odor that puts off just a little touch of raspberry, i have noticed
"Joey Kieval" (8:59:49 AM): i would not go as far as to calling it an odor for it is a nice fragrance. i love this time of year when the hummingbirds and the bees hoover over the berries and flowers. nature is truly remarkable and beautiful
cimasas (9:01:03 AM): yes, fragrance does make for a better connotation. my apologies on my senseless use of the word odor- for it is not an odor. nature can strike a beat with my loins somewhat comparable to that of a well struck 2 iron
"Joey Kieval" (9:02:00 AM): a well struck two iron is a rare feat that requires much skill so one like me can truly appreciate the sense of gratification nature brings to your loins
cimasas (9:03:29 AM): it is simply remarkable how understanding you are. there are certain times in life that when you are given steel and metal, you need to construct golf clubs
"Joey Kieval" (9:03:55 AM): for that is the wisest statement i have heard this morning
"Joey Kieval" (9:04:09 AM): if we talked like this in front of girls we didnt know that would be sweet
cimasas (9:04:32 AM): it is the next step in becoming scholars of the pimp game
"Joey Kieval" (9:04:45 AM): i agree and i am really embarrassed right now
"Joey Kieval" (9:05:12 AM): haha i forgoti was at work and leaned over and ripped one really loud and the girl next to me was like " was the real"

I'm Going to Make Him an Offer He Can't Refuse....

The Mafia Lives! Here in Houston! In my fucking neighborhood!!! Me and Joey are going to become friends with Vinny Ocean. Now refer to me as Donnie "The Nole" Simione- pronounced sim-e-onie. Refer to Joey as Joeseph "The Enforcer" Ricardo. We are going to take over the world with help from our friend Vinny "Ocean" Palermo.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vincent_Palermo

This guy lives right near me. Don't fuck with us anymore cause we will go ape-shit on your ass.

VMA's

My two girls Alicia Keys and Pink dominated last night as was expected. Pink's performance was the best. Anyone want to go with me to her concert on September 24th, let me know. Fuck Kanye West. He is dead. Never in my life have I seen something like that. Go to hell Kanye.

Ariza

Here are a few pictures of Ariza looking for some new digs in the greatest city on earth, Houston.

The Morning After- Jacksonville St.

I am going to keep this short and sweet. I will take the victory any way I can get it. It was a very ugly, crappy weather, embarrassing attendance, and horrible execution type of game. Anyway, this is predictable when you get 2 days of practice. We've seen it before on these games that take place the Saturday after a Monday Night game. Moral of the story: stop playing Labor Day games! We never get the next Saturday off and always have a scare. We better show up a little better and with more fire in the belly in Provo on Saturday or it could be a long night.

Go Noles!

2

Michigan embodies envy

Let us make no mistake. We are not perfect. We are sinners too. Many of our posters here have complained that the anti-Michigan screeds here have been unseemly. Well, maybe so, but they arise from wrath--from unjustified fury in response to the abomination of Ann Arbor. At least wrath is an honest sin.

Envy isn't. Envy is small. Envy is sad. In writing classes, they teach that envy is a quick way to make a character lose the audience's sympathy, unless, of course, the character is so pathetic as to invoke pity, or is portrayed as merely callow. An adult who is envious is almost always despicable.

Well, Michigan is old. They keep letting us know how badass they were before McKinley was President (more on that later). And make no mistake--the central emotion driving all bad behavior Michigan has exhibited toward Notre Dame over the decades--Yost's anti-Catholicism, dropping the series (twice), blackballing us from the Big Ten, Bo's atrocious attitude toward the series, the shitty gameday behavior of their fans in 2003 and 2007, you name it--is motivated by envy. And that makes perfect sense.

Michigan has won 800 games, has a bunch of national titles, possesses the all-time winning percentage lead, and is, in all honesty, one of the top ten programs in college football history. It's true, they are! But they aren't Number One, because a religious school a third their size from a neighboring state is and it eats them up inside.

They hate everything about it. They hate that we've won more titles, and so they pretend they've won the same number (no, they haven't). They hate that we've won more Heismans. They hate these things so much that they, and their avatar, Saint Bo, make believe that the Rose Bowl is the most important thing in the game (hint: no). They even hate that Joe Montana went to Notre Dame, and glory in every Tom Brady touchdown, because Brady might retire with a better resume than Joe.

The worst thing is? They aren't even second best. They aren't even third. They aren't even fourth! Michigan is no Southern Cal, no Alabama, and no Oklahoma. They're a second-half of the top ten kind of team--great, really, but no, not same.

Overall, Michigan has it pretty good. But it can't enjoy its success when its view to the southwest is tinted green.

The G.O.A.T.

I would like to take this time to give a shot out to, in my opinion, the greatest athlete of all time. The Greatest Of All Time. Michael Jordan. I just wish I grew up a few years earlier to watch him play more. Oh, and if you're wondering, The Rockets would have beat his Bulls in the finals both years he was away from the game, so that's a mute point. That's all I got.

Noles host Jacksonville St. and Ryan Perilloux tomorrow. Should be an exciting game. I have to watch this one on the computer, but you can bet your ass I won't miss a play.

The number after the first number assuming the first number you use is the number 1.

The Morning After

I sure felt like I got punched in the stomach last night around 11:00 PM Central Time. I did my usual post-game loss ritual and sat in my room with all the lights off and stared into darkness with the not so occasional man-tear falling from my eyes. For whatever reason, this seems to help and I felt okay enough to try to get in bed and catch a few hours of sleep. 30 minutes later, laying there thinking about what the rest of the season holds, I decided to review the game at that time rather than waiting and watching it the next day as I usually do. I am just going to list some observations that I had- hopefully this will be therapeutic. These are in no way intended to be excuses, just preliminary jumbled thoughts that I have. I want to say congratulations to Miami- you played a heck of a game. Off we go:

-Very, very disappointed with Mickey Andrews and the defense.

- Ochuco Jenije looks completely scared and intimidated out there playing boundary corner opposite of Patrick Robinson. And we will return to this, but why in the world is he returning punts? I also was very disappointed in Patrick Robinson. The guy is supposed to be all world, but he had a few mishaps that were very costing. Take a good angle and make a sure tackle and we would have had a huge stop on a third down. Anyway, not worried about him in the long run.

- Korey Mangum (although a Texas Native) has me bumfuzzled as to how he received a scholarship and the coaches have me even more bumfuzzled as to why you would move a senior corner back to play free safety. It just doesn't add up.

- We had absolutely zero pass rush last night. We are completely undersized on the interior of the defensive line. I am putting a lot of faith in the 5 star billing of Jacoby McDaniel and hope he proves that an undersized defensive tackle can produce. I would also like to see Moses McCray step his game up a little bit. Odell Haggins has to take some responsibility here. Do us a favor and don't take another 5 years off before you decide to recruit a d-linemen that is worth a damn.

-Craig Yarbourough? Very nice story. In case you missed it, he went to TCC for two years from 06-07. Yes, Tallahassee Community College. He then transfers, walks on, redshirts, and STARTS and PLAYS significant minutes in the tone-setting game of the season. Look, I am all in favor of the "Rudy" moments, and he played hard, but lets save these emo moments for next week against Jacksonville State. We are supposed to have two young studs in Toshmon Stevens and Everette Dawkins and they see very limited action? Jody Allen- how do you have a job? I have a vision of you ending up at Northern Alabama in the future with the other Florida State Outcasts.

-Jody Allen. Jody Allen. Our beloved "Special Teams Coordinator". Let me save the suspense- they ain't very special. Somebody, anybody, PLEASE explain our punt formation. WHY? This fucking gimmick shit has to go. If you wanted to run a fake punt, how could you possibly do it out of this formation? I realize that this formation is supposed to allow for the rugby style punt, but we didn't do that. I get terrified every time we snap it and let the 3 guys run full speed into the wall 4 feet in front of the punter. Our kick coverage was awful. Terrible. Craig Cooper ran wild on us on kick offs. Dustin Hopkins- very proud of you. And I am quite confident that Jody Allen doesn't have much to do with your kicking abilities. With the exception of your mistimed extra point, very pleased. Greg Reid- great job returning the ball. You're a little spark plug. Soon, you will be renamed to Greg F. Reid. One smart thing Coach Allen did (it probably wasn't his idea) was move Greg F. Reid to the up man on the kick off so that someone other than a bumbling, fumbling walk on would get the squib kick. Once again, our special teams weren't very special.

-Greg F. Reid. The guy is a player. 3 solo tackles, an intercept as Coach Mickey Andrews calls it, a forced interception where he almost took Jacory Harris' arm off, and great kick returns. Why he isn't returning punts for Jenije is beyond me. My favorite thing about him was that he said after the game that on his interception he was out of place and missed an assignment. This is beautiful. We need more of this. Someone with a knack for the football going to make a play even if it means he may or may not be out of position. Play with instinct sometimes fellas. Greg F. Reid has the ability to do this. Expect him to start in the base defense this weekend. Really excited about this kid's future.

-This next observation has me a little perplexed. The 1-5-5 defense. One down lineman, 5 backers, 5 defensive backs. Supposedly Coach Andrews got this idea from Bill Belichick, the mad genius himself. I really don't know what to think about this and therefore don't have much to say. It was really weird. I need to see this formation a few more times to develop an opinion, but I sure do miss the days when we could line up in a base 4-3 and apply pressure and play man coverage and not give up 17 big plays a game. Stay tuned on the 1-5-5 also known as The Prowler. Great name by the way.

-Christian Ponder. Really, really pleased. I think he really only made two mistakes. One on the option that was run with 23 seconds left and the other just throwing it low and late to Jarmon on the last play, but I am NOT going to dwell on these. He has confidence. He has a calmness about him that, quite frankly, hasn't been present in a Nole signal caller in recent memory- probably not since the Weinke. You could call the interception before the half a mistake, but I don't consider it one. He was late on the throw, but not gonna dwell on this one too much. He also threw some great balls that could have sealed the game. The one to Jarmon at the corner of the pylon was a perfectly thrown ball that could have put the game away early in the 4th quarter. I thought CP was very accurate and very collected in the pocket- he wasn't looking to bail like he did at times last year. He trusted his pocket and made some great throws.

-A few quick thoughts on Jarmon Fortson. I really truly believe that he will be a dominant receiver before his time at Florida State is done. Everything you hear about him is that he is at times unstoppable in practice and we are just awaiting to see it in the game. Last night he had some drops, but I'm not too worried. I think Jimbo showed great confidence in him and showed everyone that he is our main receiver by going to him constantly when the game is on the line. Keep your head up Jarmon. Learn from this.

-I surprisingly thought the officials were very good. There were a few holding calls that I thought were missed, but that's going to occur every game. It did look to me that there was one or two seconds left after the last play (see above), but other than that, thought it was a very well, balanced, and fairly officiated performance.

-Trick Daddy's Unit. Incredible how good the pass pro was. With the exception of a holding call on Ryan McMahon and the sack given up by Zebrie Sanders that caused a fumble, the offensive line did a really good job. I am a little concerned about the lack of a running game as I thought this would be our decisive advantage over the Hurricanes. The 4th quarter showed we have the ability to do it, and I truly believe we will be a great running team this season. If the running game clicks with this passing game, we will have a salty offense folks.

-Not a huge fan of "The Pistol" offense, but it worked out okay. Bottom line, I really feel comfortable with Jimbo's offense so I will put my trust in him on this one. If he likes it, I can live with it. One thing I did not like though was our option plays. I really don't think we are a generic option running team out of the traditional I-formation. But once again, I trust Jimbo. At first glance last night I was furious at the option call from the 4 with 23 tics left, but after reviewing the game, it was there. Carlton "Ty" Jones walks into end zone untouched if the pitch is made. One of the few mistakes on Ponder's part. Ty Jones is a hard runner and I look forward to his continuous development. Jermain Thomas didn't look like the JT of last year. Also look forward to seeing some of J. Pressley, Lonnie Pryor, and Chris Thompson. The running backs also were great blockers last night.

-The Doak looked rocking last night. There were probably around 1,000 empty seats but that's understandable due to the economic climate and the Monday night game. Crowd did a great job of being loud. I just hope Seminole Nation doesn't give up on this team and start giving half ass attendance the rest of the year just because one ball didn't fall our way.

-It's time to give Jimbo the decision making on the defensive staff. He has shown that his offense is there. We looked leaps and bounds better than we EVER looked under Jeff Bowden last night. Bobby, I want you to stay on as long as you want, but let Jimbo decide who is going to coach his defense. Mickey is a great Seminole and the program wouldn't be where it is without him, but he has lost his touch. We haven't recruited well on that side of the ball in a few years and it is showing. Maybe some new blood and some new schemes would go a long way to bringing back the Seminole Defense.

-Overall, pleased with the linebackers. Dekoda could have won the game with the sack on Harris on third down if he could have hold on, but give credit to Jacory on that one. Nigel Bradham is a beast. Kendall Smith was surprisingly quiet last night-maybe because he changed his number to 29 and I kept looking for 41 out there. And once again defensive staff, why is Smith playing corner back after a timeout? How does that happen? He gets burned by Cooper for the td. I just don't understand. I am not too worried about this position. We have a lot of talent here with more coming in next year.

-I felt it at the time, and it came to fruition. The burned time out to call the two-point play after the caused interception by Greg F. Reid and the ensuing return for the touchdown by Markus White (another relatively silent performance that bothered me) hurt in the end. I hate using time-outs for stuff like this. Jimbo should already have the two point play ready that he wants knowing that we will have to go for two at some point. No need to waste a time out there in my opinion.

-Now to clock management. There are a lot of people out there blaming this loss on clock management. I understand this point of view but don't agree with it. Yes, the clock management could have been significantly better, but so could have a lot of things. If we had kept the other time out you can call a run at the end of the game instead of throwing it three times from the 2, but we didn't have it. The one huge "what the hell" that happened was when Jimbo called CP7 to the sideline in between plays with the clock running. Yes, we could have had better clock management, but also, we had 2 chances to score in the last series with the Ty Jones ghost option pitch and Jarmon and Christian's execution on the last play.

-With the exception of a few routes that seemed to be cut short, I was very pleased with our receiver by committee. All of the "experts" said we don't have any stars at the wide out position, and they might be right, but we sure do have 7 or 8 capable receivers on our squad that are going to produce. Really happy to see Taiwan Easterling out there after a brutal Achilles injury in the off season. Really excited about this group as a whole. Also, great blocking by this group the entire game.

-The Tight End! For the second game in a row (going back to the bowl game) a tight end has caught a touchdown pass! I am not sure that has happened in the last 10 years- 2 games in a row with a tight end touchdown. My only complain is we didn't throw to Caz, Jabarris, or Beau enough. Get them the ball. They present a mismatch with their size and hands. They also have shown to be solid blockers. Really pleased with the tight end. Did we even have a tight end with Jeffey calling the plays?

These have just been some preliminary thoughts to last night's game after 2 viewings. I am sure I am missing some observations and maybe have some over-the-top observations that probably weren't as bad as I thought. Anyway, it sure was a game to remember. An Instant Classic. Once again, I'd like to congratulate the Miami team for a hell of a game.

I went to bed around 3:30 last night and slept until about 5:00. When I woke up, I didn't feel like I got punched in the stomach like I did when I had gone to bed- I felt like life was over. It was the most empty feeling I have felt in a long, long time. I then thought about the next course of action, and it was easy to see that I just needed to stick behind these guys. Your true character reveals itself in times of adversity. And like Rocky Balboa says- it ain't about how hard you hit, it's about how hard you can get hit and keep moving forward- about how much you can take and keep moving forward. I have no doubt that we will keep moving forward. I am hurting right now, but this hurt will relieve itself later on down the line. I cannot wait to get back on the field Saturday evening against Jacksonville St. This team is the most important thing in my life, and I'll be damned if one loss makes that waver. I'll be here through the tough times. It is these tough times that make the good times even more worth while. Everyone Bleeds Garnet and Pisses Gold.

Go Noles.

-A Safety in Football

To The Noles

Let me tell you something you already know. This World ain't all sunshine and rainbows. It's a very mean and nasty place, and I don't care how tough you are - it will beat you to your knees and keep you there permanently if you let it. You, Me, or Nobody is going to hit as hard as life. But it ain't about how hard you hit. IT'S ABOUT HOW HARD YOU CAN GET HIT AND KEEP MOVING FORWARD- HOW MUCH YOU CAN TAKE AND KEEP MOVING FORWARD. THAT'S HOW WINNING IS DONE. Now, if you know what you're worth, then go out and get what you're worth- but, you've got to be willing to take the hits. And not pointing fingers saying you ain't where you want to be because of him, or her, or anybody. Cowards do that, AND THAT AIN'T YOU. You're better than that.

I'm always going to love you no matter what. No matter what happens. You're my team. You're my blood. You're the best thing in my life. But, until you start believing in yourself, we ain't going to have a life. Now go out there and beat Miami. DO IT!

Everyone Bleeds Garnet and Pisses Gold.

A MESSAGE FROM ROCKY BALBOA

To beat us (Noles), they're (Miami) going to have to kill us (Miami). And to do that, they're (Miami) going to have to be willing to die themselves (Miami). We (Noles) don't know if they're (Miami) ready to do that.



GO FUCKING NOLES

Why I hate Michigan

My conscience dictates that I bear no hatred for a person or aggregate of people no matter how whiny, annoying, misguided or man-boobish they may be. Ideas are different, though. The truth demands revulsion at ideas that lead souls from her path. My hatred of the Meatchickens, then, must be grounded in the realm of ideas, not personalities.

On the surface, their football program appears to have much in common with the Blessed Mother’s University’s own. They are both ancient midwestern powers, at least by the temporal standards by which college football can be measured. Midwestern roots tend to flourish best in the rugged soil of a punishing ground attack. Both schools are competitive universities, drawing a relatively similar student body, at least in the ways that the many measure such things. The Michiganers fancy that they have a respectable national following. If it were true, that would be another similarity.

These superficial points of confluence, however, only heighten the essential dissonance between the schools, and the irreconcilable philosophies that guide each football program. EdMartinigan clings to an empty, deracinated philosophy of education. There is no Good; there are only subjective goods, many of which must be respected as equal idols. Education is an end unto itself, to be used to whatever purpose the customer may wish to apply it.

Notice well how they have no compunction about using their athletes as kinesiological pieces of meat, tools of profit for the greater institution. Notice the size of the school and the emphasis on research at the expense of the undergrad’s quest for wisdom and understanding. Concern for their reputation alone sets their path, straining to seem excellent rather than truly to be excellent, the aim of the sophist. Also note well how quickly they deride any mention of religious themes when mixed with athletic competition by their southron rival. The intellectual must be kept alienated from the spiritual and both from the physical, as if any person actually exists that way. In short, the University of RichardToddBranchigan has swallowed every error modernity has ever spewed into the wheels of human history. They cling desperately to these fallacies, believing that their obstinacy makes them valiant and will lead to victory, and ridiculing any with a wisdom that surpasses their own.

The yawning chasm separating this bastion of hubris from the University of Notre Dame cannot be plumbed, even if one could measure the distance between the east and the west. At Notre Dame, the soul is gently nurtured in the understanding that all things seek but one ultimate Truth, that every endeavor under the sun only finds fullness to the degree that it furthers that pursuit. Excellence in all things becomes the goal prized by worthy and dignified creatures. They are obligated to pursue it in all they do, with all of their faculties. There is a unity in life, with a single focal point that will consummate every part, transforming them into living stones. Athletes are not merely athletes. Students are not merely students. All must share in the essential life of the school, never used simply as an object.

This is why my heart leaps every time I see Notre Dame’s warrior-poets take the field, golden domes flashing in the sun. They embody the spirit of the agon, an all-encompassing pursuit of excellence alien to Ann Arbor, a wrestling with personal weakness to yield to transcendent strength. Her warriors are a visceral reminder of that very mystical body, every part dignified and fulfilled in its unique and blessed toil for the common good.

Notre Dame

SOUTH BEND, IN—During Wednesday's afternoon practice, 17-year-old Brian Novak, a 145-pound walk-on for the struggling Notre Dame football team, injured nine starters, including third-year quarterback Jimmy Clausen, junior wide receiver Golden Tate, and 295-pound defensive lineman Ian Williams.

Novak, who had virtually no organized football experience prior to joining the Division I team, has injured a total of 24 players since his arrival in South Bend, prompting many to question whether or not the Fighting Irish have another disappointing season in store.

"I'm not really that fast or strong or anything," said Novak, adding that of his friends back home he's "not even close" to being the best football player. "But during my first practice with the team I was playing linebacker—or it might have been defensive end—and I got past the big blocker guys no problem, then somehow broke [starting halfback] Armando Allen's leg with a tackle. That's the first tackle I've ever attempted in my life."

"I'm not trying to hurt them or anything, but in general I would say everyone here is a lot slower and weaker than I thought they'd be," Novak added. "I can only bench-press about 90 pounds, but all the players gather around to watch me lift."

According to members of the coaching staff, the former high school yearbook editor is by far the team's most athletic player, despite Novak's inability to do more than two pull-ups or jog a mile without walking. During an intrasquad scrimmage last Sunday, he recorded eight interceptions, rushed for 225 yards, and ruptured the Achilles tendon of safety Sergio Brown with what appeared to be a fairly slow-moving, awkward juke move.

"When I play with these guys I feel like I did when I was a camp counselor playing dodgeball with my campers," said the 5-foot-7 Novak, whose athletic resume consists of two weeks on his high school lacrosse team. "I can pretty much overpower anyone, anytime. It's really fun, but I'm not actually learning anything about football."

Though he reportedly promised Notre Dame's head coach Charlie Weis he would "take it easy" on the rest of the team until the season opener, Novak broke the arm of 302-pound center Dan Wenger during tackling drills last Monday, and fractured starting linebacker Brian Smith's skull on a 14-yard touchdown run in which Novak dragged Smith 10 yards into the end zone.
While Novak went 0-4 in field goal attempts during Sunday's scrimmage, he was the only Notre Dame kicker to get the football up into the air.

"He's really powerful and fast," 255-pound defensive end John Ryan said of Novak."I'm glad he's on our team because looking at the guys we have, he's our only hope if we want to beat USC, Nevada, or really anybody."

"He's a much better leader than Jimmy [Clausen], that's for sure," Ryan added. "Better quarterback, too."

Recently, Novak has even been spotted giving coach Weis several tips about his strategy and tactics.

"Until Brian, I never thought about how establishing the run could create opportunities for us downfield," said Weis, who has led the Irish to 15 losses in their last two seasons. "Novak was telling me about something called a 'fake handoff,' which is like this fake run thing, but then you pass it. I would assume that's illegal, but he's proven himself to be an amazing football player, so I trust him."

According to Novak, when he committed to Notre Dame, he had no intention of walking onto the football team, being more interested in the school's theater group. But when assistant head coach Rob Ianello saw the freshman tossing a football around campus, he knew instantly that Novak would be a valuable addition.

"He was catching the ball," Ianello said. "Like, actually catching it."

Despite the team's recent injuries, and the fact that its best player is admittedly "really terrible" at football, former Notre Dame head coach and college football analyst Lou Holtz still predicted the Fighting Irish would go 12-0 this season and win the BCS championship.

Welcome to another season of Notre Dame football

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