BBCF: Irish Illustrated

[Johnny93g]

I decided the best way for me to get into this game was to start a dynasty. I didn’t really touch the last version of the demo, because I can’t get into something I know I can’t continue. I read that save games with this version of the demo can be continued with the retail version. So I’m getting started. So far, it’s been worth the wait, and I haven’t even played a game. Just from reading everyone’s comment’s, seeing what I have from the demo, Arlie has done a wonderful job. I applaud his efforts and his patience. It was well worth it.

I’ve decided to take over my favorite team….. It is very appealing to start at a small school, and try to earn that job, but I decided to take the easy route. I am John Williams, Head football coach of the most storied college football team in the land, the Fighting Irish of Notre Dame

Now, I present, Irish Illustrated!!!!

[Johnny93g]

Training Camp

Week 1

I am John Williams, I am 35 years old. I’ve been coaching college football for 9 years now. I spent 4 years as a QB coach at Indiana University. I then became the offensive coordinator for Steve Spurrier and the South Carolina Gamecocks. That only lasted 1 year though, as Spurrier gave me no freedom at all!!!!.....Notre Dame came calling, and I’ve spent the last 4 years as the offensive coordinator at my dream school. Charlie Weiss went back to the pros this off-season, and I've been hired to replace him. So let’s get this thing started.

I look at my roster to get a quick look at the hand I’ve been dealt. I immediately notice we have poor depth at QB and RB…Lucky for us we have 2 outstanding junior starters at each position….more on them later. I’m suppose to be evaluating the whole team here……Our offensive line is clearly our weakest link. Our secondary is the strength of the defense. I think we lack senior leadership. The majority of the talent is in the form of underclassman, which bodes well for the future…..

The Alumni say a finish no worse the 15th in the country is expected. We are projected to finish the upcoming season 1st among the independents. Big surprise! We have 18 seniors, and 23 freshmen.

My First responsibility is to set the Football budget for the upcoming season. This includes setting recruiting allocations for each scouting region and position, staff funding, medical funding, conditioning, Academics (tutors), and in season scouting. Our total budget stands at $2,150,000. That seems like a lot; hopefully it is, after all, this is Notre Dame. I propose the following budget to Mr. Kendal Culbreath, the schools Athletic director

• I set recruiting regions at $45,000 each, except for the west, which I leave at $30,000.
• QB, O Line, and D Line receive the maximum $50,000 allocations, while WR/TE, and special teams receive the minimum $20,000
• Medical Staff gets $85,000, while academics and conditioning will make do with $70,000 each
• Each division of scouting receives $60,000 apiece
• I decide to hire Football Finder’s as our scouting service. FF specializes in the Midwest. The service is considered very well, and costs $110,000.

With those decisions made, its time to move onto to next week

[Johnny93g]

Week 2:

This is the week I need to decide on our offensive and defensive philosophies……This would be a good place to discuss some key members of the team……1st, the offence

• QB, Jamaal Nichols, JR……Jamaal is currently a 4/5……His passing skills are off the charts good…..Accuracy, touch, arm strength, instincts, intelligence and work ethic are all good enough to make him a Heisman candidate this season. He isn’t very mobile, but I don’t care, I don’t want him to scramble, I want him to sit in the pocket, and unload

• RB, Zach Woodall, JR….Zach is currently a 4/5…….Zach can carry the ball 30+ times a game if need be. He might make a boneheaded play every now and then, but scouts think, and I quote, that Zach’s ability to run inside could be legendary, he will make plays others only dream of!!!

• FB, Daunte Manders, JR…..Daunte is currently a 4.5/5……I love a great fullback…..it’s like a secret weapon out there that the opponent never gives enough attention to. Daunte is a great fullback. He has speed, hands, smarts, strength. An all around fullback. If I use him correctly, Daunte could be a All-American

• WR, Blake Mankins, FR…..Blake is currently a 3/5……Blake will play as a true freshman. He has blazing speed, good hands, and a work ethic needed to become great. He needs to improve his strength, but I'm sure that will come with age

• WR, Morten Donnalley, SO…..Morten is currently a 3.5/5……Morton has some of the best instincts I’ve ever seen at this level (99)….His return skills will make him valuable on special teams. It’s too bad his instincts don’t translate in practice, as his work ethic is pathetic

• Other offensive standouts: RB Blake Demaree (FR, 2.5/4.5), WR KaRon Ridlehuber (JR, 3.5/5), TE Boyce Neubert (JR, 2.5/5), OG Arlie Burke (SR, 4.5/4.5), OG Wes Minardi (FR, 2/5)

Now for the defense

• DE, Trey Soriano, SR….Trey is currently a 5/5…..Trey is the best pass rusher in college football. He will face double and even triple teams all year. Trey is the defensive captain, and I’m hoping his leadership rubs off on the freshmen

• OLB, Deltha McGarity, SR…..Deltha is currently a 4/4…..Deltha is a tackling machine….He knows where to go and the field, and rarely misses a tackle. He doesn’t make mental mistakes, and will lead the team in tackles.

• CB, Chidi Carr, SR…….Chidi is currently a 4.5/4.5……Chidi has a wonderful combination of smarts and speed. His physical talent overcomes what some may call a problem concentrating. His instincts are usually right on, but his understanding of assignments may stop him from making the next level….Excellent kick returner

• Other defensive standouts: DE Donnie Lawrence (JR, 3/4.5), ILB, Lethon Hayman (JR, 3/4.5), CB Gifford Goodwin (JR, 4/4.5), FS Louis Gillom (SO, 3/5), P Kalimba Tolver( SR, 4.5/4.5)

This team defiantly has talent, and most of it will be returning next season. So in terms of National championship hopes, next year maybe the one to target. Our offensive coordinator, 56 year old Jaamal Heap, from Duke, wants to run a vertical passing attack…..which is a problem. I want to use the I-form as our main formation, and that is penalized in a vertical passing offense…..This season, we will try a balanced attack offense, which gives bonus to plays run out of the I-form…..

Defensive coordinator, Purdue grad Jean Richter, is on borrowed time. I think he’s awful at his job, and he’s a Purdue grad. Unless he can get the D into the top 10, I don’t see Mr. Richter returning to the coaching staff next season. Jean wants to run a 4-3, but we have some horrible DT’s. I don’t think a 4-3 will work for this team. I decide on using a 3-4. Our depth at LB is much better then DT….

Time to move onto week 3….

[Johnny93g]

Week 3-5:

This is where we begin to round out our schedule. I want Notre Dame to have the toughest schedule year in and year out. I get no enjoyment out off beating cream puffs, and to challenge for national championships, we need to take on the best. I want my kids to know their gonna play in some meaningful games.

Right now, we are scheduled to take on Michigan St., Michigan, USC, Navy, Army, Temple, Purdue, and Boston College. This leaves 4 open slots.

• I challenge Florida St to a home and home series
• I request a home game vs. BYU
• I ask Wisconsin if they would consider hosting the Irish
• We discuss a home and home series with Tennessee

Tennessee, BYU, and Florida St accept our requests. Wisconsin isn’t interested in hosting a non-conference game in the middle of the Big 10 season

• We invite Mississippi St to South Bend in week 9

Mississippi St accepts our invitation, and our 2005 schedule is complete

Week 1: at #24 Michigan State
Week 2: vs. #9 Florida St
Week 3: BYE
Week 4: vs. #1 Michigan
Week 5: vs. #10 USC
Week 6: at Navy
Week 7: at Army
Week 8: vs. Temple
Week 9: at # Purdue
Week 10: vs. Miss St
Week 11: vs. BYU
Week 12: BYE
Week 13: at Tennessee
Week 14: BYE
Week 15: at #15 Boston College

Onto week 6....

[Wolfpack]

Damn, those opening weeks are just going to be brutal. Four Top 25 teams and, rankings-wise, the first one is the easiest. If you can get through that, the rest of the season should be a breeze.

[vex]

[kingfc22]

I can't wait for the Godzilla Blitz version.

[Johnny93g]

Week 6:
Redshirts. Players never like to hear they have to sit out a season, but it is a necessary evil. This is the week I need to make these tough choices. I can always remove a redshirt during the season, but the chances of doing that are extremely slim.

The following players will be redshirted for the 2005 season
• QB Lennox Kochman, FR 1/3.5
• QB Laurence Nagler, SO 2/3.5
• WR Blake Mankins, FR 3/5 (I decided our depth at WR is good enough to survive without Mankins, might as well get him an extra year of eligibility)
• OT Ja’Waren Moriarty, FR 1/4.5
• OT Lovett Biekert, FR, 1/4.5
• OG Wes Minardi, FR 2/5
• DE Quinn Ulbrich, FR 1/3.5
• ILB Chesley Tippett, FR 1.5/4
• CB Casey Justin, FR 1.0/4.0

I can’t redshirt more then 1 WR, because I guess I need 6 on the active roster. And I can’t redshirt my extra punter, because I guess you need at least 2 on the active roster. I’ll lose a year of eligibility for my junior punter. He’s a 4 star guy, but wont see a snap cuz I also have a 4.5 star punter whose better then him….actually, who really cares…we’re talking punters here!!!!...whatever…..

onto the Regular season

[Johnny93g]

Regular Season

Week 1:

My first duty of the regular season is to check for injuries……There are none……

I now have to allocate extra study hours to the guys who are struggling in the class room. I get 87 total hours for the season. 14 players are eligible for this, including 6 starters. Most of the hours will go to my starters. Hey, winning is important!!!

• Our starting CB Gifford Goodwin, receives the most hours this quarter, with 4
• I used 23 total hours, reducing the amount remaining to 63

I now am supposed to set game plans and strategies for my upcoming opponent. I pretty much skip these steps, because I will be coaching the games myself.

The Initial Media Top 25 has been announced. The top 10 look like this:

1. Michigan
2. Miami
3. Florida
4. Purdue
5. Ohio St
6. Georgia
7. Oklahoma
8. Wisconsin
9. Florida St
10. USC
17. Notre Dame

Onto to gameday

[Johnny93g]

vs.

#17 Notre Dame Fighting Irish vs. #24 Michigan State Spartans

Live from Spartan Stadium in East Lansing, Mi

Today’s Key matchup is ND QB Jamaal Nichols against MSU’s secondary
Notre Dame is favored by 14

1st quarter

• The Spartans score on their 1st drive, converting a 4th down for a touchdown…11 plays/66 yards…7-0 MSU
• Our first drive goes 3 and out
• Michigan St misses a FG on their next possession
• On a 3rd and long, Jamaal Reynolds hits Morten Donnalley for a 42 yard touchdown….7-7 tie

2nd quarter

• Morten Donnelley makes his 2nd catch of the game, in the endzone, to give Notre Dame a 14-7 lead
• State return man Garry Mularkey returns a punt 84 yards for a TD….14-14
• Our next drive stalls at the 4……we settle for a 23 yard field goal….17-14 Notre Dame
• MSU safety Holcombe forces the first turnover of the season, intercepting a Jamaal Nichols pass
• The Spartans run the 2 minute drill to perfection……resulting in a TD…and 21-17 lead at the half

3rd Quarter

• 3rd play of the half, Nichols freezes the D with a play action fake, and hits KaRon Ridlehuber in stride, for a 75 yard TD….24-21 ND
• ND starting CB Goodwin leaves the game with a groin injury
• MSU answers right back with a drive highlighted by a 49 yard reception by TE Mickey Baker…….28-24 MSU
• With 2:34 remaining in the 3rd quarter, ND has a 4th and 3 from the MSU 4 yard line….down by 4, I decide to take the risk and go for it
• Zach Woodall gains 1 yard, and the ball is turned over at the 3

4th quarter

• Nichols throws his 2nd interception of the game early in the quarter
• ND LB Lethon Hayman picks off the next MSU pass, and the Irish are back in business
• Another 4th and goal decision….this time I kick the field goal…28-27 MSU
• Chidi Carr intercepts MSU backup QB McCormick, giving the Irish possession at mid field, with 7 minutes left
• MSU forces a punt, and we get the ball back with 1:12 remaining, down by 1
• On 3rd and long, Morten Donnalley makes a play, gaining 33 yards to the MSU 46, and stepping out of bounds…all 3 timeouts remain
• On 3rd down, Nichols is sacked at the 43; we are forced to use our final timeout. I hope there’s a hail marry play
• Nichols dumps it off, and the game ends….Looks like I cost the team the game with that 4th down gamble.

Final: Michigan St 28, Notre Dame 27

[Johnny93g]

Until I figure out how to post Box scores in a readable manner, ill just post screenshots

[Johnny93g]

Week 2

That was a extremely tough loss…..Obviously, my decision to go for a 4th and 3 from the 4 yard line turned out to be a mistake. It’s my first game, but im sure the critics will have a field day with me after this loss…..Zach Woodall fumbled 3 times….fortunatly, he recovered each one, but each play resulted in a loss….not good…..

I will give a game ball out after each game, win or lose.

Week 1 game ball:

WR Morten Donnelley

Morten Donnelley caught 8 passes, for 120 yards. 2 of those catches went to the endzone. He made some big plays, he ran good routes, and deserves this honour

Injury report
Only 1 player will be out of action against Florida St
DT Volney Etcheverry is listed as doubtfull, with a strained acl. 4-6 weeks

We have decided to make 1 lineup change for Florida St.
• SO OT Jacquez Brammer allowed 3 sacks last week
• SR Champ Pear will start in the RT position this week

[Johnny93g]

vs.
#9 Florida State Seminoles vs. Notre Dame Fighting Irish
Live from Notre Dame Stadium, in South Bend, In
Today's Key Matchup: The Florida St secondary vs. ND WR Morten Donnelley
Notre Dame is favoured by 21

1st quarter

• Zach Woodall fumbles on the 2nd play of the game…FSU recovers at our 19
• FSU RB Tayo Watkins turns the TO into 7…7-0
• Woodall makes up for his blunder, accounting for 51 yards, and a TD on the next drive…7-7
• Champ Pear leaves the game, and is unlikely to return with a hip injury…damn!!!!

2nd quarter

• Jamal Nichols throws 7 straight incompletion's during 2 drives…we settle for a 50 yard field goal…10-7
• UGH…KaRon Ridlehuber fumbles away a good looking drive…FSU takes over at mid-field…we stop them
• FSU QB Rashean Corbet hurts is foot, and is lost for the game
• Jamaal Nichols, sacked for the 1,000,000th time today, hurts his thumb, and is out for the game
• Rodrick Suhey, a 3.5/3.5 SR takes over
• FSU ties the game with a last second field goal…10-10 at the half

3rd Quarter

• Starting C Garry Stabler hurt his clavicle, and will not return….a thin O-line is getting thinner
• We fail to get in the endzone again after 3 goal line plays….I'm starting to see a pattern here…..field goal would have given us a 13-10 lead, but our kicker shanked it….ugh…..
• FSU shows us how to kick a short FG….13-10 FSU
• Woodall fumbles again…this time, FSU returns it 76 yards for a TD…20-10…..i’m throwing a fit on the sidelines

4th Quarter

• A sack drives us out of FG range….I attempt the 55 yarder anyway…wide left
• SS Germaine Winans gives us some life….intercepting a pass in FSU territory…a great chance to cut into the lead
• K Dockery connects on a 51 yard FG….20-13 FSU
• FSU puts us away with a long drive…27-13

Final: Notre Dame 13, FSU 27
We suck!!!!

[Johnny93g]

[Johnny93g]

Week 3
We lost this game because we couldn’t pass the ball, we lost our QB, and we turned the ball over way to many times. We also seem to have a lot of trouble in the red zone. Our offensive line is playing awful.
Jacquez Brammer allowed another 2 sacks; we need to find a solution for RT soon!!!! I was worried about a healthy offensive line, but it looks like 3 of the 5 starters will miss our next game. Florida St was very opportunistic. They made plays on both sides of the ball, and deserved this game. We have 2 weeks to get ready to host #2 Michigan. Hopefully the bye will help us.

Week 3 game ball:

OG Arlie Burke
He’s the only player who didn’t make a mistake…2 key run blocks, 2 pancakes, 0 sacks allowed

Accademic suspensions have been handed out
• TE Seth Tauscher
• OLB Devone Gragg
• CB Gifford Goodwin

2 starters, which hurts alot…This team doesn’t need anymore bad news right now

[Johnny93g]

Sense we have no game this week, heres the Top 10 results:

#6 Florida St 31, UConn 14
#1 Miami 38, Indiana 17
#8 Iowa 45, Tulane 21
#2 Michigan 38, Wake Forest 16
#4 USC 46, Houston 17
#3 Georgia 24, East Carolina 10
#10 Ole Miss 27, Temple 13
#9 Ohio St 54, Syracuse 20
#5 LSU 44, Miami(oh) 21
#7 Washington St 42, Toledo 14
#6 Auburn 24, Louisiana-Laf 7

If anyone wants me to give updates on another team, let me know, i'll be happy too

[Johnny93g]

Week 4

The only news this week is the injury list:

• QB Jamaal Nichols is recovering from an injury to his Thumb (Torn Tendon). He seems to be progressing well and we recommend playing him this week…..HE WILL START

• FB Daunte Manders is struggling with an injury to his Nose (Deviated Septum). He is able to play this weekend, but I don't think he would be anywhere close to 100%. The smart move would be to let him sit and check again next week……WILL NOT PLAY

• OT Ovie Hernandez is struggling with an injury to his Foot (Complete Ligament Tear). He is able to play this weekend, but I don't think he would be anywhere close to 100%. The smart move would be to let him sit and check again next week……WILL NOT PLAY

• OT Champ Pear is struggling with an injury to his Pelvis/Hip (Inflammation). He is able to play this weekend, but I don't think he would be anywhere close to 100%. The smart move would be to let him sit and check again next week……WILL NOT PLAY

• C Garry Stabler is struggling with an injury to his Clavicle (Dislocation). He is able to play this weekend, but I don't think he would be anywhere close to 100%. The smart move would be to let him sit and check again next week……WILL NOT PLAY

• DT Volney Etcheverry is saddled with an injury to his Knee (Strained ACL). His performance would certainly suffer if you played him so we recommend letting have a little more time to get back closer to 100%........NOT CLOSE TO PLAYING

• SS Allan Cobb is struggling with an injury to his Knee (Tendonitis). He is able to play this weekend, but I don't think he would be anywhere close to 100%. The smart move would be to let him sit and check again next week……WILL NOT PLAY


Out offensive line is going to be crushed, I know it!!!!

[MizzouRah]

Nice to see these popping up. Tough losses indeed, but it's not like you're getting smoked by top teams or anything. Good luck against Michigan.

[Johnny93g]

vs.
#2 Michigan Wolverines(2-0) vs. Notre Dame Fighting Irish(0-2)
Live from Notre Dame Stadium in South Bend, In
Today's key matchup: Michigan receiver Taco Knafelc(12 rec, 150 yards) vs. the Notre Dame Secondary(10th vs the pass)
Michigan is favoured by 26

1st quarter

• Each team goes 3 and out to start the game
• Morten Donnelley gets loose, and Nichols hits him for a 30 yard TD….just when I was getting worried about the passing game….7-0
• Nichols hurts his thumb on the next series…..we are in trouble
• Michigan attempts 4 goal line plays, and is stopped each time…Huge stand by the Irish defense

2nd Quarter

• With Rodrick Suhey in, Lomas Raiola gets away from his man….Suhey hits him in stride for a 75 yard touchdown!!!...14-0 Irish
• Michigan answers right back with a quick strike…..14-7
• Ridlehuber fumbles at the Michigan 20…Wolverines recover….we seem to have a problem holding onto footballs
• DE Donnie Lawrence forces a Michigan fumble….Chidi Carr recovers it for the Irish…great opportunity to add to the lead
• Field goal makes it 17-7 at the half

3rd Quarter

• Michigan looks unstoppable on a 10 play/ 80 td drive to open the half…17-14
• Suhey is picked off on the next possession……Suhey has intelligence of 99, but he is making some stupid passes
• And just like that, its 21-17 Michigan
• Another pass, another interception
• 52 yard field goal makes it 24-17 Michigan

4th Quarter

• Suhey makes a few plays, as does KaRon Ridlehuber, including an 11 yard TD pass….24-24
• Each team goes 3 and out twice……making our possession with just 6:57 remaining very important
• We go 3 and out….GRRR…I want to win a game!!!!...
• Safety Vaughn Montana must have heard me…he intercepts a Wolverine pass, and returns it 23 yards to the Michigan 37
• Sacked on 3rd down, which pushes us out of field goal position…very frustrating
• We pin them at the 4, with 2:27 remaining
• Michigan gets it to midfield, and is forced to punt…we get the ball on the 18 with 10 seconds left
• Suhey rolls out to the right and fires a long pass KaRon Ridlehuber, who makes the catch in stride, and beats the CB to the endzone….TOUCHDOWN!!!! IRISH WIN!!!! IRISH WIN!!!!!!!

Final: Notre Dame 31, Michigan 24

[Johnny93g]

[Johnny93g]

Originally Posted by MizzouRah

Nice to see these popping up. Tough losses indeed, but it's not like you're getting smoked by top teams or anything. Good luck against Michigan.

Ya know, i though we were clearly better then Michigan St, and deserved that win. I thought we were awful against FSU, and didnt deserve to be on the same field, and we were fairly even against Michigan, though i thought the Wolverines deserved to win. We are a top 25 team, i;m just not exactly sure where in that range we fall yet

[Coffee Warlord]

And the first BBCF dynasty where I am activey rooting against the team being controlled commences.

[Johnny93g]

Originally Posted by Coffee Warlord

And the first BBCF dynasty where I am activey rooting against the team being controlled commences.

and who are you rooting for, every team we play
I'll do my best to dissapoint you

[vex]

Originally Posted by Coffee Warlord

And the first BBCF dynasty where I am activey rooting against the team being controlled commences.

ditto

[vex]

Dola

And I'm still trying to figure out why the title of the thread says "Illustraded".

[Kodos]

Originally Posted by vexroid

Dola

And I'm still trying to figure out why the title of the thread says "Illustraded".

Johnny clearly is reaping the benefits of a Notre Dame educadion.

[Johnny93g]

Originally Posted by Kodos

Johnny clearly is reaping the benefits of a Notre Dame educadion.

Well played...it's fixed

[Johnny93g]

Week 5:

What a huge win. We were very close to falling to 0-3, but we beat the #2 team in the nation. The defense played very well, and Rodrick Suhey, who didn’t play great, got the job done. Winning with the backup QB says something, what, I don’t know yet…… Hopefully, we can continue this against USC. Our 3rd home game of the season.

Week 3 gameball:

WR KaRon Ridlehuber
KaRon caught 2 touchdown passes, and was 2 yards shy of 150 yards recieving. He scored the winning touchdown on the last play of the game

The greydog championship series polls were released this week. The top 10 looks like this
1. Miami (4-0)
2. LSU (4-0)
3. Georgia (3-0)
4. USC (3-0)
5. Auburn (4-0)
6. Florida St (3-0)
7. Ohio St (3-0)
8. Iowa (3-0)
9. Wash St (4-0)
10. Ole Miss (4-0)

This Week’s injury report:

• QB Jamaal Nichols will not be playing this week because of his Thumb (Torn Tendon). We are making good progress, though, so keep monitoring him over the next few weeks…..HE IS OUT 1-3 WEEKS

• FB Nate Grigsby is out a couple months with his Neck (Spinal Compression). We will do what we can to get him back into action as soon as possible, but we can't make any promises at this point……OUT 11-13 WEEKS

• FB Daunte Manders is trying to play through an injury to his Nose (Deviated Septum). He seems willing to give it a go, but we would recommend giving him another week to recover……WILL NOT PLAY

• OT Ovie Hernandez is struggling with an injury to his Foot (Complete Ligament Tear). He is able to play this weekend, but I don't think he would be anywhere close to 100%. The smart move would be to let him sit and check again next week…….WONT BE READY FOR A MONTH

• OT Champ Pear is struggling with an injury to his Pelvis/Hip (Inflammation). He is able to play this weekend, but I don't think he would be anywhere close to 100%. The smart move would be to let him sit and check again next week…….STILL A MONTH AWAY

• OG Elroy Harden is currently battling an injury to his Elbow (Bursitis). He is getting better and able to play, but you might want to sit him out one more week…….HE’S PROBABLE, AND WILL START

• C Garry Stabler is currently battling an injury to his Clavicle (Dislocation). He is getting better and able to play, but you might want to sit him out one more week…….GAME TIME DECISION, PROBABLY WONT PLAY

• DT Volney Etcheverry is trying to play through an injury to his Knee (Strained ACL). He seems willing to give it a go, but we would recommend giving him another week to recover…….WILL NOT PLAY

• OLB Deltha McGarity is struggling with an injury to his Forearm (Laceration). He is able to play this weekend, but I don't think he would be anywhere close to 100%. The smart move would be to let him sit and check again next week…….WILL NOT PLAY

• SS Allan Cobb is trying to play through an injury to his Knee (Tendonitis). He seems willing to give it a go, but we would recommend giving him another week to recover……..WILL NOT PLAY

6 starters are out, plus 2 more academically ineligible. Our depth is really being tested. We need Rodrick Suhey to play mistake free football, and Zach Woodall to hold onto the ball

Up next: #4 USC

[Johnny93g]

vs.
#4 Southern California Trojans(4-0) vs. Notre Dame Fighting Irish (1-2)
Live from Notre Dame Stadium in South Bend, In
Today’s Key Matchup: USC WR Noland Currie(21 rec, 270yards) vs. Notre Dame secondary (194.7 passing yards allowed)
USC is favoured by 4

1st Quarter

• Just a note, our QB’s seem to have a lot of difficulty completing screens……it’s very frustrating for a coach
• Woodall fumbles again…he recovers it, but i'm getting scared to run the ball with this guy
• The drive keeps going, and Zach Woodall runs it in from the 1….7-0
• USC stalls in the redzone, and settles for a field goal…7-3
• USC is running at will on me….we cant slow down the run at all
• They run for 80+ yards in the quarter

2nd Quarter

• Penalties force USC to move from 1st and goal at the 6, to 4th and goal from the 23…they hit the field goal….7-6
• Our offense stalls again…haven’t done anything sense the 1st drive
• Suhey throws an interception to the DT!!!!....he’s completed 3 of 13 passes
• Our D seems to be bending today, but it hasn’t been broken yet
• Starting guard LJ Darby will leave the game, other starter Harden already left the game….we are now playing 3rd stringers
• Riley Dockery connects on a 40 yard field goal….10-6, Irish
• USC QB Antwaan Chandois leaves the game. SR McQuivey replaces him
• 10-6 at the half

3rd Quarter

• KaRon Ridlehuber makes a 48 yard reception to start the half…we’re in business!!!!
• Suhey throws a screen to TE LG Dess…who sprints to the endzone…TOUCHDOWN ISRISH!!!!.....17-6
• USC settles for another field goal….not exactly Matt Leinart to Reggie Bush any more….17-9
• On 3rd and 7…Woodall runs a sweep…..breaks a tackle, spins…..now he’s one on one with a USC safety….Woodall beats him…TOUCHDOWN!!!!....IRISH…43 yard gain….24-9
• USC is getting desperate, they go for a 4th and 1 at mid-field……and fail…..we go 3 and out giving them the ball right back

4th Quarter

• Another FG for USC….24-12
• We take about 5 minutes off the clock running each and every play, finally punting, and putting USC deep in their territory…they have 8 minutes left
• USC takes a costly tripping penalty after entering the redzone…..moves them back to the 35
• They settle for their 5th Field goal of the game….24-15
• We go 3 and out, taking the clock to 2:28
• ND CB Ollie Gurode picks off McQuivey, to seal another impressive Notre Dame victory

Final: Notre Dame 24, USC 15

[Johnny93g]

[Johnny93g]

Week 6:

Another huge win in front of the home crowd. Another win against a top 5 team. Another win against a hated rival. I though the defense won this game. The bend but don’t break theory worked. USC kicked 5 field goals. Everyone knows if you can hold teams to field goals, instead of touchdowns, you have a great shot at winning. The patch work offensive line did a very good job, and even though I don’t think Rodrick Suhey played well at all, he made enough plays to win the game.

Week 5 Game ball:

RB Zach Woodall
Zach ran the ball 25 times, for 102 yards, and scored 2 touchdowns

This is another academic eligibility week
The following players have regained eligibility:
• TE Seth Tauscher (backup)
• CB Gifford Goodwin (starter)

Devone Gragg(starter) did not improve his grades enough, and remains academically ineligible
Joining Gragg on the sidelines:
• WR Gifford Wahlroos (backup)
• TE L.G. Dess (backup)

Dess caught a TD last week, but both these players are backup’s. This wont hurt the performance of the team

This week’s injury situation:

• QB Jamaal Nichols is saddled with an injury to his Thumb (Torn Tendon). His performance would certainly suffer if you played him so we recommend letting have a little more time to get back closer to 100%.....WILL NOT PLAY

• FB Nate Grigsby is out a couple months with his Neck (Spinal Compression). We will do what we can to get him back into action as soon as possible, but we can't make any promises at this point…..OUT 10-12 WEEKS

• FB Daunte Manders is trying to play through an injury to his Nose (Deviated Septum). He seems willing to give it a go, but we would recommend giving him another week to recover…….WILL NOT PLAY

• OT Ovie Hernandez is struggling with an injury to his Foot (Complete Ligament Tear). He is able to play this weekend, but I don't think he would be anywhere close to 100%. The smart move would be to let him sit and check again next week…..4 WEEKS AWAY

• OT Champ Pear is struggling with an injury to his Pelvis/Hip (Inflammation). He is able to play this weekend, but I don't think he would be anywhere close to 100%. The smart move would be to let him sit and check again next week……….4 WEEKS AWAY

• OG Elroy Harden is out for at least a month with his Elbow (Bursitis). You need to look at other options while we continue his rehab……..OUT PROBABLY 2 MONTHS

• OG L.J. Darby is struggling with an injury to his Sternum (Cracked). He is able to play this weekend, but I don't think he would be anywhere close to 100%. The smart move would be to let him sit and check again next week…….OUT 5-7 WEEKS

• C Garry Stabler is recovering from an injury to his Clavicle (Dislocation). He seems to be progressing well and we recommend playing him this week……PLAYING IT SAFE AND SITTING HIM

• DE Denard Rosenbach is trying to play through an injury to his Ankle (High Sprain). He seems willing to give it a go, but we would recommend giving him another week to recover……..WONT RUSH HIM…WONT PLAY

• DT Volney Etcheverry is recovering from an injury to his Knee (Strained ACL). He seems to be progressing well and we recommend playing him this week…….WILL BE IN THE LINEUP

• OLB Deltha McGarity is struggling with an injury to his Forearm (Laceration). He is able to play this weekend, but I don't think he would be anywhere close to 100%. The smart move would be to let him sit and check again next week……..WILL NOT PLAY

• CB Gino Gajan is recovering from an injury to his Toe (Infection). He seems to be progressing well and we recommend playing him this week…….WILL PLAY

• SS Allan Cobb is recovering from an injury to his Knee (Tendonitis). He seems to be progressing well and we recommend playing him this week…..WILL PLAY

We are without 6 starters again….but Navy isn’t exactly USC…still, we can’t afford to take anyone lightly.

[Johnny93g]

vs.
Notre Dame Fighting Irish (2-2) vs. Navy Midshipmen (1-4)
Live from Navy-Marine Stadium in Annapolis, MD
Today’s key matchup: Notre Dame’s secondary(ranked 6th against the pass), vs. Navy WR DeJhown Tennell (30 rec, 458 yards)
Notre Dame is favoured by 24

1st quarter

• Navy opens the game with a run up the middle...ND LB Ruff knocks the ball loose….Chidi Carr scoops it up, and goes 36 yards for a TD!!!!...7-0 ND
• Rodrick Suhey goes 7/8, for 44 yards on the next drive, including a TD pass to TE Neubert…..14-0
• Navy QB Antwaan Seals leaves the game after a QB sneak
• Navy gets on the board with a 41 yard FG….14-3
• On the last play of the quarter, Zach Woodall fumbles again…..Navy recovers with good field position

2nd Quarter

• Chidi Carr intercepts the very next play, and returns it 41 yards to the navy 32!!!!
• Another fumble, this time by backup RB Dino Ledyard….Navy ball
• Navy connects on a 64 yard touchdown…..14-10
• Navy D begins to dominate…he cant get anything against them
• Navy O is already dominating, and they complete a 40 yard pass, to put them on the doorstep
• Touchdown Navy….17-14 at the half

3rd Quarter

• It takes us 2 plays in the 2nd half to respond…..Woodall runs it in from 19 after a 38 yard reception by Ridlehuber….21-17 Irish
• 2 offsides give Army a first down when it looked like they would settle for a field goal
• Somehow, we stop them in a first and goal situation, and force a FG attempt, which is missed
• We end the quarter getting into the Navy backfield for the 3rd time in 3 drives…..Navy Punts…..21-17 still

4th Quarter

• Navy stops a promising ND drive with a interception…we are really missing Jamaal Nichols right now
• Chidi Carr gets his 3rd takeaway of the game, his 2nd interception….returned 16 yards to the Irish 33
• Suhey can’t throw any more….I’ve lost all confidence in the passing game….Sense starting 8/9, he’s 7/22….pathetic
• Zach Woodall leads a drive on the ground, setting up a 30 yard field goal…24-17 Irish, 3:27 remaining
• 2 long passes has Navy at our 28 with 2:30 left
• 1st and goal Navy at the 2…1:57 left
• DeJhown Tennen catches the pass in the endzone, and Navy has tied the game at 24…..1:17 left
• Morten Donnelley fumbles the kick return….Navy ball at the 17….Wow
• Touchdown Navy….31-24…55 seconds remain
• Suhey is sacked twice…..and we lose….Rodrick Suhey will not start next week. He will be demoted to 3rd string, an awful performances from him

Final: Navy 31, Notre Dame 24

[Johnny93g]

[Johnny93g]

Week 7:

An embarrassing loss. I ripped into the team after the game. The offensive line might have held together against Michigan and USC, but Navy broke through it. Rodrick Suhey was awful, just plain awful. Chances are he’s played his final game for Notre Dame. Our 3rd string is much worse, but Suhey was completely ineffective against a bad secondary. Bottom line is im probably not gonna get a 10 year contract extension

Week 6 Gameball:

CB Chidi Carr
6 tackles, 2 interceptions, a fumble recovery, and a TD. Easy choice.

Weekly injury report:
It’s getting pretty long, so I’m only gonna include new additions........
Well, there are no new additions……so ill tell you if anyone is ready to play this week

• QB Jamaal Nichols is 100% for this week’s game at Army…..This gives me confidence
• FB Daunte Manders is listed as probable, and will start
• OG LJ Darby is listed as probable, and will start
• C Gary Stabler is listed as probable, and will start
• DE Denard Rosenbach is listed as probable, and will start

Some great news on the injury front. The offensive line gets 2 starters back, and our star QB is back behind center!!!!

Up next, Army

[Johnny93g]

vs.
Notre Dame Fighting Irish(2-3) vs. Army Black Knights(0-6)
Live from Michie Stadium in West Point, NY
Today’s Key Matchup: ND WR KaRon Ridlehuber (20 rec, 479 yards) vs. Army Secondary (25th against the pass )
Notre Dame is favoured by 26

1st Quarter

• Offensive line troubles continue….Nichols is sacked on our first drive…3 and out
• Allan Ruff forces an Army fumble….Trey Soriano scoops it up, and rumbles 25 yards to the Navy 30……
• 2 false start penalties almost takes us out of FG position…..3-0 ND
• Army squanders an impressive drive, missing a 39 yard FG
• We settle for another FG….6-0

2nd Quarter

• Army gets the game’s 1st TD….7-6
• Another Zach Woodall fumble…..am I supposed to stop giving him the ball….Twice a game, this is awful!!!....Navy ball
• Army misses another field goal….we get the ball back, now do I give it to the fumble machine again?
• Army has a 64 yard TD called back because of a crackback block
• Navy gets the elusive FG…10-6…we are playing horrible
• A last second ND FG attempt is blocked…..

3rd Quarter

• 1st downs- Army 18, ND 6….I rip the team a new one at half time….this is embarrassing
• 6 plays, 6 Zach Woodall runs, 62 yards, 1 touchdown, 1 injured QB…AGAIN…WE RAN THE DAME BALL!!!!...come one….ARLIE!!!!!!....13-10 Irish
• Chidi Carr forces a fumble that Alan Ruff recovers….1st down NOTRE DAME!!!!
• 2 plays later…Daunte Manders TD!!!...20-10
• Allan Cobb blitzes the next play, jarring the ball loose…ND recovers….these guys woke up!!!!!
• 37 yard field goal makes it 23-10
• Army responds with a FG…23-13

4th Quarter

• The Irish widen the lead to 13…..26-13
• I’ve been running every play with Suhey at QB…I try the odd pass…its picked off….he’s been yanked
• The Army kicker misses his 3rd FG of the game
• Chidi Carr makes another play…interception…..ND BALL!!!!
• Allan Ruff picks off Army on their next series….Defense obviously responded well in the 2nd half

Final Score: Notre Dame 26, Army 13

[Johnny93g]

[kingfc22]

You beat UM and USC back to back and then lose to Navy. You need to tell your boys to not play at the same level of your opponents.

[Johnny93g]

Week 8:

Our defense should get credit for this win. They were awesome in the 2nd half. We forced 5 turnovers in the 2nd half, and 7 for the game. Nichols went out again, but he is fine to start this week vs. Temple. Rodrik Suhey got in, and was awful. This team need Nichol’s in order to have a passing game. If Nichols isn’t in there, ill have to run most of the time, which means fumbles from Zach Woodall….when Zach doesn’t fumble though, he’s electric….721 yards in 6 games….

Week 7 Gameball

LB Alan Ruff
Ruff had 6 tackles, 2 interceptions, and a forced fumble against Navy

Injury update:
• WR Leander Romanik has suffered a Torn Bicep, and will miss 2 months. Leander has played in just 1 game this season
• DT Monroe Brewer is listed as probable with Bone Chips. Monroe has played in each game this season, and will play today
• All other player’s status remains the same

The injury situation is improving…our playmakers are healthy, and we should be ready for Temple

[Johnny93g]

vs.
Temple Owls (1-6) vs. Notre Dame Fighting Irish (3-3)
Live from Notre Dame Stadium in South Bend, In
Today’s Key Matchup: Temple RB Tre Yarborough (98 car, 324 yards) vs. Notre Dame Front Seven (ranked 29th against the run)
Notre Dame is favoured by 29

1st Quarter

• A nice little opening drive by the Irish, but we have to settle for a FG…..our inability to score TD’s in the redzone is concerning…..3-0
• ND kicks another FG after failing in the Redzone…..I should look at the bright side…at least we can move the ball into the redzone….6-0
• 1st quarter yards…Army 46, ND 161…..only a 6 point lead

2nd Quarter

• Zach Woodall finally punches it in….13-0 ND
• FB Daunte Manders catches Jamaal Nichols first TD pass in weeks….a 33 yard effort….20-0
• Nichols throws another TD pass…I hope Suhey is paying attention…Nichols has been great….27-0

3rd Quarter

• Woodall goes over the 100 yard rushing mark with the his 1st rush of the half….we get a FG…30-0
• Temple tries a 4th down play from the 4 yard line…we stop them to preserve the shutout…..for now

4th Quarter

• Jamal Nichols exits the game after 3 quarters…….I hope we doesn’t get hurt sitting on the bench
• Darian Sims comes in at QB, and promptly throws an int returned to our 6 yard line. Our QB depth is horrible
• Touchdown Temple….30-7
• Trey Soriano records his 3rd sack of the game….and 9th of the season…he’s a beast

Final: Notre Dame 30, Temple 7

[Johnny93g]

[Johnny93g]

Week 9:
Well, that was our most complete game of the season. Sure, it was against a bad team, but Army competed well 2 weeks ago, and Navy kicked our ass. Jamal Nichols is the only QB i'm comfortable with. He makes plays, he doesn’t turn the ball over, and he is a leader. He is vital to any success we might have. Freshman RB Blake Demaree had a coming out party….In his previous 3 games; he had 4 carries for 6 yards. Against Temple, he ran for 74 yards, on 20 carries. He was promoted to 2nd string RB before the game.

Week 8 gameball:

QB Jamal Nichols
Nichols was 18/25, 236 yards and 2 touchdown, in just 3 quarters of action

Academic Eligibility:
The following players have regained their eligibility:
• WR Gifford Wahlroos (backup)
• TE L.G. Dess (backup)
• OLB Devone Gragg (Starter)

The following players have been ruled ineligible
• OT Ray Spilis (backup)
• CB Ollie Gurode (Backup)

Injury Report:
• OT Ovie Hernandez is probable, and will START
• OT Champ Pear is probable, and will PLAY
• OG LJ Darby is probable, and will START
• LB Delta McGarity is probable, and will START

We only have 3 players out with injuries this week, but it feels like we are completely healthy…

Up next: Purdue

[Johnny93g]

vs.
Notre Dame Fighting Irish (4-3) vs. Purdue Boilermakers (4-3)
Live from Ross-Ade Stadium in West Lafayette, IN
Today’s Key Matchup: Notre Dame’s Front Seven (ranked 17th against the run), vs. Pudrue HB Herschel McGriff (92 car, 314 yards)
Notre Dame is favoured 21

1st Quarter

• Jamal Nichols takes a huge hi on a option….he stays in the game…a good sign
• Nichols goes 5/6, for 52 yards, and a TD pass on the opening drive….7-0
• Craig Gaiters stops a Purdue drive with a interception….ND takes over
• I spoke to soon on Jamal…he hurt his hand, and probably wont return
• Riley Dockery hits a 51 yard field goal to close the quarter….10-0

2nd Quarter

• 10 play drive for Purdue…results in a TD run….10-7
• Purdue threads our secondary for another long drive
• They settle for a Field Goal…10-10
• We are playing very conservatively without Nichols on offense
• WE run out of time on a 2 minute drive…10-10 at the half

3rd Quarter

• 2 drops cost us a TD….we kick the field goal….13-10 Irish
• Huge goal line stand limits the Boilermakers to a Field Goal….13-13

4th Quarter

• Purdue RB Elvin Fitzsimons runs 94 yards for the go ahead touchdown…we are in trouble…..19-13…the extra point is blocked
• QB Darian Sims leads a great drive down field…eventually scrambling on a 3rd and long, running 12 yards into the endzone….20-19 Irish
• Interesting…4:45 remain….Purdue drives the ball to our 13 yard line….it’s 4th and 1….the elect to go for it, instead of kicking the go ahead field goal….time to bring in the goal line blitz…We will blitz everyone
• They pass, and get 10 yards to the 3
• Touchdown Purdue…2 point conversion is good…27-20…3:32 left
• Sims is picked off….Purdue ball at our 11
• Purdue puts it away with a FG

Final: Notre Dame 20, Purdue 30

[Johnny93g]

[Johnny93g]

Week 10:

When Jamaal Nichols left the game, I knew we were in trouble…..We had to rely on the running game. Zach Woodall did a good job, but the threat of a big pass was missing. Purdue ran wild on us. Our D could not stop the running game or the passing game. Purdue deserved the win. We need to learn how to win on the road. We have a 1-3 road record this season

Week 9 Gameball:

RB Zach Woodall
Zach ran for 114 yards, while catching 3 passes for 19 yards

Injury Report:
• QB Jamaal Nichols broke a bone in his hand…He is listed as probable….HE WILL START
• LB Alan Ruff suffered a fractured skull, and is listed as questionable (8-10 weeks)…..WILL NOT PLAY
• LB Davone Gragg suffered a punctured lung, and is out for 12 weeks

2 starting defenders are out, but with our depth there, we will be ok

Up next….Mississippi St

[Izulde]

You just can't stay consistent with this team it seems.

[Johnny93g]

Originally Posted by Izulde

You just can't stay consistent with this team it seems.

Tell me about it....Playing the games out though show me what i need to recruit. A QB with high durability, and a RB who can hold on to the ball. Nichols and Woodall maybe our best players, but each of their major weakness' have cost us games

[Johnny93g]

vs.
Mississippi St Bulldogs (2-5) vs. Notre Dame Fighting Irish (4-4)
Live from Notre Dame Stadium in South Bend, In
Today’s Key Matchup: Miss St Front 7 (ranked 11th against the run) vs. Notre Dame RB Zach Woodall (948 yards, 6TD)
Notre Dame is favoured by 9

1st Quarter

• Jamal Nichols looks great on a early TD drive….4/5, 56 yards….7-0
• Like clockwork, Nichols leaves the game after injuring himself on a running play!!!!......I’m with everyone else…this is absurd
• Dockery kicks a 53 yard FG…..10-0
• Miss St closes the gap to 7 with a FG…10-3

2nd Quarter

• ND QB Sims is hit trying to scramble, fumbling away the ball…we fall apart without Nichols
• St ties it at 10…its like a replay of last week’s game
• We punt after going 3 and out…surprise!!!!
• St. takes the lead with a FG…13-10
• With 12 players on the Field, we miss a FG anyway….13-10 still….this doesn’t look good
• St ends the half with a FG…16 straight points

3rd Quarter

• ST widens their lead to 22-10 with a TD…they miss a 2- point conversion
• I accidentally hit the button to attempt a 104 yard field goal….I thought I hit suggest….ugh….St gets it in my redzone
• Luckily, they fumble the next play….ND LB McGarity recovers it
• We go 95 yards for a much needed touchdown…..22-17
• ND Field goal makes it 22-20 Miss St

4th Quarter

• We stall again in the redzone….a holding penalty moves us back 10 yards…but Dockery manages to kick the field goal….23-22 ND
• Chidi Carr intercepts a State pass, and returns it 36 yards to the opponents 43….4:09 remain
• A penalty eliminates a 1st down, we have to punt….I’m very frustrated
• We force St to go turn the ball over on downs…..
• Darian Sims puts the game away with a 10 yard scamper
• We barely escape with the win

Final: Notre Dame 24, Mississippi St 23

[Johnny93g]

[Johnny93g]

Week 11:
I’m very frustrated with the Jamaal Nichols situation. He is a premiere QB, who keeps getting hurt after the 1st series, on a rushing play……Darion Sims did a very good job replacing Nichols, but waited until the 2nd half before he showed up…..Zach Woodall had his worst game of the year, rushing for just 54 yards…. But Sims 60 on the ground made up for it. 5-4, 1 win away from being bowl eligible

Week 10 gameball:

#10 QB Darian Sims
Darian came in and played well. 15/25,182 yards, 60 yards rushing

Injury Report:
• QB Jamaal Nichols is out for this week’s game for BYU…I expect him to start against Tennessee in 3 weeks
• Backup Center Davern Avery will miss the remainder of the season with a shoulder injury
• LB’s Ruff and Gragg remain unavailable, probably until a bowl game

Damian Sims will get the start at QB. He hasn’t thrown a TD pass yet, but I think we are much better with him at QB then Suhey, who is deep in my dog house

up next: BYU

[Johnny93g]

vs.
BYU Cougars (3-5) vs. Notre Dame Fighting Irish (5-4)
Live from Notre Dame Stadium in South Bend, In
Today’s Key Matchup: BYU QB Harlan Friede (2153 pass yards, 15 td’s) vs. Notre Dame Secondary (ranked 10th vs. the pass)
Notre Dame is favoured by 20

1st Quarter

• Sims hits Mike Donnelley early for a 33 yard touchdown….7-0 Irish
• Blake Demaree fumbles our next possession away….at least it wasn’t Woodall this time
• BYU gets 3 points off the turnover
• BYU misses a FG as the quarter ends

2nd Quarter

• Another FG attempt by BYU…its good this time…..7-6 Irish
• Zach Woodall takes a Sims swing pass, and walks into the endzone…14-6
• Safety Louis Gillom intercepts his 2nd pass of the season…..Irish looking good
• TE Boyce Neubert catches Sims 3rd TD pass of the game….21-6

3rd Quarter

• Notre Dame opens up the half with a Field goal….24-6
• BYU shows a bit of life….intercepting a Sims pass in the endzone
• They get sacked twice and punt

4th Quarter

• Woodall gets back to the 100 yard plateau, on his 16th carry of the game
• TD pass #4 for Sims, 31-6 Irish
• BYU QB Friede attempts his 30th pass of the game…he has completed 6
• The game ends without any more offense from BYU

Final: Notre Dame 31, BYU 6