Why ND Will Win: Sam Young Pics Say It All

Follow me at twitter: http://twitter.com/OldNotreDame where you guys can see more polarize pictures

This is the reason why ND will win. Sam Young before and after pictures. As you guys can see, Sam Young is sporting a stash similar to that of John Holmes and Dave Wannstedt. Uber cool... Uber Cool Sam. The future millionaire looking cool. His hair is probably the best I've seen amongst the Irish since Samardzija let.



Let's go Irish O-Line!!! PROTECT CLAUSEN!!!

Have You Seen Him?

Oh man I hate to do this because this guy is awesome. AWESOME!!! I mean he's from the island. Very nice and humble dude. 5 star. But Have You Seen This Person?

If yes, please call the Kick Ass Department because we really need this guy to light up people. It's probably not all his fault if any. The DLine is really really terrible but you already know that. The secondary except for the Safeties has been disappointing. The linebackers are still the same.

Anyways, I hope someone finds this guy soon because he really seems like a cool person.

The Art of War: Notre Dame V.S. Michigan

I. Laying Plans (Advantage Notre Dame)

Charlie Weis is now calling the plays, and he looked good doing it last game against Nevada. Rich Rod also has a very good offensive mind. Advantage goes to Charlie Weis because he has been doing it longer.

Explores the five fundamental factors that define a successful outcome (the Way, seasons, terrain, leadership, and management). By thinking, assessing and comparing these points you can calculate a victory, deviation from them will ensure failure. Remember that war is a very grave matter of state.

II. Waging War (Advantage Notre Dame)

Sun Tzu claims "success requires making the winning play, which in turn, requires limiting the cost of competition and conflict." I was glad that Michigan won last game and doing so without turning the ball over too much. This way, those frosh QBs of theirs can think that they are the Masters of The Universe. I expect our defense to be flying all over the field tomorrow. Expect our defense to intercept the ball at least three times and force and recover a fumble.

Explains how to understand the economy of war and how success requires making the winning play, which in turn, requires limiting the cost of competition and conflict.

III. Attack by Stratagem (Advantage Notre Dame)

Michigan is still too young. Period.

Defines the source of strength as unity, not size, and the five ingredients that you need to succeed in any war.

IV. Tactical Dispositions (Advantage Notre Dame)

Sun Tzu explains "the importance of defending existing positions until you can advance them and how you must recognize opportunities, not try to create them." Linebackers. ND linebackers have to really show up for this game. They must be focus throughout out the game. And lock down. And play fast. Will they be able to? The past couple of years the answer was a big fat NO. But now with the young guns in ND (B. Smith, Filer, Fleming, Te'o) comes speed. This will be a coming out party for Manti Te'o.

Explains the importance of defending existing positions until you can advance them and how you must recognize opportunities, not try to create them.

V. Energy (Advantage Michigan)

Their in the big house. Coming out of a blow out win. Three Wins last season. Advantage Michigan.

Explains the use of creativity and timing in building your momentum.

VI. Weak Points and Strong (Advantage Notre Dame)

This will be a battle of the trenches. Yes, Michigan has that DE Dude going to the NFL on the first round, but expect Verducci and Weis to know and plan for that. Max protect.

Explains how your opportunities come from the openings in the environment caused by the relative weakness of your enemy in a given area.

VII. Maneuvering (Advantage Notre Dame)

Red Zone defense. Advantage goes to ND because we will not be in the red zone that much just like in Nevada. Expect to see bombs and more bombs.

Explains the dangers of direct conflict and how to win those confrontations when they are forced upon you.

VIII. Variation of Tactics (Advantage Notre Dame)

Micheal Floyd, Kyle Rudolph, and Golden tate. Take your pick. Michigan has two running QBs, but they are still frosh and can be eliminated easily with LB play.

Focuses on the need for flexibility in your responses. It explains how to respond to shifting circumstances successfully.

IX. The Army on the March (Advantage Notre Dame)

Michigan, like Notre Dame, has many traditions, but I'm really surprised that their marching band is not one of them. This might be so because they have stopped trying to beat out the Ohio Script (The very first Ohio Script picture below). That is the bomb! Notre Dame has a better band period.


Describes the different situations in which you find yourselves as you move into new enemy territories and how to respond to them. Much of it focuses on evaluating the intentions of others.

X. Terrain (Advantage Michigan)

Notre Dame is playing in The Big House. 100,000+ screaming Michigan Fans, 'nuff said.

Looks at the three general areas of resistance (distance, dangers, and barriers) and the six types of ground positions that arise from them. Each of these six field positions offer certain advantages and disadvantages.

XI. The Nine Situations (Advantage Notre Dame)

This ND team is a veteran team. They have been through every situation.

Describe nine common situations (or stages) in a campaign, from scattering to deadly, and the specific focus you need to successfully navigate each of them.

XII. The Attack by Fire (Advantage Michigan)

Did you watch the last game against Nevada?

Explains the use of weapons generally and the use of the environment as a weapon specifically. It examines the five targets for attack, the five types of environmental attack, and the appropriate responses to such attack.

XIII. The Use of Spies (Advantage Michigan)

We know that Weis is a good friend Belichick who was caught spying on the other team to get their signs. BUT we all know Rich Rod is a cheater himself by forcing his players to work over time as evidence of this picture.


Focuses on the importance of developing good information sources, specifically the five types of sources and how to manage them.

*****************************************************************************

I. Laying Plans (Advantage Notre Dame)
II. Waging War (Advantage Notre Dame)
III. Attack by Stratagem (Advantage Notre Dame)
IV. Tactical Dispositions (Advantage Notre Dame)
V. Energy (Advantage Notre Dame)
VI. Weak Points and Strong (Advantage Notre Dame)
VII. Maneuvering (Advantage Notre Dame)
VIII. Variation of Tactics (Advantage Notre Dame)
IX. The Army on the March (Advantage Notre Dame)
XI. The Nine Situations (Advantage Notre Dame)
XII. The Attack by Fire (Advantage Notre Dame)

X. Terrain (Advantage Michigan)
XIII. The Use of Spies (Advantage Michigan)

There you have it. Notre Dame gets 52 points while Michigan only gets 2 points. According to Sun Tzu's The Art of War, Notre Dame beats Michigan.

Notre Dame (with 52 points) beats Michigan (with 6 points)

Source: All words in italics are from Wiki.

My Notre Dame Game Day Experience

I still remember watching my first football game on TV. We got to watch American channels because we had cable which was acquired illegally. We payed the cable man/neighbor to hook us up by using our neighbor's connection. That was awesome because of the cartoon channels. Anyways. It was the Super Bowl game with the Packers and Patriots. I was like 8 or 9, and I remember waking up really early, and my dad was watching football (which at the time I had no idea what the hell it was). Just imagine a kid 8 or 9 years old in the Philippines waking up in the morning and watching a game so foreign. We moved to Guam which is a U.S. territory about 1 or 2 years later where football is basically shown every time, but not until I was a freshman in the University where I watched a football game from start to finish. Long and behold, it was the USC at Notre Dame game of 2005 or what many people call the "Bush Push" game. That was amazing and ever since I have been a fan.

We have a motto here on Guam. It states "Where America's Day Begins". And ND games are actually shown very early, like around 5 o'clock in the morning. Sunday (instead of Saturday) might I add also. So it has that weird feeling because everyone is still asleep except for the hardcore fans. It gets really tough when you only have a 2 hour sleep and still tired from last night. You can go to sports bar, friend's house, or restaurants to watch the game, but you'll be lucky if the football game you're going to be watching is an ND game. So it's actually better to just watch it at your home.

It gets very cool also especially when it's raining. So you can imagine that there's not much tailgating going on, but the food is still awesome because it's breakfast food. The game is shown on NBC which is fantastic because it's live (if it's on other channel it's tape delayed). It gets really zen like when you're watching the game. Open all the windows and you'll feel and smell the fresh morning air. Not much noise, just the announcers talking. Just got a new flat HD TV so I'm taking it up a notch this season. Also love that noise when an O-Line crashes with the D-Line.

Half time comes. If it's a blow out whether ND is doing the blowing up or the one getting blown out, I go for my morning run to Ypao beach or around a mall knowing that the game has already been decided. If it's not and the game is close, I don't go for the run.

It's around 6:30 a.m. The sun is rising but still very cold and windy. Not much car. Other people also exercising especially around the mall. Lots of old people. Sometimes I encounter a runner/walker with his dog which I really really hate because dogs hate/bark at me. I don't know why they bring their dogs. No ones going to attack them or anything. And I just imagine the dogs hating that too especially when their owner is a runner.

You get to the beach and you see old people doing Tai Chi which is quite impressive for old people. They just move very gracefully. If I don't stop, I usually reach the beach when the sun is still rising. It's quite amazing. Not a lot of people and tourists. Just a few people exercising also.

You can see the Two lover's point (picture above is exactly the scene I see every morning) and the tall hotels. Sound of waves crashing is fantastic. The sound is a lot like when an O-Line crashes with the D-Line in a more graceful manner. I reach the life guard tower which is vacant at this hour and just sit down and take it all in. Still sweating, dead tired and taking deep breathes. Very surreal point. A point of with mix feelings. Hot from the run and cold from the morning sea air filters the body. You try to enjoy the view but still dead tired. You try to think of the future, present and past in your life but still I'm thinking that it's only the half way point and I still have to run back home with dead legs. It's quite a feeling I tell you, Pain and happiness both at the same time when you're in the life guard's tower.

When it's raining, it's a very different experience. Dead cold. Dead cold. The cold rain mix with your hot sweat is quite a feeling. Dead cold feeling that is. Not fun when it rains. It's even more scarier when dark clouds are in the sky and not raining. That is so because you know that it's going to rain, and you can feel the cold air more. Scary because it's really dark and usually no people in the beach. But the funny thing is that it energizes you. It makes you run faster, stamina gets stronger, and rest time is much faster. I don't get to enjoy the view in the beach when it's raining. I just want to get home and finish the run.

I get back home at around 7:40. The sun is well in its place by now. Game is finished or with just a few minutes. Take a shower and go back to sleep. Wake up in time for lunch and see the highlights of the other game unless when ND looses the game. I just hate watching highlights of the other games when ND looses because they usually mock ND. Sometimes ND plays in California against Stanford or USC, and they show that at around 11 a.m. or 10 even. Then enjoy the rest of my Sunday. The next thing I know, it's the weekday, going and studying for school. Can't wait for the next Sunday to come.

There you go. That's pretty much my pregame activities on Sundays (Saturdays in the US). I'm pretty sure you guys' game experience is quite different from me and the people in the Pacific. I've never been to the US mainland, but I'm pretty sure it's pretty sweet also. I've seen the tailgate parties and atmosphere on TV. I love the food I see especially the barbecue in the southern states. I've also seen the boat tailgating parties. ND has an excellent pregame pageantry also. I love the march of the student athletes, the Grotto is holy sweet. I like the Irish guards and heard that lots of people go to the bookstore to but ND swags. I'll definitely be there one day with lots of sweaters and shirts on me.

Go Irish!!!

Irish Blogger Gathering: Old Notre Dame

1. My season preview included music video footage for each position group. What song or video do you feel typifies this year's Notre Dame team heading into the season? Embed a youtube or other similar video if possible.

A very smart professor of mine (Michigan graduate) once told us to hum the song Amazing Grace. She pointed out that even though we do not usually sing or listen to Amazing Grace that we know and love it someway somehow. This is very much how I feel about Notre Dame football and ND's upcoming season. The first time I watched Notre Dame Football I knew that this was my team someway somehow, and I think the same goes for a lot of people. Another point that she made was that when a soldier is a prisoner of war (unfed, tortured and all) hears the humming of Amazing Grace from another prisoner of war from another cell, he feels comforted, appease and more importantly hopeful.

HOPE.

Hope, I think, best describes the upcoming season. Hopeful for an 11 - 1 record and even an undefeated season. Hope that the 2007 season fiasco does not happen. Hope that our O line holds up. Hope that Jimmy improves his TD-INT ratio. Hope that Floyd doesn't do the Kumara. Hope that the D Line matures. Hope that Brandon Walker makes FGs. Hope that everyone stays healthy. Hope to defeat USC. Hope that if fulfilled, National Championship is very much attainable.

AMAZING GRACE
John Newton (1725-1807)

Amazing Grace, how sweet the sound,
That saved a wretch like me.
I once was lost but now am found,
Was blind, but now I see.

T'was Grace that taught my heart to fear.
And Grace, my fears relieved.
How precious did that Grace appear
The hour I first believed.

Through many dangers, toils and snares
I have already come;
'Tis Grace that brought me safe thus far
and Grace will lead me home.

The Lord has promised good to me.
His word my hope secures.
He will my shield and portion be,
As long as life endures.

Yea, when this flesh and heart shall fail,
And mortal life shall cease,
I shall possess within the veil,
A life of joy and peace.

When we've been here ten thousand years
Bright shining as the sun.
We've no less days to sing God's praise
Than when we've first begun.

Amazing Grace, how sweet the sound,
That saved a wretch like me.
I once was lost but now am found,
Was blind, but now I see.

Amazing Grace is written by John Newton. The story behind this song is very ironic in lots of ways. John Newton was not a very religious person growing up. Newton worked in the slave trading business.

The turning point in Newton's spiritual life was a violent storm that occurred one night while at sea. Moments after he left the deck, the crewman who had taken his place was swept overboard. Although he manned the vessel for the remainder of the tempest, he later commented that, throughout the tumult, he realized his helplessness and concluded that only the grace of God could save him. Prodded by what he had read in Thomas à Kempis' Imitation of Christ, Newton took the first step toward accepting faith. (Wiki)

A lot of different and diverse people have covered/performed Amazing Grace: Aretha Franklin, Star Trek (Funeral of Mr. Spock), Leann Rimes, II Divo, and many more.

My personal favorites are The King's version. There's only one King of Rock 'n' Roll. See/listen to his rendition of Amazing Grace here. You can see the King himself wearing an old school football helmet in the video. As far as the music goes, the background singers blend with Elvis' voice perfectly which makes his version one of the best I've ever heard.

Another version that I really liked is the Bagpipes version. The bagpipe version is commonly referred to as the Braveheart version. I do not know why that is so. I do not recall listening to a bagpipe's version of Amazing Grave in Braveheart. I do remember hearing a lot of bagpipes playing in the movie, but not specifically Amazing Grace. I read somewhere in a forum that Amazing Grace was played when the Young William Wallace's father died, but I checked it out, and I did not hear Amazing Grace, but indeed, there was a bagpipe playing faintly during that scene, but I do not think it was Amazing Grace. Anyways, someone has to step up and be the leader of this team ala William Wallace and lead the others to "FREEDOMMMMMMMMMMM" or at least an 11-1 record.

So there you go. I think the song Amazing Grace is a good epitome for the Notre Dame Fighting Irish Football 2009 Season. Amazing Grace have different meanings to a lot of different people. But the one word that I really associate this song is HOPE

2. Post a picture that to you portrays the attitude of this year's team and discuss.

A picture of the Knights of the Round Table. These men were untouchable when they fought cohesively. This is very much like ND 2009. I really feel that ND is untouchable this year. If memory serves well, the only reason why the Knights of the Round Table collapsed is because of their own doing (some knight took the other knight's lady or something like that). This is very much ND 2009 again. I really feel that they will only loose not because of their opponents but because of themselves.

3. What do you perceive as the team's biggest weakness heading into the season?

The running game is the biggest weakness coming in. I know that the O-Line may be responsible for that. Ever since the dreaded 2007 campaign, the running game (O-Line and Running backs) have been horrid. But the O-Line has been improving ever since even if it is baby steps. On the other hand, the running backs have been on a stalemate, no improvements whatsoever. Linebackers come in a close second.

4. With the exception of the 1990s, Notre Dame has won a National Championship in every decade since the 1920s. What are the chances (a) that Notre Dame wins a championship this year, and (b) if not this year, when do you predict the next championship for the Irish?

A.) I think ND has a great chance of winning it this year. The first half of the season will be the real test. First Nevada. Then the Michigans and finishing the first half with USC. Nevada will be a lot like San Diego State. They'll play the underdog and upset card.

5. Nevada runs the Pistol offense, Navy the Triple Option, and Michigan the Spread Option. Which offensive scheme do you think is the most difficult to prepare for, and why?

The most difficult offensive scheme that is most difficult to prepare for is actually not in this list. I think that the NFL/pro style offense that ND and USC runs is the hardest to prepare for. This is so because of talent. The options mentioned above (Pistol offense, Navy the Triple Option, and Michigan the Spread Option) really relies on the scheme and anyone with college skill set can run it. On the other hand, ND and USC's pro style offense is straight forward and relies heavily on the athletes. Opponents of the pro style can prepare all they want and mimic the scheme in practice all day long, but to mimic the athletes like Michael Floyd and Golden Tate or the USC receivers in practice will not do. That is why we see a lot of teams now running the schemes (triple option or spread option) nowadays because of its easiness to gain a potent offense without elite athletes. Of course, it is not to say that the option schemes sucks, proof of that is Florida.

6. Is Colin Capaernick the best quarterback we'll see this year? If not, who is?

Yes, statistically he is. But football is a team game, and ND is loaded.

7. Prediction time. We have to get on the record before the season kicks off. Give me:

(1) Overall prediction for wins/losses.

The Fighting Irish will go undefeated this season. You heard me! UNDEFEATED.

(2) Projected bowl game and result.

The Notre Dame Fighting Irish will play in the National Championship and will win it. ND will beat Texas.

(3) Predicted final ranking.

Notre Dame will be ranked # 1 in the country at the end of the year.

(4) Best player on the team.

Harrison Smith (Athletically).
Jimmy Clausen and Sam Young (Best NFL prospect)

(5) Heisman trophy winner.

Jimmy Clausen on his way to the NFL

(6) National Champion.

Notre Dame Fighting Irish

(7) Prediction for Nevada game, including score.

Notre Dame (with 38 points) beats Nevada (with 27 points), Please check out my post here on the Nevada game --> here.

The Art of War: Nevada V.S. Notre Dame

I. Laying Plans (Advantage Notre Dame)

Charlie Weis was hired because he was an "Offensive Guru". It was looking like that for his first two years when he led the Irish to BCS Bowl Games and turned Brady Quinn to a Heisman contender. As we all know, the last two years have been forgettable. On the other side of the field is long time Nevada football head coach Chris Ault. Mr. Ault's resume is quite impressive. He, of course, is known for his Pistol offense. Gut not a lot of people know that he is in the College Hall of Fame. With that said, I still give the advantage to Notre Dame and Charkie Weis because of his past accomplishments. Plus ND's assistant coaches really sealed the deal. Tenuta, Hart, Verducci, Brown, Parmalee.

Explores the five fundamental factors that define a successful outcome (the Way, seasons, terrain, leadership, and management). By thinking, assessing and comparing these points you can calculate a victory, deviation from them will ensure failure. Remember that war is a very grave matter of state.

II. Waging War (Advantage Notre Dame)

Sun Tzu claims "success requires making the winning play, which in turn, requires limiting the cost of competition and conflict." Jimmy Clausen was a turnover machine last year, but I think he improves on that this year. Simply Notre Dame wins this because this game will be a shoot out. And I ND's secondary has big time players like Harrison Smith and Robert Blanton plus the return of Darrin Walls. Nevada on the other hand has a terrible secondary.

Explains how to understand the economy of war and how success requires making the winning play, which in turn, requires limiting the cost of competition and conflict.

III. Attack by Stratagem (Advantage Notre Dame)

Indeed Notre Dame has the size (4 and 5 star recruits). But Sun Tzu defines the source of strength as unity. And we have that in our offensive line and many returning players. I read that the O-Line combines for the most starts in the country and that we have 9 returning players in O-Side and 8 players in the D-Side.

Defines the source of strength as unity, not size, and the five ingredients that you need to succeed in any war.

IV. Tactical Dispositions (Advantage Nevada)

Sun Tzu explains "the importance of defending existing positions until you can advance them and how you must recognize opportunities, not try to create them." Linebackers. ND linebackers have to really show up for this game. They must be focus throughout out the game. And lock down. And play fast. Will they be able to? The past couple of years the answer was a big fat NO. But now with the young guns in ND (B. Smith, Filer, Fleming, Te'o) comes speed. I think they will lock down the QB and RB. But will it be enough. No, the pistol offense is too much and will simply gain yards.

Explains the importance of defending existing positions until you can advance them and how you must recognize opportunities, not try to create them.

V. Energy (Advantage Nevada)

Notre Dame has the momentum with the thrashing of Hawaii and Clausen throwing an almost perfect game. But remember San Diego State from last year's first game and Appalachian State versus Michigan. Nevada will be so pumped up playing on a national TV looking for an upset and a place in SportsCenter headliner. With a big upset, Nevada's schedule is easy except for one game the last game against Boise State. This is a big game for Nevada for a potential upset and undefeated/BCS crasher season. If so, Fitzpatrick/Kaepernick will be invited to New York for the Heisman.

Explains the use of creativity and timing in building your momentum.

VI. Weak Points and Strong (Advantage Nevada)

Nevada has a strong run defense and ND has a weak running game. Notre Dame has a strong passing game and Nevada has a weak secondary. Who gets the advantage. Nevada gets the advantage. Running game is very important because it can eat up a lot of time and sets up play action passes. ND is much better when the running game is working.

Explains how your opportunities come from the openings in the environment caused by the relative weakness of your enemy in a given area.

VII. Maneuvering (Advantage Nevada)

Red Zone defense. With Fitzpatrick/Kaepernick and Vai Taua, Nevada is potent in the red zone. Notre Dame on the other hand is not. And when it comes to field goals, ND is just bad. That was last year with Walker, but not we have a Frosh kicker which makes me very worried.

Explains the dangers of direct conflict and how to win those confrontations when they are forced upon you.

VIII. Variation of Tactics (Advantage Nevada)

The pistol offense is a very flexible offense that is why Nevada wins this point.

Focuses on the need for flexibility in your responses. It explains how to respond to shifting circumstances successfully.

IX. The Army on the March (Advantage Notre Dame)

Notre Dame has a better band period. As proven by the Irish Guard.

Describes the different situations in which you find yourselves as you move into new enemy territories and how to respond to them. Much of it focuses on evaluating the intentions of others.

X. Terrain (Advantage Notre Dame)

Notre Dame is playing in The House That Rockne Built. Nevada has never played in an atmosphere like Notre Dame. Nevada practices in the desert and might not be used to cold weather like South Bend even though it is still early September.

Looks at the three general areas of resistance (distance, dangers, and barriers) and the six types of ground positions that arise from them. Each of these six field positions offer certain advantages and disadvantages.

XI. The Nine Situations (Advantage Notre Dame)

This ND team is a veteran team. They have been through every situation. Loosing unloosable games (Syracuse), embarrassing games (USC), and close and tight games. Advantage ND.

Describe nine common situations (or stages) in a campaign, from scattering to deadly, and the specific focus you need to successfully navigate each of them.

XII. The Attack by Fire (Advantage Nevada)

Simply ask who ask the most fire power? Yes, Colin Fitzpatrick/Kaepernick probably has the pistol offense and better stats line (running/throwing) than Jimmy. But the real advantage foes to Nevada because of the running game. Fitzpatrick/Kaepernick + Vai Taua is a deadly mixture.

Explains the use of weapons generally and the use of the environment as a weapon specifically. It examines the five targets for attack, the five types of environmental attack, and the appropriate responses to such attack.

XIII. The Use of Spies (Advantage Notre Dame)

Notre Dame easily wins this because Charlie Weis worked for a guy named Bill Belichick who was caught spying on the other team to get their signs. Plus Nevada the gambling state bans spies/cheaters.

Focuses on the importance of developing good information sources, specifically the five types of sources and how to manage them.

*****************************************************************************

I. Laying Plans (Advantage Notre Dame)
II. Waging War (Advantage Notre Dame)
III. Attack by Stratagem (Advantage Notre Dame)
VI. Weak Points and Strong (Advantage Nevada)
IX. The Army on the March (Advantage Notre Dame)
X. Terrain (Advantage Notre Dame)
XI. The Nine Situations (Advantage Notre Dame)
XIII. The Use of Spies (Advantage Notre Dame)

IV. Tactical Dispositions (Advantage Nevada)
V. Energy (Advantage Nevada)
VII. Maneuvering (Advantage Nevada)
VIII. Variation of Tactics (Advantage Nevada)
XII. The Attack by Fire (Advantage Nevada)

There you have it. Notre Dame gets 8 points while Nevada only gets 5 points. According to Sun Tzu's The Art of War, Notre Dame beats Nevada.

Notre Dame (with 38 points) beats Nevada (with 27 points)

Source: All words in italics are from Wiki.

The Art of War: Notre Dame Football Style

School started again, so I haven't posted any lately. Just trying to get settled in for what hopefully will be my last semester. Not a lot of news lately. Everything being posted right now has been posted 3 months ago. To summarize all ND news,

Weis in hot seat... Jimmy live up to expectations... O Line is big, big question mark that is... Manti mania in full bloom... Defense is young but fast... Stars are aligned... Pathetic schedule... OH YEAH, Dr. Lou Holtz saying crazy stuff again in national television that makes everyone laugh.

That's pretty much all of it.

Anyways, this is the time where everyone in the net and TV is predicting wins and losses for the whole season and prediction for the week 1 games. I could write a prediction for the Notre Dame and Nevada game like everyone else. I could look at the films or statistics and all that, but that has been done before for a kazillion times already so I decided to change it up.

I now release my new series "The Art of War: Notre Dame Football Style" to preview and predict who will win the football game. I got the idea from the History Channel.

Hope you guys tune in every Wednesday and subscribe for my predictions based on Sun Tzu's writings The Art of War. The prediction will solely be based on Sun Tzu's 13 chapters

I. Laying Plans
II. Waging War
III. Attack by Stratagem
IV. Tactical Dispositions
V. Energy
VI. Weak Points and Strong
VII. Maneuvering
VIII. Variation of Tactics
IX. The Army on the March
X. Terrain
XI. The Nine Situations
XII. The Attack by Fire
XIII. The Use of Spies

And nothing else. I figured if generals used these tactics in wars to help them lead the troops to victory then why not apply them to football. Since there are 13 chapters, there will be thirteen points. Thus there will be no ties and the team with the most points win. ND and its opponents each week will fight for every chapter.

Hope you guys read my first "The Art of War: Notre Dame Football Style" for week 1 against Nevada. Hopefully, ND gets enough points to win. Speaking of wars, hope every men and women serving this country stays happy and safe and may you find a way to watch some football. PEACE!

Cites: Sun Tzu picture, War picture, and writing from wikipedia.

OND's Songs of the Season: The Entire Season (Amazing Grace)

The Entire Season (Amazing Grace)

I just finished summer classes session a couple of weeks ago. I took this GE class; I very much thought that this class would suck really bad because I'm not much of a free thinking/abstract answer kind of person; I'm more of a 1 + 1 = 2 kind of person. Anyways, I was very much wrong. The professor (Graduated and from the University of Michigan and I think she also got her doctorate there) was probably the smartest I have ever had. The class was really freakin' awesome but challenging. I mean you read a lot and I mean a lot (I never read a lot) then you discuss it in class. And I thought I was smart; I mean I can hold an argument when it comes to my math and science classes, but this class was like WOW. I mean each discussion I was asking myself "WHAT THE FU*K ARE YOU GUYS TALKING ABOUT?" or "DID I READ THE WRONG STORY?".

Anyways, one day, we were talking about the importance of songs. And a point that the professor made dealt with Amazing Grace. She told us to hum the song Amazing Grace. She pointed out that even though we do not usually sing or listen to Amazing Grace that we know and love it someway somehow. This is very much how I feel about Notre Dame football and ND's upcoming season. The first time I watched Notre Dame Football I knew that this was my team someway somehow, and I think the same goes for a lot of people. Another point that she made was that when a soldier is a prisoner of war (unfed, tortured and all) hears the humming of Amazing Grace from another prisoner of war from another cell, he feels comforted, appease and more importantly hopeful.

HOPE.

Hope, I think, best describes the upcoming season. Hopeful for an 11 - 1 record and even an undefeated season. Hope that the 2007 season fiasco does not happen. Hope that our O line holds up. Hope that Jimmy improves his TD-INT ratio. Hope that Floyd doesn't do the Kumara. Hope that the D Line matures. Hope that Brandon Walker makes FGs. Hope that everyone stays healthy. Hope to defeat USC. Hope that if fulfilled, National Championship is very much attainable.

AMAZING GRACE
John Newton (1725-1807)

Amazing Grace, how sweet the sound,
That saved a wretch like me.
I once was lost but now am found,
Was blind, but now I see.

T'was Grace that taught my heart to fear.
And Grace, my fears relieved.
How precious did that Grace appear
The hour I first believed.

Through many dangers, toils and snares
I have already come;
'Tis Grace that brought me safe thus far
and Grace will lead me home.

The Lord has promised good to me.
His word my hope secures.
He will my shield and portion be,
As long as life endures.

Yea, when this flesh and heart shall fail,
And mortal life shall cease,
I shall possess within the veil,
A life of joy and peace.

When we've been here ten thousand years
Bright shining as the sun.
We've no less days to sing God's praise
Than when we've first begun.

Amazing Grace, how sweet the sound,
That saved a wretch like me.
I once was lost but now am found,
Was blind, but now I see.

Amazing Grace is written by John Newton. The story behind this song is very ironic in lots of ways. John Newton was not a very religious person growing up. Newton worked in the slave trading business.

The turning point in Newton's spiritual life was a violent storm that occurred one night while at sea. Moments after he left the deck, the crewman who had taken his place was swept overboard. Although he manned the vessel for the remainder of the tempest, he later commented that, throughout the tumult, he realized his helplessness and concluded that only the grace of God could save him. Prodded by what he had read in Thomas à Kempis' Imitation of Christ, Newton took the first step toward accepting faith. (Wiki)

A lot of different and diverse people have covered/performed Amazing Grace: Aretha Franklin, Star Trek (Funeral of Mr. Spock), Leann Rimes, II Divo, and many more.

My personal favorites are The King's version. There's only one King of Rock 'n' Roll. See/listen to his rendition of Amazing Grace here. You can see the King himself wearing an old school football helmet in the video. As far as the music goes, the background singers blend with Elvis' voice perfectly which makes his version one of the best I've ever heard.

Another version that I really liked is the Bagpipes version. The bagpipe version is commonly referred to as the Braveheart version. I do not know why that is so. I do not recall listening to a bagpipe's version of Amazing Grave in Braveheart. I do remember hearing a lot of bagpipes playing in the movie, but not specifically Amazing Grace. I read somewhere in a forum that Amazing Grace was played when the Young William Wallace's father died, but I checked it out, and I did not hear Amazing Grace, but indeed, there was a bagpipe playing faintly during that scene, but I do not think it was Amazing Grace. Anyways, someone has to step up and be the leader of this team ala William Wallace and lead the others to "FREEDOMMMMMMMMMMM" or at least an 11-1 record.

So there you go. I think the song Amazing Grace is a good epitome for the Notre Dame Fighting Irish Football 2009 Season. Amazing Grace have different meanings to a lot of different people. But the one word that I really associate this song is HOPE

.

Exclusive Video: Notre Dame Dance that Prompted Greg McMackin's Outburst

Well, you may have heard by now the comments that Greg McMackin made during the Western Athletic Conference Media Day in Salt Lake City Utah. If not, Check this out. There is not much to say about it; it's simply very ignorant all the way. Anyways, I was very curious as to the dance Mr. McMackin was referring to. So I did a search in YouTube, and the dance might look something like this.



(You guys have to admit ,though, his name sounds like a very good McDonald food, "Yes, I want two McMackins and a large fries and a large drink please.")

Anyhow, the Haka is definitely one of the coolest and intimidating dances out there. The story behind it is also very cool.

According to Māori mythology, the sun god, Tama-nui-te-rā, had two wives, the Summer Maid, Hine-raumati, and the Winter Maid, Hine-takurua. Haka originated in the coming of Hine-raumati, whose presence on still, hot days was revealed in a quivering appearance in the air. This was the haka of Tāne-rore, the son of Hine-raumati and Tama-nui-te-rā.

Man, was that awesome or what? I personally liked it when their cold breathe puffed out when they shouted. It might as well have been fire coming out of their mouth because that was intimidating as hell.

.

Old Notre Dame Songs of the Season

Looking around many different Notre Dame blog sites, one thing that I really love is that each site has its own specialty. For instance, one site uses the Wu-Tang Clan names to relate current ND players. Another one I really like is what type of beer to drink every ND game. So I thought about it and came up with music. I mean who doesn't love listening to music? So every week including training camp, I will choose a music that relates to that particular week and give a backdrop on that music.

If any one has a music to suggest, feel free to comment!

************************************************************************************

The Entire Season

August 3 - August 9 (The first three days of 2009 training camp)

August 10 - August16 (Second week of training camp)

August 17 - August 23 (Third week of training camp)

August 24 - August 30 (The final week of training camp)

Nevada Week

Michigan Week

Michigan State Week

Purdue Week

Washington Week

Bye Week

USC Week

Boston College Week

Washington State Week

Navy Week

Pittsburgh Week

Connecticut Week

Stanford Week

************************************************************************************

Rivals: Notre Dame Rankings (Team and Individuals)

As College Football 2009 season approaches, rankings from various sources too emerges. Rivals along with Yahoo Sports have their Preseason Top 120 Countdown (Teams) and Top 100 Players Countdown (Individuals).

The list only goes up to No. 41 thus far. So far ND has three. I do no think ND will have any more individuals on the list unless the list is based on NFL potential which I do not think it is, so that leaves Sam Young off the board because he will be the best prospect on ND next year. Thus far the list only has one USC, but that should change in time. The best QB that ND will probably face is the first one, Colin Kaepernick of Nevada. This is why Nevada will be the toughest game before USC. Nevada will have a lot of ammunition: underdog, unknown, Appalachian State, road team. In short, they want to be the headliners in SportsCenter. Plus they ran that crazy "Pistol" formation. Bluegraysky breaks it down and reading it makes me want to buy a pistol and shoot something. The other eight opponents does not have anyone on the list. All in all, expect USC to have at least THREE players on the list. All in all, ND should have the second largest total number of players on the list (Just accounting for ND and its 2009 opponents). Which smells a lot like an 11 - 1 record or a 12 - 0 record solely based on star power. Records most ND fans are projecting. Jimmy Clausen is around the tenth best QB on the list thus far and will probably be the 15th best when the list is finished. Floyd and Tate is the only WR tandem on the list thus far, but do expect them to be the only tandem when it's all said and done which clearly says ND has the best duo in the country.

Notre Dame
1.) No. 95: Notre Dame QB Jimmy Clausen
2.) No. 93: Notre Dame WR Michael Floyd
3.) No. 64: Notre Dame WR Golden Tate

Nevada
1.) No. 89: Nevada QB Colin Kaepernick

Michigan
1.) No. 58: Michigan DE Brandon Graham

USC
1.) No. 60: USC G Jeff Byers

Connecticut
1.) No. 96: Connecticut LB Scott Lutrus

***** Teams with ZERO individuals on the list *****

Michigan State
Purdue
Washington
Boston College
Washington State
Navy
Pittsburgh
Stanford

As for the teams rankings, it clearly shows that we are the second best team (Just accounting for ND and its 2009 opponents) which bodes well for ND fans predictions of a record of 11 - 1 or even an undefeated one. Tallying all teams except USC, we get 699 and divide that by 10 teams we get an average of 69.9 or a 70 which is a C- students. ND, number 24, is a B student. The analysis the Rivals is, I HATE TO SAY IT, is very good.

Your opinion of Notre Dame likely depends on how much stock you put in the Irish's bowl performance. The Irish looked every bit the part of a potential BCS contender while overwhelming Hawaii in the Hawaii Bowl. Of course, this is the same Irish team that lost to Syracuse at home and struggled to pick up a first down against USC in its final two regular-season games. If Clausen carries his Hawaii Bowl performance over to the regular season and the Irish figure out how to run the ball, they ought to win at least eight or nine games. If they also can put together a merely adequate defensive line, they could be BCS-bound. But that's a lot of ifs. The most realistic scenario is a 9-4 finish that includes a trip to the Gator Bowl.

24. Notre Dame

104. Washington State
97. Washington
76. Purdue
68. Boston College
63. Navy
57. Nevada
55. Connecticut
54. Stanford
48. Pittsburgh
46. Michigan
31. Michigan State

Not Yet Ranked. USC (Probably in the TOP 10)

P.S. If anyone how this block quoting works in HTML please comment.

Notre Dame Football 2009

WOW!!!

It has been so long since I've posted. I stopped posting right after the Syracuse debacle. WOW!!! I hope that never happens again, but hey, I think that is the reason why Manti Te'o decided to choose ND over USC and UCLA. He probably figured if such a debacle never happens when he is playing in ND then he'd be a legend.

Anyways, I hope you guys subscribe to my feed because I would post more frequently this upcoming season. It seems the 9 or 8 planets are finally aligning for me to be consistent with this blog. First and for most, this is the year we've been waiting for guys, 2009. I remember last year, mostly everyone is saying "JUST WAIT 'TIL NEXT YEAR'. Well CFB is just a month away and this is that 'YEAR'. I don't want to go in details now about how all the ND players are aligned this years to win it all since I was two years old. Second, I will graduate (knocking on wood) at the end of the year, and there is nothing more I want for graduation present than a krystal ball. Third, I should be able to watch all the games without freaking reading about theories and all that crap for the first time since I only have an internship and a few General Education classes.

Anyways again, hope you guys keep coming back. And may I now present you the 2009 Notre Dame Football Logo this year.



First,at the first zero in the 2009 is Sam "Future Millionaire" Young. And below Sam is the heart and soul of the defense Mr. Smith. Then in the ND lettering, in the middle is TouchDown Jesus (We're going to need a little bit of a miracle to shut up everyone [See Brandon Walker]). For the defense, we have Robert Blanton, Ethan Johnson and the Hawaiian Sensation Manti Te'o. For the offense, we have Mr. ImNotABust Clausen, Floyd and Tate.

Well, there you go!

P.S. the pictures are not mine and am too lazy to cite so yea.