Greatest Week Ever: Football Players

Since this is the week leading up to the Super Bowl, National Signing Day is the same weekend, and college basketball is starting to heat up, it's time for the Greatest Week Ever: Irish-style. For Notre Dame, recruiting is basically over besides some recruits that will get late offers, but I can't get into it. The suspense isn't there. The Patriots are in the Super Bowl, which is reason for me NOT to watch ESPN. The NBA and NHL are in their midseason, so the excitement of the 100 game series of the playoffs are almost here. While the snoozefests are going on, I will do a 7 part series of the greatest teams, players, coaches, and more of Notre Dame athletics. This should invoke good arguments. Now, I'm starting off with the hardest topic of them all: The Top 10 Notre Dame football players. Notre Dame has a long history of football greatness. They have had 7 Heisman winners and multiple great linemen who never had a chance at the Heisman. Oh yeah, the Gipper, Joe Montana, Jerome Bettis, Raghib Ismail, Joe Theisman, Brady Quinn, and Tony Rice are some players that don't fill those categories. Yeah, they've had some good players.

10. Tony Rice/QB/1987-89: Rice was the leader of three Notre Dame football teams with one being the 1988 national championship team. He was the greatest running quarterback in Notre Dame history, and he finished his career with the Johnny Unitas award in 1989 for the best passer of said year. What makes Rice's accomplishments even more amazing is that he had no freshman year. Because he did not pass the Prop 48 requirements, he didn't get to play or even practice with Notre Dame in 1986. He was essentially a first year player in 1987, where he led the Irish to a Cotton Bowl win. Rice was also the only starter on the Notre Dame 1988 team, both offense and defense, not to play in the NFL. He is one of the best option quarterbacks in the history of college football. Every player who runs a form of the option should watch tape of Tony Rice. He was the epitome of elusiveness and speed from under the center.

9. Tim Brown/WR/1984-87: Tim Brown may be more well known for his Hall of Fame career at wide receiver for the Raiders, but Brown was one of the top returners in college football before he became the All-Pro receiver in Los Angeles and Oakland. He had 1927 all-purpose yards in 1986, and he won the Heisman the following year. He ended his career with 5024 all-purpose yards and 107 receptions. His breakout game was against USC in 1986 where he returned a kickoff for a touchdown, had a touchdown reception, and returned a punt 56 yards to set up the game-winning field goal. Brown was the first true Notre Dame wide receiver to win the Heisman.

8. Joe Montana/QB/1974-78: Joe Montana may have only started for two years, but he made the most of his time under center. When Rusty Lisch went down against Purdue, Joe Montana got his chance. Montana came into the game with 11 minutes left in the game and the Irish down by 10 points. Montana threw for 154 yards and led Notre Dame to the win. He never looked back. Joe Montana led the Irish to 10 straight wins, including a win over Southern California in South Bend donning the green jerseys and a 38-10 win over Texas in the Cotton Bowl, which secured the national championship for the Irish.

The next year, Notre Dame made it to the Cotton Bowl once again, and Joe Montana gave us the most famous performance in Notre Dame sports history. In the Cotton Bowl, Notre Dame was down 20-12 at halftime, but the score was not the story. Joe Montana had hypothermia with his body temperature at 96. To recover, Joe Montana had multiple bowls of chicken soup and stayed under warm blankets. With just under 8 minutes left in the game, Notre Dame was trailing by 22. Joe Montana led the comeback, capped with a touchdown pass to Kris Haines with no time on the clock. Notre Dame won the game 35-34, and Joe Montana was immortalized. After his Hall of Fame career in the NFL where he won 4 Super Bowls, Joe Montana became the face of winning quarterbacks. If one thing is for sure about Joe Montana's career: If he played today, he would have a Campbell's endorsement.

7. George Connor/OT/1946-47: Like Montana, George Connor played only 2 years for the Irish, but he made the most of it. After World War II, Connor transferred from Holy Cross to Notre Dame, and he made an immediate impact. He was the anchor of the Notre Dame line that went undefeated in 1946 and 1947. He won the first Outland Trophy, and he went on to be an all-time great linebacker for the Chicago Bears. Connor was the first post-war dominant tackle. He was the main reason Notre Dame became a 1940s dynasty.

6. Johnny Lujack/QB & DB/1943-44, 46-47: Even after 60 years, Johnny Lujack is the only quarterback who had led his team to 3 national championships. Johnny Lujack may have been a Heisman-winning quarterback (1947), but he is probably most well-known for his game-saving tackle against Army in 1946, which locked up a national championship.

5. Paul Hornung/QB, RB, DB, & K/1954-56: Paul Hornung was actually on a winning team (9-1) as a sophomore in 1954, but his team's worst season was definitely his best. In 1956, Notre Dame went 2-8, but he finished second in the nation in offense and had 55 tackles. The controversial win over Jim Brown still had social impact. No matter how I feel about it (Paul Hornung was the best player in the nation and Brown was only considered years later when he became the greatest NFL player in history), this win started controversy that seemed to follow Hornung around wherever he went. He was banned for a year by the NFL for gambling, and he made insensitive comments about blacks a few years back. However, that won't take away his Heisman or keep him off this list.

4. Leon Hart/E/1946-49: Leon Hart was the last lineman to win the Heisman Trophy. However, the line was a bit different under Frank Leahy than it was today. Hart played end, which would be considered wide receiver or tight end. Nevertheless, he was phenominal. He never lost one game in his college career, and he had 13 touchdowns on 49 receptions. He was a force on defense, and he was also a great blocker for the T-formation runners that played for Leahy. He did it all over his career.

3. Ross Browner/DE/1973, 75-77: Browner is the greatest defensive player not named Hugh in college football history. He had 77 tackles for losses and 340 total tackles. Remember, sacks were not stats when Browner played, so we don't know for sure how many sacks he did have out of the 77. All we know is, he was the overall greatest defensive player in NFL history. He could stop the run and get to the quarterback. To top it off, he had 2 national championships.

2. Raghib Ismail/WR & RS/1988-90: Raghib Ismail was the most explosive player in football history. He could change the game on one play. Imagine Devin Hester times ten plus the fact that he could also catch the ball. He had over 1000 career yards in rushing, receiving, and kickoff returns. He is very underrated over all-time because he did not win a Heisman due to the fact that pass-happy offenses were still respected at the time and he did not start his pro career in the NFL. He played in the CFL for the most expensive contract in football history. Even though he started his career in the CFL, he ended his NFL career with 5295 yards receiving in nine years-an amazing stat when analyzed deeper. He was what Ted Ginn Jr. would be considered today. He was an all-time great and my favorite player.

1. George Gipp/RB, DB, & K/1917-20: This one is obvious. A pass thrown to the receiver he was covering was never completed. He averaged 7.5 yards per carry and he had 6 interceptions. He averaged 40 yards per punt and had 20 PATs. He died prematurely, but that may be what he is most known for. He gave his "Win One for the Gipper" speech to Coach Rockne on his deathbed, which ended up being immortalized in the movie Knute Rockne: All-American. Gipp is as famous as a running back can get. He was the first great running back in the history of American football. His impact cannot be overlooked.

I'm Goin' To Vegas

I was on it yesterday. The seer inside of me predicted that Notre Dame was going to win easily over Villanova with Kyle McAlarney being the leading scorer. I was a little off on Luke Harangody. I said that he wasn't going to get a double-double, but I was wrong on that one. However, I also said that Tyrone Nash was going to get into the game. I also said Tim Abromaitis would play, but I'm not hung up on "details". For the most part, I was right, and that's all that matters.

Branching out from Notre Dame, I also predicted Connecticut over Indiana. Indiana is one of the most overrated teams in the country because they have a good freshman. Here's the truth: Gordon is overrated. Sure, he puts up 30 points on Chicago State and whoever else IU played in their joke of a non-conference, but he never shows up in big games, and he gets fatigued way too fast for a shooting guard. He is not on the same level as Michael Beasley and Derrick Rose. They were ranked at number 8, but all that proves is how college basketball rankings are a joke. Good thing they don't mean anything. IU is 1-2 versus the RPI Top 50, and that one win is over Illinois State. Their best win over a major program is over Georgia Tech. IU has lost to all of the good teams they have played. I expect a first round exit for the Hoosiers. Good thing they play in the pathetic Big Ten to boost their record and give them a better seed in the Tourney.

A Chance We Cannot Mess Up

If there is a must win game in January, this is it. Notre Dame is 0-2 on the road, of course those losses are to Georgetown and Marquette. Villanova is not on their level, but they haven't lost at home this season, and like all Big East teams, they have a great crowd. Villanova is also on a cold-streak, so this game may be as important for the Wildcats as it is for the Irish. Let's see what the stats show.

Starting Lineups

ND
G-Tory Jackson (5-11)
G-Kyle McAlarney (6-0)
F-Ryan Ayers (6-7)
F-Rob Kurz (6-9)
C-Luke Harangody (6-8)
6th man-F Zach Hillesland (6-9)

Nova
G-Corey Fisher (6-1)
G-Scottie Reynolds (6-2)
F-Dante Cunningham (6-8)
F-Shane Clark (6-7)
C-Casiem Drummond (6-10)
6th man-G Malcolm Grant (6-0)

Key Matchups

C Luke Harangody versus C Casiem Drummond

Harangody has been the best player in the Big East this season. He is leading the Big East in points per game and is second in rebounding. He is the early leader for Big East player of the year, and if he gets going, he cannot be stopped. Drummond, however, has the size advantage in this matchup. We've seen Harangody struggle against UConn and Georgetown, who both have big centers. Drummond will need to play stronger than Harangody to stop him, and if he gets into foul trouble, this game is over.

SG Kyle McAlarney versus SG Scottie Reynolds

This one should be interesting. Kyle McAlarney is third in 3-point shooting and Reynolds is 12th. Neither of them is known for their defense, so this could be a scoring-fest from beyond the arc. Whoever can get hot first will have a major advantage.

Team Overviews (Rankings are in Big East and Leaders are in bold)

Record: NOVA (13-4) ND (13-4)
PPG: NOVA (8th, 77.5) ND (5th, 78.6)
Scoring D: NOVA (11th, 69.8) ND (6th, 65.1)
Scoring Margin: NOVA (8th, +7.6) ND (5th, +13.5)
FT %: NOVA (5th, .701) ND (1st, .731)
FG %: NOVA (12th, .444) ND (8th, .451)
FG% Against: NOVA (13th, .443) ND (4th, .394)
3 point FG%: NOVA (7th, .360) ND (1st, .406)
3 point FG% Against: NOVA (15th, .393) ND (8th, .338)
Rebounding Margin: NOVA (5th, +4.6) ND (1st, +9.8)
Blocks Per Game: NOVA (15th, 2.88) ND (11st, 3.59)
Assists Per Game: NOVA (12th, 13.9) ND (1st, 18.7)
Steals Per Game: NOVA (3rd, 8.5) ND (12th, 7.0)
Turnover Margin: NOVA (3rd, +3.88) ND (10, +.1)
Assist/Turnover Ratio: NOVA (13th, 1.0) ND (3rd, 1.4)

Advantage: Notre Dame (12-2-1) over Villanova (2-12-1)

Prediction: Notre Dame blows out Villanova on the road 84-66. Harangody will be held to 15 points and 8 rebounds, but McAlarney will make 6 threes and score 27 points. Notre Dame will have 21 turnovers, but they will still win easily due to Villanova's lack of big men on the bench. I expect to see Tyrone Nash and Tim Abromaitis get playing time in this game as they work their way into the rotation.

Freshman Outlook: Tyrone Nash and Tim Abromaitis are stuck on the depth chart behind Ryan Ayers, Zach Hillesland, and Luke Zeller. Next year, they will get much more playing time as Zach Hillesland will most likely be the starter at power forward. Carleton Scott has been redshirted to give him time to develop his raw talent. He could be phenominal and give Notre Dame a great power forward which they haven't had in a very long time (Troy Murphy was a center).

Looking Way Too Far Ahead

The Fighting Irish of Notre Dame are known to play ridiculously tough schedules. Sure, they normally play at least one academy a year, but didn't two academies make it to a bowl game this year? Here, I will post Notre Dame's future opponents in football up to 2013 and grade the schedules. Note that only 2008 is finalized and only 2008 and 2009 have 12 opponents. The ones that do not a date are in italics with possible dates listed. Other possible opponents will be listed as well. They are in order. My source is nationalchamps.net.

2008

v. San Diego State
v. Michigan
@ Michigan State
v. Purdue
v. Stanford
@ North Carolina
@ Washington
v. Pittsburgh
@ Boston College
v. Navy in Baltimore
v. Syracuse
@ Southern California


Grade: 7/10-Notre Dame plays USC, Michigan, Purdue, and Boston College, all who won a bowl game last year. However, they get San Diego State, Syracuse, and Washington, all of whom are very weak opponents. Navy will definitely suffer after Paul Johnson left for Georgia Tech, so they will become a much easier team to face. North Carolina, Stanford, Michigan State, and Pittsburgh all will be better than they were last year, so look out for them. Overall, there are some cupcakes and questionable teams. Notre Dame added North Carolina, Syracuse, Washington, Pittsburgh, and San Diego State while dropping UCLA, Penn State, Georgia Tech, Duke, and Air Force. That's a major drop off.


2009

v. Nevada
@ Michigan
v. Michigan State
@ Purdue
v. Washington
v. Southern California
v. Washington State in San Antonio
v. Navy
@ Pittsburgh
@ Stanford
v. Boston College 10-10, 10-24, 11-21 (most likely)
@ Army 10-10 (most likely), 10-24, 11-21

Grade-8/10: I like this schedule. Nevada is definitely better than San Diego State. Washington State is also a better option than North Carolina. Army is also better than Syrcause. Washington should be fairly good in 2009 if Ty Willingham is fired. Pittsburgh and Stanford should also be contenders in their respective conferences.

2010

v. Purdue
@ Michigan State
v. Stanford
v. Navy in Baltimore
v. Pittsburgh
@ Southern California
v. Michigan 9-11 (most likely), 10-2, 10-9, 10-16, 10-30, 11-20
@ Boston College 9-11, 10-2, 10-9, 10-16, 10-30 (most likely), 11-20
v. Rutgers 9-11, 10-2, 10-9, 10-16, 10-30, 11-20 (most likely)
Other possible opponents: They need a neutral site game, which may be played in Tampa, Dallas, Indianapolis, Chicago, or New Jersey. Teams that may want to play a neutral site are Miami, Florida State, Texas, Texas A&M, Cincinnati, Indiana, Illinois, Wisconsin, Penn State, or Army. I would like to see Notre Dame play Illinois in Chicago at Soldier Field. Opponents that may set up a home and home against Notre Dame are Notre Dame are Air Force, LSU, Georgia Tech, South Florida, Northwestern, Oklahoma, and Iowa.

Grade-6/10: So far, Notre Dame does not have a great non-traditional opponent yet. In fact, all of these teams have been regular on the recent schedule. However, LSU and Notre Dame have been negotiating for a home and home for years, and teams like South Florida and Air Force may find their way on the schedule. For now, the schedule is bad, but it could be great.

2011

@ Purdue
v. Michigan State
@ Pittsburgh
v. South Florida
v. Southern California 9-10, 10-1, 10-8, 10-15, 10-22 (most likely), 10-29, 11-5 11-12
v. Navy 9-10, 10-1, 10-8, 10-15 (most likely), 10-22, 10-29, 11-5, 11-12
v. Boston College 9-10, 10-1, 10-8, 10-15, 10-22, 10-29, 11-5, 11-12
@ Michigan 9-10 (most likely), 10-1, 10-8, 10-15, 10-22, 10-29, 11-5, 11-12
v. Rutgers 9-10, 10-1, 10-8, 10-15, 10-22, 10-29, 11-5, 11-12 (most likely)
Other Possible Opponents: Stanford will definitely make its way onto the schedule at 11-26. Some other opponents may be Oklahoma, Texas, LSU, Air Force, Army, or Alabama. The neutral site game I would like to see is Army in New York in the New Yankee Stadium or Citi Field or New Jersey in the New Meadowlands Stadium.

2012

v. Pittsburgh
v. Purdue Any Saturday from 9-1 to 11-24 besides 9-22 (9-29)
@ Boston College (10-13)
@ Southern California (10-20)
v. Navy in Dublin (9-1)
@ Rutgers (11-10)
@ Oklahoma (10-27)
v. Michigan (9-8)
Other Possible Opponents: The neutral site game I would want to see is in Green Bay versus Wisconsin at Lambeau Field. The history of Lambeau and Notre Dame go hand in hand. Curly Lambeau, a former Notre Dame player, founded the Green Bay Packers, giving them the colors of Notre Dame, blue and gold, before being changed to green and gold when Vince Lombardi arrived. Notre Dame has to play a game in the stadium named after their most favorite football-related graduate. Notre Dame will play Stanford, and the others I expect to see scheduled are Arizona State, Michigan State, and Penn State.

Grade: 9/10-I like this schedule a lot. USC, Michigan, and Oklahoma all have played in a BCS Bowl game in the past two years, and they have all played in a national championship since Notre Dame last won one. They will all be great come 2012. I added on a point for the game in Dublin. That's awesome.

2013

v. Oklahoma
@ Pittsburgh
v. Southern California On any Saturday from 9-14 to 11-23 besides 11-9 (10-19)
v. Navy (10-12)
Boston College (10-26)
@ Purdue (9-21)
v. Rutgers (11-2)
@ Michigan (9-14)
Other Possible Opponents: The neutral site game I want to see is versus Air Force in Kansas City at Arrowhead Stadium. The other opponents I expect to see scheduled are Army, Michigan State, Arizona State, and Pittsburgh.

Grade: 8/10-This is the same schedule as 2012. Same grade minus the extra point for Dublin.

Too Much Lost, Too Little Received

Derrell Hand has been diagnosed with a hereditary spinal cord disease, and his career is over. This is very bad news for everyone involved. Hand has lost his career, but he is lucky in a few ways for things leading up to this illness. Hand was arrested for propositioning a prostitute last spring and was suspended for 3 games. We saw Kyle McAlarney, the junior point guard on the b-ball team, get booted for a semester for marijuana possession. Hand is lucky that Charlie had faith in Hand and let him stay. Now he will have a degree to fall back on. Speaking of that...

When Hand was being recruited, he was looking at colleges (Miami of Florida for instance) that have much lower academic standards than Notre Dame. At Notre Dame, he will get a real degree, not whatever you would get at Florida State while playing football. This is why Notre Dame holds players to higher standards. They need a fall back career.

Bartley Webb, an offensive lineman, also has a career ending injury. He hurt his shoulder and is done. To go along with Pat Kuntz disappearing and being found at Ivy Tech Community College in Indianapolis, Notre Dame is losing too many players.

With Omar Hunter's decommitment, they may not have enough experience or talent to replace them. The defensive line is already very thin. Dwight Stephenson and Trevor Laws have graduated. Justin Brown and Ian Williams are the main players left. Hopefully Pat Kuntz can come back and play this year so the weakness is reduced.