I was checking my extensive list of Notre dame Blogs.

 

In one is a quote from Latina who admitted that last year he and Weis had 'philosphical differences' ( Not fighting ) but that they were both on the same page this year. The O Line and Latina topic we have doscussed in depth here at the Domain, but that's the first admission I have seen.

 

I could sense from what we write here, did observe in 2007 and from the list of Blogs an overwheming flat uninspired team last year. This year it seems the players are more motivated, excited and let me say Gung Ho.

 

I have to put past problems down to the Seniors and if you have noticed some of the Media reports singled out john Sullivan a Captain as a problem, but reported it low key.

 

In The Irish Brogue there appears to be a quote either by a past or present Senior that John Sullivan flat out did not like Jimmie Clausin. That's a big no, no. You may not like a team mate but you do all you can on the field to protect him.

 

The Irish Brogue link. http://theirishbrogue.blogspot.com/

There was a HUGE divide in the team last year...that should not be a problem this year. GO IRISH!!!

I like that outlook. Can't wait til 9/6.

I'm ready for 9/6 as well!

Edited August 14, 200816 yr by NDJoe06

Does anyone else wonder if this added to Matt Carufel's departure? I'm aware of the reports that he didn't feel right at ND. But, to have your starting center, a fifth year senior, a captain (supposed to be a leader) reportedly flat out not liking Clausen??

well i think that the captain and JC didn't care that much each other, that was pretty obvious, but that should have been corrected by the coaching staff, i think that there was poor judgment by a few people, But as the coach said were going to dive right in THIS year and forget last year, i think the team has come along quite well and the coaches are on the same page, and Charlie is moving on to that HEAD COACH position , much better , i hope it can last, I for one see a very much improved Irish team and if we can stay healthy we should win 8 to 10 wins this year. go Irish

IMHO CW's greatest problem is not noticing when he has a problem...when he came in he saw all the problems w/ wr drills, qb timing and mechanics, etc. His greatest problem last year was focusing on the qb issue and not seeing the pitfall w/ the line or other skill position. I think after last year he will never overlook or take for granted any supposed "strong point."

Wasn't there also rumors swirling in 2006 that Sullivan didn't like BQ at all either?

I am not sure about Sullivan and BQ SD??

But in so war as last year, which we all want to put behind us I and others were getting vibes of discontent on the team by reading through the lines. At that time, being a homer one wanted to put it down as unsubstantiated rumors. Toss in the lacadasical play, unenthusiastic players one can now see that there was a gulf between the Senior leadership and underclassmen that we depended upon to make 2007 a good year.

 

IMO Charlie handing over play calling duties to Haywood and spending more time with all the players rather then just the QB's as Head Coach is part of the attempt not to let this happen again. Prior he could not have eyes in the back of his head or tumble to the nuances of mood while calling plays.

 

From all reports this year we have a more excited and happy group of players playing loose. While some have questioned Weis once or twice being unsatisfied with a celebration on a good play and make them run that again; I think it's his recognition a mood change was needed. Once again I do complain that past the student section in the stadium the tcket holders at ND are as quite as if they were at mass in the Basilica.

 

The constant shout by these ticket holders of "Shut up and sit down" if one stands to cheer, is embarrising. The crowd in a stadium is said to be a 12th man on the squad. Always at home the other team has twelve men and we only put eleven on the field.

 

It's something to see a White Out in Happy Valley then compare that with Rockne's House.

Weis has urged, at Rallys for those mostly students to cheer and make noise but this never gets to the season ticket holders who feel they run things.

I guess most of the season ticket holders are numb to that special feeling after going to games for years and years. I for one would not be able to talk when I left but have never made it to a home game other than the spring scrimmage when I was a younger lad.

Brady and Sullivan didn't get along whatsoever! As for season ticket holders, I've had them in my family for over 25 + years and I've yelled my ass off no matter what, win or lose!

 

I don't have a problem with the student section, because they are loud in their sections. I know, because I sat in them for four years! It's all those blue hairs that sit in the gold seats and scattered around the Stadium that ruin it.

Well, if Sullivan is as bad as he sounds, it is quite appropriate that he ended up at an organization like the Vikings. Going to Dallas, Oakland, Cincinatti, or Baltimore would have also been appropriate.

if sullivan didnt like JC, do you think thats true for the other linemen, or at least some? ive haerd some things

No. Read the article that is up on blue and gold by Coach Haywood, were he says that the players flock to JC and that he is a natural leader.

Grizz most of this was last year, niot this year. There is new Sheriff in town now.

Then I missed what he was talking about- tank- that many did not like JC? Even if that was so last year, it does not seem to be the case with the 08 version of the Irish, and that is what is important now.