Comments on: UMass Hopes to Catch Irish Napping

By: Dirty

Dirty — Sat, 26 Sep 2015 16:11:38 +0000

In reply to Fitz. Auburn stinks, I wasn't surprised in the least. Nor have I been surprised by the struggles of Big Mouth Bielema. However, ND should blow UMass out of the water.

By: Dirty

Dirty — Sat, 26 Sep 2015 16:05:05 +0000

In reply to Lou. Exactly.

By: Pineapple

Pineapple — Sat, 26 Sep 2015 14:33:11 +0000

In reply to NDBonecrusher. Ben wins SB 50 and 53? Sweet! Can't wait to watch those games when they are played in 2016 and 2019.

By: John Vannie

John Vannie — Sat, 26 Sep 2015 04:04:07 +0000

In reply to Jerrod. Thanks. It was the 2005 season.

By: Fitz

Fitz — Fri, 25 Sep 2015 23:29:02 +0000

I remember thinking Northwestern would be a cinch last year and that ended up being one of the most embarrassing ND games I’ve ever witnessed. Up there with say Syracuse and UConn senior day games. Tulsa springs to mind with a grimace. Now don’t get me wrong, I think we will win against UMass. But let’s show some of that classic Notre Dame respect for each and every opponent. Who foresaw Jacksonville State taking it to the wire against Auburn? I am however proud that ND is one of only 2 other programs to have Never played an FCS (I-AA) school before, so I don’t get the schedule complaints.

ND 38 – UM 13.

By: GOND88

GOND88 — Fri, 25 Sep 2015 23:24:37 +0000

ND should win easily if they don’t play down to the competition like Vannie and others have said which the have a propensity to do. The most recent example being ACC bottom feeder Virginia.

UMASS was a 1-AA school just a few years ago, so it would be embarrassing if ND lets Mr. Whipple and his troops hang around into the second half.

By: shannon

shannon — Fri, 25 Sep 2015 20:29:18 +0000

I need a stress free weekend. Let’s rest some guys and cruise to an easy win.

I have said that before though.

By: chrisnd93

chrisnd93 — Fri, 25 Sep 2015 19:13:18 +0000

One of the things that I distinctly remember from the 1988 Championship Season was that in games that Notre Dame was supposed to win (such as Purdue, Air Force, Stanford, and Rice), they won CONVINCINGLY. There was not a single doubt, at any point during those games, that it was not going to be a completely dominating win. Of course, on Friday nights, and up until game time, Holtz had the team believing that their next opponent could win the Super Bowl, and that made sense for teams like Miami and USC that year. But he even said that about Rice. But then, when it came time to perform, the Irish found a way to lock down their opponents and win right from the beginning – in purely DOMINATING fashion. I distinctly remember that the Rice game was so out of hand that Holtz told his players to avoid scoring any more than the 54 they already had scored.

Since Holtz left, I have not seen the Notre Dame teams dominate games that they must dominate from start to finish on a consistent fashion (maybe the Navy and Miami games in 2012). They certainly showed flashes of such capability during the Texas game this year, which was great to see. However, I would love to see another game like the 1988 games whereby you knew going in that Notre Dame was so good that their opponent had no chance whatsoever. Tomorrow’s game needs to be 1988 Notre Dame vs. Purdue, not 2008 Michigan vs. Appalachian State.

By: Kevin

Kevin — Fri, 25 Sep 2015 19:12:51 +0000

Totally agree with Vince. I am curious – does anyone know ND’s record vs. the spread when favored during the BK years? How about their record when they are a double digit favorite? I suspect it is under .500. This is not the 1960’s. ND rarely blows out anyone anymore. It will be a victory but I bet, going into the 4th Q, it will be closer than you wanted.

By: Vince

Vince — Fri, 25 Sep 2015 13:38:14 +0000

I find it rather interesting that some of the comments are saying it’s hard to get excited about this match up. While I certainly feel this team is more talented and focused than some of our past teams, I shouldn’t have to remind everyone that ND has always had a habit of playing down to thier competition. We as a fan base should not be so arrogant to think that all we need to do is show up and it’s a “W”!! With that said I am very much looking forward to our offense ironing out the kinks in our running game and getting our other backs some reps. If we play the way we should be capable then we can exhale and get excited about Clemson. NEVER overlook an opponent, especially a huge underdog wanting to play inspired on national TV!!!