Irish sacked for first loss of the season at Michigan State Save Email Print
Posted: 9:44 PM Sep 20, 2008
 Last Updated: 12:05 AM Sep 21, 2008
 Reporter: Angelo Di Carlo
Email Address: angelo.dicarlo@wndu.com
76 comments
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After giving up a NCAA leading 58 sacks in 2007, the Notre Dame offensive line did not allow a single sack in ND's first two games of the season.

Both games were wins.

That changed Saturday as Jimmy Clausen was sacked three times, was hurried a lot more and threw two interceptions as the Irish lost their first game of the season 23-7 at Michigan State.

Three turnovers were also a killer for the Irish.

Down 3-0 in the 1st quarter, Clausen had a potential touchdown pass intercepted in the endzone by Otis Wiley.

In the 2nd, Wiley again intercepted Clausen. This one came deep in Notre Dame territory and led to a Javon Ringer touchdown that put the Spartans up 10-0 at the half.

In the 3rd, the Irish were again in the MSU red zone when Clausen connected with Michael Floyd at the Spartan 10, but Floyd fumbled and Michigan State took possession.

The Irish finally made something happen on the first play of the 4th quarter as Floyd redeemed himself, making a fantastic catch on a Clausen pass to pull ND with 13-7.

Floyd had 7 catches for 86 yards. Clausen was 24 of 41 for 242 yards, a TD and two interceptions.

Michigan State responded with a big drive that setup a 1st and goal inside the Irish five. But ND defense came up big holding MSU to just a field goal.

That put the Spartans back up by nine, 16-7.

On the ensuing drive, the Irish faced a 3rd and 17, when Golden Tate made a great play to avoid two Spartan defenders and somehow escape with a first down.

But a bad snap caused Brandon Walker to miss his 2nd field goal of the day and the Irish came away with no points.

Ringer then scored another TD to put MSU up 23-7. Ringer had 39 carries for 201 yards and both Spartan TDs.

The Irish running backs, meanwhile, provided almost no yards on the ground. As a team, ND rushed for just 16 yards on 22 carries.

Notre Dame is now 2-1 on the season, while Michigan State improves to 3-1.

Next up for the Irish is Purdue next Saturday at the Stadium.
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Posted by: Anonymous on Sep 26, 2008 at 12:12 PM
I thought his hair didn't matter? More pointless hypocrisy from ND wannabes.
Posted by: Craig Location: Bremen on Sep 26, 2008 at 10:10 AM
It's great to see fans root for their teams. The reason ND has so many haters though is because every year ND starts out 2-0, alot of their fans start mapping out the possibilities of a National Championship. Most people get tired of that, especially when they see the Irish ranked 30th at the time. There is a sense of arrogance at ND because of their traditional successes. Being a UM fan, I see alot of arrogance on our side also. We are the two winningest programs. It doesn't mean we 'belong' at the top of the heap forever. Yes, most fans go beyond the point of hoping, and somehow become delusional if ND wins two in a row. I picked them for 6-8 wins. You said 8, ND Fan, and that's fair. That means the Irish still lose 4 games. Look at how most fans are dejected after only 1 loss. It's the overzealous fans that give the rest of you guys the black eye. I take pride in our schools being 1 and 2 overall. Go Blue! Go Irish! Nobody likes a poor loser.
Posted by: ND Fan Location: ND on Sep 26, 2008 at 08:53 AM
Last night's game, Jimmy cut his hair... all we need is a win and this will be a great week!
Posted by: Anonymous on Sep 26, 2008 at 07:37 AM
DOWN GOES USC,,,we will see ya soon, Go Irish
Posted by: ray Location: granger on Sep 25, 2008 at 04:43 PM
Mr. Lack meet Mr. Luster. Back for yet another appearance in 2008-09.
Posted by: ND Fan Location: ND on Sep 25, 2008 at 01:05 PM
BTW, Anon, when I looked back at that article, I saw the posts between you and RIF about whether or not I worked at Stude's- um, nope. Sorry to burst your bubble on my "true identity", Columbo- I would say your detective skills need to be honed. Craig- I agree that things are broken at ND, and need to be fixed. I think real fans do acknowledge that. However, we are bashed and called delusional (see Anon n Todd, BFF) for continuing to support our teams and trying the point out the good things we see. I have not called you a hater, but it is safe to say they are, to the point of making up lies to try to prove a point they never really had to begin with. As you said, your friend is hopeful and optimistic. Why can't we be too? That's what fans do- they support no matter what. Anon and Todd jump on any team that happens to be in the top 10.
Posted by: ND Fan Location: ND on Sep 25, 2008 at 12:47 PM
Anon, please show me where I predicted anything but an 8 win season. That's right, check the archives. Don't call me a liar when you can't back it up. The proof is still on the site. Try this: http://www.wndu.com/sports/headlines/27546964.html Well look there! Looks like ND Fan said 8 wins...hey, that's ME! Who's a liar? Try to get just ONE of your facts straight. It's too easy making you look like the "dope and a liar" that you are. You're just pitiful!
Posted by: Craig Location: Bremen on Sep 25, 2008 at 10:13 AM
All I was asking is what makes ND different from all the other schools? Weis has been there a while now, as many other schools have coaches in the same boat. So, it is similar. Urban Meyer turned it around at Utah in a short time, and took over at Fla. when they were struggling a little. George O'Leary has had success since his ND release! All I'm doing is rationalizing things. What's funny is that my best friend is a BIG ND fan and we watch games together all the time and never argue! He sees the same problems I see and is hopeful and optimistic for some changes in a lot of areas. He knows I have nothing against ND. Just because someone gives an accurate truth, doesn't mean they're a hater. Things are broken at ND, whether you want to admit it or not. They are better, but Weis has had plenty of time to fix the blocking and tackling issues, so how much better will it get? 6-8 wins, and yes, partly because of their weak schedule.
Posted by: Anonymous on Sep 25, 2008 at 09:03 AM
Yeah right, ND Fan. NOW it was "we were hoping." You really are a dope and a liar. It must pain you so to actually admit you were wrong. This team is no better off than they were last year. The only thing that has changed, is the caliber of the teams they are playing against. You know it, I know it, everyone knows it. Todd, you are exactly right. These fools are always living in a magical world. For the past 20 years, watch an ND game and then watch a game like LSU, USC, or OSU. The caliber of team is completely different, yet these ND dorks think that their team actually measures up. It's a joke and the world laughs.
Posted by: ND Fan Location: ND on Sep 25, 2008 at 07:54 AM
OK, Todd, I see I have to spell things out for you. They DID bulk up. They are "back to basics". Charlie is delegating. Way to say everything that has already been said and try to pass it off an original. They get fired up, and people call them crazy and to show some class. I mention that they need to show some heart and you jump all over me like that's the ONLY thing I have ever said they need. Try reading ALL the posts, not just the last two or three. Just like the Anon- come in here just to nitpick and throw insults. You two make a cute couple. My prediction of 8-4 does not make me delusional, Todd, thanks anyway.
Posted by: Todd Location: South Bend on Sep 24, 2008 at 06:25 PM
ND Fan, you are seriously delusional like the rest. I am not from this area originally, but I can see you all are in a magic world. The players having a heart will not fix the mess they are in. They tackles are a mess...they cant hit a guy and take him down to save their lives. They need to bulk up and get some power behind them. Maybe Charlie needs to step back from the table and feed his team a bit more. The defense needs bulk and serious work. The freshman receiver needs to be trained on how to catch a ball. The team is only as good as their coach and we are seeing that. Last year was the first one where Charlie finally had his own team that didn't have recruits that were there when he started. It is showing a lot about him.
Posted by: Rabid Irish Fan Location: Standing Tall on Sep 24, 2008 at 06:23 PM
Anon..What? Making rules up? Do you just chime in with random non-sense? Usually in football, the team who has less turnovers and makes the better choices, wins the game. In the Michigan game ND had less yards and were beaten in many categories. However, they had less turnovers and made better clock choices and therefore, while having less offense, they still won the game. Just ask Craig, he will tell you. Also anon, I said usually not always.
Posted by: Rabid Irish Fan Location: Standing Tall on Sep 24, 2008 at 06:18 PM
Mr. Expert? I thought that was you Craig. What, I cannot disagree without you getting all girlie? Like I said before, Florida and ND, way different. To answer your question about blocking and such, depth, maybe better coaching?? And no I don't intend to use the Michigan game as a highlite all season, but, Craig...we have only played three games and that was the highlite for this team so far. As far as what you said about the Irish being young and tentative, I agree fully, I don't need to be "Mr. Expert" to see that. And no, how dumb, do I want his career to end before it begins, of course not. However with the O line falling apart last season Sharpley would have been on his rear a fair amount as well. Don't feel obligated to explain anything to me, how arrogant, I hoped for an Irish win and that makes me less equipped to talk college football? Sorry, Guru Craig, I won't offer my opinion if it displeases you so. No, better yet, just don't pay attention to them and we will get along fine
Posted by: ND Fan Location: ND on Sep 24, 2008 at 03:42 PM
Anon, further proof that you talk out of your you-know-what. The pre-season "blustering" was that we hope Charlie learned a lesson, we are hoping for 8 wins (yes, some predicted more but also had a disclaimer that it would be done in a best-case situation). So HOPING the Irish get better is blustering? Oh, to be perfect like you. Look, I am sorry you don't have any friends. It is like I said before, you are the little girl coming up and punching the little boy to get his attention. Ridiculous. Bottom line is that this team needs heart. I see heart from a few players, but not enough.
Posted by: Craig Location: Bremen on Sep 24, 2008 at 03:05 PM
RIF, is the UM game gonna be your highlight reference for the rest of the year? If you want to keep using that as your reference, then you should have seen in that game why I "guaranteed" a MSU victory. Of the UM turnovers(6), how many were unforced? ND's first two drives in that game were from the 11 and 14 yd. line. It took them 9-10 total plays to score the first 14 pts. That's not even 3 yds. per play! The team got inspired by that. When have you seen any emotion since? This team is tentative and still plays with doubt. They have some really good players. Claussen is a tough kid, but as a freshman he was sacked 50 times! Do you really want a kid's career ended before it starts? So, Mr. expert, why can Florida block and tackle and ND can't? The MSU outcome was obvious, so I feel obligated to explain other things to you! I can use 20 other schools as examples with plenty of young players ranked a lot higher than ND. You tell me why?
Posted by: Anonymous on Sep 24, 2008 at 02:40 PM
Less turnovers....Rabid, that same mantra didn't ring true for the ND's first game though did it? Isn't true that you just make the "rules" up as you go along to pretend like ND is better than they really are?
Posted by: Anonymous on Sep 24, 2008 at 11:02 AM
ND fans are just reaching for anything they can. They know that their team is pathetic and doomed for years to come. All of their blustering in the pre season was for nothing. They have all been proven wrong and they know it.
Posted by: Rabid Irish Fan Location: Standing Tall on Sep 24, 2008 at 10:36 AM
No kidding Craig, really, I had not noticed...I disagree with that Shaprley should have been the starter last season, Clausen needed to get the true game speed experience. Besides that Sharpley may have gotten us another one or two wins. But, that would have left us in the same situation in 08' as in 07'. Notre dame needs to get away from it's no red shirt policy. Had that been the case, I would agree with you. I agree Weis should groom his players, but, you have to have depth in skill postions to do that, which he did not. Take Dane Christ, what do you think Weis is doing with him right now? Grooming him I bet, don't you. You have to look at the situation for each school, Florida and ND, apples to oranges. And please don't act like I am some girlfriend you have to explain football to, you don't. Here is a better example of your Hoyer example. ND had much worse numbers than Michigan did when they played. Less turn overs and good choices, equals ND over Michigan, there it is.
Posted by: Craig Location: Bremen on Sep 24, 2008 at 10:14 AM
Now, to ND Fan. ND needs to keep Weis for two more years. At the very least, they continue to recruit well for the next coach. Instead of concentrating on all the skill players, Weis needs to get some blockers and tacklers. He has already proven to be a bad coach with many bone-headed decisions at ND. Last week for example, he knew darn well MSU is a 'smashmouth' team, so what's he do? He comes out with six straight running plays, right into the heart of MSU's defense. Okay, do you even have a back averaging 4 yds. per carry or worse yet, 50 yds. per game? No! When is the last time you fans remember a ND back running the ball 30 times for 100 yds and setting the pace of a game? Darius Walker!! Every year Weis has played in big games, he is totally outwitted by the good coaches. In their BCS game vs. LSU, he came out and went for a 4th down at midfield to start the game and didn't make it. Great...you just gave the #1 offense in the land the ball in your territory. I can go on.........
Posted by: Craig Location: Bremen on Sep 24, 2008 at 10:03 AM
Okay, RIF...let me compare two similar programs,Florida and ND. Urban Meyer was the guy ND REALLY wanted but he went to Fla. With no head coaching experience anywhere, Weis was chosen by ND. Meyer inherited a good program, as did Weis. Walker, Quin, Shark, etc. were all going to be the nucleus of a good team regardless of the coach. So,what has happened at both schools since? Florida has several freshmen and sophs on the field as well and haven't fallen off their pace. Did Tebow win the Heisman as a soph? Credit that to Meyer 'grooming' him along his freshman year. Was Clausen groomed? No, he was thrown into the fire! Sharpley should have benn the starter last year. He's not as talented, but can 'manage' the game. Hoyer from MSU is a good example that your stats can be bad, but with no turnovers and wise decisions, you set your team up for wins. Weis hasn't groomed any players at any positions. There it is.
Posted by: justin Location: mish on Sep 23, 2008 at 04:33 PM
michigan state is the start of notre dames downfall
Posted by: Slade Location: Mishawaka on Sep 23, 2008 at 02:20 PM
Kimberly, thank you for your answer as the meaning of to much vanilla. I never heard that saying before and I thought it was what "M location V" said. It had to do with black and white. Sometimes you have to read what that reporter says in his article to try to understand what he means. If the Irish doesn't go astray this weekend Craig's picks might just be on target. Pittsburgh and North Carolina looked good this week. NC lost their starting QB. Purdue squeaked by Central and will be looking for redemption and if they beat the Irish they will get it. If MSU puts everything on one running back they will get burned like OSU. Don't count Michigan out yet. I can see it now, when the Irish line up every football player pulls out his laptop and it tells him what to do. I guess if he can't block his man he will hit him over the head with it.
Posted by: Craig Location: Bremen on Sep 23, 2008 at 02:15 PM
By the way, RIF, you say you "did not tune in to see, 'Craig's College Football Pred. Blog.'". Weren't you the one who was so interested in "what you get" when I am wrong? FYI, years ago I used to "use my skills" and make money in organized competitions, sponsored by companies that paid prizes. With over 200 participants every year, I never finished lower than 4th place, and won it all twice. Still got the pics of me holding the "Big Checks" for my efforts. I'm like the old retired gunslinger. When a new cowboy rides into town and tells me I "ain't so bad", I dust off the pistols to show I still got it. So relax, ND is favored this week and may just win. I don't think they will though. It should be good.
Posted by: ND Fan Location: ND on Sep 23, 2008 at 01:19 PM
Craig- what's your solution? Seriously, I am not provoking you. ND is between a rock and a hard place. They fire Weis? Out come all the haters saying it is Ty all over again and that ND is dumb for wasting all that money and playing revolving coaches. They keep him? Out come the haters to say ND can't admit their mistake in hiring Weis and fix the problem by getting rid of him. So what would you have them do?
Posted by: Rabid Irish Fan Location: Standing Tall on Sep 23, 2008 at 12:37 PM
A lot of time to develop??? Weis first round of recruits are sophs...So, where was all of this time to develop them, oh, last season when he played so many freshman and got crap for that too. Weis also won with Ty guys, something Ty could not do. I would call last season a new beginning for the Irish, same place U of M is right now and I suspect you will be in about the same place next season, maybe a game or so better, not much though. Your crossroads/new beginning comment is way too premature, don't you think. I had no problem with you until you had to gloat on your predictions and your I hate to say I told you so, but, I did anyway post. We know how you feel about the Irish and the problems that still presist, do you need to repeat it everytime you make your predictions. Hell, I will give it a shot, ND 28- Purdue 17.
Posted by: Craig Location: Bremen on Sep 23, 2008 at 10:35 AM
RIF, who said I didn't like the Irish? Besides, alot of you had no problem debating my predictions last week, telling me why I would be wrong. The problems were there and obvious, but some of you didn't see it. Now I'll spew about Michigan! What's to say? I predicted them for 3-9 weeks ago. Some say they won't finish that bad. They couldn't even beat ND! Who are they gonna beat? #8 Wisconsin? Penn State? OSU? Heck, even Northwestern and Minnesota are 4-0! Not too much to talk about in Ann Arbor. ND has good players...in skilled spots. Not a good team, and won't be all year. They will still finish with 6-8 wins as I said all along. Charlie has had the time to develop this team and hasn't. He's been around longer than Ty and won alot of games with Ty's guys. ND is at the crossroads. UM is at a new beginning. Big difference.
Posted by: ken Location: sturgis on Sep 23, 2008 at 08:27 AM
Charlie's "success" has been a result of what he inherited from his predessor. He didn't "make" Brady Quinn, Brady Quinn Made him. As the players that weere there when he got there left, the team started down hill. Clausen will never be a Quinn. At East Lansing they left at least 13 points on the field. The team on the sidelines seemed disconnected with the game on the field, no spirit at all.M y advice to charlie is: Reinstall the "Notre Dame" spirit. Bring them back from the Frightend Irish to the Fighting Irish. C'mon guys, just because you're not on the field, you'restill part of the game. Get in touch with the kicking game. 6 points left on the field there. Either practice harder, or get a new kicker. Charlie, I don't think you are the right person for the job at Notre Dame. You seem to be more demoralizing than inspiring. I don't expect you to be a Rockney, But some connection with the team would be an improvement.
Posted by: Rabid Irish Fan Location: Standing Tall on Sep 23, 2008 at 07:48 AM
What do you want Craig? Oh, you are 3-0 and predicted Clausen would get sacked...Kudos, you are a college football insider. There you go, now like I said before...For someone who does not like the Irish it is kind of harsh for you to come in and make your predictions and point out the problems the Irish have. Considering your a MICHIGAN fan, you have your own problems, difference is, not one of us spew about M and how bad they are. If you are so schooled in the college football world, why don't you use your skills and fine presentation to make some money and write a column or start a blog. We all saw the game and the season to date so far and I think we all know the score sans your insight. Oh, I know, RIF is so upset because Craig was right...not really, just did not tune in to see "Craigs College Football Prediction Blog" How about them Wolverines??
Posted by: Craig Location: Bremen on Sep 22, 2008 at 02:10 PM
After re-reading my last comment, it sounded kinda harsh, but I did tell ya so and was only trying to reinforce the facts of ND football this year. It wasn't my intention to say, "I told you so!" , but well, I did! It would be nice to hear back from some of my critics from last week. As I said, I'm not as sure this week because of Purdues problems. ND has enough skill players to pull out a win, if they can hang on to the ball. Painter looks awful good, as well as Sheets and the rest of the offense. The ND weaknesses are too much for them to beat good teams. Is Purdue a good team? Not really, that's why the Irish have a chance. It should be a good game. Emotion can carry either team to a big day. Purdue looks like they can score on anyone. ND doesn't. Good day RIF, Slade, Ike, etc.
Posted by: N on Sep 22, 2008 at 01:07 PM
Not a single mention of 'Laptopgate' Thats ok WNDU, just ignore it. If you dont acknowledge it then it never happened, right?
Posted by: M Location: V on Sep 22, 2008 at 12:08 PM
Slade, the answer is black and white.
Posted by: TJ on Sep 22, 2008 at 11:55 AM
Wait for the Boilers to roll into town this weekend. You thought Michigan State was a tough team, The Boilers will deliver a beating they might not recover from! PURDUE by three touchdowns!!!!!!
Posted by: ND Fan Location: ND on Sep 22, 2008 at 11:40 AM
I was very frustrated when we tried to run run run when it was obvious it wasn't working. Dave, Clausen has won a couple of games also. They can't play relvolving QB's or they will never gel as a group. It is not Clausen, it is our O-Line- AGAIN. No holes for our running backs, we got manhandled. Our kicking teams are not producing, that needs to be fixed. I am sure I am not the only one that misses Carlson right now. This is one of the 4 losses I predicted, but I hoped it wasn't going to come true. Very disappointing, but no time to dwell on it. Get past this game, the arrests, and move on, Irish! You have the talent- learn to work together and USE IT! GO IRISH! Anon- I don't think ND is overrated- they aren't ranked. How can you say we are way off when we predicted a 4 loss season, some even predicted a 5-6 loss season? We are 2-1- hardly way off. Get back with me in November, OK?
Posted by: Anonymous on Sep 22, 2008 at 11:27 AM
I am going to start betting some money on "Craigs picks." Lol.
Posted by: Craig Location: Bremen on Sep 22, 2008 at 10:53 AM
Well, the only thing I missed on was that I thought Hoyer would play better. Besises that, I was dead on. J-A-V-O-N! The facts are simple. ND cannot run the football! They cannot defend the run! They have no kicking game! That is not a good formula. I also predicted Claussen to be sacked 3 times, which I was dead-on. Their blocking schemes for their passing game works between the 20 yard lines, but without the run, ND is doomed against the good teams. They couldn't run last year and can't run this year. It's not going to happen. It's just not there. As I said last week, I know my college football, and proved it. ND is better, but has too many weaknesses to be a ranked team. Their weak schedule can produce 6-8 wins for them. They won't beat the good teams. This week is close. Purdue averages 33 pts per game, which is why they get the nod, 27-21.
Posted by: Anonymous on Sep 22, 2008 at 10:08 AM
Here is the truly funny part. ALLLLL you heard in the offseason was the dork Weis talking about ND was going to "pound it" referring to the running game. Has anyone seen that? It is obvious the guy does not know what he means. He is really flying by the seat of his pants and it shows. "Pound it." What a joke, Weis! Better change your mantra reaaaal quick. Face it. ND is lucky to not be 0 - 3 right now. They finally played an opponent that didn't spend the game making them look good. And MSU isn't even THAT good! Too bad all you fanatical ND fans were waaay off as usual. You are the reason ND is always overrated. Keep digging that hole, its getting much deeper.
Posted by: Terry Location: Granger on Sep 22, 2008 at 08:24 AM
ND was out played in all areas of the game with MSU.Special teams missed 2 field goals.The Defense gave up to many Big plays,mostly because they are not using their arms when they tackle which accounts for all the broken tackles.For the most part they have been in position to make the play but have had poor execution.If they are going to become a good team they have to find a running game.I feel they have to go to a 2 back formation and bring the fullback into play.With one back in the backfield who do you think the defense is keying on? Also with 1 back in the backfield you have no lead blocker or anyone to pick up the blitz.When ND had a great running games they had a