Irish fight for ugly win over San Diego State in week one
Irish fight for ugly win over San Diego State in week one Save Email Print
Posted: 8:40 PM Sep 6, 2008
 Last Updated: 12:41 AM Sep 7, 2008
87 comments
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Charlie Weis said it best after the game: an ugly win is better than an ugly loss.

And after trailing 13-7 heading into the 4th quarter, Notre Dame rallied for two touchdowns in the final frame to beat lowly San Diego State 21-13 in the season opener at Notre Dame Stadium.

The turning point came in the 4th when the Aztecs could have put the game away with a touchdown. But as Brandon Sullivan was set to cross the goaline, he was hit by safeties Kyle McCarthy and David Bruton. The ball came loose and Bruton recovered it to give the Irish the ball.

On the ensuing drive Jimmy Clausen completed all five of his passes, including a 38-yard touchdown strike to Golden Tate to put the Irish up 14-13.

Clausen was 21 of 34 for 237 yards, three touchdowns and two interceptions. Tate had 6 receptions for 93 yards and a TD.

Clausen's final touchdown pass sealed the game, a 6-yard toss to senior captain David Grimes.

Charlie Weis had said all off-season he wanted to start off fast. But the Irish did anything but.

The game was scoreless after a quarter, and turnovers plagued the Irish in the 2nd quarter.

After a Clausen Interception, Aztec quarterback Ryan Lindley connected on a 43-yard bomb to Darren Mougey to the Irish one yard line.

Lindley then rushed in the QB keeper to put SDST up 7-0.

Just before the half, Sergio Brown came up with a huge blocked punt. That allowed Clausen to find freshman Michael Floyd for a 22 yard TD to the tie game at 7 at the half.

In the 3rd, turnovers again bit the Irish, leading to Lindley again finding Mougey. This one was for 15 yards and was a touchdown to put SDST up 13-7 after a missed extra point.

Lindley was 29 of 59 for 274 yards and one interception. Mougey caught 5 passes for 97 yards.

For the game, the Irish committed four turnovers, plus allowed a field goal to be blocked.

Notre Dame is now 1-0 on the season while SDST drops to 0-2.

The Irish will host Michigan, a 16-6 winner over Miami (OH), next Saturday at the Stadium.

Newscenter 16 will have complete post-game coverage at 11pm.
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Posted by: ND Fan Location: ND on Sep 12, 2008 at 08:36 AM
Nice, Rabid Boilermaker. Doesn't it feel good to throw it out there like that?! Getaclue, while I don't think your percentages are accurate, doesn't that just kind of help our cause? That means 95% of the Irish fans choose to support the Irish for reasons other than direct ties to the University. Wow- seeing how the ND fan base is the largest in college football, that says a lot. By the way, as an alum, I LOVE the fact that the other townie fans love ND too. So please speak for your college, not mine! Just because we are ND fans does not mean we cannot support other colleges in the state (except on September 27, of course).
Posted by: Iwant to join the club too! on Sep 12, 2008 at 08:35 AM
Yuuuuup....let them have their delusions though. Too blind to see the people laughing in your face.
Posted by: getaclue Location: Mishawaka on Sep 11, 2008 at 08:06 PM
when will you Local townie fans realize that N.D. does not even want you as fans, they only want your $$$. I would guess that less than 5% of all nd fans actually went there or their kids. Back a real state school or another IN team...wake up and see what the Alumni think of you fools.
Posted by: Clit Location: S B on Sep 11, 2008 at 06:07 PM
RIF, your club is nothing other than the Notre Dame Sucks Club. Most of your fans are here!
Posted by: Kimberly Location: South Bend on Sep 11, 2008 at 05:14 PM
No you can't join the club so take your toys and go home!
Posted by: Rabid Boilermaker on Sep 11, 2008 at 04:42 PM
Except that I'm not pretending.
Posted by: Rabid Irish Fan Location: Standing Tall on Sep 11, 2008 at 04:25 PM
Sorry, we are not pretending, you cannot join our club. Why don't you pretend to be a Purdue fan so N can have a friend here.
Posted by: Anonymous on Sep 11, 2008 at 03:00 PM
Hey! I want to come here and pretend I am a diehard ND fan so that I can make friends too!
Posted by: Rabid Irish Fan Location: Standing Tall on Sep 11, 2008 at 01:04 PM
Good one NDF! Keeping it classy, just like the Irish!
Posted by: ND Fan Location: ND on Sep 11, 2008 at 12:10 PM
My bad, Kimberly! I didn't forget, I didn't want to run up the score on Troy!
Posted by: Dustin Location: S B on Sep 11, 2008 at 12:03 PM
Kimberly, get back to the kitchen and bake some bread!
Posted by: Kimberly Location: South Bend on Sep 10, 2008 at 09:42 PM
Hey Nd FAN, you forgot 69 - 0 Florida State!
Posted by: Rabid Irish Fan Location: Standing Tall on Sep 10, 2008 at 02:20 PM
All those inflated scores means one thing and one thing alone...STYLE POINTS, thanks BCS.
Posted by: ND Fan Location: ND on Sep 10, 2008 at 02:04 PM
My point, Troy, is mainly to Anon, then to you when you choose to involve yourself. People come here and bash ND for doing something that EVERY OTHER TEAM does, but act like ND should be banned from playing football because of it. If you think that a rebuttal to a comment made on this post is acting like a little kid, so be it. So is not claiming your team, unless you are just waiting to choose when the BCS rankings come out... are you one of those?
Posted by: Troy Location: Indiana on Sep 10, 2008 at 12:02 PM
ND Fan, you are like a little kid. I thought we were talking about ND. NOT allll those other teams. Typical argument. Rather than address the topic, pick a different one to attack. Lame. RIF, you are right. I was speaking more in terms of Sharpley, not Clausen. I am just saying that steps could have been taken that would not have put the Irish in the position that they found themselves in last year or even, from the looks of things, this year. I just believe it falls firmly on coaching, not the kids. Those games against the academies weren't even close last year. I think ND bought a lemon with Weis. It's unfortunate. For me, I am not an Irish fan, but I love to watch them play. One of the more exciting teams around usually. Dont bet against them, don't bet on them.
Posted by: Rabid Irish Fan Location: Standing Tall on Sep 10, 2008 at 09:36 AM
Troy, we know Seniors graduate. Look at it like this. Weis knew he had a good core of experienced players in 2006 so, you can take your last, best shot at winning it all with the team you have, meaning, you are not going to be playing frosh. Besides, genius, Clausen was not even at ND when Quinn was a Senior, he was a TRUE freshman last season. Kind of hard to play a guy who is still in High School. Unless you play Sharpley last season and even then Clausen would be just as inexperienced this season as he was last season. As much as Coach Weis did not want to say "rebuilding season" last season, that is exactly what it was.
Posted by: ND Fan Location: ND on Sep 10, 2008 at 08:01 AM
56-17 Georgia, 43-0 OSU, 57-2 USC, 56-10 Florida. And that's THIS year, not the 2006 world you're living in, Troy. Who's your team, and I will find a score that didn't "need" to be so high. Let's talk at the end of the season when they are trying to figure out who should be in the Championship game, and we'll see how fast margin of victory comes up in the debates. ND had the chance to score again with less than 2 minutes, they didn't. What fault is there in that? None. That's why you are still dwelling on things that happen TWO years ago. Funny how people can't remember that ND was good then, but they sure can google scores...
Posted by: Oklahoma Fan Location: Granger on Sep 9, 2008 at 06:00 PM
Why can't you people just take the win and be happy for your team? That is what I was taught in Oklahoma, by the way we will be playing ND soon enough. GO SOONERS !!!!!!
Posted by: Rabid Irish Fan Location: Standing Tall on Sep 9, 2008 at 04:48 PM
Mike, you know what little tid bit of info I found that made me laugh?? Your mighty rodents played SDSU in 2004 and they only won by 3 points. Your team is in "rebuilding mode", face it, you will be lucky to go .500 this season.
Posted by: mike Location: elkhart on Sep 9, 2008 at 03:41 PM
GO BLUE!!!! The Wolverienes will hand the Amish, I mean Irish their first loss this year.....one of many!
Posted by: Troy Location: Indiana on Sep 9, 2008 at 02:18 PM
Also, I might add, notice that Quinn played just about every minute of those games...setting ND up for failure in 2007. Some offensive "genius." Hey, "genius," seniors GRADUATE!
Posted by: Troy Location: Indiana on Sep 9, 2008 at 02:16 PM
What is anon talking about? 2006 season: vs Penn state 41-17, vs Navy 38-14, vs Air Force 39-17, vs Army 41-9...you're right though. I am sure that they HAD to score those games that big, right? Get off of your high horse..or the crack. Whichever it is. Check the stats from those games yourself to see how many TD's were in the 4th quarter.
Posted by: Anon Location: Here on Sep 9, 2008 at 08:06 AM
Anonymous on 9/8 at 2:50. Show me the game where ND had the game won and chose to put it in the end zone again when they could have run out the clock again. Don't give me any examples where they couldn't have run out the clock- they don't matter. I am talking about when ND has the chance to let the game clock expire, they do. Typical hater- selective memory. Funny as heck.
Posted by: Rabid Irish Fan Location: Standing Tall on Sep 8, 2008 at 10:51 PM
N, easy there big fella. I have had A LOT of my comments not get posted. That said, I have also ranted about it and then the next day it gets posted ( did I sure look stupid). Depending on your wording or key words being used in your post, it can subject it to review. I have waited 24 hours to see a post I have made before. Also, include your e mail addy with your post, the people behind the online scenes are good folks and have been great whenever I have had an issue. M.Y....GET BACK TO WORK! YOU ARE NOT SUPPOSED TO BE A COMPUTER, HEATHEN! Elaine, the opponent should not have screwed up, that is the point. If your opponent screws up, hit them where they live, that is how you win games. Go Irish!!!
Posted by: Anonymous on Sep 8, 2008 at 10:15 PM
Hey-Clay is looking for a coach, won't have to relocate. # is 243-7000.
Posted by: Anonymous on Sep 8, 2008 at 06:45 PM
Maybe this is "their year"... isn't it always? This year for sure!!
Posted by: Kimberly Location: South Bend on Sep 8, 2008 at 06:04 PM
Mitch, Thank you for your optimistic comments and to you and your fellow troops for putting your lives on the line every day. Ronald, the team needed to celebrate a win! They needed to know they could win, even if it was over a really bad team. Look at how the moral of the team was destroyed last year. They need to build their belief in themselves and learn to play as a team with confidence. Julie, don't think I would be singing Michigan's praises too much if I were you. They looked really bad Saturday themselves. Fashionista; Real informative comment you made, NOT! How much about football do you really know? Maybe you are the fashion police, not much of a need here, go to the TLC network website, your comment may mean more there. I am hopeful that there will be improvements from wk1 to wk2 now that this team has got a game under their belts. Personally, I feel that Notre Dame should demote Chalrie to offensive coach and bring in a new head coach if things don't improve soon. GO IRISH
Posted by: justin Location: mish on Sep 8, 2008 at 05:55 PM
Bring back Tyron he is a much better couch. What the heck I'm I sayin I'm a Michigan fan.
Posted by: Sharon Location: Las Vegas, Nv on Sep 8, 2008 at 04:03 PM
I couldn't have said it better... " an ugly win is better than an ugly lose". Problem is... Michigan is no SDSU and we barely got past them!
Posted by: Anonymous on Sep 8, 2008 at 03:50 PM
Oh really? So ND doesn't run up the score in games? Funny as heck hearing a domer say that. Where were you two years ago?!? Typical domer...selective memory.
Posted by: Elaine Location: Indiana on Sep 8, 2008 at 03:36 PM
You are sooooo right!Notre Dame won because the opponent screwed-up!Should there ever be a Toilet Bowl,you can rest assured,the Irish will go!
Posted by: N on Sep 8, 2008 at 03:16 PM
I just want WNDU to know that censorship is illegal in this country and I am really getting sick and tired of posting comments on stories only to have none of them be posted because someone apparently thinks what I said isnt worthy enough. I made a huge comment this morning on this story, and said nothing even remotely wrong, just general critiquing of the team, and it wasnt posted. Yet all these other knuckleheads get their comments posted. STOP CENSORING ME AND WHAT I HAVE TO SAY! EVERYONE HAS A RIGHT TO THEIR OWN OPINION, HOW DARE YOU KEEP ME FROM EXPRESSING MINE!
Posted by: Anon Location: Here on Sep 8, 2008 at 02:08 PM
Yeah, Ronald- God forbid these kids celebrate. Bet you supported the refs on that weak call that cost Washington the game, too. Let the kids show some emotion! Find something else to complain about. RIF is right- classy is not punching it in when they had a perfect opportunity to do so at the end. Guess you missed that part though, huh, Ronald? We're not laughing at ND, just YOU.
Posted by: Anon Location: Here on Sep 8, 2008 at 12:20 PM
I am chalking it up to being rusty- aztecs had a game under their belt, ND didn't. If they play the same way against michigan, it's over!
Posted by: Rabid Irish Fan Location: Standing Tall on Sep 8, 2008 at 12:03 PM
Oh poor SDSU, they really got hosed huh...Give it a rest, Hell, I will give them the TD on the fumble, it would still be 21-20 Irish. And if you had watched the game you would see that the Irish could have made it 28-13, they could have scored in the last possesion. I guess Weis must have some class for not sticking another one in there just to do it. (I wish they had) I can hear it all now, if ND beats Michigan, oh boy, the excuses from Irish haters will rain down. BooHoo, it is a rebuliding year and so on and so forth. I can face facts, you haters will not jump off the hate train until ND goes 12-0 and wins the National Championship 52-0. Even then, that won't be enough so you will make jokes about Coach Weis. "San Deigo, which in German means a............" You stay classy, hater nation.
Posted by: Scott Location: South BEnd on Sep 8, 2008 at 10:19 AM
Notre Dame is flat out horrible. they barely beat the worst team on their schedule. and the only reason they won is because of that late fumble by the aztecs on the goal line...Notre Dame looks like they did last year.
Posted by: fashionista Location: south bend on Sep 8, 2008 at 09:40 AM
The only UGLY I saw was Charlie out on the field with his shirt tucked in...For God's sake, wear something long to cover that!!
Posted by: Ronald on Sep 8, 2008 at 08:58 AM
I remember when ND used to be all about "class." Winning a game against one of the worst teams in the country and then running around celebrating like you just won the cotton bowl is out of control ridiculous. How embarassing! Keep yuking it up fellas, while the rest of the world laughs at us. Charlie, you need to get control of the team. I also like how all we heard about the past few weeks was the run game this, the run game that...where was it?!? Charlie, do you even know what you are doing or do you just fly by the seat of your pants and go with it? I am a huge ND fan, but this is getting ridiculous.
Posted by: N on Sep 8, 2008 at 08:52 AM
ND got the win out of the way and can now get back to what they are known for: losing to REAL teams. Their schedule coming up in the next 5 weeks is absolutely brutal: Michigan, Michigan St, Purdue, Stanford, UNC. So that will be loss, loss, possible win (ND always manages to screw Purdue over at the Dome and eek out a win), loss, win (come on, UNC? really ND?). I look to see them go 1-4 in the next 5 games, but worry about them beating my team, Purdue, at ND like they always do. So, possibly, 2-3 in the next 5 games. Either way, they will be sub-par and should revel in their escaped win over SDS while they can. Lord knows they already have, some of the team was celebrating like they just won the BCS, when all they did was beat one of the worst teams in the country, in a come from behind win! Way to gloat fellas! Inflate that ego some more!
Posted by: ND Fan Location: ND on Sep 8, 2008 at 07:45 AM
Julie, glad to see you took time out from watching Hannah Montana to give us your insight. Much appreciated. Did you ask your mommy if you could use the internet? There were blown calls on both sides of the ball. I rewatched the game yesterday morning to see what I had missed in the stadium. I think we each may have missed out on one more TD due to officiating. Michigan is going to bring their A game, we better get a grip quickly. Hope ND enjoyed their day off yesterday, get to work today! However, if ND plays this week like they did in the 4th quarter, I think we can pull off a win. For those of you STILL saying to fire Weis, he turned over the play calling to other coaches- why not fire them too? What's your grudge? Bottom line is we are 1-0, which is an improvement over last year already. On a side note, the person we DO need to have fired is the moron that made the decision to change the cheese sauce for the nachos in the stadium. That was horrible!
Posted by: GG's mom Location: Goshen on Sep 8, 2008 at 12:20 AM
Thank you, CPL Mitch Nihart, for your optimistic support and your positive, encouraging comments. Thank you,too, to you and all the troups for all you do! YOU HAVE OUR SUPPORT, too!
Posted by: rrg on Sep 7, 2008 at 11:03 PM
whos talking about the calls?!!! did you all not see the lineman off sides when san diego scored against notre dame on the 1 yard line?!!! san diego also had calls that helped them out. yes it was a dull ugly game for nd, and weiss is not all he's been cracked up to be. but san diego got over on a score when a lineman was clearly off sides. i am a huge nd fan but am kinda hoping weiss will do the right thing and just walk away.
Posted by: Anonymous on Sep 7, 2008 at 10:15 PM
They blew. The game was sloppy. I must say ND has fallen apart. I don't care for coach at all. I think if they get someone in there that knows how to make it work it will. With all the money ND has you would think they could get a real coach. I don't even wear my shirts that say ND anymore, every time I did I was always harrassed. Not like I could argue the fact, they stink now.
Posted by: Frank Location: SB on Sep 7, 2008 at 09:47 PM
FIRE WEIS. He's got a great group of kids, support staff, and University. But he's such an egotistical unloving ( except for himself) maniac he'll NEVER win. Everyone around him hates him.
Posted by: george g Location: south bend on Sep 7, 2008 at 08:07 PM
Hey guys, IAM South Bend / lover of Notre Dame,I wish Notre Dame would have won by more, but remember Dan Devine, there were bumper stickers, that said DUMP DEVINE, after his loss to Mississippi. and for you doom sayers, he won a NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP, THAT YEAR.There have been many teams taht the first game look like a POP WARNER, CHILDRENS TEAM, Then after getting some things TWEAKED, you see a vastly improved team
Posted by: Debra Location: South Bend on Sep 7, 2008 at 07:14 PM
julie...Most of the team is ugly??? Wow... looks is an material thing...It's what's inside is what counts...Hope your marriage isn't based on material things,I'd feel sorry for you if it was..
Posted by: Chuck on Sep 7, 2008 at 06:57 PM
San Diego got screwed over on that fumble call. I had to listen to the game from a station out of San Diego as you cannot listen to ND over the net without having to pay for it. Gotta wonder who paid tyhe ref off for that call. Way to go Irish. Looking forward to the blow out next week. GO BLUE.
Posted by: Randy Location: Granger on Sep 7, 2008 at 06:39 PM
Notre Dame will be better than people think, I see them losing only 3-4 games. Sometimes, teams just need a little confidence. If you remember when Charlie coached the Pats, they didn't run up the score, he's into ball control with a lead. He's not like Fla. who had the game won against Miami this weekend, and their coach was still going for big plays late to cover the spread. The insiders know what I'm talking about. Also with the parity in football now, most teams could beat each other in any given week. Look at East Carolina. By the way, Michigan looks like crap, this will be one of the Notre Dame wins. Michigan State, and USC will be losses, and one or two more in between. Their schedule isn't that tough, and we only have one senior on the offensive line, it'll get better. We can't expect to be a powerhouse like several SCC teams, due to academic standards. Get used to it guys, 8-9 win seasons will be good enough every 9 out of 10 years. I still question coaching...
Posted by: timmy on Sep 7, 2008 at 04:38 PM
ND might have lost that game had it not been for some of the terrible calls made by the officials...
Posted by: dave Location: Granger on Sep 7, 2008 at 04:03 PM
Irish Football could be great again without Charlie. Too much attitude for such an over rated coach.
Posted by: Donald Location: 46615 on Sep 7, 2008 at 02:57 PM
I found myself singing Haliulha when ND scored their 1st touchdown. That was haliulha they know how to score a touchdown
Posted by: doug Location: granger on Sep 7, 2008 at 02:01 PM
hey, let's not over react here. Let's remember that this is week one, a warm up game if you will. Remember that the most improvment comes between w1 and w2. Also remember that the wolves are next week, so the game plan here was limited to what was needed to win. Any thing more than that in w1 with a lesser opponent and you might as well mail a copy of your playbook to every team on your schedule. Take a look a big boo, are they really as bad as they seem, or are they saving what they really got for better opponents? We may find out next week. There are 4 possibilities here. 1) ND and M both need a lot of improvement and showed the real deal. 2) ND needs a lot of improvement and showed the real deal, and M will unleash on the Irish. 3) M needs a lot of improvement and showed the real deal, and ND will unleash on the rodents. 4) ND and M will unleash next saturday. One thing to remember that ND won and had to come back from the dungeon to do it. I would say a few things were added to the game plan at half time, just enough to win though, and these players, with w1 butterflies, never gave up and pulled it out, on offence and defence and clock management. I hope that we will see good things from the Irish this year, but it is certainly to early to tell.
Posted by: Long Time Irish fan Location: Elkhart on Sep 7, 2008 at 01:33 PM
A win is not always "a win"... Look folks, how 'bout some perspective. This was SanDeigo State, ranked 118th (last in nation) in pre-season. In Week 1, they lost to Cal Poly, a Div-1AA school that lost to Montana this week. I've been an Irish fan my whole life, but the fundamentals aren't being coached, or established at all. It's evident when they can't even hold the snap for a field goal. I do NOT think the D looked good, as they allowed the short route pass all day, and we're getting burned on passes in the flat. Takling was poorly executed too. Additionaly, lets not forget that the offense on the field was SanDiego St's. On offense, ND still can't block. Perhaps there is a bit of improvement on the o-line, but other defenses will pick 'em apart. I see little improvement overall. I hate to see what will occur throught the rest of the season. I predicted 6-6 for the season, I fear I may have been too optimistic?!
Posted by: Randy Location: Michigan on Sep 7, 2008 at 01:18 PM
GEE, they win 1 game, and They're Back. Try ending the season and going to something other than a PITTY BOWL. It's not like they played a real team!
Posted by: Jason Location: South Bend on Sep 7, 2008 at 12:34 PM
Scary. Hard to imagine that Charlie is making the money he is when that is the best he can do. SDSU is the worst D-1 team in the country, they lost to Cal Poly last week. Cal Poly people!!! The worst part is this, after watching the replay over and over on my Tivo, the SDST tailback was down before the ball popped loose in the endzone. His left shoulder touched the ground before the ball popped out. Why is that important? because if they punch that one in, they have a 2 TD lead and the game is probably over. That is how close it was to disaster people. I wonder if NBC was paying for the officials. They do not want another season like last year when viewership was down 33%. Man I want Charlie gone, the most overrated coach in the history of college football, except maybe Bo Schembechler, but at least Bo beat a ranked opponent once in a while. Lets go Irish.
Posted by: little tuna on Sep 7, 2008 at 12:16 PM
Hey Charlie if this ND thing does not work out you can take your 30 million, bank it and coach down the street at Clay, their coach is retiring and the end of the season!!! HaHaHa.............
Posted by: nuke rockhead on Sep 7, 2008 at 12:14 PM
Maybe ND should schedule Penn for their 1st game..wait maybe Adams. Man Charlie you sure did some pounding, man that's one nasty team, man 9-3 ain't good enough, to hell w/Michigan. Maybe you should just button it and let the actions on the field speak of nasty and toughness and PUTTING SUB PAR TEAMS TO BED EARLY!
Posted by: Slade Location: Mishawaka on Sep 7, 2008 at 11:05 AM
I went to the tailgate parties but watched the game on TV. (desinated driver) Ignorant Irish fans. All I heard was how bad the Irish was going to beat up SDSU. SDSU is alot better team then their record shows. RIF you are right about the SLOP. The D was great but they can't play the whole game. The offensive calling SUCKED..the SDSU had better offensive plays and if their receivers could catch the Irish would have been the losers. Their offense made alot of 3rd down on long for 1st downs whereas the Irish had the same old crap. Clausen did look confident all through the game. They have to use more receivers however to move the ball. They have to quit running into crowds if they want to break it into the open. Do not let the players read the local newspapers, do not let them watch the local sports news, and do not interview them until the season is over. Sorry WNDU I know its your job but they get a big head. Clausen's hair is ok, Charlie's clothes are ok,hair & clothes don't win games
Posted by: lol Location: elkhart on Sep 7, 2008 at 10:35 AM
I remember when people complained about Brady being quarterback..... I am glad that ND has such great fans that complain so much. I never realized that there were so many unemployed coaches in our area that only have time to post on this site instead of coaching a college team. Support the team in good and bad times. Go Irish!!
Posted by: R Location: Michigam on Sep 7, 2008 at 09:16 AM
If it wasn't for that blown fumble call, SDSU would have scored and ND would have been a LOSER!
Posted by: Ike Location: South Bend on Sep 7, 2008 at 09:02 AM
I figured the ND Haters would really have fun with this game. Yes they could of done better and somewhat did a little better than last year. There is a lot of room for improvement and believe me I'm sure Charlie sees it too...I am a TRUE ND fan.Win or lose they are my favorite team.That is what a true fan is....So players keep your head high and true ND fans keep cheering for our great team...ND
Posted by: raggedy Location: south bend on Sep 7, 2008 at 08:49 AM
Yes the win was ugly, but, whoever compared them to amish better think again and get themselves politclly correct
Posted by: Cindy Location: South Bend on Sep 7, 2008 at 08:31 AM
Clausen's arm looks so much better this year! I knew they'd do well in the 4th quarter and they did. Too bad they didn't get fired up, like they did at the end, earlier though. Next week start out with that same attitude. I have faith we'll win against Michigan. Go Irish!
Posted by: Chuck Location: mish on Sep 7, 2008 at 07:38 AM
Who's better-Cal Poly or ND ? That's no joke. SDST by rights should have won this game. I believe they did score the game winning TD. ND 2007-2008 No difference. Time to get the musical chair coach merry-go-round going again. Maybe Skip Holtz might become available. Get ready for another pathetic year.
Posted by: wiseman Location: mishawaka on Sep 7, 2008 at 07:32 AM
I say give Charlie couple more games, then if things don't improve start looking, look at Skip Holtz for his replacement.
Posted by: same-o on Sep 7, 2008 at 07:26 AM
Same as last year. Terrible from the get-go. Glory days are gone forever. (Try calling Ara again, maybe he is bored.)
Posted by: Elaine Location: MI on Sep 7, 2008 at 06:49 AM
Personally, I love the hair
Posted by: Julie on Sep 7, 2008 at 06:46 AM
Most of the team is ugly... haha. GO MICHIGAN!!!!!!!!!
Posted by: Shawn Location: Mishawaka,IN on Sep 7, 2008 at 06:35 AM
A win may be a win, but these guys are far from where they should be. And Clausen...cut the hair, you look too much like Chucky from Child's Play. I was calling him "Chucky" throughout the entire game.
Posted by: Debbie Location: South Bend on Sep 7, 2008 at 04:24 AM
I think Jimmys hair looks great....I mean, come on, It's not hippy long.....It's just right... GO IRISH !!!!!
Posted by: CPL Mitch Nihart, Location: Baghdad, Iraq on Sep 7, 2008 at 04:22 AM
Well While Not An Impressive Win... We Enjoyed The Win Over Here(none the less)... The Naysayers Are Happy... The True Supporters Are Optimistic... And There's Still A Lot Of Work To Be Done.... Sounds A Lot Like Being Here In Baghdad.... To The Team: Follow Your Leadership, Eliminate The Mistakes and "Play Like A Champion".... It Works... Fighting Like A Warrior Today From Baghdad..., Mitch " GO IRISH " You Have Our Support
Posted by: Rabid Irish Fan Location: Standing Tall on Sep 7, 2008 at 01:34 AM
Well, I could say "a win is a win" but, that is not for me, sorry. I love this team and from my vantage point in the North side stands, SLOP, is what I saw for over three quarters today. I felt like this was the same team I saw in the final game last season. Just getting it done, UGLY. The D was great, they HAD to be, just like last season. However, they were on the field too long, just like last season. They have to stop doing that or that D will be broken down in week 4. The other thing that made me nuts was all of the 3 and 1 downs. They would run a short pass route, made to get to the marker for the 1st down and they come up a yard short, COME ON. Get to the marker and convert that third down. Better start next week, or, 1-1 is what will be next to our name on the ESPN ticker. Mark May laughing at us and calling us names. More of the lame jokes about tornadoes and white powder. They need to start fast and score first. I heard POUND IT! this week, I want to SEE, POUND IT! next.
Posted by: ERNEST Location: MI on Sep 7, 2008 at 12:21 AM
Why don't the 'Fightin Amish' join the MAC so they can have a tougher schedule? GVSU
Posted by: Kimberly Location: South Bend on Sep 7, 2008 at 12:18 AM
Yes, it was an ugly win, but a win all the same. The team needed the win to build their confidence. Special teams and the defense looked better. Offense was rough at first, but did start to gel in the second half. I thought Claussen looked sharper then last year, and had a better line defending him. he showed more confidence in the pocket and made better passes. However, with all that said, I have to agree that San Diego State is probably not a real good measurement of how well this team is going to do. Next week will be a little better gauge, but the Wolverines have their own issues they are battling and did not look good today at all. I think Michigan State will kick our butts however. I do think this was a good moral booster for the team as a whole and a good starting point to continue to build the team. Now that they know they can win, I hope the confidence carries them forward. I don't think the concerns need to be on the coach's attire or haircuts!
Posted by: tom Location: mishawaka on Sep 7, 2008 at 12:11 AM
I agree, you can't judge them by one game. They won and there is some improvement needed. I also had a terrible picture on my comcast HD channel. Whats up with that.
Posted by: KT Location: Indiana on Sep 6, 2008 at 11:35 PM
They can't win no matter what they do. When they win it is ugly and if they would have lost then see told you they are pathetic. By the way, if you quit being a fan anytime then you were never a fan to start with! A true fan sticks with the team through good and bad!
Posted by: Janet Location: SouthBend on Sep 6, 2008 at 11:19 PM
Did any one notice that Charlies attire did not match the other coaches? The other teams coaches all wore the same attire this game and others. I thought this was the proper way. Why does Charlie were blue and his assistant coaches wear different colors?
Posted by: Sue Location: Jackson on Sep 6, 2008 at 10:59 PM
Get those kids hair cuts ASAP. It was an UGLY game and we look just like we did last year. HELP
Posted by: Scott Powell Location: Warsaw on Sep 6, 2008 at 10:48 PM
I quit being a fan when they went 2 a bowl game and didn't deserve It.I think they won't win three games this year.Enjoy this one.They have a long loss filled road ahead of them.GO BIG BLUE.
Posted by: Joe Location: Goshen on Sep 6, 2008 at 10:43 PM
What I didn't hear addressed anywhere else is that San Diego State did play last week and that makes a huge difference. They were in playing rhythm while ND was still trying to shake the cobwebs out from last season and to get their feet wet. I was worried most of the game but the ending gives me hope for the rest of the season. Almost every aspect of the team was improved from last year. Sure it was ugly but it would be nitpicking to try and find a facet of the team that has regressed. Having said that though, I'll wait until after the next two games to form a solid judgement on the team. Much better then the Georgia Tech debacle in the first game last year.
Posted by: Scott Location: Granger on Sep 6, 2008 at 09:47 PM
Clausen looked good. I still don't know why they all said that the end zone interception was his fault. The receiver never looked to the ball EVER. that play was designed specifically for that one receiver. Clausen's 2nd half accuracy was impressive. He seemed quite confident. Michigan is going to be tough. On a side note, I'm a Dish Network subscriber and channel 16's color is terrible. It's very faded. All other local channels on Dish Network show up with nice color. My wife and I have noticed it on all 3 of our tv's as well. Anyone having issues with 16's color on Dish Network?
Posted by: Jimbo Location: South Bend on Sep 6, 2008 at 09:46 PM
U-G-L-Y you ain't got not alibi. You ugly! Wow, how unimpressive against one of the potentially worst teams in the country (ESPN Bottom 10). I think ND would have been better off to hire SDSU coach Chuck Long. Is this the same former Heisman winning (Iowa), NFL fizzling, Chuck Long? Come on, ND! You can do better with your recruiting and champagne pocket book!!
Posted by: ae Location: mishawaka on Sep 6, 2008 at 09:39 PM
Bryan... A win is a Win!! GO NOTRE DAME!!!
Posted by: Bryan Location: Shelbyville on Sep 6, 2008 at 09:18 PM
This is going to be a long season if they continue to play that bad. Sad when you are a 21 POINT favorite and you had to come back in the 4th quarter to win.
Posted by: Disturbed One on Sep 6, 2008 at 09:16 PM
Brutally scary start for a very important season in Weis' tenure as coach.
Posted by: aj Location: sb on Sep 6, 2008 at 09:15 PM
Good job. Finished well. QB threw 3 td's and looked fine (except he needs a haircut:). Defense was ok. Coach looked terrible. Could be a grinder team that wins close games. Yet it was SD St... I'm optimistic still.
Posted by: Glenn Location: Coloma on Sep 6, 2008 at 09:07 PM
Hey Charlie... An ugly win is STILL a win. Way to go guys!! I'd say you're on you way to redemption!
Posted by: G Location: Mishawaka on Sep 6, 2008 at 08:50 PM
This is going to be a long year... Hope the CUBS win..lol

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