Need some inflation! September 2, 2010

September 2, 2010
Abundance of topics, situations, news, newness, and all I have write is a lousy blog! The long awaited home opener of the Brian Kelly era is upon us. Kickoff sometime just after 3:30 EDT, Saturday, yet there seems to be a bit of “flatness” to the enthusiasm.

Back in February, I wrote about decompressing in reference to the pressure from the stress of the coaching search to the hiring, to the signing of the recruiting class. It was wait and see time. It was a perfect time to let the pressure out. It worked! What hasn’t happened is the “re-inflation” of the enthusiasm container.

So what’s the reason for the flat tire effect? I blame 1997 – 2009. The administration decisions, the head coaching choices, the high highs followed by the low lows. Just too much of that over that time span has left the retention bladder of enthusiasm stretched out. There’s reluctance to fill it because you don’t know if it can handle it or not? Thus is the entry into the 2010 Notre Dame Football season.

Much can be made of this off season. The air is there for the compression. Kelly is likely the best hire they could have made. In fact he’s likely is the best hire no matter what! The kids seem to love him! He’s press friendly. He hired what really appears to be the best coaching staff since the Lou Holtz years, and even then back to the 1993 squad. Recruiting didn’t miss a beat. The preparation for practice, press, and for all fans is evident. The guy is a college football coach. And he’s at the most prolific football program in the history of the sport!

Competition at the positions has been the strongest we’ve known about in a while. The offense is filled with weapons. Dayne Crist will have a good passing game. I feel there will be a down field threat on every play (not unlike last year), but the running game and the short pass will be the feature play. Crist will not be as accurate as Jimmy Clausen. But he has time to develop. Kyle Rudolph and Theo Riddick are going to be big “go to” guys when Crist drops back. The opposing defense will have too many play makers to watch to be comfortable, especially with Michael Floyd and a TJ Jones flanking the sideline routes.

I expect, however, the story of the year may be the defense. Let’s face it. Last year, they couldn’t stop anyone. How can you NOT improve upon that when you have a proven coaching staff at the helm? It is clear with Brian Smith taking the 2nd team role (obvious to many fans last year) that the competition at these positions revealed something to this staff. The defense will be good and will get better in time.

I need to see it. Hear it. FEEL IT! From ND, I need 4th quarter strength; sensible offensive play; an opponent’s 3rd and long turning into 3 and out; a few interceptions would be nice; Harrison Smith making a tackle (in front of him); a kickoff return for a touchdown; and reliable field goals. Ahhh! Sounds good doesn’t it? Top it off with a decent bowl game (12/30 or better) and it’s a good season with a promising future.

We’ve had way too many seasons of “almost”; “We’re back! Oh, wait, no we’re not”; “What a difference a coach makes! – sorry that was what difference does a coach make?” It has impeded the enthusiasm to this season. We’re untrusting. We’ve been hurt by the levels of incomprehension so much that we cannot accept being convinced of anything right now. It seems fair to feel this way too. Frankly, I don’t blame anyone who feels this way for feeling this way.

There was plenty of reason to feel positive and upbeat before. Look how that turned out? The fan base needs a grammar change. We need to change “This is Notre Dame?” to “THIS is Notre Dame!” It’s time for the tables to turn. No more of this.

If anything can get the enthusiasm compressor started, its new found belief that great ND football teams are ahead of us on again. Hit the compressor! It’s time to pump it up!!!