Football Dynasties>Maize's Golden Domers: "Adding to the House Rockne Built"
Maize08 08:48 PM 07-19-2009
This will be my first college football dynasty since the three seasons of New Mexico State I posted on MM. I am very excited about this dynasty because of many of the story lines heading into 2010. I had planned on a Detroit Lions dynasty, but with NCAA '10 looming, I caught the dynasty bug in time to start a new one. I plan on staying with this for a while.
My dynasties are all about realism and writing. Hopefully some of you will follow this. I have already planned out many story lines for this dynasty and I am excited about playing games with Notre Dame.
Below is the lowdown for my dynasty. I hope you all enjoy this, and if you have any questions or comments, just let me know.
Dynasty Information Platform: Playstation 2 Gameplay Level: All-American Quarter Length: 7 Minutes Sliders: Custom, always a work in progress. Rosters: PS2 Community Roster Project (Thanks to scolton) Roster Size: 60 players, 55 active Scheduling: Realism is the key. I will try to stick to Notre Dame's future schedule and also stick to how they usually schedule games. Redshirts: I am allowed to redshirt true freshmen, transfers, and back-up skill position players. Recruiting: No real restrictions, this is Notre Dame after all. In-Season Updates: Top 25 and Heisman watch will be updated every week. Team standings and individual statistics will be updated after the first four game, after the ninth game, then after the final game of the season. In-Game: "Ask Corso" on First and Second Down, then pick one of three plays from there. On my own for third and fourth down. Try to create realistic statistics, so bring in back-ups if the game gets out of reach. Adjust sliders after every four games if needed.
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All-Time Bowl Record: 14-16
1970 Cotton Bowl - vs. Texas - L 17-21
1971 Cotton Bowl - vs. Texas - W 24-11
1973 Orange Bowl - vs. Nebraska - L 7-40
1973 Sugar Bowl - vs. Alabama - W 24-23
1975 Orange Bowl - vs. Alabama - W 13-11
1976 Gator Bowl - vs. Penn State - W 20-19
1978 Cotton Bowl - vs. Texas - W 38-10
1979 Cotton Bowl - vs. Houston - W 35-34
1981 Sugar Bowl - vs. Georgia - L 10-17
1983 Liberty Bowl - vs. Boston College - W 19-18
1984 Aloha Bowl - vs. SMU - L 20-27
1988 Cotton Bowl - vs. Texas A&M - L 10-35
1989 Fiesta Bowl - vs. West Virginia - W 34-31
1990 Orange Bowl - vs. Colorado - W 21-6
1991 Orange Bowl - vs. Colorado - L 9-10
1992 Sugar Bowl - vs. Florida - W 39-28
1993 Cotton Bowl - vs. Texas A&M - W 28-3
1994 Cotton Bowl - vs. Texas A&M - W 24-21
1995 Fiesta Bowl - vs. Colorado - L 24-41
1996 Orange Bowl - vs. Florida State - L 26-31
1997 Independence Bowl - vs. LSU - L 9-27
1999 Gator Bowl - vs. Georgia Tech - L 28-35
2001 Fiesta Bowl - vs. Oregon State - L 9-41
2003 Gator Bowl - vs. N.C. State - L 6-28
2004 Insight Bowl - vs. Oregon State - L 21-38
2006 Fiesta Bowl - vs. Ohio State - L 20-34
2007 Sugar Bowl - vs. LSU - L 14-41
2008 Hawai'i Bowl - vs. Hawaii - W 49-21
2010 Liberty Bowl - vs. Central Florida - L 20-34
Coaching Record
Urban Meyer 10th season, 1st w/ team
Overall Record: 95-19 (.833)
Bowl Record: 5-2
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Player Awards
Heisman Trophy
1943 - Angelo Bertelli
1947 - Johnny Lujack
1949 - Leon Hart
1953 - Johnny Lattner
1956 - Paul Hornung
1964 - John Huarte
1987 - Tim Brown
Maxwell Trophy
1949 - Leon Hart
1952 - Johnny Lattner
1953 - Johnny Lattner
1966 - Jim Lynch
1977 - Ross Browner
2006 - Brady Quinn
Outland Trophy
1946 - George Connor
1948 - Bill Fischer
1976 - Ross Browner
Lombardi Award
1971 - Walt Patulski
1977 - Ross Browner
1990 - Chris Zorich
1993 - Aaron Taylor
Coach of the Year
1964 - Ara Parseghian
1988 - Lou Holtz
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Maize08 08:49 PM 07-19-2009
Yearly Recaps
2009 Overall Record: 6-6 Record vs. Rivals: 2-3 (W vs. Purdue, BC - L vs. Mich., MSU, USC) Postseason: Liberty Bowl - vs. Central Florida - L 20-34 Offensive MVP: Michael Floyd, WR - Defensive MVP: Toryan Smith, MLB National Champion: Texas (14-0) Heisman Trophy Winner: QB Tim Tebow, Florida
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Notre Dame AD Swarbrick Optimistic About Season Ahead
Jack Swarbrick's first year as Notre Dame athletic director has been a strange dichotomy.
"In once sense it's a blur, in another it feels like I've been doing it for five years," Swarbrick said from his office Friday, one day past the one-year anniversary of being named to the job at his alma mater.
The former Indianapolis attorney's most high-profile move so far was bringing back football coach Charlie Weis for a fifth season after the Irish finished the regular-season with a 6-6 record.
Weis has a 29-21 record with Notre Dame, a .580 winning percentage that puts him just behind the .583 winning percentage of his two predecessors, Bob Davie and Tyrone Willingham.
Swarbrick sees reason for optimism for the upcoming season. He points to the additions of Frank Verducci as offensive line coach, Tony Alford as running backs coach and Randy Hart as defensive line coach. He also cites another year of strong recruiting.
"It helps provide the depth and, importantly, improves the competitive environment at practice," he said.
Swarbrick also believes there will be a better team dynamic this season. He says Notre Dame's 49-21 over Hawaii in the Hawaii Bowl has led to improved team spirit and camaraderie.
"I feel very good about our preparations," he said.
Swarbrick also had positive words about Weis, saying he hadn't been given enough credit for coaching through all the pain he was in last season.
The 53-year-old Weis injured his left knee on Sept. 13 when defensive end John Ryan, who is 6-foot-5 and 264 pounds, was blocked into the coach during the Michigan game. Doctors told Weis the damage was so severe it appeared that he had been in a car crash. In December, he had his right knee replaced because of severe deterioration of the bone.
Swarbrick praised Weis for coaching without taking pain medication, so he could remain clear-headed.
He said there is a long list of factors by which Weis will be measured this season, beyond wins, losses and graduation success rates. Swarbrick said there are certain statistics he pays attention to more than others, such as third-down conversion rates on both offense and defense.
This season could be "make or break" for Charlie Weis, even with the backing of the new Athletic Director. Even in high praise and high optimism, Swarbrick is still looking "to win now, no reason this team will not have success in 2009."
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Maize08 04:08 PM 08-01-2009
Everything is updated, and I am writing the Season Preview right now. You will see that I added all information to the top portions, so now I am ready for the season to start. Expect the Season Preview tonight.
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Maize08 09:39 PM 08-02-2009
2009 Season Preview
A stunning bowl victory over Hawaii was a positive end to an otherwise disappointing 2008 season. A 6-6 record in the regular season, an up-and-down season ended on a high note. The Hawaii Bowl victory restored confidence in the storied program in South Bend. It also helped to keep Head Coach Charlie Weis employed, as he looks for more success in his fifth season at the helm.
What is being considered a "make or break" year for the Irish, is now under the watchful eye of a new Athletic Director. A good relationship with the coach does not mean the University is not expecting to win now. Another nice recruiting class brings solid young talent to a team that displays 22 seniors. Ten of those Seniors go into 2009 as starters, including the entire offensive line.
An interesting schedule, a new defensive scheme and another year of experience should only yield more wins for Charlie Weis. Yet the team will have to rely on the star power and potential of junior Quarterback Jimmy Clausen; while utilizing quite possibly the nation's best receiving core and a deep group of running backs.
Offense
Charlie Weis has not been shy on talking about the talent in his offense. A former number one overall prospect out of high school, Jimmy Clausen has great star potential, and is looking for a breakout year at Notre Dame. He will have to cut down on his interceptions and mental mistakes, something the coaching staff focused on in the off-season.
The team runs a very balanced, pro-style attack. This doesn't just help Clausen, but shows off the speedy slasher behind Clausen, Armando Allen. Allen rushed for good numbers in 2008 and will need more success, but may see less carries in a crowded backfield. Junior Robert Hughes and senior James Aldridge plan to see carries, while Hughes could be seen as a third down and short yardage runner. The team does use a full back at times, although many expect to see more three wide receiver sets in 2009. The full back, Steve Paskorz is more of a blocking full back, and could see some goalline touches.
What is being considered the nation's best receiving core is led by a great tandem of targets for the "golden" arm of [Jimmy] Clausen. Golden Tate became a playmaker last season, while leading the team in receptions, receiving yards, and reception touchdown in 2008. The hyper-athletic phenom plans for even more success in his third year in South Bend. Along with Tate, Michael Floyd showed to be the reliable receiver, with big play potential. As a freshman last season, Floyd broke most of Notre Dame's freshman receiving records on his way to a standout season.
Joining the top tandem is a depthy group of receivers and a solid tight end. When the team uses three receivers, junior Duval Kamara expects to see most of the looks as the third receiver. The tall and strong receiver, he could be seen as a big threat in the upcoming season. Deion Walker could be used in a different role, as the speedy sophomore plans to be a big play "waiting to happen" in 2009.
There has been talk of new addition, freshman Shaquelle Evans getting playing time, but he will have to fight seniors George West and Robby Paris, who both plan to be used in '09 as well. While the unit has been taken over by a top sophomore and junior, another sophomore should see more looks as well. Tight end Kyle Rudolph came to South Bend looking to walk in the foot steps of many other great Fighting Irish tight ends. In his second year as a starter, the 6'6 athletic force should expect more time on the field as he continues to grow as a player.
A question mark of the offense is the highly experienced offensive line. With four returning starters and five starting seniors, the line looks to anchor a successful year for the offense. Led by All-American Sam Young, he bookends a line for his final season, in which he was named team captain. On the other side, new starter Paul Duncan takes over the left side and must prove in his final season that he belongs as the starter. Junior Mike Romine challenged Duncan for the position, but lost out when he showed his pass-blocking was simply not as good.
The interior of the line returns, led by center Dan Wenger. A two year starter for the Irish, he has been named to the watch list for the Rimington Award, given to the nation's top center. Struggling against bigger pass rushers, he bulked up to 300 lbs. and expects an improved senior year. The guard position remains with Eric Olsen and Charles Stewart, who both made minimal mistakes while having similar numbers in 2008.
Success for the Irish will not rely on any single Irish player. Paul Duncan returns to the left side, and protecting Jimmy Clausen will be key. Giving Clausen time to find two highly skilled receivers in Golden Tate and Michael Floyd. Yet the air attack will be even more effective if a rushing attack can emerge. Averaging only 3.3 yards per carry last season, that is one statistic that must increase. With its increase, could come more win in 2009.
Defense
The question and overall key to success for the Irish may be on the defensive side of the ball. A tough season defensively in 2008 led to changes for 2009. Switching to a standard 4-3 base set could help against the run, and help where the Fighting Irish have struggled, up front.
The Irish's front four, in the words of Defensive Coordinator John Tenuta, look "woefully thin." The unit will not be allowed any injuries and will need some break through performances to find success in 2009. The team plans to use a mix of defensive ends, with returning starter Kerry Neal probably losing time to senior John Ryan. Neal, a junior, started most of 2008, but struggled in getting pressure on the Quarterback. The Irish look to increase it pressure on the opposition's Quarterback, and plan to start opposite of Ryan, the big, athletic sophomore Kapron Lewis-Moore.
The team lacks much depth, but has twelve players listed as defensive lineman on the roster. Inside, the team returns Ian Williams, while looking for a player who started just four games to step up in 2009. Sophomore tackle Ethan Johnson will look to be the pass rusher, in comparison to the tough, run-stuffing Williams. Johnson has shown he can contribute, including two sacks against USC, but a bit undersized was pushed around at time.
If the strength of the unit is the secondary, then the consistency comes from the linebacking core. Currently, a trio of 'Smiths' look to start for the Irish. Led by junior Brian Smith, he shows flashes of big play ability, but wants to focus on helping against the run in the upcoming season. Inside, Toryan Smith gets the nod, a senior looking to finally make an impact after three mediocre years with Notre Dame. Then finally, Scott Smith was named the other starter, after starting spring behind Steve Filer on the depth chart. A strong spring gave the upperclassmen the advantage.
The future looks bright as well, with two impact freshman looking to possibly see the field early. Manti Te'o, the islander turned Irishman, picked Notre Dame over USC and UCLA, and the aggressive freshman has already made an impact on the coaching staff. Zeke Motta will see time on special teams early, and has shown he has a great motor. The core is young, even with the starters being all upperclassmen.
Finally in the backfield, the secondary must have continued success for the record to improve this next season. The safeties get most of the credit, and must continue the impressive campaigns the had a year before. Kyle McCarthy became the first Notre Dame defensive back to record over 100 tackles. He wants to lead the team in tackles this season, but must improve his play against the pass. Harrison Smith started at linebacker last season, but played so well in coverage, it only made sense to make him the free safety.
At corner, the team returns one starter and brings in an impressive sophomore to put on the other side. Raeshon McNeil is in his final season with Notre Dame, and must continue his knack to breakup passing plays. Robert Blanton saw little time as a freshman, but was named the starter after showing better man coverage than the nickel corner, Darrin Walls. The speedy junior Walls returns to the Irish after a year away from football. The team hopes that he can return to his 2007 level as the Irish's top cover corner.
Overall, the unit will be improved and still relies on the solid play of the secondary. Switching to a 4-3 could be more comfortable for an undersized line, although a deep linebacker core will woo the coaches to use an occasional 3-4 set. Newcombers, returners, and returning starters alike make up a unit full of question marks and great potential in 2009.
Special Teams
The team returns both the kicker and punter. Brandon Walker missed six of his first seven field-goal attempts last season, but he bounced back and finished 14-of-24 even though more than half his kicks were from at least 40 yards. His inconsistency remains cause for concern, but Walker already has proved he can handle adversity. Eric Maust averaged 41.1 yards per punt last season and sent 16 of his 54 attempts inside the opponent's 20. Golden Tate and Armando Allen are some of the nation's best return men, and the return units looks to be top of the NCAA in 2009.
Overview
The 2009 season will be an interesting one in the great history of Notre Dame football. Talented enough to be undefeated, a tough schedule and many rivals could prove to be the difference from a big season. Charlie Weis expects a Top 25 season, as do fans, boosters and the Athletic Department alike. A great weight is put on the 2009 team to be successful, otherwise great changes may be around the corner.
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Maize08 10:41 PM 08-02-2009
Notre Dame 2009 Roster and Depth Chart
- 22 Seniors, 13 Juniors, 21 Sophomores, 12 Freshman/68 Total -
- 18 Returning Starters: 10 on Offense, 6 on Defense, 2 on Special Teams - No. Name, Position - HT WT - Class - OVR 7 Jimmy Clausen, QB - 6'3" 217 - JR. - 92 OVR*
10 Dayne Crist, QB - 6'5" 233 - SO. - 85 OVR
16 Nate Montana, QB - 6'4" 200 - rFR. - 80 OVR
- 5 Armando Allen, RB - 5'10" 195 - JR. - 88 OVR*
33 Robert Hughes, RB - 5'11" 237 - JR. - 86 OVR
34 James Aldridge, RB - 6'0" 225 - SR. - 84 OVR
25 Jonas Gray, RB - 5'10" 230 - SO. - 84 OVR
32 Theo Riddick, RB - 6'4" 255 - FR. - 76 OVR
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30 Steve Paskorz, FB - 6'2" 235 - rSO. - 72 OVR
- 23 Golden Tate, WR - 5'11" 188 - JR. - 95 OVR*
3 Michael Floyd, WR - 6'3" 195 - SO. - 90 OVR* 18 Duval Kamara, WR - 6'5" 219 - JR. - 87 OVR
1 Deion Walker, WR - 6'2" 188 - SO. - 86 OVR
82 Robby Paris, WR - 6'4" 210 - SR. - 85 OVR
19 George West, WR - 5'10" 196 - SR. - 85 OVR
17 Shaquelle Evans, WR - 6'1" 203 - FR. - 82 OVR
- 9 Kyle Rudolph, TE - 6'7" 252 - SO. - 90 OVR*
83 Mike Ragone, TE - 6'5" 251 - rSO. - 80 OVR
80 Tyler Eifert, TE - 6'6" 220 - FR. - 78 OVR
- 74 Sam Young, OT - 6'7" 330 - SR. - 88 OVR*C 72 Paul Duncan, OT - 6'7" 308 - rSR. - 85 OVR
70 Zach Martin, OT - 6'5" 270 - FR. - 74 OVR
77 Matt Romine, OT - 6'5" 292 - SO. - 74 OVR
75 Taylor Dever, OT - 6'5" 306 - JR. - 72 OVR
- 55 Eric Olsen, OG - 6'5" 303 - SR. - 82 OVR* 59 Chris Stewart, OG - 6'5" 340 - SR. - 76 OVR*
76 Andrew Nuss, OG - 6'5" 304 - rFR. - 76 OVR
78 Trevor Robinson, OG - 6'5 306 - SO. - 74 OVR
- 51 Dan Wenger, C - 6'4" 300 - SR. - 84 OVR*
73 Braxton Cave, C - 6'4 295 - SO. - 76 OVR
62 Mike Golic, C - 6'3" 252 - SO. - 72 OVR
-- 89 Kapron Lewis-Moore, DE - 6'4" 265 - SO. - 78 OVR 90 John Ryan, DE - 6'5" 264 - SR. - 76 OVR*
56 Kerry Neal, DE - 6'2" 240 - rSO. - 76 OVR
53 Morrice Richardson, DE - 6'2" 244 - SR. - 74 OVR
91 Emeka Nwanko, DE - 6'4" 290 - JR. - 68 OVR
71 Dennis Mahoney, DE - 6'6" 290 - FR. - 65 OVR
- 95 Ian Williams, DT - 6'2" 310 - JR. - 84 OVR* 96 Ethan Johnson, DT - 6'4" 265 - SO. - 78 OVR
98 Sean Cwyner, DT - 6'4" 283 - SO. - 76 OVR
99 Brandon Newman, DT - 6'1" 310 - SO. - 74 OVR
92 Tyler Stockton, DT - 6'1" 290 - SO. - 70 OVR
- 58 Brian Smith, OLB - 6'3" 239 - JR. - 82 OVR* 41 Scott Smith, OLB - 6'4" 220 - SR. - 82 OVR
48 Steve Filer, OLB - 6'4" 219 - SO. - 82 OVR
5 Manti Te'o, OLB - 6'2" 230 - FR. - 80 OVR
17 Zeke Motta, OLB - 6'2" 215 - FR. - 76 OVR
97 Kallen Wade, OLB - 6'5" 244 - SR. - 74 OVR
- 49 Toryan Smith, MLB - 6'1" 244 - SR. - 85 OVR
44 David Posluszny, MLB - 6'2" 225 - SO. - 76 OVR
50 Carlo Calabrese, MLB - 6'2" 230 - FR. - 72 OVR
- 8 Raeshon McNeil, CB - 6'0" 190 - SR. - 87 OVR* 12 Robert Blanton, CB - 6'1" 180 - SO. - 85 OVR
27 E.J. Banks, CB - 5'11" 181 - FR. - 80 OVR
2 Darrin Walls, CB - 6'0" 190 - JR. - 80 OVR
26 Jamorris Slaughter, CB - 6'0" 182 - SO. - 76 OVR
37 Mike Anello, CB - 5'10" 170 - SR. - 76 OVR
- 22 Harrison Smith, FS - 6'2" 202 - JR. - 80 OVR*
15 Dan McCarthy, FS - 6'2" 200 - rFR. - 72 OVR
- 28 Kyle McCarthy, SS - 6'1" 200 - rSR. - 80 OVR*C
31 Sergio Brown, SS - 6'2" 197 - SR. - 76 OVR
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14 Brandon Walker, K - 6'3" 202 - JR. - 82 OVR*
39 Ryan Burkhart, K - 6'1" 180 - SR. - 80 OVR
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43 Eric Maust, P - 6'2" 177 - SR. - 82 OVR*
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* - Denotes Returning Starter
C - Denotes Team Captain
Bold - Starter
Gold - Impact Player
Red - Redshirt
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Notre Dame 2009 Schedule
September 5th - vs. Nevada
September 12th - @ Michigan
September 19th - vs. Michigan State
September 26th - @ Purdue
October 3rd - vs. Washington
October 17th - vs. #4 USC
October 24th - vs. Boston College
October 31st - vs. Washington State (Neutral Site)
November 7th - vs. Navy
November 14th - @ Pittsburgh
November 21st - vs. Connecticut
November 28th - @ Stanford
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