Project CFB Top Ten: #10 Notre Dame Fighting Irish

Notre Dame has fallen a few spots since the last time they took the field in the BCS Championship Game in January.

One of the blows coming to the Fighting Irish in the postseason was the suspension of starting QB Everett Golson for academic reasons. In 2012, Golson led the Irish to the National Championship game and a 12-1 season after completing 187 of 318 passes for 2,405 yards and 12 touchdowns with six interceptions. Golson also rushed for 298 yards and six TDs. Shortly after Golson’s dismissal, Head Coach Brian Kelly quickly named second-stringer, Tommy Rees, the starting QB, returning him to the roll he held for the 2011 season before Golson beat him out at the start of 2012. This should not be a devastating blow to the Irish, since the guy taking the snaps is a seasoned QB with starting experience. Rees had a completion percentage of 65.5% in 2011, for 2,871 yards and 20 TDs.

The Irish will have more significant holes to fill with the departures of linebacker Manti Te’o and tight end Tyler Eifert to the NFL. Though his personal life became a media spectacle, Heisman runner-up Manti Te’o’s dominance on the field cannot be overlooked. Te’o had 113 tackles in 2012, 55 of them were solo tackles. Te’o led the Irish defense to a second place ranking in scoring defense and a top 20 ranking in four other defensive categories. Stephon Tuitt, Notre Dame’s All-American defensive end, is ranked on of the top players in the NCAA going into the 2013 season and will play a large role in keeping the Irish a defensive power this season.

Tyler Eifert, Notre Dame’s outstanding tight end, had 50 receptions for 685 yards in 2012. Eifert and Golson were a dynamic duo when it came to quick, short pass progressions to move the chains down the field. This duo helped Notre Dame finish as a top 10 offense and top 5 passing offense. Junior Tight end Troy Niklas will likely fill Eifert’s shoes, after being converted to the position from linebacker in the 2012 season. While his stats from 2012 at tight end are not impressive, his size (6 feet 7 inches, 260 pounds) is ideal for the position and he has an opportunity to have an immediate effect on the Irish offense.

The Irish have some holes to fill, but have good candidates to step in and close the gaps. The Irish have what it takes to make another run at the BCS Championship Game, but with one of the toughest schedules in college this year, will they be able to stay on top through November?

- Lindsay Simpson
@lindsaysimpson
lindsay.projectcfb@gmail.com

How will losing Everett Golson affect Notre Dame's National Title hopes this season?

When news broke that Notre Dame starting quarterback Everett Golson had been suspended for "poor academic judgment," the initial reaction among the fanbase was panic. After hiring coach Brian Kelly and giving him a fairly long leash by university standards, the coach was able to whip his ready-made team into title contenders. Hope ran high throughout the program and its faithful after years of watching from the sidelines.

Kelly started Tommy Rees during the 2011 season, mainly due to a very good freshman performance and in-game experience. But 2011 wasn't so kind to Rees as he suffered through a season of mental mistakes, and more importantly to Kelly's offensive scheme, 14 interceptions. Many were worried that just as the team began building steam, it would fall helplessly back into the void known as irrelevance.

Enter Everett Golson. Kelly rolled the dice on the entire 2012 season by starting Golson. Although he started out a bit shaky, many credit him with guiding a very talented team through an undefeated season and a berth in the BCS National Championship game.

Although the team fell short in the title game, no one was second guessing Kelly's decision to start Golson. But with Golson out of the picture for the upcoming season, do the Irish really have reason to panic? A closer look at the stats of the two quarterbacks may have the answer.

When comparing Golson's 2012 season with Rees' 2011 season, the first thing you might notice is the similarities between the two. Golson threw for 2,405 yards and a 58.8% completion rate while Rees passed for 2,871 yards while finishing the season with a 65.5% completion rate. Some may argue that Rees' 20 touchdown passes trump Golson's 12, unless you add in the 6 rushing scores Golson contributed, which makes their scoring output virtually even.

The argument can also be made that Rees' yardage totals are higher until you add rushing yardage. Golson ran for 298, while Rees, mainly a pocket passer, lost 56 yards. This puts Golson's total yardage at 2,703, while Rees comes in at 2,815, still a negligible difference.

The only difference between the two quarterbacks is their interception totals. Golson recorded only 6 interceptions to Rees' 14, but chances are good that Rees sees the field more clearly now, thanks to Kelly plugging him into the game anytime Golson began to struggle during the 2012 season. If Rees used those opportunities wisely, it's unlikely he throws more than 10 interceptions and could likely throw for more than 3,000 yards this season.

The big question on everyone's mind this preseason has been how badly Notre Dame may suffer without Everett Golson's services. But from what I can see, they're no worse for wear. Sure, Golson could scramble, but he ran mostly when he felt pressure and seldom showed the necessary patience to wait for a play to materialize downfield, so it shouldn't be long before the fans settle in and see what the coaches already see.

Will the Irish return to the Big Game again this year? That's a tall order for most teams, but as we've seen recently, it's not impossible. One thing is for sure, they still have an experienced quarterback on the field to guide them.

- Kevin Hicks

@kevinhicks77

kevin.projectcfb@gmail.com

The Evolution of the Alternate Uniform in College Football

Uniforms have always been among the first things you notice when you watch a sporting event on television or in person. I remember from a young age being drawn to uniforms in football, I remember from a young age being fascinated with the Michigan helmets. From the trademark golden domes of the Notre Dame Fighting Irish, to the all white Penn State uniforms, for the most part college football uniforms have stayed pretty consistent throughout history.

Now in the world of what seems like weekly unveils of new uniform combinations, it is hard to remember a time when most teams just stuck to the old school home/away uniform combinations. Now, we still have a few teams like Alabama and USC that stick with the historic uniforms that Crimson Tide and Trojan fans have known for generations, but over the last few years, more and more teams have adopted, what many fans and analysts look at as the Oregon style of uniforms. Now, Oregon wasn't the first team to use an alternate uniform, among the earliest programs to adopt a third uniform was actually the Ole Miss Rebels, but the University of Oregon and Nike are the program who most people equate with the alternate uniform phenomenon.

Oregon starting with what has been referred to as the "Donald Ducks" in the 1995 Rose Bowl, the Ducks have always pushed the envelope in uniform combinations (some good, some not so much). After the 1995 season, the Ducks and Nike have had a partnership with Nike as their uniform designer. And since then the Ducks have a 144-59 record, with 8 Bowl victories and 5 Pac 12 championships. I feel you could make a correlation between the Nike partnership and the on the field performance. I feel the Ducks program had benefited tremendously with the Nike uniforms, many of which are very cool, if I must say.

Contrary to what many may feel, uniforms are among the most important thing to football players. Back when I played football I know the uniform was one of my favorite part of being a player. Many of these college prospects tend to be drawn to schools with slick uniforms and ever since the Oregon trend of alternate uniforms more and more schools have begun to partner up with sneaker companies like Adidas and Under Armor to develop new uniforms to I feel draw in potential recruits in with the different uniform combinations, which may seem flashy and gimmicky to some, but to these kids, it's hip and in a sense fuels the flash that national media outlets that ESPN have helped become a major aspect of the college football world. Along with Oregon, Ohio State, North Carolina and Maryland have started getting very creative with their uniform combinations, with varying levels of success.

Over the last 5 or 6 seasons, alternate uniforms have now become more than just an every once in a while, big game type of tradition to almost an every week occurrence. Odds are, if you watch a decent amount of college football you will see at least one team a week donning an alternate uniform. Naturally, with the amount of uniform flip flopping in college football, you will have a few "what the heck are they wearing?" instances. The Maryland checkered shoulder pad design, many of the early Nike Oregon designs, and the all blue Boise State uniforms are among the worst that I have ever seen. For every nifty alternate design (the Virginia Tech camo Veteran's Day, Washington and Arizona State's all black and Florida orange alternate jerseys are among some of my favorite alternate get ups) you have a few head (or in this case eye) scratchers. However, I do not think this will get stopped anytime soon. The alternate uniform phenomena has bled into other college sports. College basketball and baseball teams (as well as a few pro teams) have started using the alternate uniform combinations to draw in recruits, and much like the football uniforms, not all the basketball ones have been appealing. I remember Notre Dame this past college basketball season donned some all green uniforms that received unanimously negative reviews among fans and viewers on Twitter.

I am a big fan of alternate uniforms in college football. It adds to the flash and presentation of the game, but I also feel that to an extent a few teams could afford to tone it down a little and stick to their traditional uniforms, but as long as we don't get more of the Maryland checker pattern type designs it is a good thing in my eyes. Some people might feel the alternate get ups are gimmicky and unnecessary, and others feel it is part of the charm of college football, which tends to be the side of the fence I tend to lean towards.

-Josh Gamez

@itsjoshgamez

josh.projectcfb@gmail.com

Everett Golson out at Notre Dame

Everett Golson, who was going into only his sophomore year at Notre Dame, is no longer enrolled in the school. Last year Golson led the Fighting Irish to the National Championship, and an undefeated regular season. This year, he will not play for Brian Kelly's team.

Notre Dame has confirmed that Golson is no longer enrolled there, citing an academic violation.

Notre Dame senior Tommy Rees will take the snaps for the Fighting Irish this upcoming season. Rees isn't a stranger to the starting QB job. He has led Notre Dame to many victories in the past few years, passing for over 4,400 yards and 34 touchdowns.

However, Golson brought a dual-threat aspect to the field that will be missed when Rees takes the reigns as starting quarterback. It will be interesting to see how Notre Dame does with Rees as starter. It will also be interesting to see where Everett Golson finds himself playing next.

- Matt Lytle

@mattlytle

matt.projectcfb@gmail.com

Manti Te'o Inspirational Girlfriend Death Story a Hoax

Manti Te'o had a wonderful year for the Notre Dame Fighting Irish. He played well, he represented the school well, and he played most of the season as a tribute to his grandmother and his girlfriend, both who passed away only a few hours apart. Or at least that's what he wanted you to think.

Today a lot of this story (the real story), came to light, and it is quite a shocker.

Apparently Manti's grandmother did pass away, but his girlfriend not only didn't pass away, but it seems she didn't even exist. Notre Dame has came out with a statement trying to say that Manti wasn't in on this hoax, but actually a victim as well, but that seems like it couldn't be further from the truth.

Here is a link to the full story. It's long, but worth the read.

http://deadspin.com/5976517/manti-teos-dead-girlfriend-the-most-heartbreaking-and-inspirational-story-of-the-college-football-season-is-a-hoax

After you read, we are interested to get your responses below.

- Matt Lytle

@mattlytle

Who I Think Should Play in the National Championship Game by: Jackson McNamara

As you all know, the #1 ranked Notre Dame Fighting Irish will play the #2 ranked Alabama Crimson Tide in the National Championship Game on January 7th. Although the rankings are #1 and #2, and obviously the #1 and #2 ranked teams should play in the National Championship, I feel like this isn't the matchup that most of us college football fans would like to see.

I know that some people may not like my opinions, but hey, it's just an opinion. Obviously my two cents, are exactly that. The National Championship on January 7th will be what it will be, and whether I'm right or not, will not matter one bit.

But you're here reading this, so I assume I haven't lost your interest yet.

The Crimson Tide have been incredible this year. Their only loss being to Texas A&M (led by Mr. Johnny Football!) 29-24. A very good game that could have went either way. I do think that Alabama belongs in the National Championship. With AJ McCarron leading the offensive attack. With Eddie Lacy and TJ Yeldon in the backfield. And with Amari Cooper, Kenny Bell and Kevin Norwood spreading defenses thin, Nick Sabin's Crimson Tide should be in the National Championship Game.

Now, as far as Notre Dame goes. I feel they are a good team. They did beat Michigan, Michigan State, Stanford, and Oklahoma. However, I feel if their schedule was a little tougher, they very well could have tasted defeat. Yes their defense is ranked #1 at points allowed, only giving up 10.3 per game. And yes, Manti Te'o is a phenomenal defensive player. But I don't feel Notre Dame should be in the National Championship.

The team I feel deserves to play Alabama, is the Oregon Ducks. With their high-tempo, aggressive offense that is averaging 50.8 points per game, I feel this is the best matchup for the Crimson Tide. The Ducks are led by freshman QB Marcus Mariota. They have weapons such as Kenjon Barner, De'Anthony Thomas, Josh Huff and Colt Lyerla. To see this Ducks offense take on the Crimson Tide defense to me would be a great matchup, and would most likely be a lot of fun for us fans.

Notre Dame's defense is ranked higher than Alabama's by a very small margin, but I feel if Notre Dame had to face more offenses like the Oregon Ducks, they wouldn't be able to keep up. Honestly, I'm not sure if Alabama's defense could keep up with the Ducks offense, but I think their defense would be the one to be able to put a muzzle on the Ducks.

Saturday, January 7th, we will not see Alabama take on Oregon. And that's fine. Rankings are rankings, and the way everything went down this season we will see the Fighting Irish take on the Crimson Tide. I'm sure it'll be a great matchup. I just feel like the matchup that I came up with would have been more entertaining.

Remember, this was just my opinion. If you disagree, that's fine. I did not write this to offense Notre Dame, or any other sports team fans. I just wanted to air my opinion. Thank you for reading. I hope I don't lose one of my 12 followers for this.

- Jackson McNamara

@jacksonmcnamara

#1 Notre Dame Fighting Irish at USC Trojans Preview

Saturday night in prime time, the #1 ranked Notre Dame Fighting Irish will head into Los Angeles Coliseum with two things on their mind. Number one, is beating the USC Trojans. Number two, is if they beat the Trojans, they are pretty much guaranteed to be playing for the National Championship. The last time the Fighting Irish won the National Championship was 1988, so it's something that they have been itching to do for quite sometime.

Although we can't look past the Trojans. USC is normally led by Heisman hopeful quarterback Matt Barkley, but after injuring his arm, Barkley will sit this important game out, and freshman quarterback Max Wittek will take the snaps. Wittek hasn't had much experience, throwing less than 100 yards and only one touchdown. But he has a supporting cast that will definitely make his job at quarterback a little bit easier.

Marqise Lee looks to upset the #1 Notre Dame Fighting Irish.

Wittek will be looking to another Heisman hopeful in sophomore wideout Marqise Lee. Lee has reeled in 107 catches for 1,605 yards and 14 touchdowns. Lee has made Matt Barkley's job as Trojans' starting quarterback easier, and he'll look to do the same for Max Wittek Saturday night.

But the wideouts don't stop there. Junior wide receiver Robert Woods has also had quite a season, catching the ball 66 times for over 700 yards and 10 touchdowns. Wittek will definitely have some reliable receivers at hand to help him out Saturday night. Although Notre Dame's defense is ranked number one at points allowed, only allowing 10.1 points per game. And another Heisman hopeful, Manti Te'o will be looking to spoil Wittek's hope for an upset of the #1 team.

USC's backfield is also looking rather impressive. Junior running back Silas Redd and senior Curtis McNeal have combined for over 1,300 yards and 11 rushing touchdowns. They'll look to make Wittek's day a little easier as well, gaining a lot of yards on the ground and opening up the option to pass it down field, spreading Notre Dame's defense thin.

Notre Dame however, isn't lacking at offense either. They're averaging about 200 yards rushing per game, and they can thank both running backs for that. Senior backs Theo Riddick and Cierre Wood have gained a combined 1,454 yards on the ground and 8 rushing touchdowns.

But the Brian Kelly's team's offense doesn't stop there. They are also equip with sophomore quarterback Everett Golson who has thrown for over 1,900 yards and 11 touchdowns, with only five interceptions thrown. And that's not counting Tommy Rees. Rees has only thrown for 436 yards and two touchdowns, but he's a natural leader that has came into the game and led critical scoring drives. Coach Kelly loves to have the ace up his sleeve that he can pull out if he needs to.

Golson has two wide receives that he's hooked up for for over 1,000 yards and eight touchdowns. Their names are Tyler Eifert and TJ Jones.

Manti Te'o is looking to prove to the skeptics that he
deserves the Heisman hype, and that ND deserves the #1 spot.

On paper, the matchup looks fairly even. USC has the nod in passing yards and points scored per game, while Notre Dame has the better stats in rushing yards and points allowed per game. But without Matt Barkley, the USC Trojans are going to have a hard time defeating the #1 ranked team in the country. There are many skeptics that say Notre Dame isn't as good as a #1 ranked team should be. But Brian Kelly, Everett Golson and of course Manti Te'o beg to differ. With big victories over Michigan State, Michigan, Stanford and Oklahoma, the Fighting Irish feel they deserve every bit of that #1 ranking, and they'll look to prove it Saturday night at 8:00 PM ET on ABC.

Can USC pull the upset? Stranger things have happened. But like I said, with Barkley out of the game, and with a freshman in as starting QB, it's going to be a tough task. We'll see what happens! Should be interesting.

- Matt Lytle

@mattlytle