Photo and Graphic Illustration by Ian Gavlick and Andrea Archer page 2 The Observer N IRISH INSIDER Friday, November 6, 2009

COMMENTARY FOOTBALL RECRUITING Irish season now Arizona athlete Flowers visits means he’s pretty interest- more than 15 major schools By MICHAEL BRYAN ed.” that offered him a scholar- four games long Associate Sports Editor While the Irish hope to ship, including Texas A&M, impress Flowers Saturday, Oregon, State and After a blowout victory over they appear to have already Oklahoma. We’ve been told 9-3 is not good criticism on Weis’ performance, Washington State in San made strides towards future The Irish also recently enough. not all of it undeserved. He’s won Antonio that may have helped recruiting in Texas following received good news regard- Is 10-2? one bowl game in five years, he Notre Dame’s future recruit- their 40-14 rout of ing top Because that’s where the Irish coached the team to 15 losses in ing in Texas, this weekend Washington State in San prospect Kyle Prater, who is could be. But it’s going to take the 2007-08, the highest two-year the Irish will welcome official Antonio last week. Several currently verbally committed same kind of focus that dragged loss total in school history, and his visitor Marquis Flowers to high school to USC. The them back from fourth-quarter team lost to the first eight-loss South Bend to see the team juniors were in number one deficits earlier this season. team (those pesky Orange) in take on Navy. attendance and receiver in Because last school history. He hasn’t beaten Flowers is an Arizona looking to “[Marquis Flowers] is many recruit- season, if USC in five tries and is 3-11 native that plays both safety learn more ing service you’ll remem- against opponents ranked higher and running back for his about Notre a tremendous talent, r a n k i n g s , ber, Notre than the Irish. Millennium High School Dame and the he could play a Prater is Dame had a Uninspiring, right? At face team. The high school senior football pro- number of positions returning to 5-2 record, value, yes. But that’s not the piled up 87 tackles and three gram. South Bend for then dropped whole story. The nice thing about interceptions on defense in “I think a lot for Notre Dame.” an official visit four of its last the fact that sports follows the 2008 while rushing for 932 of local players to see Notre five and fin- what-have-you-done-for-me-late- yards and eight enjoyed being Mike Frank Dame take on ished the Bill Brink ly doctrine is that it works both on offense. able to check Irish recruiting analyst Connecticut. regular sea- ways. True, 2007 was awful and “Marquis is a tremendous out Notre The Illinois son 6-6. That Managing 2008 failed to live up to expecta- talent, he could play a num- Dame,” Frank player was stretch Editor tions. But it’s 2009, the Irish are ber of different positions for said. “It’s a also on campus included an winning and they’re clearly not Notre Dame,” said Mike nice way for Notre Dame to for the USC game on an unof- overtime loss the same team as before. Frank, a Notre Dame recruit- showcase their program, and ficial visit. to Pittsburgh, a four-interception He’s got a chance this season to ing analyst who runs the tell recruits to check them “Kyle Prater is a big guy goose egg against Boston College, burst out from under those stats, ESPN-affiliated Web site out because they probably that makes plays,” Frank a game-that-shall-not-be-spoken- to prove to fans and the media irishsportsdaily.com. “He don’t know much about said. “He uses his body well of against Syracuse and a beating that he can coach a team to suc- makes a ton of plays, has a them.” and has the potential to be a out behind the woodshed against cess using his players. He’s done it lot of offers, and seems to Notre Dame already heard down the road. USC. so far this year. It’s that time, his really like Notre Dame. I good news last week shortly He likes a lot about USC but True — the Irish can win some fifth year, when he put all of his think Notre Dame likes his before arriving in Texas, staying close to home could and lose some and be bowl-eligi- players in position and refined his potential a great deal and receiving a verbal commit- interest him, and his best ble and go to a bowl at 8-4 and system and defined his role in the you just don’t see this caliber ment from Lone Star state friend Corey Cooper is also win, but with what this team has coaching staff. of athlete come along very native Toney Hurd Jr. last interested in Notre Dame.” shown itself to be capable of, that My hunch says the Irish do it. often.” Friday. would be a disappointment. They certainly have the talent. Flowers is also considering “Toney’s stock just contin- For more on Notre Dame It could also be a reality. , Kyle Rudolph and USC, Arizona, Arizona State ues to rise and rise. He’s a recruiting, check out Mike Look at who they face. Navy has Golden Tate can throw and catch and UCLA. very smart kid, extremely Frank’s irishsportsdaily.com. had, um, success at Notre Dame against anybody. Robert Hughes’ “He seems to have a strong intelligent, and I think its E-mail Mike at mike- Stadium recently. Pittsburgh increased performances interest in Notre Dame,” starting to come into play and [email protected] and proved last year how tough it enlivened the offense and coun- Frank said. “He was sched- work with his athleticism,” tell him The Observer sent plays (granted, the Panthers lost tered Armando Allen’s speed, and uled to visit [for the USC Frank said. “He’s becoming a you. LeSean McCoy to the Eagles). if he gets a head of steam he’ll game] and then rescheduled, very good corner and has had Connecticut presents the easiest uproot the defenders in his way. and the fact that he’s willing a great senior year.” Contact Michael Bryan at potential win for the Irish but The defensive line’s increased to reschedule and come back Hurd chose the Irish out of [email protected] we’ve seen what overlooking a penetration and the emergence of Big East team on senior day can Manti Te’o as a playmaker solidi- do. has 994 yards fied a defense that was shaky at rushing and 13 touchdowns for the start of the season. Stanford and Andrew Luck has Which brings me back to my passed well so far this season. On point. As Rick Moranis said in the road, that’s going to challenge Spaceballs, the Irish are at now the Irish. now. They shouldn’t be worried But they’ve been challenged. about then, about what hap- Last season, I wrote that winning pened, about how they got here. wasn’t necessarily the be-all end- They’ve got four teams to beat to all of the game, that in a blowout capitalize on the opportunities win over Washington the Irish this season presents, of which needed to find other positives there are many: postseason besides the W. I’ve clearly never awards, a BCS bowl, vindication claimed to be the smartest crayon of Weis’ recruiting and playcall- in the box because this season has ing, erasure of last year’s poor fin- shown that winning supercedes ish. everything. The Irish squeaked But the cliché “clichés art true” out five wins in the final minutes. is true for a reason, and the one- It doesn’t matter that they had game-at-a-time approach must defensive lapses or poor offensive still guide the team. The Irish execution because they won. must use what’s worked for them No one, not the fans or the play- all season to beat Navy. They’re ers or the coaches or the BCS, going to need Te’o to break up the should care how the Irish got option and they’re going to need here. They’re 6-2. That’s the the defensive line to plug the full- important part. They have the back’s hole. They’re going to need potential to win out, go 10-2 and that passing game against a Navy be eligible for a BCS bowl. pass defense that ranks 23rd in This would give the Irish some- the nation. thing they desperately need: suc- The Irish season is now four cess under Charlie Weis with games long. If they focus and play players he recruited. He orches- like they know they can, the after- trated great wins with Brady party could be pretty exciting. Quinn, Jeff Samardzija and Darius Walker running the The views expressed in this col- offense. Then they left and the umn are those of the author and Irish went 3-9 and 6-6. not necessarily those of The Now Weis has his players run- Observer. ning his system. Contact Bill Brink at Fans and critics heap tons of [email protected]

Recycle The Observer. Friday, November 6, 2009 The Observer N IRISH INSIDER page 3 Heart and soul Sergio Brown uses natural speed and personal strength to expand his role lighted by 28 tackles, six pass “We race a lot in the neighbor- By MATT GAMBER breakups and a pair of blocked hood to see who’s the fastest,” Sports Editor punts. Brown said. “I’m still undefeat- “I just had to be patient and ed.” His teammates and coaches call wait for my time to play,” Brown That’s not hard to believe, con- him Notre Dame’s best athlete. said. “A lot of special teams, and sidering Scout.com listed his high But just how athletic is senior then my role got bigger last year school 40-yard dash time at a safety Sergio Brown? playing some nickel. Now I’m on blazing 4.4 seconds, the kind of He’s been dunking alley-oop the field a lot, and I’m loving it speed that can’t be taught. He’s passes on the basketball court right now.” come a long way from his tum- since early in high school. He says His coaches are loving it, too, as bling days, but he can still flip he’s never lost a foot race in his Brown’s play at safety the past and fly. hometown of Maywood, Ill. two weeks has allowed the Irish “He’s one of the most athletic And he can do back flips — in to shuffle its personnel to produce guys on our team,” sophomore full pads after playing a football Notre Dame’s best consecutive defensive lineman Ethan Johnson game in front of 80,000-plus. Or defensive performances of the said. “He can jump through the in a Notre Dame polo shirt, baggy season the past two weeks. roof, and he’s really fast. He can blue jeans and street shoes, as he Brown made his first start at bring so much to the table at the did for The Observer Wednesday. safety for the Irish in their 20-16 next level, too. He’s definitely a “Me and my brother were win over Boston College, as Notre special player.” always just goofing around in the Dame bumped junior Harrison house. It really started after the Smith back to the linebacker spot Goof ball hawk movie ‘3 Ninjas’ came out,” where he enjoyed success last Brown’s teammates say he’s a Brown said. “We just started try- season. After the Irish thumped special person as well. His per- ing to flip and stuff outside with Washington State 40-14 last sonality and his relationships mattresses. My mom started get- weekend, Brown is slated to with his teammates have made ting scared, so she said if we’re make his third straight start at his success even more enjoyable going to do all this flipping, we safety — and seventh of the year for the entire Irish squad. might as well learn how to do it overall — Saturday against Navy. “He’s a guy you can’t help but so we won’t hurt ourselves. I’ve “I think he’s earned his way root for,” sophomore linebacker just been flipping since.” into being a full-time player on Steve Filer said. “He’s a great guy. Brown’s back flips have only defense,” Irish coach Charlie Weis You can’t help but just cheer for recently become a staple of the said. “So just the fact that it’s him and hope he does his best.” Irish postgame celebration. But taken some time for him to get So far, so good for Brown, who position-wise, he’s been flipping there, but he’s there now, he’s has looked comfortable in his since he arrived at Notre Dame. playing on every down. I think move back to safety alongside Until now. that’s where he’s made the most senior captain Kyle McCarthy. He significant progress.” is fifth on the team with 18 solo Path to safety tackles for the season, but per- A four-star safety recruit out of Flip, Flop ‘n Fly haps his greatest contributions Proviso East H.S., Brown made There’s never been a shortage have come with the emotional 97 special teams appearances in of ability for Brown, who was a spark he has provided a defense 11 games as a freshman in 2006, long jump state qualifier and, as that, at times earlier in the sea- making four tackles in kickoff and a high school junior, returned five son, lacked the confident swagger punt coverage. The next season of his six interceptions for touch- and positive attitude he brings. was much of the same, as he downs. In fact, Brown was show- “You say he’s emotional, but VANESSA GEMPIS/The Observer played in nine games and made casing his athleticism long before really, he’s upbeat,” Johnson said. Irish safety Sergio Brown performs his signature backflip following seven tackles but saw limited he suited up at the high school “He’s a good kind of emotional. Notre Dame’s 40-14 victory over Washington State in San Antonio. action in the secondary. level — and on a much different It’s infectious, and he really Brown emerged as an impact stage. brings something else to our team one of those heart-and-soul type celebrity spokesmen for “real player out of the nickel defense as He performed with Mr. Ernie’s that’s going to be hard to replace players that people like being people.” The video idea stemmed a junior last season. He made his Flip, Flop ‘n Fly, a Maywood- next year.” around.” from Brown’s comedic perform- first career start in the 2008 sea- based tumbling group, as a grade It seems no one, not even Weis, ance as a presenter at the 2008 son-opener against San Diego school student — times he could- can talk about Brown without a Fun with Splurge OSCARS (Outstanding Student- State and flashed much of the n’t help but laugh about as he chuckle and a smile. Notre Dame students who have Athletes Celebrating potential that had excited the looked back. “He’s a passionate kid,” Weis had a class with Brown might Achievements and Recognition Irish coaching staff in his first two “We did parades and shows said. “He’s fun to be around. He’s know him by something else, Showcase), held annually to high- seasons. Brown made six tackles and all that other stuff,” Brown a goof ball. But I really like being since he asks all his teachers to light the achievements of Notre (one for a loss), broke up two said. “Once I got bigger, it started around Sergio, and so do his call him by the nickname he Dame’s athletic teams. passes and blocked a punt getting a little harder to flip.” teammates. And I think that he’s picked up from a rap song during Brown said Charmelle Green, against the Aztecs to set the tone So he started to use his athletic not selfish. He wants to be his freshman year. senior assistant athletics director for a solid junior season, high- ability in other ways. around the fellas, and he’s just “One of my teachers, it’s hilari- for student-athlete welfare and ous,” Brown said. “I’m the only development, approached him football player in there with with an idea for a video that dreads, so every day he’ll look would air at last spring’s OSCARS. around the class [joking] like, ‘Is “They asked if I wanted to do a Splurge here today?’” little commercial with Jack The Nelly song by the same Swarbrick, and I was like, OK, name may have faded from mem- sure,” Brown said. “They wanted ory, but the nickname Splurge us to be like the Geico commer- seems to have stuck — though cials, so we set it up and it was some of Brown’s teammates may hilarious, a lot of fun. “ have a new one for him. In the video, Brown yells at the “Fake Whoopi Goldberg!” camera, dances with a Notre Johnson yelled at Brown as he Dame blanket draped over his left Wednesday’s media session, back and, of course, does a back no doubt ragging on the safety’s flip — all while Swarbrick talks patented dreadlocks. about Notre Dame’ Monogram That’s the kind of relationship Club in a professional office set- Brown has with his teammates — ting. and the fun goes both ways. “They had me do a back flip at “One time we were in the train- least 12 times — way more than ing room and Jimmy [Clausen] you all had me do one,” Brown was talking to [former Irish quar- said. terback] Joe Theismann,” Brown Not that it was a problem for said. “I really didn’t know it was Brown, who will likely be in the Joe Theismann at the time, and I north , preparing him- was just standing behind him, self for another back flip after waving and making faces at Saturday’s game as his team- Jimmy while they were talking, mates gather to sing the Alma acting like a fool. Jimmy started Mater. to bust down laughing. We just all “I like to have a lot of fun,” he mess with each other.” said. “I’m serious when the time But Brown’s fun isn’t limited to is called, but everything’s always jokes with teammates. Last better when you’re having fun.” spring, he filmed a one-minute And that includes the Irish spot for insidenotredamefoot- defense, especially with Sergio ball.com in which he and Jack Brown. IAN GAVLICK/The Observer Swarbrick, Notre Dame’s director Irish safety Sergio Brown runs off the field following a Nevada turnover during Notre Dame’s 33-0 win of athletics, mimicked the popu- Contact Matt Gamber at over the Wolf Pack on Sept. 5. Brown recently moved from nickel back to starting at free safety. lar Geico commercials featuring [email protected] page 4 The Observer N IRISH INSIDER Friday, November 6, 2009 Notre Dame Fighting Irish Record: 6-2 HEAD T AP: 19 Coaches: 21 BCS: 21 5th season at Irish Offense vs. Midshipmen Defense Notre Dame

career record: 35-23 at home 19-12 Charlie Weis against Navy: head coach 3-1

Jon Tenuta Corwin Brown Def. Coordinator Co-Def. Coord. Assistant HC Associate HC 2009 Schedule Sept. 5 Nevada — W Sept. 12 @ Michigan — L Sept. 19 Michigan St. — W Sept. 26 @ Purdue — W Oct. 3 Washington — W Oct. 17 Southern Cal — L Oct. 24 Boston College — W Oct. 31 Washington St. — W Nov. 7 Navy As if the Notre Dame passing field day against the Midshipmen and have not generated a consistent pass Nov. 14 @ Pittsburgh attack had not seen enough suc- for the rest of the season. There is no rush with just 11 sacks all season. cess, Jimmy better passing attack in the country Sophomore guard Trevor Robinson Nov. 21 Connecticut Clausen and the Irish will get an than Notre Dame’s with everyone will miss the game because of a high Nov. 28 @ Stanford additional boost Saturday with healthy. ankle sprain, but the Notre Dame the return of star sophomore Navy’s defense has been solid offensive line should not have any wideout Michael Floyd. With against the pass but has not faced any issues. Clausen should have time to Floyd back on the field along attack close to the caliber of Clausen throw and continue to put up Head-to-Head with Golden Tate and Kyle and the Irish. The Midshipmen have Heisman-worthy numbers. Rudolph, Clausen should have a nine interceptions on the season but EDGE: NOTRE DAME ND OFFENSE NAVY DEFENSE PASSING IRISH Scoring: 31.25 ppg (28th) Scoring: 21.44 ppg (38th Total: 457.63 (5th) Total: 315.56 ypg (27th) Rushing: 147.88 (58th) Rushing: 137.44 ypg (59th) Junior running back Armando pass-catching ability as well with Midshipmen’s strength, and they Passing: 309.75 ypg (8th) Passing: 178.11 ypg (23rd) Allen is “day-to-day” because of four receptions for 51 yards. The were shredded on the ground for 267 Turnovers against: 6 (3rd) Turnovers for: 13 (76th) nagging injuries, but it may not Irish offensive line should be able to yards by Temple running back Fumbles lost: 3 (5th) Fumbles rec.: 4 (101st) make much of a difference with take advantage of their advantage in Bernard Pierce last week. The Irish Interceptions: 3 (6th) Interceptions: 9 (40th) the way classmate Robert size over the Navy defensive front. should be able to be successful on Sacks Allowed: 17 (70th) Sacks: 11 (104th) Hughes has played. Hughes The Navy defense was descibed by the ground against an undersized T.O.P. for: 33:19 (5th) T.O.P. against: 25:42 (2nd) rolled up 131 yards and a touch- Irish coach Charlie Weis as easily the Navy defense that will first be look- down on the ground in the rout best he has faced, and has given up ing to defend the pass. of Washington State in San just 315 yards per game. The run Antonio, and showed off some defense, however, has not been the EDGE: NOTRE DAME Statistical Leaders RUSHING IRISH

ND OFFENSE NAVY DEFENSE QB JIMMY CLAUSEN LB ROSS POSPISIL Nick Tausch set a State down at the 2-yard Weis has to be hapy to Dame offense and let- 172-257, 2318 yds., 18 TD 37 solo, 5.5 TFL, 2.5 sacks Notre Dame record line, but also dropping a have Floyd back in the ting Clausen run the IRISH OFFENSIVE

RB ARMANDO ALLEN LB TYLER SIMMONS against the Cougars snap and badly missing one. Irish offense, opening up pro-style offense with COACHING 104 rush, 514 yds., 3 TD 24 solo, 1 TFL, 1 FFL last week by making The Irish kick return the playbook for the Floyd, Tate, and RB ROBERT HUGHES LB TONY HABERER two more field goals, game has been consistent matchup against the Rudolph. The offen- 64 rush, 311 yds., 4 TD 26 solo, 6 TFL, 1 INT giving him 14 in a row. but unspectacular, and Midshipmen. Hopefully sive line should domi- WR GOLDEN TATE S WYATT MIDDLETON Classmate Ben Turk needs to use its talent Weis balances the creativi- nate and it will be 56 rec., 927 yds., 9 TD 24 solo, 2 TFL, 3 INT had a roller coaster advantage against lesser ty he displayed in using the hard to call a bad TE KYLE RUDOLPH DE CRAIG SCHAEFER game in San Antonio, opponents. Wildcat moving Golden play against Navy.

31 rec., 346 yds., 3 TD 12 solo, 3 TFL, 3 sacks pinning Washington EDGE: NOTRE DAME Tate around the Notre EDGE: NOTRE DAME IRISH SPECIAL TEAMS

Ready yourselves for frustration, because The return of Michael Floyd is absolute- Navy's triple option always causes it. ly huge for this Irish team. With Floyd, Quarterback Ricky Dobbs runs the option well Notre Dame can hang with almost every and has an absurd 16 rushing touchdowns this team in the country just on the strength of season. Now cue Manti Te'o hitting the gap and their passing attack. Even if he does not destroying the pitch man just as he gets the play considerable time against Navy, the ball because the defensive line has sealed up game experience will be valuable for the fullback's hole and Darius Fleming pres- Floyd to be ready against a tough sured Dobbs to force the pitch. That won't hap- Pittsburgh team. The Notre Dame offense Bill Brink pen every time, but it'll happen enough to Michael Bryan should be able to control the line of scrim- secure a win for Notre Dame. Jimmy Clausen mage and continue to dominate through Managing has been ridiculous without Michael Floyd. Associate the air. The run defense is playing very Editor With him back, even as a decoy, the rest of the Sports Editor well, and Manti Te’o should have a big offense opens up and scores a ton of points on a game against the triple option attack. solid but overmatched Navy defense. Navy will Ricky Dobbs will have success at times, control the clock and score, but not nearly enough to win. but the Irish offense will be too much. FINAL SCORE: Notre Dame 34, Navy 17 FINAL SCORE: Notre Dame 37, Navy 17 Friday, November 6, 2009 The Observer N IRISH INSIDER page 5 HEAD TO HEAD Record: 6-3 AP: NR Coaches: NR BCS: NR Midshipmen Offense vs. Irish Defense 2nd season at Navy

career record: 14-8 on road: 5-3 against ND: head coach 0-1

Ivin Jasper Buddy Green Off. Coordinator Def. Coordinator 2009 Schedule Sept. 5 @ Ohio St. — L Sept. 12 Louisiana Tech — W Sept. 19 @ Pittsburgh — L Sept. 26 Western Kentucky — W Oct. 3 Air Force — W Oct. 10 @ Rice — W Oct. 17 @ SMU — W Oct. 24 Wake Forest — W Oct. 31 Temple — L

The nature of the triple option for their chances to upset the Irish. Antonio. NAVY PASSING Nov. 7 @ Notre Dame offense makes the Navy passing The Notre Dame pass defense has While the Notre Dame passing game rare, but quarterback Ricky struggled mightily this season but defense has been porous all sea- Nov. 14 Delaware Dobbs is one of the better passers to had a strong performance against son, they should have a break Nov. 28 @ Hawaii come through the school. Dobbs has Washington State. Freshman quar- against a Navy offense that pass- completed 50 percent of his passes terback Jeff Tuel was confused by es the ball only in effort to catch Dec. 12 Army this season for 618 yards and three the Irish blitzes and never looked defenses completely off guard or touchdowns on the season. comfortable dropping back to pass. in a last-ditch effort to get back Still, if the Midshipmen are passing Tuel managed just 102 yards and in the game. Head-to-Head the ball often, it does not bode well was intercepted twice in San EDGE: NOTRE DAME NAVY OFFENSE ND DEFENSE Scoring: 29.44 ppg (42nd) Scoring: 22.88 (51st) Total: 351.44 ypg (79th) Total: 384.00 ypg (83rd)

Navy’s triple option rushing attack ing on the season, led by the quarter- Kapron Lewis-Moore, Ethan NAVY RUSHING is one of the most difficult to defend back Dobbs. Despite missing some Johnson and Ian Williams have Rushing: 279.78 ypg (3rd) Rushing: 123.88 ypg (50th) in . It requires disci- time due to injury Dobbs has 16 all stepped up in recent games to Passing: 71.67 (118th) Passing: 260.13 ypg (109th) pline and patience on the part of the touchdowns already on the year. stifle opposing running backs. Turnovers against: 9 (12th) Turnovers for: 17 (34th) defense, and the Midshipmen have Fullback Vince Murray also has 638 Linebackers Manti Te’o and Fumbles lost: 6 (31st) Fumbles rec.: 6 (73rd) numerous formations, options and yards to lead the Midshipmen in that Darius Fleming should provide Interceptions: 3 (6th) Interceptions: 11 (17th) runners to use against opposing category. speed and athleticism off the Sacks Allowed: 17 (65th) Sacks: 17 (50th) defenses. The Irish rush defense has edge to keep the Navy rushing T.O.P. for: 34:18 (2nd) T.O.P. against: 26:41 (5th) Navy has seven players on its ros- improved dramatically over the past attack somewhat in check. ter with more than 100 yards rush- several games. Defensive linemen EDGE: EVEN Statistical Leaders

Navy back Gee Gee yard line. The triple option is one of play on the ground to NAVY OFFENSE ND DEFENSE Green is a dangerous Kicker Joe Buckley is eight the most complicated the Midshipmen. NAVY QB RICKY DOBBS SS KYLE MCCARTHY 170 rush, 595 yds., 16 TD 40 solo, 2 TFL, 5 INT returner on kickoffs, and of 10 on the season, and has schemes in football, and the The Notre Dame COACHING the Midshipmen have put made every field goal he has Navy coaching staff does an coaching staff must FB VINCE MURRAY MLB BRIAN SMITH

OFFENSIVE up solid numbers in punt attempted from outside of 40 excellent job showing differ- emphasize discipline 130 rush, 638 yds., 4 TD 22 solo, 5 TFL, 1 INT returns as well. Kyle yards. ent looks and personnel and staying in their SB MARCUS CURRY WLB MANTI TE’O Delahooke has averaged This is a very solid unit for packages. Jon Tenuta and lanes against an attack 46 rush, 393 yds., 4 TD 14 solo, 4.5 TFL, 1 sack PCA TEAMS SPECIAL 43.2 yards a punt, and Navy that could have a big the Irish defense will have to that relies on misdirec- FB ALEXANDER TEICH SLB DARIUS FLEMING has pinned 10 punts impact on field position. be careful not to be overly tion. 55 rush, 266 yds. 15 solo, 11.5 TFL, 3 sacks inside the opponents 20- EDGE: NAVY aggressive and give up a big EDGE: EVEN WR MARIO WASHINGTON DE K. LEWIS-MOORE NAVY 8 rec., 144 yds. 20 solo, 6 TFL, 1.5 sacks

Navy lost to Temple last week, but that was After a break last week in San Antonio, Jimmy without its best player, quarterback Ricky Clausen will likely have to play the whole Dobbs. Dobbs should be back running the game against the Midshipmen. Notre Dame is Midshipmen's classic option attack, which the more talented than Navy, to be sure, but the Irish defense shut down for most of last year's option-style offense will keep the game closer matchup. The same should happen again, as than it probably should be. The Irish won’t be the maligned secondary should get a bit of able to control the clock for nearly 40 minutes respite because of Navy's run, run, run style of like they did against the Cougars, and Navy play. The offense will need to play mistake-free always comes to South Bend fired up and Matt Gamber football as it has all year to maximize its limited Sam Werner ready to play. That being said, though, the possessions, and Charlie Weis said he’d be sure Midshipmen (or anyone else in the country, for to involve all his weapons, including the newly Associate that matter) will have trouble stopping a Notre Sports Editor returned Michael Floyd. As always, Notre Dame Sports Editor Dame offense with both Golden Tate and is a much bigger, faster, more talented team Michael Floyd in the lineup. Robert Hughes than Navy, and this year, the Irish will just be too could also have another big day against an much for the Midshipmen. This one won’t be close. undersized, if opportunistic, Navy defense. FINAL SCORE: Notre Dame 27, Navy 7 FINAL SCORE: Notre Dame 38, Navy 20 page 6 The Observer N IRISH INSIDER Friday, November 6, 2009

What is your favorite class? Probably poetry class because I liked that I could write what was on my mind.

What’s your favorite movie? Con-Air

What’s your favorite 80s song? What’s that song that goes (sings quietly) ... AC/DC, “Hells Bells.”

What’s in your burrito at Chipotle? Chicken, rice and pinto beans. None of that hot corn stuff.

What’s your favorite crayon? Blue.

What’s your favorite saying? Keep sleeping — it comes from my old team- mates because I hit so hard, they said you’d better watch out, keep sleeping. Friday, November 6, 2009 The Observer N IRISH INSIDER page 7 Floyd returns for battle against Navy

field. and a certain quarterback played in this season before back there, that balances off By MICHAEL BRYAN “[Coach Weis] gave his vote, were all thrilled at the breaking his clavicle in the sec- your offense.” Associate Sports Editor and I gave my vote too,” Floyd prospects of the wideout’s ond quarter against Michigan Floyd said he agreed his said. “And then he asked me to return. State. return would help open up The doctors said he was ask my mom if it was OK, and “It wasn’t too much longer In the season opener against opposing defenses for Tate. healed. Irish coach Charlie she went down the line asking when I was already getting Nevada, Floyd was tackled only “I love Golden, he makes Weis gave the go-ahead for star me all the questions if I was texts from number seven,” once and ran wild for 189 spectacular plays. It just takes sophomore receiver Michael 100 percent and ready to go.” Weis said, referencing quarter- yards and three touchdowns on stress off of him. I think he’s Floyd to play against Navy. After Floyd assured her he back Jimmy Clausen. “As four receptions. probably just going to keep Floyd felt confident and ready was indeed healed from his happy as number three was, I In Ann Arbor Floyd’s success doing his own thing, making to go. broken clavicle, the wide think number seven might have continued, bringing in seven big plays,” Floyd said. “I think But there was still one more receiver was given the green been just as happy.” receptions for 131 yards and a we get a little leeway off of person whose approval Floyd light to play Saturday against Floyd had dominated the first score in the close Notre Dame each other. Both it’s one on one sought before returning to the the Midshipmen. Weis, Floyd two and half games he had loss to or double-team Michigan. and the other guy F l o y d ’ s “Not only will it take is free. We’re both r e t u r n pressure off of Jimmy, excited and when should give they try to double- o p p o s i n g it will take it off of team us, it leaves d e f e n s e s Kyle, it will take it off inside wide nightmares of Golden.” receivers open.” as they try Weis said that to defend while Floyd is com- against two Charlie Weis pletely healed, he of the best Irish coach will not receive a w i d e full workload receivers in against Navy. the nation as well as an elite “We have a plan for what tight end. we’re going to do with Michael. ““I’m very happy to be able He won’t play every play,” Weis to go into those meetings yes- said. “The biggest thing that terday and say, ‘OK, we’ve got he’s going have to have happen Floyd back, what do we want to is get tackled once. He’ll get hit do?’” Weis said. “Your game- in practice some, but I doubt planning on Monday becomes a that we’re going to try it out in whole different element when practice and see how that you’re adding a top-flight play- shoulder feels getting tackled.” er like Michael to the mix.” Even if it isn’t for every With Floyd out, junior receiv- down, the Irish are excited to er Golden Tate picked up the have one of the best players in slack despite being the focus of the nation back. numerous double-teams by “It’s great to have one of the opposing defenses. During the best receivers in the nation time of Floyd’s absence, Tate back to help you out,” Tate piled up 743 yards receiving said. “I’m excited for him, I’m and 147 rushing and nine total excited to have him back, and I scores. know he’s been waiting “It will certainly take a lot of patiently to get back on the pressure off of Golden,” said field. I’m expecting him to Weis. “Not only will take pres- make plays.” IAN GAVLICK/The Observer sure off of Jimmy, it will take it Sophomore wide receiver Michael Floyd races down the sidelines for a in the season-opening off of Kyle, it will take it off of Contact Michael Bryan at win against Nevada. Floyd will return to play Saturday after breaking his clavicle against Michigan State. Golden. Having a guy like that [email protected]

Dobbs leads potent triple option attack for Midshipmen “[Navy] coach [Ken By SAM WERNER Niumatalolo] told me last year Associate Sports Editor to always prepare like I was the starter and I did that, so really With the triple option offensive the only thing that has changed system that Navy runs, the is that I really am the starter,” quarterback position is slightly Dobbs said. “I have always pre- different than at other schools. pared like I was the starter. I While Notre Dame quarter- just have to make sure I don’t back Jimmy Clausen has put a lot of pressure on myself, attempted 257 passes so far this because doing so will only drive season, the man under center me into the dirt and I will try to for the become some- Midshipmen, body that I’m junior Ricky not.” Dobbs, has “If I could put Ricky in Last season, thrown only 66. a bubble I would do it. Navy had three Dobbs has, how- We are not as deep at l e g i t i m a t e ever, rushed for options at quar- 595 yards and that position as we terback in an eye-popping have been in the past.” Dobbs, Bryant 16 touchdowns and Kaheaku- on the season. Ken Niumatalolo Enhada. This “As much as I year, though, would love to Navy coach Dobbs and pass the ball on s o p h o m o r e every down, I Kriss Proctor know the school that I came to are the only non-freshmen on features the option,” Dobbs said the Midshipmen roster. at Navy’s pre-season media day. “If I could put Ricky in a bub- “We worked really hard on our ble I would do it,” Niumatalolo own this summer getting the said at Navy’s pre-season media option down so we can continue day. “We are not as deep at that the tradition of winning the position as we have been in the Observer File Photo rushing title.” past. We have some young guys Navy quarterback Ricky Dobbs scrambles for a big gain in Baltimore in 2008. Dobbs has 16 TDs Last season, Dobbs played in we are very excited about. I am and leads a potent ground attack that is third in the nation in rushing. eight of Navy’s 13 games, rush- very excited about Kriss Proctor, ing for 495 yards and eight but he is a young quarterback time to beat the Mustangs, and in full. Even though Dobbs and could give himself the high- touchdowns on only 106 carri- and he has a ways to go to only managed 13 points in a win played in limited action against light of his career with a good ers, good for a 4.7 yards per become the starter.” over Wake Forest the next the Owls, he wasn’t at full performance, or even a win, carry average. Niutmatalolo’s worst fears week. Navy didn’t throw a single strength and Navy lost 27-24 to against the Irish in Notre Dame With the graduation of Jarod came true, though, when Dobbs pass against the Demon drop its record to 6-3 on the Stadium. Bryant and Kaipo-Noa Kaheaku- injured his right knee against Deacons. season. Enhada, Dobbs entered this sea- Southern Methodist on Oct. 17. Against Temple on Oct. 31, the Dobbs is back to full strength Contact Sam Werner at son as the unquestioned starter. The Midshipmen needed over- impact of Dobbs’ injury was felt for this week’s game, though, [email protected] page 8 The Observer N PAID ADVERTISEMENT Friday, November 6, 2009