page 2 | ndsmcobserver.com The Observer u IRISH INSIDER Friday, November 11, 2011

Commentary Football Recruiting Respect tradition, but Program gains exposure to D.C. By ALLAN JOSEPH Irish fans into a major metrop- “Until you can kind of let them respect character too Sports Editor olis — whether Washington, experience the same thing you D.C., New York or San Antonio experienced, it’s kind of hard for Everybody loves tradition. At Why does a simple gold helmet Moving one home game each — can have a positive impact on people to understand.” Notre Dame, the ways of yester- matter? Why does it mat- year away from South Bend recruits’ impressions of Notre The Irish unveiled special year elicit unparalleled fanati- ter when that same helmet is hurts the Irish in some ways in Dame. uniforms for this weekend’s cism. altered and a shamrock is added recruiting, as Notre Dame faces “When a bunch of good people game, and while public reaction But we all ignore one aspect of to it? restrictions on the contact it can show up in town and they’re has been largely negative, Irish tradition: It doesn’t win football Isn’t the final score all that have with any recruits. But ac- wearing Notre Dame gear and coach Brian Kelly simply doesn’t games. matters? Don’t we just want cording to Irish recruiting ex- they’re representing Notre care. Gold helmets, blue jerseys and wins? Well, those and national pert Mike Frank, playing the Dame fans and alumni and the “All due respect to everybody a walk across South Quad do not championships? “Shamrock Series” all over the fanbase and the school in a else that has an opinion, I don’t win football games. No. country has a number of advan- positive way, that’s just a very really care about theirs. I care Neither do disco-ball helmets, That isn’t the correct mental- tages, especially when it comes good thing,” Frank said. “How about what my players think, green jerseys or a walk by the ity either. Rather, this week of all to improving Notre Dame’s ex- many times have you talked to and our players love it,” Kelly Hesburgh Library. weeks, all should have shouted posure outside its traditional countless fans that say ‘Don’t go said. “If our kids like it, then I Players in unison, “It doesn’t really mat- stronghold of the Midwest. to Ohio State, their fans are hor- can tell you I’m certain that the win games, ter.” “Anytime Notre Dame can rible?’ They just don’t say that recruits like it as well.” coaches Notre Dame’s traditions are showcase their program in front about Notre Dame fans because Frank said that while uni- win games, indeed part of the fabric of the of players, it’s certainly a good they’re always respectful of the forms rarely play a major role in and, once University, but jersey color and thing,” said Frank, who runs the other team and conduct them- recruits’ decisions, the new flex- in a decade helmet style are not those tradi- ESPN affiliate Irish Sports Daily. selves in a way that Notre Dame ibility may contribute to chang- or so, out- tions. Academics and quality “It does help just playing in front would want.” ing common perceptions of the of-hand of character, amid the football of these programs.” Frank said the Irish also take Irish program. fans win players, the student body as a One of the most tangible ways advantage of their national “I’m not sure it matters a games. whole and the rest of the Uni- in which off-site home games schedule to help recruit players tremendous amount, but in Yet, Douglas Farmer versity, are what Notre Dame is help the Irish is that players who by showing them they will play Notre Dame’s case it might be around built upon, and the foundations may not have been able to af- close to home. a unique thing,” Frank said. “I here, those Editor-in-Chief of this University are obvi- ford an unofficial visit to expe- “Let’s be honest, Notre Dame think the outward perception by same fans ously a much larger and always rience a Notre Dame game can is on national TV every week,” some of these kids is that Notre bellyache pertinent piece than the Notre now witness the pageantry of an Frank said. “Most of the time, Dame’s kind of a stuffy place — about any slight change more Dame football program and its Irish home game closer to home. it’s national TV, so that certain- it’s not a very exciting, loose, than five-year-olds do Nov. 1 long-held jersey designs. “It’s good to get your pro- ly helps. But just getting them fun place. … To make changes about eating too much candy. As long as Notre Dame churns gram and what you stand for in close to Mom and Dad so it’s not like this, I think it presents a “A jumbotron? Luxury boxes? out products such as junior front of these players because so expensive certainly helps.” perception that we’re not as old- Artificial turf? How dare Irish linebacker Manti Te’o and senior it’s expensive when you’re talk- According to Frank, Notre fashioned and stuffy as a lot of coach Brian Kelly bring his quarterback Dayne Crist, no one ing about Mom and Dad and Dame players also take great people think. Cincinatti ways to the Golden should care what color jersey son trying to get on a flight to pride in returning to their home “I do think kids like to have Dome?” they wear. As long as the Irish South Bend,” Frank said. “That regions and playing well, as new uniforms and different “Shamrocks on the helmets? sing the fight songs alongside the really hurts Notre Dame and a they can validate their commit- things. It’s like a shiny new toy. Green facemasks? Playing ACC respective service academies, no lot of kids don’t really come and ments to Notre Dame. Everybody likes a new toy.” schools? Why is Knute Rockne’s one should equate gold helmets visit. If it’s a kid from Florida, “To go in there and play well team being so superficially to a sense of class. As long as they can get in the car and it’s and win — then they can go Email Mike at fancy?” Notre Dame remains Notre a 70-dollar gas trip to go see back home and be proud of [email protected] and Thus were the cries across Dame to its core, why claim the Florida play, whereas a kid from Notre Dame,” Frank said. “A lot tell him The Observer sent you. campus when Notre Dame and size of a scoreboard dictates Florida coming up here is much of times people say when a kid For more on Notre Dame adidas revealed the helmet-uni- such? more expensive. makes a decision to go far away recruiting, check out Mike form combination for this week’s Know what happens when “I think that’s some of the from home, ‘Why would he go Frank’s irishsportsdaily.com trip to Washington, D.C., to face people get too attached to super- thinking that goes along with far away from home when he the current kings of outlandish ficial traditions? Students riot [playing the off-site game].” has State U here and they’re re- Contact Allan Joseph at uniforms, Maryland. Thus were when a football coach is fired Frank also said the influx of ally good at football.’ [email protected] the complaints of alumni, young on a Wednesday night. Whether and old, and thus were the angry or not the Board of Trustees at posts on subway alumni mes- Penn State made the right deci- sage boards. sion by firing Joe Paterno, any Kelly attempted to counter logical person could understand these grievances with an air their rationale in doing so. Yet, of indifference toward them. the obsession with football and Instead, he insisted, only the tradition led to an embarrass- opinions of his players influence ing night in State College, Penn., his decisions. amidst an increasingly em- “The only people I care about barrasing week. relative to the uniforms are the Let’s be grateful the biggest 105 guys that were in this room worries around here these days when we showed it to them, and are about the design of the hel- they were excited,” Kelly said mets and the color of the jerseys Tuesday. “All due respect to ev- come each Saturday. erybody else that has an opinion, Let’s also not forget why those I really don’t care about theirs. are the biggest worries — the I care about what my players traditions here at Notre Dame. think, and our players love it.” And let’s stand by those tradi- Even if Kelly were to care tions. about those upset with the glitz and glam, these are the wrong Contact Douglas Farmer at grievances. Instead, students, [email protected] alumni and fans alike could The views expressed in this have shouted in unison, “Why column are those of the author don’t we win more games?” and not necessarily those of The Really, what else matters? Observer. Friday, November 11, 2011 The Observer u IRISH INSIDER ndsmcobserver.com | page 3 ‘A key element’ By adapting to adversity, Fleming provides stabilizing presence on the field

By ANDREW OWENS the type of coaching that we step that he’s as good in cov- Associate Sports Editor do have. I think we’ve done a erage as he is on the line of good job with that, and I think scrimmage, defending the run, During his time at Notre the coaching staff is set for a rushing the quarterback. That Dame, senior outside line- while now, so I don’t think we was the dimension we needed backer has al- have to worry about that in the from Darius. He’s taken that ways been willing to adapt to future.” next step now in year two and new situations, whether it’s the Senior safety Jamoris can do those things for us. change of a base defense or, off Slaughter, who hails from the That’s where you build the un- the field, learning to cook. same class as Fleming, said the certainty ⎯ what is he doing, “I got to eat, so I’ve actu- senior linebacker has been an rushing, dropping.” ally started to teach myself a irreplaceable presence for the When using a three-linemen little bit,” he Irish defense. look, it makes the role of the said. “Just “I feel like outside linebackers even more being away “I feel like Darius is a key Darius is a critical in pressuring the quar- from home element to the defense. key element to terback. Kelly said Fleming is — Mom’s not He’s one of those guys the defense,” exactly the kind of player the here to make that does everything Slaughter said. Irish need at the “cat” line- every meal. right. He’s going to set “He’s one of backer position. We have to that example and edge those guys “I would say that we placed a teach our- for the defense and do that does ev- high demand on him and we’re selves a bit.” his responsibilities.” erything right. demanding that kind of play Fleming He’s going to from him,” Kelly said. “Instead admits he is set that exam- of just being a good player, still learn- Jamoris Slaughter ple and edge we’re demanding him to be a ing how to senior safety for the defense great player. And he’s risen to cook and is and do his re- that challenge. We’re challeng- open to try- sponsibilities. ing him every day. He’ll come ing new recipes, but said he He’s good with the pass rush to me on Sunday, two sacks one has not tried anything too dif- and he’s a great player.” weekend. Are you a real play- ficult just yet. Irish coach Brian Kelly said er? You need two more next “[I just cook for] my room- Fleming is crucial to the suc- week. mates, like [senior defensive cess of the defense because of “So it’s always been those end Kapron Lewis-Moore],” his versatility and the several jabs at him to keep pushing Fleming said. “So me and him hats he puts him to be the will cook together and we have on as a play- kind of player to feed ourselves, so we pitch maker on the we think he in and figure something out, unit. can be. And try new stuff and kind of go “He has the “I would say that we then along the from there.” dual respon- placed a high demand on way, you’re sibility of put- him and we’re demanding gaining con- Adapting on the field ting his hand that kind of play from fidence as Fleming, who has the second on the ground well.” him. Instead of just being COURTNEY ECKERLE/The Observer most career sacks of any active and rushing a good player, we’re In Flem- player, behind Ethan Johnson, as a defensive ing’s senior Irish senior linebacker Darius Fleming raises his arms to block a has played for two different end, as well as demanding him to be a season, he pass during Notre Dame’s 15-12 win over Pittsburgh on Sept. 24. coaching regimes, and suc- dropping off great player. And he’s has continued cessfully navigated the switch in coverage,” risen to that challenge.” to do what he is out there will do their job,” big moments. from a base 4-3 defense to the Kelly said. has always Fleming said. “We have guys “Forcing turnovers is huge as 3-4 the Irish currently employ. “That individ- Brian Kelly done — adapt. dinged up, but the guys step- a defense, especially when the “[Adapting to the chang- ual position Irish coach With sever- ping up are doing a great job offense is in scoring position, es] has been a challenge at builds that al defensive and they’re helping the team you have to have players out times, but myself and a lot of uncertainty, players in- get better every week.” there that are going to make the other guys have adapted in what you’re jured, includ- plays and get the offense back really well through the dif- getting as a ing both de- A playmaker making plays there on the field,” he said. “I ferent coaches and different pre-snap look. If he’s only one- fensive ends, the management In last week’s 24-17 victory think we’ve done a decent job schemes, and [it] has helped dimensional, in other words, major has stepped up his game at Wake Forest, Fleming made and continue to get better, and us as players being coached if he can only rush the passer to another level as his team- a critical play that snuffed out I think it will carry over to the by different coaches and being and not drop, everybody knows mates thrive on his presence. what proved to be the Dea- games in the future.” in different schemes,” Flem- what you’re doing defensively. “I just do my job, and I know cons’ final scoring opportunity. With only three games re- ing said. “You just appreciate “He now has taken that next the guys around me and who Backed against its own end maining in the regular sea- zone, the Irish defense got ex- son and a looming Senior Day actly what it needed — a turn- on Nov. 19, Fleming said he is over, in the form of a forced starting to realize his time at fumble. While senior safety Notre Dame is about to come to Harrison Smith was initially a close. credited with jarring the ball “I definitely [think about loose, Fleming was the one who it],” he said. “That’s definitely made the ini- kicked in. It’s tial hit, even been a fast if he does not “Forcing turnovers is huge time here, but take full cred- as a defense, especially it’s fun. The it for it. when the offense is in good and the “It was a scoring position, you have bad. I’ve en- play much- to have players out there joyed all my needed at that that are going to make time with all time,” he said. plays and get the offense the players, “Me and Har- back there on the field.” and [I have] rison, we both just grown joke about with these it; we made Darius Fleming guys and just the play. We senior linebacker competing got there and with them. My made a big time here is hit and the ball came out and narrowing down, but I’m going it was an impact play in the to enjoy every moment of it.” game, so that was something With the bittersweet ending big for us to step up and make in sight, Fleming said he does that play. I’m not going to take not allow himself to think of all the credit. I’m actually go- what his lasting mark on the ing to share with Harrison, program might be. so I give myself half a caused “To be honest, I couldn’t an- fumble.” swer that question yet,” he said. The play ignited the defense “We have three more games the rest of the game, as the left and I’m going to try to unit held the Deacons score- leave a good mark with those, less throughout the second and after the bowl game, ask half, good enough to capture me that question and I think the seven-point victory and I’ll be able to answer.” SUZANNA PRATT/The Observer improve to 6-3 on the sea- Irish senior linebacker Darius Fleming lines up during Notre Dame’s 15-12 win over Pittsburgh on son. Fleming said the defense Contact Andrew Owens at Sept. 24. Fleming recorded four tackles and two sacks in the victory. thrives on making big plays in [email protected] page 4 | ndsmcobserver.com The Observer u IRISH INSIDER Friday, November 11, 2011

IRISH PASSING IRISH RUSHING IRISH OFFENSIVE While sophomore quarter- Maryland’s defense has not COACHING back Tommy Rees did not have had the same starting lineup in While Maryland struggles to his best performance last week more than one game this year, even field a consistent starting against Wake Forest, throwing due largely to injuries. Every lineup on defense, Notre Dame two interceptions and earning starting linebacker and defen- has grown progressively more just 166 yards through the air, seive lineman has missed at comfortable in its schemes as Rees has generally found suc- least one game due an injury, the season goes on. Head-to-Head cess through the air this sea- which has led to a number of Expect Irish coach Brian Kelly son, especially when finding se- freshmen seeing playing time. and offensive coordinator Char- nior receiver Michael Floyd. While this could pay dividends ley Molnar to attack the young Maryland ranks 49th in the in the future as the Terrapins Terrapins right where they are country in overall pass defense, build defensive depth, it is a li- weakest all game long. Don’t be allowing 214 passing yards per ability now, as Maryland cannot too surprised by a couple trick game in 2011, while the Irish outsmart or outmuscle oppos- play-calls, either. throw for 255 yards per game, ing rushing games. Notre Dame Offense good enough for 38th in the On the other side of the ball, EDGE: NOTRE DAME country. The Terrapins’ pass Irish senior running back Jonas 7 TJ Jones So. rush will not be much of a fac- Gray is running the ball better WR 1 8 John Goodman Sr. tor in the game, as the Mary- than he ever has, while junior land front seven has been inju- running back qui- 9 Robby Toma Jr. ry-plagued all season, while the etly puts together a big season WR 7 TJ Jones So. Notre Dame offensive line has as well. The Notre Dame offen- been stalwart. sive line has rebounded from its Irish junior receiver Theo poor performance against USC, 0 7 Zack Martin Jr. Riddick will be out for the game and while senior center Braxs- 0 2 Cierre Wood Jr. LT 72 Nick Martin Fr. with an injury, but the key — as ton Cave will be sorely missed, RB 25 Jonas Gray Sr. always — will be whether Rees senior Mike Golic, Jr., will be up 6 6 Chris Watt Jr. can take care of the football. to the task of filling in for Cave. LG 1 5 Bruce Heggie So. Maryland is very good at taking The Irish should have no 1 1 Tommy Rees So. 7 5 Mike Golic Jr. Sr. the ball away, but if Rees finds problem setting the tempo of QB 0 1 Dayne Crist Sr. only green jerseys on the ends the game with a powerful run- C 6 7 Andrew Nuss Sr. of his passes, he should have ning attack. Gray and Wood will 78 Trevor Robinson Sr. no trouble racking up plenty of have plenty of running room all yards. night long. RG 5 6 Conor Hanratty Fr. 5 7 Taylor Dever Sr. EDGE: NOTRE DAME EDGE: NOTRE DAME RT 74 Christian Lombard So. IRISH SCHEDULE 0 8 Tyler Eifert Jr. Sept. 3 South Florida TE 8 1 Ben Koyack Fr. (L, 23–20) Sept. 10 @ Michigan (L, 35-31) IRISH SPECIAL TEAMS 3 Michael Floyd Sr. Sept. 17 Michigan St. Notre Dame senior kicker David Ruffer has not seen a lot of ac- 7 8 Daniel Smith So. (W, 31-13) tion recently, but he has improved on his rough start to the season. WR Sept. 24 @ Pittsburgh Freshman kicker Kyle Brindza has been solid on kickoffs and con- (W, 15-12) tinues to improve his consistency, while junior punter Ben Turk Oct. 1 @ Purdue has found his groove after a rough opening stretch to the season. (W, 38-10) Freshmen twins George and Josh Atkinson have been sparks for Oct. 8 Air Force the Irish on special teams this year, as George has returned two (W. 59-33) kickoffs for touchdowns and Josh has made a number of key tack- Oct. 22 USC les on kickoff coverage. (L, 31-17) Notre Dame Defense Oct. 29 Navy EDGE: EVEN (W, 56-14) Nov. 5 @ Wake Forest (W, 24-17) Nov. 12 Maryland 2 1 Robert Blanton Sr. Nov. 19 Boston College CB 3 2 Lo Wood So. Nov. 26 @ Stanford Notre Dame Specialists 5 4 Darius Fleming Sr. 2 2 Harrison Smith Sr. OLB 6 4 Steve Filer Sr. 97 David Ruffer Sr. S 5 1 Dan McCarthy Sr. PK 0 9 Ethan Johnson Sr. 5 3 Ben Turk Jr. 8 4 Dan Fox Jr. DE 9 1 Aaron Lynch Fr. ILB 4 4 Carlo Calabrese Jr. P 9 Louis Nix So. NG 8 9 Sean Cwynar Sr. 0 5 Ryan Kavanagh Sr. 5 Manti Te’o Jr. LS 60 Jordan Cowart Jr. ILB 4 5 Anthony McDonald Sr. 7 Stephon Tuitt Fr. 1 8 John Goodman Sr. DE 0 5 Chase Hounshell Fr. PR 6 Jr. 5 5 Prince Shembo So. 26 Jamoris Slaughter Sr. 6 5 Troy Niklas Fr. 4 3 George Atkinson Fr. S 7 1 Zeke Motta Jr. OLB KR 28 Austin Collinsworth So. 4 Gary Gray Sr. KO 7 2 Kyle Brindza Fr. CB 2 Bennett Jackson So.

Predictions

Allan Joseph Douglas Farmer Eric Prister Sports Editor Editor-in-Chief Senior Sports Writer It’s a “home” game for the Irish, My predictions have taken on a The outlook on the Notre Dame but Maryland’s football complex is more negative outlook lately. I’ve football program fluctuates week to less than 15 miles from FedEx Field. given up on cheesy song lyrics, and week. After a poor performance And that’s the only advantage the optimism they brought has all- — even a poor performance that re- the Terrapins will have. First-year but completely dissippated. sults in a win — fans and the media coach Randy Edsall will eventu- Yet even I think Notre Dame alike tend to jump ship. ally turn this program around, but should still win this one. Even if the But the team seems to react dif- Maryland just isn’t a good team Terrapins play smart and blitz up ferently. After a terrible loss to right now. Notre Dame isn’t great, the middle on center Mike Golic, Jr., South Florida, the Irish came but this one shouldn’t even be close. nearly every play, the Irish should out strong against Michigan (even The Terrapins won’t be able to move the ball against the be just fine. Jonas Gray or Cierre Wood can simply stay though they ended up losing the game). Then after Irish defense, and the Notre Dame offense will have one in the backfield and help with the blocking in those sit- Michigan, they dominated a good Michigan State team. of its best performances of the year. uations, and Irish quarterback Tommy Rees can take Notre Dame came out strong after both a subpar win There is one small glimmer of hope for Maryland. his time finding an open receiver. over Pittsburgh and a poor showing against USC. Notre Dame is wearing the new Shamrock Series uni- And there should be plenty of open receivers against This week will be no different. Notre Dame struggled forms, and Under Armour will whip up something hid- Maryland. There should also be plenty of big plays by at times against Wake Forest, but pulled out a tough eous for the Terrapins. With that combination, very few the Notre Dame defense. win. They are better than Maryland, and will surely people will be able to bear watching this Irish beatdown. Wow, even the pessimist is optimistic this week. come out firing in this Shamrock Series contest.

FINAL SCORE: Notre Dame 38, Maryland 10 FINAL SCORE: Notre Dame 34, Maryland 9 FINAL SCORE: Notre Dame 38, Maryland 20 Friday, November 11, 2011 The Observer u IRISH INSIDER ndsmcobserver.com | page 5

MARYLAND OFFENSIVE MARYLAND PASSING MARYLAND RUSHING COACHING Maryland is not a particu- The rushing game has in- The Terrapins may have strug- larly passing-oriented team, creasingly become the focus of gled this season, but they have as the Terrapins rank 74th in the Maryland offense in recent not beaten themselves. Mary- the country with just 217 pass- weeks, as sophomore quarter- land is one of the least-penalized ing yards per game. Maryland back C.J. Brown has taken the teams in the country and ranks switches between two sopho- reins of the offense. Brown pro- Head-to-Head 13th in the country in turnover more quarterbacks, the more vides quite the running threat margin. athletic starter C.J. Brown and on his own, as demonstrated Irish defensive coordinator the more traditional pocket by his 162-yard rushing perfor- Bob Diaco has molded a defen- passer Danny O’Brien. O’Brien mance against Clemson in his sive line that has played well de- struggled to lead the offense first carer start. The Terrapin spite losing two senior defensive in the early part of the season, rushing attack has been incon- ends. while Brown has used his mo- sistent this year, rolling up over bility to add a new dimension to 200 yards on the ground in two Maryland Defense EDGE: EVEN the Terrapin passing game. straight games earlier this year The Irish pass defense has while also earning just 59 rush- 5 2 Dexter McDougle So. been much-maligned this year, ing yards against Florida State. CB 4 1 Jeremiah Johnson Fr. but Notre Dame ranks 33rd in Junior linebacker Manti Te’o the country against the pass, al- leads the Irish run defense, lowing just 200 yards per game. and while Te’o will be playing 8 4 Eric Franklin Jr. The Irish defensive line has on an injured ankle, he and S 9 2 Austin Walker Sr. done a good job of pressuring the rest of the Irish will have 5 3 Alex Twine Fr. opposing quarterbacks, led by no problem stopping the attack OLB 7 4 Cole Farrand Fr. freshman defensive end Aaron of senior running back Davin Lynch. Meggett. The real question will 1 4 Marcus Whitfield So. If Notre Dame can contain be whether the Notre Dame out- DE 7 6 Alvin Thomas Jr. Terrapin senior receiver Quin- side linebackers and defensive tin McCree, Brown and O’Brien ends will be able to contain 2 7 Jr. will not have too many other Brown, as mobile quarterbacks 3 9 Andre Monroe Fr. 9 Demetrius Hartsfield Jr. DT targets to look for — and they have given the Irish fits in the MLB 3 5 Lorne Goree Fr. 0 9 Maurice Hampton Sr. won’t have much time to look, past, most notably Michigan’s DT 6 9 A.J. Francis Jr. either. Denard Robinson. 1 9 Keith Bowers Fr. EDGE: EVEN EDGE: EVEN DE 7 5 Ian Evans Fr. 9 1 A.J. Hendy Fr. 2 5 Darin Drakeford Jr. S 27 Titus Till Fr. MARYLAND SCHEDULE OLB 5 1 Mario Rowson Fr. Sept. 5 Miami (W, 32-24) Sept. 17 West Virginia (L, 37-31) Sept. 24 Temple 1 2 Trenton Hughes Sr. MARYLAND SPECIAL TEAMS (L, 38-7) 2 2 Cameron Chism Sr. CB Junior Nick Ferrara is one of the most versatile specialists in the Oct. 1 Towson country, as he handles the placekicking, punting and kickoff du- (W, 28-3) ties for the Terrapins. Ferrara was a 2009 freshman All-American, Oct. 8 @ Georgia Tech and while he has continued to punt well, he has hit just 11 of his 16 (L, 21-16) field-goal attempts in 2011. Oct. 15 Clemson Senior Tony Logan owns a number of Maryland records for punt (L, 56-45) returns and earned a 2010 all-ACC selection for his return prow- Oct. 22 @ Florida State ess. The Terrapins pose little threat on kickoff returns, however, as (L, 41-16) Maryland Offense freshman Justus Pickett averages just 17 yards per return. Oct. 29 Boston College (L, 28-17) EDGE: MARYLAND 7 1 Quintin McCree Sr. Nov. 5 Virginia WR 4 Ronnie Tyler Sr. (L, 31-13) Nov. 12 @ Notre Dame Nov. 19 @ Wake Forest 9 8 Matt Furstenberg Jr. Nov. 26 @ NC State TE 4 3 Devonte Campbell Jr. 76 R.J. Dill Jr. Maryland Specialists RT 61 Jake Wheeler Fr. 3 4 Nick Ferrara Jr. 5 7 Justin Gilbert Jr. 9 4 Tyler Cierski Fr. PK RG 8 6 Josh Cary So. FB 9 3 Jeff Hernandez Jr. 3 4 Nick Ferrara Jr. 3 6 Bennett Fulper Jr. 6 1 C.J. Brown So. P C 5 6 Sal Conaboy Fr. QB 5 Danny O’Brien So. 2 9 Tim Downs Sr. 7 6 Pete White So. LS LG 0 7 De’Onte Arnett So. 8 Davin Meggett Sr. RB 4 4 Justus Pickett Fr. 1 Tony Logan Sr. 3 7 Max Garcia So. LT 4 7 Nick Klemm So. PR KR 4 4 Justus Pickett Fr.

3 4 Nick Ferrara Jr. 5 8 Matt Aiken So. KO WR 6 8 Brandon Turner Jr.

Andrew Owens Chris Masoud Associate Sports Editor Assistant Managing Editor Notre Dame survived its trip to Welcome to the latest installment Wake Forest last weekend, and now of the Shamrock Series, a clever mar- it’s week two against ACC oppo- keting ploy devised by adidas and nents, and a much worse opponent Under Armour to disguise football at that. players as washed-up manikins. In- Even if the Irish play poorly, they spired by the villain Two-Face, Mary- should still have no problem cruis- land will be wearing its “Pride” uni- ing to a win Saturday. form (the Maryland state flag) when The Terrapins substitute quar- it takes the field Saturday night. Not terbacks almost as much as they to be outdone, the Irish will don the change uniform combinations, but it should not be too green jerseys and a curiously redesigned helmet that fea- much of a concern for the Irish defense as it tries to build tures a large shamrock. upon last week’s second-half shutout of Wake Forest. If Notre Dame and Maryland can maintain consistency Essentially, Notre Dame gets two scrimmages before in their appearance from week to week, both teams have a season-ending showdown with undefeated Stanford. It searched in vain for consistency in play. There’s a reason can be a valuable opportunity to implement some new the Terps have lost five straight. Look for Brian Kelly’s looks and provide some playing time for Andrew Hen- redesigned vanilla offense to take advantage of a reeling drix. squad. But why can’t they just wear blue and gold?

FINAL SCORE: Notre Dame 45, Maryland 17 FINAL SCORE: Notre Dame 38, Maryland 17 page 6 | ndsmcobserver.com The Observer u IRISH INSIDER Friday, November 11, 2011 Irish face Terps’ versatile attack

AP Terrapins sophomore quarterback Danny O’Brien scans the field during a game earlier this season. O’Brien and sophomore quarterback C.J. Brown share the quarterback duties for Maryland.

By ALLAN JOSEPH year as coach and begins looking Sports Editor towards his second year, he said he believes next year will be easier The Shamrock Series has seen than the first. the Irish host “home” games in “There is no question it will [be such unfamiliar locales as San easier.] Everyone has a philosophy Antonio’s Alamodome and Yankee and a plan of action, and you are Stadium in New York and includes going to install that plan of ac- games in Chicago and Dallas in tion,” Edsall said. “The press and the future. But perhaps no off-site the fans only see what happens contest will feel more like an away on Saturday and they judge us on game than this weekend’s matchup that, and I understand that, but it against Maryland at FedEx Field in is more than just that. It’s a big part Landover, Md. of it, but there is a lot of progress “We’re back on the road with being made.” Maryland this week, and I know Sophomore quarterback C.J. it’s technically a home game, but Brown may be the most tangible we’re in Washington, D.C., and evidence of that progress. Brown that’s Maryland’s backyard,” Irish replaced fellow sophomore gun- coach Brian Kelly said. “We are slinger Danny O’Brien as the mentally preparing ourselves to go starter in Maryland’s 56-45 loss in to play on the road again and all to Clemson on Oct. 15 and turned that goes with that.” in an eye-opening performance, While the Irish (6-3) will be rushing for 162 yards and add- wearing their green jerseys and ing 177 passing yards and three special Shamrock Series helmets, passing touchdowns. Brown and the Terrapins (2-7) will don their O’Brien continue to split time un- “Maryland Pride” uniform set for der center, posing a challenge for the second time this season — and the Irish. with FedEx Field less than half an “They have a real one-two punch hour from College Park, why not? at quarterback,” Notre Dame de- “We play an away game this fensive coordinator Bob Diaco said. weekend, but we are treating it like “[Brown is] a real runner, a fast not a home game,” Maryland coach flashy runner, but he can really gas Randy Edsall said. “We are look- it. [O’Brien] is an excellent passer.” ing forward to playing on Saturday In addition, Diaco said the rest of night.” the offense is better than the Ter- Edsall is currently in his first rapins’ record may indicate. year at the Terrapins’ helm, hav- “Maryland has talented wide re- ing left Connecticut to take over the ceivers, talented backs, a talented Maryland program after previous tight end, a big physical offensive coach Ralph Friedgen was fired line … I try to bring the evalua- in an acrimonious end to the Ter- tion honestly each week. This is an rapins’ 2010 season. While Fried- outstanding offensive line,” Diaco gen’s final year saw Maryland win said. “It’s going to be a huge chal- 10 games, including a bowl game lenge for our defense.” victory, the Terrapins have strug- While Brown, O’Brien and the gled this year under Edsall. rest of the Maryland offense pose Despite the struggles, Edsall be- a threat to the Irish defense, Kelly lieves his program is on the right said he expects Edsall to provide a track. stiff challenge, especially after Ed- “All anyone looks at from the out- sall’s experience leading Connecti- side is how many we win and how cut to an upset victory at Notre many we lose. That is the business Dame Stadium in 2009. we are in,” he said. “I look at the “I know Randy Edsall,” Kelly big picture though. When we are said. “He’s a darned good football installing a program, there is more coach, and he’ll have the memories than just wins and losses. I feel that of coming in here to Notre Dame it is the total program that we are and beating Notre Dame and play- installing that needs to develop. ing physical. That’s what his teams “We are improving in a lot of ar- will do, so we have to be prepared eas. We just aren’t winning on the and worry about ourselves. “ field right now. That will happen; I am confident of that.” Contact Allan Joseph at As Edsall finishes up his first [email protected] Friday, November 11, 2011 The Observer u IRISH INSIDER ndsmcobserver.com | page 7 Golic Jr. steps into starting role with Cave injured

By CHRIS MASOUD feel terrible for Braxston, and Assistant Managing Editor again, he’s given us everything over the past two years, but he Notre Dame suffered its sec- will be back, and that’s the good ond major blow on the injury part about it.” front in as many weeks Satur- Fellow senior Kapron Lewis- day, losing senior center Braxs- Moore succumbed to a season- ton Cave for the season due to ending knee injury during Notre a torn foot ligament sustained Dame’s loss to USC on Oct. 22. during the Lewis-Moore team’s 24-17 has been suc- victory over ceeded by a Wake Forest. deep group The senior of defen- had season- sive linemen ending sur- that includes gery Thurs- “We’ve got a great deal f r e s h m e n day to repair of confidence in Mike Aaron Lynch, the ligament, Golic. Mike came in, Stephon Tu- but Irish itt and Chase coach Brian played very well for us.” Hounshell. Kelly said he Cave, on the expects the Brian Kelly other hand, Granger, Ind., Irish coach will be re- native to re- placed by the COURTNEY ECKERLE/The Observer turn next sea- only remain- Irish senior center Braxston Cave blocks an Air Force defender Oct. 8. Cave sustained a foot injury son in his final ing center on during Saturday’s win over Wake Forest and will miss the remainder of the season. year of eligi- the Irish ros- bility. ter: Mike Golic came in, played very well for ball from Cave, Rees said he has that he was kind of calm and “ B r a x s t o n Jr. The senior us, Kelly said. “I think when an excellent feel of where Golic he was playing,” Rees said. “He Cave will be stepped in for you look at the center position, positions the football thanks to really didn’t have to think too out for the season,” Kelly said Cave on Saturday, but has yet to there’s always a great concern multiple reps and center rota- much — it was just to rally be- Tuesday. “It’s a tough loss for log significant playing time at because that guy is put in a very tions in practice. hind all the guys.” us, and Braxston has been a the position on game days. difficult situation — shotgun “It’s a lot more than just mak- Although Golic has been consistent performer for us “We’ve got a great deal of snaps, changing up the cadence, ing the snaps thrust into a over the past couple years. We confidence in Mike Golic. Mike calling out some of the defensive and making starting role, fronts and structures. But Mike sure there Kelly credits has done a nice job, and we have is chemistry his signifi- a great deal of confidence.” there,” he said. cant devel- Kelly added that senior An- “There is a lot “It’s a lot more than opment from drew Nuss will move from the of communica- just making the snaps last year as left guard position to a role as tion going on and making sure the potential the backup center. Sophomore with the quar- there is chemistry catalyst be- Bruce Heggie will take Nuss’ terback and here. There is a lot of hind his suc- former position. the center. I’ve communication going cess moving Although Notre Dame has worked with on with the quarterback forward. suffered from multiple fumbled Mike a lot in the “The cen- snaps this season, Kelly main- past. I don’t an- and the center.” ter posi- tains confidence in Golic’s abil- ticipate there to tion — those ity to feed the football to sopho- be much of an Tommy Rees guys have more quarterback Tommy Rees. issue there.” Irish quarterback to stay on “You’ve got to shotgun snap Golic entered their feet,” that ball to Tommy Rees, the Saturday’s con- Kelly said. quarterback, in a consistent test in the sec- “Mike is get- fashion.” If the ball is off a little ond quarter ting better bit, it messes up the timing,” and bolstered at that. He’s he said. “One of the traits that an offensive line that allowed getting stronger. But he’s a BCS we’ve liked about Mike from Notre Dame to run out the clock football player, so he’s athletic day one is his ability to snap with 5:24 remaining. Rees reaf- enough that he can do those the ball. The other things have firmed Kelly and the offense’s things. He has to continue to de- come. He’s gotten stronger, he’s confidence in Golic’s ability to velop his strength, and he has. more physical. He’s certainly replace Cave for the remainder He is so far ahead of where he not as strong as Braxston, but of the season. was last year, and now he’s a he is physically able to move his “I talked to him after the first starter for us.” EILEEN VEIHMEYER/The Observer feet, get out and do the things.” drive he was in, and said, ‘We Irish senior center Mike Golic, Jr., prepares to snap to sophomore Although Rees has become believe in you. We don’t have Contact Chris Masoud at quarterback Tommy Rees in Saturday’s 24-17 win over Wake Forest. accustomed to receiving the any doubts,’ just to make sure [email protected]