Photo and Graphic Illustration by Ian Gavlick and Andrea Archer page 2 The Observer ◆ IRISH INSIDER Friday, November 13, 2009

COMMENTARY FOOTBALL RECRUITING Irish need win to Flowers enjoys visit to Notre Dame take official visits to other kinds of bad thing happen,” By BILL BRINK schools before deciding. Frank said. “You fumble, regain stability Sports Writer His father accompanied you trade turnovers, false him on the visit. starts. It seems almost like Despite the fact that “His dad is very pro Notre an unrealistic.” There may not be a more don’t see a team this talented Ricky Dobbs and Vince Dame and I think he likes a The fact that half the important game in years in limping to the finish line Murray, Navy’s proverbial lot of what he saw as well alumni already have visions impacting the stability of the again. big guns, blew holes in with Marquis,” Frank said. of Urban Meyer, Jon Notre Dame football pro- Despite this, the margin for Notre Dame’s armor and “… I think [the Irish] are Gruden or Brian Kelly gram. error after last week has plunged it into the depths, definitely the team to beat dancing in their heads hin- What was once a promising been effectively reduced to the Irish pulled off one vic- right now.” ders the process. The season with realistic BCS zero. The vultures that cir- tory last weekend. Shocking considering the rumors circulating around goals was turned upside cled Charlie Weis throughout Marquis Flowers, a run- manner in which Notre Irish coach Charlie Weis’ down last 2007 and reappeared after ning back and safety from Dame lost, 23-21, to Navy job status may have already week with a the Syracuse game last year Goodyear, Ariz., came away Saturday, its hurt the pro- crushing are back, and grow in num- from his official visit very second loss at gram’s loss to Navy. ber with every loss. impressed with the Irish home to the recruiting, And while Negative speculation sur- program. Midshipmen “Obviously the game Frank said. the Irish rounding Notre Dame’s “I think that they did a in three didn’t turn out like “If there have lost future in the media only puts really good job with him,” years. But they’d hoped, but weren’t all three games more pressure on the team, said Mike Frank, a Notre freshman these uncer- by a total Weis and for Jack Swarbrick Dame recruiting analyst linebacker Marquis [Flowers] tainties I think of 13 Michael Bryan to make a decision. And the who runs the ESPN-affiliat- Manti Te’o, really enjoyed his Notre Dame points this media loves nothing more ed Web site irishsportsdai- who visited time at Notre Dame.” would have a year, many Associate than to cover struggles at ly.com “Obviously the game for last year’s lot of commits have Sports Editor Notre Dame. The two ESPN didn’t turn out like they’d loss to right now, big already reporters at Tuesday’s press hoped but Marquis really Syracuse on Mike Frank time players,” written it conference were no accident, enjoyed his time at Notre Senior Day, Irish recruiting analyst he said. off as a failure. and they’ll be back after Dame. I think it really chose the Yet all is not It’s been an odd season to another loss. opened his eyes.” Irish, so lur- lost. be sure — nine games in it’s This game can go a long Flowers, at 6-foot-2 and ing a recruit in after a loss “Really the best thing that still very hard to tell if this way towards reversing all 195 pounds, has rushed for remains doable. Charlie Weis can do is beat team is good, bad, lucky or that though. Not a complete 1,024 yards and 13 touch- “I think the most impor- Pitt at this point,” Frank somewhere in between. 180, but at a lot can change downs on only 103 carries tant thing is they let the said. “That will give a lot of Statistically Notre Dame is with a win at Heinz Field. at Millenium High School in recruit know that this is the people with a lot of uneasy 13 points from being unde- The game would demon- Goodyear. He also has 49 future, and ‘look at the tal- feelings some reassurance feated, and also 17 points strate that Weis and the Irish tackles, two interceptions ent they brought in the last that last week was a blip in from being 2-7. are still fighting upward and and a blocked field goal on two classes and look at the radar.” But Saturday, Notre Dame improving despite last week’s defense. what we have,’” Frank said. has a chance to reverse a evidence to the contrary. It Flowers is also consider- “’Obviously we’re having a For more on Notre Dame majority of the negativity would go against many of the ing USC, UCLA, Arizona and much better season. We recruiting, check out Mike built up by the loss to the damning tendencies that Arizona State. just need a couple players Frank’s irishsportsdaily.com. Midshipmen. While losing to have plagued the team and Frank said Notre Dame to get us over the edge.’” E-mail Mike at mike- an unranked Navy team coach over the last five did three things successful- The problem with a loss [email protected] and while ranked for the first years. ly to impress Flowers: make like this one, Frank said, is tell him The Observer sent time since FDR was president For example, 1-13 against him feel wanted, show he there is no way to explain you. will sting for a long time, it ranked teams. Or 8-19 could fit in and make him what happened — it is what could be just a bump in the against teams that finish the feel comfortable. Still, it is. Contact Bill Brink at road if the Irish can beat season with winning records. Frank said, Flowers will “It’s just a game where all [email protected] Pittsburgh and finish 9-3. Beating the Panthers won’t It was my freshman year make those statistics any when Charlie Weis and Notre more acceptable to those Dame firmly stated that 9-3 who are calling for Weis’ wasn’t good enough. Three head, but it could go a long unexpected years later, 9-3 way towards beating suddenly is good enough. Not Connecticut and Stanford. anywhere near good enough Which would be enough, giv- to accomplish the goals the ing the Irish the 9-3 record history Notre Dame football most reasonable fans expect- should demand, but enough ed this season. to keep his job another year Weis deflected questions and get one more shot at about the big picture and his proving the program is on future by maintaining he’s the road to recovery. focused only on Pittsburgh. And it wouldn’t shock me While I think this is not for the Irish to take out humanly possible, Pittsburgh Pittsburgh Saturday. It also is his tipping point. With a wouldn’t shock me in the team that has thrived on the least if this team collapsed, momentum of close wins, I as it did at the end of last don’t think Notre Dame will year. lose again if they come away This Notre Dame team, with the upset Saturday. however, has become experts With a loss, the window on at changing direction and the Weis era becomes inches momentum. The early year away from closing, if not was filled with fourth-quar- closed. 9-3 may have ter comebacks; lately, they’ve changed from 2006 to 2009 come up short. The defense to become good enough; 8-4 originally couldn’t stop the or 7-5 certainly have not. run, then the pass, and now maybe it’s just up to whatev- The opinions expressed in er the opposition is most this column are those of the comfortable with. author and not necessarily Could they just reverse those of The Observer. these trends again? I could Contact Michael Bryan at easily see it happening, and I [email protected]

Recycle The Observer. Friday, November 13, 2009 The Observer ◆ IRISH INSIDER page 3 Last defense Safety Kyle McCarthy becomes unquestioned leader of defense in fifth and final year it isn’t close. Junior line- and also posted By MATT GAMBER backer Brian Smith places gaudy statistics at defensive Sports Editor second in both categories back while gaining state and with 28 and 51, respectively. national recognition for their On a Notre Dame defense, And as the captain and individual efforts. and particularly in a second- unquestioned leader of the After earning all-confer- ary, that has shuffled on an Notre Dame defense, it’s ences honors as a junior wide almost weekly basis in 2009, McCarthy who is often receiver, Kyle became the one piece of the puzzle has responsible for making defen- team’s starting remained intact. sive calls and arranging his as a senior in 2004. McCarthy And does it come as a sur- teammates in accordance passed for 557 yards and five prise to anyone that that with offensive formations and and rushed for piece is free safety Kyle audibles. 1,273 yards and 14 touch- McCarthy? “He makes a lot of calls. downs on just 135 carries to “It’s been very important [to He’s really football smart,” earn all-state recognition. As have him back there],” Irish senior Darrin a defensive back, he recorded defensive backs coach Corwin Walls said. “That’s one thing 70 tackles and made five Brown said. “I think what that we need out there. He interceptions, returning two he’s done more than anything directs people, tells them for scores — including a else is be able to keep the where to go and how to line record-setting 93-yard pick- guys fairly settled, no matter up. When you have a guy like six in the state title game to who has been in there with that who you can trust, that’s earn the game’s MVP award. him.” always good.” McCarthy also displayed his Ironically — or appropriate- McCarthy’s persistence in supreme athletic ability on ly — enough, the same could having to wait until 2008 to the baseball diamond, where be said about McCarthy’s role earn a full-time starting spot he set a school-record with in his off-campus home last make him a good example for 20 stolen bases as a senior year, when he lived with younger players to follow as and also posted seven wins three of his teammates, well, Walls said. and a sub-4.00 earned run including current fifth-year “I think the whole process average. tackle Paul Duncan. In an for him, coming here behind As for younger brother Oct. 19, 2008, Irish Insider [former Irish standout and Dan? He was the Gatorade cover story, McCarthy called current Baltimore Ravens Player of the Year as a senior himself “the dad” of the safety Tom Zbikowski] and in 2007, and a finalist for the house, where it was his job to then finally having the chance prestigious Mr. Football keep his teammates in line. to play and making the best award in Ohio, earning sec- It’s not a perfect analogy — of it — that’s the kind of guy ond-team All America honors no analogy is — but you want leading your team,” from USA Today, according to McCarthy’s role on the Walls said. und.com. He rushed for over defense has been comparable 3,000 yards and 36 touch- this season. Family affair downs in two seasons at “He understands the bigger Like any of his fellow fifth- quarterback while posting picture better, and he’s taken year seniors, McCarthy has 249 tackles and 16 sacks in on more of a leadership role,” been around long enough to his final two years on Observer File Graphic Brown said. “He’s the older see just about everything, defense. Senior safety Kyle McCarthy poses with three former teammates guy back there, and he from back-to-back BCS berths “It’s been great playing with and housemates for the Oct. 19, 2008, Irish Insider cover. understands where he’s at.” to the worst two-year run in him. He’s a real good player,” school history. Kyle said of his brother. “The definitely been a lot more Irish season reaches a cross- Old Reliable McCarthy has even been guys on the team all think laid-back. It’s been great.” roads at Pittsburgh Saturday. Whenever the Irish have long around long enough to he’s their little brother, too.” And with big-picture ques- struggled and have been in play two seasons with his But Dan isn’t the only Growing as a leader tions abounding about the need of a big play, it seems younger brother, Dan, who as brother Kyle sees on a daily Following in the footsteps of state of the Notre Dame pro- like McCarthy’s been there, a sophomore has climbed the basis at Notre Dame. After NFL-caliber safeties like gram five years into the with game-clinching intercep- depth chart to become his the craziness of his house last Zbikowski and David Bruton, Charlie Weis era, one might tions in wins against older brother’s backup. year, Kyle opted for a more a Denver Broncos draft pick think McCarthy and his fellow Michigan State and Boston Looking at their resumes quiet alternative this year, he last season, McCarthy has captains would have a tough College contributing to his coming out of Cardinal said. improved not only as a player, time keeping their team total of five picks for the year. Mooney H.S. in Youngstown, “I’m living with my older but as the leader of the focused on a talented Often the last line of Ohio, it’d be hard to tell the brother, who’s also a grad defense — a particularly Panthers team. defense, McCarthy leads the McCarthy brothers apart. student,” Kyle said, referring important trait because of his That’s not the case, Irish in solo (44) and total Both were two-way stand- to his brother Brian, 2006 role as a veteran and his posi- McCarthy said. (72) tackles this season, and outs that won state titles as Notre Dame graduate. “It’s tion in the defensive back- “It has zero effect on how field. we go about doing things,” “Kyle’s grown to be a great McCarthy said. “That’s all player and a great leader, and going outside the locker room. our players notice that,” Walls Inside the locker room, there’s said. “He’s taken control in no questions or anything like the weight room, in the locker that. We just go out and pre- room, and when you have a pare everyday with trust in guy like that you can depend the guys in this locker room on, it really helps the team.” and trust in the coaching Walls said McCarthy is more staff, and we’re excited to of a “lead-by-example” type play Pitt on Saturday.” but knows the right time to Weis declared after the Navy step up and address the team. loss that the theme this week “He doesn’t always speak would be “accountability,” and much, but when he does McCarthy said Tuesday that speak, people listen to him,” early in the week — beginning Walls said. “They do what he Monday, when the players tells them to do. He leads by have the day off but it was example and everyone follows reported a larger number behind him.” than usual came in to work Brown said the type of per- out and watch extra film — son McCarthy is makes him a the returns were positive. good leader. “As far as preparation and “Kyle is a classy dude, and I prepping for the game, our think the best thing about guys need to be accountable Kyle is he’s not selfish,” for the job at hand,” McCarthy Brown said. “He’s trying to said. “The coaches are going help out others. I believe to put us in the position to when you put others first, make plays, but it’s up to the when it’s not always about players to go out and execute you, everybody else appreci- and make plays. Last week we ates that … That’s why he’s struggled a little bit, so we played the way he’s played just need to maybe prepare a this year.” little harder, pay attention to detail, and hopefully get it Bouncing back corrected this Saturday.” IAN GAVLICK/The Observer After last week’s 23-21 loss Junior linebackers Harrison Smith, left, and Brian Smith congratulate senior safety Kyle McCarthy, cen- to Navy, the second straight at Contact Matt Gamber at ter, after his interception during Notre Dame’s 35-0 victory over Nevada Sept. 5. home to the Midshipmen, the [email protected] page 4 The Observer ◆ IRISH INSIDER Friday, November 13, 2009 Notre Dame Fighting Irish Record: 6-3 HEAD T AP: NR Coaches: NR BCS: NR 5th season at Irish Offense vs. Panthers Defense Notre Dame

career record: 35-24 on the road: 12-9 Charlie Weis against Pittsburgh: 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 — L Even though the rest of the week that he should be able to fill in The real test will be up front for Nov. 14 @ Pittsburgh team may have faltered in last well enough. the Irish, as Pittsburgh leads the week’s loss to Navy, junior Sophomore Michael country in sacks with 39. Notre Nov. 21 Connecticut quaterback Jimmy Clausen con- Floyd should be even closer to full Dame’s offensive line has improved Nov. 28 @ Stanford tinued to put up impressive strength after another week of rest this season, but still gave up two cru- numbers. and recovery. Floyd appeared to cial sacks to an undersized Navy The loss of sophomore tight shake the rust off quickly against defensive line last weekend. Keeping end Kyle Rudolph will undoubt- Navy last weekend with 10 catches, Clausen clean will be essential if the Head-to-Head edly hurt the passing game, but and will be even more effective Irish want to come out winners. junior Mike Ragone showed last Saturday night. EDGE: NOTRE DAME ND OFFENSE PITT DEFENSE PASSING IRISH Scoring: 30.11 ppg (36th) Scoring: 17.11 ppg (19th) Total: 463.67 (6th) Total: 310.89 ypg (29th) Rushing: 138.11 (71st) Rushing: 106.78 ypg (26th) Notre Dame’s leading rusher Hughes also established himself with defensive lines in the country and Passing: 325.56 ypg (5th) Passing: 204.38 ypg (38rd) Armando Allen returns to action strong games against Washington held Navy, which gashed the Irish Turnovers against: 9 (7th) Turnovers for: 17 (47th) this week after missing the past State and Navy. Freshman Theo defense last week, to only 129 yards Fumbles lost: 5 (12th) Fumbles rec.: 7 (61st) two games with an ankle injury. Riddick also had a breakout game rushing. Interceptions: 4 (11th) Interceptions: 10 (40th) When healthy, Allen has looked against the Midshipmen, rushing five It’s possible for the Irish to run the Sacks Allowed: 19 (69th) Sacks: 39 (1st) like the most effective Irish rush- times for 35 yards against the ball against Pittsburgh, but it will T.O.P. for: 32:41 (9th) T.O.P. against: 29:28 (45th) er this season, and his return to Midshipmen despite receiving limited take a real commitment to the the lineup should mean a big carries in the second half. ground game that was absent against boost in the Irish rushing attack. On the other side of the ball, Navy. That being said, Robert Pittsburgh boasts one of the strongest EDGE: PITTSBURGH Statistical Leaders RUSHING IRISH

ND OFFENSE PITT DEFENSE QB JIMMY CLAUSEN DB DOM DeCICCO Freshman kicker Nick culty it presents kickers, but The loss of Kyle Rudolph line plays such as a 209-308, 2770 yds., 20 TD 44 solo, 1 TFL, 2 INT Tausch missed his first the freshman’s body of work will affect the play calling, toss to Robert Hughes OFFENSIVE IRISH

RB ARMANDO ALLEN LB MAX GRUDER two field goals since the indicates that there should be and new starter Mike and an end around COACHING 104 rush, 514 yds., 3 TD 35 solo, 3 TFL, 0.5 sacks second game of the sea- nothing to worry about. Ragone will probably stay playaction pass left RB ROBERT HUGHES DL MICK WILLIAMS son last week, but Eric Maust, who didn’t in and block more than fans scratching their 71 rush, 331 yds., 5 TD 23 solo, 13 TFL, 3 sacks there’s no reason to have to punt at all last week, Rudolph would. heads. Weis needs to WR GOLDEN TATE LB ADAM GUNN think that Tausch won’t will take over from freshman Last week, Irish coach keep it simple this 65 rec., 1059 yds., 10 TD 28 solo, 5.5 TFL, 5 sacks return to form this Ben Turk for the punting Charlie Weis showed the week with his job on WR MICHAEL FLOYD LB GREG ROMEUS week. Heinz Field is duties. flaws that have plagued the line.

23 rec., 499 yds., 6 TD 15 solo, 9 TFL, 7.5 sacks notorious for the diffi- EDGE: EVEN him his entire career. Goal EDGE: EVEN IRISH SPECIAL TEAMS

Remember that last drive against Jimmy Clausen said before the season that Navy? That showed heart, intensity and execu- Charlie Weis wouldn’t get fired because of tion. That showed who Notre Dame can be if it him. And while you certainly can’t fault so chooses. It’s just gotta so choose, and it did- Clausen for his play this season, he may n’t, for the most part, against Navy. Losing have to save Weis’ job with a win at Heinz twice in three years at home to Navy and hear- Field. The Panthers are extremely talented ing rumors your coach is done ought to do it. on both sides of the ball, and can pick The Irish can’t cover Jonathan Baldwin and whether they want to run with they can’t stop Dion Lewis. But they can win or pass with Bill Stull against the struggling Bill Brink this game. Mr. Clausen and Mr. Tate have some Michael Bryan Irish defense. Offensively, the Irish must run experience with close victories, and Mr. Floyd the ball to have a chance to win. Armando Managing should pick up the idea quite nicely. I’m usually Associate Allen's return could be big both in the run Editor the pessimist of the group, and it’s tough to Sports Editor and passing game. These are two very tal- ignore the logical and statistical reasons why ented teams, but Pittsburgh’s stronger the Irish will lose, but to lapse into coachspeak, defense gives them the advantage to make a this game is about “want to,” and right now Notre Dame wants to. stop in overtime and get the win. FINAL SCORE: Notre Dame 37, Pittsburgh 34 (OT) FINAL SCORE: Pittsburgh 33, Notre Dame 30 (OT) Friday, November 13, 2009 The Observer ◆ IRISH INSIDER page 5 Pittsburgh Panthers O HEAD Record: 8-1, 5-0 Big East AP: #8 Coaches: #9 BCS: #12 Panthers Offense vs. Irish Defense 5th season at Pittsburgh

career record: 33-24 at home: 22-10 Dave Wannstedt against ND: head coach 1-1

Frank Cignetti, Jr. Phil Bennett Off. Coordinator Def. Coordinator 2009 Schedule Sept. 5 Youngstown St. — W Sept. 12 @ Buffalo — W Sept. 19 Navy — W Sept. 26 @ N.C. State — L Oct. 2 @ Louisville — W Oct. 10 Connecticut — W Oct. 16 @ Rutgers — W Oct. 24 South Florida — W Nov. 7 Syracuse — W Panthers quaterback Bill Stull has On the receiving end, sophomore made Notre Dame’s pass defense

PITT PASSING Nov. 14 Notre Dame been solid, if not spectacular this wide receiver Jonathan Baldwin statistics look a little bit better, season. All the Irish coaches praised stepped up after a promising fresh- but it’s no secret that the Irish Nov. 27 @ West Virginia Stull’s poise and decision making man season. At 6-foot-5, Baldwin has secondary has struggled this sea- Dec. 5 Cincinatti under pressure. Stull has indeed the ability to outjump opposing cor- son. They’ve shown flashes of been effective, throwing 17 touch- nerbacks and come down with diffi- talent in the past, but will need down passes with only four intercep- cult catches. Senior Dorin to turn in their best game of the tions. He ranks fifth nationally in Dickerson leads the team with 39 season if the Irish want to win passing efficiency, only two spots catches and 10 touchdown grabs. this game. Head-to-Head below Notre Dame’s Jimmy Clausen. A game against run-happy Navy EDGE: PITTBURGH PITT OFFENSE ND DEFENSE Scoring: 34.56 ppg (16th) Scoring: 22.89 (49th) After what looked like weeks of this season, running 203 times for improved against the run, and Total: 408.44 ypg (37th) Total: 386.22 ypg (79th) improvement, the Irish run defense 1,139 yards and 12 touchdowns. Lewis should continue to rack up the PITT RUSHING Rushing: 187 ypg (26th) Rushing: 148.78 ypg (67th) took a step back last weekend, giving is seventh in the country in terms of tackles this week. However, If most Passing: 221.44 (61st) Passing: 237.44 ypg (88th) up 348 rushing yards to Navy’s triple rushing yards, and leads the Big East. of the leading Irish tacklers are Turnovers against: 9 (7th) Turnovers for: 17 (47th) option attack. It’s possible that the Irish The Irish have certainly slowed down defensive backs, as is often the Fumbles lost: 5 (12th) Fumbles rec.: 6 (80th) were simply foiled by Navy’s unique good running backs this season. case, Notre Dame could be in trou- Interceptions: 4 (11th) Interceptions: 11 (30th) offense and will return to form against Nevada’s Vai Taua, USC’s Joe McKnight ble, as that means Lewis was able Sacks Allowed: 9 (12th) Sacks: 18 (55th) the Panthers’ more traditional style. and Boston College’s Montel Harris all to break through the Irish front T.O.P. for: 30:32 (45th) T.O.P. against: 27:19 (9th) For Pittsburgh, redshirt freshman rank in the top forty rushing nationally. line often. Dion Lewis has exploded onto the scene Freshman linebacker Manti Te’o has EDGE: PITTSBURGH Statistical Leaders

Junior kicker Dan The Panthers are still Four seasons ago, Dave top ten appearance NAVY OFFENSE ND DEFENSE Hutchins has made 13 of searching for the answer Wannstedt went against since 1982. PITT QB BILL STULL SS KYLE MCCARTHY 148-219, 1879 yds., 17 TD 44 solo, 2 TFL, 5 INT 16 kicks on the season, returning kicks, as eight dif- Charlie Weis in both coach- The Panthers run a COACHING RB DION LEWIS MLB BRIAN SMITH

and only missed one ferent players have at least es’ collegiate debut. Both balanced offensive OFFENSIVE inside of 40 yards. As a one kick return on the year. have come under some fire attack, and Wannstedt 203 rush, 1139 yds., 12 TD 28 solo, 5 TFL, 1 INT punter, Hutchins is aver- Against the Irish, look for during their tenures at their has shown over the WR JONATHAN BALDWIN WLB MANTI TE’O aging 41.2 yards per freshmen Ray Graham and respective alma maters, but course of the season 35 rec., 698 yds., 4 TD 16 solo, 4.5 TFL, 1 sack TE DORIN DICKERSON SLB DARIUS FLEMING SPECIAL TEAMS kick, and has had 13 Cameron Saddler to line up Wannstedt seems to have that he knows what it punts down inside the deep. bounced back and has led takes to win. 39 rec., 450 yds., 10 TD 19 solo, 11.5 TFL, 3 sacks RB RAY GRAHAM DE K. LEWIS-MOORE

PITT 20-yard line. EDGE: NOTRE DAME the Panthers to their first EDGE: PITTSBURGH 52 rush, 279 yds., 3 TD 24 solo, 7 TFL, 2.5 sacks

I can see two very different things happen- It would make absolutely no sense for Notre ing in this game. I can imagine the Irish com- Dame to win this game. Of course, over the ing out with that deer in the headlights look past three seasons, Notre Dame football has- we saw last season at USC after a dishearten- n’t exactly made a ton of sense. Expect the ing loss to Syracuse that raised the same Irish to come out with an “us against the questions about the program’s future that are world” mentality, fighting for their season, as circulating now. We all know how that turned well as their head coach’s job. Even though out. But I can also picture the Irish coming last week’s loss to Navy was bad, this is still out angry, motivated and prepared to play the same team that took USC down to the Matt Gamber their best game against arguably the best Sam Werner wire. Pittsburgh is good, for sure, but their team on their schedule. As a lifelong sports biggest win so far this season was over an fan, I’ve seen these kind of stories end both Associate inconsistent South Florida team. Michael Sports Editor ways. But as a Notre Dame fan, in recent Sports Editor Floyd should be closer to 100 percent after an years it seems like Door No. 1 has been the extra week of practice and recovery, and one most likely to be opened. I’ve been wrong Charlie Weis will finally get his first win over a plenty of times about this team. I hope it happens again. top ten team. Unfortunately for Weis, it may be too little, too late. FINAL SCORE: Pittsburgh 31, Notre Dame 20 FINAL SCORE: Notre Dame 31, Pittsburgh 27 page 6 The Observer ◆ IRISH INSIDER Friday, November 13, 2009

Do you have a favorite singer or band? I would have to say probably Springsteen.

Q: What’s your prediction for the Ohio State High School playoffs and your alma mater, St. Ignatius? I have to say [we will win], but it will be a good game. We are playing well.

What is your favorite place on campus? Probably Alumni Hall or the Grotto.

Do you have any favorite movies? Disney Channel original movies.

Any favorite songs? “Party in the USA” by Miley Cyrus.

Kanye West or Taylor Swift? Taylor Swift.

Do you have any pet peeves? Guys who wear K Swiss shoes. Friday, November 13, 2009 The Observer ◆ IRISH INSIDER page 7 Pittsburgh game a homecoming for Walls

town for the first time in his “It’s real exciting going nity for him.” “I kept in touch with him all By SAM WERNER collegiate career. Inundated home and playing in front of Walls has played in all nine the time, kept him up to date Associate Sports Editor with ticket requests through- some of my family and games for the Irish so far this on the funny stuff going on in out the week, Walls said he friends that haven’t seen me season, and recorded 17 the meeting rooms,” McNeil Saturday night’s game was trying to figure out play before,” Walls said. tackles as well as an inter- said. “We’re always clowning against No. 8 Pittsburgh is exactly how many friends and Senior defensive back ception. in the meeting room, so he undoubtedly a big game for family members would be in Raeshon McNeil said that Irish coach Charlie Weis definitely missed some classic every member of the Irish attendance Saturday. Walls had been talking all said that, as good as Walls moments, but he was always squad, but for senior corner- “I’m not sure as of now,” week about the chance to has been this season, he talking about how he couldn’t back Darrin Walls, the game Walls said. “I’m estimating play in his hometown. expects even more Saturday wait to get back.” will mean just a little bit around 25.” “His mom’s going to be in night. Even though it may have more. For a good number of those the stands, and she hasn’t “I think that this is going to taken Walls some time to get Walls, a Pittsburgh native, friends, it will be the first been out here to see him play. be an exciting back in the will be playing in his home- time they see Walls play. So that will be a big opportu- game for swing of Darrin,” Weis “It’s real exciting going Divison I col- said. “And I lege football, think more home and playing in McNeil said he than any game front of family and thought the than he’s friends that haven’t year off ulti- played this mately helped year, I think seen me play before.” his friend. that this is “Him miss- going to be one Darrin Walls ing a year of those ones Irish cornerback kind of where I feel brought things pretty confi- into perspec- dent that whatever his best tive for him,” McNeil said. is, we’re going to get it.” As exciting as the trip, In addition to being in home may be, Weis said that familiar territory, Walls said Walls is still aware of how that he is friendly with sever- important this game was for al players on the Pittsburgh the team. roster. He named senior tight “I think that Darrin’s going end Dorin Dickerson, sopho- to be very excited to play in more wide receiver Aaron this game,” Weis said. “And I Smith and junior offensive think that that’s a good thing lineman Jason Pinkston as because he’s going to get Panther players that he knew. challenged in this game as “We hung out a lot and did well.” camps and stuff,” Walls said. Walls, too said that he was Walls also said that this is mostly focused on getting a his first time playing in Heinz big win this weekend. Field since a high school “I mean, the coaches, they playoff game his senior year. expect everyone to play well What makes this week’s trip this weekend,” Walls said. even sweeter for Walls is the “We expect to play well. It’s fact that he missed all of last just another motivational fac- season for personal reasons. tor that we’re playing against Even though he wasn’t on the the No. 8 team in the coun- team, McNeil said that he try.” VANESSA GEMPIS/The Observer kept Walls abreast of every- Irish senior cornerback Darrin Walls leads the defense onto the field during last weekend’s game against thing going on inside the Irish Contact Sam Werner at Navy. Walls will be playing in front of around 25 friends and family in his native Pittsburgh this weekend. football program. [email protected]

Freshman Lewis breaks into starting role for Panthers 26, he still managed 98 yards make you miss,” Irish coach By BILL BRINK and two scores. Charlie Weis said in his press Sports Writer “We’ve faced a lot of good conference Tuesday. “He has backs,” Syracuse coach Doug good balance. He catches the He’s a little guy, but he runs Marrone said after Saturday’s ball out of the back field. He’s scary big. game. “I think from an overall been very impressive.” Even scarier, he’s a fresh- scheme, [Lewis] is one of the Despite Lewis’ youth, he’s man. best backs we’ve faced all sea- made an impression on his The 5-foot-8 Dion Lewis has son.” teammates as well as his oppo- shown no mercy to opposing How’s this for proof of how nents. defenses this season. The No. 8 consistently spectacular Lewis “Dion, just look at him, he’s Panthers’ (8-1) leading rusher has been this season: All one of the leading rushers in has 1139 yards, seventh in Pittsburgh coach Dave the country,” Panthers senior Division I FBS, and 12 touch- Wannstedt said of Lewis’ per- tight end Dorin Dickerson said downs so far this season. formance after the Syracuse after the Syracuse game. “I like “Our offensive line does a game was, “Dion Lewis did a to pat him on his back whenev- great job, those guys work great job. He had his runs.” er he gets those runs because hard all the time,” Lewis said Ho-hum. he really deserves it. He runs after Pittsburgh’s 37-10 win Lewis represents the latest in hard.” over Syracuse on Nov. 7. “They the tough running backs Notre Lewis called the last four deserve all the credit. They just Dame has faced this season. games of the season “crucial.” keep pounding and blocking Nevada Vai Taua That’s especially true because guys, clearing the way. I’m just has rushed for 880 yards this the Panthers are fighting for a staying patient, letting the year, Purdue’s Ralph Bolden BCS birth with No. 5 game come to me.” has 855 and Boston College’s Cincinnati, which leads the Big His body of work rests on Montel Harris has 930. East at 5-0 (9-0 overall). At the 203 rushing attempts, good for Washington’s Chris Polk, USC’s same time, Saturday’s game 5.6 yards per carry. In compar- Joe McKnight and Navy’s Vince brings a new level of impor- ison, former Pittsburgh run- Murray have all had productive tance, especially since the last ning back LeSean McCoy, seasons as well. time Charlie Weis brought whom the The best may remain, howev- Notre Dame to Pittsburgh the drafted in the second round of er; after Lewis, Connecticut’s Irish dismantled the Panthers the 2009 NFL Draft, averaged Jordan Todman has rushed for 42-21 on Sept. 3, 2005 and 4.9 yards per carry last season, 826 yards and 12 touchdowns especially since the two teams when he rushed for 1403 and Stanford’s Toby Gerhart is played each other so close in yards. second in the FBS with 1,217 last year’s game, a 36-33 over- Lewis rushed 18 times for yards and 14 touchdowns. time Pittsburgh win in Notre 110 yards and a touchdown Bad news for a Notre Dame Dame Stadium. against the Orange. His worst defense that allows 148.8 “Everybody is excited about rushing game of the season yards per game and just gave Notre Dame,” Lewis said. came against Navy, when he up 348 to Navy. “Everybody’s going to be ready carried the ball 23 times for 71 Lewis, especially, presents a and fired up for this game.” yards and a touchdown. In challenge because of his versa- AP Pittsburgh’s only loss, a 38-31 tility. Contact Bill Brink at Pittsburgh running back Dion Lewis turns upfield during a game defeat from N.C. State on Sept. “He’s got quickness. He can [email protected] earlier this season. Lewis currently leads the Big East in rushing. page 8 The Observer ◆ PAID ADVERTISEMENT Friday, November 13, 2009