. page 2 | ndsmcobserver.com The Observer u IRISH INSIDER Friday, September 23, 2011

Commentary Football Recruiting Anello, Ruffer, should Two prospects commit to Irish a walk-on punt in 2011? By ALLAN JOSEPH “Brian Kelly has made it very it sounded like he was having a Sports Editor clear … that the only way [he and lot of second thoughts about those Catch the snap. Take a step or knew he needed to step up his his staff] are going to get this thing trips.” two. Drop the ball toward your game. He stayed on campus over Notre Dame added another play- turned around is to make sure that Freshman defensive end Aaron foot, and boot the living daylights the summer specifically to work maker to its recruiting class when they have dominating play on both Lynch excelled in last week’s victo- out of it. on four things: Catch. Step. Drop. South Carolina receiver Chris sides of the line,” Frank said. “He’s ry over Michigan State, and Frank So easy, a caveman could do it. Punt. Brown committed to the Irish dur- shown by offensive line recruiting said the amount of playing time Right? On the first day of fall classes, ing his visit to campus during last and defensive line recruiting that Lynch received sent a clear mes- Especially when the caveman Kramer got the call saying he weekend’s game against Michigan he means business. He knows they sage to prospective recruits. undergoes years of specialized was off the team. State. While Brown was not highly have to have elite players on both “Brian Kelly isn’t just going to training and spends hours a Wearing his Walk-On Player ranked by many recruiting ser- sides of the ball. All you have to do play the senior or the older guy. week doing those four things: Union Nation (WOPU Nation) vices, Irish recruiting expert Mike is watch the Michigan State game If [a player] can help the team, Catch. Step. Drop. Boot. t-shirt, Kramer brushed the rust Frank said Brown’s talent was evi- last week to see evidence of that.” [he] will get on the field at Notre So why is it that junior punter off his leg Tuesday afternoon on dent from the intense interest he Ohio running back William Ma- Dame,” Frank said. “That’s really Ben Turk can’t seem to figure it North Quad. His longest punt had drawn. hone also visited Notre Dame last important to these kids. None of out come landed more than 46 yards past “It’s kind of strange,” said weekend, and while he did not these guys have ever really sat … Saturdays? the proverbial line of scrimmage. Frank, who runs the ESPN af- commit to the Irish, he is moving They want to play right away and Of the 79 His five longest averaged more filiate Irish Sports Daily. “Here’s a closer to a decision. make an impact for their team.” punters in than 43 yards. guy who has 25 legitimate Division “I think he really, really liked While conference realignment the nation “I work in the dining hall now, I offers, and more importantly he his visit, and really felt like he fit continues to be a hot topic on the to have and I do chemistry undergrad has offers from everybody in his in well,” Frank said. “He loved minds of college football fans, played research,” Kramer said follow- surrounding area … but for some the way Notre Dame ran the ball, Frank said conference affiliation in each ing what he considered to be a reason he’s just ranked a three- which is important for any run- had little to do with recruiting. of their disappointed performance. “I’m star by a lot of the services.” ning back. “I don’t think it’s really that big team’s not doing this everyday.” Frank said Brown’s playmaking “I think he’s going to go visit Pitt of a deal whether a team’s in a games, Douglas Farmer Fortunately for Stanford Hall, ability was a good fit for the Irish. this weekend … and then after conference, not in a conference Turk ranks he does it on weekends when “He can really, really run,” that, we could end up having a de- [or] which conference you’re in,” 74th in Editor-in-Chief interhall season starts up. Frank said. “He’s a very, very ex- cision, or he could check out Michi- Frank said. “You can get to the punting Catch. Step. Drop. Punt. plosive player who can bring some gan State. I think he’s getting close NFL no matter what conference average. Yet Kramer seems to think speed to the Notre Dame receiving to pulling the trigger.” you’re in so long as you perform. His whopping 36.23 yards per his appropriate place is wearing corps. I personally think it’s a big Maryland cornerback Ronald It hasn’t made an impact that I’ve punt somehow outpaces USC’s faded gold pants with Stanford, pickup for Notre Dame. They need Darby was on campus last week- seen so far.” punter, Kyle Negrete. But Notre rather than a sparkling new pair wide receivers.” end, and while Darby was com- More important for Notre Dame does not make it a habit to with the Irish. Notre Dame also added its first mitted to the Irish, he had talked Dame’s recruiting is that it contin- measure itself against USC. “I’ve seen Ben [Turk] punt,” member of the class of 2013 this about taking official visits to other ues to earn victories. But what about measuring the Kramer said. “He’s one of the past weekend, picking up a verbal schools. After this weekend, how- “Whether [Notre Dame] is in Irish, specifically Turk, by the top-20 punters in the nation, in commitment from Michigan offen- ever, Darby may no longer take a conference or not, I really don’t average Notre Dame student? practice.” sive lineman Steve Elmer. those visits, said Frank. see much of a difference either Alumni Hall junior Dan Finan Irish special teams coach Mike “[Elmer] is probably the top of- “Notre Dame did a really good way when it comes to recruiting,” cameos as the Dawgs’ punter Elston said the same thing. fensive lineman in all of the Mid- job of talking to him,” Frank said. Frank said. “Winning games is re- in interhall games. It really is “Ben demonstrates in practice west next year,” Frank said. “This “I think he understands that [se- ally what matters for Notre Dame only a cameo — Finan is very that he can get it done,” Elston is a very, very big pickup for Notre nior cornerbacks] R.J. Blanton and recruiting right now. obviously a defensive lineman at said. Dame. He’s a very big guy already Gary Gray will be gone next year, heart, and when he steps back to Even Turk knows as much. — 300 pounds, and it’s not fat. It’s so there’s going to be a great op- For more on Notre Dame punt, his linemen shoes go with “In practice I’m hitting around real size and real strength. He can portunity for anyone to come in recruiting, check out Mike Frank’s him. 50 yards consistently,” he said. also move very, very well.” and play … He just wants to go and irishsportsdaily.com. Email Mike Catch. Step. Drop. Boot. “It’s just turning that over to Frank said Notre Dame’s focus have some fun on these trips. He at [email protected] and For kicks and giggles, Finan Saturdays now.” on recruiting Elmer was indicative has a good time going and seeing tell him The Observer sent you. punted for 20 minutes Wednes- Until he does so, questions of of the attitude Irish coach Brian all these different places. I think day night by moonlight on walk-ons, or cavemen, will per- Kelly had brought to the program Notre Dame would much rather Contact Allan Joseph at McGlinn Fields. With no train- sist. Turk’s best performance of in its second year. him not go. As of earlier this week, [email protected] ing, hardly any idea of what he the season, averaging 41.5 yards was doing and trouble seeing the on four punts against Michigan ball as it dropped to his foot, the State, only would have placed former 8-year-old soccer goalie him 40th in the nation for the sent two punts 50 yards deep. season. After that game, Kelly Factoring in the 14 yards Finan was asked, point-blank, how he would stand behind the line of would feel about a walk-on. scrimmage, he sent two punts “Heck yeah,” Kelly said. “I equal to Turk’s 36-yard average. would take anybody that had If they had been allowed to roll, shown the ability to do that, as six of Turk’s 13 have, who punting the football or kicking … knows how far they may have If you know somebody, you can bounced. reach me at 1-574…” “My problem is consistency Actually, Finan or Kramer, or with the spiral,” Finan said of his anyone else, should contact di- two-for-20-minutes success rate. rector of football personnel Tim “I learned by messing around McDonnell. before practice in high school.” Catch. Step. Drop. Punt. So Finan equals the caveman So easy, Ben Turk does it in with no training. practice. Is this the week he does In that case, Stanford Hall it in a game? junior Patrick Kramer equals the caveman who invented the The views expressed in this wheel. column are those of the author When Irish coach Brian and not necessarily those of The Kelly took over the program, the Observer. skinny kid who once boomed Contact Douglas Farmer at a 72-yard punt in high school [email protected] Friday, September 23, 2011 The Observer u IRISH INSIDER ndsmcobserver.com | page 3 Blanton Island Senior cornerback Robert Blanton has blossomed in his senior season to lead the Irish defense

By CHRIS MASOUD But that natural comfort did dress announcer Mike Collins Assistant Managing Editor not translate to success on ev- recapped the play with a new ery down early in Blanton’s call: “Sir Robert Blanton.” They call it being on an is- career, and the corner found Collins, who describes the land. No man’s land. Responsi- himself shuffling in-and-out North Carolina native as a bilities range from deflecting of the starting rotation as “southern gentleman,” said a pass to jamming a receiver a sophomore after starting he has only used a handful of to shedding a block to making against USC, Syracuse and nicknames in his 30 years as an open-field tackle to inter- Hawaii as a freshman. the voice of Notre Dame Stadi- cepting the opposing quarter- Following a year of rotations um, reserving the distinction back. Candidates must pos- with former Irish cornerback for only certain occasions. sess a sub-4.5 40-yard dash Darrin Walls and senior Gary “So, I met Robert his sopho- time and a Gray in 2010, more year,” Collins said. “No minimum Blanton has matter what, he answers ev- 36-inch ver- secured his erything with, ‘Yes, sir,’ — tical. position on the everything. So I went to him Still inter- “We felt very strongly perimeter in after last season and asked if ested in the about Robert Blanton his final year there was something special cornerback coming into the season, in pads for the he did on the field, would he position? that he would give Irish. mind if I called him ‘Sir Rob- “You don’t us great play.” “The differ- ert Blanton.’ have any ence now is “Then I said I had to wait help out Brian Kelly that he comes until something really spe- into this year cial happened, and then it did there. If you Irish coach don’t have with a lot of against MSU, and he is now Sir safety help experience, Robert Blanton.” over the a lot of con- Collins may call him “Sir”, top, there’s fidence,” de- and his teammates may call no help out there. It’s like an fensive backs coach Kerry him ‘RJ,’ but opposing offen- island. If you mess up, it’s go- Cooks said. “He’s got to be one sive coordinators simply call- ing to be a touchdown hands- of the guys back there in the ing him frustrating. The cor- down.” secondary that sets the tone. ner’s success, which includes Take it from senior corner- When he goes out there and he another late interception back Robert Blanton, Notre makes plays, he’s one of those against Michigan in the sec- Dame’s newest stalwart on a guys that’s just got a personal- ond game of the season, stems defense that held Michigan ity that energizes everybody.” from an intense preparation State to just 13 points Satur- While Blanton brings a re- process that begins in the film day in the first Irish victory of newed enthusiasm to the posi- room. the season. tion, Kelly met with the corner “RJ’s up here studying just Blanton played four quarters earlier in the year to discuss as much as the coaches are,” of shutdown defense, deflect- his verbal approach on the Cooks said. “It’s ridiculous. ing passes and recording six field. Sometimes I’ll tell him a play, tackles, including a key sack “I don’t allow talk on the and he’ll already know the of Spartans quarterback Kirk field, so we had our conver- play is happening just based TOM YOUNG/The Observer Cousins in the third quarter. sations in the first couple of on the recognition, the splits. practices last spring,” he said. A lot of that comes from study- Senior cornerback Robert Blanton intercepts a pass in Notre “We felt very strongly about Dame’s 31-13 win over Michigan State on Sept. 17. Robert Blanton coming into “Since that time, he’s cur- ing and understanding what the season, that he would give tailed the talking. the offense is trying to do to us great play,” Irish coach “It’s great that he’s got that him.” ups. I’ll watch those and then ting him right, no matter who Brian Kelly said. “I think he’s kind of personality. He just Blanton, who said the cor- watch the receivers and evalu- it is. He’s constantly pressing exceeded everybody’s expec- doesn’t talk on the field. He nerback position is 90 percent ate each receiver on the team. and making sure the guys are tations at this point. He’s been does it with his actions, which mental, said he focuses his But I don’t study too much. It’s locked in to the task at hand.” a consistent performer for us.” is what I expect of him.” time in the film room study- fun to go in there and evalu- In addition to his responsi- Blanton’s natural comfort at Those actions included an ing opposing receivers and ate your opponent, and it helps bilities on the field, Blanton the cornerback position comes electrifying 82-yard intercep- their tendencies rather than you on Saturday to be success- has taken on the role of men- from experience as much as tion return late in the fourth highlights of his past perfor- ful and see what your oppo- tor to sophomore cornerbacks athletic ability. A one-time quarter Saturday to dash any mances. nent’s doing. It’s like studying Lo Wood and Bennett Jackson. safety, Blanton converted to chance of a Spartan come- “100 percent I watch my op- for an exam. Saturday is the Cooks said he hopes the the cornerback position as a back and seal the Irish vic- ponent,” he said. “Our coaches exam.” young corners will learn from sophomore in high school and tory. At the conclusion of the have a great breakdown for While Blanton has aced the Blanton’s “swagger” and re- never looked back. return, stadium public ad- us. They gave us clips, cut- first three ex- lentless en- ams, he remains t h u s i a s m focused on the t o w a r d task ahead, tak- football. ing each game “I think and each snap “He’s tall and long. his pas- one at a time. He gives you a lot of sion for the A constant difficulty. He presses game and test in practice, you. You have to know his will not senior wide re- to get beat, ceiver Michael how to get off the line.” you want Floyd, said Blan- to pass ton possesses a Michael Floyd on,” Cooks number of qual- senior receiver said. “You ities that make have to be him difficult to right on beat both down the edge. the field and in You got short-yardage to have a situations. short-term memory. When you “He’s tall and long,” Floyd line-up, nobody is better than said. “He gives you a lot of dif- you, nobody can beat you, but ficulty. He presses you. You at the same time you respect have to know how to get off the every wide receiver. The real- line. He gives us a lot of pres- ity of it is if you’re overconfi- sure and a lot of good tech- dent, then you are going to get nique that we can get help on.” beat.” Defensive coordinator Bob Blanton continues to toe the Diaco said the 6-foot-1 senior edge between confidence and utilizes his length to his ad- reality, setting goals for him- vantage, allowing Blanton to self in the short- and the long- compete for the football in the term. air with larger receivers. Still, “Right now — making sure he credits Blanton’s intangi- we beat Pittsburgh,” he said. bles, character and leadership “Long-run — finishing 10- qualities for his success on the 2, graduating and hopefully field. playing at the next level.” “He’s the battery,” Diaco A legacy like that is sure to said. “He’s fun, he’s exciting. make any mother proud. PAT COVENEY/The Observer He’s just himself. And he leads Senior cornerback Robert Blanton sacks Michigan State quarterback Kirk Cousins on Sept. 17. by example. He doesn’t mind Contact Chris Masoud at Blanton recorded three tackles for loss and an interception in Notre Dame’s 31-13 win. snatching a guy up and get- [email protected] page 4 | ndsmcobserver.com The Observer u IRISH INSIDER Friday, September 23, 2011

IRISH PASSING IRISH RUSHING IRISH OFFENSIVE Tommy Rees didn’t put up The Notre Dame rushing at- COACHING quite as big numbers last week tack looked very effective in the After two five-turnover per- as he did against South Florida first half against Michigan State, formances, Notre Dame finally and Michigan, but unlike those seemingly continuing the suc- dropped its turnover count — two contests, the Irish came cess it had experienced against but only to three. The Irish will out on top. The key to that dif- South Florida and Michigan. In employ a balanced but simple ference was Rees’ limiting his the second half, however, the attack, which will be necessary Head-to-Head own turnovers. The sophomore Irish struggled on the ground. against the complex schemes threw only one interception and While little was said about the Graham will throw at Rees. Ul- gave up one fumble on a blind- adjustments Michigan State timately, Notre Dame’s offensive side hit for which the blame made in the second half in the success depends on whether falls squarely on the shoulders wake of Notre Dame’s first win, Rees can distribute the ball to of the offensive line. rest assured the Panthers have his playmakers without turn- The biggest challenge the watched the game film from last overs. Irish will face this weekend is week. Notre Dame Offense the variety of schemes the Pan- The Irish offensive line has EDGE: EVEN thers employ to confuse the been one of the best in recent 7 TJ Jones So. quarterback. While Pittsburgh memory for most of the season, WR 16 DaVaris Daniels Fr. is based in a 3-4 formation, the but it has occasionally had dif- Panthers often will line up in a ficulty opening running lanes 6 Theo Riddick Jr. traditional 4-3 defense. The sec- when the opposing defense has WR 9 Robby Toma Jr. ondary is similarly complex, as overloaded the line of scrim- Pittsburgh coach Todd Graham mage or has sent a run blitz. throws everything from a stock Pittsburgh allows just 80 70 Zack Martin Jr. Cover 2 defense to the rarely- rushing yards a game on 2.35 20 Cierre Wood Jr. LT 72 Nick Martin Fr. seen Cover 0 at the quarterback yards per carry. Sophomore RB 25 Jonas Gray Sr. to confuse him. linebacker Max Gruder leads 66 Chris Watt Jr. Kelly will simplify the offense the Panther defense, which LG 76 Andrew Nuss Sr. for Rees to minimize the num- ranks No. 23 in the country 11 Tommy Rees So. 52 Braxston Cave Sr. ber of complex reads, and the against the run. QB 10 Dayne Crist Sr. Irish will focus on quickly get- Notre Dame’s success in the C 57 Mike Golic Jr. Sr. ting the ball to the abundance running game will depend on 78 Trevor Robinson Sr. of playmakers they have. While whether the offensive line can Pittsburgh may be complex, it rebound from a lackluster sec- RG 65 Conor Hanratty Fr. isn’t athletic enough to keep up. ond half against Michigan State. 75 Taylor Dever Sr. RT 74 Christian Lombard So. EDGE: NOTRE DAME EDGE: EVEN 80 Tyler Eifert Jr. TE 18 Ben Koyack Fr.

IRISH SCHEDULE 3 Michael Floyd Sr. Sept. 3 South Florida WR 81 John Goodman Sr. (L, 23–20) Sept. 10 @ Michigan (L, 35-31) IRISH SPECIAL TEAMS Sept. 17 Michigan St. Notre Dame showed a flash of brilliance on special teams last (W, 31-13) week when George Atkinson returned a kick for a touchdown, but Sept. 24 @ Pittsburgh that accomplishment was overshadowed by John Goodman’s fum- Oct. 1 @ Purdue ble on a punt return, which continues a string of struggles in that Oct. 8 Air Force aspect. Ben Turk looked somewhat better by rugby-punting, but Notre Dame Defense Oct. 22 USC that is not an ideal solution for the Irish. Until the punting and punt Oct. 29 Navy return woes are fixed, Notre Dame cannot win the field position Nov. 5 @ Wake Forest battle. Nov. 12 Maryland Nov. 19 Boston College EDGE: PITTSBURGH 12 Robert Blanton Sr. Nov. 26 @ Stanford CB 23 Lo Wood So. Notre Dame Specialists 45 Darius Fleming Sr. 22 Harrison Smith Sr. OLB 46 Steve Filer Sr. 97 David Ruffer Sr. S 15 Dan McCarthy Sr. PK 90 Ethan Johnson Sr. 35 Ben Turk Jr. 48 Dan Fox Jr. DE 19 Aaron Lynch Fr. ILB 44 Carlo Calabrese Jr. P 9 Louis Nix So. NG 98 Sean Cwynar Sr. 60 Jordan Cowart Jr. 5 Manti Te’o Jr. LS ILB 54 Anthony McDonald Sr. 89 Kapron Lewis-Moore Sr. 81 John Goodman Sr. DE 7 Stephon Tuitt Fr. PR 6 Theo Riddick Jr. 55 Prince Shembo So. 26 Jamoris Slaughter Sr. 13 Troy Niklas Fr. 34 George Atkinson Fr. S 17 Zeke Motta Jr. OLB KR 28 Austin Collinsworth So. 4 Gary Gray Sr. KO 27 Kyle Brindza Fr. CB 2 Bennett Jackson So.

Predictions

Allan Joseph Douglas Farmer Eric Prister Sports Editor Editor-in-Chief Sports Writer After three games, I have picked It’s as Mickey said in “Rocky The Irish showed last week just exactly zero games correctly. In II,” or a censored version of what what they can do when they don’t my defense, no one saw the loss to Linkin Park says in “Numb/Encore” beat themselves, though they still South Florida coming, and I would — “What are we waiting for?” committed three turnovers. The have had the score of the Michigan What was Notre Dame waiting Irish did not need a 100-yard per- game exactly right ... if the game for? Where was that team all sea- formance from either Cierre Wood had ended 30 seconds earlier. And son? or Michael Floyd to win by double last week, the Irish overcame their Yes, Notre Dame still turned the digits. It seemed as though the of- mistakes to beat Michigan State. ball over three times, but at some fense simplified things and execut- This week should be the week I point the Irish will cure the punt ed better than they had all season. actually get one right. The defensive line was impressive return woes. If nothing else, stick Michael Floyd back The defense held the Spartans to just 29 rushing again last week, pushing around a strong Spartan front. there to fair catch every time around. And the offensive yards, as the defensive line dominated the interior and That will continue. Tommy Rees should have plenty of line certainly paid the price for letting Tommy Rees get kept Michigan State off balance most of the game. Pitts- time to throw and plenty of breathing room for his seem- blindsided, causing a fumble. burgh has only played one legitimate opponent so far ingly-inevitable turnovers. Notre Dame isn’t yet playing With the turnovers finally cured, or nearly so, and this season, losing to Iowa last week. Notre Dame is once to its potential, but Pittsburgh isn’t good enough to win. the defensive front showing its true potential, no need again the better team — the question remains whether The Irish will get their second win of the season on the to wait anymore. or not they will beat themselves like they did against weekend I get my first one. After all, Rocky beat Apollo Creed the second time. South Florida and Michigan.

FINAL SCORE: Notre Dame 31, Pittsburgh 14 FINAL SCORE: Notre Dame 31, Pittsburgh 10 FINAL SCORE: Notre Dame 34, Pittsburgh 20 Friday, September 23, 2011 The Observer u IRISH INSIDER ndsmcobserver.com | page 5

PITTSBURGH OFFENSIVE PITTSBURGH RUSHING PITTSBURGH PASSING COACHING Running back Ray Graham Pittsburgh quarterback Tino Pittsburgh coach Todd Graham has established himself as one Sunseri had some trouble ad- is familiar with Notre Dame’s of- of the nation’s top running justing to Todd Graham’s new fensive schemes despite being backs, currently ranking fifth system at the beginning of the in his first year, as he coached in the nation with 140 yards year but has now become fairly Tulsa to an upset victory over the per game. Graham’s six touch- comfortable in his schemes. Head-to-Head Irish in 2010. In his first year, downs are also third in the While the Panthers no longer however, Graham is still working country. Pittsburgh will lean on have stalwart receiver Jona- his players with his system. Irish its lead running back to estab- than Baldwin, receiver Devin defensive coordinator Bob Diaco, lish a strong ground game early Street has capably filled Bald- however, has a defensive front in Saturday’s contest. win’s role as primary target. seven that plays fast, strong and First-year Panthers coach Sunseri and Street have devel- smart now that it understands Todd Graham brings the same oped a good relationship, which Diaco’s system. offensive scheme he used to has manifested itself in Street Pittsburgh Defense prolific effect at Tulsa. In 2010, averaging 15.7 yards per catch EDGE: EVEN Todd Graham’s Tulsa squad av- and nearly 80 yards per game. eraged over 500 yards of total Panthers running back Ray offense, including 217 yards per Graham adds another unique 22 Antwuan Reed. Sr. game on the ground. dimension to Pittsburgh’s aer- CB 21 Buddy Jackson Sr. The Notre Dame defensive line ial attack, as he is tied for the 18 Jarred Holley Jr. played perhaps its best game of second-most receptions on the FS 41 Andrew Taglianetti Jr. the season against a physical team. Ray Graham’s running 5 Ejuan Prince Fr. Michigan State squad, high- ability also sets Pittsburgh up OLB 7 Brandon Lindsey Sr. lighted by the Spartans’ mere to utilize play-action effectively. 29 rushing yards on 23 carries. The Notre Dame second- Though some of the younger ary has been inconsistent over 7 Brandon Lindsey Sr. 55 Max Gruder So. players will see less playing its first three contests, though DE 97 Aaron Donald So. ILB 32 Tristan Roberts Sr. time against Pittsburgh’s com- cornerback Robert Blanton has plex offense, the Irish defensive been the one constant. Most im- 94 Myles Caragein Sr. line provides an equal match to portant to Notre Dame’s pass NG 57 Aaron Donald So. 32 Tristan Roberts Sr. the Panthers’ experienced of- defense is the play of corner- 44 Shane Gordon So. 98 Chas Alecxih Sr. ILB fensive front. back Gary Gray, who struggled 91 Tyrone Ezell So. Linebacker Prince Shembo against Michigan. If Gray can DE will retun to the field this week play to his potential, Notre after tending to a family emer- Dame has two top-quality cor- 8 Todd Thomas Fr. gency last week, bolstering nerbacks. OLB 38 Greg Williams Sr. Notre Dame’s run defense. 25 Jason Hendricks So. EDGE: EVEN EDGE: NOTRE DAME SS 23 Lafayette Pitts Fr. 2 K’Waun Williams So. CB 21 Buddy Jackson Sr. PITTSBURGH SCHEDULE Sept. 3 Buffalo (W, 35-16) Sept. 10 Maine PITTSBURGH SPECIAL TEAMS (W, 35-29) Pittsburgh excels on punt coverage, allowing only two returns all Sept. 17 @ Iowa year — which, when combined, lost three yards. This should give (L, 27-31) them a significant advantage on the Irish, who have struggled all Sept. 24 Notre Dame year when returning punts. Sept. 29 South Florida Pittsburgh Offense Kicker Kevin Harper has struggled, making only four of his sev- Oct. 15 Utah en attempts, and missing two from within 40 yards. Harper has Oct. 26 Connecticut Nov. 5 Cincinnati 87 Mike Shanahan Jr. also forced only one touchback all season on kickoffs, while he has Nov. 12 @ Louisville 17 Salath Williams Fr. kicked two out of bounds for penalties. WR Nov. 25 @ West Virginia EDGE: EVEN Dec. 3 Syracuse

83 Hubie Graham Jr. TE 80 Brendan Carozzoni Fr. Pittsburgh Specialists 68 Jordan Gibbs Sr.. RT 60 Greg Gaskins Sr. 39 Kevin Harper Jr. 52 Lucas Nix Sr. PK RG 78 Cory King So. 92 Matt Yoklic So. P 11 Mark Myers Fr. 75 Ryan Turnley Jr. 12 Tino Sunseri Jr. 58 Kevin Barthelemy So. C 54 Chris Jacobson Sr. QB 10 Trey Anderson Fr. LS 54 Chris Jacobson Sr. 1 Ray Graham Jr. LG 74 Matt Rotheram Fr. 14 Ronald Jones Fr. RB 4 Zach Brown Sr. 70 Juantez Hollins So. PR LT 66 Justin Virbitsky Jr. KR 9 Corey Davis Fr. 5 Cameron Saddler Jr. WR 14 Ronald Jones Fr. 39 Kevin Harper Jr. 15 Devin Street So. KO WR 84 Ed Tinker So.

Andrew Owens Chris Masoud Associate Sports Editor Assistant Managing Editor Notre Dame is still a flawed team. After the dismantling of Michigan One week does not erase the recur- State, Notre Dame heads into Pitts- ring problems of this team. The burgh with more confidence than any Irish still have secondary and spe- one-win team in the nation, and right- cial teams issues, but last week was ly so. Tommy Rees played the worst a step in the right direction. game of his career, and yet the sopho- This week Notre Dame faces a more quarterback continues to do just Pittsburgh team that, quite simply, enough to give the Irish a chance to is not very good. Panthers coach win. He’s due for a breakout perfor- Todd Graham will restore success mance against Pittsburgh, and if the to the program, but 2011 will be rough for the former offensive line continues to keep his shirt clean, the sophomore Tulsa coach who beat the Irish last season. could post the best numbers of his career against a suspect Panthers running back is very talented, but one thing Panthers secondary. the Irish have proven is they can stop the run. They will Brian Kelly also just discovered his new favorite toy: fresh- keep Graham in check and force Tino Sunseri to throw man defensive end Aaron Lynch’s bull rush on third down. In early and often. addition to Kelly’s praise of the rookie’s genetic composition, Cierre Wood and Jonas Gray will combine for over the head coach said he just has a desire to bring the quarter- 200 yards as this still-flawed team rolls to victory. back down.

FINAL SCORE: Notre Dame 38, Pittsburgh 13 FINAL SCORE: Notre Dame 42, Pittsburgh 14 page 6 | ndsmcobserver.com The Observer u IRISH INSIDER Friday, September 23, 2011 First-year Pitt coach a familiar face for Irish east is east west is west A DOUBLE FEATURE introduced by the Award-winning British Producer LesLee Udwin.

SARAH O’CONNOR/The Observer SEPTEMBER 23 | 6:30 PM DEBARTOLO + Pittsburgh coach Todd Graham speaks to the media following his The Browning Cinema, DeBartolo Performing ArtsPERF CenterORMING ARTS CENTER 28-27 victory over Notre Dame as Tulsa coach Oct. 30, 2010. Tickets $3-6 | 574.631.2800 | performingarts.nd.edu By ALLAN JOSEPH squad, but Irish defensive coor- Sports Editor dinator Bob Diaco said the core DEBARTOLO + schemes are no different. PERFORMING ARTS CENTER One of the biggest challenges “Tulsa had excellent personnel first-year coaches face is install- too, it’s just a little different,” Di- ing their systems while prepar- aco said. “They still have a myri- ing for unfamiliar opponents. ad of different plays that they run Pittsburgh’s Todd Graham, how- from different steps, and we need ever, is intimately familiar with to be ready to defend all of those Ready for off-campus housing? Notre Dame, as he coached Tulsa plays.” to one of the biggest upsets in The Panther offense revolves Notre Dame history, when the around junior running back Ray Now leasing for 2012-2013 Golden Hurricane defeated the Graham, who currently ranks Irish 28-27 in Notre Dame Sta- fifth in the nation in rushing with dium last year. 140 yards per game. “[Graham] knows us quite well “[Ray Graham] is a rugged $100 signing bonus* from last year,” Irish coach Brian player,” Diaco said. “He’s got con- Kelly said. “We’re familiar with tact balance and initial quick- his system. Now he essentially ness, he’s got long speed and he put in his philosophy and his could move both laterally in short *Lease must be signed system of offense and defense at space quickly, and he can also Pittsburgh. When you’re watch- get vertical and accelerate. He’s by December 9, 2011 ing film, you’re seeing a lot of a rugged runner, he’s a tackle- similarities to his Tulsa club.” breaker, so he’s a real challenge.” Graham’s signature philosophy Graham, however, is also • Townhomes & Houses is defensive complexity, as his known for his versatility out of Panthers (2-1) employ a dizzying the backfield. • Student neighborhoods number of looks in order to con- “Obviously the first guy that fuse the opposing quarterback. stands out is Ray Graham,” Kelly “They play every coverage said. “[He’s an] outstanding run- • Security & ADT systems imaginable in the back end,” Kel- ning back, [and is] multidimen- ly said. “You’re going to see mul- sional in that he can catch the tiple coverages in the secondary. ball coming out of the backfield • Washers and dryers They’ll bring a lot of pressure, — he can line up as a wide re- mix it up between three down ceiver.” • Dishwashers and four down [linemen], and Junior Panther quarterback give you a lot of different looks. Tino Sunseri has flourished in I think that that, from our stand- Todd Graham’s offensive system • Lawn service point, is what concerns us the and has especially developed a most.” relationship with receiver Devin • 2 - 6 bedrooms Kelly drew comparisons be- Street. tween his squad and the Pan- “[Sunseri] seems far more thers’ defensive front. comfortable in this system,” ju- “I like their front. They can be nior linebacker Manti Te’o said. Locally owned in three down, four down, and “He’s making good decisions, so ❋ ❋ they’re a lot like us in that stand- we definitely know what they are and managed point,” Kelly said. “I just remem- capable of doing.” ber last year they brought a lot of Sunseri leads a complex of- pressure.” fense that will force the Irish F - C A M P While the Pittsburgh second- defense to stay honest and disci- O F U S ary has struggled somewhat this plined. Call today for best selection season, senior Irish wide receiver “We need to read our key, get Michael Floyd expects the Pan- into our fit, and we need to stay thers to play their best game of there — and not be unfocused (574)234-2436 the year against Notre Dame. with our eyes,” Diaco said.

S G www.kramerhouses.com T U I N “When a team plays Notre Te’o, however, believes the D E N T H H O U S Dame … it [doesn’t] really matter Irish must stick to their funda- what the record was,” Floyd said. mentals. “I think they will play exception- “We just play football,” he said. ally well, and I don’t think the “We just line up and get to the mistakes will be there.” ball.” On the offensive side of the ball, the Panthers are taller and Contact Allan Joseph at bigger than Graham’s 2010 Tulsa [email protected] Friday, September 23, 2011 The Observer u IRISH INSIDER ndsmcobserver.com | page 7 Jones carries the memory of his father on the field

By ANDREW OWENS lationship now because he knows Associate Sports Editor what I’m going through and he knows what kind of person my dad Ever since he was a young boy, was.” sophomore receiver TJ Jones has Those surrounding TJ have depended on his father as the rock been astonished by the receiver’s in his life — spiritually, academi- composure since the tragedy. cally and athletically. “Just the way that he’s handled When Andre Jones, member himself, it’s just unbelievable,” of the 1988 Irish national cham- Irish senior safety and captain pionship team, died at age 42 in Harrison Smith said. “There was June, much of what TJ had come never any time where he was to rely on in his first 18 years of down or gave up. He’s just a tough life was thrown into chaos. But kid and … it’s just motivation. Just the sophomore has transformed doing it for his dad. Just giving into the rock that his mother and him that little bit extra when you four younger siblings depend on in might not want to put everything Gainesville, Ga. you have into it is something that “I just think to myself [about his he has definitely used to his advan- father] every day,” Jones said. “I’ve tage. got six, seven people counting on Irish coach Brian Kelly credits me. So every day I got to push my- Jones’ ability to mature amid a self that much harder to make sure life-changing situation. that it’s not enough to make it for “As a player, I think he’s really myself, but also for my family.” stepped up and become more ac- Jones was participating in sum- countable,” Kelly said. “He’s not mer practices when receivers a freshman anymore. Last year coach Tony Alford called him into there were times where he would the Guglielmino Complex and told just act like a freshman. He’s a lot SARAH O’CONNOR/The Observer him his father was ill after suffer- more mature in the way he han- Irish sophomore receiver TJ Jones tip-toes along the sideline and scores a touchdown against ing a brain aneurism. dles himself.” Michigan on Sept. 10. The Wolverines defeated Notre Dame, 35-31. Alford and Andre Jones devel- Jones said he often stops during oped a close bond after the recruit- his busy days and reflects on his player. it until I ran out of the tunnel the give it your all and play,” Jones ment of TJ When Alford’s father relationship with his father. “I don’t have that person to go first time knowing he wasn’t there, said. “Then we’ll talk on Sunday died at the time, Jones assisted the “It’s not hard to keep him on my to when I have questions on foot- so I am very grateful he got to see and Monday and recap how the receivers coach during the period. mind,” he said. “Every second I’m ball or life at Notre Dame because me last year.” game went if I can’t catch it online.” “[Alford] and my dad had a very not thinking about schoolwork or he knew all that,” Jones said. “So Jones is serving as a father-fig- As those in his life — teammates, close relationship, and he’s kind of football, I’m thinking about him. I don’t have anyone to really talk ure for his brother Malachi while friends and family — continue to like that father figure in my life on It’s put a toll on me. When I’m on to now, and I’ve become the man the high school senior takes re- rely on the sophomore’s ability to campus and I can talk about any- the field or in the classroom [it’s of the house, so my problems don’t cruiting visits himself and decides lead, TJ has discovered more about thing with him if I needed to,” TJ difficult], but outside that I can matter to me anymore. It’s more where to play college football. himself by reflecting on Andre’s said. “I know during that period, think to myself and be myself.” helping my family out. “Every Thursday or so I try to life as a football player, a friend, him and my dad, their relationship Jones said he valued the discus- “I’m very grateful because I talk to him pregame and see who and, most importantly, a father. grew because my dad was there sions he had with his father, his know a lot of times it would make they’re playing, what their game- for him helping him stay through source of advice for life at Notre him tear up or cry running out of plan is, and that’s my advice — to Contact Andrew Owens at it spiritually, so that helps our re- Dame and as a college football the tunnel, and I never understood go out and ball and do your best, [email protected]