IBG: Through the Past Darkly Edition

Here is this week’s Irish Blog Gathering – hosted this week by Brawling Hiberian.

1) In the parlance of DJs, a “deep cut” is a song that wasn’t released as a single and, generally, is not well-known. Oftentimes, these end up being the best songs on the album. What Notre Dame victory is your favorite “deep-cut” from the Irish catalog? In other words, what is your favorite victory that is not widely celebrated (i.e., not the “Snow Bowl” or the 1988 Miami game, etc.). Explain in much detail.

I am going to go with the 2000 Air Force game for a couple of reasons.  first of all, it was an overtime which we actually won.  It went to overtime because Glen Earl blocked a chip shot field goal at the end of regulation.  Then the game ended on a really nice reverse option run by Joey Getherall who still ranks as one of my al time favorite Notre Dame players.  I remember watching this game in my dorm room freshmen year with a bunch of friends and thinking the Irish were going to open up the game in the 3rd quarter only to see Air Force make it game and eventually tie it up.  I went from one of the lowest lows before the blocked kick to one of the highest highs after Getherall’s touchdown.  The partying that night ended up being a lot more fun because of that win.

2) As much fun as it is rooting for our heroes, it can be just as enjoyable to trash those we consider villains. A few years ago, the great Irish blog, Blue-Gray Sky, wrote a post discussing the biggest villains in Irish history. That post focused on external villains. Today’s question is, of those associated with the program, who is the biggest villain? This individual must have been a player, coach or administrator at ND who, through reckless acts of cowardice, stupidity or malice, damaged the football program. (Note: Ty Willingham is off the board)

This has to be Monk Malloy.  Under his “watchful eye” Notre Dame went from one of the perrenail college football powerhouses to the mess which we find ourselves in today.  Holtz was pushed out the door, Davie was hired, and Willingham was hired all under the direction of Malloy.  What bothers me the most though is that Malloy criticized the firing of Willingham at a time when Notre Dame was getting blasted in the media.

3) Falling in love is a wonderful thing. As Lt. Frank Drebin once noted, “you begin to notice things you never knew were there before; birds singing, dew glistening on a newly formed leaf, stoplights.” Descibe the moment you knew that there would be no other; you were in love with Notre Dame.

I do not have a specific moment.  I have loved Notre Dame football since I knew what football was and to be honest, I don’t even really know why that was the case.

4) Regrets, we’ve had a few but, then again, too few to ever let go of any of them. What game or specific play in Irish history turns your dreams into nightmares and haunts your every waking moment? Describe this torment and why you wish ND could have another crack at it?

I am going to go with Pete Berrich dropping a sure interception on the final drive by Boston College in 1993 before David Freaking Gordon hit the game winning field goal which ended our title hopes.  That kick sent Notre Dame into a now 15 year period of mediocrity but it would have never even happened if Berrich holds onto the ball.  If I ever see Pete Berrich on the street, I am not going to say anything to him because he’s probably still pretty big since he was an NFL linebacker and all but oh man the thoughts going through my head are going to be harsh.

5) With 79 consensus All-Americans and 48 inductees in the College Football Hall of Fame, it is clear that there have been many great players in the history of Notre Dame football. What was the greatest single season from a player that you ever witnessed during your Irish fandom? Be specific. Use adjectives.

I will go wit Julius Jones in 2004.  Jones was about as dominant as any Notre Dame running back had ever been that year and he wasn’t even the starting running back until mid way through the seasson because Willingham was set on Ryan Grant as his starter even though it was clear to anyone watching that Jones was head and shoulders above Grant.  His season was dominant and frustrating because it would have been even better if Willingham wouldn’t have been as inept at his job as he was.