We return the Saturday morning and more Notre Dame action…
Just prior to setting off to tailgate, I needed a few last minute items. Coming out of the CVS Drug Store was former ND President “Monk” Malloy. I asked him if he was going to the game and he incredulously stated, “Of course! And it should be a good one.”
I told him that I presumed he had pretty good seats. I tried to stay on the football topic to ask about the contract extension to Bob Davie or the hiring of Ty Willingham, but he did not bite. Time up, Jeff. Move on.
As Fr. Malloy got into his car (he drives himself), Mike Golic drove into the lot two spaces away. Since I had already spoken to him the day before about my classmate and his brother Bob, the Philadelphia Eagles and ESPN-radio, I asked him what he was doing at Martin’s Super Market on game day?
He said he was buying mums (flowers) for his tailgate table. I asked him what he knew about mums. He said, “Nothing…except my wife told me they better be fresh.” Actually, I did not get the sense that he was a morning person.
Tailgating was perfect on Saturday. The mounted State Police Storm Troopers from last year with video cameras and portable breathalyzers were nowhere to be seen. The ND Security presence was very low- key. Someone in the Administration got the message about the excessive display of force and intimidation last year.
Our tailgate spot was ideal for plenty of traffic—classmates, friends, students, former players–
like Tony Rice. Chris Zorich and Ernie Hughes.
Tony has stopped several times in the past. He likes our fresh fruit. He was gracious for the young girls and ladies who wanted pictures with him. They love his big smile. A lot of the guys wanted to see his ’88 National Championship ring. His hands are huge.
We reminisced a bit about Dillon Hall. Then, Tony, my sister-in-law Christeen (married to Tony’s Dillon pal and my brother-in-law Woody) and I huddled to sing the “Dillon Fight Song”. He remembered every word of the first two verses.
Zorich was on his way to a tailgate two rows over when I grabbed him. He is still huge and looks like he could play today. I asked him about the ND defense. He said that it will be a lot better than people may think. Sounded good to me!
Later, an ND stalwart and great friend (also from Dillon) stayed for awhile recounting great ’77 National Championship stories and stomping Texas in the Cotton Bowl. Ernie Hughes (#65), the Right Guard for Joe Montana, looked great—fit and strong. The guys liked his National Championship ring, too.
After the game, Ernie came back. He stated that he liked how the O-line held their blocks and then helped out. He sees some technique that still has to be polished, but he was not too critical. That is good news if the O-line is really improved.
Game time and kick-off…
The stadium really was alive again. The students were revved-up for the first game with 99% of them unified in wearing the new “Shirt”. We had great seats in the sun for the entire game.
The fans got early satisfaction with scores in the first 5/6 possessions. A halftime score of 28-0 was just what the doctor ordered. Fans like lots of completed passes, big plays and few penalties…and we got all of that. Michael Floyd absolutely electrified the stadium with his 3 TD catches and 189 total yards.
Jimmy Clausen showed great poise and accuracy. Passing for 15/18 and 315 yards ain’t too shabby, especially since we were running, too (178 yards). This had to be a further confidence-builder in the continuation from his performance vs. Hawaii.
Yes; this was Nevada—but still a team that averaged over 30 points and 500 yards of offense last year. In this game, the Irish had over 500 yards of offense. And of course, pitching our fist shut-out since 2002 was sweet.
The shut-out was safe. ND wins 35-0. The players went to the student section to salute their classmates and to sing the Alma Mater. It was a great day for all.
Post-game tailgating, clean-up and packing-up was all easier discussing a convincing win vs. a 21-13 stinker vs. SDSU last year or getting pummeled by Georgia Tech 33-3 in 2007.
Onward to Mee-che-gan.
GO IRISH.
Great weekend.
My work is done.
Abe