Columns

2012 Probability Poll Results

(Notre Dame Football News | The Rock Report) – For the 6th year the NDNation Probability Poll is in and 2012 looks more pessimistic than 2011 to the fans:  7.6 wins and a so-so bowl. The probability concept puts a little more thought around predictions than just, is ND better than X? We ask every…

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Gathering of Champions

As we stand on the cusp of the 125th season of Notre Dame football, we’re a little over a month before the 1988 national champions gather to remember the biggest victory of that championship season. You have a chance to share in those memories with them … along with, possibly, a special guest. On October…

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A Closer Look at the 2012 Defense

(Notre Dame Football News | The Rock Report) – Notre Dame’s defense enters 2012 with enviable talent, but also glaring potential weaknesses.  Linebacker Manti Teo is a pre-season All-American and on early lists for every possible defensive award.  Jamoris Slaughter, in my opinion, became one of the best safeties in the country last year.  The…

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A Bowl Full of Conflicts

We’ve spent a good portion of the off-season arguing about Notre Dame’s football future. We all want to see a return to the days of on-field excellence, and I think it’s important to remember that. But I also think it’s important to note how many of our wounds are self-inflicted and how hard Notre Dame…

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Time for Kelly to Deliver

Following consecutive lackluster 8-5 campaigns in which Notre Dame generally underachieved on the gridiron, the advent of the 2012 season gives rise to legitimate expectations that Coach Brian Kelly will demonstrate he is a marked improvement over his recent predecessors. Year three is traditionally a significant data point in the resume of successful Irish coaches, but Kelly can take…

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