Notre-Dame Fighting Irish

NOTRE DAME—Much ado about...nothing? Forgive us for playing the role of special prosecutor in regard to Charlie Weis’ two years at Notre Dame, but does the performance really match the hype? We’re still not sure.

Never mind the BCS appearances the past two seasons. We’re still looking for a real signature win in the Weis regime. A 17-10 success over disappointing Michigan in ‘05? Bouncing a sub-.500 Tennessee the same year? Last year’s romp past rebuilding Penn State in week two? A pair of wins over Navy, which hasn’t beaten the Irish since JFK was in the White House? Now, we grant Weis a signature loss in his Notre Dame tenure, that 34-31 “instant classic” against USC and Matt Leinart (and his Reggie Bush-assisted TD) in ‘05. Still, we don’t think we’ve seen a reputation built as much by one defeat since Rocky Balboa lost a split decision to Apollo Creed in Rocky I. And since that bitter loss to the Trojans in ‘05, Weis’ Irish have fallen short (make that waaaay short) in every meaningful test, beginning with a Fiesta Bowl drubbing against Ohio State, and three lopsided losses a year ago vs. Michigan (48-21), USC (44-24), and in the Sugar Bowl vs. LSU (41-14). Coupled with a succession of narrow escapes vs. lesser opposition, Weis also enters ‘07 having covered just 4 of his last 17 against the number.

And speaking of entering 2007, the Irish are going to be doing it with a much different look, especially since longtime QB Brady Quinn (left) has moved on to the Cleveland Browns. Only 8 starters return. But being that it’s ND, the race to become Quinn’s successor rivals the speculation prior to Benedict XVI’s recent ascension to the papacy. And we’re probably not going to see the white smoke from Weis’ office until August, as none of the four prospective QBs (true frosh Jimmy Clausen, the most-hyped recruit since Ron Powlus; jr. Evan Sharpley, the only candidate to have thrown a college pass; plus RS frosh Demetrius Jones & Zach Frazer) distinguished themselves in spring. Meanwhile, srs. Junior Jabbie (an ex-CB) & Travis Thomas (an ex-LB) are the best bets to replace RB Darius Walker, and we’ll see if David Grimes & D.J. Hord can fill the shoes of departed wideouts Jeff Samardzjia & Rheema McKnight. And only 2 starters returning along the OL. Weis won’t change much schematically, but expect him to pull back the reins and focus on the infantry as the lead element of the “O” until a QB gets comfy.

There’s not much more experience on the “D” with only 5 starters returning, but there will be changes aplenty. Weis replaced d.c. Rick Minter with Corwin Brown from the N.Y. Jets, and Brown immediately shifted the “D” from a 4-3 into a 3-4 in spring. But the stop unit needs to become more athletic after getting overrun by every big-time attack it faced in ‘06. DT Trevor Laws moves to DE in the new scheme, while 340-lb. former G Chris Stewart could emerge as a gap plugger at NT, but replacing top pass rushers Victor Abiamiri & Derek Landri won’t be easy. And we’re not sure the 2ndary has suddenly discovered some added foot speed, although no one will be picking a fight with sr. S Tom Zbikowski, who has put his boxing career on hold to concentrate on football.

Summary...This looks to be a transition year in South Bend, as Weis cannot expect to replace so many key playmakers at once. The schedule eases up considerably after midseason, but the Irish will likely be relegated to minor bowl status before then. Are those Ty Willingham’s old supporters we hear snickering in the background?

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