Carolina Has To Take Luck

There are a lot of articles going around today stating that the Panthers may take a pass on Andrew Luck as the #1 pick in the draft. To me they don't have a choice they HAVE to take him. Clausen is fucking terrible. If you have ever sat down and watched this kid, there isn't much upside. He looks like the game is way to fast for him, doesn't read the defense well, and really hasn't shown me anything to think that will change. Luck on the other hand is the real deal. This kid is going to be a Pro Bowler, and in the NFL now it is all about having an elite QB.

Things can change fast for a franchise. Look at the Rams they just drafted Bradford, and there is a good change they are in the playoffs, and it's not like they have a lot else around him. It will be a busy offseason since the Panthers need to trade Steve Smith, probably one of their RBs, and sign a new head coach. All of that will be for nothing though if they don't draft Andrew Luck.

The Downfall Of Notre Dame Explained With Pictures

And then there is this...

(Thanks to Erin for this)

Jimmy Clausen Decides To Go Pro

"Jimmy Clausen enrolled at Notre Dame to learn about the NFL. Looks like he's learned enough. Following the advice of deposed Irish coach Charlie Weis, Clausen has decided to forgo his senior season and enter this April's draft. Rated as perhaps the top quarterback in this year's class, he is believed to be coveted by St. Louis, Cleveland and Washington -- three teams that will conceivably pick in the top 5.

"After the season, in talking to my parents and obviously Coach Weis, I just feel it's the right time,'' Clausen told ESPN.com on Monday before a scheduled 2 p.m. ET news conference in South Bend. "Coach Weis told me whether he was going to be here or not be here, it was time for me to go. He thought I've improved so much since I came to Notre Dame. So, I'm taking his advice, and I'm going to head out (ESPN).''

Even with all of Notre Dame's struggles this year Clausen actually had a very good year. I'll admit I am a believer in this kid (even though I don't like him all that much). He is accurate, can throw the deep ball, and has good experience in a "pro-style offense). I will be interesting to see where he goes in the draft, but like I said I think this kid could be a franchise QB.

If I had to guess I would say Washington.

Jimmy Clausen's Face Beat Up Fans Hand

Notre Dame quarterback Jimmy Clausen was punched in the face by an irate fan outside a South Bend restaurant early Sunday morning and has a swollen eye, a person briefed on the incident said on Monday.

That person said Clausen was "sucker-punched" by a fan as he left an establishment after having dinner with his parents. ESPN

I couldn't be happier that Jimmy Clausen got sucker punched, because as soon as he joined Notre Dame, I've wanted to punch him. He is a completely mediocre qb, leading a mediocre program, run by a lame duck coach. Sure he puts up good numbers, but good qb's can overcome shortcomings of a team. If I were that Notre Dame fan the next punch would be headed for Charlie Weis.

Michigan State Beats Notre Dame 23-7

Breaking News: Javon Ringer should get Heisman consideration.

Yes, I am all about Michigan State, but Ringer is the real deal, and this is the third straight game that he has been shredding defenses. This kid is the real deal, and it is a shame he doesn't have more weapons on offense, so that defenses wouldn't key up on him. Anyways, lets get back to the game.

Michigan State dominated Notre Dame, and finally put to bed any hope for Irish fans that they were going to be anything good this season. The Spartans defense looked fantastic, causing 3 turnovers, and only letting up 15 yards rushing. In the end Irish QB Clausen just looked overwhelmed, while only being able to get Notre Dame on the board once. On the other side Michigan State just ran the ball right down their throat as Ringer ran for 201 yards and 2 TDs. Even with the loss to California in the beginning of the season, Michigan State has to be getting some top 25 consideration.

-BMack

Notre Dame Cruises Past Michigan

Rich Rodriguez’s first trip to South Bend as Michigan head coach did not go as planned. Notre Dame scored early and often against the soft Michigan defense. The Fightin’ Irish scored 21 points in the first quarter and finished strong, beating the Wolverines 35-17.

Michigan turned the ball over 6 times, including 4 fumbles, one of which was returned for a touchdown. Notre Dame capitalized on the sloppy Michigan offense, which struggled to run Rich Rod’s spread scheme. Say what you will about Rodriguez not having his recruits and the right players for his strategy, but this is just embarrassing. The only bright spot for Michigan is freshman sensation, Sam Mcguffie. For those of you who have not seen his youtube highlight reel, it’s quite impressive. Mcguffie is certain to be the feature back in Ann Arbor for a few years. He finished with 178 total yards (131 rushing) and a touchdown.



On the other sideline, coach Charlie Weis suffered a Brady like injury (torn ACL and MCL) after being taken down by one of his own players. Sophomore quarterback Jimmy Clausen threw two touchdown passes and has finally begun to emerge into the player Weis envisioned. Clausen has tossed 5 touchdowns in the first two games and has yet to be sacked. Coach Charlie Weis has turned play-calling duties over to the offensive coordinator this season, and the results have been fruitful. Clausen looks comfortable in the pocket and has time to read opposing defenses and find the open receiver. Unlike last season, the Irish have confidence in Clausen’s arm and the deep ball has become more prevalent in their game plan. Clausen is drawing comparisons to predecessor, Brady Quinn. Much like Quinn, Clausen has rebounded after a shaky freshman season and continues to improve with every game.

Notre Dame has earned the respect of the media and will receive votes on the upcoming poll. A win next week at Michigan State will solidify their spot within the top 25. A confident Fightin’ Irish squad should roll through East Lansing to advance to 3-0 on the season.

-Brian B