John Quinn, Inquirer Staff Writer
Notre Dame got a commitment from star linebacker Ishaq Williams from Lincoln High School in Brooklyn over the weekend because it outworked everyone, including Penn State, which was supposed to get a visit Saturday. instead, the Nittany Lions, formerly known as Linebacker U., got snubbed and stunned.
While Irish coach Brian Kelly and his staff earned the commitment by being there at four in the morning, one can only wonder why Penn State is asleep at the wheel as the entire recruiting world, and especially the recruits, say that the uncertainty of octogenarian coach Joe Paterno's future hangs over the program like a guillotine, especially with top recruiter Tom Bradley interviewing for every opening for a head coach.
John Quinn, Inquirer Staff Writer
With apologies to Herm Edwards, the real Miracle at the Meadowlands will be trying to find a parking spot Saturday that doesn't need a shuttle bus. Or perhaps finding a clear path off the New Jersey Turnpike, Exit 16W, toward an EZ Pass lane.
Notre Dame makes a pilgrimage to take care of its Subway Alumni, most of whom are driving hybrids and haven't taken a subway in 40 years.
It will be a celebration of Irish looking people with gray hair, mostly men in their 40s, 50s, and 60s, who have long waited to see the gold helmets in person. The Blue and Gold haven't visited much recently, but through some divine providence, will actually be in the NYC vicinity twice this season, with a trip to the new Yankee Stadium against Army on November 20.
John Quinn, Inquirer Staff Writer
From Sister Barbara Anne:
I have heard Coach Kelly say many times -- injuries are not an excuse. I agree with that line of thought. A team should have readily available backups. A lesson we learned early in the season. With some fear and trepidation I pick ND once again. ND 35 Navy 31.
For the record, she had ND 31-10 over Central Michigan.
John Quinn, Inquirer Staff Writer
Anchors away!
Theo Riddick's homecoming Saturday at the Meadowlands will be spoiled because his severely sprained right ankle was placed in a cast Monday. The Immaculata High School star from Manville, N.J. was really coming into his own as a wideout after being a running back last year as a freshman.
“We were fearful that it would require surgery. It doesn’t look like it will need surgery. But this is something that’s going to take some time for it to heal,” said Notre Dame coach Brian Kelly. “I can’t give you a specific date and time. We’ll see after we get the cast off here and the healing process begins as to what that looks like.”
John Quinn, Inquirer Staff Writer
Notre Dame tight end Kyle Rudolph, a surefire first-round draft pick, will miss the rest of the season with a serious hamstring injury that will require surgery. Rudolph was hurt during Saturday’s 23-17 win over Pitt.
Rudolph, who joined the pantheon of great tights ends like Dave Casper, Ken MacAfee and Mark Bavaro, had 28 catches for 328 yards and three touchdowns this season, including a 95-yarder against Michigan. In his first two seasons, the 6-foot-6, 265-pound Rudolph had 62 catches for 704 yards and five TDs.
Former Camden Catholic star Mike Ragone’s playing time will increase significantly now.
John Quinn, Inquirer Staff Writer
Sister Barbara Anne did not make it to Boston to see the Irish or BC's Mark Herzlich but watched every minute on TV.
John Quinn, Inquirer Staff Writer
Former Notre Dame coach Lou Holtz is the spokesperson for the Allstate AFCA Good Works Team, which has recognized 22 college football players from Div. I, II, III and NAIA for their outstanding community service work, including Amara Kamara of Temple, Stefen Wisniewski of Penn State and Siddiq Haynes of Delaware..
John Quinn, Inquirer Staff Writer
Lou Holtz on Villanova possibly joining the Big East for football:
John Quinn, Inquirer Staff Writer
Lou Holtz, the philosopher, on JoePa:
John Quinn, Inquirer Staff Writer
It was the most glorious of moments for a Notre Dame fan, running on the field in Tempe, Ariz., as triumphant coach Lou Holtz was carried off in the moments following the Irish’s 34-21 conquest of West Virginia and Major Harris in the national championship Fiesta Bowl game on New Year’s Day, 1989.
His grandfather used to listen to the radio and yell out to his son playing on the hardscrabble streets of Corona, Queens: “Bill Shakespeare just threw another touchdown pass!”
His father used to listen to the transistor radio and yell out to his son playing for Stony Brook on Long Island: “Joe Montana just threw another touchdown pass!”
He listens to the radio and yells out to his son watching Phineas and Ferb on a 46-inch HDTV: “Dayne Crist just threw another touchdown pass!” Meanwhile, Jack, 9, will not be a fourth generation member of the Subway Alumni. Reach John at jquinn@phillynews.com.
