HALFTIME SHOW

Notre Dame just received its first show of sustained applause in the Coliseum tonight. Why? Because it was for the marching band, and they formed an outline of the United States. Who's going to boo that?

The band also, in an earlier number, spelled out "BON JOVI" while playing one of his tunes. Will they never learn? And by the way, let's talk about the Bon Jovi curse. When JBJ walked outta Notre Dame Stadium on Oct. 25th, the Irish led Pitt 24-17. All downhill since then.

************************

USC's band is now playing and the P.A. announcer just noted that the Trojan motto back in 1979 (?) was "Win one for the fat guy". As in, then head coach John Robinson. That made our ears perk up. As one writer begged, "How about 'Get a first down for the fat guy'?"

**************

First half stats.

Notre Dame

minus-6 rushing yards

15 passing yards

9 total yards. NINE!

And zero first downs. (O of 6 on 3rd down).

USC has the best defense in the nation, no argument. But that output is putrid. And when you consider what Charlie Weis's claim to excellence happened to be when he arrived in South Bend.

A good friend, an Irish alum, just texted to make this observation: "Sam Young is the poster child for the Weis era: huge hype, no development, actual regression."

Sadly, I cannot disagree with him.

****************

The question is this: Has Cierre Wood decommitted yet?