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By paulburgie, Section College
By Paul Burgarino Whether it was stopping to take a peak at the gym, checking out tvs in Costco, or walking into a local bar to get a score update, one conclusion could be drawn from Saturday's victory by #20 Notre Dame at #3 Michigan. There is just something gratifying about college football when the Fighting Irish are competitive. Love 'em, or hate 'em, (there really is no in-between) Notre Dame is the most recognizable college football program. From the legend of Rockne to Rudy, from Touchdown Jesus to Montana Joe, Notre Dame has been etched in the mindset of America.
Granted, Pittsburgh and Michigan have both played far below expectations, but to go into hostile environments like Heinz Field and the Big House and come out 2-0 is no small feat during any season. Notre Dame snapped the Wolverines' 16-game winning streak at Michigan Stadium before 111,386 fans and handed them their first loss against a non-conference team at home since 1998. The Irish -- two years removed from losing 38-0 in Ann Arbor -- also won at Michigan for the first time since 1993. "I'm happy for the team, but I worry about their heads," Coach Charlie Weis said. "I told them to enjoy this tonight, but not too much. You don't want to have a big win like this, then lay an egg at home the next week." Having brought an offensive scheme that changes from week to week and keeps defenses guessing, as well as instilling an attitude that can best described as nasty, Weis has put Notre Dame back onto the forefront of college football. The keys to the Irish success thus far has been the rushing of sophomore Darius Walker, and the quarterbacking and leadership of junior Brady Quinn. Walker, who stepped on the scene last year, has rushed for over 100 yards in the first two games, and shown that he has the potential to be one of the better rushers in the nation. Quinn has taken his share of bumps and received a lot of bruises in his three years as the starting QB, but has orchestrated Weis' offense to perfection; much like another Brady that Weis used to have at the helm. This resurgence in the Notre Dame program will make what has already been an exciting college football season that much better. During a typical college football Saturday in Northern California, it is normal to encounter a few Notre Dame apparel sightings, but so far the amount of fans interested in the Irish has been unusually high. Success is funny like that. The Irish classify as one of those few teams in sports, along with baseball's New York Yankees, the NFL's Dallas Cowboys, and maybe the Los Angeles Lakers, that are either loved or despised. With the boys from South Bend in contention, upcoming match-ups versus bitter rivals Purdue and USC will be that much more meaningful because it is always more rewarding to beat an arch rival when they are at the top of the mountain, not simply kicking them when they are down. The lingering question now will be how do the Irish react to their early success? Do they let it get to their head like Coach Weis warned against, or do they continue to play like they have something to prove and stay hungry? Under Tyrone Willingham, the Irish started off successfully in 2002, but ended up losing momentum towards the end of the season and tapered off the next two seasons. But, if there is one thing that is clear from the new-look Notre dame Fighting Irish, Charlie Weis will not tolerate a let down and the team will be ready for any opponent they face.
That commitment to winning along should have people continuing to take notice, fans of Notre Dame football smiling...and foes of Notre Dame taking caution.
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