IRISH UPDATE

I know not all are ND fans, but I do appreciate the support for my adopted college!

Take heart! For all is not lost after this past weekend's heart breaking defeat at the hands of the blue and maze of Michigan.

Coach Kelly is working with the QB he inherited in Dayne Crist. Crist is a junior and was highly touted out of California the same time Jimmy Clausen came. Crist, however, has not had much of a chance to gain experience over his 1st 2 years. I believe he will get better. Clearly the Irish offense plays much better with him over true Freshman Tommy Rees (a Kelly recruit who he is high on) and Nate Montana (who showed why he had to play 2 years of junior college ball before ND would sign him). Kelly has another verbal committment for a QB for the class of 2011.

Although the defense could not stop Michigan on that final drive, they are playing better than at any time under Weis and held the Wolverines to 0 points in the 2nd half up till that point.

Kyle Rudolph doesn't look pretty when he runs, but he is one of the top tight ends in the country. Question is whether Kelly can get him to stay for his senior year.

Most importantly, the team shows some toughness and no quit. They played hard for the whole game. I saw some games last year under Weiss where I couldn't say the same.

AND, the day after on Sunday the Irish got verbal commitments from twins George Atkinson III and Josh Atkinson from California. Their dad is former Oakland Raider George Atkinson II who played on Madden's Super Bowl team.

George III is 6'2" 195lb wide receiver heavily recruited by Alabama, Miami, Nebraska and all of the PAC-10. He's listed as one of the premier receivers on the west coast.  Josh is a D-back and was wanted by Oregon, Washington and Arizona St., but not as polished as his brother.

So far Kelly has 18 commitments for next year's incoming class. Signing day is Feb 2 so we can see how many stick with their word. Kelly has done a great job in recruiting so far.

Michigan St. this week. No rest for the weary.

"how do you know you're not already where you're supposed to be?"