temptation

Yes. Though they are growing, Marion County is dying a slow death. The remaining HCC schools are suburban.

Agreed. Never would have said that 5 years ago.

I’m not sure it’s a QUANTITY issue at FC but they need to start winning some more and at least being competitive against the top tier for me to take them seriously.

Center Grove @ Ben Davis: A rematch of last season's semi-state thriller and hopefully a game that remains on the regular season schedule for the foreseeable future. The Trojans went on the road and their aerial attack was too much for Kentucky's top rated team in Trinity. Ben Davis got a much needed victory last week over rival Pike and has some momentum for the first time this season. That momentum will keep it early close before CG pulls away to win by two scores. CG wins 28-13. Lawrence Central @ Warren Central: Big out of state win for LC last week and they will travel to township neighbor WC this week, who has still yet to allow a point. LC is likely the best offense that Warren has seen this year but obviously Warren is the best defense that LC has seen. A true strength versus strength battle that will be closer than many think. Warren wins though 20-14. North Central @ Lawrence North: Is Lawrence North the conference favorite? Never thought I would type that but I love what is happening on the northeast side. The Wildcats went on the road last week and beat a solid Ohio outfit in Wayne and returns home for a breather this week against bottom feeding North Central , whom I am starting to feel sorry for. The Wildcats score early and often before the running clock takes over. LN wins 48-13. Southport @ Pike: Pike has some big wins thus far but was not ready to take the next step in prime time last week falling again to rival Ben Davis. This week should be an opportunity to get back on track and improve to 3-1...yes Pike at 3-1. Red Devils win 34-10. Trinity (KY) at Carmel: This will give us an idea of how Carmel/CG match up since we won't get to see it on the field, barring a state title run by both as Trinity's secondary was torched last week by CG. Carmel, like LN, took a long bus ride to the Dayton suburbs and beat Centerville (OH). I think the Hounds make it two in a row against out of state competition. Hounds win, 17-13. What say you?

Avon @ Brownsburg: The Bulldogs remain on a mission to prove that THIS is the year they show up in November. This has been a one-sided rivalry (Brownsburg has won 7 in a row) lately and though Avon is improved, I don't think they have the firepower to keep up. Bulldogs roll 38-14. Fishers @ Hamilton Southeastern: Another rivalry game, this one the Mudsock. Fishers pulled one out last week to get the sour taste from the week prior out of their mouths whereas HSE went on the road and took care of business at Avon. HSE has won six in a row in this series and though I expect it to come down to the last possession, I say they make it 7. HSE wins 23-21, Franklin Central @ Zionsville: Is it too early to deem the Jayson West era at FC a failure? I've had high expectations these last two seasons as he has had time now but last week's shutout loss to Brownsburg had to be demoralizing. I think West is a solid coach but I just don't know if I see a path to relevancy in this conference anytime in the near future. Zionsville played Westfield tough last week before running out of gas. They won't this week. Zionsville wins 30-24. Westfield @ Noblesville: Every time I am ready to anoint Noblesville, they shoot themselves in the foot. They were in control and had a chance for a statement win last week at Fishers before folding late. They'll be up for Westfield no doubt and this is the type of game that could reel me right back in on the Millers. I like what Westfield has done this year and think thet sneak one out on the road. 'Rocks win 24-17. What say you?

Then stay on topic and stop acting childish. Insults become commonplace when you have no substance to any argument. I’ve repeatedly asked that the topic at hand “Notre Dame’s embarrassing loss to NIU” take center stage and you refuse and then get pissed when I respond so you can point the finger at me.

I mean, you called me out by name so... Wife jokes back on the table? You don't like when it gets personal though, lol...

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Yeah, you don’t like when things get personal, right? (Like that thinly veiled threat you PM’ed me months ago…)

I didn’t bring Michigan into the conversation. Further proof that some just can’t keep the NATIONAL CHAMPIONS off their mind…you included. Jealousy is such an unattractive trait.

Time for your meds grandpa.

So much space in your head… In a NOTRE DAME thread even…

Two playoff appearances.

As long as James Franklin is at PSU and Lincoln Riley is at USC, I’ll sleep well at night. Also, think Ryan Day is an excuse making whiner. Four losses annually isn’t realistic. They won’t even play all four of these teams yearly.

I know of a guy who has advocated for this and been a leader on this front for nearly a decade… Now, back to Northern Illinois please.

I was told by folks in the know that Dwenger was WAY down.

“Funding” is not the problem…it’s the bidding war for 18 year old kids that concerns me. Michigan has been outspoken in its NIL approach. “Transformational, not transactional.” Translation: “Come to Michigan and perform and you will be amongst the best compensated student athletes in the country but not if you are just interested in a quick paycheck before your high school graduation.” I’d imagine Notre Dame is similar..I know Purdue basketball is (see Kanon Catchings).

Theoretically, Notre Dame and Michigan should make the 12 team playoff annually but in the new era of NIL I am certain both schools are not willing to play by the same rules as the SEC powers and Ohio State. I have a feeling the gap between the halves and the have nots is only going to continue to grow. Glad Michigan got its title in the last year of the four team era.

Sigh…we really doing this? ”Sherrone chose to ride with…” As stated, McCarthy made his decision in mid-January last year, a week after Michigan’s last game. There were zero legit names left in the transfer portal. Next… Day took over for Meyer with a talented roster but what’s your point? They weren’t coming off of a title like Michigan is. You ask any Michigan fan if they will trade four seasons of 8-4 (the basement of predictions) for a title and they’ll give you a unanimous yes. Sark/Ewers carved up the Michigan coaching staff yesterday and their third down conversion rate kept Michigan on the field and allowed them to exhaust those two top ten talents. Look, I’m mildly concerned but nowhere near panic. Hell, if James Franklin can last as long as he has at Penn State with three top ten wins (Sherrone already has two) Sherrone (an offensive line guru, not a defensive minded coach as you stated) is safe. Texas will be comfortably in the CFP and possibly a top 4 seed. Now, back to Northern Illinois…

This makes no sense, lol. Back to Notre Dame…

EDIT: Forgot Westfield goes north. My bad.

No. Not yet. A gap after the top 3 all of whom are in the south. Like I said, Crown Point is likely gonna run the table. The rest of the top teams have to face murderer’s row.

Freeman lost to Marshall, Stanford and now Northern Illinois. Sherrone has lost to…checks notes…Texas. Did you feel the same way when Day slid over and replaced Meyer?

LOL, just stop. Your hatred and dislike for Michigan is well documented and has been on this forum for years. You’re blinded by it. Let’s get back to Notre Dame.