Bobref

Notre Dame undergraduate enrollment for 2025 = 8,923.

They have had a few pretty good coaches in the past. But my 4 are Rockne, Leahy, Parseghian and Holtz.

Have a good thought for former Irish HFC Lou Holtz today. Coach has entered hospice. For me, he’s on our Mt. Rushmore. He coached other places after leaving ND. But after he retired the only place you ever saw him was in connection with Notre Dame. A tremendous friend of the University, and by all accounts, a wonderful person.

What do you think the likelihood of this is?

Johnson is building a culture there. I can think of worse ways to set an example than shipping DJ out of town.

I think you mean Dwight “The Iceman” Clay. He’s the one who hit the game winner.

A lot of people don’t remember, but the last time UCLA lost a game before Jan. 19, 1974 was … to Notre Dame as well. My freshman year when the great Austin Carr scored 56 to turn away Sidney Wicks, Curtis Rowe, Henry Bibby, et al. I was in attendance at that one, too.

Today is the 52nd anniversary of one of the great upsets in college basketball history, as the Irish score the last 12 points of the game to end UCLA’s historic 88 game win streak. This unbelievable game followed 19 days after ND upset #1 Alabama in the Sugar Bowl to win the natty, and I saw both in person. Quite a start to my last semester under the Dome.

The interception in OT is on DJ Moore. He quit on the route. Not the first time, either.

People, please stop criticizing officials on the basis of still photos. It’s unfair and inaccurate.

Game time conditions tomorrow: 21 degrees and 75% chance of snow. The Rams play home games in a domed stadium. Dome teams are 2-15 in the playoffs when they play outdoors and the temperature is below freezing. Just sayin’.

There’s enough smoke coming off this that I think it deserves its own thread, separately from the Bears’ on-field performance discussions. Here’s the most recent story I’ve seen. Some people are putting a lot of thought into this. https://www.fox32chicago.com/sports/gary-indiana-renderings-chicago-bears-stadium-sites Gary, Indiana, releases 3 renderings for potential Chicago Bears stadium sites By Chris Kwiecinski Published January 16, 2026 1:16pm CST Gary: A city once written off is now back in play for Chicago Bears Gary, Indiana is now back in the conversation as the Bears search for a new stadium site. GARY, Ind. - The city of Gary, Indiana, has furthered its efforts to bring the Chicago Bears to the Hoosier state. The city, as it continues "aggressively pursuing the franchise," has identified three sites where the Bears could build a new stadium. "Back in 1994, the Chicago Bears saw potential in Gary, and we have never forgotten that vote of confidence," Gary Mayor Eddie Melton said in a statement. "Thirty years later, Gary is even better positioned. Gary’s proposal gives the Bears the tax certainty and stability that the organization says is key to success." What they're saying: According to a press release, the city of Gary's Stadium Authority has identified three sites they call "Plug-and-Play sites" the city considers ready for immediate development. These sites are: Gary West End Entertainment District: This space is adjacent to Hard Rock Casino Northern Indiana. The release notes this is the state of Indiana's highest-grossing gaming location and offers "immediate synergy with a proven entertainment hub." Buffington Harbor: Like Soldier Field, the Buffington Harbor offers the Bears a stadium on the waterfront. The release describes it as "a premier waterfront opportunity with established infrastructure and quick access to multiple modes of transportation." Miller Beach: This site is adjacent to the Indiana Dunes National Park landmark, which garners three million annual visitors and will give the Bears a "stadium experience unlike any other in the NFL." These renderings come after sources told FOX Chicago that NFL commissioner Roger Goodell was seen visiting potential stadium sites in Northwest Indiana the same weekend the Bears hosted the Green Bay Packers in the NFC Wild Card round at Soldier Field. Goodell was also seen touring the Arlington Heights site. The Bears have pledged not to use Illinois taxpayer money on a new stadium, but the franchise said it still needs public funds for infrastructure improvements around the site. On Friday, the Village of Arlington Heights and Illinois state leaders held a press conference that urged the approval of a Mega Project Bill aimed at supporting large-scale developments, which includes the Bears’ proposed stadium project at Arlington Park. In the release, the City of Gary calls these three sites a "natural habitat" for the Bears. "A move to Gary isn’t just about a building; it’s about building a dynasty," Melton said in a written statement. "There’s a reason we call this region Chicagoland. Gary is just 30 minutes from downtown Chicago—closer than Arlington Heights—minutes from the Gary Chicago International Airport and uniquely positioned with waterfront views straight to Chicago’s skyline. No other location offers this combination of proximity, identity alignment, and iconic visual connection to Chicago". Unlike Arlington Heights, we have support of local, county and state leaders."

I don’t think the analogy is particularly apt. Pontiac was a suburb of a city in decay: Detroit. NWI is a suburb of Chicago, a thriving destination city. But any building can become obsolete. Who knows what amenities will become routinely available in “30-35 years.” Obsolete structures get abandoned/demolished/re-purposed all the time. 35 years is a pretty good lifespan for a structure of that sort.

There’s no doubt the creation of the infrastructure needed to support such a project would be a real boon to an area that could use it. I’m sure this is the case with such projects everywhere, but based on my past experience, if a facility like this were planned for Gary, the number of people with their hands out (both above and under the table) would be daunting.

John Harbaugh to the Giants. We’ll see if he’s the answer for that hapless franchise.

After a slow start, the Irish have had a great run in the transfer portal.

I’d love to hear @Impartial_Observer’s take on this, as both a parent and coach.

Mike Tomlin steps down after 19 years. https://www.nbcsports.com/nfl/profootballtalk/rumor-mill/news/mike-tomlin-steps-down-after-19-years-with-steelers

Mountain out of a molehill. Not even worth the time that’s already been spent discussing it. I’m out.

Tell me you’ve never spent time in a locker room without telling me you’ve never spent time in a locker room.

From the St. Joseph County Prosecutor’s office:

Hard to believe we’re debating the use of profanity in the locker room after a huge, emotional game. This wasn’t during a postgame presser. He was with his team in their private place. Nothing to see here. Move along.

Cody French moves from Michigan City to become the new HFC at Portage.

Interesting stat: The Bears went 2-1 vs. the Packers. In those 3 games they did not play a single offensive snap with a lead.

Really want to hear from @Irishman on the proposed extension with LaFleur.