Another Reason We'll Probably All Miss The Fat Man

Jonathan Chait writes a concise but excellent rebuttal to anyone who is still trying to put lipstick on the pig that was Charlie Weis' coaching career in South Bend.

Make no mistake -- Chuckles did a horrendous job and every time you think, "Man, that guy should be winning a lot with all the talent he gets," well, you'd be right.

Chait's article even punches some holes in the trendy notion that Weis was some fantastic offensive genius at the NFL level ("his offenses finished on average in the bottom half of the league in total offense ") and thus should be hired immediately for such a position. He probably will be, but he's no guru.

Also, think about this as you enjoy delusional Domers chattering on about how Urban Meyer wishes he could coach at Notre Dame: Aside from his first two years, when he was relying on Willingham recruits, Chuck Weis never even finished a regular season over .500. That's kind of jarring when you think about it.

Chaz Weis

Chaz Weis & Chaz Bono...Separated at birth?

Props to GBI board for pointing this out.

Thursday Gumbo Featuring UND Slapping, Penis Pulling, And Other Fun

It's Thursday. I don't know what that has to do with anything, but let's do a bit of a link dump of what we're reading lately...

No, Manatee, You're Just Wrong

You know how sometimes we like to tear apart stupid Notre Dame crap? And how we really don't like Fat Charlie?

Well, MGoBlog has a simply wonderful, wonderful, wonderful-like-Christmas-morning-featuring-a-Red-Ryder-BB-gun, evisceration of the Notre Dame whining from the UND-UM game. Please read it. You won't be disappointed.

How Closely Do You Watch The Big Ten Commercials?

I'll admit it, Paterno is the best part of the "recruiting" ad. And yes, this headline from Black Shoe Diaries is awesome for those paying attention. Nicely done.

And You Thought Jay Leno Interviewing Kanye Was Stilted

Our friend T-Mill from Hammer and Rails is going to great efforts to make his podcast good (unlike us, who basically subject you to a phone call we probably have a few times a week). He even went out and found a Northern Illinois blogger to have on his podcast. The guy turned out to sound a bit like me... if I had eaten a bucket of quaaludes and then smoked a joint like the one in Revenge of the Nerds Part II. Listen as poor T-Mill asks a question and gets, "Yeah" in response. It's kind of awesome.

Yet Bob Knight Is Healthy As An Ox

Whether you liked Miles Brand or not, as T-Mill pointed out on his site, the guy should get a moment of your thoughts/prayers as he shuffles off this mortal coil at age 67. He did finally drop the ax on Bob Knight at IU. Also, cancer sucks.

J Money Not Only Awesome Boilermaker in Houston

When you think of my awesomeness, you of course realize only a state the size of Texas can contain it. Which is why it's amazing that both me and Kevin Sumlin fit here. Sumlin was a linebacker at Purdue in the '80s and then coached under Tiller for a while, and now he's quickly resurrecting a dormant Houston football program, who knocked off Okie State last weekend. (When can we start talking about the Big 12 the way others talk about the Big 10?)

Northern Illnois Bloggers Very Creative

Yes, they trotted out the old "Purdon't" joke in their preview of the game this weekend. Hey, fellas, why don't they make the whole plane out of the black box material? Amirite?? I just flew in from Northern Illinois, and boy are my arms tired! (Okay, okay, just kidding... we all know airplanes don't go anywhere near UNI.)

They also mentioned Danny Hope getting away from "strict basketball on grass" (again, a term not really used by anyone who knows anything about Purdue football since about 1999).

Another point which I suppose might have merit, but none of us think so:

Even though their coaches and everybody is denying this fully, you have to think that this team will either be hungover from their trip to Eugene, OR or be looking ahead. Or both.

You have to think? Or you hope?

And then the grand finale, their prediction. I'll let you enjoy:

I haven't had much time to look at what Purdue has been able to do, but I've been fairly impressed both offensively and defensively. I just feel like NIU has proved a little bit more on the defensive side of the ball, while still maintaining their strong offensive gameplan. Northern Illinois will try to rush the ball all game long against the 'makers, hopefully resulting in rest for our defense and making sure that the dangerous offense for Purdue is on the sidelines more often than not. We have to control the clock and not make mistakes such as turnovers or giving up the big pay on defense. And put somebody, anybody on Ralph Bolden at all times. That being said...

Huskies 35, Boilermakers 26

It all sounds so simple. And don't forget, they almost beat Big Ten teams all the time.

T-Shirt for UND-Purdue Game

From our friends at University Spirit comes this pretty funny t-shirt taking a jab at Notre Dame.

You know, I also think "Charlie Weis Stole My Hotdog" would be a terrific name for a sports blog.

Normally, we focus more on these dolts when it's Notre Dame week -- and we will -- but I thought you might all appreciate this.

The Votes of Confidence (and notes)

Alright, ESPN now has multiple "experts" believing that Notre Dame is a double-digit win team. I've received a lot of texts about this topic, so I thought I'd respond.

Notre Dame's schedule is a sham...we all know it, Domers know it... it's Twinkie soft. So it's possible for the Irish to win ten games. But now, you have a lot of the media saying it's going to happen...All that does is increase the pressure in South Bend. This is a good thing. And, I think, as a guy who can't stand the Irish, I'm standing in a good position watching this all unfold.

Sure, anytime I hear a head slobbering over UND it makes me yell at the screen, but that's really not what's happening. With the exception of their senile ex-coach, most of those saying that Notre Dame will get a lot of wins aren't crediting the Irish, but dis-crediting their competition. If they dont' win a lot of games, it could be fun as UND is forced to let go of the Manatee. If their last scramble for a coach is any indicator, we could be in for a good show.

But, if they reach 10 wins, that's when the fun really begins. First, UND will almost definitely be in a BCS Bowl...GOOD!! I think we all want to see that again. Delusional Domers waxing poetically about the echoes being awakened as they prepare for the big stage? Sweet. This has ended very well for the Irish in the past 15 years...I'm kind of rooting for it.

And, once the Irish are shellacked in a BCS contest, they'll probably just be talking about Pickle's upcoming Senior season and looking forward to another year with Weis at the helm...so will we.

The worst case scenario is Gruden ending up in South Bend next season. I'm positive he'd win...and he's an easy guy not to like. I'm for Charlie staying in South Bend as long as he wants.

And speaking of votes of confidence, Jim Tressel wants the Snakeoil Salesman to know he stands behind him. And why wouldn't Tressel want Rodriguez to stick around? Since he's arrived we've heard of haphazard practices, seen UM lose more games than they've ever lost in a season, watched legal battles distract the coach and, most recently, heard of possible NCAA violations against the Wolverines. Seems pretty ideal...if you're a Bucknut.

Other Stuff
Rivals.com really likes Matty's Boilers...we know that. But, they ended August with a big helping of love for our Boilers. They predict Purdue will be back in Indy in March in '10. This stuff gets me stoked...but right now, I'm more excited to watch football this evening.

I hope you enjoy tonight and the coming weekend as much as I will!

A Happy Thanksgiving for UND Haters?

You know how everyone thinks Charlie Weis isn't going anywhere because of his massive buyout? Well, perhaps that's not entirely true.... as per the Chicago Tribune.

"The common perception of Weis' buyout is not accurate. Multiple sources have told the Tribune the buyout, far smaller than believed, will not affect whether Notre Dame decides to fire Weis after Saturday's game at USC."

Innnnnteresting. It goes on to say the following:

Whatever the case, a consensus is building among sources with ties to Notre Dame that Weis is in danger of being fired after four seasons. "He has built zero relationships at the school," one source said. "It has been all about him and his ego."

Gosh, that's shocking. Shocking, I tell you!

Eat up, fatties.

Nasty!

Much like a certain president-elect, UND's Weis made some big statements before he even taken office...And much like Barry, he's been given another set of standards because of how handsome he looks in a suit; OK, nevermind, the simile isn't completely accurate. No matter, I'll continue.

Weis promised to make UND a Nasty team...He has succeeded. Here's how nasty they were on Saturday- They not only lost to a 2-win team...but they gave up a 10-point, fourth quarter lead...AND, they rushed for a total of 41 yards in 28 carries against the 109th-ranked rush defense in the NCAA. Heck, even the media now sees that Weis' team might not be Returning to Glory just yet.

So now, just as his book is titled, "No Excuses", it's time for Weis to simply do the right thing and stop making excuses. He needs to honor his contract, and stay there for the next seven years.

What? Were you expecting me to say that he needs to honor his alma mater, save them bags of cash, bail them out and step down? Come on! I'm not a proponent of the massive net the ever-growing federal government is laying out for everyone from credit card companies to auto companies under the guise of "helping out the market"...nor am I for the Manatee not holding UND's athletic department accountable for their nonsensical practice of signing big contracts and spending too much money for mediocre coaches. Hey, they'll never learn if you don't hold their feet to the fire.

Give 'em hell, you big beautiful genius!!

In the case that the Domers find the money to cut a check for Chuck's buyout, I definitely am an opponent of them hiring Lou Holtz! He's the perfect candidate- Like UND's football team, he's fair and objective, he's in his prime, completely lucid and understanding of the state of college football and stands for all that's right in college sports. Looooooooooouuuuuuuuuu!!!!!

Thanks for nothing, Mildcats.

I was kind of excited that a ranked Northwestern team would be hosting Purdue next week in Evanston. I thought, perhaps the 17-game streak versus ranked teams could end versus the over-rated Cats...Sadly, Northwestern predictably lost as soon as they faced a team with any nads...and proved what J said a few weeks ago- NU was the worst 5-0 Big Ten team ever...That's saying a lot; Purdue has been 5-0 quite a few times with teams that were simply hapless.

The good news is that Minnesota might be ranked since they have a bye week...they'll come into Ross-Ade 6-1 and will be favored as Purdue hosts them for homecoming. If (*read as "when") the losing streak continues v. Minnesota, Purdue's last chance to play a ranked opponent will come against MSU in East Lansing.

Let's all be real honest- All of Purdue's final six games are very winnable...Too bad only three will be victories for our Boilers...UNLESS SOMETHING CHANGES! Currently, our offense is a blend of horribly sad and hilarious. For those of you who love stats, dig this one- Purdue's offense scores an average of 4.5 points/game! Frickin' Great!

Here's how bad our Boilers currently are (the good news is it's a team effort):

-11th in scoring offense
-8th in pass offense
-11th in pass efficiency
-11th in rushing offense
-11th in red zone offense
-9th in time of possession
-11th in total offense
-11th in kickoff returns
-11th in punt returns
-11th in punting
-10th in field goals made
-11th in PAT kicking
-9th in turnover margin

Kudos to Wiggs...He hit a 53-yarder and nearly hit a 52-yarder...Sadly, this is what our offense has become. At least he looks angry at the ball when he kicks it.

Well-played, Tar Heels
UNC did as they were supposed to and beat a mediocre UND team on Saturday...Much like the other small, private school near Lake Michigan above, this Irish program is nothing more than a squad that can only beat lousy teams...Good news for the Manatee and co- They play a whole bunch of them this season! The question now is, will UND be ranked before they play at Chestnut Hill? Let's hope so.

Circling the Drain
I love to say, "I told you so, IU fan."

The Hoosiers join Maine and Fla. Int'l as the third team to allow 40-plus points by the vaunted Hawkeye offense. Way to go, Lynch! Clearly, the plan he followed at BSU of tearing down a program is well underway in Bloomington.

Best News Ever: Charlie Weis Sticking to His Plan

In probably the most memorable speech ever given in Gettysburg, the wise one, The Manatee, told sycophants and bandwagoners alike that he was sticking with his plan and would continue to do so. Honestly, this is much better news than anything I've heard in months. With the addition of Tenuta to his coaching staff, I actually was beginning to think UND would be a force. But, if his address in Gettysburg is the truth, people that have fond feelings for UND like myself should have a fun fall.

My favorite nugget from his speech was, "I could get hoodlums and thugs and win tomorrow," Manatee said. "I won't do it that way."

A lot's wrong with this statement...But, it harkens back to what I've always detested about Notre Dame- the belief that their student athletes are better than everyone else's. I know, they're all honors students and attend mass every morning...but their virtuous young men can't seem to get them over the hump, gosh darnit.







Teams like Boston College, Brigham Young, Wisconsin and others are Filled with thugs and hoodlums...So they're winning, obviously. If only UND would stop taking the high road, things wouldn't be so darned hard for them!!

"I buy it," One of the UND Club Members commented about Weis' speech. "I think were on the right track and I'm looking for a dramatically better performance on the field this year."

He's probably right...But games against San Diego State, a depleted Michigan team early in the season, Stanford, North Carolina, Navy and Syracuse might help them DOUBLE last year's win total...That is dramatically better.

Stick with that plan, oh wise one!!! Wake up the echoes...errrr something.

The Next Ron Powlus? (and other notes)

In case you missed it, the Jimmy Clasen era at UND began Saturday night...and I'll be honest, I think he's pretty talented, seriously. But, He also looked like a Freshman who didn't know what he was doing at times last night. All that said, after the first half, I had a question- Clausen started the game 7 of 8, pretty darned good, especially versus a stout Penn State defense. Why couldn't the genius see that he was the clear starter last week v. GT? ESPN can't seem to answer the question either...Heck, ESPN wouldn't ask.

Much like Ron Powlus, Clausen was extremely-highly touted out of high school...does anyone consider Powlus a legend? How about a great? No, I think is the answer to both...so ESPN, ABC and others can stop making cross-sport comparisons to Tiger Woods & LeBron James (yes, they really did that during the telecast) and start looking at what's in front of them. Here it is: 17/32 (53%), 144 yards, 1 Int. & 0 TDs (A Brandon Hance-esque performance). Yep, Jimmy Woods-James-Clausen's offense has not scored yet (nor won)...it will eventually, and probably will be pretty prolific before he graduates or leaves UND. But, anything can happen and a great high school prospect does not a collegiate great make. I do believe he'll be pretty good, eventually...Another Ron Powlus (0 bowl wins, legendary coach run out of town)? Perhaps.
Notes

-The University of Michigan did the impossible Saturday as they resisted the urge to fire Lloyd Carr following their second home loss in the same amount of weeks. I still have no idea why he wasn't fired on the 2nd of September...I guess we can keep saying this each week. Not only do I think he should be fired, but I now think the AD should as well. UM alums have been asking for 2-Ls to be fired for too long to no avail. Rumor has it that Les Miles will take over for Carr following this season. Despite UM's complete lack of defense and poor offensive production, I still don't know if Purdue can beat them...They should, but will they? If Tiller's record v. UM is any indicator, the answer will be "no."

-Ty Willingham (one of Boiled Sports favorite coaches) led his Huskies to the convincing, upset defeat of Boise State. Nice job coach...We're cheering for you! Perhaps our Boilers will be seeing you in Pasadena in January??? (it's fun to dream)

-I've been looking for a good nickname of Notre Dame's coach for a long time. I think I've found it...Let me know your thoughts. He was hired and trained by none-other than Bill Parcells...(later, Bill Belicheck). I'm told that the moniker, "Big Tuna" is flattering...I don't know why, but it is. So, if he's Parcells disciple, his nickname should also be of the sea...and since he's much smarter than Parcells (a genius in his own right), I think he deserves a more-grand nickname. How about The Big Manatee?