The Calm Before the Storm

Clashmore Mike, Domer Sports Report

Notre Dame Football
Commentary

It is the last week of July. For football fans, this is the deep breath before the plunge. All across the country training camps are getting ready to open...soon, but not just yet. The Irish report in 10 days.

I was on the Notre Dame campus this past week. It was a beautiful early evening in high summer. Despite the peace and stillness, the echos were there, stirring, getting ready to wake up in just a few short weeks. Summer students coming and going. A few football fans shopping in the bookstore. The faithful praying in the Basilica, or in the sacred space of the Grotto. It served to remind me what we really play for. Domers understand it, but many of our opponents never will.

We ND bloggers have spent a long summer analyzing the team, the schedule, the new coaches, and predicting how the coming season will play out. Some of us have also spent time answering an unending stream of animosity from those that hate the Fighting Irish. (If I read one more article about why ND needs to join a conference I'll be sick...) But this is all just marking time.

Soon, the speculation will end. Our lads will strap on the gold helmets, the band will play the Fight Song, we'll tee it up, and a new chapter in the History of Notre Dame Football will be written. Has the team turned the corner? Will Coach Weis take us to a BCS bowl? Will the Irish regain their historic position in college football?

We'll know soon. The wait is unbearable! Go Irish!