Michael Floyd News

The way Tom Lemming sees it, Notre Dame athletic director Jack Swarbrick's coaching search doesn't have to end with a superstar hire.

Like a middle-aged man looking back on his error-filled youth, Notre Dame football fans can only lament what could have - or better yet, should have - been.

Call them underachievers. Call them talented individuals who have a fragmented understanding of the team concept.

Notre Dame fired football coach Charlie Weis on Monday, ending a five-year tenure marked by improved recruiting and explosive offensive performances that were too often overshadowed by inconsistent defensive play and embarrassing losses.

Analysts Kirk Herbstreit and Chris Fowler had a fascinating argument during ESPN's College GameDay on Saturday morning.

Toby Gerhart turned what could be Charlie Weis' final game as Notre Dame coach into his own Heisman Trophy infomercial.

The questions are still percolating about Golden Tate, but finally so too are the potential dollar signs.

Going into the season, Fighting Irish fans expected this game at Stanford to be a good one to end the year with.

Published: Thursday, November 26, 2009 at 5:26 a.m. Last Modified: Thursday, November 26, 2009 at 5:26 a.m. Notre Dame practically sells itself to recruits, what with its rich tradition, national name and facilities that are second-to-none. Its fan base is as devoted as any in sports.

The much-anticipated talk between coach Charlie Weis and athletic director Jack Swarbrick won't be the only conversation next week that will have a big impact on Notre Dame's future.

Notre Dame was ranked at the start of the year, but a crushing loss to Michigan in the Big House and an injury to top WR Michael Floyd seemed to begin a downward spiral for the Irish that culminated in losses to average teams UConn and Navy.

Saturday, 2:30 Line: Notre Dame by 6 UCONN RUNNING GAME VS. NOTRE DAME RUN DEFENSE -- Jordan Todman is becoming a star but Andre Dixon isn't finished yet.

The Connecticut Huskies finally won one for their slain teammate, handing Notre Dame and coach Charlie Weis a second straight bitter defeat on senior day.

SOUTH BEND, Ind. -- Wading through the tumult at Notre Dame, prepping for the last time he would sprint onto his home turf as a player, Robby Parris strapped on his shoulder pads.

Walking into the door as a scrawny freshman out of Hendersonville, Tenn, Golden Tate knew one route.

Pitt freshman tailback Dion Lewis is the only true freshmen of the 10 semifinalists for the prestigious Doak Walker Award, annually presented to the nation's top running back.

In the least surprising predictions of the year, ESPN college football analysts Mark May and Lou Holtz - each with ties to Pitt and Notre Dame , respectively - disagree on the outcome of tonight's game between the Panthers and Fighting Irish.

Notre Dame coach Charlie Weis looks on during the fourth quarter against Navy. David Haugh November 17, 2009 Translated, this is what Notre Dame athletic director Jack Swarbrick essentially said Sunday about football coach Charlie Weis' future without saying it.

During their 27-22 loss Saturday at No. 8 Pittsburgh, the fast-fading Irish were lauded by the ABC broadcast crew of Brent Musburger and Kirk Herbstreit for being resilient this season.

Losses never lasted long when Ara Parseghian was in charge. Eleven years as head football coach at Notre Dame and the Irish icon never had a team lose back-to-back regular-season games.