FORMER NOTRE DAME FULLBACK MARC EDWARDS HAS SOME HARSH WORDS FOR JIMMY CLAUSEN

This caught me by surprise today. Former Notre Dame fullback Marc Edwards was asked about his thoughts in regards to current Notre Dame quarterback Jimmy Clausen and his place among the greats to play for the blue and gold. I will let you read it for yourself...

Notre Dame has been starved for a winner at quarterback for a long time.

Ron Powlus had some big victories that I was a part of, and Brady Quinn put up some numbers and has some games that you remember, but you probably have to go back to Kevin McDougal for the last of the great winners. It wasn’t like he was a big passer, but that team won. He willed us to some victories. Even though he never put up huge numbers, that team won. So he gets a lot of credit for that.

Unless you’re winning big games, I don’t care what kind of stats you’re putting up. Unless you’re leading the team to victory, you’re not going to go down as a great Notre Dame quarterback.

That’s the first obstacle Jimmy Clausen needs to overcome. He needs a signature victory to be in that conversation and I haven’t really seen that yet.

He’s a junior, and he’s not even close to the level of a legendary Notre Dame quarterback. Not even close. Until he gets those signature wins, I don’t give a s*** how many yards you’re putting up, how many touchdowns you’re putting up. It doesn’t matter without the wins. If we go 8-4 and don’t beat anyone worth a d***, no one is going to remember and no one will care.

Yeah, he had a great coming-out party against Hawaii and a good win to start the season against Nevada, but neither of those are wins people are going to remember. We haven’t beat a major team since I can remember. A top 5 team, a big bowl game. Even if they would’ve beat Michigan this season it would’ve been better. Until he does that, he’s just a guy putting up numbers.

Is the pressure on Jimmy? Absolutely. But there’s never too much pressure on a kid like this. You sign up to be the quarterback at Notre Dame, and that’s what you get. But the second he starts winning, he’ll be getting the accolades coming his way.

I don’t know if he has that “it” factor yet. Any Notre Dame team can go out and beat up on the Nevada’s of the world, but until you go out there and compete against USC or Michigan or someone like that, then Jimmy Clausen will just be another quarterback.

First off let me start by saying I am a huge fan of Marc Edwards. I always respected the way he played the game for the Fighting Irish. Notre Dame always got a 100% effort from the big guy and he left his heart on the field at all times. But I think a lot of what he says is dead wrong here. Yes, quarterbacks are measured by wins no doubt. But you can't blame ND losing last week because of Jimmy Clausen. He doesn't play defense or special teams or wears the pinstripes for the Big Ten. He throws touchdown passes and lately he has been throwing a ton without turning the ball over. What else can you ask out of your quarterback? Just because Dan Marino never won a Super Bowl doesn't mean he isn't a great quarterback. Nobody is going to take Trent Dilfer over Marino. Nobody. Until Notre Dame develops some great lines they can't compete with the big boys on a consistent basis. This isn't Jimmy's fault and Edwards should have enough brains to see this. Clausen is handling all the "pressure" with ease at Notre Dame. He hasn't gotten in any trouble and it seems like his teammates really like him. He has developed into a leader this season. Yet to know all this and then to hear a former player knock him down is disappointing. Edwards has a right to his opinion no matter how idiotic it is. I would just hope that former players would show support for the current ones instead of acting like this. In other words, FUCK OFF MARC EDWARDS! You are either with us or against us. Please act like you are a part of the Notre Dame family and show your support. And please don't point out a quarterback who has Clausen's numbers (leads the nation in almost every important QB stat this season) and state that they are basically a failure if they don't win.

Just my two cents.

PAUL JOHNSON: "ARE YOU THAT STUPID?"

Georgia Tech football coach Paul Johnson finally let it all out last night on offensive lineman Phil Smith after he had a false start while Tech was attempting to go for a 2 point conversion while down 33-16. You could see the frustration building up all night for Johnson. Tech was getting absolutely manhandled all game. Their defense looked slow, really slow and their offense could not muster up a running game because their QB Josh Nesbitt looks like Reggie Ball 2.0 when throwing. This could be a long season for the Ramblin' Wreck if they don't work on their conditioning. They look like a bunch of toothless New York hookers out there.



By the way, what happened to Reck Style last night? Where was the hunger to win?

SHAKEN BABY SYNDROME OR MIAMI CRACK ADDICT?

Big HT to Patrick for the video. I don't know about what you guys think but I am on the Jacory Harris bandwagon. Harris is just a sophomore and he has completely torn apart a FSU and Georgia Tech defense that before the season started were not seen as weak but Jacory has made them look like it.

Jacory just seems so cool, calm, and collected whether he is in the pocket or rolling out and finding underneath receivers open. After last night's game I would have to say that Jacory and the U are legit. They completely tore up a decent Georgia Tech team last night in Coral Gables that was pretty much the same team that tore them up last year to the tune of 470 rushing yards. If the Miami offensive line can keep Jacory's uniform clean then I wouldn't be surprised to see this team lose 1 or less games this year and be serious contenders for a BCS Bowl game. They still have to travel to Blacksburg to face Virginia Tech and then face Oklahoma in the next two weeks but if they can win at least one of those there is little doubt this team is top 10 material.

It's actually quite amazing too when most of the team is comprised of sophomores and freshmen. Head coach Randy Shannon is apparently no longer in the hot seat either. I'm actually kind of looking forward to the Convicts being good. It makes the ACC a lot more interesting and god knows they need something.

What do you guys think? Is Miami legit? Is Jacory Harris now a serious contender for the Heisman? Is that really a baby on that guys shoulders or just some coked out Mexican?

THE PURPLE JESUS SHIRT

We got another brand new NFL style t-shirt called the PURPLE JESUS. It's in honor of the best back in the NFL, Mr. Adrian "Purple Jesus" Peterson of the Minnesota Vikings. This is a great shirt for any AP fan or Minnesota Vikings fan or if you like to refer to your man member as Purple Jesus. Trust me, the ladies love the Purple Jesus.

And for the low price of $17 you can't beat the Purple Jesus.

Buy it now at THE SPORTSCRACK STORE PAGE.

KEEP DOING WHAT TO CHICKENS?

The reaction of the female co-anchor is absolutely priceless. It's like she just got it in the wrong hole. It appears Fox News in New York City is a little too "liberal" for the rest of us.

"Keep f-king that chicken!"

"Ok, I will do that."

If anybody was wondering if Ron Burgundy was real...well...you got your answer.

Video HT: WarmingGlow

WRONG HOLE LOVE BALLAD

We have all been there...

WRONG HOLE with DJ Lubel, Taryn Southern and Scott Baio from Scott Baio

MICHIGAN LINEBACKER JONAS MOUTON PUNCHING NOTRE DAME CENTER ERIC OLSEN

Nothing like some good old fashion punches being thrown in college football. What are the chances Michigan head coach Rich Rodriguez suspends Mouton for throwing the sucker punch in the neck of Olsen? I'm going to say 1 in a million.

Video HT: IrishFanNetwork.com

ROGER FEDERER DOESN'T GIVE A SHIT

Roger Federer lost not only his chance at a 16th Grand Slam title yesterday but also his cool as he vented his frustrations out at the chair umpire in between games. Listen, I like to see this kind of stuff in tennis. Makes it more interesting. The tennis elite class will tell you that this is uncalled for and has no place in the game. I call it being competitive. Congratulations go out to Juan Martin del Potro for winning his first Grand Slam title. He beat Rafa and Federer. He deserved this title and if you haven't had a chance to watch the 20 year old Argentinan play you should because his forehand stroke comes at you like a Nolan Ryan fastball. 100 mph plus!

Anywho, this will be the last we talk about tennis for a while considering 75% of the world population doesn't even know it still exists. It's hard to pay attention to a sport that tells you to be quiet every time something remotely exciting happens.

As Roger Federer would say,"Don't tell me to be quiet, when I want to talk I will talk, I don't give a shit." I agree.

JOHN ABRAHAM MAKES JAKE LONG HIS BITCH

Jake Long made the Pro Bowl last year as a rookie. John Abraham for some reason didn't make the team despite having 16.5 sacks last year. Let's just say Abraham has taken it personal and will show the rest of the NFL who one of the best pure speed rushers is in the game right now. If he stays healthy there is no doubt he gets 20 sacks this season. The Atlanta Falcons will need every single one of those sacks if they are going to be legitimate contenders for the NFC Championship this year.

VIRGINIA CAVALIER FOOTBALL IS GRACEFUL

0-2 with losses to William and Mary and TCU (The Horned Frogs are legit) and this season is already off to a rocky start. Throw in the fact that your mascot can't stay on his horse and you know this is going to be a long season for any Cavalier fan. Just blast some Dave Matthews and pray that Al Groh retires or quits UVA fans. 2009 looks like another lost season.

NOT A GOOD WAY TO START THE SEASON FOR THE CHICAGO BEARS

The Chicago Bears started their 2009 season off with a bang last night and I'm not talking of the gang variety. Early in the first half they lost linebacker Brian Urlacher to a wrist injury. He did not return and now it has become official: he is lost for the season with a dislocated wrist. Ouch! To make matters worst last night the Bears lost to one of their arch rivals Green Bay Packers thanks to the newly acquired savor Jay Cutler. Cutler threw his 4th and final interception to seal a Bears defeat with less than a minute to go in the game. The loud booming cheer you heard wasn't from Packers fans. Nope, those were Denver chants. The Broncos fans could be heard all the way from the Rockies thanks to a "HAHA...GO F YOURSELF CUTLER!" feeling that simply overcame the state of Colorado.

I know I might get blasted on this since there are a ton of Bears fans who read this blog but I've never understood the fascination with Urlacher. It seems like the guy always missed more tackles than he actually made. He basically reminds me of Keith Brooking. Solid linebacker but not a guy who deserves to be considered one of the best at his position. Urlacher benefited from playing in Chicago and the Bears never having a franchise QB. I guess after last night we can still say that.

ROGER FEDERER BETWEEN THE LEGS SHOT

My balls shrivel at the thought of swinging a metal object forcefully between my legs but the world's greatest tennis player, Roger Federer, has balls of steel so he can do whatever he wants. Federer advances to his 17th final in the last 18 majors which is a phenomenal feat to face up and comer Juan Martin Del Potro who crushed Federer's main nemesis Rafa Nadal yesterday in straight sets. If Federer wins it will be his 16th grand slam title and his 6th US Open title in a row.

And yes, the only reason I'm writing about this is to completely forget about Saturday's events in Ann Arbor. The only thing I'm trying to remember for the good of my body and mind is that Michael Floyd proved yet again he is the most dominating receiver in college football. Floyd is the Larry Fitzgerald of college football.

CBS ANNOUNCER GUS JOHNSON GOES CRAZY AND I LOVE IT

All announcers should react to plays like this. Love the emotion CBS play-by-play guy Gus Johnson displayed here. I was watching this game after they cut to it immediately after the Atlanta Falcons beat the wildcat out of the Miami Dolphins today. Great way to start off the NFL season. It looks like we will see Michael Vick soon in an Eagles uniform. Starting QB Donovan McNabb broke a rib today. Vick still has to sit out next week but then come week 3 he should probably be starting. Ruh roh.

STATE TROOPERS SHOW SPURRIER NO RESPECT

Back in the day when Steve Spurrier was hanging 50 plus points on the Bulldogs while coaching at Florida nobody would dare due the fist bump right in front of him. How things have changed for the Ole Ball Coach.

MANTI TE'O STARTING VS MICHIGAN

Yes sir, Manti Te'o will be starting at outside linebacker according to ESPN GameDay. The Wolverines await a day of bruises, broken bones, and torn ligaments from the Hawaiian Hitman. His mission today is to destroy Michigan. This is inevitable. Don't believe me? Ask the Wolfpack how they felt after facing the young freshman sensation last week...



Prediction: Notre Dame 27 Skunkbears 17

ALABAMA FAN RICKY BOBBY GOES BESERK

I can laugh at this because thankfully nobody ever filmed me during the 2007 Notre Dame season. This rant from Alabama fan Ricky was tame in comparison to the bloodshed I spewed out to the television that year. Let's just say therapy (booze) got me through those difficult times.

In all honesty is this guy fucking crazy or what? Dude, it's the first game of the season and already the guy is having a seizure. Someone in his family, whomever hasn't disowned him, needs to sit him down and slap him with their Bear Bryant hat. Oh yeah, no doubt in my mind this video is real unedited emotion. This is College Football. This is Sportscrack behavior.

Video HT: BarStool Sports

2 MORE DAYS

Till DickRod and his Skunkbears run out onto the field of the Big House and get their shit absolutely throttled by Notre Dame. I am salivating at the -3 for this game for the Irish. Hell, Notre Dame will cover it by the opening series. Hopefully scUM will look this graceful when running out on the field this Saturday...



Video HT: Frank from UHND

BOBBY WTF WERE YOU THINKING?

The Atlanta Braves 2009 season came to an unofficial end last night as soon as stumbling manager Bobby Cox decided not to send rookie ace Tommy "Big Red" Hanson to finish his shutout in the 9th with a 1-0 lead. Cox fell for the bullshit 100 pitch garbage that seems to have prevailed over any common sense these days and pulled Hanson in favor of closer Rafael Soriano despite the fact that Big Red was cruising and was still hitting 95 on the radar in the 8th. Once Hanson finished the 8th he had reached 98 pitches and because Cox is a moron pulled him because he thought throwing 12 or more pitches in the 9th to finish off his first career shutout would be too much for a 23 year old to handle.

Fucking idiot!

Listen, I don't like the 100 pitch count. A round number of 100 pitches does not make or break one's arm. Hanson and most importantly the Braves would be fine today if Cox would have let the kid stay in the game and finish his shutout. Maybe I'm old school but I think starting pitchers should be given the chance to finish games especially when it's someone who is his hitting mid 90's in the 8th and having his way with batters. This idea of a closer having to be there in the 9th to finish the game is conventional bullshit. It's this idea of trends in sports that drives me crazy and everyone follows it like a flock of sheep. Listen, just because everybody else uses the Wildcat offense in football now doesn't mean you have to use it and the same goes with the closer and the 100 pitch count in baseball.

Think for yourself and do what is best for the team. Pulling Hanson last night was just plain dumb. It made absolutely no sense and Bobby Cox, I hate to say it, has seen his time and now the Braves need to make a change. With all of their pitching this Atlanta Braves team has massively under achieved in what as hard as it is for me to admit was a great offseason for Frank Wren. Wren brought in the proper pieces to contend at the very least for a Wild Card. Bobby Cox and his managing has failed. Why he kept Kelly Johnson in for so long at 2nd base to start the season and why he continues to put Greg effing Norton in their to pinch hit in clutch situations are just minor examples of his failure this season.

It's time for a change. Let's just hope the Braves have enough balls to make the difficult decision and let Cox go.

DO YOU GET IT IN THE CAN?

I thought everybody took it in the can at least once? Don't act like you haven't. Sinners. All of you.

VIDEO HT: BarStoolSports

US OPEN HAS GREAT SECURITY

Dude, were they going to wait till the guy got on his knees and started sucking him off? Seriously, what the hell is security doing? Apparently this is acceptable behavior in New York City because nobody even freaked out when the intruder tried to kiss Rafael Nadal on the lips.

You know how I know tennis is gay? Because of shit like this. Actually I'm not going to lie, I've been watching a ton of the US Open this year because of Marietta's Melanie Oudin. What can I say other than 17 year old girls from the South just manage to grab my attention when they are sweating and swinging a racket while grunting. So innocent yet so animalistic. Yes, I can feel those flames right now. Or is that Craig Hansen? Either way I'm on my way to hell.